Bound by Darkness: A Bound by Series

by Christina Halverson, Chrissy Carr (Editor), Asterielly Designs (Illustrator)

To kill a Fae god means obtaining casting, but what if the gods granted you that power instead?

Thalia, a woman who has been imprisoned for the last eleven years, has never known the freedoms of her land. She has only known survival and hardships because of the casting she was born with. The only half-breed to possess elemental casting in Cethales. A land cursed by the abandoned Fae gods. A land where the High Fae have lost their immortality and the earth is withering to sand.

However, everything Thalia thought she knew about her imprisonment is challenged as an assassin, Ivan, rescues her only to subdue her into a deadly alliance for the sake of Cethales.

His one goal is to end the war. Her goal? To rescue the one person she cares about, even if it means forming an alliance with a Fae prick. Will this unlikely pair begin to trust one another as they are forced to uncover Cethales' mysteries, or will the horrors of their past serve as barriers to their alliance?

Genres: Fantasy, Slow Burn, Fae, Enemies To Lovers, Fantasy Romance

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2025

Reviews

[Taylor Dahmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Don’t you want to know why the gods blessed you with darkness?”

“I was terrified of the repercussions. Scared of what might occur if I unleashed hell, but right now, I needed it. I needed the darkness…”

“I didn’t care if my casting swallowed me whole. I didn’t care if night billowed from me, uncontrollable and all-consuming.”

Whewwwwww. What a journey. First, a round of applause that THIS is Christina’s debut novel. Second, I’m still trying to calm my racing heart from the ending of book one as I formulate my feelings and thoughts on this book and the characters.

Above are three snippets from this amazing book that I believe truly encompass Thalia’s story.
1. Wanting knowledge of what’s inside her.
2. Being scared of what’s inside her.
3. Owning what’s inside her despite being scared.

Thalia, our female main character, starts out imprisoned with a dark secret and dark memories. She is a half breed, with Casting. Simply put, that’s a huge No-No in this story. Her family tries to hide her from officials but end up being killed to protect Thalia and her dark Casting abilities. Thalia is extremely mentally strong and resilient despite all she’s been through at the start of this book which is not the be overlooked because it’s a lot. But, she is a light in the darkness and that spark of life she has draws in readers, allowing us to empathize with her and not pity, then rally behind of our amazing female lead.

Imprisoned with Thalia is her best friend and our second female main character, Moria, who truly helps drive that fire inside Thalia to want a better life. They make the best, strong female leads and we love to see the woman empowerment and friendship these two have throughout the book.

However, our two strong females have too many obstacles in their way and instead of finding freedom together, our male main character, Ivan, kidnaps (in my and Thalia’s opinion) Thalia, leaving Moria behind.

Now starts the journey of our enemies to lovers and man, do I mean JOURNEY. The tension and slow burn of these characters made me want to yell at them almost every page of this book. Thalia, is very mistrusting of Ivan, rightfully so, but especially when she learns that he kidnapped her (NOT “rescued”) to use her casting as a weapon of war to save Cethales and that he left Moria behind. Our Girl is pissed, but we love a rage queen! However, quickly that mistrust changes (much to my surprise and dismay) to friendship as our main characters learn what they mean to each other and why their lives intertwined. I was hoping for more of a grudge personally. But I loved watching how they fell for each other and the happiness it brought to Thalia to trust someone outside of Moria.

Ivan, I have a love/hate relationship with. He is an enigma from the get go and by the end of the book I was and am still baffled on how he made me hate him, love him, root for him and Thalia, then had the audacity to make me sad for him but then turn right back around and make me hate him worse but WHILE still loving him? I can’t wait to see his character development in book two. And some explanations sir.

One thing I loved throughout the book was that Thalia painfully and slowly grows into a strong character physically and doesn’t have the upper hand just because she has power. This was such a nice pace change from other fantasy books I’ve read that make females go from weak to badasses basically overnight; where our Thalia earns that title after working her butt off. Especially with some steamy but not spicy training sessions with Ivan. But I wish I saw her take control of her power in the book quicker and without the pushing from Ivan. She’s strong enough without a man needing to tell her so. The use of her power wasn’t as much as a HELL YEAH as I wanted and where I really wanted it to be used it wasn’t multiple times but hopefully and surely in book 2, we will get to see her really come into herself and her powers and cause chaos for those who wronged her.

I also loved having different POVs throughout the book to really connect with each character and getting a glimpse into their minds and actions. It didn’t take away from my reading experience but really enhanced the story and the plot twists.

