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The Binds of Blood: The Stormbound Series Book Two
Every decision has a cost.
Every oath has a breaking point.
Every war is won by blood and sacrifice.The world teeters on the edge of war, and nowhere is safe.
After escaping the wrath of the High Priestess, Halja, Byrgir, Crow, and El struggle to shelter the fae-touched refugees of Elvik. But the kingdom is closing in. With the king’s army tightening its grip and the High Priestess’s influence spreading, the four of them must find allies—or risk being crushed by the forces that hunt them.
But the fight is no longer just against the human world. Halja’s power grows, but so does the darkness within her. Haunted by the fae entity known as The Dark One, she is tormented by an ancient force she doesn’t fully understand, and fears she can’t control. As the truth behind this mysterious entity unfolds, Halja must confront its shadow over her soul and decide how much of herself she’s willing to sacrifice to survive.
Now, with her people’s future at stake, Halja faces an impossible surrender to the High Priestess, exchanging herself for the safety of her loved ones—or lead her friends into a war they cannot hope to win.
The Binds of Blood is the gripping second book in The Stormbound Series, where loyalty is tested, secrets unravel, and Halja must confront the darkness both within and without. Fans of The Shadow of the Gods and A Court of Thorns and Roses will be swept away by this epic tale of sacrifice, magic, and the battle for freedom.
Every oath has a breaking point.
Every war is won by blood and sacrifice.The world teeters on the edge of war, and nowhere is safe.
After escaping the wrath of the High Priestess, Halja, Byrgir, Crow, and El struggle to shelter the fae-touched refugees of Elvik. But the kingdom is closing in. With the king’s army tightening its grip and the High Priestess’s influence spreading, the four of them must find allies—or risk being crushed by the forces that hunt them.
But the fight is no longer just against the human world. Halja’s power grows, but so does the darkness within her. Haunted by the fae entity known as The Dark One, she is tormented by an ancient force she doesn’t fully understand, and fears she can’t control. As the truth behind this mysterious entity unfolds, Halja must confront its shadow over her soul and decide how much of herself she’s willing to sacrifice to survive.
Now, with her people’s future at stake, Halja faces an impossible surrender to the High Priestess, exchanging herself for the safety of her loved ones—or lead her friends into a war they cannot hope to win.
The Binds of Blood is the gripping second book in The Stormbound Series, where loyalty is tested, secrets unravel, and Halja must confront the darkness both within and without. Fans of The Shadow of the Gods and A Court of Thorns and Roses will be swept away by this epic tale of sacrifice, magic, and the battle for freedom.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2025
10 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Angelina Kelly
3 books29 followersAngelina Kelly was born and raised on the edge of land and sea, in a small, remote community in Alaska. She earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in biology, and worked as a biologist for several years. However, a writer and creative at heart, she left her career to pursue life as an author.
She writes fantasy with a weave of romance set in immersive worlds inspired by nature and folklore. Her short fiction has won a short story competition and placed in the top finalists of others, and has been published in genre magazines.
Angelina also writes about her creative life, nature, and shares her short fantasy on her Substack, The Selkie.
She currently lives in British Columbia with her fiancé, dog, and two cats. When she’s not writing, she can be found out in the mountains with her dog, at home knitting a cozy sweater, or doing portrait photography with her fiancé and friends.
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The Source of Storms is a dark epic fantasy rooted in nature and mythology, dripping with feminine rage and romance.
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She writes fantasy with a weave of romance set in immersive worlds inspired by nature and folklore. Her short fiction has won a short story competition and placed in the top finalists of others, and has been published in genre magazines.
Angelina also writes about her creative life, nature, and shares her short fantasy on her Substack, The Selkie.
She currently lives in British Columbia with her fiancé, dog, and two cats. When she’s not writing, she can be found out in the mountains with her dog, at home knitting a cozy sweater, or doing portrait photography with her fiancé and friends.
ARC Sign Up
Reviews make a huge difference to indie authors, especially for debuts.
The Source of Storms is a dark epic fantasy rooted in nature and mythology, dripping with feminine rage and romance.
If that sounds good to you and you would like a free copy of The Source of Storms ebook in exchange for an honest review, please enter your email below!
https://subscribepage.io/ARCs?fbclid=...
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 1, 2026
“They call her Wolfskin, Sealfang, the Mad Wolf Woman, Sunslayer. She is the Geilt the legends speak of, the nightmare who will destroy anyone who crosses her.”
I find myself in the same dilemma I faced after finishing The Source of Storms last Spring - how to concisely convey the excitement I felt for a book that resonated with me on so many levels, without dissolving into a multi-page ramble that even the dozen or so people who read my reviews might hesitate to finish. Alas, I will try. (and fail)
— ⋆ ⚔ ⋆ —
Whereas The Source of Storms began quietly - with Halja turning inward, growing into her power before it finally erupts from outright rage - The Binds of Blood opens with emotional devastation right out of the gate, with plenty of action to follow. War is closing in, and Halja and her friends are tasked not only with protecting fae-touched refugees, but with preparing for a war that feels impossible to win. Meanwhile, Halja continues to be haunted by a dark force she cannot fully explain, even to those closest to her.
— ⋆ ⚔ ⋆ —
The immersive writing style continues in this installment, as the author expands the world dramatically through quests to relocate refugees and recruit allies. Ancient monsters and shadowfiends plague both sea and land, with increasingly horrific encounters, and Halja’s battle skills, control of Source, and heightened strength through the blood-bond with Byrgir are on full display.
But while I am absolutely the reader who craves bloodshed and devastation in my fantasy reads, what captured my heart yet again were the beautiful descriptions of the natural world, Rhyanaes, and one new village in particular. Once again, I’m left homesick for places I’ll never explore.
— ⋆ ⚔ ⋆ —
The world expands - and so do our characters. We meet new faces who will, without a doubt, play a significant role in the third book, revisit family members, and get to know El and Crow on a much deeper level. I was expecting more punchy banter from Halja, Byrgir, and their found family in this installment, and the author absolutely delivered, with several laugh-out-loud moments for me. Among these dynamics, Byrgir serves as a grounding force for Halja, their bond solidified in blood, mutual trust, and very real touch-and-die energy that flows both ways.
One aspect I was most excited for when continuing this series was witnessing Halja’s growth into her power, which we were only beginning to glimpse at the end of book one.
From page one, Halja is a skilled, rage-filled warrior, continuing to develop her abilities through her connection to Source and the bond she shares with Byrgir. By the end? Well, I hope it’s not too much of a spoiler to say she rips off the side of an enemy’s face with her elongated wolf teeth and spits it onto the ground, because it was my absolute favorite moment - and one I will be referencing when pitching this book to just about everyone I know.
Returning to what captured my heart in the worldbuilding, my favorite aspect of Halja continues to be her deep awareness of, and connection to, the natural world:
“I had always loved this kind of weather. Being on the edge of nature’s wrath, the borderline of discomfort always made me feel insignificant in the most comforting way. It reminded me that I was just another living, breathing thing, subject to the same natural order as everything else.”
Was this line written for me?
— ⋆ ⚔ ⋆ —
The Binds of Blood culminates in an epic conclusion of immersive action and devastating sacrifice, immediately earning its place among my top five favorite reads of 2025.
Recommended for fans of folklore-inspired, high-stakes fantasy with immersive worldbuilding, northern, Viking-meets-fae atmosphere, epic battles, and a romance built of devotion and sacrifice.
I find myself in the same dilemma I faced after finishing The Source of Storms last Spring - how to concisely convey the excitement I felt for a book that resonated with me on so many levels, without dissolving into a multi-page ramble that even the dozen or so people who read my reviews might hesitate to finish. Alas, I will try. (and fail)
— ⋆ ⚔ ⋆ —
Whereas The Source of Storms began quietly - with Halja turning inward, growing into her power before it finally erupts from outright rage - The Binds of Blood opens with emotional devastation right out of the gate, with plenty of action to follow. War is closing in, and Halja and her friends are tasked not only with protecting fae-touched refugees, but with preparing for a war that feels impossible to win. Meanwhile, Halja continues to be haunted by a dark force she cannot fully explain, even to those closest to her.
— ⋆ ⚔ ⋆ —
The immersive writing style continues in this installment, as the author expands the world dramatically through quests to relocate refugees and recruit allies. Ancient monsters and shadowfiends plague both sea and land, with increasingly horrific encounters, and Halja’s battle skills, control of Source, and heightened strength through the blood-bond with Byrgir are on full display.
But while I am absolutely the reader who craves bloodshed and devastation in my fantasy reads, what captured my heart yet again were the beautiful descriptions of the natural world, Rhyanaes, and one new village in particular. Once again, I’m left homesick for places I’ll never explore.
— ⋆ ⚔ ⋆ —
The world expands - and so do our characters. We meet new faces who will, without a doubt, play a significant role in the third book, revisit family members, and get to know El and Crow on a much deeper level. I was expecting more punchy banter from Halja, Byrgir, and their found family in this installment, and the author absolutely delivered, with several laugh-out-loud moments for me. Among these dynamics, Byrgir serves as a grounding force for Halja, their bond solidified in blood, mutual trust, and very real touch-and-die energy that flows both ways.
One aspect I was most excited for when continuing this series was witnessing Halja’s growth into her power, which we were only beginning to glimpse at the end of book one.
From page one, Halja is a skilled, rage-filled warrior, continuing to develop her abilities through her connection to Source and the bond she shares with Byrgir. By the end? Well, I hope it’s not too much of a spoiler to say she rips off the side of an enemy’s face with her elongated wolf teeth and spits it onto the ground, because it was my absolute favorite moment - and one I will be referencing when pitching this book to just about everyone I know.
Returning to what captured my heart in the worldbuilding, my favorite aspect of Halja continues to be her deep awareness of, and connection to, the natural world:
“I had always loved this kind of weather. Being on the edge of nature’s wrath, the borderline of discomfort always made me feel insignificant in the most comforting way. It reminded me that I was just another living, breathing thing, subject to the same natural order as everything else.”
Was this line written for me?
— ⋆ ⚔ ⋆ —
The Binds of Blood culminates in an epic conclusion of immersive action and devastating sacrifice, immediately earning its place among my top five favorite reads of 2025.
Recommended for fans of folklore-inspired, high-stakes fantasy with immersive worldbuilding, northern, Viking-meets-fae atmosphere, epic battles, and a romance built of devotion and sacrifice.
October 28, 2025
🌟 Book Review: The Binds of Blood by Angelina Kelly 🌟
The Binds of Blood is the phenomenal second installment in The Stormbound Series, and I can confidently say it completely blew me away—perhaps even more than the first book! This is a must-read that solidifies Angelina Kelly's work as a 5-star series for me.
The Epic Continues;
Following their harrowing escape, the story plunges back into a world teetering on the edge of war. Halja, Byrgir, Crow, and El are struggling to protect the fae-touched refugees of Elvik, even as the king’s army and the terrifying influence of the High Priestess tighten their grip. The synopsis promises that every decision has a cost, and Kelly delivers on that tension, raising the stakes exponentially.
The conflict in this book is wonderfully complex; it’s not just a battle against the human world, but a chilling internal fight as the High Priestess, Halja, is tormented by the ancient fae entity known as The Dark One. As the truth about this mysterious force unfolds, Halja must confront the darkness both within and without, leading to an impossible choice: surrender for the safety of her loved ones or lead them into an unwinnable war.
Deep Character & World-Building;
What truly sets this book apart is the depth of the characters and the seamless continuation of the world-building. I loved diving back into this richly crafted world (so much so that I had to reread Book 1!). Kelly masterfully gives us a better understanding of the overall plot and the characters’ motivations. We get crucial glimpses into the history of the MMC and the side characters, which makes their current struggle feel incredibly real and personal.
The FMC feels real—she's complex, resilient, and in this book, she is forced to rediscover herself in the face of immense pressure. The emotional core of the series—the powerful bonds of found family and the captivating romance—is stronger than ever. The overwhelming feeling that the FMC and MMC will do anything for each other and the people they are fighting to keep safe drives every decision and makes the stakes feel incredibly high.
Final Verdict;
Featuring thrilling adventure, dark fae elements, gut-wrenching sadness, and moments of hard-won happiness, this book is an absolute whirlwind. The plot twists are sharp, keeping you glued to the pages. Seriously, I couldn't put it down! If you are a fan of sprawling epic fantasy with high emotional stakes, complex moral dilemmas, and gripping romance—think the intense action of The Shadow of the Gods mixed with the swoon-worthy bonds of A Court of Thorns and Roses—you need to pick up The Binds of Blood.
It is an unforgettable tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring battle for freedom. Highly, highly recommended. I will be absolutely carrying on with this series and am so excited for the next book.
Thank you so much to Angelina Kelly for providing an e-ARC of this incredible book!
The Binds of Blood is the phenomenal second installment in The Stormbound Series, and I can confidently say it completely blew me away—perhaps even more than the first book! This is a must-read that solidifies Angelina Kelly's work as a 5-star series for me.
The Epic Continues;
Following their harrowing escape, the story plunges back into a world teetering on the edge of war. Halja, Byrgir, Crow, and El are struggling to protect the fae-touched refugees of Elvik, even as the king’s army and the terrifying influence of the High Priestess tighten their grip. The synopsis promises that every decision has a cost, and Kelly delivers on that tension, raising the stakes exponentially.
The conflict in this book is wonderfully complex; it’s not just a battle against the human world, but a chilling internal fight as the High Priestess, Halja, is tormented by the ancient fae entity known as The Dark One. As the truth about this mysterious force unfolds, Halja must confront the darkness both within and without, leading to an impossible choice: surrender for the safety of her loved ones or lead them into an unwinnable war.
Deep Character & World-Building;
What truly sets this book apart is the depth of the characters and the seamless continuation of the world-building. I loved diving back into this richly crafted world (so much so that I had to reread Book 1!). Kelly masterfully gives us a better understanding of the overall plot and the characters’ motivations. We get crucial glimpses into the history of the MMC and the side characters, which makes their current struggle feel incredibly real and personal.
The FMC feels real—she's complex, resilient, and in this book, she is forced to rediscover herself in the face of immense pressure. The emotional core of the series—the powerful bonds of found family and the captivating romance—is stronger than ever. The overwhelming feeling that the FMC and MMC will do anything for each other and the people they are fighting to keep safe drives every decision and makes the stakes feel incredibly high.
Final Verdict;
Featuring thrilling adventure, dark fae elements, gut-wrenching sadness, and moments of hard-won happiness, this book is an absolute whirlwind. The plot twists are sharp, keeping you glued to the pages. Seriously, I couldn't put it down! If you are a fan of sprawling epic fantasy with high emotional stakes, complex moral dilemmas, and gripping romance—think the intense action of The Shadow of the Gods mixed with the swoon-worthy bonds of A Court of Thorns and Roses—you need to pick up The Binds of Blood.
It is an unforgettable tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring battle for freedom. Highly, highly recommended. I will be absolutely carrying on with this series and am so excited for the next book.
Thank you so much to Angelina Kelly for providing an e-ARC of this incredible book!
November 19, 2025
You know when you finish a book and then sit still for a while, staring into space and thinking about what you just experienced? That's how I felt after reading The Binds of Blood.
I was so excited to read Book 2 of the Stormbound Series and it didn't disappoint. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions and it was a wild ride.
Halja, Byrgir, El and Crow are facing down a war, doing everything they can think of to keep the fae-touched people of Elvik safe from the High Priestess and the King's army. Meanwhile, Halja is haunted by the dark voice in her head, the presence of whom seems so real. As Halja’s power grows, she and Byrgir struggle to understand and control the bond they now share. All of this has them tumbling towards inevitable conflict and heartbreaking sacrifices. They need allies, and fast.
This book does a beautiful job of going deeper into the characters and the world introduced in The Source of Storms. Halja's transformation into a true warrior both physically and mentally is engaging and real. I really love this FMC, she's not cookie-cutter or simple. She's conflicted and flawed, but fiercely loyal. Without giving anything away, we also see more of the world in this book and it expands our understanding of the politics and history that shaped the story.
Angelina Kelly has a beautiful writing style and she paints such a vivid picture of the environment that this world feels so alive. There is a big sequence in the last 20% of the book that feels so real and immersive that I was right in there with the characters feeling every emotion. The pacing is perfect, striking the right balance of steady discovery and intense action.
I love this series and cannot wait to continue the journey. If you love character-driven fantasy with deep world building and emotional stakes, this series is a must.
I was so excited to read Book 2 of the Stormbound Series and it didn't disappoint. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions and it was a wild ride.
Halja, Byrgir, El and Crow are facing down a war, doing everything they can think of to keep the fae-touched people of Elvik safe from the High Priestess and the King's army. Meanwhile, Halja is haunted by the dark voice in her head, the presence of whom seems so real. As Halja’s power grows, she and Byrgir struggle to understand and control the bond they now share. All of this has them tumbling towards inevitable conflict and heartbreaking sacrifices. They need allies, and fast.
This book does a beautiful job of going deeper into the characters and the world introduced in The Source of Storms. Halja's transformation into a true warrior both physically and mentally is engaging and real. I really love this FMC, she's not cookie-cutter or simple. She's conflicted and flawed, but fiercely loyal. Without giving anything away, we also see more of the world in this book and it expands our understanding of the politics and history that shaped the story.
Angelina Kelly has a beautiful writing style and she paints such a vivid picture of the environment that this world feels so alive. There is a big sequence in the last 20% of the book that feels so real and immersive that I was right in there with the characters feeling every emotion. The pacing is perfect, striking the right balance of steady discovery and intense action.
I love this series and cannot wait to continue the journey. If you love character-driven fantasy with deep world building and emotional stakes, this series is a must.
November 7, 2025
The Binds of Blood gave me everything I was hoping for in a sequel to the Source of Storms. This book gives us so much more of Halja’s world and we learn the enemy is so much bigger than we were led to believe. Angelina has created an absolute work of art again, she has mastered the art of painting a picture with words. This along with the fact that the story feels fresh and new easily makes this one of my favorite series!
This book follows Halja, Byrgir and their friends as they prepare for war. They have been labeled enemies of the crown and the king’s high priestess is out for blood, Halja’s blood. After they’ve exhausted all their options for allies in the coming war and returned home with nothing to show for their efforts they set out to prepare for what is surely going to be a slaughter. Relationships are tested and Halja’s power is truly put to the test.
I have no notes! The pacing, the character development, the plot, the world building all of it was perfection! Halja really embraces who she is and the power she holds. We get to see more of the world and get more context surrounding some of the questions book 1 left us with. I love the northern influence in this book, reading about Rhyanaes feels like home.
This book follows Halja, Byrgir and their friends as they prepare for war. They have been labeled enemies of the crown and the king’s high priestess is out for blood, Halja’s blood. After they’ve exhausted all their options for allies in the coming war and returned home with nothing to show for their efforts they set out to prepare for what is surely going to be a slaughter. Relationships are tested and Halja’s power is truly put to the test.
I have no notes! The pacing, the character development, the plot, the world building all of it was perfection! Halja really embraces who she is and the power she holds. We get to see more of the world and get more context surrounding some of the questions book 1 left us with. I love the northern influence in this book, reading about Rhyanaes feels like home.
November 24, 2025
An absolutely phenomenal second addition to what was already a promising start for this fantasy series. I was fortunate enough to be an ARC reader for this, and I'm actually a little bit sad that I didn't wait for the paperback before I read this one, as it definitely deserves to be read in a physical format.
While the first book indeed felt new and fresh, it wasn't until the second instalment that I think this young author has begun to really find her voice. I was immediately enthralled from the first chapter and didn't want to put it down. The descriptions of the world don't hold your hand and instruct you on every minute detail, but rather give you just enough information t0 know where you are and what it's like, but leaving enough room for your own imagination to play and fill in the blanks. Dialogue scenes are written in a believable way and you can feel like you're right there with the characters. There is one scene in particular that made me feel so vividly what was happening that I may as well have been dreaming.
All in all, this book is a wonderful addition to the series, and if this trend continues book number three is no doubt going to be absolutely stellar.
While the first book indeed felt new and fresh, it wasn't until the second instalment that I think this young author has begun to really find her voice. I was immediately enthralled from the first chapter and didn't want to put it down. The descriptions of the world don't hold your hand and instruct you on every minute detail, but rather give you just enough information t0 know where you are and what it's like, but leaving enough room for your own imagination to play and fill in the blanks. Dialogue scenes are written in a believable way and you can feel like you're right there with the characters. There is one scene in particular that made me feel so vividly what was happening that I may as well have been dreaming.
All in all, this book is a wonderful addition to the series, and if this trend continues book number three is no doubt going to be absolutely stellar.
January 24, 2026
The Binds of Blood is a fantastic and gripping continuation of The Source of Storms that fully delivers on the promise of the first installment. From the very first page to the last, the story kept me consistently excited to turn the page, eager to immerse myself once again in its richly described world.
Angelina Kelly’s vivid scenery brings the setting to life, while the playful yet deeply bonded characters add warmth, humour, and heart to the adventure. Their relationships feel genuine making every triumph and setback resonate.
The tension builds beautifully as the characters face the looming threat of the King and the High Priestess, and I found myself on the edge of my seat, anxious to see how they would overcome their enemies. Kelly’s descriptive and emotionally charged writing has a powerful ability to guide the reader’s feelings, seamlessly pulling you into moments of wonder, fear, and hope. Through this, I felt truly connected to the world she has built and deeply invested in the characters’ journeys.
The Binds of Blood is an immersive, emotionally engaging fantasy that strengthens the series and leaves readers eager for what comes next.
Angelina Kelly’s vivid scenery brings the setting to life, while the playful yet deeply bonded characters add warmth, humour, and heart to the adventure. Their relationships feel genuine making every triumph and setback resonate.
The tension builds beautifully as the characters face the looming threat of the King and the High Priestess, and I found myself on the edge of my seat, anxious to see how they would overcome their enemies. Kelly’s descriptive and emotionally charged writing has a powerful ability to guide the reader’s feelings, seamlessly pulling you into moments of wonder, fear, and hope. Through this, I felt truly connected to the world she has built and deeply invested in the characters’ journeys.
The Binds of Blood is an immersive, emotionally engaging fantasy that strengthens the series and leaves readers eager for what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this sequel to Source of Storms! The world-building in Binds of Blood and politics were interesting, the mystery around Illenvar was intriguing, and it was nice to see more of the camaraderie between Halja, Byrgir, El, and Crow.
Like the first in the series, I loved the beautiful nature descriptions. It was so cool to see Halja’s relationship to the sea evolve, and her relationship with herself as well.
The cozy moments at El’s home, with the wolves, and in nature, balanced out the more gory action scenes nicely.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book and am excited to see where the next one takes us.
Like the first in the series, I loved the beautiful nature descriptions. It was so cool to see Halja’s relationship to the sea evolve, and her relationship with herself as well.
The cozy moments at El’s home, with the wolves, and in nature, balanced out the more gory action scenes nicely.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book and am excited to see where the next one takes us.
November 27, 2025
We are fortunate to find ourselves running alongside Halja once again, swept into her wild and beautifully crafted world. As Halja navigates her ever growing sense of self and powers, we are shown places we were hoping for and places we never expected. We are take through her deepest fears and brightest moments, on an adventure displayed in exacting detail.
Our favorite team of dynamic characters is back, and they are as bold and tangible as ever. Plus, a few more we were hoping for! And we get more of the Selkie story!
Binds of Blood is a fantastic tale that pulled me right in and had me spellbound. It was difficult not to read it entirely in one sitting. Cannot wait for the third book!
Our favorite team of dynamic characters is back, and they are as bold and tangible as ever. Plus, a few more we were hoping for! And we get more of the Selkie story!
Binds of Blood is a fantastic tale that pulled me right in and had me spellbound. It was difficult not to read it entirely in one sitting. Cannot wait for the third book!
January 13, 2026
A brilliant sequel that I highly anticipated. I loved every minute of the continuation of this story and loved that while we got so much content in the book, we are still left wanting more at the end. I look forward to book 3.
January 21, 2026
Go Angie go ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews