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Echoes of the Oathbound
Some fates are written in fire.
Others must be forged
In a realm where ancient gods slumber and blood bound magic runs deep, Lira never expected to survive her own -- let alone awaken with power that should have died centuries ago.
Hunted, marked, and utterly alone, she finds an unlikely Kael. a brooding warrior with shadows in his past and a blade that anwsers only to him.
As an age-old war stirs and forgotten oaths begin to unravel, Lira and Kael are drawn into a collision, course with prophecy, betrayal, and a bond neither of them asked for. With a fresh magic system, slow burn romance, and a twist on the fated mates trope, Echoes of the Oathbound is perfect for fans of grumpy/ sunshine dynamics, dangerous secrets, and stories where survival means embracing the power that once broke you.
Others must be forged
In a realm where ancient gods slumber and blood bound magic runs deep, Lira never expected to survive her own -- let alone awaken with power that should have died centuries ago.
Hunted, marked, and utterly alone, she finds an unlikely Kael. a brooding warrior with shadows in his past and a blade that anwsers only to him.
As an age-old war stirs and forgotten oaths begin to unravel, Lira and Kael are drawn into a collision, course with prophecy, betrayal, and a bond neither of them asked for. With a fresh magic system, slow burn romance, and a twist on the fated mates trope, Echoes of the Oathbound is perfect for fans of grumpy/ sunshine dynamics, dangerous secrets, and stories where survival means embracing the power that once broke you.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2025
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 23, 2025
NOTE: I received this book as an advanced reader copy and will be providing honest feedback based on the copy I received.
NOTE (2): Though it cannot be proven with absolute certainty without confirmation from the author, I have several reasons to believe that this book was, at least in part, assisted by generative AI. I ran the first three chapters through two different AI detection softwares after identifying some red flags while reading and both detected that it is probable that 75%+ of this book was in some part produced with the use of AI. These softwares are not always 100% reliable but I felt the need to include this information within the body of this review as it did effect how I came away feeling about this book overall.
The review:
Echoes of the Oathbound is marketed as a enemies-to-lovers grumpy x sunshine romantasy, which are all of the things I generally tend to LOVE in a book. While I can say this met the mark as an enemies-to-lovers romance, I have to say the grumpy x sunshine aspect fell significantly short. Our main characters Kael and Lira both tend to be in grave peril a majority of the time, which doesn't tend to lend itself to sunshine behavior, so we find the characters a majority of the time to be less grumpy x sunshine and more...grump and grumpier.
This story is told is dual perspective and while I don't generally mind that in a book, it did tend to give me a sense of whiplash here because oftentimes the perspective changed multiple times within the same chapter. I found that it caused the book to feel rushed in some places, slow in others, ultimately leading to the acts and structure just feeling...off. I haven't seen multiple perspectives in one chapter before in a book and applaud the author for trying something different, but this was just not a home run for me.
As much as I love a book with magic, I found that the magic system in this world needed to be further fleshed out. In books that feature magic, it's easy to slip into a "magic of convenience" mindset where it's there to save the day as needed and this book definitely fell victim to that. Because it wasn't made clear where the powers of the magic in this universe began and ended, it felt as though any problem our characters faced could be solved through the use of it without exception, ultimately lowering the stakes throughout the book.
The spice level of this book is low, so if you are a reader who likes a high fantasy with a splash of romance, I think this could be an interesting read for you. If you are primarily a romantasy reader with emphasis on the FIRST part of the word, this may fall flat for you in the spice department.
NOTE (2): Though it cannot be proven with absolute certainty without confirmation from the author, I have several reasons to believe that this book was, at least in part, assisted by generative AI. I ran the first three chapters through two different AI detection softwares after identifying some red flags while reading and both detected that it is probable that 75%+ of this book was in some part produced with the use of AI. These softwares are not always 100% reliable but I felt the need to include this information within the body of this review as it did effect how I came away feeling about this book overall.
The review:
Echoes of the Oathbound is marketed as a enemies-to-lovers grumpy x sunshine romantasy, which are all of the things I generally tend to LOVE in a book. While I can say this met the mark as an enemies-to-lovers romance, I have to say the grumpy x sunshine aspect fell significantly short. Our main characters Kael and Lira both tend to be in grave peril a majority of the time, which doesn't tend to lend itself to sunshine behavior, so we find the characters a majority of the time to be less grumpy x sunshine and more...grump and grumpier.
This story is told is dual perspective and while I don't generally mind that in a book, it did tend to give me a sense of whiplash here because oftentimes the perspective changed multiple times within the same chapter. I found that it caused the book to feel rushed in some places, slow in others, ultimately leading to the acts and structure just feeling...off. I haven't seen multiple perspectives in one chapter before in a book and applaud the author for trying something different, but this was just not a home run for me.
As much as I love a book with magic, I found that the magic system in this world needed to be further fleshed out. In books that feature magic, it's easy to slip into a "magic of convenience" mindset where it's there to save the day as needed and this book definitely fell victim to that. Because it wasn't made clear where the powers of the magic in this universe began and ended, it felt as though any problem our characters faced could be solved through the use of it without exception, ultimately lowering the stakes throughout the book.
The spice level of this book is low, so if you are a reader who likes a high fantasy with a splash of romance, I think this could be an interesting read for you. If you are primarily a romantasy reader with emphasis on the FIRST part of the word, this may fall flat for you in the spice department.
September 2, 2025
I ARC read the book a couple months ago and due to my low rating I didn't review it until now.
I struggled with the AI feel of the book, the grammatical errors, the lack of editing and the story. I think if this book was rewritten without AI I would likely give it a second chance and I guarantee I would rate higher. Just putting in the effort and writing on your own makes a story so much better.
I hope you don't get disencouraged from writing and give another story a chance with a little more effort and struggles. Writing is hard and needs so much work, but it is worth it!
I struggled with the AI feel of the book, the grammatical errors, the lack of editing and the story. I think if this book was rewritten without AI I would likely give it a second chance and I guarantee I would rate higher. Just putting in the effort and writing on your own makes a story so much better.
I hope you don't get disencouraged from writing and give another story a chance with a little more effort and struggles. Writing is hard and needs so much work, but it is worth it!
July 15, 2025
The dual POV of both main characters was easy to follow and not super chaotic. Wish it was more spaced apart though. Every event is traded in a POV. I think the author could have cut a lot of random details and run on sentences. Got a higher rating for the 🌶️ -er scenes. Lira Daeven gets kidnapped by a group of men sent to keep her captive for a ransom from her father. Her father doesn’t want her back. Now on the run Lira and Kael they must fight off shades, rebels, revenants, demons, war, and royals. I like how she obtained her magic and how love with Kael makes it flourish and shine. Their baby has magic from the God Azekh (the first exile) that was the source of all forbidden magic. And he holds the key between the Gods and the living world. Sad Selene died in the blood groves trying to protect them. Glad they won the war for now against the Gods. So much bloodshed and loss that turns out to be peaceful. Rebuilding and starting fresh brings a new light and calmness to the chaos that has endured.
July 21, 2025
ARC Review: This ARC was received in return for an honest review.
Disclaimer: this review contains spoilers
4 ⭐️
2 🌶️
This is Kate Cormier’s debut novel and a pretty fantastic job from the author for a debut.
This novel is a high stakes, slow burn fantasy novel with a romance subplot. Echoes of the Oathbound is a standalone that’s a perfect refresher read.
If you’re a fantasy reader that love a little bit of spicy romance, this book is for you. Full of high stakes adventure and a magical heroine, Lira and Kael are your next grumpy x sunshine read.
The spicy aspect of this slow burn romance is heavy in the early chapters and dies off throughout the later chapters to allow the plot to thicken more.
Only major con for me was the pregnancy trope, it’s not my cup of tea but if that’s a trope you like or have no opinions towards then this book is for you. Although, I did love the happily ever after epilogue with the whole family together.
I’d like to thank Kate for not only allowing me to be an ARC reader for this novel but also assist in the editing process. A little birdy told me that this author may have another book in the works in the thriller genre, keep an eye out for the next book.
Disclaimer: this review contains spoilers
4 ⭐️
2 🌶️
This is Kate Cormier’s debut novel and a pretty fantastic job from the author for a debut.
This novel is a high stakes, slow burn fantasy novel with a romance subplot. Echoes of the Oathbound is a standalone that’s a perfect refresher read.
If you’re a fantasy reader that love a little bit of spicy romance, this book is for you. Full of high stakes adventure and a magical heroine, Lira and Kael are your next grumpy x sunshine read.
The spicy aspect of this slow burn romance is heavy in the early chapters and dies off throughout the later chapters to allow the plot to thicken more.
Only major con for me was the pregnancy trope, it’s not my cup of tea but if that’s a trope you like or have no opinions towards then this book is for you. Although, I did love the happily ever after epilogue with the whole family together.
I’d like to thank Kate for not only allowing me to be an ARC reader for this novel but also assist in the editing process. A little birdy told me that this author may have another book in the works in the thriller genre, keep an eye out for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
The world and characters are really interesting though, and I’m already hooked on this power couple who don’t know they are a power couple.
Chapter to chapter is a little choppy between events. Its hard to tell how many days or weeks has passed, cause it seems like within a 5-7 day period Lira goes from being a prisoner chained in a cage for being with the king to being a fire wielder and fighting with the rebels. About halfway through the book she’s pregnant and starts throwing timelines around, so that helps with flow.
I’m unfortunately going to be docking some points due to inconsistencies, first chains and cage vs non, then prisoner vs lover, then they have a rebel army now they have non, they were running with rebels, then sleeping in caves, then tents, then overhangs (where’s the tent) then horses vs non where’d they go and then poof we are riding horse again, now all of a sudden she has a magic staff where did it come from and then poof no more staff.
Mostly closed door fights and smex scenes.
Key points in no particular order:
- Multi POV within chapters
- War/dystopian world.
- Rebellion
- Magic outlawed
- Tyranical dictator
- Surprise pregnancy
- Prophecy
- Trials and games.
- Pregnancy
- undead demons from the shodow world
Chapter to chapter is a little choppy between events. Its hard to tell how many days or weeks has passed, cause it seems like within a 5-7 day period Lira goes from being a prisoner chained in a cage for being with the king to being a fire wielder and fighting with the rebels. About halfway through the book she’s pregnant and starts throwing timelines around, so that helps with flow.
I’m unfortunately going to be docking some points due to inconsistencies, first chains and cage vs non, then prisoner vs lover, then they have a rebel army now they have non, they were running with rebels, then sleeping in caves, then tents, then overhangs (where’s the tent) then horses vs non where’d they go and then poof we are riding horse again, now all of a sudden she has a magic staff where did it come from and then poof no more staff.
Mostly closed door fights and smex scenes.
Key points in no particular order:
- Multi POV within chapters
- War/dystopian world.
- Rebellion
- Magic outlawed
- Tyranical dictator
- Surprise pregnancy
- Prophecy
- Trials and games.
- Pregnancy
- undead demons from the shodow world
July 23, 2025
Echoes Of The Oathbound starts off a bit slow, with a lot of repetition and a heavy emphasis on the "we face this together" mentality, which made the early chapters feel a bit bogged down. However, about halfway through, the pacing picks up, and the relationship between the two main characters becomes more engaging. Their dynamic feels more natural and filled with tension as the story progresses.
That said, I was hoping for more depth in the fight scenes. They tend to skip over the details, jumping straight from the preparation to the aftermath. More vivid descriptions of the battles would have added a layer of excitement that the book seemed to lack at times.
Love having both POVs! knowing what both characters are thinking at that point In time.
Overall, if you’re a mood reader and enjoy historical settings mixed magic, Echos of the oathbound might be right you!
I really enjoyed knowing that after everything they went through that they get their happy ending
That said, I was hoping for more depth in the fight scenes. They tend to skip over the details, jumping straight from the preparation to the aftermath. More vivid descriptions of the battles would have added a layer of excitement that the book seemed to lack at times.
Love having both POVs! knowing what both characters are thinking at that point In time.
Overall, if you’re a mood reader and enjoy historical settings mixed magic, Echos of the oathbound might be right you!
I really enjoyed knowing that after everything they went through that they get their happy ending
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
4.75 stars, great book, very unputdownable, only some minor issues like spelling and grammar errors. Very good for a debut author. Thank you so much Katelyn for the chance to review
July 26, 2025
Echoes
I loved this world. It was so interesting. I loved the quick changing POV (multiple pov changes per chapter). The spice was good. A great romantasy book.
I loved this world. It was so interesting. I loved the quick changing POV (multiple pov changes per chapter). The spice was good. A great romantasy book.
July 8, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy. ☺️ I really enjoy this book! I loved the writing! I found myself highlighting a lot of quotes or descriptions written in the book. I will definitely recommend it to my book friends!! 😁
August 23, 2025
The dual POV between Lira Daeven and Kael was surprisingly easy to follow, though I do wish the switches had been spaced out more—every event is traded between their perspectives, which made the pacing feel a bit rushed. The story could have benefitted from trimming some unnecessary details and tightening up a few run-on sentences, but overall, it was still engaging.
The spice definitely elevated the rating—those scenes were intense and well-written. As for the plot, things take a dark and unexpected turn when Lira is kidnapped by a group of men sent to ransom her back to her father… who doesn’t even want her. From there, she and Kael are thrust into a high-stakes journey filled with danger—facing off against shades, rebels, revenants, demons, royals, and the looming threat of war.
One of my favorite elements was how Lira's magic manifests. The connection with Kael not only deepens emotionally but also strengthens her powers. Their child, imbued with magic from Azekh—the first exile and source of all forbidden magic—adds another rich layer to the story, bridging the gap between the divine and the mortal world.
Selene’s death in the Blood Groves was heartbreaking, especially after her sacrifice to protect them. But the victory—however bloody—against the Gods brings a sense of hope. The ending strikes a satisfying balance: peace after chaos, rebuilding after devastation. There’s something comforting in knowing that even after so much loss, a new beginning is possible.
The spice definitely elevated the rating—those scenes were intense and well-written. As for the plot, things take a dark and unexpected turn when Lira is kidnapped by a group of men sent to ransom her back to her father… who doesn’t even want her. From there, she and Kael are thrust into a high-stakes journey filled with danger—facing off against shades, rebels, revenants, demons, royals, and the looming threat of war.
One of my favorite elements was how Lira's magic manifests. The connection with Kael not only deepens emotionally but also strengthens her powers. Their child, imbued with magic from Azekh—the first exile and source of all forbidden magic—adds another rich layer to the story, bridging the gap between the divine and the mortal world.
Selene’s death in the Blood Groves was heartbreaking, especially after her sacrifice to protect them. But the victory—however bloody—against the Gods brings a sense of hope. The ending strikes a satisfying balance: peace after chaos, rebuilding after devastation. There’s something comforting in knowing that even after so much loss, a new beginning is possible.
August 31, 2025
My first time ready a book by this author and I liked it, I loved the world she created. The characters storyline and plot was written wonderfully. It's action packed. Will definitely be reading more by her.
July 9, 2025
Great debute book for Kate Cormier! Well written. Very hard to put down! I will definitely recommend to fans of Romantasy books!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews