Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
The gods want them broken. The stars have written their end. But they’ll go down together before they ever give up.

Sapphire Hayes is bound to a winter prince who no longer knows how to love her, and chosen by a goddess who expects her to save the world.

Riven Draevor, the Prince of the Winter Court, loved Sapphire—until he bargained that love away in a fae deal to save her life, leaving him cold, hollow, and haunted.

Now they’re forced into a political marriage, ready for war, and pulled into the Cosmic Tides—a realm of starlight, fate, and memory, where the future is written in blood and the past refuses to stay buried.

When they find a monster waiting beneath the stars, it doesn’t just ask them to fight. It demands they destroy each other… until only one of them remains alive.

Meanwhile in the Night Court, Zoey is falling, too. Not into death, but into the arms of Aerix, the bloodthirsty prince who watches her like a secret, kisses her like a threat, and kills anyone who touches her.

She’s playing the long game. She swears it’s just strategy.

But what happens when it becomes more?

The gods are watching. The Night Court is rising. And the only weapon left that might save them all is a celestial disc wrapped in love, pain, and starlight.

Get ready
💔 Enemies-to-lovers-to-soulmates
🩸 Dark slow-burn romance with bite
⚔️ Trial by combat, blood, and frost
🖤 Obsessive love and morally gray choices
☠️ Touch her and die
❄️ An emotionally shattered Winter Prince who will die for her—and almost does

The Fae Bound series by USA Today bestselling author Michelle Madow is perfect for fans of ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, and romantasy readers who live for slow burn, unhinged devotion.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

586 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Madow

73 books3,404 followers
Michelle Madow is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance novels filled with forbidden love, elemental magic, and epic twists that readers never see coming. With over three million books sold and translations in multiple languages, her addictive stories have captured hearts around the world.

She wrote her first novel in college and never looked back. Now, with 50 books published (and counting), she spends her time dreaming up magical realms and devastating romances that keep readers hooked from page one.

Originally from Maryland, she spent nearly two decades in Florida before a brief chapter in NYC—and now she’s back in the Sunshine State, where golden days fuel her creativity and moonlight sparks her imagination.

When she’s not writing, she’s likely getting lost in the magical world of reading, plotting her next big twist, or reminiscing about her travels to all seven continents.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
187 (62%)
4 stars
79 (26%)
3 stars
28 (9%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
38 reviews
May 11, 2025
This book started off pretty intense with Sapphire and Riven still in the Tides. The plot had me on the edge of my seat most of the time but I feel as if the mushy-gushiness and "I love you"'s just dragged on and on. Maybe it could've been toned down a little. I still adored the whole soulmate aspect though. It was definitely a welcome twist. As for Zoey? Her story is certainly insane. And I'm getting the feeling that maybe Anderos's cryptic prophecy had something to do with her. Looking forward to the next book and super thrilled it's coming out next month.
522 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2025
So, book five in this fantastic saga of the Winter and Summer Courts. This was certainly a rock and roller of a ride this time. Twists and turns all the way to the end. Sapphire and Riven certainly go through the mill and then some in this story. It makes you wonder what on earth is going to happen in the next one, that’s for sure. Cannot wait to find out. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Judy Sescil.
224 reviews7 followers
May 15, 2025
Fifth book in series and another page turner! Riven and Sapphire are trying to get out of Cosmic Tides and return to Winter Palace to save King from madness. Meanwhile Zoey is falling in love with the Aerix the dark prince. Can't wait for final book in series!
Profile Image for Marina.
195 reviews7 followers
May 15, 2025
Spoilers Ahead!!!!!!


This book was intense and full of crazy twist. Loved everything in this book!

From the very begining Michelle had me in my feels! I was like wait ... and then some more.
Plus Zoey did the extreme and not one thing but also killed someone! Lastly Riven fight his father!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Myria.
98 reviews3 followers
May 22, 2025
Going down into the depths of the tides on the ghost ship and being forced to watch all manner of possible futures for Riven for Sapphire for them both all of them ending in their mutual destruction of each other surely this is only just another test like the others before but no matter it only draws them closer together realising that the love they once shared is still there deep in there souls. However the next challenge Cetus the sea monster of stars might make all them previous deathly visions of the future become the worst one of all as this one can actually kill them. With both of them being physically linked to the monster that they’re trying to destroy makes it impossible cause how can you fight a creature that injures your love your partner maybe sacrifice is the only option but neither will go down without a fight and it’s there love for each other that may be one thing that can save them from this dangerous trial and what’s to come
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ericka.
102 reviews
June 2, 2025
Oh my goodness! I couldn’t put this book down. So good. I can’t wait for the next one. ❤️
Profile Image for Camille Blais.
106 reviews
July 19, 2025
Hooooooly everything. This series is driving me insane I love it so much. And I love that Michelle is giving us more books than in the other star bound series because i’m definitely a fan of Riven and Sapphire ! I’m ready for the next book !
Profile Image for Geff Ratcheson.
250 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2025
This has been an interesting series, & I can't wait for the resolutions in the next (& I believe final) book. As another reviewer stated, I'm glad the next book is coming soon!

There's been 3 main subplots:

1. The character's various quests
2 & 3 how two different couples are dealing with "Soul Mate" love & in 1 case fears that have gotten in the way; & in the other case, evil & emotional dominance/submission (in a G rated sense) that have caused a ton of dysfunction for one of the female characters. It amazes me that Ms Madow is able to present this much intensity & still keep it "G rated"..

Several of the books were really focused on Riven's & Sapphire's fears of love; which was almost too much; but as not finding Love has been a major issue for me, I stayed with it. In this book R & S get past the fears and the focus is just as much on their love for each other as previous books were on their fears.

I suspect the next book is going to focus on trying to get Zoey out of her emotionally submissive state, which I suspect will be difficult at best. There is also still an upcoming war between "Fae Courts", which has been part of the entire series, but imo secondary to the Soul Mate part of the plot.

I have never met her, but it feels like Ms Madow puts a lot of herself into her characters. She would be an interesting person to know!

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy At no charge & am leaving an unbiased review.
8 reviews
May 28, 2025
Okay, so this one took me a bit of time to come to (because exams unfortunately exist), but I am so glad I decided to wait it out because it did not take me more than a single day to read.

Sooo many things happened, literally both Sapphire and Riven dying (and the flashbacks when sapphire merged their souls) that made me actually cry, which let me tell you is a hard feat on it's own. Riven's challenge with the king, winning but not taking his title?!! That was beautifully expressed!!

Zoey's got me kind of worried though, it seems like she's kind of losing herself? Her motivation at the start is showing a different side now, she's falling in deeper with Aerix. And that cryptic warning Sapphire and Riven got earlier?? It says there's something more between them but I'm really curious if that is how they will turn out.

Can't wait for the next one (or believe that it's the last one in this series)<3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for AndreasBookFinds.
168 reviews10 followers
May 28, 2025
Sapphire Hayes is a changeling Summer Princess who was chosen as Star Touched. Riven Draevor is a Prince in the Winter court, sworn enemies of the Summer court. Only they find themselves thrown together in a quest to get a potion to help Riven’s father, the Winter King calm the crazies. After which they hope to get the King to agree to join the Winter and Summer courts together to defeat the Night Court who has taken Sapphire's best friend Zoey into a life of servitude.

While book 4 ended in a cliffhanger that left me literally mouth agape, book 5 ended with a more even keel… only I still know it’s not over yet. This story had so much action, and even a bit of spice that it kept me captivated. Without giving too much away, it was nice to see some of their hard won battles give them what they wanted and I really really can’t wait for book 6 wondering if it will be the Grand Finale?!
Profile Image for Shanley Roach.
97 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2025
This was a short but emotionally sweet 3.25 ⭐️ for me. The book felt like it went real fast, pacing flew by but not in a way that felt rushed. And the structure was again improved and it felt easy to follow.

I loved how much of Riven POV we got in this book, it felt so essential and I really enjoyed it. I was hoping for emotional growth at the end of the last book and we def got it.

Also Michelle must have been reading some dark romance because Zoey and Aerix got dark romance vibes ALL over them. Carve your name into my skin and rub my blood all over me, night fae daddy. I ate it up lol

Sapphire and Riven accomplished major goal #1 so now it is into fighting the Night Fae and Night Court, which I can’t wait for since this is what really connects it to the wider Star Touched story. We shall see!
Profile Image for Linda.
357 reviews
May 16, 2025
Burning Star is another exciting, fast-paced addition to Michelle Madow’s Fae Bound series. This book is full of suspense, romance, and just the right amount of intrigue to keep you hooked from start to finish. Riven and Sapphire are still navigating the mysterious Cosmic Tides, but things really heat up when they return to the Winter Court to face the king. And over in the Night Court, Zoey’s still trapped… but has she fallen in love? The twists keep coming, and the emotional moments hit hard. If you’re into fae fantasy with high stakes and great chemistry, this fifth book in the series is a must-read.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,468 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2025
Book 5 heats up. As Riven and Sapphire sail the Cosmic Tides, they battle many trials. Although there are the serious heart-wrenching moments complete with tears, but there are the ice breakers and comedic relief. From the Tides to the Fae Secret Temple to finding Riven’s familiar Ghost, these two restore their love along with challenging the Winter King Nivian. While we get more chapters from Riven’s view, we also find out how much Zoey has changed. She finds love and I am so invested to see where this entire story leads when Riven and Sapphire arrive. I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Renee Marski.
Author 93 books80 followers
May 22, 2025
A great continuation of the story! Sapphire and Riven are in the cosmic tides to find the star disc. After facing a monster, Cetus, Sapphire almost dies. And then Riven does die to save her. But she isnt about to let him go and pulls him from death with a soul bond. Then its back to the winter court to confront his father.

Meanwhile, Zoey is pulled closer to Arix. He carves his name on her and gives her back her dagger, which she then uses to defend herself. But there are secrets at the night court and Zoey is only starting to figure them out.

Cant wait for the next one!
263 reviews
May 22, 2025
Can't wait for thr next book

Love this installment in the series. Finished it in one sitting. This series has had me hooked from the first book. There have been some ups and downs, which caused me to delay reading because I didn't like where it was going but this latest book has brought us on track. The growth a d development shown was exciting and I've developed a new respect for the author and how she has brought about this crazy story 😆.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,913 reviews116 followers
May 25, 2025
I adore this series and this latest addition is fast paced, gripping and as exciting as the previous reads. A thrilling journey as we rejoin Riven and Sapphire in the tides. It’s suspenseful, it’s intense and it has you on the edge of your seat the whole read as we return to the winter kingdom. This author really knows how to draw you in, with incredible world building and twists and surprises to keep you hooked and guessing as to what will happen next and I am so ready for the next book!
1,865 reviews8 followers
May 22, 2025
I really do love this dual story we get of Saphire and Zoey and the struggles they face with their men. Love the world that continues to come off the pages andnjust grabs me in. I have read the series from the beginning and the sub series in each as well and can say that the amount of effort and creativity that is put into this authors books will have me wanting everything she writes.
78 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2025
With each book I tell myself that it is impossible for it to be as good as the last one... and each time I discover another well-written book, with characters who change and evolve throughout the story. This book is a turning point for the 4 main characters... I really can't wait to read the next one. Thank you Michelle for this fantastic book.
88 reviews
May 24, 2025
Triumphant

Riven and Sapphire triumph in this latest book in the Star Touched:Fae Bound series. Zoey chooses a new oath for herself.

Hold on for some illuminating revelations on the nature of bound souls, and some intense emotions.

Be sure to grab Burning Star and be ready to stay up late!!
Profile Image for Vicky Mcbratney.
78 reviews
July 7, 2025
so good!

I love the this story and how the whole series is coming together! My problem is I read them too fast then I have to agonize waiting for the next one! I have never been disappointed with any of Michelle Madow’s books. Star Touched is so full of action and Romance I love it!!
Profile Image for Kim Lemmer.
152 reviews
August 28, 2025
Yes!

Yes I Love Sapphire and Riven and I can’t stop thinking about Zoey and Aerix? I am excited for Zoey that she found love. Is it dark & about as different from what she & Sapphire expected for her? Yes, but it seems to fit the defiant strong willed woman who refuses to be tamed.
Profile Image for Sheri.
667 reviews
May 12, 2025
Talk about character growth! Dang, Riven!

This book continues right where book 4 left off. Riven and Sapphire have quite a task and challenges to face. Meanwhile, Zoey is thriving.

I am so excited for book 6! I can't wait to see how this all wraps up! Highly recommend this series!
693 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2025
This is a fascinating series.

Sapphire and Riven are put through unimagined trials to try and receive the powerful item that they need. In the meantime, Zoey has committed herself wholly to Aerix, prince of the Nightcourt.
Profile Image for Bobbie  Ullom .
35 reviews
May 24, 2025
Sooo good! I can't wait for the next installment. I love Zoey and I hope her love story works out as well as Sapphire and Riven does. And, I'm impatiently waiting to hear what Daddy Damien is going to say...
Profile Image for Liz.
137 reviews
June 2, 2025
A bit better than the last couple

It’s a bit better than the last couple books in this series. Neutral rating. This one is filled with cringe on another level.

The Zoey situation went from zero to sixty real fast.

It’s a very fast read like the others in the series.
Profile Image for Dschaper54.
792 reviews6 followers
June 26, 2025
So Good

This installment did not disappoint. Such an amazing story and the characters are so well developed, it’s like I know them personally. Every book that Madow has written are winners!!! Such a fantastic author.
6 reviews
July 16, 2025
Détermination, loyauté et amour.

L'amour reflété dans ce livre donné aux personnages la meilleure raison de se battre contre l'ennemi, s'ils veulent un avenir où ils seront débarrassé de l'ennemi de tous.
Lisez la série.






52 reviews
August 20, 2025
Loved it.

Suspense was great. Like the characters, magic, and locations. I'll read on. Thank you for entertaining me. This is a lot like lucia ashta's books. I'm not surprised this has been popular with adults.
465 reviews
September 29, 2025
Star Touched Fae Bound:

OMG I am so glad I'm binge reading this series of books I would be going crazy waiting for the next book to come out. With all of the chiffhangers you are leaving.
56 reviews
May 23, 2025
It was a cute little romance book.

I am concerned for the one character, it's getting pretty dark from my interpretation of what is happening.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.