Lies That Bind

The Ember War #2

by Leia Stone

Book two in the Ember War Series.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Magic, Young Adult

340 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 2024

About the author

Leia Stone is the USA Today bestselling author of multiple bestselling series including Matefinder and Wolf Girl. She's sold over two million books and her Fallen Academy series has been optioned for film. Her novels have been translated into five languages and she even dabbles in script writing. Leia writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance with sassy kick-butt heroines and irresistible love interests. She lives in Spokane, WA with her husband and two children.


Follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/leia.stone

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting on this sequel since the moment I finished book one when it was first released and it did not disappoint. I loved that it picked back up right where book one left off. Aishling is such a strong and independent FMC that is now the young Empress to her country. Which of course, complicates her having a hidden romance with Kohen, who should be her sworn enemy. Kohen has sworn his loyalty to her, has expressed his deep love for her, and is the epitome of touch her and die. These two shouldn't work, but I am rooting for them despite everything that happens in this book. The betrayal was brutal and the cliff hanger was even more brutal. I audibly gasped when I realized I reached the ending and had to wait months to see what happens next. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this one. 15/10 was the perfect sequel to the story and I literally cannot wait until book three. June cannot come fast enough!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rollercoaster!!


4 Stars ✨

YA Fantasy Romance

🔸No Spice
🔸Found Family
🔸Magical Creatures
🔸Dragons
🔸Betrayal
🔸Major Cliffhanger
🔸Forbidden Romance
🔸Slow Burn


Book Source
📚 Kindle Unlimited 📚

Good Gravy!! This was a rollercoaster, that left me with my hands in the air!! 🎢 The Lies That Bind takes off right where book 1 ended and did not let up the entire time. No dull moments, I was left dangling, on the ledge bracing for impact. I saw the plot twist a mile away, but I couldn’t wait to see how it actually all unfolded while biting my nails. Watching Aisling deal with her shift in power in some ways, made her finally mature a little outwardly, but inwardly her thoughts and feelings were very much still young and vulnerable. She definitely struggles with her new role, balancing being a teenager, and ruling a country at war. I’m glad this installment showed her in a different light, but she was still very naive in her decision making.

I really enjoyed seeing the world expand and grow, reading about new areas on the map. We are also introduced to a few new characters that I am very interested to see their role in the next book. Kohen is the very definition of the trope “touch her and die” and I can not wait to see their HEA play out. I’m so glad I’m reading this as a completed series or else I would be reeling with anticipation.

My favorite part about indie authors and books is their ability to weave such a great captivating story in so little time. Of course I would love more depth and to know these characters on a deeper level, somehow they just make it work. If you’re looking for a super fun, quick and entertaining read without the spice, I would recommend.

Caution ⚠️
-few instances of mild language (one F bomb)
-kissing, and internal personal thoughts
-violence, death of a parent, war, revenge, poisoning

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

This book was actually hard to put down! Then, the ending. The FMC discovers something about the MMC and suddenly does something so out of character that a reader gets whiplash! How do you go from being completely in love with someone to immediately trying to kill him without even giving him a chance to explain or discovering the facts? Totally ruined the story

[Helle Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75 ⭐️

[Alaysia Coleman-Puth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know man this book just seemed like a whole lot of miscommunication or no communication at all on both Kohen and Aisling’s part. I think Aisling should of definitely looked into her fathers office just for the idea of it because you can still believe your father is good but every person around you says he was not a good man so maybe those words hold weight. I wish she would have looked into his office and she was literally scared of telling him her power. Also I feel she should have asked the question if her power is worthy of her being murdered for It and her dad was still alive would he have ordered the kill himself or would he have pardoned her because she’s his daughter. Also not gonna lie I wish we had more time to build Kohen and Aislings relationship or just more time seeing them talk because it feels like this relationship is being thrown at me without any actual development just because Kohen can predict the future. One more thing, I don’t appreciate how Kohen went about things when it came to Aisling finding out about her father’s death, I think that was handled very poorly. In a way I can see why Aisling feels like she was manipulated because Kohen you literally could have just left but he didn’t do just that, no he separated Imbrian from Amerasian (sorry if my spelling is wrong) and declared himself sovereign, that doesn’t look like you did everything to protect Aislinh.

[Ellie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Leia for allowing me to ARC read Lies that bind!!! (One of the best things to happen to me in 2024!!!) Lies that bleed is one of my fav reads of 2024 so I knew I was going to love this one & Leia is my favourite author🫶🏽

First off by starting..Leia recaps at the beginning of this book what happens in book 1!!!👏🏽👏🏽

The way the story flows straight from how book 1 ended just instantly has you zoned into the story.

There is something about Leia’s writing style that will have you pulled in & instantly wanting to continue reading. This story is action packed & filled with a story line that flows so well. The world building never feels over whelming & it’s an easy quick fast pace read.

This book is also on the shorter side but Leia still fills it with action packed scenes & like I said, it just flows! You won’t ever be bored reading one of Leia’s books. Trust me.

The switch up between our FMC & MMC - gosh I don’t think I want to know where we are going next or not?! I best prepare my heart for this😳 - but I absolutely love them both & I could read about them forever tbh.

It didn’t give me the 5 star feeling whilst reading I was expecting HOWEVER, it could have been a 5 star read for me if I read it another sensible time/I know I could give this 5 stars for an amazing story, world building & doing the tropes how they should be done👏🏽. I have read so many of Leia’s books & I just knew how the plot was going (which btw, is INCREDIBLE & ONE OF MY FAV’S EVER) so this is just for me as a reader.. and not for the book it’s self? If that makes sense.

This is an incredible series & I can’t wait to find out where book 3 goes. The ending of book 2 will have you questioning many things!!!

THANK YOU LEIA🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

[libraryofetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consumed this in one sitting. The BETRAYAL has me in a chokehold currently. I need book three immediately.

[Rhianah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fucking love this series.

[KZ · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF’d at 35%

I cannot stand this anymore. The writing style isn’t for me and the FMC is impulsive and childish. The dynamic between both her and the MMC is grating. Everyone blows smoke up her ass for literally breathing and I’m completely over it.

It gets 2 stars because Id feel bad for giving it 1 when I couldn’t finish it.

[☾arina⭐︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐

This was another one that was hard for me to rate. Not much happened plot-wise besides there being an unexpected new ruler of Luska.

The writing style just wasn’t for me. Some of Aisling’s words and actions came across as cringe, and while I tried to overlook that, her attitude and the way she’s been brainwashed made her hard to root for. She has moments where she starts to open her eyes and question how things are ruled, but it was frustrating how she could clearly see her father was cold, yet still struggled to believe he was capable of doing anything wrong. Worse, she refused to listen to any reasoning. You’re an adult, now an empress—shouldn’t you at least consider all sides of the story before jumping to conclusions?

There’s romance in the story, I guess, but I never felt the deep love it was supposed to have. When Aisling learns what Kohen did, her first instinct is to want to kill him. If you truly love someone, wouldn’t you give them the benefit of the doubt or at least let them explain? She shows no remorse, which really bothered me. For the record, I don’t even blame Kohen for his actions—he knew she was too stubborn and set in her ways to listen to him otherwise.

The only positives I can say about this were that I liked Kohen, Liana and Valor's characters. Kohen is sweet, lovable, and protective. Liana is the voice of reason. Valor, who is 14 years old and the oldest of the triplets and Aisling’s sister, actually came across far more mature than Aisling herself, which is ironic, considering Valor is often compared to her. I almost wish Aisling had been written more like Valor

And yet, once I start something, I have to see it through. I'm curious enough to see what happens next that I'll be finishing the final book.

[Jaye Winkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well needless to say BINGED this on release day!! 🤩

I didn’t know what to expect from this one being just over 200 pages as I felt that the end of book 1 was slightly rushed but for the length of the book everything contributed to the story well and there was plenty packed in there, however I have been left wanting more asap!! … HOW do I get on the ARC team for book 3?!🤣😭

I cannot wait to see where the story goes next, I’m rooting for character development from our FMC, following Kohen’s visions we know it’s coming but I’m not excited for the war along the way🥲 and I feel like Maxim is going to be a really interesting character I’m looking forward to learning more about him…

All of Leia’s books I’ve read are so gripping and fast paced but this series truly has me in a chokehold!! Counting down the days until I can read book 3🤭

4.25⭐️

[sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting off the book we get a solid recap of book 1. Remembering were we left our brave lead Aisling. I love Leia Stones writing style fast paced and action filled but easy to follow along. Aisling comes to terms with her fathers death but now faces being a leader and still remaining our spunky lead character. Without giving spoilers the book continues on with Aisling and Kohens secret love while Aisling trys to find out her fathers murderer and seek revenge for the attack on her city. I cant wait for book 3 as this leaves off with a cliffhanger of all cliffhangers. Wanting to cry and continue with the story to see if Aisling can stay strong to who she is or lose it all.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picks up straight from book 1. I loved this book great captivating story. You got to see more of the characters, and it was nice seeing Aisling soften more from the strong, conditioned soldier/heiress from book 1. However, the ending broke my heart a little.
Seeing more of Kohen makes you love him more, but I think he could have done things differently, and what he had done in the end was unforgivable. There is action, plenty of chemistry, and good character development.

[Shelby Clise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book!!! I remember loving book one SO much and I just have been behind on getting to the rest of the trilogy. I’m so glad I picked it back up. These books are short and sweet but are packed with action and tension. If you’re a Fourth Wing girly or even a ToG these books are definitely up your alley!

[Lori Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

a 6 star read

Leia Stone has become my favorite author of 2024! I’ve read two of her other series this year and can’t wait for the conclusion of this one! If you aren’t reading her books your should be!

[Georgia McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This series is becoming one of my all time favs!

[Katryne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!!!

OMFG this second book was epic! A roller coaster of actions, lies, emotions and more. I can't wait for the next one. A definite must-read!

[Brooke Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t love this one as much as the first, but still genuinely enjoyed it and am looking forward to the release of the third book! If you like Fourth Wing/Hunger Games, you’d enjoy this series!

[Nathalie* · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT??? A third book 😭😭😭😭 noooooooo

[Joselyn Story · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 🌟

[Nikki Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great continuation of the story from book one. Vibes are exactly the same and it keeps the same pace. Plot reveals are a little bit predictable, but it's still exciting.

[Kira (Nova) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it wasn't nearly as spell-binding as the first, it still gets my five stars. I read this in under 14hours. That's even including the hours I was asleep so probably more like five hours. I cannot wait until JUNE for the third installment. PLEASE.

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few gripes with this book. First, Kohen. Like, everything about him. He and Aisling have no real anything. They just are because he says they are in the future. Like, what? And literally all Kohen *is* is his future sight. Every single scene. "I saw this", "you should do this because I saw it in the future".
Second, Aisling's blind loyalty to her father. Even when she's confronted over and over with evidence that her father may not have been the man she thought he was, she completely disregards it.

[Princess · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 🌟

Well I definitely spoke too soon in my previous review. Idk mahn this had so much wasted potential. Bendinethemba yoh bendinethemba and then boom yathatha isharp curve 🙌

Firstly none of the questions I had when I finished the first one were answered. In fact the problems I had just multiplied. We know nothing about the war, even about the world in general. Another thing that annoyed me is why are we acting like the main characters are the only ones with powers? To my knowledge all these soldiers are bonded and should have some pretty amazing powers and yet these battles are so bland and just normal. Even the creatures are just there, basically an afterthought.
Secondly Aisling omfg bbg WHAT ARE YOU DOING? 😭where is the badass I met? She literally turned for the worst, all her great qualities from the first book were just poof gone and she became this unsure clueless person who just keeps making the most impulsive decisions and was just so naive. I mean her whole thing was that she was trained for this, she would never be emotional and she knew what she was doing. And yet every decision was made emotionally, she was just shouting at everyone, even people she knew were trying to help her and even when she'd ask for advice, she would never take it because she Mrs Know-it-all. She pmo so bad. And my thing is I can give her grace at some points coz she was young and stuff but she never thought anything through! She would rather be clueless and blissfully ignorant and that pmo because aren't you the literal Empress? Why wouldn't you want all the information to make wise thoughtout and informed decisions? I really am disappointed in her and this book coz it was just a filler and just made me mad. And at first I thought they were gonna do a found family thingy but she really dgaf about anyone outside her family and "bestie" and yet she's supposed to be for the people 🫠
Thirdly another person who pmo is Kohen, omg this guy gets on my fucking nerves. I hate their power dynamic because on paper she should be more powerful being the empress and being able to control people and all that, and yet HE'S the one with the upper hand always. It's like she just started playing the game and he's already checkmate and my thing is why not tell her anything? Or rather why pick and choose which information she should know? It felt like love bombing at times and that's why I didn't feel like rooting for them. Coz why are you telling her she's your wife, and you love her and all these things so early on and yet simultaneously decide not to tell her about anything else about HER future? Just messing with her brain for your own selfish reasons. And then to excuse himself by saying it's "to protect you", like do you think that little of her? That she's so incapable and close minded that she cannot handle it? And also who are you to say what she can and cannot handle? (I mean he wasn't wrong coz she's too impulsive but still it's principle of the thing) Also her asking him questions and him just shutting her up by kissing her was so icky and manipulative and I really wish she stood on business at least once.
Okay rant over... I really don't have hope for the next one ngl and it better be the last one but I'm finna read it coz I brought this onto myself

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC (Advance Reader Copy )
Review of Lies That Bind by Leia Stone Book 2 in the Ember War Series

Rating: 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I only want what you’re willing to give. And if you take it away at any moment, that’s okay, too. I want you on your terms, Aisling."
– Kohen

Lies That Bind completely hooked me from start to finish! This sequel surpassed the first book for me: action-packed plot, emotional tension, and good character development. At just 210 pages, it’s shorter than the first installment’s 412 pages, but every moment is intense and gripping. I couldn’t put it down! 💖

‼️Important note if you wonder about the racism and negativity towards Kohens people and how unreflected Aisling sometimes is a note from Leia herself for the previous book:

"I don't normally comment back to or read reviews as I want this to feel like a safe space for readers. However I did want to mention that my husband of 14 years is from India and I intentionally wrote everything in the book the way I did so that in later books it will show how brainwashed Aisling has been towards different cultures.
P.S. my hubby smells of cardamom and ginger and my Matefinder book has an Indian MC as well. I write what I'm living. =) He's my inspiration for all my book boyfriends." - Leia Stone

Personal sidenote: I know that Leia even asked people with disabilities for feedback for one of the characters. Showing she really cares and takes representation seriously.

Back to the book review ! 👀

Let’s talk about Aisling. She’s fierce, stubborn, and has so much growth ahead—but seeing her struggle to balance duty and personal freedom made her feel incredibly real.

A mask of anger crossed his face, but I held firm. He would always see me as the little kid who dated his son if I didn’t show him who I really was—that if you peeled back my skin, you’d find steel and concrete. I wasn’t soft, and he couldn’t intimidate me.

Kohen is officially Book Boyfriend Material™—loyal, protective, and emotionally supportive. Seeing more of his backstory and family added so much depth to his character. 😍 However, his tendency to hint at future events without elaborating was frustrating at times. Aisling’s exasperation mirrored my own—why say something if you’re not going to explain it?

“I’m praying to every star in the sky that you know that every cell in my body aches for you. All the time we’ll spend apart, I will be thinking of nothing but you.”’ He cupped my face in his hands: “Aisling, if you remember anything of me, please remember that everything I do is to protect you.”

Elaine and Liana? Absolutely loved seeing more of them! Liana’s mysterious past needs way more exploration—I’m dying to know what she’s experienced in her long life.🕵️‍♀️

The emotional stakes were high, and Aisling’s journey felt authentic—especially how she slowly questions her father’s legacy rather than having one sudden insight. Her growth is far from over, and I need to see how she evolves in the next book!

That said, the shorter length left me wanting more time in this world. Expanding certain scenes could have made the impactful moments even stronger. I could’ve spent so much more time in this world! 📖

Lies That Bind isn’t without its flaws—it’s shorter than it could be, and some character dynamics felt underexplored. However, it’s still an emotionally rich story about loyalty, trust, and finding your place in a world full of lies and betrayal. Fans of action-packed fantasy with a dash of romance will enjoy this book, though they might wish for a bit more depth in the storytelling.
I’m counting down the days until Book 3—bring on the next adventure! ✨

[Ali Alley EscapeThroughABook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh!! Like I saw this coming! I did. There was foreshadowing. But dang it!! I didn’t want it! My heart is ripped out, stomped on, and bleeding. Then the ending!! OMG!!!! UGH, I DONT WANT THAT EITHER!!! Well needless to say Im shook. So immediately after finishing the book, I go to see when book 3 comes out (because obviously Im going to need it as of now). Oh, we have a wait! A long wait!!! Anyways, fantastic book just like book 1. Be prepared for some emotional damage by the end of the book.

This Fantasy Romance is book 2 in The Ember War series. The romance in this book is a angsty forbidden romance. The book does have some spicy suggestions, and language but the book remains over all clean. The book moves at a steady pace following Aisling as she deals with the struggles, and expectations of becoming the new empress. Even though she knows her people will never accept him, Aisling cant seem to push Kohen away. He has been by her side throughout all of her grief, fears, and frustrations. In her fragile position a strong enemy emerges, as well as the end of the search for her fathers murderer. With these new developments Aisling might find a truth that will shatter everything she had came to depend rely on. This book is a wonderful, and devastating addition to book 1, and leaves you wanting for more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

[kindleandkettle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies That Bind is the second book in The Ember War series from Leia Stone. I was obsessed with this book from the beginning, especially because it includes an extremely solid recap of the first book before picking up immediately after the first book. Honestly more fantasy books need to include a recap like this, because sometimes it can be hard to recall things that have happened.

I felt like this book really progressed our character development forward. Aisling finds herself suddenly in a new role and has to adapt really fast to the situation. Tensions are growing throughout the land and it is imperative that Aisling is seen as a strong leader. Aisling and Kohen do develop their relationship further, but they also have to navigate what is means for Aisling to be seen with the son of her father’s enemy. I really loved the balance between the character development and plot advancement.

The story is a fast and action packed read. It has a nice pacing and I found myself unable to put it down. While the first book ended on an unexpected cliffhanger, I feel like Lies that Bind took the cliffhanger to the next level. I was absolutely gobsmacked and need book 3 in my hands immediately!

Thank you to Leia Stone for gifting me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly Fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! This is a ride from the very beginning! Aisling, our strong female lead, was dealt a hard blow at the end of book one. She ascends to the throne and is now Empress-with the weight of her country, its people and this war on her back. Vengeance is what she is after for her father’s murder and she won’t stop until she gets it. Then there is Kohen and there for her, every step of the way. This enemy who has become more, even if she isn’t sure what that is yet. The action is again on point in this second installment of this series. Bonds previously formed begin to strengthen, trust is earned, new evil comes forward and the threat of life lost is very real. I felt like I was teetering on the edge of my seat, quickly turning pages to find out what was coming next. Then Leia in all her author glory, lobs another fireball our way!!! Trust again is broken. Lies start to come to truth and Aisling is left scrambling emotionally to figure out if it was all a ruse. Anger, fear, heartbreak-all teetering in the edge of the shoulders of the young woman who had to hold an empire together.
I am now a hot mess and I love it! Leia has created a fantastic world in this series and I am craving the final book!

[Claudia Cussans-Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐉🔥 YES YES ALL THE YESES! 🔥🐉

I wasn’t expecting much from this series but DEAR GOD has it racked up the intensity level in this book (book 2)!

This one follows Aisling and her becoming empress while dealing with the impending war from the leadership standpoint apposed to an heir. We see a lot of her and Kohen and their developing powers/relationship, which is fab and written really well.

The plot on this one is so much better than the first in my opinion, the pace is great, there’s explanation’s for everything and reasons why, which I love ❤️ .

The mix between Kohen using his power and giving Aisling pieces of information while not giving the full picture makes you so mad in the best way 😤, honestly wanted to scream at my kindle at times!

For a second book on the series I was expecting it to end on a cliff hanger but OH MY GOOD GOD is it a cliffhanger 🗻! Like you will do a complete 180 on a certain character even though I’m pretty sure there was good reason behind it be warned 😳😳😳.

Overall, so glad I continued the series and read this, highly recommend, it’s a quick read but you will be engrossed in it!

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice - 0.5🌶️/5

[Grace Beltran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts right were it left on book 1, and amazingly the author provides a recap with the main points to keep in mind so you don't have to re-read before book 2. The story is well-paced and the world-building improved. It comes with a map so you can situate each country.

I really enjoyed this book, the dynamics and Aisling's transformation into an empress is well described, you do feel part of that journey in which she grows into a powerful woman that questions the way things have always been done and actually wants to challenge and transform them so everyone gets peace.

There are a few annoying matters, though, she becomes very repetitive in terms of revenge, betrayal, and stubborness... in the end I just couldn't with her, she became enraged and wouldn't listen, she automatically assumed the worst (just as Kohen predicted), and in at least two occasions she gets so impulsive that makes me question the growth she had acquired throughout both books. I hope in book 3 her character is written more consistently because she is totally awesome, she is the leader everyone would like to have as a ruler.