Tangled Bonds

Shadow Gods #1

by McKenzie Hunter

The curse that should have killed me bound me to a Shadow God.

I’ve spent years keeping the city’s most powerful vampire houses from tearing each other apart—maintaining a fragile balance of power built on secrets that could get me killed.

It makes me valuable.

It also makes me a target.

An unthinkable betrayal turns me into a problem worth eliminating.

The curse meant to get rid of me leaves my best friend dying—and summons the last being I ever wanted to face.
The ruthless Shadow God, Cirrian.

I do the only thing I can. I imprison him and offer a his freedom for her life.

For a heartbeat, the ward holds. Then he steps through it as if it never existed.

And I’m face-to-face with death himself. Ancient. Cruel. Unwavering.

Instead of accepting my deal, he makes his own.

His magic buys me time to save my friend. In return, I’m bound to him by an oath—and to a single task.

The price of failure? My life.

Before I can find a way to break the oath, he drags me into Umbryth—his realm of immense magic, ruthless politics, and laws even gods fear breaking.

The Shadow God didn’t choose me by chance.

The bond between us isn’t temporary.

I’m not just part of Cirrian’s plan.

I’m the key.

Perfect for readers who crave slow-burn romantasy where gods make the rules, magic has a cost, and attraction is as dangerous as power.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

481 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2026

About the author

McKenzie Hunter is the author of urban fantasy, dark fantasy, and paranormal romance books. She discovered early that new adventures were just a page-turn away; all she had to do was read a book. She’s had her share of escapades from hanging out with vamps, joining the chaos of shifter packs, creating spells with witches, and avoiding deals with the fae.

When she isn't working on her next book, she’s reading, binge-watching TV, or disappearing into her own world during nature walks (probably on the lookout for magical beings—or maybe not).

Want to chat with McKenzie Hunter, discuss her books in her readers group or stay up to date with new releases, see cover reveals first, and participate in exclusive giveaways? Click the link: https://mckenziehunter.com/social-links/

Reviews

[ThatBook Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all of McKenzie's books, I really enjoyed this story and characters. There's a ton of mystery, lots of action and danger, and great banter that had me so engrossed in Tangled Bonds I didn't want to put it down.

McKenzie has a knack for writing fun and relatable characters I can't help but love and root for.

I really enjoyed Kara and the aspects of her job that made her a mystery, a threat and an asset to so many in the supernatural world. I enjoyed the vampire houses and conflict there, the witches were all unique and interesting, and I really liked the interactions with the shifters. There's a certain alpha I really hope we get to see more of!

I love world building and descriptions of people and places, but this was very information heavy at times that I felt pulled out of the story. While I love knowing the backstory and history stuff, it felt more telling than showing and letting the information flow naturally. They were a lot of lengthy descriptions on what every character was wearing each time they entered a new scene, which felt unneeded.

I enjoyed feeling immersed into the world and the characters' lives. There's a lot of beautiful descriptions of the places/rooms/surroundings for great visualization, though it can feel slow at times.

Besides that, I felt thoroughly invested in Kara's life, her work, the mystery around her magic and her contract with Cirrian.

This is a definite slow burn story, with some great tension and angst as the attraction and chemistry between the two grows.

I saw the big twist at the end coming, but I still really need to know more! I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sucked me in and did not let me go...like literally. I started this last night around 9pm and stayed up until 4am to finish it.

I just could not put down the book, the tension. the paranormal elements. the information we kept on getting with each chapter. the magic. everything came together to create a very consuming story.

kara is on a mission to save the life of someone she cares about and ends up bonded to a demon. the tension between her and cirrian is there, you can feel it the more they interact. especially due to his flirty nature at times. the more time they spend together the more kara becomes attracted to him...i mean can anyone blame her?

we see the trials and get so much information as she does as much as she can within a certain amount of time to save her friend.

the twist and the ending of the book left me speechless...like um i need book 2. i need to figure out what's happening and more about kara's past.

[Donna · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This book had a plethora of dynamic plot points. A draveth attempts to end Kara. Kara receives compensation from two vampire houses, one of which provides protection from hostile entities. Kara herself doesn’t seem to have magic other than a resistance to compulsion. Her best friend is a powerful witch who provides access to her coven at times to assist Kara. There’s Cilrran, a shadow god and collector of souls who both attracts and repels Kara, depending on the circumstance. There is some interaction with wolf shifters as well as a giant wolf who shows up from time to time. A curse directed at Kara goes awry. A life or death situation forces her to deal with a demon as well as other undesirables.

Circumstances demand that Cirran and Kara appear before a tribunal that could affect their existence. This reveals a surprise concerning Kara’s possible heredity and won’t be divulged until next July.

[Rhiana Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Bonds is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Kara is so incredibly strong after everything she’s been through. Cirrian has clearly been through a lot as an immortal that is affecting him on multiple levels. McKenzie has always been the Queen of Description and with this book she maintains her title. I’ve read a lot of Romantasy and supernatural books from hundreds of authors. I have never seen this take before. I got this book the day I had Lasik surgery. I started it two hours before. I couldn’t read for a week after because my eyes were recovering. I was so antsy to get back to reading Tangled Bonds! I cannot recommend this book enough! I don’t write flowery reviews. I write honest reviews about the books I love and enjoy. This one is definitely a 10/10!

[Cassandra O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly awesome. It was a very slow start, and I almost put it down a few times, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. The romance is a well-done slow burn that never overshadows the story. There's plenty of intrigue, resourcefulness, and Kara's unwavering dedication to saving her friend is genuinely wholesome. The world-building was so much fun and included so many favourite supernatural elements. Highly recommend if you enjoy a great fantasy with a slow-burn romance that complements the story instead of taking it over.

[Tracey Tonkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In typical McKenzie Hunter fashion this story has you questioning everything and everyone, what are their motives, what do they know and what are they keeping from Kara (FMC). You have all the usual players in a UF, from vampires and werewolves, to magic users and deities, and all the politics and power grabs that come with it.

The gradual climb to a crescendo at the end of book one leaves you begging for the next instalment to see what happens. It is engaging and unique, keeps you hoping things will work out, but never sure they will, and leaves you invested in the outcomes for more than just Kara. I am looking forward to the next book, knowing it will have undoubtedly have many plot twists and turns again, and maybe more romance? 😎

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

I really like the FMC in this book and how she stood up to the vampires, even though she didn’t have any magic. The shadow God in this book was kind of a jerk, but I guess that’s what gods are as arrogant. The FMC definitely had a lot of action in this book for not having magic. The ending of this book was kind of annoying because it was a little bit of a cliffhanger. I will definitely read the next book in the series.

[Kirsten Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READ
This book absolutely drew me in. The charaters are incredible and so full of life. I truly enjoyed getting to know Takara and watching as her potential grows.
This fantasy universe contains Vampires, witches, werewolves, fairies, demons, etc., which makes for very interesting dynamics. It takes place in a city and has a very true crime feel. It’s spectacular and worth a read and then some.

[Ruthann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast and fun

Fast paced fun read. I could tell by the end of Chapter 2 that I was in for an adventure filled with intrigue. Lots of foreshadowing of underlying tension, concealed motives, plots, etc had me excited for a great read. That is exactly what this book delivered. Amazing...

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 Star - Couldn't put this book down. Its stay up late reading and be late to work good.
4 Stars - Couldn't put this book down but I still got a goodnights sleep
3 Stars - An enjoyable read that took me a few days to a week to finish
2 Stars - An okay book that I struggled to get through in places - next book is still on my TBR list
1 Stars - DNF

[Nichole Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was entertaining, captivating and thrilling. I love Kara's attitude and her stubbornness. She has a tenacity that is borderline crazy, and I am here for it! I really enjoyed the verbal sparring between her and, pretty much everyone. And that ending?? Chef's kiss!

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I need more like yesterday! The characters hooked me and I was happy to be hooked!! I absolutely love the female main character Kara. These so much I want to say but it would all be spoilers because I could talk about this book for hours. That’s how much I love it!!

[Elizabeth Bracker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely read!

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next book to come out. I couldnt put this book down. If you want to read a book that the characters will pull you in and the storyline wont be predictable this is the book for you.

[Krys DeCantillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap this was a whirlwind of a book. I am still recovering from that bomb at the end. I loved the characters and the world building. This author has a way with the paranormal genre. I can’t wait for book 2. Well done.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your right about everything😍

I Effing knew it it had to be her . especially when he said he didn't know what happened to her. And also because of what her parents said about how she has great power.

[Teri Anger · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book

Another intriguing story from this author. Love the storyline , setting, and the characters. Looking forward to the next one.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was consistently compelling and the characters were genuinely interesting. A great read—I can’t wait to see where the next instalment takes us.

[Jo Saxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa!

I can only give 4 stars as it took a while to get going. However once it did, it got really good. I did not see that ending though!

[Avril Haughey · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKenzie once again does not disappoint. One of our story telling giants. Looking forward to book two.

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. What impressed me most was the story arc and the way McKenzie Hunter wove so many separate threads together. The characters feel complex and alive, with messy motivations and loyalties that shift in ways that actually make sense. Even the side players have depth and their own reasons for what they do, which made the whole world feel lived-in.

And that twist. I genuinely did not see it coming, and the only reason is that I was so completely engrossed in the reading that I never stopped to guess. My jaw dropped.