Speaking of plot twists, that ending. UGH. I won’t spoil it but I always felt something was off but couldn’t piece it together until Thalia did and I felt just as betrayed and wish I had my own darkness to rise up and get revenge for the pain I felt. Feels like I need an apology for blindly going into that.

Overall I loved the book for the start of an amazing series ahead and cannot wait to read book 2! Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader!

[Laynara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this book! That heading was not what I was expecting and I can’t wait to read book 2!

[Taylor Priem · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLYYY SHIZBALLS AHHHH (respectfully WHAT THE FUCK)

This was so goood I couldn’t stop reading like at all once you read it’s like Christina literally sucks you into the story and you have to continue reading. I was so kicking my feet like a kid ( I legit sent her voice messages of me screaming I was levitating like straight sending me to the heavens ahhhhh) and then few chapters literally anxious. And then straight going int WTF?!?

THE ENDING CHRISTINA ?!? What the heckkkkk you legit just said hahahahahah you thought🫣😭 honestly that was a genius play there you just did that.

Hahahaha we love a man that LISTENS.. Ivan AHHHH WHAT A DAMN MAN

The little thing (date) is so cute too hehehee this sparked in Ivan saying how observant he was and I legit melted cause girllll my heart he’s so cute and adorable but also hott

Ivan my Shayla you suffered so much I’m so sorry you had to experience everything you did, the guilt you have felt I’m so sorry you don’t deserve it 😭😭

Fin you little freaky ball I love you, the way you kept speaking just had me melting and wanting to know more of what you’d say and how you would react an you SPOKE TO ME AND IM LIKE “am I okay????” He’s my favorite character besides Thalia and Ivan

if you want a book to resemble daddy issues this might be the book for you hahaha the dads in this book make you wanna punch them and everything once you read you’ll understand once you read cause ahhh 😂😂

I NEEED MORE NOWWW I’m stitting here staring at a wall and had to play Christmas music to help me understand what I just read (the best feeling when books do this to meee)

[SkyPanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I was an ARC reader of this book)
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline is one like I haven’t seen before (tho mind you I’ve only been back into reading for 10 months now after not having read any books for 16yrs. The romance aspect was definitely VERY slow burn (I think around 85% into the book for the shmex scene if I remember correctly). And once it happened it was almost as if their feelings towards each other were completely the opposite of what they were just 10 minutes before. Like suddenly they were completely all about each other? That was a little off for me. But that ending…WOW! I did NOT see that ending coming! Definitely looking forward to book 2. I need to know how it ends!

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely devoured this book. Romantasy is one of my favorite genres and this one did not disappoint. The world building was amazing. It’s a slow burn with a little spice thrown in. Enemies to lovers. Cliffhanger ending I did not see coming. I can’t wait to continue this series.

[Mary Hutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! I really liked the 2FMCs and MMC personalities and interactions with each other. It’s definitely a slow burn but it was worth it :) I enjoyed the story line and there’s lots of surprises throughout the book. The ending is definitely a cliff hanger that left me wanting to know more about the MMC! Enjoy!

[Cheyenne Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I used to think the gods were still around in hiding, but I was wrong. The gods were gone, and they did not care for me.”

Thaila, a half human, half fae, has been imprisoned for life, longing for freedom. However, when that freedom arrives, Thalia though growing as a person, realizes freedom was not what she wanted at all. Promises are made and broken as she heals from the darkness and struggles she’s faced, yet she doesn’t realize she has yet to face the most dangerous thing of all, love. Wanted for the ability she was born with, one that shouldn’t exist according to the rules of the world, yet, she may be the one to save or destroy it.


This was an interesting book. Great storyline, interesting take on magic and how magic is perceived in the world. Multiple character views as well as point of view switches, so that you don’t feel stuck. You don’t see the ending coming at all. The characters are very likable and relatable. Christina really makes you feel connected to Thalia and Moria, as well as their struggles. Christina tells a story that leaves you longing for more. She gives what seems as little hints for the future, that makes you froth at the mouth, wanting the next book now.

(I was privileged to be chosen as an ARC reader and really enjoyed it.)

[Samantha Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say I was obsessed with this book, I mean I was OBSESSED. It was unhealthy. I could not put it down. I read so much at work because stopping simply was not an option - I was completely consumed.
The world building? Insane. The magic system? Absolutely brilliant. And the main characters? I don’t even have words to describe how much I love them. Every moment had me more hooked than the last, and just when I thought I couldn’t get more invested, the ending hit. I was screaming, crying, throwing up!
The author is so so talented and this book proves she has truly found her calling. I will be first in line for the next installment, and you can bet I am buying not only the physical copy but every single special edition to ever exist. Bound by Darkness is a masterpiece, and I need more ASAP! If I could give this 10 stars I would!

[Grace mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tackled me. Fully took me out. I could not stop. I would not stop. I forgot the world existed.

The magic slapped. The world building slapped harder. The characters stole my heart then asked for rent. Ivan had me giggling. Fin had me levitating. Thalia had me ready to fight gods.

Then the ending arrived. It punched me in the feelings and I stared into the void. Christina really said enjoy the emotional damage.

I need the next book. I need every edition. I need emotional support and also maybe a helmet. I am UNWELL

[Nessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the second, I picked up this book. I fell in love with the main characters.
Thalia is a strong headed woman who won’t let people around her prevent her from getting to her found family. She is a bad ass.
Now to Ivan did I hate him at times? Yes! Did I also love him at times? Yes again.
I loved this book and can’t wait to read more!

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book overall was very good. The FMCs were both really interesting and dynamic on their own but the relationship they shared together was amazing and they both went through so much character growth, which is seriously lacking in a lot of the romantasy/fantasy books lately. Thalia was an absolute badass with a sassy attitude and loves to shit talk the arrogant men in her life. Moria was so sweet and strong and brave it absolutely broke my heart to see her hurting.

Ivan… wow. Loved him. He comes off as the typical arrogant tall dark and broody man that we’ve all come to love in this genre. And I won’t say that he’s not an arrogant bastard at times but that the arrogance is well deserved. He is fierce and loyal and so delicious.

There are lots of twists and turns in this book that make it easy to speed through it. I wish some of those had been developed out a bit better and we had gotten a bit more information about the castings early on in the book. That is probably my only complaint. However, it’s book one so I will reserve judgement on that and wait to see where the other books in the series take us. I would recommend this book and series. It ends on a cliff hanger so I can’t wait for book two to come out!

I was provided an ARC for my honest review. No spoilers! You’ll just have to read and see 😉

[OnyxJess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received this book as an ARC for an honest review and
Oh my gosh, I have never had so many emotions in one entire book. I had a deep connection with the characters. I loved the enemies to lovers and the betrayal but oh the ending... Made me sob. 😭 I never saw that coming... And the sisters, wish they never had to go through that! I so can't wait for the second book! But seriously this book broke me emotionally. I never been Mad, sad and very angry at the same time. Love this book! The character development was top notch! I enjoyed all the fight scenes and how it build each character.

[Kaleigh Trejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was selected as an ARC reader for this book. I was immediately pulled in. This is definitely a slow burn book that’s very plot heavy, which is a change from what I usually read (in a good way)! There were many curveballs thrown in, which made it all the more interesting and kept me guessing! If you’re looking for something similar to TOG, this is it! I was left on the edge of my seat with the cliffhanger at the end. I’m looking forward to the next in this series!!

[Karina's Magical Reads ✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶🌶 (Slow Burn)
(Some triggers in this book)

This is the 1st book in her "A Bound By" series. This book does not disappoint. You have great world-building. One of the aspects I appreciated from this author was a unique Trio POV. You have two strong FMCs and one MMC, along with a handful of found family companions, with equally important roles in this story.

The trials the FMCs go through while their journeys seem to remain linked is gut-wrenching. One of the FMCs meets the MMC and their relationship is quite intriguing. The author did an amazing job building their journey and the world around them. The communication between the two pulled me in. This book is a great Romantasy with a great plot and the ending BROKE me! I was not prepared for the cliffhanger ending that made me question and rethink everything that I had read up to that OMG moment!!! I highly recommend this book. If you are an ACOTAR girlie, this book is right in your wheelhouse.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐️

I received an ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review. I am so beyond thankful for this opportunity to support an indie author!

Tropes:
- Forced proximity
- Chosen one
- Hidden identity
- Betrayal
- Strangers to lovers

Content warnings:
- Graphic violence/Gore/Blood
- Slavery
- Torture of MCs
- Sexually explicit
- Death & grief
- Drugging of a MC/Addiction struggles

Spice: 3.5 (At least one intimate scene with the reader present, limited view but contains explicit language)

Other info: Non-human FMCs, non-human MMC, first person POV, three different POVs, female rage is very apparent, ends on a major cliffhanger

This book starts out reminiscent to Throne of Glass. The FMC we meet first gives me Celaena energy.

I liked how driven the FMCs are and I think their rage really shows on page.

SPOILERS START HERE.














I also really enjoyed that the FMC who wasn't trained as a warrior during her life wasn't suddenly amazing at it after a few weeks. It felt so much more real and believable, especially when she was stuck in a prison for many years.

Thalia's casting was also not something she conquered in this book, which is another aspect I really enjoyed. Like I mentioned above, it feels more real, especially since she's been repressing it her whole life.

Fin was such a good character with great banter. I can't wait to learn more about him. I would love to see his POV too!

I would not consider this an enemies to lovers simply because of the hidden identity aspect of it. I think if they were to reconcile in the next book that would be more so on the enemies to lovers train.

My main dislikes that led me to rating this book less than a 4 star included how quickly the FMC got over her hatred of the MMC. I can see the reasoning behind it but it felt really out of character for her, especially after spending so much time in the Prison surrounded by Fae men who did nothing but harm her.

The spice scene was alright, but it skipped time in the beginning in a way that felt weird to me, especially considering the scene that happened immediately after the foreplay.

[Dark Bedroom Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Running away meant de@th, and I wanted something much more dangerous. I wanted to live.”

Dark Fantasy Romance ∙ Slow Burn ∙ Enemies to Lovers ∙ Forced Proximity ∙ Betrayal / Secrets ∙ Humans / Fae / Witches ∙ 1st Person, Multi POV ∙ 18+ / TW

For all the debut book hunters out there, here’s another gem!
I’ll be honest - halfway through, I already had a review ready in my head. But just when I thought I had it all figured out, the plot took off - sharper, more complex. It kept climbing, and then the ending was like freefalling off the highest cliff.

The first part is a little slower, but in the best way - it lets you sink fully into this world. And then… it pulls in tighter.
The writing is fantastic. This universe feels alive - history, secrets, and places still waiting to be discovered. And because this is 1st book in the series, we’ll be sweating it out while those secrets stay hidden a little longer.

The characters.
FMC Thalia - brave, powerful, carrying a devastatingly painful past. I’m still unsure how I feel about her.
Moria - she plays a big role, and we get her POV too, but I didn’t really connect with her… yet. I’ll wait and see where the next book takes her.
And then the MMC and his… kind-of friend.
Fin - an absolute treasure. Every time he appeared, the story felt fresher - like a sprig of mint in the dark intensity.
MMC… Ivan 😮💨 Oh, gods… I don’t even know how much to reveal, but let’s just say this: when he talks, I feel like melting ice cream on hot apple pie.
I could volunteer to be betrayed 😈
And the spice scene? So waited, so needed and absolutely perfect. 🔥
I predicted a couple of things about the ending, but as I got closer and they didn’t happen, I tossed those ideas aside. And then, right at the last moment - BAM. Christina cast a spell and hit with a gut punch.
I closed the book at first light, smiling, because it ended exactly the way I hoped. :D
So, Christina… let me just say it: we need Book2. 😭

⭐ 4.5/5 | 🌶 1/5

[K.G. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Darkness, an absolutely riveting debut by Christina Halverson. I am going to be in SHAMBLES waiting for book 2 😭

First? Let’s talk pacing. This author needs to teach a master class in this because it was great from the intense, dark start to the slower but still enthralling middle pieces to that banger of an ending. I was so hooked from end to end.

Thalia was an incredible FMC. I am so excited to see her come into her powers more in the next book.

Moria was my favorite FMC though, wow. She was the picture of resiliency. I do know how she made it through everything but I love her and want only good things. I also hope her and Fin get together. Or maybe her and Naexi girl had chemistry with everyone.

The romance? A SLOW BURN. So delicious. That was such a great lead up to the romance and then the ending? I won’t spoil anything but damn… brutal.

Overall, this was a phenomenal fantasy filled with rich history, a complex magic system, and strong FMCs. HIGHLY recommend!

[Everlie Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book last night, and stayed up reading it 😅 And now that I’m officially awake after catching up on the sleep I lost, I had to immediately come to GoodReads.

Halverson is a genius. The way she writes is addicting and makes you never want to stop reading. I fell in love with Thalia at the beginning, as I’ve been craving a truly BADASS FMC. Ivan, oh he is so swoon-worthy in all of the right ways. Moria is a queen and I’m just as obsessed with her. And Fin? Oh my god I love that man.

I was screaming when I got to the last page for so many reasons, one of which being the fact that I DID NOT want this book to end!! If you want a fantasy book that reads differently from every other fantasy, and is a breath of fresh air in this genre, PICK. THIS. UP.

I cannot WAIT for book two, and will be marking Halverson as an AUTO-BUY author!

10000/10 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

[Marcey Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wild! So many twists and turns. I loved every second of this book. If gave me the dark fantasy vibe I’ve been craving, it’s got feminine rage out the wazoo, and with a quick paced plot you’ll have to force yourself to put it down!

[Sunset Scribe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bound by Darkness plunges readers into a vividly constructed world teeming with peril and mystique, following the journey of Thalia, an imprisoned woman granted the gift of casting. Thrust into a realm where danger looms at every turn, Thalia’s tale is one of resilience and unwavering strength.

Thalia, our fierce and protective protagonist, bears the scars of a harrowing past. Years of abuse have forged a lens of mistrust, yet her tenacity and determination shine through, making her a compelling lead.
Ivan, the enigmatic swordsman, enters her life shrouded in secrets that threaten to unravel their tenuous bond. Together, they navigate a fragile alliance fraught with hidden truths.

The narrative pacing is well-executed, keeping readers engaged from the first page. The secondary characters are more than mere backdrops; they breathe life into the story, enriching the main characters’ journey and providing additional layers of intrigue. However, the immersive world-building left me craving more. The intricacies of casting, the hierarchical Houses, and the ominous evil plaguing the realm are tantalizingly introduced but not fully explored.

While the story grips the reader, certain modern phrases and small words occasionally pulled me out of the fantasy setting. Despite these minor disruptions, the engaging plot and multi-perspective storytelling quickly drew me back in. The multiple points of view create a sense of camaraderie with the readers, allowing us to piece together clues and anticipate reunion and dread revelations alongside the characters.

Overall, Bound by Darkness is a captivating debut, perfect for fans of Fae fantasy, high-stakes drama, and richly developed characters. The slow-burn romance, combined with a touch of spice and the enduring ✨power of friendship✨, weaves a tale that is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating. I truly look forward to book 2 in this series!

Happy reading! 📚✨

[McCayleigh Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Darkness by Christina Halverson is an enthralling, darkly enchanting fantasy that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go. This is a book brimming with high-stakes action, rich world-building, and a slow-burning alliance that keeps you on edge until the very end.

Thalia is a fierce and compelling protagonist, hardened by eleven years of imprisonment and survival in a world that fears her power. As the only half-breed in Cethales capable of elemental casting, her existence is both a curse and a weapon—one that could change the fate of a land abandoned by its Fae gods. When the mysterious assassin Ivan rescues her, their uneasy partnership crackles with tension and undeniable chemistry. He’s ruthless, determined to end the war, while she has only one goal: saving the person she loves.

The world of Cethales is haunting and vividly crafted, a once-great land now reduced to a cursed wasteland where even the High Fae have lost their immortality. The gods’ influence lingers in whispers of power and ancient betrayals, making every twist in the story feel fated yet unpredictable. The lore woven into the narrative is rich and immersive, pulling readers deeper into a land on the brink of collapse.

But what truly sets Bound by Darkness apart is the dynamic between Thalia and Ivan. Their partnership is a slow burn built on distrust, sharp banter, and the necessity of survival. The tension between them is electric, and watching them navigate their own demons while unraveling the mysteries of Cethales is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating.

If you love books with morally gray characters, ancient magic, slow-burn tension, and a world dripping in darkness and intrigue, Bound by Darkness is a must-read. Christina Halverson has crafted a breathtaking fantasy that will leave you desperate for the next installment.

🔥 Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Elise Kova! 🔥

[Jomyps · Rating 4 out of 5]

If your into Fantasy then this is your book. Fill with Fae, Romance, Action and Betrayal. It follow a half-breed named Thalia. Who spend half of her life in prison for having casting. Rescued by the fae Ivan, she goes into a journey to rescue her prison best friend Moria and seek knowledge about her dark power.

The book it’s self wasn’t that bad. You get two FMC and one MMC pov. I would’ve wanted it to explain or give more story of the houses and some of the side characters. And the land itself as well. The plot twist was there. Needed more romance (spice between both Thalia and Ivan). It does end on a cliffhanger. Fin was the best!! I loved Fin!! The fact that we almost lost him made my heart dropped to the grown. The action was acting (if you can call it that lol). The spice wasn’t spicing that much (hope it does on the second book). And the plots was plotting. Would I recommend this book? To a Fantasy reader… yes. All and all it was good. Just needed more explanation, that’s all.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
Plot:😱😱😱😱😱
Funny:😂😂😂😂

[Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Read as an arc reader

I was in a reading slump before reading this book. I read 20 pages and then the next day finished the book. I really wish that the whole series was out already! I am super intrigued by the work and the bonds that the main characters have. I want to know more about the MMC and his background and whole he is bound too. I true.y really loved this book and cannot wait for more, especially with the cliff hanger ending.

I really liked the seemingly different magic system in this book versus other fantasy book I have read. I also like the enemies to lovers to enemies trope and hope that we can see them start to trust each other again even if they don’t end up together. I also want their bond together to be explained more and we heard that word twice in the book and very near the end both times.

[Big Kindl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book while in a bit of a reading slump but once I started I couldn’t put it down!! it is a brilliant story with incredible twists and turns that you won’t be expecting, I loved the character development and found myself loving how strong Thalia is after having a horrible life and her friendship with Moira is incredible, this book has a great balance so it’s not all about the romance and you can really get sucked into the other aspects of the story, the final 100 pages had me sat unable to do anything else as I needed to get to the end! I can’t wait for the next book to see how the story will continue, so If you want a book that will have you sat glued to the pages this one is the book for you! :)

[Asher Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored everything about this book. While it is fantasy, it was a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. The characters were not only relatable, but understandable. The fierceness Thalia carries is something I admire, and witnessing her journey throughout this book was beautiful, I cannot wait to see how she continues to shift throughout the rest of the series. Ivan has my heart and soul, this man is amazing. There are so many things I want to know about him, and will impatiently wait to figure them out 😩

If you are looking for a fantasy that has more underlying ties to more anime-based style story telling, or even DND, pick this book up. I can promise you will not be disappointed. From the plot, to the pacing, to the slow burn… amazing!

[Ren Busch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book and while the pacing was slow and dragged a bit, it helped that chapters changed character perspective, giving the reader time away from other characters who were dragging a bit. I hope the next book answers a lot of the questions regarding the plot and characters.

I wish we had seen more interactions between the two main love interests because the FMC seemed to get over her hatred of the MMC very quickly, just to go back to hating him right at the end. And the spicy scene seemed a bit rushed and thrown in there. Not a true enemies to lovers trope yet, but I’m sure that will come in the following books.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christina Halverson has a very beautiful way of telling a story through clear imagery around every corner and sentences full of raw emotion that makes you stand in the room with the characters you’re reading about. Each character you’re introduced to just makes you wonder what will come next for Thalia and those she holds close. Where will the story will go and what will unfold by the end of the chapter?

The end of each chapter had me sitting back in my seat in awe at her beautiful writing and then onto the next chapter because I just had to know more. I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what else you may have in store for us in the future!

[AshReadsAlot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow clap for this debut!
I was hit emotionally a lot more than I expected from this story.
I immediately connected with the characters and went through their journey right along with them. The banter was perfect, the friendships were strong and relatable. The side characters were just as charming as the MMC’s.
The world building is detailed and immersive. The writing entirely brought me into the story and often felt as though I was right there with them.
I found the magic to and fantasy elements to be refreshing and new. I loved the Lore and the mystery behind it.

The twists…. It’s a gut punch I am not sure I can recover from. The what's, why's, who’s, and noooo's that hit me left me blindsided and ravenous for the next book.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love nothing more than a badass with a found family! Both of the FMC’s in this novel were amazing characters! I absolutely loved the storyline- and I grew so so attached to them! I love any kind of story where the main characters have to start from rock bottom and work their way out, and this story did a great job of capturing that, and the character growth that came out of their experiences.
I don’t exactly know how to feel about Ivan, but he definitely had his moments!

Just be warned if you do decide to read this book.There are quite a few triggering topics, especially during the beginning of the book. Also a cliffhanger.
I can’t wait for the second book!
(Thank you so much for allowing me to be an arc reader)

[Cailin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice:🌶️🌶️(Slow Burn)
Holy Cliffhanger
Few triggers if you have that kinda thing.



Thalia finds herself constantly undermined by manipulative Far males since being locked away only to be rescued and captured again. This book has set a lot of ground work for upcoming books in the series. We have multiple POVs from another FMC and the MMC. But at the end I was left with so many questions. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in hopes of getting answers. Why Ivan WHHHHY?!?!? what’s up with her casting? How is Moira involved in this?