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Deathbound: Chronicles of the Arcane Kingdom
Aera Nightwing always dreamed of mastering her summoning powers, but at 22, she’s little more than a novice–and to her family, little more than a vessel for future heirs. Overlooked, underestimated, and reduced to her ability to produce children, Aera has spent her life longing to prove herself. However, when her family is slaughtered, vengeance becomes her sole purpose, leading her to the one being she’s been taught to fear above the Death-Breaker, a centuries old Necromancer and the King of the Dead.
Burdened by guilt for failing to protect her village, Meridiana, from its wicked rulers, Aera’s world fractures further when the Death-Breaker spares her life, leaving her with the realization that the man she’s been taught to hate, might not be her enemy at all. Beneath the canopy of the dark forest he rules, and the race against a prophecy seeking to take her life, Aera begins to uncover a labyrinth of lies surrounding her past, destroying everything she once knew.
In this gripping dark fantasy where even the light has claws, dark secrets, mythical creatures, and a kingdom teetering on the brink of ruin await. Will Aera find the strength to wield her wickedness in time, or will the shackles of her looming destiny take her life once and for all?
Burdened by guilt for failing to protect her village, Meridiana, from its wicked rulers, Aera’s world fractures further when the Death-Breaker spares her life, leaving her with the realization that the man she’s been taught to hate, might not be her enemy at all. Beneath the canopy of the dark forest he rules, and the race against a prophecy seeking to take her life, Aera begins to uncover a labyrinth of lies surrounding her past, destroying everything she once knew.
In this gripping dark fantasy where even the light has claws, dark secrets, mythical creatures, and a kingdom teetering on the brink of ruin await. Will Aera find the strength to wield her wickedness in time, or will the shackles of her looming destiny take her life once and for all?
504 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
18 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐
I am so very grateful for the ARC copy of this book!
I really really tried to love this book. It seemed so right up my alley I thought it would be a slam dunk. I just couldn't get behind Aera.
The plotline was super interesting and I think would have been an incredible read if it wasn't for Aera being Aera.
I just can't do the constant self deprecating internal monologue, the constant making bad calls and expectating everyone else to save her from the things that come from those calls and the lack of accountability that she showed constantly through out the book. Legitimately if they cut out half of the self deprecating remarks, the book would be half the length it is and the same point probably could have been made without constantly disrupting the flow of the story.
Now if you stick it out to the last like 15% of the story it does explain why she's like that and is the only reason I will probably read the second book when it comes out, but she was pretty insufferable until then.
I am so very grateful for the ARC copy of this book!
I really really tried to love this book. It seemed so right up my alley I thought it would be a slam dunk. I just couldn't get behind Aera.
The plotline was super interesting and I think would have been an incredible read if it wasn't for Aera being Aera.
I just can't do the constant self deprecating internal monologue, the constant making bad calls and expectating everyone else to save her from the things that come from those calls and the lack of accountability that she showed constantly through out the book. Legitimately if they cut out half of the self deprecating remarks, the book would be half the length it is and the same point probably could have been made without constantly disrupting the flow of the story.
Now if you stick it out to the last like 15% of the story it does explain why she's like that and is the only reason I will probably read the second book when it comes out, but she was pretty insufferable until then.
Read
March 23, 2025DNF
June 9, 2025
{3.25/5}
CW: violence, gore, death, body horror, self harm, referenced child abuse, some others
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “Deathbound” is available now.
I wanted to love this book, but from page one it was just missing that extra something to really send it over the top.
Aera’s entire family is dead, murdered by the Death-Breaker. The infamous necromancer has long been the one entity the Nightwing family feared, and Aera is determined to make him suffer. Her summoning abilities are subpar at best, though, rendering her functionally useless and untrained. The further Aera pushes, the less she knows, and her entire world begins to crumble around her.
I am, more than anything, utterly confused by this book. Not so much at the storyline, although that certainly had a hand in things, but at the actual book itself. The first 40-odd percent of the story is genuinely just confusion and angst and I spent most of that time thinking I was going to have to put the book down and come back to try again later. It simply wasn’t clicking for me, to the extent that I couldn’t even tell you anything in regards to subplots or minor tropes because I don’t know what or where they were supposed to be.
Now, to be fair, the MC also spends an inordinate amount of time *also* being very confused by her circumstances. It’s for plot reasons, and the why does get explained at the very end of things, but the confusion is very real. The problem, for me, is that I really have a hard time connecting with stories where the reader is just as confused as the character. The book begins with our MC standing over the bodies of her entire family. Understandably, this is a less than stellar occasion for her, so the grief is reasonable, but we then spend the entirety of chapter one having an internal crisis regarding said family. We find out who the MC thinks is responsible, but never any backing as to why or who this person really is. Just a ton of feelings and no background. Again, it’s reasonable, and the explanations come with the plot, but it really sets the tone for the entire story being founded on, to the reader’s viewpoint, basically nothing.
I’ve mentioned in other reviews that I am not the target audience for personal growth and internal dilemmas as the main focus for a storyline, and that hasn’t changed. I spent a significant portion of this book hoping that the MC would just do *something*, and she’s really not in a position to do so. Again, grief and processing, so I’m not going to harp on that any more than to say that someone else may be a better fit for that aspect, but it’s not for me.
Once we actually got to some plot movement, the story was interesting. I think the foundation and idea of the storyline is really interesting, and I think there’s potential for future installments in this series to have an easier time pulling me in. This one, though, is one of those books that seems to enjoy hearing itself talk, textually speaking. It’s not so rough that I don’t want to see how book 2 plays out, but it’s definitely one that I’d need to be in the right headspace to pull it off the shelf.
CW: violence, gore, death, body horror, self harm, referenced child abuse, some others
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “Deathbound” is available now.
I wanted to love this book, but from page one it was just missing that extra something to really send it over the top.
Aera’s entire family is dead, murdered by the Death-Breaker. The infamous necromancer has long been the one entity the Nightwing family feared, and Aera is determined to make him suffer. Her summoning abilities are subpar at best, though, rendering her functionally useless and untrained. The further Aera pushes, the less she knows, and her entire world begins to crumble around her.
I am, more than anything, utterly confused by this book. Not so much at the storyline, although that certainly had a hand in things, but at the actual book itself. The first 40-odd percent of the story is genuinely just confusion and angst and I spent most of that time thinking I was going to have to put the book down and come back to try again later. It simply wasn’t clicking for me, to the extent that I couldn’t even tell you anything in regards to subplots or minor tropes because I don’t know what or where they were supposed to be.
Now, to be fair, the MC also spends an inordinate amount of time *also* being very confused by her circumstances. It’s for plot reasons, and the why does get explained at the very end of things, but the confusion is very real. The problem, for me, is that I really have a hard time connecting with stories where the reader is just as confused as the character. The book begins with our MC standing over the bodies of her entire family. Understandably, this is a less than stellar occasion for her, so the grief is reasonable, but we then spend the entirety of chapter one having an internal crisis regarding said family. We find out who the MC thinks is responsible, but never any backing as to why or who this person really is. Just a ton of feelings and no background. Again, it’s reasonable, and the explanations come with the plot, but it really sets the tone for the entire story being founded on, to the reader’s viewpoint, basically nothing.
I’ve mentioned in other reviews that I am not the target audience for personal growth and internal dilemmas as the main focus for a storyline, and that hasn’t changed. I spent a significant portion of this book hoping that the MC would just do *something*, and she’s really not in a position to do so. Again, grief and processing, so I’m not going to harp on that any more than to say that someone else may be a better fit for that aspect, but it’s not for me.
Once we actually got to some plot movement, the story was interesting. I think the foundation and idea of the storyline is really interesting, and I think there’s potential for future installments in this series to have an easier time pulling me in. This one, though, is one of those books that seems to enjoy hearing itself talk, textually speaking. It’s not so rough that I don’t want to see how book 2 plays out, but it’s definitely one that I’d need to be in the right headspace to pull it off the shelf.
March 31, 2025
“He’d made a mistake of leaving me alive. A disastrous mistake – one that was going to deliver him to his warranted grave.”
3.50 / 5.00 stars
The Nightwing family has long ensured the safety of the village where they live – but at what cost? When Aera, the youngest member of the Nightwing family, discovers her family has been slaughtered, she makes vengeance against the murderer her only purpose. But what truths will she discover along the way and who will be left at the end of her warpath? Thank you to the author for choosing me as one of the ARC readers of this book and gifting me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Deathbound is the first book in the Chronicles of the Arcane series by debut author Alyssa Chappell. I really wanted to enjoy this book more. A dark romance featuring a woman on the warpath to revenge and her conjured pets? Sign me up ASAP!
Unfortunately, I found the “slow burn” aspect to be a lot slower than I like, many parts were incredibly predictable for me, and the whole immortal love interest that practically raised the FMC gave me the icks. I just don’t enjoy that kind of romance. I also think the author could have shaved off about 200 pages of the FMC’s self-loathing and deprecation and the story would have been so much better. It was just so overwhelming at times that I had to put the book down and take a breather before continuing.
However, all that self-loathing is in there for a reason (though I still feel it could have been cut back), and the last 10 or so chapters were where the plot really got going and totally hooked me. I think it was a great setup for the next book in the series, and I think the plot will only get better from here. After the events of this book were revealed, I can see Aera making a lot of personal growth very quickly, which will give so much more depth to the story. I’ll definitely give book 2 a chance when it releases.
Seven Devils by Florence & The Machine is the perfect dark anthem for this book. “I don’t want your money / I don’t want your crown / See, I’ve come to burn your kingdom down” matches Aera’s thirst for revenge. “See, I’ve come to burn your kingdom down / And no rivers and no lakes can put the fire out” nothing will stop Aera from exacting her revenge on those who deserve it.
Connect with me on Instagram (@bookmarks_and_backbeats) for more reviews, musical pairings, and all around good times!
3.50 / 5.00 stars
The Nightwing family has long ensured the safety of the village where they live – but at what cost? When Aera, the youngest member of the Nightwing family, discovers her family has been slaughtered, she makes vengeance against the murderer her only purpose. But what truths will she discover along the way and who will be left at the end of her warpath? Thank you to the author for choosing me as one of the ARC readers of this book and gifting me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Deathbound is the first book in the Chronicles of the Arcane series by debut author Alyssa Chappell. I really wanted to enjoy this book more. A dark romance featuring a woman on the warpath to revenge and her conjured pets? Sign me up ASAP!
Unfortunately, I found the “slow burn” aspect to be a lot slower than I like, many parts were incredibly predictable for me, and the whole immortal love interest that practically raised the FMC gave me the icks. I just don’t enjoy that kind of romance. I also think the author could have shaved off about 200 pages of the FMC’s self-loathing and deprecation and the story would have been so much better. It was just so overwhelming at times that I had to put the book down and take a breather before continuing.
However, all that self-loathing is in there for a reason (though I still feel it could have been cut back), and the last 10 or so chapters were where the plot really got going and totally hooked me. I think it was a great setup for the next book in the series, and I think the plot will only get better from here. After the events of this book were revealed, I can see Aera making a lot of personal growth very quickly, which will give so much more depth to the story. I’ll definitely give book 2 a chance when it releases.
Seven Devils by Florence & The Machine is the perfect dark anthem for this book. “I don’t want your money / I don’t want your crown / See, I’ve come to burn your kingdom down” matches Aera’s thirst for revenge. “See, I’ve come to burn your kingdom down / And no rivers and no lakes can put the fire out” nothing will stop Aera from exacting her revenge on those who deserve it.
Connect with me on Instagram (@bookmarks_and_backbeats) for more reviews, musical pairings, and all around good times!
March 22, 2025
thank you to Alyssa for the ARC!
rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
this book is action packed! this dark fantasy has a lot of drama & characters. it was very intriguing… but.. i really disliked the main character. there were big flaws in her character (which was intentional in her writing) but unfortunately i didn’t see her learning ever.
a lot of the time i felt like i was getting deja vu bc she would get herself into a bad situation by her own doing, then cry for help & think about how stupid she was to do this only for her to do another stupid thing once she was saved.
the pacing felt off for me. during action packed scenes full of drama there was an intensive amount of inner dialogue. it made the scenes feel slower than they should be.
it felt like the writing didn’t know who the love interest was at times as it felt like she was trying to make each male character attractive in their own ways & establish connections with the main character. i don’t like when there are muddled feelings in books so this felt iffy for me.
i am interested in where these characters will go but ive yet to decide if these negatives will weigh out enough to continue the series when it comes out.
i still think you should check out this book if it interests you as it did have its upsides & there were times i couldn’t put the book down at all!
rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
this book is action packed! this dark fantasy has a lot of drama & characters. it was very intriguing… but.. i really disliked the main character. there were big flaws in her character (which was intentional in her writing) but unfortunately i didn’t see her learning ever.
a lot of the time i felt like i was getting deja vu bc she would get herself into a bad situation by her own doing, then cry for help & think about how stupid she was to do this only for her to do another stupid thing once she was saved.
the pacing felt off for me. during action packed scenes full of drama there was an intensive amount of inner dialogue. it made the scenes feel slower than they should be.
it felt like the writing didn’t know who the love interest was at times as it felt like she was trying to make each male character attractive in their own ways & establish connections with the main character. i don’t like when there are muddled feelings in books so this felt iffy for me.
i am interested in where these characters will go but ive yet to decide if these negatives will weigh out enough to continue the series when it comes out.
i still think you should check out this book if it interests you as it did have its upsides & there were times i couldn’t put the book down at all!
June 19, 2025
4 Stars, No Spice
Synopsis:
Aera finds herself with her family dead and a thirst for vengeance against the necromancer Death-Breaker. With her only friend Flynn and a witch named Mavis, she finds herself wanting to become stronger and a true Summoner like the rest of her family.
When coming face to face with the Death-Breaker, and he spares her life, she finds herself questioning who her true enemy is. Will the prophecy break her or will it become something more?
Review:
From beginning to end, this is a large character build for Aera, who is dealing with not knowing what is true about her past and about her family’s deaths. The first part follows primarily around her and her desire to kill the Death-Breaker with an overall plot arc coming in afterwards. I found the story to slightly lag but found myself constantly grabbing this book when I had free time.
Favorite Quote: “My end was mine to decide. Nobody else’s. I could die here, and that would be the end. Or I could let the weak, scared version of myself die–and be reborn. The choice was easy..”
Bottom Line: Yes (The plot seems well setup for book two!)
Tropes:
Magical Creatures
Side Plot Slow Burn
Dark Fantasy
Stolen Memories
Magic System
Synopsis:
Aera finds herself with her family dead and a thirst for vengeance against the necromancer Death-Breaker. With her only friend Flynn and a witch named Mavis, she finds herself wanting to become stronger and a true Summoner like the rest of her family.
When coming face to face with the Death-Breaker, and he spares her life, she finds herself questioning who her true enemy is. Will the prophecy break her or will it become something more?
Review:
From beginning to end, this is a large character build for Aera, who is dealing with not knowing what is true about her past and about her family’s deaths. The first part follows primarily around her and her desire to kill the Death-Breaker with an overall plot arc coming in afterwards. I found the story to slightly lag but found myself constantly grabbing this book when I had free time.
Favorite Quote: “My end was mine to decide. Nobody else’s. I could die here, and that would be the end. Or I could let the weak, scared version of myself die–and be reborn. The choice was easy..”
Bottom Line: Yes (The plot seems well setup for book two!)
Tropes:
Magical Creatures
Side Plot Slow Burn
Dark Fantasy
Stolen Memories
Magic System
March 23, 2025
Thank you, Alyssa Chappell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Deathbound started off really strong. The plot was interesting, the summoning magic was super cool. When the MMC was first introduced, I loved the dialogue and was so excited for the story to progress. There were so many fun lines I highlighted because of how much I was loving it. I couldn’t put this book down. It was thrilling from the start!
Unfortunately, my feelings for the last half didn’t align with my initial reaction to the book. The pacing felt weird, and the FMC continued to be whiny, and terrible.
I understand that this is a series, and there’s a lot of time for growth in future installments, but the FMC was extremely difficult to like. She continued to make the same mistakes, and her selfish inner monologue annoyed me to no end. I kept hoping for a turnaround, and it just didn’t happen.
I do think that the main issues I have with the story are intentional, and set things up in a place that leave a lot of promise for the next book. I did really enjoy Chappell’s writing, and am looking forward to reading book two.
Deathbound started off really strong. The plot was interesting, the summoning magic was super cool. When the MMC was first introduced, I loved the dialogue and was so excited for the story to progress. There were so many fun lines I highlighted because of how much I was loving it. I couldn’t put this book down. It was thrilling from the start!
Unfortunately, my feelings for the last half didn’t align with my initial reaction to the book. The pacing felt weird, and the FMC continued to be whiny, and terrible.
I understand that this is a series, and there’s a lot of time for growth in future installments, but the FMC was extremely difficult to like. She continued to make the same mistakes, and her selfish inner monologue annoyed me to no end. I kept hoping for a turnaround, and it just didn’t happen.
I do think that the main issues I have with the story are intentional, and set things up in a place that leave a lot of promise for the next book. I did really enjoy Chappell’s writing, and am looking forward to reading book two.
May 6, 2025
Alyssa Chappell’s debut novel was a solidly good dark fantasy with a whirlwind of action. However, I may hesitate to categorize it as “romantasy”. In theory, I can see how future books may further explore potential love interests. I’m not confident it’ll be more than an undertone in the story, though. It feels like this series will explore themes of loyalty and betrayal and while it may highlight the importance of strong bonds — I don’t think they’ll necessarily be romantic ones.
I liked Thorne Yearwood (our MMC) and his roguish personality. But in all honesty I would have welcomed a slow-burn or tension with any or all of the Yearwood brothers. I imagine the attraction Aera (our FMC) felt for the Yearwood brothers was difficult for her to understand without her memories as reference. Ultimately, I think it made it harder to buy into the storyline that Aera & Thorne had developed strong feelings for each other.
Deathbound releases 6.6.25 and while I struggled with the romantic aspects of it there were still times I couldn’t put the book down! I highly recommend fans of dark fantasy check it out!
I liked Thorne Yearwood (our MMC) and his roguish personality. But in all honesty I would have welcomed a slow-burn or tension with any or all of the Yearwood brothers. I imagine the attraction Aera (our FMC) felt for the Yearwood brothers was difficult for her to understand without her memories as reference. Ultimately, I think it made it harder to buy into the storyline that Aera & Thorne had developed strong feelings for each other.
Deathbound releases 6.6.25 and while I struggled with the romantic aspects of it there were still times I couldn’t put the book down! I highly recommend fans of dark fantasy check it out!
March 20, 2025
I could not put this book down—the first chapter pulled me in and never let go. The magic system and world-building are absolutely captivating, but what really stood out to me was how seamlessly the author anticipated my thoughts. Every time I had an opinion about a character, it felt like the book responded in real time.
For example, when the FMC started crying (again), I found myself thinking, Girl, pull yourself together!—and in the very next sentence, another character called her out for it. I literally laughed out loud. Moments like this made the reading experience feel so immersive, almost like the author was one step ahead of me the whole time.
On top of that, the twists caught me completely off guard—I didn’t see a single one coming. This is easily a must-read, and I’ll be grabbing a copy the moment it hits shelves!
Thank you Alyssa Chappell for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
For example, when the FMC started crying (again), I found myself thinking, Girl, pull yourself together!—and in the very next sentence, another character called her out for it. I literally laughed out loud. Moments like this made the reading experience feel so immersive, almost like the author was one step ahead of me the whole time.
On top of that, the twists caught me completely off guard—I didn’t see a single one coming. This is easily a must-read, and I’ll be grabbing a copy the moment it hits shelves!
Thank you Alyssa Chappell for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2025
This book is excruciating because of all the heartache, torture and physical pain the fmc goes through. She has always been treated as less than and weak but we get to see how strong she really is in this story. Her persistance, resilience, and determination to live is astounding.
There’s a prophecy, which I love, many betrayals, lies and secrets. You don’t really know who is actually a friend or enemy throughout the whole book.
Aera endures so much suffering and has no true memories from her past so she has no idea who is trustworthy. The ending of this book kept me on the edge of my seat! I couldn’t put it down! When everything comes to culmination, will she survive? Will she have her memories back? Is it even worth it? Will she finally have peace and maybe even a chance at love? Or will there still be secrets preventing it? Find out tomorrow when Deathbound by Alyssa Chappell releases!
There’s a prophecy, which I love, many betrayals, lies and secrets. You don’t really know who is actually a friend or enemy throughout the whole book.
Aera endures so much suffering and has no true memories from her past so she has no idea who is trustworthy. The ending of this book kept me on the edge of my seat! I couldn’t put it down! When everything comes to culmination, will she survive? Will she have her memories back? Is it even worth it? Will she finally have peace and maybe even a chance at love? Or will there still be secrets preventing it? Find out tomorrow when Deathbound by Alyssa Chappell releases!
December 29, 2025
This dark fantasy follows Aera Nighwing— a would-be summoner stuck playing heir-maker for a family that hardly regards her as one of their own. But when said family gets brutally wiped off the map (our girl Karma wasted no time), Aera sets her sights on vengeance, obviously.
Enter the Death-Breaker: terrifying necromancer, certified King of Death, and to our surprise— he doesn’t immediately kill her. Come to find out, he’s giving more brooding anti-hero vibes than murder-happy villain.
Instead, he spares her time and time again, and absolutely shatters everything she thought she knew about her past. As Aera dives into a cursed forest full of dark secrets, mythical monsters, and one highly inconvenient prophecy, she must decide whether to embrace her darkness or be destroyed by her destined fate. Either way, it’s about to get messyyyy!
Enter the Death-Breaker: terrifying necromancer, certified King of Death, and to our surprise— he doesn’t immediately kill her. Come to find out, he’s giving more brooding anti-hero vibes than murder-happy villain.
Instead, he spares her time and time again, and absolutely shatters everything she thought she knew about her past. As Aera dives into a cursed forest full of dark secrets, mythical monsters, and one highly inconvenient prophecy, she must decide whether to embrace her darkness or be destroyed by her destined fate. Either way, it’s about to get messyyyy!
March 31, 2025
I just finished reading Deathbound which is the first book in a new series.
❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers
🗡Kindom on verge of War
💀 Sacrafice
💥 Stolen Memories
💯 Fae, Necromancer, Summoners, Witches
& other mythical creatures.
🥵 Morally Gray characters
I really enjoyed this book, it has a very relatable vengeful FMC and a really good keep-you-guessing story line with a huge plot twist. The MMC is arrogant, sexy & mysterious. It was an easy read and kept me wanting more especially with the cliffhanger. The only thing that was hard for me was it felt very repetitive, and at times it felt like the same things were said in 3 different ways.
Definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers
🗡Kindom on verge of War
💀 Sacrafice
💥 Stolen Memories
💯 Fae, Necromancer, Summoners, Witches
& other mythical creatures.
🥵 Morally Gray characters
I really enjoyed this book, it has a very relatable vengeful FMC and a really good keep-you-guessing story line with a huge plot twist. The MMC is arrogant, sexy & mysterious. It was an easy read and kept me wanting more especially with the cliffhanger. The only thing that was hard for me was it felt very repetitive, and at times it felt like the same things were said in 3 different ways.
Definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2025
This book was so good!! I was so attached to Aera. I was always wanting things to get better for her. I hated how much she was going through and how alone she felt. I really felt like I got to know and understand her really well. I enjoyed reading her character development and seeing how she overcame some of her obstacles. The twists in this story were wild! I was not expecting anything that happened and could not get enough of it! I was so hooked and absolutely loved every second of it!
You did such an amazing job with this and I can't wait to read the next book! Thank you so much @authoralyssachappell for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team!❤️
You did such an amazing job with this and I can't wait to read the next book! Thank you so much @authoralyssachappell for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team!❤️
May 1, 2025
That was a heavy hitter read. Very action packed, a lot of information, major world building, and complex characters. I loved how strong Aera the FMC was. Everything that is thrown her way and she keeps moving forward. Two thirds of the way in is where the story really just grabs you. So many interesting plots are revealed and it becomes a page turner quickly. That end definitely makes me want to continue this story. This is a very very slow burn. Heavier on the epic fantasy than romance but I feel like that is about to change. Great read.
March 31, 2025
This was a neat story. The plot was dark, and interesting, the characters growth seemed natural and relevant.The enemies to lovers trope was kinda false, only because the MMC was never really her enemy, he was just painted as the villain in the FMC's eyes. I feel like this book has a lot of potential. It's clear that there are still edits to be done, but as is, I'd give it a solid 3.5 ⭐️'s (rounded up for gr.)
There is a lot of back and forth running around going on in the beginning of the book that doesn't make a ton of sense. We come to a point where the fmc's dedicated finger-pointing elicits a major eyeroll from the readers. It's groan worthy that she is still blaming the same person at that point, especially after already having not so pleasant interactions with others that she should be questioning her relationship with. I believe this would be better depicted as a self questioning 'who done it' scene rather than a 'It's him, because it has to be him.' I am slightly confused about who the real love interest is here. Because once the twist happens, it almost seems as though someone else should be holding her interests.. idk makes me wonder what book two will bring!
There is a lot of back and forth running around going on in the beginning of the book that doesn't make a ton of sense. We come to a point where the fmc's dedicated finger-pointing elicits a major eyeroll from the readers. It's groan worthy that she is still blaming the same person at that point, especially after already having not so pleasant interactions with others that she should be questioning her relationship with. I believe this would be better depicted as a self questioning 'who done it' scene rather than a 'It's him, because it has to be him.' I am slightly confused about who the real love interest is here. Because once the twist happens, it almost seems as though someone else should be holding her interests.. idk makes me wonder what book two will bring!
March 28, 2025
ARC Reader Review: This book. I finished it 2 days ago and I am still obsessed. Hidden history, stabby immortal FMC, slow burn enemies to lovers, story of a woman who felt the least of her prominent family only to find that nothing was as she remembered. She goes on a journey to avenge her family and discovers her true past and it is devastating. If you love to root for the villain read this.
April 12, 2025
3.5 🌟
My first ever ARC reading and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read Deathbound! I’ll keep my review denied as to not give out any spoilers!
I really liked the world building here and how unique the story feels. However it was sometimes a bit hard to get through as it can be very verbose. The ending teed it up for a second book so I’m super excited to see where it goes!!!
My first ever ARC reading and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read Deathbound! I’ll keep my review denied as to not give out any spoilers!
I really liked the world building here and how unique the story feels. However it was sometimes a bit hard to get through as it can be very verbose. The ending teed it up for a second book so I’m super excited to see where it goes!!!
April 29, 2025
The world building in this book was phenomenal. The plot twists even better. There was so much I did not see coming. Aera Nightwing suffers through so many trials, but you get to watch her character develop and grow throughout the book. In true “Romantasy” fashion you were holding your breath the last 100 pages. You are left with anticipation for the next book in the series.
June 14, 2025
This book was so good I literally finished it in under 36 hours, I simply couldn’t put it down. The plot sucked me in from the first page and it just kept getting more interesting with each twist and then. The last 50 pages had my jaw on the floor in the best way possible.
September 6, 2025
This book is AMAZING! Caught my attention in the first chapter and I can’t put it down!!! Definite page turner!
September 23, 2025
I need ya’ll to know about Ms Alyssa Chappell. The rollercoaster that she sent Aera & I on STILL sticks with me and I read it as an ARC months ago
June 6, 2025
An emotional rollercoaster to say the least, wow!
I knew from reading the synopsis that I had to read this book, little did I know how much it would grab ahold of my lungs and heart. Alyssa Chappell has quite voice and weaves words together beautifully, creating a world that seems so real, yet so far away.
The initial start of this book was a little difficult to get into, no rock goes unturned to describe the FMC feelings in depth (a couple chapters worth), but it all plays into the growth and power we see in the FMC throughout the book. Once past her tragedy and sorrow the book dives right into chaos and heart pulsing adventure and trauma — not for the faint of heart.
It was almost impossible to put down, other than to fully acknowledge the feelings and deep moments you enter in this book. The characters are stunning and all hold their own, each given their own part and importance. The magic is incredible, I loved the way Chappell bright to life this incredible, raw, gruesome magic that doesn’t always turn out to be good but easily learned from.
I’m almost at a loss for words, this book was a masterpiece — ending with a bang and cliffhanger, I can’t even imagine what Chappell has in store next but count me in.
I knew from reading the synopsis that I had to read this book, little did I know how much it would grab ahold of my lungs and heart. Alyssa Chappell has quite voice and weaves words together beautifully, creating a world that seems so real, yet so far away.
The initial start of this book was a little difficult to get into, no rock goes unturned to describe the FMC feelings in depth (a couple chapters worth), but it all plays into the growth and power we see in the FMC throughout the book. Once past her tragedy and sorrow the book dives right into chaos and heart pulsing adventure and trauma — not for the faint of heart.
It was almost impossible to put down, other than to fully acknowledge the feelings and deep moments you enter in this book. The characters are stunning and all hold their own, each given their own part and importance. The magic is incredible, I loved the way Chappell bright to life this incredible, raw, gruesome magic that doesn’t always turn out to be good but easily learned from.
I’m almost at a loss for words, this book was a masterpiece — ending with a bang and cliffhanger, I can’t even imagine what Chappell has in store next but count me in.
July 7, 2025
WOW! 4/5 stars
First thing, I received an ARC and am VOLUNTARILY leaving an HONEST review.
Now then, buckle your seat-belts and get ready because this book is a RIDE (in a good way). There is an element of lost memories in this book which makes the beginning of the book seem like you jumped right into everything and don't fully understand it all. Typically I would've wanted more background information before where the book starts, but just READ THE ENTIRE THING and you'll get it. This book is so so so well done. While reading, the FMC drove me absolutely CRAZY at times, BUT when you read the entire book you will understand why she is the way she is and it will all make sense. This book is filled with surprises, twists, turns, things you might have seen coming, and things you did NOT see coming at all. I CANNOT WAIT for the next installment of this trilogy and sincerely hope that I'm allowed to ARC read again.
First thing, I received an ARC and am VOLUNTARILY leaving an HONEST review.
Now then, buckle your seat-belts and get ready because this book is a RIDE (in a good way). There is an element of lost memories in this book which makes the beginning of the book seem like you jumped right into everything and don't fully understand it all. Typically I would've wanted more background information before where the book starts, but just READ THE ENTIRE THING and you'll get it. This book is so so so well done. While reading, the FMC drove me absolutely CRAZY at times, BUT when you read the entire book you will understand why she is the way she is and it will all make sense. This book is filled with surprises, twists, turns, things you might have seen coming, and things you did NOT see coming at all. I CANNOT WAIT for the next installment of this trilogy and sincerely hope that I'm allowed to ARC read again.
June 6, 2025
Aera is the youngest daughter of the Nightwings, a family of extremely powerful Summoners that live in the independent town of Meridiana. Her entire family is killed by poison and the only enemy strong enough to kill them is The Necromancer. She vows to take her revenge, but her powers have always been weaker than her family's. The death of her family also causes political unrest as the King and Queen of Arcana are invading Meridiana to wipe out as much Magic as possible.
The punches just keep coming for Aera. As she is trying to deal with the aftermath of losing her family, she is pulled into the political machinations of the King and Queen who are after the eradication of Magic and that definitely includes Aera herself. This is occurring while she is also trying to get revenge against the Necromancer that killed her family, who just happens to be the most powerful Necromancer ever. In her pursuit of revenge, she also learns of a prophecy. This prophecy foretells her death at the hands of someone seeking to steal her power. She is alone in a world out to end her and she does not know who she can trust.
This book was intense. I couldn't help but feel a lot of heartbreak for Aera as she is struggling with so much and it is a neverending pile on top of her. I really loved how she continued to fight for herself, even though she breaks over and over. I am very interested in seeing where book two will go after reading how this book ended!
Thank you to @authoralyssachappell for the advanced eARC.
The punches just keep coming for Aera. As she is trying to deal with the aftermath of losing her family, she is pulled into the political machinations of the King and Queen who are after the eradication of Magic and that definitely includes Aera herself. This is occurring while she is also trying to get revenge against the Necromancer that killed her family, who just happens to be the most powerful Necromancer ever. In her pursuit of revenge, she also learns of a prophecy. This prophecy foretells her death at the hands of someone seeking to steal her power. She is alone in a world out to end her and she does not know who she can trust.
This book was intense. I couldn't help but feel a lot of heartbreak for Aera as she is struggling with so much and it is a neverending pile on top of her. I really loved how she continued to fight for herself, even though she breaks over and over. I am very interested in seeing where book two will go after reading how this book ended!
Thank you to @authoralyssachappell for the advanced eARC.
June 2, 2025
“You’re at your strongest when you think there’s no one left to save you.”
First of all I love this cover so much 🐇.
This book is action packed and full of betrayals. Lots of secrets and lots of plot twists. Impending war, stolen memories, witch hunts.
I think it would be difficult to write a story from the point of view of someone with missing memories but the author does an excellent job. It kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the book.
There are a couple of intriguing love interests and I honestly can’t decide who is “good” and who is not. By good I mean less morally gray 😂. Thorne, aka Death-Breaker, is such an interesting character. There is a lot more to him than Aera realizes and it’s very entertaining as his secrets are slowly revealed. And I’m just dying to know more about Kyden.
I’m really looking forward to the next book so I can figure out who to trust 🖤
Fav tropes:
Fae 🧝♀️
Magic 🔮
Wraiths 👻
Dragons 🐉
Slow burn ❤️🔥
Necromancy 🧟♀️
Enemies to lovers ⚔️
Magical creatures 🐇
Unreliable narrator 🎤
Stolen memories 💭
Impending war 🛡️
Morally gray 🩶
Prophecy 📜
Betrayal 💔
Royalty 👑
Fav quotes:
“Even the powerless can become powerful. And those who wield the element of surprise control the game.”
“We all have our sins… but that doesn’t make you a monster. You’re still you.”
Thank you Alyssa Chappell for the eARC! I enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book!
First of all I love this cover so much 🐇.
This book is action packed and full of betrayals. Lots of secrets and lots of plot twists. Impending war, stolen memories, witch hunts.
I think it would be difficult to write a story from the point of view of someone with missing memories but the author does an excellent job. It kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the book.
There are a couple of intriguing love interests and I honestly can’t decide who is “good” and who is not. By good I mean less morally gray 😂. Thorne, aka Death-Breaker, is such an interesting character. There is a lot more to him than Aera realizes and it’s very entertaining as his secrets are slowly revealed. And I’m just dying to know more about Kyden.
I’m really looking forward to the next book so I can figure out who to trust 🖤
Fav tropes:
Fae 🧝♀️
Magic 🔮
Wraiths 👻
Dragons 🐉
Slow burn ❤️🔥
Necromancy 🧟♀️
Enemies to lovers ⚔️
Magical creatures 🐇
Unreliable narrator 🎤
Stolen memories 💭
Impending war 🛡️
Morally gray 🩶
Prophecy 📜
Betrayal 💔
Royalty 👑
Fav quotes:
“Even the powerless can become powerful. And those who wield the element of surprise control the game.”
“We all have our sins… but that doesn’t make you a monster. You’re still you.”
Thank you Alyssa Chappell for the eARC! I enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book!
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