What do you think?
Rate this book
Scars of the Unbound
Some scars are carved into flesh. Others into fate.
Elora must navigate a world that demands strength from wounds not yet healed. Hunted for what she is becoming, and unsure who to trust, she’s forced to confront the feral power inside her or be consumed by it.
Dark, visceral, and unflinching, Scars of the Unbound is a story of reclamation, resilience, and the terrifying power of choice.
Elora must navigate a world that demands strength from wounds not yet healed. Hunted for what she is becoming, and unsure who to trust, she’s forced to confront the feral power inside her or be consumed by it.
Dark, visceral, and unflinching, Scars of the Unbound is a story of reclamation, resilience, and the terrifying power of choice.
- GenresDark Fantasy
ebook
Published October 7, 2025
2 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 22, 2025
I was very impressed with it. Despite it being book 2 it read well, and the progress was compelling. Characters such as Rell and Symond are developed and made more 3d.
Challenging themes are tackled dispassionately and with compassion - it could be a challenging read for some people. Be aware! Read the trigger warnings with care, please.
Like many fantasy series the scale increases in book 2 - it’s no longer within the bounds of the Institute: the reach spreads out and includes Al’tara as well. Danger and intensity increases with this part of the sequence.
I enjoyed the illustrations that are scattered through the story. There is an amount of violence, some graphic, some implied. However, it is clearly packaged as dark fantasy. . .
Yes, I want to read the next story - but hope the Kari-Elora potential is a red herring!
(An ARC read - thank you!)
Challenging themes are tackled dispassionately and with compassion - it could be a challenging read for some people. Be aware! Read the trigger warnings with care, please.
Like many fantasy series the scale increases in book 2 - it’s no longer within the bounds of the Institute: the reach spreads out and includes Al’tara as well. Danger and intensity increases with this part of the sequence.
I enjoyed the illustrations that are scattered through the story. There is an amount of violence, some graphic, some implied. However, it is clearly packaged as dark fantasy. . .
Yes, I want to read the next story - but hope the Kari-Elora potential is a red herring!
(An ARC read - thank you!)
September 3, 2025
ARC read - Releases October 7th 2025.
Although I was provided an ARC copy of Scars of the Unbound, the following words are my own and this review is written voluntarily.
This story lures you into a sense of false security. “It'll be safe," it says. “This is just an adventure! Academia! With the next stage of Elora. She's tougher now, right? Free from “The Institute.”," it teases. Then BAM! New enemy! Old haunts! Trauma creeps! The Institute thrives!
This series is something else. It initially feels written like a YA series. Like a breezy adventure that may have strife, but that everything will be okay. Then, it takes the typical and spins it on its head. It twists and throws out something dark, something vile, something deeper. It gets under the character's skin, then yours. All in ways that weren't necessarily expected. And if you thought this story would just be Elora's and she would be sunshine - think again. You will be shocked and surprised. Willing to fall for characters you didn't think capable of liking. Elora is the lead, but others around her matter. Her actions ultimately deciding fates, even if not directly. She can't run alone. She knows nothing outside The Institute. Her naivety draws in Rellius, a man curious as to why she stands out. Can she trust him to not turn her over to Thorn? And Thorn? He is thoroughly scorned and looking for restitution.
SotU was character driven, with a plot that keeps pushing forward. Miranda has a way of mixing not only the two, but telling the story from many sides. In this story, one man's kindness may be another's trauma. Showing dastardly deeds can be twisted as just in the eyes of the beholder. At the same time, justice isn't always the correct resolution.
This story is full of hurts and heartbreak. As well as discovering the strength to overcome it. I really enjoyed the addition of Violette and Rellius. Rell, despite being the dashing risk taker, knew how to read the room and change his energy to be effective. Violette was a voice of reason. The calm in a storm. She was often quick to say or do what was needed to get others to think. She's the best friend that everyone needs- honest even if it hurts but always in your best interest.
I found myself pausing after a few chapters at a time, wanting to think and break down the chunks that I read before moving on. The character's traumas felt like they came from a place of reality. They were approached very tactfully to bring attention but not in an overly vulgar or obscene approach. Wrapping horror into fantasy to make it reflective, while offering solutions. At the same time, the journey is interesting and easy to invest into. Highly recommend, as long as you are in a healthy headspace. These characters are worth it.
Although I was provided an ARC copy of Scars of the Unbound, the following words are my own and this review is written voluntarily.
This story lures you into a sense of false security. “It'll be safe," it says. “This is just an adventure! Academia! With the next stage of Elora. She's tougher now, right? Free from “The Institute.”," it teases. Then BAM! New enemy! Old haunts! Trauma creeps! The Institute thrives!
This series is something else. It initially feels written like a YA series. Like a breezy adventure that may have strife, but that everything will be okay. Then, it takes the typical and spins it on its head. It twists and throws out something dark, something vile, something deeper. It gets under the character's skin, then yours. All in ways that weren't necessarily expected. And if you thought this story would just be Elora's and she would be sunshine - think again. You will be shocked and surprised. Willing to fall for characters you didn't think capable of liking. Elora is the lead, but others around her matter. Her actions ultimately deciding fates, even if not directly. She can't run alone. She knows nothing outside The Institute. Her naivety draws in Rellius, a man curious as to why she stands out. Can she trust him to not turn her over to Thorn? And Thorn? He is thoroughly scorned and looking for restitution.
SotU was character driven, with a plot that keeps pushing forward. Miranda has a way of mixing not only the two, but telling the story from many sides. In this story, one man's kindness may be another's trauma. Showing dastardly deeds can be twisted as just in the eyes of the beholder. At the same time, justice isn't always the correct resolution.
This story is full of hurts and heartbreak. As well as discovering the strength to overcome it. I really enjoyed the addition of Violette and Rellius. Rell, despite being the dashing risk taker, knew how to read the room and change his energy to be effective. Violette was a voice of reason. The calm in a storm. She was often quick to say or do what was needed to get others to think. She's the best friend that everyone needs- honest even if it hurts but always in your best interest.
I found myself pausing after a few chapters at a time, wanting to think and break down the chunks that I read before moving on. The character's traumas felt like they came from a place of reality. They were approached very tactfully to bring attention but not in an overly vulgar or obscene approach. Wrapping horror into fantasy to make it reflective, while offering solutions. At the same time, the journey is interesting and easy to invest into. Highly recommend, as long as you are in a healthy headspace. These characters are worth it.
October 7, 2025
I'm sitting here, trying to find the right words to describe this dark fantasy masterpiece, and failing miserably.
This is not just a story you read. It’s one you experience. It is raw and real, brutal and visceral, haunting yet somehow healing. It will consume your thoughts, break and unbreak your heart so many times that you will stop counting, and it will linger long after the final page. And still, the story is far from over...
Scars of the Unbound picks up where Thorns of Fate, Book 1, left us. We’re no longer within the walls of the Institute, though its claws still reach far beyond. Elora escaped, but now comes the part of learning to survive outside the walls that shattered her. New people, old acquaintances, friends and foes alike cross her path. And she needs to decide who to trust. For the first time, Elora finally holds the power of choice.
What struck me most about the sequel is how it allowed other characters to reveal themselves fully. To bare their inner demons. To unmask their traumas. To the different, messy, human ways of coping. Every single one of them valid.
The sequel made me understand Symond so much better. I knew his pain ran deep, but I didn’t feel the full weight of it until his chapters in the Scars of the Unbound. His story broke me on so many levels, and all I want is to hold him and find a way for him to start healing.
The sequel made me love Rell even more than I did. I've known him since the prequel, but here, his layers peel back. He hides his emotions until he can hide them no more.
The sequel made me fall in love with Violette, a haunted soul who never fails to recognize the pain in others and offer a helping hand. She stole my heart, and I cannot wait to learn more about her.
Scars of the Unbound made me feel, made me cry, made me sob. And I welcomed the pain with open arms, eager for more. Eager for the journey to continue in Book 3.
Thank you, Miranda, for allowing me to walk beside you as your ARC reader. It's an honor.
This is not just a story you read. It’s one you experience. It is raw and real, brutal and visceral, haunting yet somehow healing. It will consume your thoughts, break and unbreak your heart so many times that you will stop counting, and it will linger long after the final page. And still, the story is far from over...
Scars of the Unbound picks up where Thorns of Fate, Book 1, left us. We’re no longer within the walls of the Institute, though its claws still reach far beyond. Elora escaped, but now comes the part of learning to survive outside the walls that shattered her. New people, old acquaintances, friends and foes alike cross her path. And she needs to decide who to trust. For the first time, Elora finally holds the power of choice.
What struck me most about the sequel is how it allowed other characters to reveal themselves fully. To bare their inner demons. To unmask their traumas. To the different, messy, human ways of coping. Every single one of them valid.
The sequel made me understand Symond so much better. I knew his pain ran deep, but I didn’t feel the full weight of it until his chapters in the Scars of the Unbound. His story broke me on so many levels, and all I want is to hold him and find a way for him to start healing.
The sequel made me love Rell even more than I did. I've known him since the prequel, but here, his layers peel back. He hides his emotions until he can hide them no more.
The sequel made me fall in love with Violette, a haunted soul who never fails to recognize the pain in others and offer a helping hand. She stole my heart, and I cannot wait to learn more about her.
Scars of the Unbound made me feel, made me cry, made me sob. And I welcomed the pain with open arms, eager for more. Eager for the journey to continue in Book 3.
Thank you, Miranda, for allowing me to walk beside you as your ARC reader. It's an honor.
October 7, 2025
Such a good book! This was a dark fantasy that took you on an emotional roller coaster ride!! Thank you for the ARC!
October 2, 2025
WOW....Just wow.... This series is absolutely amazing.
The way that Miranda Howman recognizes and sheds light on how trauma affects everybody in different ways, but also that just because you deal with your trauma differently than somebody else, doesn't make it any less real.
The Character depth in this book it incredible, Elora is a great FMC, shes finding her way through her past to discover who she is. And Rell *melt* he is still just that little boy trying to protect his family.
Symond... God I wanted to hate him but his journey in this book is heartbreaking.
The world building is fantastic! I sometimes have a hard time when authors spend to much time describing the world and it kind of takes you out of the story a bit, but Miranda did it perfectly.
And the CURVEBALLS!!!! Holy s**t! a few times while reading I would yell "what?" out loud! This series really keeps you on your toes!
Miranda Howman I greatly appreciate getting to enjoy this series early, I can not wait for the next book!
The way that Miranda Howman recognizes and sheds light on how trauma affects everybody in different ways, but also that just because you deal with your trauma differently than somebody else, doesn't make it any less real.
The Character depth in this book it incredible, Elora is a great FMC, shes finding her way through her past to discover who she is. And Rell *melt* he is still just that little boy trying to protect his family.
Symond... God I wanted to hate him but his journey in this book is heartbreaking.
The world building is fantastic! I sometimes have a hard time when authors spend to much time describing the world and it kind of takes you out of the story a bit, but Miranda did it perfectly.
And the CURVEBALLS!!!! Holy s**t! a few times while reading I would yell "what?" out loud! This series really keeps you on your toes!
Miranda Howman I greatly appreciate getting to enjoy this series early, I can not wait for the next book!
October 8, 2025
Book Review: Miranda Howman’s Scars of the Unbound
– thank you to Miranda Howman for my gifted ARC.
This book doesn’t ease you in. It ambushes. Miranda Howman has once again delivered a brutal, brilliant story in Scars of the Unbound, the second installment in the Thornforged Chronicles. And if you thought book one was intense, just wait. This one is sharper, heavier, and more unrelenting—yet somehow more intimate. The stakes are higher, but so are the emotional depths. You’re not just reading about characters anymore. You’re living with them, breaking with them, hoping they survive in more than just the physical sense.
At first, you think maybe Elora’s finally going to catch a breath. Maybe leaving The Institute will bring peace or at least clarity. Maybe she’ll get a clean slate. But peace isn’t in the cards. Not for her. Not in this world. What happens instead is a calculated storm—of new enemies, haunted memories, and impossible decisions. This isn’t a story of running from the past; it’s about how the past mutates and finds you anyway. And when it does, it doesn’t knock. It claws.
Elora remains the core of the story, but she’s no longer wide-eyed. She’s brittle in places now, hardened in others. She’s learning how to be something other than what she was made to be. It’s raw watching her try and fail and try again—always driven, always unsure. She’s not always right. She’s definitely not always kind. But she’s deeply human in a way that fantasy heroines sometimes aren’t allowed to be. She’s not here to play a role—she’s figuring herself out, and it hurts to watch, because it’s real.
Then there’s Rellius. At first glance, he’s the roguish wildcard—charismatic, slippery, the kind of character you expect to flirt and fight and not much more. But Howman surprises you. He’s observant, adaptable, with sharp edges smoothed by choice, not luck. He knows how to read a room and respond with exactly the energy it needs. Sometimes he brings fire. Sometimes he brings quiet. But he always brings purpose. I didn’t expect to care about him so deeply. I was wrong.
Violette, though, might be the unsung anchor of the entire cast. She’s the person who sees the full picture when others are lost in fragments. She grounds the chaos, says the hard truths, and does it with steady grace. Every group needs a Violette—the friend who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to. She’s the calm that doesn’t come with condescension. Her presence is a gift in a story like this.
The supporting characters are never just set dressing. They breathe and ache and unravel, too. Thorn, Symond, Cal, even characters with only a few scenes—they all carry weight. Howman refuses to write anyone as a placeholder. Every life matters. Every choice echoes. It makes the world feel alive and unsettling. You can’t guess who will be safe, because safety isn’t guaranteed. Not here.
One of the most impressive things about Scars of the Unbound is how it tackles trauma without sensationalizing it. The pain is present, often quietly. It’s not about showing horror for shock value. It’s about what happens after. What happens when the screaming stops and you still have to live with the echo. The emotional weight is crafted with care, and it makes the moments of growth feel earned. These aren’t characters who “get over” anything. They carry it forward, reshaped.
The plot never drags. Even when it’s emotional, it’s always moving. Tension simmers in the background even in the quieter moments. And when things explode, they explode. The pacing is deceptively smooth—until you realize you’ve read 100 pages without noticing. Howman balances character development and narrative momentum like a tightrope walker. You feel everything. And you can’t look away.
There’s a particular quote that stuck with me: “Some scars are carved into flesh. Others into fate.” That line alone could sum up the entire book. It’s not about erasing what’s happened—it’s about learning how to live with it. Sometimes to wield it. Sometimes to burn it down.
Be warned, this book ends on a cliffhanger that might make you shout out loud. I did. It’s bold. It’s painful. And it makes you desperate for the next book. But it fits. You don’t finish this story with resolution. You finish it with fire.
Scars of the Unbound is for readers who want their fantasy with teeth. It’s for anyone tired of clean answers and neat hero arcs. This is a story that wounds and heals in equal measure. It’s not always comfortable—but it’s honest. It’s the kind of book that stays in your bones long after you close it.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Five stars. No hesitation. No conditions.
#ScarsOfTheUnbound #MirandaHowman #ThornforgedChronicles #FantasyBookReview #DarkFantasyReads #ARCReview #EloraAndRellius #CharacterDrivenFantasy #FoundFamily #MorallyGrayCharacters #FantasyWithDepth #EmotionalFantasy #Bookstagram #FantasySeriesToWatch #IndieFantasy #October2025Releases #BookLovers2025 #MustReadFantasy #HealingInFiction #BooksThatBreakYou #BooksThatStayWithYou
– thank you to Miranda Howman for my gifted ARC.
This book doesn’t ease you in. It ambushes. Miranda Howman has once again delivered a brutal, brilliant story in Scars of the Unbound, the second installment in the Thornforged Chronicles. And if you thought book one was intense, just wait. This one is sharper, heavier, and more unrelenting—yet somehow more intimate. The stakes are higher, but so are the emotional depths. You’re not just reading about characters anymore. You’re living with them, breaking with them, hoping they survive in more than just the physical sense.
At first, you think maybe Elora’s finally going to catch a breath. Maybe leaving The Institute will bring peace or at least clarity. Maybe she’ll get a clean slate. But peace isn’t in the cards. Not for her. Not in this world. What happens instead is a calculated storm—of new enemies, haunted memories, and impossible decisions. This isn’t a story of running from the past; it’s about how the past mutates and finds you anyway. And when it does, it doesn’t knock. It claws.
Elora remains the core of the story, but she’s no longer wide-eyed. She’s brittle in places now, hardened in others. She’s learning how to be something other than what she was made to be. It’s raw watching her try and fail and try again—always driven, always unsure. She’s not always right. She’s definitely not always kind. But she’s deeply human in a way that fantasy heroines sometimes aren’t allowed to be. She’s not here to play a role—she’s figuring herself out, and it hurts to watch, because it’s real.
Then there’s Rellius. At first glance, he’s the roguish wildcard—charismatic, slippery, the kind of character you expect to flirt and fight and not much more. But Howman surprises you. He’s observant, adaptable, with sharp edges smoothed by choice, not luck. He knows how to read a room and respond with exactly the energy it needs. Sometimes he brings fire. Sometimes he brings quiet. But he always brings purpose. I didn’t expect to care about him so deeply. I was wrong.
Violette, though, might be the unsung anchor of the entire cast. She’s the person who sees the full picture when others are lost in fragments. She grounds the chaos, says the hard truths, and does it with steady grace. Every group needs a Violette—the friend who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to. She’s the calm that doesn’t come with condescension. Her presence is a gift in a story like this.
The supporting characters are never just set dressing. They breathe and ache and unravel, too. Thorn, Symond, Cal, even characters with only a few scenes—they all carry weight. Howman refuses to write anyone as a placeholder. Every life matters. Every choice echoes. It makes the world feel alive and unsettling. You can’t guess who will be safe, because safety isn’t guaranteed. Not here.
One of the most impressive things about Scars of the Unbound is how it tackles trauma without sensationalizing it. The pain is present, often quietly. It’s not about showing horror for shock value. It’s about what happens after. What happens when the screaming stops and you still have to live with the echo. The emotional weight is crafted with care, and it makes the moments of growth feel earned. These aren’t characters who “get over” anything. They carry it forward, reshaped.
The plot never drags. Even when it’s emotional, it’s always moving. Tension simmers in the background even in the quieter moments. And when things explode, they explode. The pacing is deceptively smooth—until you realize you’ve read 100 pages without noticing. Howman balances character development and narrative momentum like a tightrope walker. You feel everything. And you can’t look away.
There’s a particular quote that stuck with me: “Some scars are carved into flesh. Others into fate.” That line alone could sum up the entire book. It’s not about erasing what’s happened—it’s about learning how to live with it. Sometimes to wield it. Sometimes to burn it down.
Be warned, this book ends on a cliffhanger that might make you shout out loud. I did. It’s bold. It’s painful. And it makes you desperate for the next book. But it fits. You don’t finish this story with resolution. You finish it with fire.
Scars of the Unbound is for readers who want their fantasy with teeth. It’s for anyone tired of clean answers and neat hero arcs. This is a story that wounds and heals in equal measure. It’s not always comfortable—but it’s honest. It’s the kind of book that stays in your bones long after you close it.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Five stars. No hesitation. No conditions.
#ScarsOfTheUnbound #MirandaHowman #ThornforgedChronicles #FantasyBookReview #DarkFantasyReads #ARCReview #EloraAndRellius #CharacterDrivenFantasy #FoundFamily #MorallyGrayCharacters #FantasyWithDepth #EmotionalFantasy #Bookstagram #FantasySeriesToWatch #IndieFantasy #October2025Releases #BookLovers2025 #MustReadFantasy #HealingInFiction #BooksThatBreakYou #BooksThatStayWithYou
October 7, 2025
I don't even know where to being with this one. First of all, thank you @mirandahowman for this masterpiece that thoroughly gutted me, stomped all over said guts....and then didn't even put me back together.
I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on this one after reading book 1 and where we were left at the end of Thorns of Fate. I rarely find that I like sequels better than the first book of a series, but boy did this one deliver. The opening scene alone was pure magic. Miranda has mastered the art of bringing the world to life simply by descriptions alone. I want the bird's eye view that was described by Viliam and I want to live where the Nightgliders do.
I loved being able to read the story from multiple POVs. It had me guessing on how to connect them all...and often times I was wrong. This story was far from predictable, with many scenes that had me gasping out loud or yelling. And I got to meet my newest book boyfriend, Rell. The characters I hated in book 1....I hate even more now, while the newly introduced characters were amazing. The character development we get a front row seat for Symond, along with a few others, is truly remarkable. We get to experience the ways, good and bad, that they deal with their trauma and how they start to heal from it. From healthy habits....to some incredibly bad choices that really pull on those sympathy strings for them.
So get ready. Mentally prepare yourself. Put on those big girl/boy pants, buckle up, and get ready to embark on the ride of your life. This is the very definition of dark fantasy, and it will destory you in the worst (best?) way. And after Miranda did us dirty on that ending, I am *impatiently* waiting for book 3.
I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on this one after reading book 1 and where we were left at the end of Thorns of Fate. I rarely find that I like sequels better than the first book of a series, but boy did this one deliver. The opening scene alone was pure magic. Miranda has mastered the art of bringing the world to life simply by descriptions alone. I want the bird's eye view that was described by Viliam and I want to live where the Nightgliders do.
I loved being able to read the story from multiple POVs. It had me guessing on how to connect them all...and often times I was wrong. This story was far from predictable, with many scenes that had me gasping out loud or yelling. And I got to meet my newest book boyfriend, Rell. The characters I hated in book 1....I hate even more now, while the newly introduced characters were amazing. The character development we get a front row seat for Symond, along with a few others, is truly remarkable. We get to experience the ways, good and bad, that they deal with their trauma and how they start to heal from it. From healthy habits....to some incredibly bad choices that really pull on those sympathy strings for them.
So get ready. Mentally prepare yourself. Put on those big girl/boy pants, buckle up, and get ready to embark on the ride of your life. This is the very definition of dark fantasy, and it will destory you in the worst (best?) way. And after Miranda did us dirty on that ending, I am *impatiently* waiting for book 3.
October 11, 2025
Twisty, gripping, and suspenseful.
Scars of the Unbound was an incredible follow-up to the dark academia fantasy Thorns of Fate, book 1 in the Thornforged Chronicles. With more twists, a slow burn I didn’t know I needed, and one of the biggest cliffhangers I’ve ever read… I’d strongly recommend it to anyone looking for their next dark academic, morally grey romantic fantasy. While it does focus on darker themes, it just intensifies the character developing moments and truly brings you into the story. I can’t count the amount of times I found myself genuinely emotional over how proud of or thankful I was for some of the characters during those moments, but I imagine my 70 highlights might give a slight clue.
Elora and The Institute’s story is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it will have you hanging on every last word, especially once things start picking up in their plans. Some of the twists you might expect, but some of them keep you guessing until the last moment and then leave you with your jaw practically on the floor. AND THE ENDING. I am going to be shaking with anticipation until the release of book 3!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of the book. This is a purely voluntary and honest review.
Scars of the Unbound was an incredible follow-up to the dark academia fantasy Thorns of Fate, book 1 in the Thornforged Chronicles. With more twists, a slow burn I didn’t know I needed, and one of the biggest cliffhangers I’ve ever read… I’d strongly recommend it to anyone looking for their next dark academic, morally grey romantic fantasy. While it does focus on darker themes, it just intensifies the character developing moments and truly brings you into the story. I can’t count the amount of times I found myself genuinely emotional over how proud of or thankful I was for some of the characters during those moments, but I imagine my 70 highlights might give a slight clue.
Elora and The Institute’s story is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it will have you hanging on every last word, especially once things start picking up in their plans. Some of the twists you might expect, but some of them keep you guessing until the last moment and then leave you with your jaw practically on the floor. AND THE ENDING. I am going to be shaking with anticipation until the release of book 3!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of the book. This is a purely voluntary and honest review.
October 7, 2025
Survival isn’t the end of the story, it’s just where it gets real! @mirandahowman , GIRL….WHAT a complete 180 after book 1, Scars of the Unbound left me speechless…in the best way!
ARC REVIEW
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review:
🌟🌟🌟🌟
What I thought would be a story of freedom and forward motion quickly became something deeper: a raw, emotional exploration of trauma, trust, and what it really means to survive. You didn’t just continue Elora’s journey, you expanded the entire world, and gave space for every character to be seen, broken, and understood.
Symond’s pain hit harder than I was prepared for. Rell ( who was he again….) was unexpectedly layered, and Violette quietly stole every scene she was in. The emotional weight of this book stayed with me long after I closed it.
You explored difficult themes with care and intention, and it made the story hit all the deeper. It felt honest, important, and unforgettable. I’m all in for Book 3!
Release day: October 7th, mark your calendars, fantasy fam! Are you ready to walk back into the storm? Let the unraveling begin!
ARC REVIEW
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review:
🌟🌟🌟🌟
What I thought would be a story of freedom and forward motion quickly became something deeper: a raw, emotional exploration of trauma, trust, and what it really means to survive. You didn’t just continue Elora’s journey, you expanded the entire world, and gave space for every character to be seen, broken, and understood.
Symond’s pain hit harder than I was prepared for. Rell ( who was he again….) was unexpectedly layered, and Violette quietly stole every scene she was in. The emotional weight of this book stayed with me long after I closed it.
You explored difficult themes with care and intention, and it made the story hit all the deeper. It felt honest, important, and unforgettable. I’m all in for Book 3!
Release day: October 7th, mark your calendars, fantasy fam! Are you ready to walk back into the storm? Let the unraveling begin!
September 25, 2025
Excuse me while I pick my jaw off up the floor because it has been a while since an ending has managed to shock me quite like this did. Looking back, I feel like I should have seen that coming, but I was so caught up in everything else I never even thought about the possibility.
This book continues to explore the themes of trauma, the cycle of abuse, and what it means to be a survivor. I loved the inclusion of all the new characters. But one of my favorite things is that the writing is so descriptive and visceral, I feel like I can picture everything happening so clearly. And I really enjoyed the sketches throughout the book as well.
But I'm telling you, that last few chapters had me like 😟😫🥺🤔😱🤯
Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC of this book. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a dark fantasy that isn't afraid to go to very difficult places, interesting magic, complex characters, and emotional rollercoasters.
This book continues to explore the themes of trauma, the cycle of abuse, and what it means to be a survivor. I loved the inclusion of all the new characters. But one of my favorite things is that the writing is so descriptive and visceral, I feel like I can picture everything happening so clearly. And I really enjoyed the sketches throughout the book as well.
But I'm telling you, that last few chapters had me like 😟😫🥺🤔😱🤯
Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC of this book. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a dark fantasy that isn't afraid to go to very difficult places, interesting magic, complex characters, and emotional rollercoasters.
October 7, 2025
What an eventful, action packed book! 🔥 So many long awaited questions get answered yet somehow I’m left with even more by the end 👀. I’m desperate for book three already!
You can’t help but cheer for Elora, and then you start to feel such deep sympathy for Symond. The way Miranda writes his trauma deserves so much credit it sheds light on conversations people rarely have, handled with care and deep perspective💔
And can we talk about Rell and Elora?! I really hope more comes out of their relationship in the next book. There are so many unanswered questions between them, and I’m dying to see how it all unfolds. 🥀💫
I was left wanting more, left with questions, and absolutely eager to dive deeper into this world. If you loved the world of ACOTAR with growth and potentia buildl of a strong female lead with consistent action, you’ll definitely love this series! The Thorn Forged Chronicles has everything: magic, survival, trauma, and just a hint of forbidden romance. 🌹✨
You can’t help but cheer for Elora, and then you start to feel such deep sympathy for Symond. The way Miranda writes his trauma deserves so much credit it sheds light on conversations people rarely have, handled with care and deep perspective💔
And can we talk about Rell and Elora?! I really hope more comes out of their relationship in the next book. There are so many unanswered questions between them, and I’m dying to see how it all unfolds. 🥀💫
I was left wanting more, left with questions, and absolutely eager to dive deeper into this world. If you loved the world of ACOTAR with growth and potentia buildl of a strong female lead with consistent action, you’ll definitely love this series! The Thorn Forged Chronicles has everything: magic, survival, trauma, and just a hint of forbidden romance. 🌹✨
October 7, 2025
Scars of the Unbound is a dark novel that follows Elora a young lady who's life has been continuously punishing. She is a resiliant young woman who must face what she has been transformed into and what power she has within her. This sequel to Thorns of Fate is about a dark and brutal world that is so fascinating.
I liked this novel because the world was engrossing and charectars so real. The themes are dark but add a depth to each charectar it made them so real. I was lost in this world of amazing charectars and places I want more. The world and the charectars draw you in and leave you feeling like you were in a ride of emotions. It happens rarely but I was unable to put it down. Definitely read Thorns of Fate, The Gilded Children and this Scars of the Unbound by Miranda Howman you won't regret it.
I liked this novel because the world was engrossing and charectars so real. The themes are dark but add a depth to each charectar it made them so real. I was lost in this world of amazing charectars and places I want more. The world and the charectars draw you in and leave you feeling like you were in a ride of emotions. It happens rarely but I was unable to put it down. Definitely read Thorns of Fate, The Gilded Children and this Scars of the Unbound by Miranda Howman you won't regret it.
October 11, 2025
If you want dark trauma, saucy banter, shifters, magic and a slow burn - look no further than this book.
Scars of the Unbound picks up where Thorns of Fate left off. And we get to meet a few new characters, while bringing back some old …favorites? Maybe not quite the right word, but if you haven’t read book 1 yet (why are you reading THIS review?) then I don’t want to spoil it for you.
This book is written so well you find yourself in the characters and relating to their inner demons. Even if you haven’t experienced anything like what they have, they get under your skin. Your emotions will be all over the place! The multi-POV is timed perfectly.
And let me tell you, that ending is a doozy! Sorry, no happily ever after here. I’m waiting on bated breath for book 3 of the Thornforged Chronicles…
Thank you so much for the beta experience and the ARC Miranda
Scars of the Unbound picks up where Thorns of Fate left off. And we get to meet a few new characters, while bringing back some old …favorites? Maybe not quite the right word, but if you haven’t read book 1 yet (why are you reading THIS review?) then I don’t want to spoil it for you.
This book is written so well you find yourself in the characters and relating to their inner demons. Even if you haven’t experienced anything like what they have, they get under your skin. Your emotions will be all over the place! The multi-POV is timed perfectly.
And let me tell you, that ending is a doozy! Sorry, no happily ever after here. I’m waiting on bated breath for book 3 of the Thornforged Chronicles…
Thank you so much for the beta experience and the ARC Miranda
August 28, 2025
Explicit. This one is a determinedly darker story than book one, but it also features several new characters and explores mental health in engaging ways. Symond's story is challenging and confronting. Elora is the least interesting character, but her arc has the most potential for the future book(s). Rell was a great addition! His character is charming and playful, but serious when needed and adds some fun to the storyline. The almost love triangle was a major red flag for me, but I hope it doesn't go anywhere in the next book. All in all it's an interesting read and though it lost me a little in the middle, I really enjoyed it.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 3, 2025
Scars of the Unbound had me captivated and enthralled from the beginning til the end. Miranda Howman is a master at pulling you into a character's story and keeping you invested in the character's life and wellbeing. She brings to light trauma and holds you captive as you root for them to overcome. I appreciate the way she tells their stories and lets you see through their eyes.
My stomach was in knots at times as I read Elora and Symond's stories and could feel their pain. I was invested in their futures and was ready to see them get revenge.
Be warned, the story ends with a cliff-hanger. I am so eager to see how the next journey turns out for all of the characters in this series.
My stomach was in knots at times as I read Elora and Symond's stories and could feel their pain. I was invested in their futures and was ready to see them get revenge.
Be warned, the story ends with a cliff-hanger. I am so eager to see how the next journey turns out for all of the characters in this series.
October 6, 2025
This isn’t just a story you read its one you live. Raw, real, and hauntingly beautiful, it breaks and heals your heart all at once and lingers long after the final page. Scars of the Unbound picks up where Thorns of Fate left off. Elora may have escaped the Institute, but its grip still haunts her. Now free, she must learn to survive and decide who to trust because for the first time, the power to choose is hers. This sequel shines in its depth, revealing each character’s pain and humanity. Symond’s chapters gutted me, Rell’s emotions finally surface, and Violette’s quiet strength completely stole my heart. It made me feel, cry, and ache and I can’t wait to see where Book 3 takes us.
August 21, 2025
In the second installment of the Thornforged Chronicles, Miranda Howman delivers a fantasy novel that not only lives up to the promise of its predecessor but surpasses it. With unflinching honesty and emotional depth, this book explores the enduring impact of trauma and the quiet resilience required to heal. Through powerful themes of survival, recovery, and the complexity of coping, Howman crafts a story that lingers—reaching into the most tender corners of the heart and leaving behind something both raw and beautiful.
September 13, 2025
When I read Thorns of Fate I was a little triggered by what happened to Elora in the book. I have to say I am so glad I stuck around for the Scars of the Unbound. It has so much depth of characters and I love Rellius’s story and how he helps people in need. Such an amazing man. What Elora goes through in this book helps build her into such a strong FMC and I am so thankful Miranda got me on the street team and let me ARC this book. I enjoyed it immensely. But I have to say I can’t wait for book 3 to come out. Please consider me hooked. I gladly give this book 4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️and 1 🌶️
October 1, 2025
This series is phenomenal! Miranda has done it again with this dark fantasy
This book digs deeper into trauma, abuse, and survival, while introducing new characters I instantly loved. The writing is so vivid I could picture every scene, and the sketches throughout made it even more immersive.
The world building is spot on detailed without ever dragging, and the twists? Absolutely wild. I yelled “WHAT?!” more than once.
Thanks Miranda for this awesome ARC!! Cant wait for the next one!!!
This book digs deeper into trauma, abuse, and survival, while introducing new characters I instantly loved. The writing is so vivid I could picture every scene, and the sketches throughout made it even more immersive.
The world building is spot on detailed without ever dragging, and the twists? Absolutely wild. I yelled “WHAT?!” more than once.
Thanks Miranda for this awesome ARC!! Cant wait for the next one!!!
October 7, 2025
Disclaimer: I read this as an ARC for review
Dramatic opening mentioning wings (hello ACOTAR girls!)
You wonder what Elora escaped from- and so much intrigue as to how everyone is connected
I would advise reading book 1 as this is a continuation and not a standalone. I personally read it as a standalone
But it held my interest the entire time
Miranda is a fantastic writer and I will read more and support!
Dramatic opening mentioning wings (hello ACOTAR girls!)
You wonder what Elora escaped from- and so much intrigue as to how everyone is connected
I would advise reading book 1 as this is a continuation and not a standalone. I personally read it as a standalone
But it held my interest the entire time
Miranda is a fantastic writer and I will read more and support!
October 17, 2025
So this is how you do a book 2. The characters are unwrapping chapter by chapter. Motives, past challenges and deviststions are revealed. All the questions from book 1, all the touched on relationships clarify here. This was such a fantasy adventure, from top to bottom. The tension, the romance- Rell absolutely stole the show. He wasn't mean, he wasnt a bully- he earned my care for him as a character organically. Loved this book. Loved the first book. Cant wait to get my hands on book 3!
August 23, 2025
I was given this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion. This is the second book of the Thornforged Chronicles this book surpasses the first book by a mile. This book explores the impact of trauma and the ways that Elora deals with it. This book is both raw and emotional but very beautiful In the way that Miranda tells Elora’s story of dealing with her emotions.
December 8, 2025
This was an exciting read. Scars of the Unbound has suspense and excitement around every corner, I literally couldn't put this book down. Elora is a strong-willed woman, even though she's been a lot of trauma, Elora still manages to get right back up and keep fighting. Miranda Howman knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page and coming back for more.
September 14, 2025
Holy hell this is an amazing book. this had all the feels the ups the downs the emotional roller-coaster is truly heart felt. it played like a movie in my brain and holy page turner and plot twists are so amazing. love it .
September 29, 2025
This book is amazing! not that I'm surprised, cause Miranda is a great writer! The story has progressed and Elora has grown. I love Rell and Villiam so much. 🥹 Ther is so much depth to all the characters in this series! I cannot wait to see where the next book takes, impatiently waiting! 💚
October 9, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! This book takes you on so many twist and turns. Heartbreak and love!
The trauma is real and this book is so worth it all!
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
September 1, 2025
Ending on a cliffhanger..... I'm devastated for Elora, but excited to see what happens to Rell and everyone...book three can't come soon enough
October 4, 2025
Loved the second book of the Thornforged Chronicles! It is less dark and more adventure. There is still trauma but lots of deep character development. Love the graphic art!
October 8, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Now prepare yourself for the cliffhanger of the year! You did my dirty on that cliffhanger.
October 9, 2025
after the tragic events that led to the 2nd book "Scars of the Unbound," Elora is on another quest but runs into a familiar face. Elora is a VERY strong and intelligent character. I would say my favorite character is.
Elora
Reg.
Violet
Symond. I feel like he's a complicated character, I really like him. but what happens to him ruins the friend ship between him and Elora.
cant wait for the 3rd book!
my favorite qoute
"some scars and carved into flesh, others into fate"
Elora
Reg.
Violet
Symond. I feel like he's a complicated character, I really like him. but what happens to him ruins the friend ship between him and Elora.
cant wait for the 3rd book!
my favorite qoute
"some scars and carved into flesh, others into fate"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews