As the binding ceremony that will save her clan draws near, Jamie must come to terms with a sacrifice that will change her world forever.
In book three of The Academy series, is an action packed wolfshifter romance full of unexpected twists and turns, an unclear line between enemy and friend, and a heart throbbing romance.
Jamie struggles as the binding ceremony nears and the answers she seeks are still evading her. With every new piece of information, new questions develop.
With the evil spirits an active threat and many more unknown enemies, she embraces her new life as a Wolf Warrior. Her inner wolf helps guide her as she trusts her instincts to save the town of Accalia.
Fighting her heartbreak for Wren, her mate, whose condition hasn’t improved, she refuses to be part of anyone's plan but her own. When everything feels beyond hopeless, a new hope unfolds in the form of a girl who is said to embody power that rivals those of ancient witches. She could be the answer to both the binding ceremony and Wren's condition… if only she could be located.
The binding ceremony is set for the Spring Solstice, new enemies emerge as the night approaches, who will survive the night?
USA Best Selling Author Coffee addict! Dog Lover:) I love writing creative stories that will pull you into a new reality and keep you on the edge of your seat through out.
The characters in this book were so rich. I loved seeing more of Alex and Roberta and thought DD did a great job developing their characters. I also loved seeing more of Jamie’s brother and enjoyed the introduction of a new character (I won’t say more on this because of spoilers, but I loved her!)
While I did feel like one character’s absence was a bit drawn out, I understand why the timing lines up like it did.
Also, while I saw the twist coming from a mile away, I still thought it was interesting and was anxious for Jamie to figure it out. I’m looking forward to hearing more about this situation hopefully in future books.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bound is the third and final book in the Academy series, a YA wolf-shifter romance trilogy. If you haven't read books 1 and 2, there will be spoilers below!
Bound concludes The Academy Series, it was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. Jamie is struggling with trust and a lot of inconveniences at once. Having accepted that Wren is her mate, Jamie is in for a whirlwind of events that she finds herself on a mission looking for answers.
The wrap up was definitely unexpected, there was more action in this book than there was romance. The story was definitely driving by the plot, not that that is a bad thing of course. I would have loved to see more of the evolution of Wren and Jamie as mates. This was truly a fight of emotions for Jamie, she learns to deal with so much at the same time. I loved the support she had from so many of the characters surrounding her.
I will be honest, I am a sucker for romance in books, I missed that this element was a bit hidden from the stories, but for important reasons which I will not say in order not to spoil anything. Bound was filled with action but it didnt stop the reader from feeling that connection amongst the characters. Jamie is seriously a badass character determined and selfless in a way.
Cant wait to see what else DD Larsen has in store for us with her future works! If you are a fan of shifters, romance, and adventure The Academy Series is definitely for you!
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own :)
Bound was a very exciting conclusion to the series, with a twist that I didn’t see coming! I did have my suspicions that something was going on…but I didn’t expect that. Sorry for being vague, but that’s how it must be done to avoid spoilers.
This book focuses a lot on plot, and it was also a fast read. We got to see Jacob a lot more in this one, which I enjoyed. I think with this book, he became my favorite character. That being said, while I did enjoy the fast pace, I did miss the romance. For reasons that I shall not name, we don’t see a lot of it, and I missed it. I missed Wren. I’m also happy that the author didn’t go forward with any romantic plotline where Alex was concerned, because this far into the story it would have been a whiplash, in my opinion. Though their dynamic would have certainly been interesting in different circumstances, I think there wasn’t enough time. Besides, Wren and Jamie’s story was built to be an epic love story. They were meant to be together.
Speaking of Jacob, I may be dreaming and wishing for things that won’t be, but a part of me hopes that the author will consider doing a story with him as the protagonist. There’s a dynamic involving him and another character that promises a lot of potential, especially since I feel like said character has a very interesting story.
I really don’t know what else to say without giving away this thrilling conclusion. If you enjoy shifter books, then you don’t want to miss out on this one! With the final book out, these books are a total binge! I know because while I read the first book earlier this year, I inhaled the second and third book in the past week.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy. Opinions are my own.
There’s something extremely satisfying about wrapping up a series after a good binge. BOUND gave me the epic conclusion I was hoping for, while also giving me some things that leave me excited for more, as well as things I wasn’t expecting.
Out of all the books in The Academy trilogy, this one was perhaps the most plot driven. It’s not a bad thing for me, since I can easily read books with a reduced romance element, but it’s definitely something I wasn’t expecting from a shifter romance. I appreciated the action, but I did miss the romantic element a little bit. Against all odds, I grew fond of Wren, so having so little of him in the last book made me a bit sad.
However, I was super glad of the rise of the secondary characters! Jacob was one of my favorites in this last book, and he’d already captured my interest in the previous installment, so I very much appreciated this. I also enjoyed Cass, the new entry to the series. I’m a big fan of witches, and meeting a new one is always cause for celebration. She plays a very big role in the plot of this last book, and she also had a very interesting backstory. I will admit that I’m holding on to hope for a spin-off series starring Jacob and Cass. They both have very interesting stories and give me reason to want more of them. If they’re together, even better!
Overall, I was very satisfied with this ending. There are some things that I would have liked to see in more detail to make the climax flow more smoothly, and as I mentioned before, I suffered the lack of romance a little bit, but the story wrapped up nicely for both the plot and the characters, so that’s always a great plus when reading a finale! Now that the trilogy is over, I strongly recommend a healthy binge to all my shifter lovers!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
BOUND is the third book in The Academy series, and we return to Jamie with Wren still unconscious after whatever happened to him in book two. Events are moving forward at a fast pace but now she has to stand on her own two feet, instead of leaning on Wren.
Romance is definitely down the list in this book, apart from hints of the dratted triangle. Maybe I'm cold-hearted but I can't say I was disappointed by what he did at the end! I do feel this side of things was let down in this book though. There was no development with Wren - being as he was out of it for 90% of the book. I would have liked to see how their lives were entwined together. It wasn't for Wren to save the day but it didn't seem like a partnership either.
Now, if you wanted action instead of romance, this is for you. The action is non-stop. Jamie still doesn't know who to trust, and now the Elders are involved too. Their participation just sort of fizzled out though, so unless there are more books planned, you'll never know what went on there. The same for Wren, really. The big bad is revealed at the end, and it was no surprise, although it was to Jamie. But were they the ones to poison Wren? How did that happen? Who did it? These are the questions I am left with unanswered.
Although Jamie's storyline is concluded, it has also been left wide open for stories from others - including Jacob and Cass, Forrest and Chloe - to name just two.
On the whole, this was a slightly different take on Shifters and their history. I loved hearing about Jeanetta. If you like your books heavy on action and less on romance, this could be just the series for you.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
A gripping tale of a white wolf shifter destined to fulfill a 200 yo prophecy and the choice between what she was raised to believe versus the truth she has discovered. The twists will send you reeling.
This is my introduction to the Academy series and within 5 minutes of finishing the book I have already added the next two to my TBR pile.
Starting book 3 of a series is always difficult when you haven't read the previous books but that's not the case with Bound. Though you're thrown into the action right away D.D. Larsen has a way of writing so you don't feel like you're missing out. ***possible spoilers ahead*** With Wren in a dark magic induced coma, Jamie must find a way to stop the portal from being opened and allowing the dark spirits to wreak havoc on the town she loves and calls home. Things seem amiss at the Academy as the elders arrive to prepare for the ceremonial binding that will end the tainted wolf line, and with attacks on her coming at all times Jamie doesn't know who to trust. The elders are using her and no one seems to care if Wren gets better. The eldest brother isn't telling her everything but there's a strange connection between them that Jamie doesn't understand. As time draws nearer the attacks on her get more frequent and she discovers if she goes through with the ceremony she will lose someone she loves but if she doesn't the gates will be thrust wide and the whole of Acallia will be at risk. Can they find a way to prevent the gates from opening
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received a copy of this book from BookSires and the author! All opinions are my own!
After the second book really surprised me, I was really excited to jump into this one! However, I was a bit disappointed with this one in a couple of ways. There was a significant amount of grammar/spelling errors in this book, much more than in the first two, and more than I would have expected. Usually, I barely notice, but there were enough that I began to take notice and it really started impacting my enjoyment of the book.
The action of this book was really great! It really kept the plot going and kept the mystery and suspense up. I wasn't expecting the plot twist at the end, and I really enjoyed that!
I particularly enjoyed the way that Jamie becomes more secure in who she is with each book. She has discovered herself and what she wants, and now she has become unstoppable. And the love that she's found along the way doesn't "save" her, but it supports her and holds her up even higher. While this book wasn't heavy on the romance, it's definitely something that has evolved throughout the series in a really sweet and satisfying way!
If you like paranormal romance, definitely check this series out!
This was a good conclusion to the trilogy. I liked how the story wrapped up and where the characters ended up.
This book is plot driven, which is great! That means it is fast paced an there are unexpected turns. If you are counting on more romances, you would unfortunately be slightly let down. This book is heavier on the paranormal side than it is on the romance side. Which is fine because romantic elements are not everyone's cup of tea!
I was so interested in the binding ceremony and how Jamie grew even more into her wolf. She never lost track of who she was, but she grew with her wolf. I love seeing strong female characters remain strong throughout the series. That is not to say she didn't have her share of problems.
I think Larsen is a good storyteller who creates captivating worlds. This is definitely a series to add to your TBR. I'm excited to see what we get next from this author.
5 AMAZING STARS!! What a fantastic finish to this series. This one kept me turning pages and continued from book 2. This story was filled with action, rivals and so much more. I highly recommend this series...I can't wait to read more from this author.
As the time approaches for the binding. More and more evil spirits become an active threat as well as and many more enemies, seem to show their faces. Jamie has accepted her new life as a Wolf Warrior. Her inner wolf helps guide her as she trusts her instincts to save the town of Accalia. When everything feels beyond hopeless, a new hope unfolds in the form of a girl who is said to embody power that rivals those of ancient witches. She could be the answer to both the binding ceremony and Wren's condition… if only she could be located. Will Jamie even survive to the binding ceremony as it seems that all have become enemies and threaten to put a stop to it and even kill the wolfshifters. Will Jamie be able to find the ancient witch? Will she he able to save her people? Will she even live through the night? DD Larson is a talented and gifted author. This novel has a wonderful story line, building upon the characters introduced in the preceding novels, The author showed maturation in his writing from his debut novel and this one flowed wonderfully, keeping you engaged from the beginning. The foreshadowing gave way to some predictions on my part but it only led to an even stronger storyline along the way. A brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well-developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book begins with Jaime dreaming; of course, Wren is present as well. Wren is injured, unconscious, and Jaime is losing it. They are at the Academy, and Jaime still has more questions than answers, but she accepts Wren as her mate.
Jaime's life is full of love, friends, and family but also secrecy and doubt. She doesn't know who to trust and still has no solutions to her issues. At least her relationship with her brother is amazing and more like actual siblings. It is peculiar reading this story and Jaimes being so lost and alone. She is a true heroine, but a piece of the puzzle is missing with Wren being unconscious. The action in this book finally ramps up, and I'm just as nervous for the end as Jaime is. Omg, this book ends even better than I expected. I really hope there is a sequel that covers more of the future with Jaime and Wren.
I love this story. It is unlike most of what I read, but I enjoy the slight steam, the intense action, and the heroine in this book. Jaime is a force to be reckoned with, and it shows as she battles her own mind and her feeling in this story and the external obstacles. I love the support she has in the people she loves. Even though this book is different with less relationship stuff, I did enjoy the read. This book is much more action-packed and intense. I liked how the author revealed the person not to be trusted at the end of the story, and it was a complete surprise.
In the third installment, Jamie is astounded that Wren is still unconscious with no knowledge of why and how it happened. More trouble is brewing on the horizon as they speed toward the ritual that will change everything for the wolf communities. She can only trust a handful of people anymore. Alex seems to have his own agenda where she is concerned and her feelings toward him take a turn that she questions. More and more evil creatures are also making appearances they have to fight. The Elders make an appearance at the Academy but she feels forbearance anytime they are near, especially Stephen. Everyone seems to have an agenda…but she is being kept in the dark on all fronts. Someone keeps trying to kill her…but who? Unexpected help comes from someone she never thought would give it. As secrets come out, she realizes who will have to sacrifice a life to complete the ritual and she is not going to have it. They have to seek out a hidden witch to complete the ritual that will make things turn out correctly…but where is she and will they find her in time? With little time to accomplish all these tasks, come up with a concrete plan, ensuring everyone will stay alive, and partaking in a ritual that could change the course of the tides either way…can Jamie and the rest of them complete all these things? Can they protect Jamie from those who mean her harm? Who will perish in the end? This is the thrilling conclusion you will not want to miss~
Another amazing series by DD Larsen. Wow, seriously it was an epic 3 book series which finished with a huge bang.
Jamie carried on being unapologetically her. Just like how she was throughout the previous two books. She did what she wanted, when she wanted it.
It was nice to read more of her and Jacob. Jacob was a nice character and towards the end of the book you got a hint at something with another character which would have been nice to see that blossom a bit more.
I missed Wren. Jamie and Wren's chemistry and love from the previous book(s) was very much missing in this book. It was surprising with Alex being brought into the mix and so glad Jamie didn't go there.
My devious mind wasn't surprised by the character who ended up being the bad guy I have to say. I had an inkling that things were not quite right there and so when it came apparent I was not shocked.
When Wren finally did make a reappearance it didn't have as much passion and feeling as I thought it would. Even in the epilogue I thought this missed the mark with how Jamie and Wren were considering their relationship.
Any who, overall another enjoyable read from DD Larsen. She certainly knows how to keep a reader on their toes and hooked to the story they are reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author of this book for giving an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so good. I loved how we were just thrown right into the action from where Journey (book 2) left off and already met with a lot of mystery and intrigue. There were so many twists and turns, I didn't know what was around the corner. Every character was suspicious to me; except Wren, Jacob, Tollen, and Mark. I could really feel Jamie's confusion when it came to the ceremony as it came nearer with each passing chapter.
Honestly was glad Jamie returned to being the powerful female lead that she was in Destiny. I could really see her trying to take control in a situation that she couldn't. She took risks, and it was nice to see her like that again.
My negatives were that the ending did seem rushed and slightly confusing. But I feel that could have been intentional as so much happened. They kind of skimmed over a huge part and I felt it could have been expanded on. It also didn't appear to end on a complete resolution as I am left with a couple unanswered questions. Sadly, I don't know if there will be more instalments in the series. Hopefully. Maybe.
Overall, I loved it and recommend the Academy series.
Bound is book 3 in The Academy Series by D. D. Larsen I found this to be the best book of the series with the exception of Wren being waylaid for the majority of the story. I’m not sure if there may have been another way to write his part that would have kept him more involved and yet, keep the dynamic ending.
Jamie and her brother Jacob become much closer in the last part of this tale as does Jamie and Alex, aka The Evil Eldest Brother. Jamie knows Alex helps her relax in their dream world but can’t decide which Alex is the real Alex. The evil Alex or the sweet Alex that pulls at her wolf as strongly as Wren does.
AND, when is everyone going to figure out that she p, Jamie, can handle the truth? The constant lies and evasions is what is shown to be torturing her and has led to her near death several times.
Excellent lead up to a dynamic ending with many twists and turns on its way there. This book can be read as a standalone as the author has done a good job backfilling the characters and the situation they find themselves in but, better if read in order.
Excellent series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This was an exciting conclusion to this shifter trilogy. I read all three books back to back so I found myself thoroughly immersed in Jamie's world for a few days.
I love a story with a strong female lead. Jamie is on an incredible journey of strength, leadership and identity over the three books. She really comes in to her own in Bound. She reminded me of a wolf shifter Katniss Everdeen with her rousing speeches and her ability to lead and unite her people.
The romance is secondary across the trilogy but I did feel Wren's absence in Bound as Jamie battles to save him and unite the Wolf Warriers. I loved Jamie and Wren's soul deep connection but would have liked a bit more love and steam (it was not quite fade to black but skirted over mostly).
These books also had brilliant background characters. Everyone had their roles to play and loyalties tested. I would love to know more about Jamie's brother and his journey.
Overall an exciting and complex trilogy with Bound bringing all the threads together.
Finally we have reached the conclusion of Jamie's beginning journey. Because I loved this series so much I'm just going to throw it out there that D.D. Larsen ended Bound in such a way there are plenty of ways to come back to the academy. 😉 Poor Wren is right where we left him at the end of book two in the darkness to which Jamie gets a taste of. This quick glance only pushes her to drive harder and faster to find a solution that saves Wren, Jacob, and all of Accalia. Jamie though is so distracted and how could she not be her new life has only been hers for a short time. She is still learning who to trust, her mate is physically near yet mentally trapped in some sort of darkness. She can't tell her best friend all her secrets. Evil spirits are trying to kill her before the binding ceremony and the Eldest brother well just wait till you read it. But the key to all of this just might be broken and if Jamie can't find a way to stop all this someone she loves will pay the price... You are going to love this! 😍
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "BOUND" WOW!!!! What an amazing well written trilogy full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, secrets, threats, intense action packed drama, twists you didn't see. Jamie is worried about upcoming binding ceremony with Wren still not doing well every piece of information she gets more questions arise evil spirits are a threat but she embraces her new Wolf Warrior life. Jamie's wolf guides her to trust her instincts to save the town of Accalia while looking for a girl who's powers Rival ancient witches that could help Wren conditions & be the answer to binding ceremony but she had to find get first. Jamie would do anything for her mate Wren the heartbreak she feels for him the binding ceremony set for Spring Soltice, I definitely recommend to get this well written trilogy so well worth the read what will happen at binding ceremony when a new enemy emerges will they all survive you have to get it to find out what happens you won't be disappointed.
Picks up right where you're left in book two and you find out what happens to the characters after a tumultuous cliff hanger. We learn more about some of the characters that we didn't know too much about in the first two books. However there are some great plot twists added into this book and makes you second guess certain things along the way. In the end there is a HEA which made me happy, but I also wish the story would be continuing as I would love to see how things progress -- but I guess that's what our imagination is for right?
I do feel that this book was very action packed and allowed the reader to connect more with some characters but I also feel that the way things were handled with Wren could have been better. I feel like he was essentially pushed out of the storyline because there was an issue with him fitting into the story. But I also think that it may have needed to be that way for Jamie to grow into herself like she did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now that Wren is under a black magical spell, Jamie feels lost. She doesn’t know who to trust, but she needs to start somewhere. Finally, she meets the council, but she gets a very bad vibe from them. Then Alex starts to visit her in her dreams, and she feels an unexplained attraction to him. Could she betray Wren?
It’s a cat and mouse game, to determine who is on the good or bad side. With the ceremony coming closer evil spirits seems to get bolder and launches attacks. Will they succeed in closing the portal without Jacob being the sacrifice?
The story has a nice build up action but some of the plot twists where predictable. All in all, still a good read with unintended passion between Alex and Jamie. There is a good amount of action and attraction going on. Will evil prevail and turn the world into ruin?
An absolutely epic conclusion to a trilogy I've loved so much!! The Academy series has been living in my mind rent free for weeks. And I have been glued to my kindle reading this book all day.
It's hard to put into words how much I enjoyed reading this. I ADORE shifter romances, and this one was way more than just a steamy romance (although don't get me wrong - it's steamy) but an action filled adventure and the ultimate good vs evil battle.
The twists and turns just keep coming, and it's so satisfying for Jamie to finally get some answers!
I highly recommend this trilogy, it's a bunch of fun and one heck of an adventure!
I received a free arc for an honest review, thank you to the author & to BookSirens.
I'm really enjoying this series so glad I discovered this new to me author. It follows Jaime's voyage of discovery as I call it. According to a prophecy Jaime must bind herself to her mate Wren. If she can't find another way to avoid having to choose who will live or who will die. Her world will change forever as up to this point the enemy seeks her death but things may be changing due to Jaime developing feelings.
This is my paraphrased summary to give you an idea as to why I enjoy this series. I mean two hot alphas, a determined woman, mystery, intrigue and romantic suspense. What's not to love. I cannot wait to see what happens next in Jaime's journey.
That my friends in my very own words is my honest opinion of the complimentary copy I volunteered to read.
The book was ok in that the plot of the entire series is interesting. You get deeper into the story now and see more of the twists and turns to make their lives as crazy as possible.
What I found a bit taxing to read is that more than once, there was a sort of descriptive storytelling of what happened in the previous books. I get that maybe for the 3rd installment, the writer would want to give new readers a backgrounder. But to past readers, it gets a bit tedious.
All in all, I like the idea. The ending to Jamie and Wren’s story was a bit abrupt. But I guess the mystery of the future is always a good end!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bound by D.D. Larson is the third and final book in The Academy series. Although it brought everything to a happy close, I didn't enjoy this one as much as the last and this was due to the absence of Wren. After his accident in the cliff hanger at the end of the last book, Wren was left in a magical coma. Because of this I didn't feel the connection and chemistry between Wren and Jamie as in the last book. With Jamie being so busy trying to avoid danger before the binding ceremony, it was like Wren was an afterthought in this book. Having said that the conclusion was what you would expect even after a few twists and turns.
The end of the adventure Jamie embarked on a year ago finally arrives when she returns home and discovers who she really is. In this book we will see how:
1.Jamie does not count on Wren as he continues to recover from his injuries. 2.Jamie leans more on Alex, who in the end turns out he wasn’t as bad as he was painted. 3.Jamie is betrayed by someone in her family. 4.Jamie in searching for answers and she finds more support than she realized and comes face to face with evil spirits.
These 3 books have been great, a true trip to the old magic, old prophecies, supernatural creatures, action, betrayal and love.
I loved to see Jamie fully grow into her wolf and achieve full self-actualization in this epic finale! I'm not big into shifter books, but D.D. Larsen's take on it was captivating and got me more into the genre!
Overall, this was a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy! I can wholeheartedly recommend this series to fans of plot-driven paranormal romances, especially if you love shifters, academy settings, and love triangle romance tropes!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
With the binding ceremony getting closer, Jamie and her allies have to run against time to bring Wren back to life and find a solution to turn their place safe so they, their crew and friends can live in it. This story is full of even more dangerous and tense situations, with more secrets being disclosed but also some friendship and romance! It is a page turner and it's possible to feel the action happening and what the characters are struggling with.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When I started book one of this series I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I have. There were no guesses as to what was going to happen in the first book, but reading the second and third book you are so unsure what is going to happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Jamie and the adventures that she had.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy books and to those who enjoy reading about a love that is strong and true.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the conclusion of The Academy Series. Jamie has learned that Wren is her mate, although I wished this book featured more of this aspect, it was still good overall. There was a lot of emotional aspects during this book. Jamie had a lot of support cast that were developed during this book. This book was fast paced and had a lot of action in it. Overall this was a great book and conclusion to the story.