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Fatebound

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When Ariya Sylvaris, Enchantress and member of the Circle of the Seven, bonds herself to a dragon, she unleashes a magic the world believed impossible. With war looming, the King of Draegon demands her loyalty and the loyalty of her coven. To protect those she loves, Ariya is willing to risk everything by offering the untested spell she created to bind magic-wielders to dragons, a feat no one has ever dared to attempt, and a secret she has already risked everything to keep.
As the Whispering Weald steels itself for bloodshed, Ariya races to uncover the sacred stones and help her coven forge their own bonds before time runs out. Yet the truest battle may be the one waging inside her.
“Blackblade,” mercenary and infamous leader of the Hollow Blades, is bound to the king not by loyalty but by necessity. Ruthless, calculating, and haunted by the past, he will do whatever it takes to protect the few he still holds dear. He was never meant to cross paths with Ariya, but every clash between them cuts deeper, sharper, and burns hotter. What begins as a reluctant alliance threatens to spiral into something far more dangerous, steering him toward a destiny he never imagined.
He vowed he’d never want her.
She swore she’d never need anyone.
But fate is a cruel thing, and it does not ask... it claims.

544 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025

8 people are currently reading
78 people want to read

About the author

K.T. Carpenter

5 books42 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Linz_loves_books (Semi-Hiatus).
222 reviews336 followers
August 25, 2025
Infinity ♾️Stars⭐️
A God Tier Book
This book is the third in the series, but it is the prequel that comes before book one. A book that reminded me why I fell in love with reading and why I still continue to read today. There are not words to express my love for this book and how it made me feel. The author's writing completely immerses you into beautiful imagery and world building with a loveable found family. The book has you so connected to the characters and the world that when you read it, it plays out like a movie in your mind or like you are there yourself. Even crazier, if you read this series in publication order you know what is to come in this book because it is briefly mentioned in the previous books. However, the author's beautiful writing builds you up to the point that you still feel everything you are supposed to when reading this story. I got goosebumps and I cried, I honestly felt everything and more when it came to this book.

I really can't go into detail about what the book is about with possibly spoiling other books. So here is what to expect:
🐲Witches/Dragons/Fae
🐲Found Family
🐲Prophecy/Curses
🐲Magic
🐲Amazing Battle Scenes

It is amazing to go on a journey with an author. To start reading their debut novel and see the growth not only through their characters but their writing as well. I highlighted so much while reading this book because the writing was simply beautiful. After reading this book, I can only see this author continuing to go up from here and I can't wait to be along for every step of the journey.

Once Again.........A GOD TIER BOOK and an ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!






Pre-Read Review: Back to the World of Dragons Please!
Profile Image for Leanna Streeter.
353 reviews70 followers
August 25, 2025
This book is utter perfection. Truly one of the best books I’ve read all year.

From the very beginning, it’s emotionally packed and filled with heart, heartbreak, and a romance so swoon-worthy it had me completely hooked. There’s a beautiful sense of found family woven throughout, dragons that bond in ways that make the story pulse with life, and an FMC who is both fierce and full of heart. She’s the kind of heroine who inspires and sticks with you long after the final page.

Even though this is a prequel and I already knew the outcome, the journey to get there broke me in the most beautiful way. It’s a tragic story, yes, but one told with such care and emotion that I couldn’t look away. The pacing is flawless, the writing is stunning, and the depth of feeling behind every chapter left me in awe. You come to understand exactly why the curse from the first two books happens and honestly, I found myself agreeing that the world at that time deserved it.

This indie author has created something extraordinary here. It’s heartbreaking yet breathtaking, and I can’t even fully put into words how much this story meant to me. If you love emotionally powerful storytelling, dragons, found family, and a romance that makes your heart ache in the best way, this is an absolute must-read. Thank you to the author for the gifted arc. What a privilege it was to read this one early. Go read this!
Profile Image for Amanda Hopwood.
325 reviews27 followers
August 23, 2025
This was my first KT Carpenter read , and I am beyond thankful to be able to read the eARC.

Found family is one of my most favorite tropes and this book hit that on the head for me . While there it is thick with world building, you u sweat and why in that last 30% of the book. The connection and love between MFC and her dragon , her friends. Her mate , her found family . Stirs all the emotions up . And the female rage … top notch !!
Profile Image for Stephanie Bennett.
154 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2025
Fatebound is a prequel to Heartbound and follows the Enchantress, Ariya. Fatebound takes us on her journey with bonding dragons, fae, and castors in the upcoming war that Draegon is about to endure with Aetherlyn. The king of Draegon summons Ariya, along with her castors, and the Leader of the Hollow Blades, Blackblade, to fight with him and win this war.

Fatebound is my favorite book I have ever read. The writing is beautiful and descriptive which allowed me to actually imagine that I am in their world with them at that moment. I fell in love with each character, fae or dragon, good or bad. From beginning to end the story was full of action with twists and turns. I laughed, gasped, blushed, sighed, swooned and sobbed. I have never sobbed more while reading a book. K.T. Carpenter brought me into this world and I was there for every word. This book is god-tier! This series is my Roman Empire!
Profile Image for Kellie Jackson.
280 reviews8 followers
July 28, 2025
✨ ARC Read Review

Your taken in a whole new world in this one as it is a prequel. It is so different than the first two books. This was so beautifully written. This is heavily surrounded in the world building and has an extremely strong finish. You will be sucked in from the beginning and by the middle you will not want to stop. There is so much angst, tension, growth, yearning, and love built into this. The relationship development was outstanding. The enemies to lovers with the slow burn was phenomenal and when the spice came into play it was fantastic and couldn’t have been better plotted. You want an amazing enemies to lovers with an amazing, addictive and action packed plot, this would be it. The amount of action that this works up to and has is absolutely incredible and when I tell you that you will hurt but also heal in ways you would never realize, I’m not even kidding. This is a billion star rating and it just keeps getting better and better.
Profile Image for kimiwheelielovesbooks.
200 reviews23 followers
July 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

You think you're ready to read Ariya's story but you're not but it's a must read. Please have tissues near by for the end of this book!! K.T. Carpenter has done it again with her great to tell and incredible imagination. It's time so go back in time and learn the enchantress' heartfelt and tragic story. If you read Heartbound and Soulbound, you're going to want to continue the story and learn Ariya's history, I repeat keep tissues nearby.

Tropes:
- 1st Bonded Dragons
- Casters & Faes
- Enemies to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Fated Mates
- Fierce FMC
- Powerful MMC
- Friendships
- Plot Twists
- Death
- Grief
- War

TW's:
- Sexually Explicit Scenes
- Language
- Death(s)
- Grief
- War
- Gore
- Graphic Scenes Of War
- Harm To Dragons
- Heartbreak
Profile Image for Lynnmarie542_books.
385 reviews35 followers
August 8, 2025
He vowed he’d never want her.
She swore she’d never need him.
And yet...Some fates are written in stars but theirs was carved in blood and fire.
The war is coming.
Dragons are rising.
Blood will spill.
And in the ashes of war, only one truth remains—
Magic demands sacrifice. And fate always collects its debt.

Thoughts

First off, huge thanks to Kat for letting me read this story right after you finished writing it, completely unedited! That alone was incredible, but my second read-through as an ARC? Even better.

Your writing always hooks me in a way I can’t fully explain—and I’ve said this since book 1. The way you describe scenes, emotions, even the smallest moments? Chef’s kiss 🤌🏽💋

As someone who doesn’t read a ton of fantasy, I need vivid detail to stay invested. I need to see the world, feel the tension, and immerse myself—and Kat delivers every single time. Even the spice? Beautifully written and perfectly placed.

This book takes us back years before Heartbound (book 1), and I loved seeing how it all began. Ariya is a total bada$$, and Caelan….

Ariya and Caelan? Swoon.
Nyxara, Had me giggling like a fool. 🤭
And the side characters, siblings, and friendships? All so well done and unforgettable.

I absolutely adored this story, but it was also beautifully tragic. Every time I thought I had myself together, I was bawling again. I cried for an hour. I’m emotionally ruined and have no more words.

Kat, like I told you when I finished…
We can’t be friends anymore. I’m emotionally unalive—but also…

Hand. Over. Book. Four.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Daisy Booktok.
121 reviews10 followers
August 25, 2025
Everything I love in a book and more. This book made me cry, laugh, have anxiety..... ALL OF THE EMOTIONS!!!

The 1st two books were great, but this one takes the crown. PLEASE NOTE: This book takes place before Heartbound

K.T. Carpenter def showed off with this book. The writing is phenomenal. I was picturing the events in my head as I was reading.

Nyx: Absolutely love!!!!!
Ariya and Caelan: My heart ❤️

Be prepared to cry and have your heartbroken.

PICK THIS UP IF YOU LOVE A GOOD CRY!!!!
Profile Image for Sharry.
9 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2025
I received this as an arc and I was not expecting what this book turned out to be - Spoiler (not really): it wrecked me. I gave it 4 stars only because it was slow pacing in the beginning.

You’ve got a kingdom on the edge of war. An Enchantress trapped in a world that underestimates her. A Shadow Daddy who’s equal parts rage and ruin. And a bond that’s written in the stars but feels like a curse.

There’s banter. There’s tension. There’s so much yearning.
The slow burn? Devastating.
The worldbuilding? Rich.
The stakes? Life-ruining (in the best way).

It’s giving:
👑 “I was never yours to control” energy
🖤 reluctant alliance turned emotional damage
🗡️ “touch her and die” but with restraint that hurts
🔥 plot and romance doing a full-on chokehold tag team
🌶️ the spice is definitely spicy in this romantasy

I highlighted so many lines I started bookmarking entire chapters.
If you love fantasy with teeth, characters that make you feral, and stories that leave claw marks on your heart—this one’s for you.
Profile Image for Tammy.
246 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2025
Who is cutting onions cuz I’m crying. What the heck was that?

This is a prequel. Book one and book two are already out. I definitely need to read those.

The slow burn and tension were great!

- enemies to lovers
- dragons
- fated mates
- touch her/him and 💀
- he falls first
Profile Image for Lori.
191 reviews14 followers
August 28, 2025
This book will run a check on all your emotions, so be prepared! You will laugh, you will sob, you will be angry, and you will bawl your eyes out uncontrollably! And thank Kat for every second of it. I absolutely love this series and can’t believe this isn’t more popular than it is! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, MOVE OVER Fourth Wing & ACOTAR, there is a new dragon series taking over.
Profile Image for April More.
80 reviews11 followers
August 5, 2025
This book has my heart. Such a beautifully written story. The world building, the plot, the characters, the way the author brings you into the story. Gosh, I am speechless.

This book takes you back a thousand years and walks you through every emotional moment and decision that lead up to the curse being put on the fae. I cannot say more without spoilers. This book is a must read. I give it 5+++ stars. If you loved the first 2 books, then this is a must read.
Profile Image for Gloria Hunt.
65 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2025
Always enjoyable to see another point of view in a series. Spellbound and Heartbound were great reads but now we get to see who the sorceress is and why she became the person that she did. Bravo!
Profile Image for Angie Campbell.
19 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2025
What another spectacular book! I tell you she never disappoints. This series has had me in a choke hold from the beginning. It quit literally has everything you could want in fantasy.
I loved that with this one you get the back story of everything that led to the beginning. I can’t say enough about the exceptional writing from KT, I can’t even put it into words. I absolutely cant wait for more from her!
This book was way spicier than the last two, and I am here for it. You can literally feel the heat on these pages.
If you haven’t read this series you should absolutely start today! You will not regret it!
Profile Image for Dian M. Roy.
226 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2025
Holy greatness!!! I am so in love with this book. It he adventures, love, turmoil, war, and beauty writhing the pages of this book have me whirling. To be in love with a fictional character seems far reaching but Caelan is absolutely an incredible and interesting man. His powers and his ability to turn my heart to mush is outstanding. When it comes to duty and honor both the FMC and mmc are very strong advocates for this. The growth In their relationship and character were so powerful and captivating. They his is my favorite read of the year!! I have been so blessed and honored to get the opportunity to read this. Now I look forward to adding this beautiful masterpiece to my shelf!!
48 reviews8 followers
August 18, 2025
Let me begin by saying WOW..

Kat's books make me invision how the story goes like it is a movie itself. Her writing keeps you intrigued and engaged in her stories.

This book takes you on an adventure. I love Ariya she is one bad ass FMC she will do anything to protect her coven. I also love how Blackblade has a hard exterior, but then when it comes to Ariya, he becomes softer. He is willing to sacrifice himself to make sure she is safe and stays alive. he has a traumatic past that he tries to overcome after he meets Ariya. Blackblade is the true definition of selfless. The way he puts himself and his feelings aside for his people and the people he loves is the most touching and heartwarming.

Nyx, I love the bond her and Ariya share. she is there as a companion , and she is there to be a hype Ariya up. these books in this series make my love for the bonded dragons more and more. my heart glows at the interactions between the characters and their dragons.

I love the banter that happens in this book. There are comical parts. Parts that make your romance side grabbing the awwww. Parts where you have the anticipation and worry that everything will be on. There are parts where you get frustrated and angry. When the spice is spicing, you grab ice cubes to cool you off. I have cried happy tears due to sentimental quotes in this book. THIS BOOK WRECKED MY SOUL

I cannot wait for Skybound
11 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2025
This is one of those "you think you know, but you have no idea" books. Sure you've got an idea, a general direction, if you've read Heartbound and Soulbound... But it's in the abstract.You know, but do you really? And then you sink your teeth into Fatebound and it bites back. This series is the brain baby of K.T. Carpenter and being gifted the honor of reading all of the ARCs so far has been mind blowing. I was OBSESSED over Heartbound. The love continued in Soulbound... But Fatebound pulled out all the stops. Laugh, cry (more like sob), scream, kick your feet, gasp, blush, rinse and repeat. The beauty of this series is that you can read it starting with Heartbound, moving into Soulbound and then fall headfirst into Fatebound. Or you can start with Fatebound (out August 29th) and then fall into Heartbound and Soulbound. I've read it both ways (yes, the obsession is real), and it's great either way. You will be on pins and needles waiting for the fourth and final book in this series. I already am! Join the rest of us Bounders in the obsession that is the Kingdom of Aetherlyn series. Seriously, you won't regret it!
Profile Image for Becci Hudson.
148 reviews11 followers
August 26, 2025
WTF !!!!!!!!
I officially have fallen out with K.T.Carpenter
I was sent this book as an arc and I don’t think I’ve cried like this over a book in ages.
This book officially ripped my heart out of my chest and stomped over it.
I love Kat’s writing but this book was something else. If you want a book with a happy ending do not read this (although the epilogue at the end sort of made up for it).
I’m still trying to process this book. It happens years before Kats other two books Heartbound and Soulbound and her writing just seems to get better. It follows Ariya an enchantress and her bonded dragon. She gets pulled into a war that she wants nothing to do with and let’s just say ends up unleashing hell.
Profile Image for Lydia Johnston.
170 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2025
Welp, I am completely unwell! My soul has been RIPPED from me! This story was EVERYTHING!! I can say hands down this series is one of my favorite dragon series! I loved everything about this book! The banter, the SLOWEST and most perfect-est slow burn, the humor, the action, the love, the found family, dragons, witches, faes, evil king, and everything! 🤌🏻
It made me cry, and I’m not a crier! Only two books have made me cry, and this book was one of them!
K.T. Carpenter is the GOAT! Auto-buy author for me!
Obsessed with this book!
Profile Image for Cari Rees.
98 reviews16 followers
September 5, 2025
Goodness, i have no words! This is a beautiful heartwarming story and tears you apart also! You will need tissues! Her writing is amazing and she makes you feel like you are there inside that book. The characters are amazing and you just fall in love with them! I loved this so much! You love fated mates, magic, bonded dragons, and bad a$$ characters then you will love this series!! I def recommend this!!
Profile Image for Jojo_Bookish Nurse.
191 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2025
Going into this book, I knew how it would end from reading the first two. I also knew it was going to be a rough ride. This tells the story of young Ariya and her dragon Nyx (for short). The bond and love they shared was so deep. It's about Caelan and Ariya's fated mates story...however short it was, it served a greater purpose. This story is about friendship, found family, how too much power becomes something ugly and therefore, there needs to be change. From being broken, that is what Ariya sets into motion. And two will come, and all will be right again.
This book did make me cry several times. I will feel the effects of this story for a long time.
Profile Image for Mary Lohorn.
125 reviews10 followers
August 10, 2025
5 stars ⭐️ isn’t nearly enough for this book. Fatebound is such a wonderful and phenomenal read! It had my full attention from beginning until the end. K.T.’s writing for this book ( entire series ) is so descriptive that it makes you feel like your right there in the world with the characters. It’s beautifully written and exceeded all my expectations for the book. This book is filled with action, tension, so much character growth, friendships, spice and heartbreak! 💔 😭 I definitely shed some tears K.T. 🤭😭 so add me to your jar! 😭
I recommend this book if you’re looking for something to get lost in and let consume you. This entire series will do that to you. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. I encourage you all to dive into this magical world and fall in love with these characters as I did. Just be prepared to shed a few tears along the way! I cannot wait for Skybound!
Profile Image for Amanda Nielsen.
3 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2025
K.T Carpenter does it again! I got the privilege to be an ARC reading and man this book does not disappoint. This book has it all from dragons, to magic, fated mates, to heartbreak, to family and beyond. I loved the bond I felt between the MFC and her dragon - they were like one. The MC had battles of his own. This book showed how to overcome life obstacles and to trust when you weren't sure you could. Without giving any spoilers, this booked wrecked me (but put it all back together in a way). I can't wait to see what is coming on 2026, how will I last!
Profile Image for Hailey Hughes.
4 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2025
I had the pleasure of being an arc reader for this book and I could not have been more delighted! Being with KT since Heartbound and seeing the way her writing has grown is amazing. This book had me hooked. I stopped all my other reading just to be able to finish it. I love the characters and I love the storyline. I became obsessed!! I do agree that you have to read Heartbound and Soulbound to really understand the FMC, but I can say that if you take the time to read these books and get to know the characters you will be in love with them and won’t regret a second of it!
Profile Image for Kelly  Cox .
351 reviews18 followers
August 19, 2025
Oh my gosh did this book have me all in the feels

Fatebound is the prequel to The Kingdom Of Aetherlyn series and it was perfect
To find out how HeartBound happened the before that caused all the unrest was a brilliant job this readers pov

I fell in love with every character and yes had my heart gutted over it but it all made perfect sense as to the first 2 books of the series

I absolutely can’t wait to find out if we get a book 4 in 2026!!!
Profile Image for Cassidy Untiedt.
64 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2025
Thank you KT for always providing with the best, pull you in and suck you dry, tear your heart out books, by far one of my favorite books! An amazing job and a heart clincher for sure 😭

Why do you gotta do this to me LOL but seriously 10/10 ♾️ stars

Blackblade 🤤 new book boyfriend oh my lawddd that is all 🖤
Profile Image for Ayrika.
15 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2025
If I could give this an infinity star rating I would!
K.T. Carpenter is an unbelievably amazing writer!! I got so lost inside Fatebound and never wanted to come out. The world is so vivid and the characters are so easy to connect with, I felt like I knew them. The enemies to lovers is swoon worthy and you can truly feel their connection as well as the friendships that are through the story! The end left me absolutely shattered but in complete and total awe. I loved every single minute of it, even the ones that hurt and I cannot wait to immediately jump into Heartbound to find out what comes next!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1 review2 followers
August 8, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Fatebound pulled me in right away, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. I loved being able to read Ariya’s story. The plot was really well done. It felt intentional, emotional, and totally immersive. And the characters? Loved them all. Ariya and Caelan especially stole my heart. Their dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book. If you’ve read the other books in the series, you need to pick this one up. It adds so much, and the writing is just as engaging as ever.✨
Profile Image for Lisa Gainers.
140 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2025
5 stars is not enough for this book. The journey that KT Carpenter takes you on will leave you a different person. This book will forever be woven into my heart, mind and soul. This is a testament to what fantasy books should be. The way I loved, laughed, cried, and screamed at this book! I felt every single emotion, and will recommend this book ALWAYS. 
Profile Image for Qu33nsara.
97 reviews4 followers
August 30, 2025
this series hits every feeling while you read each book. omg I just fell in love with the FMC this truly gives you the back story and you fully understand why she is the way she is. I love everything K.T Carpenter puts out!!!! if you haven't read any of her books what are you waiting for!!!! review by Qu33nsara
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