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A Practical Guide to Sorcery #2
A Binding of Blood: A Practical Guide to Sorcery, Book 2
To study magic at the university, Siobhan sacrificed her name.
She sacrificed her body and her past.
Magically disguised as a boy named Sebastien, she is learning wondrous secrets of the thaumaturgic sciences. As Sebastien, she mingles with the young nobles who will one day rule their country. But danger is closer than ever, and she cannot escape her past.
The coppers investigating the theft of Siobhan’s priceless transformation artifact have given her a new the Raven Queen. As Siobhan does favors for the gang that loaned her the university tuition, the Raven Queen’s mystique only grows.
And keeps growing...snowballing out of control until Siobhan’s other identity takes on a life of its own, a fear-inducing bogeyman well beyond the truth of her real capabilities.
With the whole city out to get her and trouble hounding both sides of her double life, how will Siobhan ever survive to become the world’s most powerful sorcerer?
She sacrificed her body and her past.
Magically disguised as a boy named Sebastien, she is learning wondrous secrets of the thaumaturgic sciences. As Sebastien, she mingles with the young nobles who will one day rule their country. But danger is closer than ever, and she cannot escape her past.
The coppers investigating the theft of Siobhan’s priceless transformation artifact have given her a new the Raven Queen. As Siobhan does favors for the gang that loaned her the university tuition, the Raven Queen’s mystique only grows.
And keeps growing...snowballing out of control until Siobhan’s other identity takes on a life of its own, a fear-inducing bogeyman well beyond the truth of her real capabilities.
With the whole city out to get her and trouble hounding both sides of her double life, how will Siobhan ever survive to become the world’s most powerful sorcerer?
Audible Audio
First published December 28, 2021
About the author
Azalea Ellis
17 books199 followersAzalea Ellis loves to bend the world to her will. Maybe that's why she likes writing books. Creating worlds and people and then sending them through every ordeal imaginable might even give her some kind of sick thrill. Who knows?
Azalea is also an artist, so perhaps she just likes taking things from her head and bringing them to life. Because of her artistic background, she's lucky enough to also be able to do all of her own book covers, and does freelance illustration when she feels like it.
She's fascinated by almost everything, and wishes she could live to be a thousand, so she would have time to learn and do everything she wants.
Azalea is also an artist, so perhaps she just likes taking things from her head and bringing them to life. Because of her artistic background, she's lucky enough to also be able to do all of her own book covers, and does freelance illustration when she feels like it.
She's fascinated by almost everything, and wishes she could live to be a thousand, so she would have time to learn and do everything she wants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 4, 2023
Yes, it's a web serial, so extremely episodic writing with a plot that barely progresses.
But still a lot of fun to read.
But still a lot of fun to read.
January 22, 2022
Another absolutely amazing book. I’m in love with this author and the characters she brings to life, especially Siobhan/Sebastian. And I freaking love the chapters from other characters point of views.
I especially love how characters react to one another, they take what they see and “know” and learn, apply logic to it, and get answers that, like in real life, aren’t always correct, but you can see how they got there. They might have even been accurate some vital assumptions weren’t made and if Siobhan wasn’t as confused about what was going on as everyone else. And the conclusions and assumptions they make… ooooh they’re so much fun! Sometimes those conclusions make Siobhan’s life harder, and sometimes easier. The misinformation, lack of information, and the absolutely magnificent rumor mill help make this story amazing!
I especially love how characters react to one another, they take what they see and “know” and learn, apply logic to it, and get answers that, like in real life, aren’t always correct, but you can see how they got there. They might have even been accurate some vital assumptions weren’t made and if Siobhan wasn’t as confused about what was going on as everyone else. And the conclusions and assumptions they make… ooooh they’re so much fun! Sometimes those conclusions make Siobhan’s life harder, and sometimes easier. The misinformation, lack of information, and the absolutely magnificent rumor mill help make this story amazing!
January 20, 2022
This book starts where A Conjuring of Ravens: A Magepunk Progression Fantasy left off. Siobhan/Sebastien is still at the university learning magic. She still owes money for her tuition, and she is still being hunted for both the book her father stole, and for being the Raven Queen.
There's a short synopsis of the first book at the beginning which was nice, but I seriously recommend reading the first book before diving into this one. A Binding of Blood doesn't stand on it's own. Plus, A Conjuring of Ravens is awesome.
This book meanders a bit, and spends a lot of time on what Sebastien is learning. It goes deep into the theory and practice of this world's magic. For me, that was a feature. I enjoyed the time Sebastien spent in class or learning. It was a fun part of the world building for me.
The plot does progress, and there's some action - the final action scene had my heart pounding. It was a surprising development, and a bit heart wrenching too.
My biggest criticism is that A Binding of Blood has that second book syndrome where it's more of a bridge between books than one that can stand on it's own. There was no singular plot line that got tied up in this book. I liked the story progression, and character development, but having its own plot would have been that added pinch of salt.
Still, I had fun, and considering how many books I DNF'ed lately due to my inability to focus, I'm very pleased. I was entertained all the way through to the end.
Check out A Conjuring of Ravens: A Magepunk Progression Fantasy, then come back to this one.
There's a short synopsis of the first book at the beginning which was nice, but I seriously recommend reading the first book before diving into this one. A Binding of Blood doesn't stand on it's own. Plus, A Conjuring of Ravens is awesome.
This book meanders a bit, and spends a lot of time on what Sebastien is learning. It goes deep into the theory and practice of this world's magic. For me, that was a feature. I enjoyed the time Sebastien spent in class or learning. It was a fun part of the world building for me.
The plot does progress, and there's some action - the final action scene had my heart pounding. It was a surprising development, and a bit heart wrenching too.
My biggest criticism is that A Binding of Blood has that second book syndrome where it's more of a bridge between books than one that can stand on it's own. There was no singular plot line that got tied up in this book. I liked the story progression, and character development, but having its own plot would have been that added pinch of salt.
Still, I had fun, and considering how many books I DNF'ed lately due to my inability to focus, I'm very pleased. I was entertained all the way through to the end.
Check out A Conjuring of Ravens: A Magepunk Progression Fantasy, then come back to this one.
April 15, 2022
I have nothing but good things to say about this book and series. These books have quickly been added to my list of favorite books and I look forward to re-reading them as they are jam packed with information. I would never have expected reading lectures from a magical school in a fictional world so interesting! I enjoyed this book so much even if the last few chapters broke my heart. I am now a Patron to Azalea as she has chapters into the next book posted as she writes them and I need more to obsess about. 10/10 despite the still very apparent lack of romance, I can't help but overlook that since I'm heartbroken anyway.
February 28, 2024
I enjoyed book one but it didn't inspire me to immediately take up the next book. Now that I've come back to the series, I'm sold. The setting has become so real that I've fully inhabited it. I'm comfortable in both the city and the university. I feel a sense of homecoming when I start reading.
Siobhan/Sebastien has taken on a load of responsibilities that would make Harry Dresden quail. To make matters worse, she needs to keep most of them hidden. Her stress sweats from the page, making the reader anxious. Somehow, despite always being tired and out of her depth, the reputation of her alter-ego grows out of all proportion. How can a first-year university student be the scariest being in the city?
Siobhan/Sebastien has taken on a load of responsibilities that would make Harry Dresden quail. To make matters worse, she needs to keep most of them hidden. Her stress sweats from the page, making the reader anxious. Somehow, despite always being tired and out of her depth, the reputation of her alter-ego grows out of all proportion. How can a first-year university student be the scariest being in the city?
July 5, 2025
thank you for making the perfect book series, concept-wise, for me.
"Now, if someone asked her that same question, she would have had to check what skin she was wearing and what role she was playing before answering." - nice quote for the whole shifting bodies aspect.
"Now, if someone asked her that same question, she would have had to check what skin she was wearing and what role she was playing before answering." - nice quote for the whole shifting bodies aspect.
August 28, 2026
I'm enjoying this series. This followed the trend of book 1. It picked up immediately after book 1, there were classes and low- energy intrigue, until it culminated in a high- stakes kerfuffle that sort of finishes, but really, you are still in the middle of everything.
I enjoy Siobhan/Sebastien as the main character. I like her inventiveness and mettle, as well as her kindness.
I enjoy Siobhan/Sebastien as the main character. I like her inventiveness and mettle, as well as her kindness.
February 25, 2026
love seeing the mythology and lore form with minimal input from Siobhan/Sebastian.
June 3, 2022
Intellectual Fantasy
This series has a level of detail and world building you rarely read. The magic system in particular is so in depth you would think it could be applied to our world. I look forward to book 3 and what our intrepid Raven Queen has in store.
This series has a level of detail and world building you rarely read. The magic system in particular is so in depth you would think it could be applied to our world. I look forward to book 3 and what our intrepid Raven Queen has in store.
March 16, 2022
I like magic school books, but they often lack some depth. This was rich and complete. Surpasses the first book.
September 3, 2026
4.5 stars. Book 2 is where this series really settles into itself. The first book had to do a lot of setup: the hard magic system, the university, the disguise, the debt to the gang, the stolen artifact. This one assumes you already bought in and starts compounding the consequences.
Siobhan-as-Sebastien is still grinding through University classes, still trying to stay alive, still paying off favors. Meanwhile the Raven Queen myth keeps getting bigger and weirder than the actual person behind it. That gap between rumor and reality is one of the best parts of the book. People keep applying perfectly reasonable logic to incomplete information and arriving at the wrong (and often more terrifying) conclusion. It is funny, tense, and surprisingly grounded.
The magic remains the star. It is treated like a science with rules, costs, and failure modes. When Siobhan experiments, you feel her thinking, not just watching power levels go up. The school sections are still some of my favorite material in the series: competitive, specific, and full of small details that make thaumaturgy feel like something you could actually study.
It is not flawless. Because it started as a serial, some stretches feel a little episodic. A few threads take their time, and if you want constant set-piece action this is more “competent person juggling too many plates” than constant fireworks.
If you liked book 1 for the brains and the magic system, this is a stronger, more confident version of the same
Siobhan-as-Sebastien is still grinding through University classes, still trying to stay alive, still paying off favors. Meanwhile the Raven Queen myth keeps getting bigger and weirder than the actual person behind it. That gap between rumor and reality is one of the best parts of the book. People keep applying perfectly reasonable logic to incomplete information and arriving at the wrong (and often more terrifying) conclusion. It is funny, tense, and surprisingly grounded.
The magic remains the star. It is treated like a science with rules, costs, and failure modes. When Siobhan experiments, you feel her thinking, not just watching power levels go up. The school sections are still some of my favorite material in the series: competitive, specific, and full of small details that make thaumaturgy feel like something you could actually study.
It is not flawless. Because it started as a serial, some stretches feel a little episodic. A few threads take their time, and if you want constant set-piece action this is more “competent person juggling too many plates” than constant fireworks.
If you liked book 1 for the brains and the magic system, this is a stronger, more confident version of the same
June 25, 2025
Our recently impoverished (again) heroine is looking for ways to make gold, but as she’s trying to pay off just the interest (50%!) on her loan, she’s also taking classes with the most demanding professor at the university. He has thrown extra work at her, taking up hours of extra time. Her benefactor is setting the stage for the biggest takedown of a rival gang that the city ever seen and needs her help to make potions and act as a healer. Her teacher liaison is up to something nefarious while trying to root out her secret identity and is working for the rival gang in town.
Then there are the nightmares from her past that invade her sleep every night. She’s desperate for some normal sleep, but also desperate for the time to complete all the things being asked or tasked of her.
Small wonder that things come to the explosive climax that involves a likeable classmate, the Red Guard (police force), her professor, the teacher liaison, and her alter ego.
This book could have been titled Things Get Messy. It’s an exciting continuation of the story and just as good as the first book. I have nothing but high expectations as I open the next.
Then there are the nightmares from her past that invade her sleep every night. She’s desperate for some normal sleep, but also desperate for the time to complete all the things being asked or tasked of her.
Small wonder that things come to the explosive climax that involves a likeable classmate, the Red Guard (police force), her professor, the teacher liaison, and her alter ego.
This book could have been titled Things Get Messy. It’s an exciting continuation of the story and just as good as the first book. I have nothing but high expectations as I open the next.
January 9, 2022
A wonderful book that picks up right after the last. I always enjoy detailed-oriented books and this is no exception. I normally dislike when there are too many character changes, but I think they are infrequent and relevant enough that it isn't a problem here. As for the story, it is a little meandering at times however, everything flows logically and the characters are very interesting. The magic system, political system, and action feel real and are very well-developed. I also think the main character feels relatable (to me, I'm sure others harbour different opinions) so it is easy to get behind most of their decisions. Very rarely when reading did I think, why don't they do X?, without it being addressed.
Overall, if you like detailed fantasy that feels realistic with some well-done situational humour mixed in, this book is for you.
Overall, if you like detailed fantasy that feels realistic with some well-done situational humour mixed in, this book is for you.
September 3, 2023
Better than the first book, which was very good
I am loving this series. Sebastian, Siobhan and the Raven Queen, are all fantastic characters. The world building is excellent, and the character growth is outstanding. The mythology surrounding the Raven Queen and her ascent into power is so well crafted. Each and every piece of the mythology builds upon the completely circumstantial events that she finds herself in, but like any true mythology, those reported events have very little to do with what really happened. Azalea Ellis is rapidly moving up the list of authors I will read, just because she crafted the story.
I am loving this series. Sebastian, Siobhan and the Raven Queen, are all fantastic characters. The world building is excellent, and the character growth is outstanding. The mythology surrounding the Raven Queen and her ascent into power is so well crafted. Each and every piece of the mythology builds upon the completely circumstantial events that she finds herself in, but like any true mythology, those reported events have very little to do with what really happened. Azalea Ellis is rapidly moving up the list of authors I will read, just because she crafted the story.
January 3, 2024
There were a lot of enjoyable moments, but I was disappointed with Newton's arc, as well as with Siobhan's. I keep wanting her to grow into a special snowflake w/ mysterious and OTT powers but ultimately she remained a little above average in spellcasting and her will and grit were sometimes impressive but other times weak.
At this point I'm also wondering if any of the relationships Siobhan/Sebastian is building are genuine and meaningful or if they're all just there to move certain plot pieces into place. I'd like to see the former but it's looking like the latter.
3 stars
At this point I'm also wondering if any of the relationships Siobhan/Sebastian is building are genuine and meaningful or if they're all just there to move certain plot pieces into place. I'd like to see the former but it's looking like the latter.
3 stars
April 15, 2025
This one was fun—not as fun as the first book, but it still kept me hooked. Weirdly enough, it got me way more hyped for the third than the first book ever did for this one. Pretty sure the whole Raven Queen mystery is gonna come down to one mistake Sebastian made, and I can't wait to see how that plays out.
September 7, 2025
this book was better than the first, though i suspect its due to the plot and world building being able to grow and continue. the first book was a great introduction to the world, and this one and even better continuation.
the thing I love about this book is likely what other readers hate; the in depth magical system
the thing I love about this book is likely what other readers hate; the in depth magical system
March 23, 2022
Intense
How many critical situations can you juggle at the same time and still function? That's what Siobhan is doing and reasonably well. Lots of action, magic, and intrigue going on. Excellent follow up. Impatiently awaiting next book.
How many critical situations can you juggle at the same time and still function? That's what Siobhan is doing and reasonably well. Lots of action, magic, and intrigue going on. Excellent follow up. Impatiently awaiting next book.
March 26, 2022
Great sequel
This book was better than the first, full of interesting world building, and exciting action. The action scenes I thought were boring in the first book have improved greatly in this sequel.
This book was better than the first, full of interesting world building, and exciting action. The action scenes I thought were boring in the first book have improved greatly in this sequel.
October 24, 2024
Audible edition review
This was a good and enjoyable book. I liked getting a bit more background and depth for the side characters and still felt the magic system was good. This definitely wasn't as good as book 1 but still good.
This was a good and enjoyable book. I liked getting a bit more background and depth for the side characters and still felt the magic system was good. This definitely wasn't as good as book 1 but still good.
March 8, 2023
Just as much fun.
July 12, 2023
i enjoyed reading the book the series just pulls u in
July 17, 2023
fun the ending and climax worked better in this book than the last.
November 28, 2023
Very rich world building and fun characters with depth. Small inconsistencies. But overall definitely an author to watch and follow!
March 26, 2024
Yet more spell descriptions interwoven with a delicious story. Indeed a practical guide to sorcery.
May 4, 2024
Author continues to deliver a narrative which bucks tired tropes while remaining an easy and engaging read. Recommend
July 24, 2024
4.75/4.8 I need to come back to write a more appropriate review, for now I will continue reading
September 6, 2024
The story picks up a little bit. Still it moves extremely slowly with a lot happening l, but the consequences seem too long term and deleyed to the future books.
April 3, 2025
Excellent sequel to an excellent book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews