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Blood Bound
What the council wants, the council gets. And what they can't get, they eliminate.
When she is forced back to Oakblood and into Kingsbury College, Rain Riverton is well aware there are only two ways out. Survive or die.
But survival isn't as simple as it seems, not when the council is watching her every move, not when the students at Kingsbury possess magic she could only dream of owning. And certainly not when she gains the attention of the one person she shouldn't.
Kai Malek is as dangerous as the council she fears, or maybe more. Her tormentor and the reason she left Oakblood years ago. He swore to kill her, and there is nothing more sacred than a blood oath.
Oakblood isn't what it used to be. Kingsbury isn't the safe haven everyone thinks it is, and Rain isn't the same girl she was when she crossed the wards into the cursed town.
The council wants something with her and she is going to make sure they never get it, even if it costs her sanity, her life... or the enemy she has no business caring about.
When she is forced back to Oakblood and into Kingsbury College, Rain Riverton is well aware there are only two ways out. Survive or die.
But survival isn't as simple as it seems, not when the council is watching her every move, not when the students at Kingsbury possess magic she could only dream of owning. And certainly not when she gains the attention of the one person she shouldn't.
Kai Malek is as dangerous as the council she fears, or maybe more. Her tormentor and the reason she left Oakblood years ago. He swore to kill her, and there is nothing more sacred than a blood oath.
Oakblood isn't what it used to be. Kingsbury isn't the safe haven everyone thinks it is, and Rain isn't the same girl she was when she crossed the wards into the cursed town.
The council wants something with her and she is going to make sure they never get it, even if it costs her sanity, her life... or the enemy she has no business caring about.
- GenresFantasy
636 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2025
39 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 10, 2025
This book is about to be my entire personality for the next five months!
Now, this is what you should be prepared to get
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Enemies to lovers? Yessss! Kai and Rain broke the whole nonsense that has been going on so far in romantasy books, where it's called enemies to lovers but they already want to bang by chapter 2 (cough, cough, powerless)
They were actual enemies to lovers, and the twists started early, so I had my jaw wide open from 20% in. Rain tried to assassinate Kai and girl, did she have what was coming for her😂 my man retaliated alrighttt!!
She also poisoned him... I told you, true enemies to lovers!
Plot: 10/10! While ofcourse it still had some things similar to what popular romantasy books have, it was so unique I could cry. The trials were so unique, I had no idea one could think of portals where students get transported to different realms/back in time as a trial, I was thinking it would be like every trending trial book where they have to run through a boring ass maze, or jump through a Lava. But boy was I wrong. I found myself looking towards the next trial Everytime one ended.
Slow Burn?: Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes. I felt the chemistry of the two characters from chapter 2 actually, but their romance was so nicely done, that even at page 300, these two were yearning for each other, there were so many eye contacts that had me all hot and bothered, praying to be Rain for a whole minute. The slow burn burntttt! Take it from me, you. Will. Be. Burnt.
Possessive/ Jealousy scenes??! Yes! The Mmc in this book, Kai Malek, is a psycho 😂 he doesn't want anyone breathing close to her even. The back of Sebastian's palm could tell you more, considering the amount of times he has slapped it whenever Sebastian is about to touch Rain.
A strand of hair came down from my ponytail which blocked my vision. He reached for my face. A shrilling slap across Sebastian’s outstretched hand sent my stomach to my chest in an instant.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” My entire body went still at the sound of his voice. I turned towards Kai.
Kai is my new religion 🤞
The jealousy scenes were crazyyy, especially since he spent all book not caring about her, he fell head over hill Inlove.
Pov: 1st person
Side Characters: Nazeera! My baby Kamari, Aeth! Etc, I loved them all, they were so cute, I loved the fact they didn't feel like side characters, more like, they didn't feel like their entire existence was to Aid Rain, it felt like everyone had their own thing going and I fell Inlove with them too.
Oh, and if you loved Tarin from Fourth wing, you would absolutely love Aeth!🤞 His sass is topnotch, and he is a being in her mind too.
i am obsessed and can't wait for book 2
My favorite line from book 1? Here:
Absolutely gagged while waiting for book two.
****
You can follow my other reviews at Alexia.books on tiktok!
Now, this is what you should be prepared to get
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Enemies to lovers? Yessss! Kai and Rain broke the whole nonsense that has been going on so far in romantasy books, where it's called enemies to lovers but they already want to bang by chapter 2 (cough, cough, powerless)
They were actual enemies to lovers, and the twists started early, so I had my jaw wide open from 20% in. Rain tried to assassinate Kai and girl, did she have what was coming for her😂 my man retaliated alrighttt!!
She also poisoned him... I told you, true enemies to lovers!
Plot: 10/10! While ofcourse it still had some things similar to what popular romantasy books have, it was so unique I could cry. The trials were so unique, I had no idea one could think of portals where students get transported to different realms/back in time as a trial, I was thinking it would be like every trending trial book where they have to run through a boring ass maze, or jump through a Lava. But boy was I wrong. I found myself looking towards the next trial Everytime one ended.
Slow Burn?: Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes. I felt the chemistry of the two characters from chapter 2 actually, but their romance was so nicely done, that even at page 300, these two were yearning for each other, there were so many eye contacts that had me all hot and bothered, praying to be Rain for a whole minute. The slow burn burntttt! Take it from me, you. Will. Be. Burnt.
Possessive/ Jealousy scenes??! Yes! The Mmc in this book, Kai Malek, is a psycho 😂 he doesn't want anyone breathing close to her even. The back of Sebastian's palm could tell you more, considering the amount of times he has slapped it whenever Sebastian is about to touch Rain.
A strand of hair came down from my ponytail which blocked my vision. He reached for my face. A shrilling slap across Sebastian’s outstretched hand sent my stomach to my chest in an instant.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” My entire body went still at the sound of his voice. I turned towards Kai.
Kai is my new religion 🤞
The jealousy scenes were crazyyy, especially since he spent all book not caring about her, he fell head over hill Inlove.
Pov: 1st person
Side Characters: Nazeera! My baby Kamari, Aeth! Etc, I loved them all, they were so cute, I loved the fact they didn't feel like side characters, more like, they didn't feel like their entire existence was to Aid Rain, it felt like everyone had their own thing going and I fell Inlove with them too.
Oh, and if you loved Tarin from Fourth wing, you would absolutely love Aeth!🤞 His sass is topnotch, and he is a being in her mind too.
i am obsessed and can't wait for book 2
My favorite line from book 1? Here:
“You’ll be the ruin of me, won’t you? Princess.”
Absolutely gagged while waiting for book two.
****
You can follow my other reviews at Alexia.books on tiktok!
April 29, 2025
Ok, first thing first, this book is thicc - 681 pages on Kindle. And yes, that can be daunting both with world building, the magic system, etc., Raven Ure did a great job in helping the reader along. I probably could have taken less time reading this, but I'm getting back into fantasy and wanted to enjoy the ride.
I think Ure managed to cover just about every possible emotion in this book. There's a lot here - the MCs, Kai and Rain, will make you want to yell or throw up your hands, maybe even cry. So much is packed in here (with that page count, there should be!). It's hard to condense it down into a review without getting either too technical or spoiling too much.
The synopsis gives a good overview so if fantasy academia is your jam and you don't mind a longer page count (if you're romance reader 400+ pages is long read, give this a go!
I think Ure managed to cover just about every possible emotion in this book. There's a lot here - the MCs, Kai and Rain, will make you want to yell or throw up your hands, maybe even cry. So much is packed in here (with that page count, there should be!). It's hard to condense it down into a review without getting either too technical or spoiling too much.
The synopsis gives a good overview so if fantasy academia is your jam and you don't mind a longer page count (if you're romance reader 400+ pages is long read, give this a go!
April 15, 2025
Did I enjoy this book? Yes.
Did it have me screaming at the FMC and ML out in public? Yes.
Did it have me drop my phone down and take deep breaths in second hand embarrassment? Yes.
Did it stop me from having quality sleep at night and day? Yes
Did it destroy me emotionally? Yes
Did I cry while reading? Yes
Did I blush and squeal uncontrollably? Yes
Am I still haunted by this book? Yes
Should you read it? Yes.
Did it have me screaming at the FMC and ML out in public? Yes.
Did it have me drop my phone down and take deep breaths in second hand embarrassment? Yes.
Did it stop me from having quality sleep at night and day? Yes
Did it destroy me emotionally? Yes
Did I cry while reading? Yes
Did I blush and squeal uncontrollably? Yes
Am I still haunted by this book? Yes
Should you read it? Yes.
September 5, 2025
i’d heard good things about this book but i had to dnf — very good bones but the writing was quite juvenile (unedited) and it also seemed hugely like a lot of plot was a straight up rip-off of other books? not saying it is … but the coincidences were coincidencing
July 2, 2025
The concept itself is interesting, but needs quite a bit of editing. The story didn’t flow very well and it was hard to keep track of what was happening. There needs to be more character building. I could barely remember who was who and who was friend or foe.
May 25, 2025
Okay...so I'm done reading this masterpiece and all I can say is wow. Like God took his time to sculpt Raven Ure's brain to perfection.
The characters were beautifully written. The setting Oakblood reminds me of the town in Wednesday. The friendship is like the golden trio in Harry Potter. The way the students death's were announced is similar to the Hunger games. It reminds me of Alchemy of souls too. It's like all of my favorite worlds combined in the best way possible. It's was incredibly nostalgic and have I mentioned beautifully written. Very detailed, might I add.
I don't think anyone has said this before but my favourite character is actually Aetherondral. Like Rain can have Kai. I just want Aeth 🤭🤭
I loved his nickname for Rain 'Starlight'.
Another thing, while reading it, I remember thinking more than twice that "This book in Kai's POV would be insane." And then we got Kai's POV before the ending.... and I was right, it was insane 😩
Yeah, the ending was brutal, ain't gonna lie but it's not something I didn't expect. I mean, everyone knows they were doomed from the beginning 🥲
Bloodbound brought me out of my 1½ years reading slump and now that I'm done with it, I'll be looking for something to fill the void I now feel in my heart.
Again, thank you so much for this incredible masterpiece 🤌🏾
I'm waiting on book 2 🥹
The characters were beautifully written. The setting Oakblood reminds me of the town in Wednesday. The friendship is like the golden trio in Harry Potter. The way the students death's were announced is similar to the Hunger games. It reminds me of Alchemy of souls too. It's like all of my favorite worlds combined in the best way possible. It's was incredibly nostalgic and have I mentioned beautifully written. Very detailed, might I add.
I don't think anyone has said this before but my favourite character is actually Aetherondral. Like Rain can have Kai. I just want Aeth 🤭🤭
I loved his nickname for Rain 'Starlight'.
Another thing, while reading it, I remember thinking more than twice that "This book in Kai's POV would be insane." And then we got Kai's POV before the ending.... and I was right, it was insane 😩
Yeah, the ending was brutal, ain't gonna lie but it's not something I didn't expect. I mean, everyone knows they were doomed from the beginning 🥲
Bloodbound brought me out of my 1½ years reading slump and now that I'm done with it, I'll be looking for something to fill the void I now feel in my heart.
Again, thank you so much for this incredible masterpiece 🤌🏾
I'm waiting on book 2 🥹
Read
April 16, 2025My oh my!
I am not a lover of fantasy stories, but Raven Ure just converted me.
This author did an exceptional work with this book. Rain won my heart from the very first chapter, and as I get to see her character unravelled in the following chapters, she only wormed her way more into my heart.
Her kindness seemed to be the cause of her many problems, yet it always turn out to be her greatest magic yet. Her bravery is just so admirable.
Talk of Kai! I can't rave enough about Kai for real. Sexiest demon with a touch of fallible humanity.
The side characters got me flipping this book just as fast as the main leads to. Uggh, I still can't get over what happened to Kamari though! I am somehow wishing she get a sort of a crazy-ass second chance in book 2, actually. Wishful thinking, I know. 😁
Enough spoilers already. 😁
The best thing a reader can do today is to read this book. Then you will realise how much research and hardwork Raven Ure put into this great work. I mean, who knew I was going to learn facts I never knew about Medusa? Oops, I did it again. 🙂
Thank you, author. I am totally looking forward to the Book 2 of this book!
God knows how many times I will reread Book 1 before 2 comes out.
Ciao!!!
I am not a lover of fantasy stories, but Raven Ure just converted me.
This author did an exceptional work with this book. Rain won my heart from the very first chapter, and as I get to see her character unravelled in the following chapters, she only wormed her way more into my heart.
Her kindness seemed to be the cause of her many problems, yet it always turn out to be her greatest magic yet. Her bravery is just so admirable.
Talk of Kai! I can't rave enough about Kai for real. Sexiest demon with a touch of fallible humanity.
The side characters got me flipping this book just as fast as the main leads to. Uggh, I still can't get over what happened to Kamari though! I am somehow wishing she get a sort of a crazy-ass second chance in book 2, actually. Wishful thinking, I know. 😁
Enough spoilers already. 😁
The best thing a reader can do today is to read this book. Then you will realise how much research and hardwork Raven Ure put into this great work. I mean, who knew I was going to learn facts I never knew about Medusa? Oops, I did it again. 🙂
Thank you, author. I am totally looking forward to the Book 2 of this book!
God knows how many times I will reread Book 1 before 2 comes out.
Ciao!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
5⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I’m emotionally destroyed but I like it 🖤
Read it if you have any doubts! It has some dark themes and is heartbreaking in places but so worth the read. It also has moments of humour which balance it all out. The characters have such depth and the world building is so good. Dark fantasy perfection.
Where do I begin, it has so much I love. The school setting which included training and then they also have trials. I love that sort of setting and vibe it just works in fantasy every time. And games and trials is such a good format. And that opening is so good! And loved the first twist that Kai was the one who taught her the whistle and their history together.
It kept me engaged the whole time even thought it’s a longer read. It didn’t feel like it at the same time. The character development is amazing. Rain, my girl as our FMC! All the found family vibes with Nazeera, Kamari and Leon. And Kai! Eek! Another new shadow daddy for me to obsess over.
It’s true enemies to lovers which is my favourite, delicious.
Slow burn, but then the spice, ooft 🔥 I loved the romance, especially because they had been intertwined since childhood.
Kai Azer? Who? Hello, Kai Malek ❤️🔥. My new favourite Kai.
That ending broke me🥲
🌶️🌶️
I’m emotionally destroyed but I like it 🖤
Read it if you have any doubts! It has some dark themes and is heartbreaking in places but so worth the read. It also has moments of humour which balance it all out. The characters have such depth and the world building is so good. Dark fantasy perfection.
Where do I begin, it has so much I love. The school setting which included training and then they also have trials. I love that sort of setting and vibe it just works in fantasy every time. And games and trials is such a good format. And that opening is so good! And loved the first twist that Kai was the one who taught her the whistle and their history together.
It kept me engaged the whole time even thought it’s a longer read. It didn’t feel like it at the same time. The character development is amazing. Rain, my girl as our FMC! All the found family vibes with Nazeera, Kamari and Leon. And Kai! Eek! Another new shadow daddy for me to obsess over.
It’s true enemies to lovers which is my favourite, delicious.
Slow burn, but then the spice, ooft 🔥 I loved the romance, especially because they had been intertwined since childhood.
Kai Azer? Who? Hello, Kai Malek ❤️🔥. My new favourite Kai.
That ending broke me🥲
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
🦋 She tries to kill him more than once
🦋 He tries to kill her
🦋Legacies (spin-off of TVD/The Originals) vibes
🦋 Tension, Angst, Yearning
🦋 Touch her and ☠️
🦋 Corrupt Leaders
🦋 Dark Academia
🦋 Magic, Witches, Shapeshifters, and Trials
I really liked this book. The vibes were vibing. The tension was top freaking tier. And overall the story kept me engaged and wanting more. And considering I DNF’d the last 2 dark books I tried reading, I was very happy about that.
Now, just to note, there were a few times where I struggled to follow Rain’s train of thought or fully grasp what she was figuring out. That could just be a me thing though, idk. There were also some phrases or terms that didn’t match what was meant. But to be fair, the author did mention up front that English isn’t her first language, and I kept that in mind while reading.
If you’re someone who can look past typos or a few odd phrases and just vibe with a book, I definitely recommend this one. It was awesome and I genuinely can’t wait for book 2!
🦋 He tries to kill her
🦋Legacies (spin-off of TVD/The Originals) vibes
🦋 Tension, Angst, Yearning
🦋 Touch her and ☠️
🦋 Corrupt Leaders
🦋 Dark Academia
🦋 Magic, Witches, Shapeshifters, and Trials
I really liked this book. The vibes were vibing. The tension was top freaking tier. And overall the story kept me engaged and wanting more. And considering I DNF’d the last 2 dark books I tried reading, I was very happy about that.
Now, just to note, there were a few times where I struggled to follow Rain’s train of thought or fully grasp what she was figuring out. That could just be a me thing though, idk. There were also some phrases or terms that didn’t match what was meant. But to be fair, the author did mention up front that English isn’t her first language, and I kept that in mind while reading.
If you’re someone who can look past typos or a few odd phrases and just vibe with a book, I definitely recommend this one. It was awesome and I genuinely can’t wait for book 2!
April 15, 2025
This is one of the best brain racking books I've ever read. It drew me in right from the beginning. The plot,the settings. The writer did a thing here. This book brought me out from my overwhelmed state. If you are looking for a book that would make your mouth drop,smile and also cry. Then this book is for you. Even if you are not looking for that kind of book,trust me after reading this book,you'll crave for more. Enjoy Kai and Rain's world..
July 25, 2025
This has to be one of the best books I have ever seen!!! The best!! ✨
This book is so good and the plot is everything! If you are looking for a good enemies to lovers! This is your book✨
The whole character building and trials with the tension... Absolutely loved every second of reading and I couldn't put this book down!
This is also the first book to make me sob and I have been a reader for years now that's how good it is!
Five stars isn't enough for this masterpiece ✨
This book is so good and the plot is everything! If you are looking for a good enemies to lovers! This is your book✨
The whole character building and trials with the tension... Absolutely loved every second of reading and I couldn't put this book down!
This is also the first book to make me sob and I have been a reader for years now that's how good it is!
Five stars isn't enough for this masterpiece ✨
August 24, 2025
love this book. really helped with the fourth wing hangover. I actually love the similarities to the fourth wing. I do wish she quit passing out alot as its kinda a uncommon thing to do especially after sex, but a great fantasy book. would give more stars if I could and now I need the second book. Aeth and Kai, im in love with. I do wonder if we get a small love connection between Kai's inner person (forgot her name) and Aeth. I really want that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
Story is good and shows a lot of promise but really feel that it could have benefitted from some more rounds of editing, particularly towards the end. While the mmc is morally grey and touch her and expire, the relationship comes across as borderline (emotionally/psychologically) abusive so please watch if this is something triggering.
July 14, 2025
Beautifully written
This book was filled with twists and turns, suspense, humour and a slow burn romance that I enjoyed. It doesn’t have a lot of spice but I couldn’t put this book down. Finished it in a day and can’t wait for the second book
✅Spice 🌶️
✅Touch her and die
✅Enemies to lovers
✅Magic and myth
✅Prophecies
✅Dark Romance
✅Slow Burn
This book basically covers it all
This book was filled with twists and turns, suspense, humour and a slow burn romance that I enjoyed. It doesn’t have a lot of spice but I couldn’t put this book down. Finished it in a day and can’t wait for the second book
✅Spice 🌶️
✅Touch her and die
✅Enemies to lovers
✅Magic and myth
✅Prophecies
✅Dark Romance
✅Slow Burn
This book basically covers it all
May 24, 2025
3,5 ⭐
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