Hidden Bonds

Compound Series #3

by Katy Morgan

If the rules exist only to break you,
you have to learn to break them first.

1. A prickly empath can't be a hero.
Trapped in a compound run by a mysterious new major, Bastian Lucas only cares about one thing: finding out what happened to the man he loves. But he can't escape the fact that his fellow assets need him to be the hero he definitely isn't.

2. A beaten officer can't get back up.
Forced to use his power against the assets he tried to protect, Henry Mortimer has lost the will to fight--along with any hope of seeing Bastian again. But the compound leaders who betrayed him have set bigger plans in motion, and Henry might be the only one who can turn the tide.

3. A ragtag team of assets can't change the world.
When Bastian launches a desperate plan to rescue Henry, it brings the simmering tensions between assets and compounds to a boil. And as he and Henry gain new allies and lose old friends, they'll have to decide if they're willing to risk everything to bring down the Compound Network for good.

256 pages, ebook

Published September 15, 2025

About the author

Hi there!

I'm an indie fantasy author, editor, and YouTuber who writes about snarky, magical people doing snarky, magical things.

When I'm not writing or editing, I can generally be found cross stitching something sassy, daydreaming about hedgehogs, or drinking far too many mochas--usually all at once.

Reviews

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Compound series by author Katy Morgan. This series started slow for me but really picked up pace during books 2 and 3. This book held my attention from the first page and I couldn't put it down.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Bonds is the third and final book in the Compound Series. This series is best read in order. We are back with Bastian and Henry for the final book. I couldn't put this book down once I started it. I loved the characters and world building that went into this series. I loved all the twists and turns that we were given. I hated to see the series end. I will look for more books by Katy Morgan. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At one point I thought I would go back and expand my feelings about book 2, but I think I'll just (briefly) summarize my series thoughts here.

This is a very tense paranormal sci-fi thriller, with a lovely queer relationship threaded through it. As someone who reads predominately romance, it did leave me wanting a bit more resolution for Henry and Bastian, perhaps more promise of a space for them to explore their relationship more fully.

I'm rating the whole series a strong 4 (4.25 on Storygraph, which allows for more nuance.) I was drawn in and cared a lot about Bastian, Henry, Laurel, and some of the other characters we meet along the way. It was hard to get through certain aspects of this series, as an American alive in 2025, seeing a military arm of the government try to subvert laws and rules to push through their own agenda, which hurts a whole lot of marginalized people? Uh, OUCH. But it does speak to the quality of that writing that it was affecting and heart rending, not a parody of current events.

I definitely recommend the series, but want to include those notes about content . . . this is a fraught time and these books are also very fraught with tension and, let's be frank, torture. I completely felt the hope spring back to life late in the game for this installment, after taking us to the edge of hopelessness. And as much as I would have liked more conclusion in this book, really just some time with the characters not in immediate peril, I can be satisfied that they are in a much better situation than they have been, and have some breathing space to begin again and figure things out.

Many thanks to GRR for the review copies!

[Shayla Morgansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series that introduced me to MM romance (I was late to the party, okay?) has come to an incredible end and I was not ready 😭 My beloveds Bastian and Henry are back with more injustice to face down than ever before, and the personal stakes have never been higher. Their morals, their lives, the safety of other assets, even each other... not that my shipper heart ever doubted these two, nor their ride-or-die sunshine bestie Laurel, who really shines at a whole new level in this book.

Hidden Bonds picks up a few months after the shattered hopes and dreams of Book 2, with Bastian and Henry divided and captured. But in a reversal of roles from Book 1 Dark Empathy, it's Bastian burning with purpose and Henry at his lowest, forced into a situation he's not sure he can forgive himself for. Cue drama, explosions, sacrifices and lines crossed, but what's too far and who gets to make that call?

Reuniting these hopeless lunatics was always going to be a recipe for plenty of delicious angst, UST and hurt/comfort. I loved every page and don't think I'll ever stop raving about the Compound Series. Please pick up Dark Empathy if you haven't already and read it so I can debrief with you once you devour the entire saga.

[SNik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third and finale in series (Compound Series), must be read in order. Paranormal. Established couple. No burn. Dual/multiple POV.

Picking up a few months after the last book, Bastian and Henry are separated, unsure whether the other is alive, and still fighting to help other assets survive or escape the Compound network. It’s been a while since the second book was published, but it was easy to remember the universe, characters, and the overarching plotline of rebels versus the governmental organization that uses and torments anyone with supernatural powers.

Bastian and Henry are still interesting characters that are easy to root for, the brash and reckless Bastian and the moral and determined Henry. There are several twists and turns in this story, and the bad guys and good guys are more mixed up, but Bastian and Henry lead an intrepid group of assets against the big bad in several dangerous adventures. This was entertaining, as Bastian and Henry’s friends are loyal, new allies and enemies are made, and I enjoyed getting to read Bastian and Henry’s HFN/HEA (since I think this is the end of the series).

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empath Bastien Lucas is determined to find out what happened to his love, Henry. But there are other assets who need his help as well. Unbeknownst to Bastien and their close friend Laurel, Henry is alive. He is being forced to use his powers on those he should be protecting. Despondent, Henry is losing the will to continue the fight. One thing is for certain, change is coming and they need to be ready

Compound leadership is in constant flux. The officers change regularly and each have their own special projects. Bastien wants to end the testing but he needs Henry. When his temper gets him in trouble once again, Bastien is to leave the Compound but this is an opportunity to try and find Henry. So much is going on with break outs, betrayals, old friends, new friends and friends you can no longer trust. The story as it unfolds will keep you glued to the pages. Each page brings a change and you never know if it will be good or bad. Looking forward to more is a good thing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this trilogy by Katy Morgan and wraps up some of the story, but leaves lots of room for other books set in this interesting world. It’s not a cliffhanger, it’s just that not everything is settled.
The major story of Bastion and Henry continues in this book as they try with their friends to take down the Compound network that has locked up people with powers and used them. This is the part of the story that is mostly finished by the end of the book and it’s interesting that Ms Morgan doesn’t write about everything ending up perfect which would be the obvious choice. I actually really like how this book comes to its end, with problems still not totally resolved and life continuing on. It made it feel more real to me. I have enjoyed this marvelous series and I hope we get more stories set in this world.

I got a copy of this book through GRR and this is my honest review

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Bonds is the last book in the Compound series. At the start it's a giant ball of angst with Henry taken prisoner by the big bad. It gets even angstier when Henry and Bastian are reunited. They only have to defeat the Compound leaders and rescue all the assets. Easy, peasy. Not. Along the way, they make new allies, keep some old ones (hello, Laurel!) and find that some of their allies are actually with the BB. The worldbuilding continues, and it's only a tad confusing. Lots of twists and turns in the storyline and all secrets and dangling plot arcs addressed.
A quickish read. There's some edge of the seat reading. And the ending is fairly satisfactory.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[Alias11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great end to an exciting, action-packed series with plenty of twists and turns, surprises, friendships, betrayals, and frequently not being entirely sure who the good guys and bad guys really are. This is the third of three books, which must be read in order. Henry (former Compound guard) and Bastien (empath 'asset') have been separated, not sure if the other is still alive, and Bastien is still fighting to help the other assets survive. There is lots going on here, and it kept me glued to my seat to the end. The ending is more of a HFN than an HEA, but maybe that's the best one could expect from this world. Worthwhile, rollercoaster read.

I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Thrilled Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ADDICTED TO THIS SERIES! This is book three of the Compound series, and it reads like a super interesting superhero story, with YA-style gay romance. Having said that, all three books were super interesting and the motives, villains, and powers fun to learn about and experience! I had not read this author before I started the series, and I'm normally not into urban fantasy. But this was WELL worth my time, so i killed the whole thing in a week! I highly recommend you start at book 1, then work your way through. She doesn't even attempt to rehash all of what has gone on prior to each story, which is a very nice change!

[Sophie Uhlemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the third and final book of the Compound Series, this book wraps up the stories of Henry, Bastian and Laurel in a way that's both satisfying and leaves room for further exploration - which I hope there is some day! I've been a fan of these characters since the start, especially Bastian my special favourite, and the world has always been compelling to explore. The pacing of this book is quick and efficient and it's an easy read, left me on the edge of my seat multiple times! If you're interested in checking this series out I'd highly recommend it, this was a great way to finish off :)
-Received an advance copy and this is my honest review

[Mandy Beyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The end to this trilogy sees more angst for Bastian, Henry, and Laurel as all the world seems to be against them. Each time they try to make things better, life only seems to get worse, even to the point of separating them from each other. However, unexpected (temporary?) allies and new friends come together for a final push away from the Compound Network and a chance for assets to make choices for themselves. The final fight for freedom is exciting and although there are openings for more stories in this intriguing world, I found the ending satisfying for the main characters.

[The Word Nerd Reviews Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 stars round up to 5

Hidden Bonds is the conclusion to Katy Morgan’s Compound Series and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Bastian shines in his transformation from grudging asset to the hero he never thought he could or wanted to be.

The Compound is all about control and exploitation, and the author graphically demonstrates the toll it takes on all involved.

Action packed and unpredictable, Hidden Bonds is a thrill ride and the perfect conclusion to this gripping series.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible ending to this series with Bastian coming into his own and Henry struggling to deal with initially paralyzing guilt. As these two struggle to find each other not knowing if either is even still alive, they pick up new allies, lose some old ones and have to put together a team that can learn to stand up for themselves against the Compound. A bit like trying to rally support in some classic Westerns - some people step up, others don''t.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve come to a bittersweet close with this story, leaving Bastien desperate to uncover what really happened to his Henry. The suspense will keep you guessing and turning pages late into the night. Henry is being used as a weapon to hurt others, and it’s slowly tearing him apart inside. Loyalties shift, friends become enemies, and the tide is turning in ways no one could expect. This action-packed series will sink its claws into you—and it’s an absolute must-read.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy to have this book to read as soon as I finished book two. There are a lot of threads interweaving by now, and on the whole I thought the author did an excellent job with them all. I look forward to seeing what she writes next!

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for an advance copy of this book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of the series and the final one and it is definitely one you want to read if you liked the first two, this starts off a few months after book two finished and ties up all the threads from the series which definitely needs to be read in order. But I will definitely be watching out for more from this author in the future.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is is the last book in this fantastic series and I have to say Hidden Bonds was a perfect conclusion. So many twists and turns in this well written storyline that brought us back to Bastian and Henry's story. A compelling read that i thoroughly enjoyed though sad to see the series end. Highly recommend
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Ruby Zella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had adored this series and was so excited when the third book came out.

❤️ What I loved:
* The side characters and the found family
* The ending leaves it open for more adventures in this world.

🩶What I wanted more of:
* Henry and Bastian - seeing more of them
* The pacing was a little off- the conclusion came about too promptly

It is definitely a series worth reading!

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great ending to Bastian and Henry's journey. They have been put through an emotional wringer but they finally came out the other side. I feel that the wait for their ending was worth it.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the GRR team*

[Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book and a couple.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adoraboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like it I only read this book in the series, but it was good!

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastian and Henry are dealing with the aftermath, unaware the other is still alive.
They're still working to help assets and the twists and turns keep coming.

[Christina Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in an exciting series that leaves you wanting the best for the ragtag group just trying to protect the world.

It never lacks in action and each page turns itself

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series, and it really is necessary to read books 1 & 2 before reading this one. That being said, this didn’t seem as dark as the first book in the series. I believe the author has stated this is the last book, but the ending left things a bit open.
What I liked:
Side character continuation, even through multiple books. There were characters introduced in this book, and some characters I would have liked to see more of, but it seems like the philosophy is “why introduce a new character when one could be reused?”
Moral ambiguity. Even the MCs are never sure if they are doing the right things, and it’s usually clear that what is right for some is not right for others. As is true in the real world.
Characters don’t seem to know more than they should or tell each other more than they should. Revelations come, but slowly.
What I didn’t like:
The wrap-up was really quick. There was a final confrontation, and then the book was basically over.
Binding the villains together. Aren’t they bad enough on their own?

Thanks to GRR for this ARC. All opinions are my own.