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The Soulbound #2
Bestowed
Waking up naked on the roadside with a body that doesn’t feel like mine? Not exactly the miracle I asked for.
Turns out, Death gave me a second chance—minus the instructions. I’m no longer just a Grim Reaper. I’m something else. Something unstable. My scythe is gone. My raven’s missing. And I’m flickering between realities like a faulty lightbulb.
Also? I’m now touchable. Which is a big fucking deal to the three serial killers I’m bound to.
Cassian, Nathaniel, and Talon are starting to mean more to me than I ever planned for. And with every secret of theirs I unravel, things only get worse.
Together, we’re being hunted by a wraith we created—a creature that, very inconveniently, threatens the entire system of the afterlife.
Death says it’s my job to destroy her.
Problem? I don’t know how. Nothing I try works, and Death didn’t exactly leave a manual.
So between fighting monsters, glitching through dimensions, and navigating my extremely inconvenient attraction to three dangerous psychopaths… my afterlife is turning out way messier than my death.
And if I don’t figure out what I am soon?
All four of us are going to face divine punishment.
Bestowed is the second book in The Soulbound Series, a dark paranormal Reverse Harem romance packed with murder husbands, brutal tension, and one heroine trying not to glitch out of existence while falling for the monsters who might save—or destroy—her.
Turns out, Death gave me a second chance—minus the instructions. I’m no longer just a Grim Reaper. I’m something else. Something unstable. My scythe is gone. My raven’s missing. And I’m flickering between realities like a faulty lightbulb.
Also? I’m now touchable. Which is a big fucking deal to the three serial killers I’m bound to.
Cassian, Nathaniel, and Talon are starting to mean more to me than I ever planned for. And with every secret of theirs I unravel, things only get worse.
Together, we’re being hunted by a wraith we created—a creature that, very inconveniently, threatens the entire system of the afterlife.
Death says it’s my job to destroy her.
Problem? I don’t know how. Nothing I try works, and Death didn’t exactly leave a manual.
So between fighting monsters, glitching through dimensions, and navigating my extremely inconvenient attraction to three dangerous psychopaths… my afterlife is turning out way messier than my death.
And if I don’t figure out what I am soon?
All four of us are going to face divine punishment.
Bestowed is the second book in The Soulbound Series, a dark paranormal Reverse Harem romance packed with murder husbands, brutal tension, and one heroine trying not to glitch out of existence while falling for the monsters who might save—or destroy—her.
- GenresFantasy
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
46 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Pen Mucching
9 books62 followersIf I were a quote, I’d probably fall somewhere between “Ars longa, vita brevis” and “I couldn’t help but wonder... was I addicted to the drama? Or was I just hopelessly romantic?”
Ideally, something right in the middle—ambitious, a little chaotic, and deeply in my feelings.
I’m someone constantly caught between daydreaming, trying to improve at everything I do, and being mildly awkward (online and off). If you tell me you love my stories, I probably won’t know what to say—even though I’ll be absolutely thrilled inside.
Genre-wise, I go wherever inspiration takes me: Reverse Harem, dark romance, horror, standalones, series—I love exploring it all. If it makes me feel something, I want to write it.
So maybe, just maybe, there’s a story on my backlist with your name on it. And if it’s not there yet, chances are it’s brewing in my head.
Come hang out in my Facebook group, The Hideout, or check out my website for updates, new releases, and whatever weird little world I’m building next.
**I use this account occasionally and tend to update the books I've read in bulk**
Ideally, something right in the middle—ambitious, a little chaotic, and deeply in my feelings.
I’m someone constantly caught between daydreaming, trying to improve at everything I do, and being mildly awkward (online and off). If you tell me you love my stories, I probably won’t know what to say—even though I’ll be absolutely thrilled inside.
Genre-wise, I go wherever inspiration takes me: Reverse Harem, dark romance, horror, standalones, series—I love exploring it all. If it makes me feel something, I want to write it.
So maybe, just maybe, there’s a story on my backlist with your name on it. And if it’s not there yet, chances are it’s brewing in my head.
Come hang out in my Facebook group, The Hideout, or check out my website for updates, new releases, and whatever weird little world I’m building next.
**I use this account occasionally and tend to update the books I've read in bulk**
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 25, 2025
Girl! what are you doing to me? these books rock. I am so in love with these right now. Skye is an awesome bada**, and I love how things are going with the guys 🥵. but it's pretty stale to see more about Cassian too. this book keeps you on your toes with everything that goes on. Definitely some of the best books I've read all year.
August 2, 2025
ღ BOOK REVIEW ღ
📖 Bestowed (Soulbound Series #2)
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔~
Bestowed is the second book in the Soulbound series and needs to be read in order. This was dual time line between the present in Skye’s point of view and the past from Cassian. I enjoyed the deeper look into what shaped Cassian into the dangerous psychopathic cereal k!llẽr that he currently is and reveals some of his secrets and his special gift.
Death gives Skye the gift of her mortal body back for her to fix what Cassian, Nathaniel, Talon and unwilling her created, the wraith that is set on destroying the afterlife and her. All while trying to navigate the attraction, secrets, danger and the glitching of her body.
“𝐼𝑓 𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑓𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑦 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ, 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑟𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑛𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑒; ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟?”
This is a dark paranormal why choose romance packed with k!llîngs, tension, and falling for the monsters who bonded her to them from the grave. Ends on a cliffhanger with death giving an ultimatum to Skye. I can’t wait to see what secrets we uncover in the next book and learn more about Nathaniel and Talon.
📖 Bestowed (Soulbound Series #2)
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔~
Bestowed is the second book in the Soulbound series and needs to be read in order. This was dual time line between the present in Skye’s point of view and the past from Cassian. I enjoyed the deeper look into what shaped Cassian into the dangerous psychopathic cereal k!llẽr that he currently is and reveals some of his secrets and his special gift.
Death gives Skye the gift of her mortal body back for her to fix what Cassian, Nathaniel, Talon and unwilling her created, the wraith that is set on destroying the afterlife and her. All while trying to navigate the attraction, secrets, danger and the glitching of her body.
“𝐼𝑓 𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑓𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑦 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ, 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑟𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑛𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑒; ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟?”
This is a dark paranormal why choose romance packed with k!llîngs, tension, and falling for the monsters who bonded her to them from the grave. Ends on a cliffhanger with death giving an ultimatum to Skye. I can’t wait to see what secrets we uncover in the next book and learn more about Nathaniel and Talon.
November 22, 2025
So glad to have Skye's wit and sarcasm back! I know I just recently read the first one but I honestly missed her character! I miss her Raven pain though. But the bond that her and Cassian seem to have is 🖤🖤
I love that we get to dive into Cassian's past! His whole story is just gut wrenching. As much as I loves the first book I was left with so many questions when it came to our MMC Trio! I'm hoping more about them gets revealed in the next one.
Just like the first one we continue with suspense, thrill, and dark humor! Definitely need to read this series in order these can't be done as standalones. I like the direction this one took from the first one. She comes back from the dead and has to kill the wraith but doesn't know how and is dealing with her body glitching and slipping between realms. Sky's final battle towards the end gave me the chills! It was a whole new adventure but we also gained insight to some lingering questions from the first book! This was perfectly written and executed. I loved every second of it. Especially the twist at the end!!! Gasp! 😳
Tropes to love
✔️Paranormal dark romance
✔️Reverse harem
✔️Grim reaper
✔️Slow burn
✔️Revenge
✔️Serial killers
✔️Why choose
✔️Witty banter
I love that we get to dive into Cassian's past! His whole story is just gut wrenching. As much as I loves the first book I was left with so many questions when it came to our MMC Trio! I'm hoping more about them gets revealed in the next one.
Just like the first one we continue with suspense, thrill, and dark humor! Definitely need to read this series in order these can't be done as standalones. I like the direction this one took from the first one. She comes back from the dead and has to kill the wraith but doesn't know how and is dealing with her body glitching and slipping between realms. Sky's final battle towards the end gave me the chills! It was a whole new adventure but we also gained insight to some lingering questions from the first book! This was perfectly written and executed. I loved every second of it. Especially the twist at the end!!! Gasp! 😳
Tropes to love
✔️Paranormal dark romance
✔️Reverse harem
✔️Grim reaper
✔️Slow burn
✔️Revenge
✔️Serial killers
✔️Why choose
✔️Witty banter
August 11, 2025
Oh. My. Gosh?! Like what the actual......
I'll admit, I was a little slower getting into this book but, blimey when I did... Wow! It was magic. I could not put it down, but in the same token, I wanted to drag it out as long as I could because I knew I was going to be left reeling at the end. And boy, was I reeling! Yet another goldfish moment...but as much as I still hate cliffhangers, I know that whatever happens next will be just as brilliant.
Another amazingly written book from this author. The characters and the world building/system is mind blowing. I absolutely adore Cassian and Skye. (Hopefully we get a little more of Talon and Nathaniel in the next installment!) It is so well thought out and executed. I honestly cannot wait for book 3. Even if that means I shall be waiting very very unpatiently.
10 out of 10....definitely recommend!
I'll admit, I was a little slower getting into this book but, blimey when I did... Wow! It was magic. I could not put it down, but in the same token, I wanted to drag it out as long as I could because I knew I was going to be left reeling at the end. And boy, was I reeling! Yet another goldfish moment...but as much as I still hate cliffhangers, I know that whatever happens next will be just as brilliant.
Another amazingly written book from this author. The characters and the world building/system is mind blowing. I absolutely adore Cassian and Skye. (Hopefully we get a little more of Talon and Nathaniel in the next installment!) It is so well thought out and executed. I honestly cannot wait for book 3. Even if that means I shall be waiting very very unpatiently.
10 out of 10....definitely recommend!
December 5, 2025
This is the second book in the series and the story gets more intriguing as we dive deeper into this world of supernatural beings.
The relationship between the FMC and MMCs evolves, including adding a healthy dose of some "why choose" spice.
We are introduced to the FMC's strong side and while her morals might have slightly changed color, she still believes in doing the right thing. The dark undertones in this book are cleverly paired with dark humor which keep the book from being too heavy.
In this book we get to do a deep dive into the past and present POVs of Cassian, which reveal a lot about the handsome but perpetually scowling MMC. The FMC is forced to learn things about herself because those questionable decisions that were made in the first book? Well, they're coming to bite them all in the butt. This book also ends on a cliff hanger.
The relationship between the FMC and MMCs evolves, including adding a healthy dose of some "why choose" spice.
We are introduced to the FMC's strong side and while her morals might have slightly changed color, she still believes in doing the right thing. The dark undertones in this book are cleverly paired with dark humor which keep the book from being too heavy.
In this book we get to do a deep dive into the past and present POVs of Cassian, which reveal a lot about the handsome but perpetually scowling MMC. The FMC is forced to learn things about herself because those questionable decisions that were made in the first book? Well, they're coming to bite them all in the butt. This book also ends on a cliff hanger.
August 14, 2025
I think this was a great addition to the series.
It took me just a bit to get back into the story. After, I was completely captivated though.
There was danger, suspense, lots of feels, humor, and more spice.
We get to see the relationships between Skye and the guys growing.
We also get some of Cassian's POV and learn more about his back story. (Which I loved.)
We do learn more and there were a few revelations. Sadly, once one problem ended, we are left with a new one(s). I guess that just means book 3 needs to get here as soon as possible! I cant wait to find out what's coming next!!
It took me just a bit to get back into the story. After, I was completely captivated though.
There was danger, suspense, lots of feels, humor, and more spice.
We get to see the relationships between Skye and the guys growing.
We also get some of Cassian's POV and learn more about his back story. (Which I loved.)
We do learn more and there were a few revelations. Sadly, once one problem ended, we are left with a new one(s). I guess that just means book 3 needs to get here as soon as possible! I cant wait to find out what's coming next!!
August 28, 2025
thank you pen for the arc and i’m incredibly sorry i was only able to post this now!
I LOVED THIS BOOK, truly 😭
cassian stole my heart and i love how he was slowly opening to skye… begrudgenly lol
i can’t wait to see more of nathaniel cause i feel like at this point he is the most mysterious one and we barely scratched the surface…
getting to know about cassian’s past was amazing but also heartbreaking and i can’t wait to know more about talon and nathaniel.
i really like the overall plot and how it feels different from everything i’ve ever read.
pen, as always, you did an incredible job and i cannot wait for the next book 😭💓
I LOVED THIS BOOK, truly 😭
cassian stole my heart and i love how he was slowly opening to skye… begrudgenly lol
i can’t wait to see more of nathaniel cause i feel like at this point he is the most mysterious one and we barely scratched the surface…
getting to know about cassian’s past was amazing but also heartbreaking and i can’t wait to know more about talon and nathaniel.
i really like the overall plot and how it feels different from everything i’ve ever read.
pen, as always, you did an incredible job and i cannot wait for the next book 😭💓
August 16, 2025
Bestowed is the second book in the Soulbound Series and is a slightly dark paranormal why choose romance told in dual timelines from multiple points. This story picks back up from the cliffhanger ending of book one with Grim Reaper Skye and her morally grey human trio Cassian, Talon, and Nathaniel are being hunted by an angry Wraith. We learn about Cassian’s past and he quickly became my new favorite character. This has more of the suspense, action, dark humor, and spicy romance I loved in the first book and I’m already excited for the next book.
February 13, 2026
Audio:
5 stars for Stefanie Kay
3.5 stars for Lucas Dixon
Book: 3-3.5 stars
This was decent, no I didn't remember all that went down in the first book, but I didn't feel too lost. It was interesting to get past POV's of Cassian (and none of the other guys) and see how he became the closed off man that we see in this story.
I do wonder if the other stories will follow the same structure of Skye's POV in the present and one guy's POV in the past.
Overall it wasn't bad but it wasn't great.
5 stars for Stefanie Kay
3.5 stars for Lucas Dixon
Book: 3-3.5 stars
This was decent, no I didn't remember all that went down in the first book, but I didn't feel too lost. It was interesting to get past POV's of Cassian (and none of the other guys) and see how he became the closed off man that we see in this story.
I do wonder if the other stories will follow the same structure of Skye's POV in the present and one guy's POV in the past.
Overall it wasn't bad but it wasn't great.
August 20, 2025
This is the second book in the Soulbound series and it did not disappoint! We get more of Cassian's backstory and well of course Skye's view. I really wished we had more of Talon and Nathaniel but I feel we will in book three! This is a dark paranormal why choose that's filled with suspense, tension, spice, revelations and so much more! The world building is brilliant and the cliffhanger will get you! Patiently waiting for book 3!
August 10, 2025
Rating: 6/5 — Beautifully deranged.
The reaper’s power is no longer blooming,, it’s devouring. Her team is sharpening into weapons, and the enemies? They're multiplying like rot.
Cassian’s past bleeds through the pages, showing the fracture before the break. It’s violent, it’s tragic, it’s addictive.
The reaper’s power is no longer blooming,, it’s devouring. Her team is sharpening into weapons, and the enemies? They're multiplying like rot.
Cassian’s past bleeds through the pages, showing the fracture before the break. It’s violent, it’s tragic, it’s addictive.
January 9, 2026
This series just keep getting better. I absolutely love the twist of a reaper and the people who can see/control her. We got to see Cassian’s past in this one and man, is it heartbreaking. It explains so much about him and you can’t help but want to see him even more. I am so excited that the next book is already out so I can jump in soon.
November 16, 2025
I don’t think I blinked after the 50% mark.
To think I wasn’t going to continue with this series. Not because the first book wasn’t good-it was. But I genuinely didn’t expect for the story and emotions (especially ) to ramp up so fast and affect me the way it did. Due credit to Pen Mucching’s writing.
To think I wasn’t going to continue with this series. Not because the first book wasn’t good-it was. But I genuinely didn’t expect for the story and emotions (especially ) to ramp up so fast and affect me the way it did. Due credit to Pen Mucching’s writing.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews