Fate Bound by Blood

by Chantel Burnham

The first time Cordelia Jones shows her magical side to someone, it nearly costs her life. She hadn’t realized being half human was so dangerous. Before her wounds even begin healing, her mother spirits her away to the safety and anonymity of a small desert town on the other side of the country.

There, Cordelia no longer has any social life, teenage fun, or contact with the seawater that could reveal what she is to the world. However, after only a year, her caution tempered by the isolation, Cordelia begins making friends while training to be a lifeguard behind her mother’s back. But just as Cordelia starts to feel “normal,” she learns a terrible the safety she thought she’d found in the desert was just a mirage.

Forces, including a clandestine group called HAMMA, close in and snatch Cordelia, taking her on a harrowing adventure to the other side of the world. In danger of being sold into a magical black market, Cordelia struggles to escape her fate. But freedom is even more important than she there are those who believe her very existence could be the key to bringing the world to its knees.

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025

Reviews

[Yes_I_Read_Lots · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been absolutely hooked on The Ever Rising series since Book 1, and Fate Bound by Blood was everything I hoped it would be —and then some. Chantel has a way of pulling me in so completely that I forget everything else, and this instalment was a brilliant wrap-up that left me both satisfied and a little emotional.

Cordelia’s journey has been one I’ve felt deep in my bones, and in this book her growth, strength, and resilience shone brighter than ever. The way all the threads came together was masterful, and yet there were still moments that had me yelling at the author—especially when she let Cordelia go to California. I mean seriously… California? There’s so much water there, and with Cordelia, that just screamed danger! But that’s what made it all so gripping—I was invested in every single risk, twist, and victory.

The blend of high stakes, raw emotion, found family, and perfectly placed tension made this unforgettable. I laughed, I worried, I gasped, and by the end, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to see characters who feel like they’ve become part of my own little bookish family.

For me, Fate Bound by Blood was perfect. Chantel Burnham nailed it—what a ride!

[Kaitlyn Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book to come out, I genuinely had to pace myself when it came to reading it so I didn't go too fast!

I love how all of the stories are technically independent of one another, but they're starting to merge. The world-building throughout the series has been fantastic, and I can really see how it's just going to get more and more detailed! The magical creatures being from pretty much every culture is interesting, and I can't wait to see more of the South American, Asian, and African mythos come to life and interact with each other.

I really enjoy that different characters and storylines are popping back up- Brennan, Maddock and Mallory are back in the picture, and it seems like they're going to be major players in the next book! I can't wait to see that!

As I got closer to the end, I kept checking the bottom of my screen thinking, "there's no way there's only 8 percent left, this CANNOT end on a cliffhanger!" So now, I get to not-so-patiently wait for the next one while stalking Chantel's tiktok like a hawk looking for updates.

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Okay now anything that could be considered spoilers-

I love the relationship Cordelia has with her mom throughout, especially after the naiad reveal and their argument- it feels like the kind of thing every teenage girl has gone through at some point.

The entire time Cordy was in the cage/cell on the ship, I wanted her to forgive and also never talk to Angelica and Joshua again, in equal measure. The fact they both quit HAMMA and helped Callista so quickly??? Okay fine, I like them again!

After Cordy got to the cowboy's house, I was really expecting Callista and Co to show up out of the blue and take her home, if only for the fact that it wouldn't actually be a cliffhanger like that!

The fact that Parker got what he deserved in the end- even if it was unfortunately by HAMMA's hand and not Callista's- was fantastic!
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[Linda Burbank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have looked forward to book three in the Ever Rising series to see where things would go next. I love the author's creativity in imagining this world where magic and magical creatures are around us. This book had themes relevant to the Young Adult audience of friendship, being happy with yourself, and trust between mother and child. The writing kept me engaged and wanting to see what was coming next. I am still waiting to know more about the "Ever" and how it will weave together with the previous books in the series. It was a good read and I would highly recommend it. I will send out a warning.... Unlike her previous books, this book does not stand alone. It will leave you hanging and waiting for the end of the story. Argh!

[Emma Denhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate Bound by Blood was a super fun, fast read. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading the first two so I was a little lost some of the time. Mostly, I could keep up though. I really liked how quick the story moved and it kept me wanting to see what would happen next. It was definitely an afternoon read! The world felt cool and different without being confusing, and I was surprised by how much I got into it. Overall, I had a great time with this one and I’ve put the first book on my TBR so I can catch up with the series!

**This review is based on an e-ARC generously provided to me**

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this origin story style of building the Ever Rising series (like the MCU), so this book could be a standalone even though it's book 3. You'll definitely appreciate the supporting characters more if you have read books 1 and 2, though! I adore all of Burnham's books for their vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and gut-wrenching climaxes, but I think this one is my favorite so far! Cordelia is scrappy, funny, and has my heart. I am dying to read Book 4, because the stories are starting to weave together and I must know what happens next!

[Lori Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chantel did it again! What a fun and magical adventure. I fell in love with so many new characters, and enjoyed being reintroduced to a few from previous books. There were some great twists that I did not expect, creatures I would never want to come into contact with, and a few interesting magical items I wish I could get my own hands on. Although it sounds very dangerous to be a part of this magical community. I can't wait for more stories in this series, and to see how the characters will get through their trials.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first two books in the Ever Rising series, and this one did not disappoint! This was such a fun and fast paced read. The world building continues to be some of my favorite for more modern fantasy. I loved seeing all the returning characters from the first two books in this series, and seeing how the stories are coming together. Cordelia’s mom surprised me, and she might be my favorite character so far. I eagerly await book 4!

[Jamie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! I have been waiting for the third book in the Ever Rising Series since the last one came out. It did not disappoint. I smiled, cried, got mad at and cheered characters on. It was so well written. Although it is a standalone in the series, some characters are starting to cross over and make a reappearance. Loved it.

[Keila Yanis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot. If you're looking for a quick, good magical read, then this book is for you. I liked the plot, the organic way the characters develop, and the way the author knows how to leave you wanting more.

[Debi Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book! It’s one of those books you can’t put down. So many twists and turns you never expect. Cliff hanger ending. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!!

[Barbara Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't like this as much as the first two. I can see where the story is building for the series and hope some of the characters from the others books start to reappear to take down the evil parties

[Shelby Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you have some time set aside- I couldn’t put this book down! Every book in this series just gets better and better!