What do you think?
Rate this book
Magebound Courts #0.5
Drawn to the Mage Guard: A Fantasy Romance Prequel Novella
An empath. A mercenary. One forbidden touch that changes the fate of three kingdoms.
In Caervorn, where mages rule and mercy is weakness, Heleth survives by being invisible. She mends clothes, keeps her head down, and hides her true gift--the power to sense and shape emotion, a weapon fit for any throne room.
Taig's only ambition is a quiet life far from the blood-soaked battlefields of his past. Guard duty should’ve been simple--until he touches her, and lightning surges between them, forging an undeniable connection neither can explain nor resist.
But their relationship is forbidden. A mage and a mundane can never be together.
When Heleth is given a robe to mend that’s dripping with a queen’s blood, Taig becomes the only person she can trust. The Mage Assembly and a king seek the secret she holds. One faction wants them silenced; the other side wants them to talk, drawing them into a deadly game of politics.
To survive, they must play every role servant and soldier, lover and liar, weapon and shield.
Their love is beyond dangerous, but it might be the spark that ignites a rebellion and reshapes the fate of three kingdoms.
Drawn to the Mage Guard is a prequel novella to the Magebound Courts series. Guaranteed HEA. This book contains explicit content and darker themes, including violence and sexual content. Intended for readers aged 18+. If you love an overprotective bodyguard, forbidden love, and a good dose of spice this book is for you.
In Caervorn, where mages rule and mercy is weakness, Heleth survives by being invisible. She mends clothes, keeps her head down, and hides her true gift--the power to sense and shape emotion, a weapon fit for any throne room.
Taig's only ambition is a quiet life far from the blood-soaked battlefields of his past. Guard duty should’ve been simple--until he touches her, and lightning surges between them, forging an undeniable connection neither can explain nor resist.
But their relationship is forbidden. A mage and a mundane can never be together.
When Heleth is given a robe to mend that’s dripping with a queen’s blood, Taig becomes the only person she can trust. The Mage Assembly and a king seek the secret she holds. One faction wants them silenced; the other side wants them to talk, drawing them into a deadly game of politics.
To survive, they must play every role servant and soldier, lover and liar, weapon and shield.
Their love is beyond dangerous, but it might be the spark that ignites a rebellion and reshapes the fate of three kingdoms.
Drawn to the Mage Guard is a prequel novella to the Magebound Courts series. Guaranteed HEA. This book contains explicit content and darker themes, including violence and sexual content. Intended for readers aged 18+. If you love an overprotective bodyguard, forbidden love, and a good dose of spice this book is for you.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 3, 2026
This was a great prequel before getting into the first book of the series! The romance in this book was quick but all consuming! I loved Heleth and found her empath powers super interesting! Some gals want a golden retriever - I want a German Shepard and that is Taig!
“Here’s the truth, Heleth. I’m… not a gentle man when circumstances call for violence and this was one. If you don’t like that, I’m sorry, but you’d figure that out about me soon enough, yes?”
“Here’s the truth, Heleth. I’m… not a gentle man when circumstances call for violence and this was one. If you don’t like that, I’m sorry, but you’d figure that out about me soon enough, yes?”
August 11, 2026
This is the prequel to the series, and what a cool introduction! Heleth, an orphan, and an empath, in servitude to the Mage Assembly, delegated to the sideline, has her life suddenly upended. A dress brought to her for repairing, in a less than desirable state, turned out to be the catalyst for what happens next. Taking to heart that this work was secret, no one must see the bloody state of the dress, she resigns herself to fix and clean it. She is, after all, a "lesser" in the eyes of her fellow mages and the Assembly but what they don't know, she has more magic within her than she allows them to see. For her own preservation, for her own independence (such as it might be) and in fear of how they would use her if they knew. She might keep her head down and her nose clean but she's no walkover, she sure has a feisty streak in her. Meeting Taig, getting to know him, a kind gentle giant, awakened more than warmth in her.
Taig has spent his entire existence protecting others. He's a guard, in service to the Assembly to protect Mages. One young woman, with downcast eyes, ignites his protective trait. Until he meets her. Until they touch. That protectiveness flairs like a lightening bolt, literally. I do enjoy a tough guy with a gooey centre and Taig is precisely that. Dutiful, yes, but he's as kind and compassionate as he is violent when the need arises. The natural spark that ignited between Heleth and Taig, flares uncontrollably but it's forbidden. No mage, no matter their status or lack of it, can associate with a mundane. The sweet, and hot, romance was gorgeously passionate, full of fireworks. I did love seeing Taig wearing his heart on his sleeve and Heleth, unapologetically, giving in to her basal urges.
In case you're thinking this is purely a hot Romantasy, you'd be wrong. This novella has political shenanigans, deadly secrets, major power plays, as well as mysterious elements surrounding "the dress" and the Assembly. The supporting characters were just as well fleshed out as the 2 main characters. Loved Gisela and Reina, both allude to be much more than meets the eye, and I'm dying to discover more of them. With Heleth and Taig getting to be together, albeit with strings attached by the Assembly, their beautiful HEA, is marred, once again by the Assembly's meddling hand. And the next chapter is one I'm really looking forward to, their daughter's journey....
Astoria Hope is a new to me author and I was thrilled at her captivating writing skill, her ease of storytelling and the foundation of her world building. A great, fast paced, beautiful, quick read.
Taig has spent his entire existence protecting others. He's a guard, in service to the Assembly to protect Mages. One young woman, with downcast eyes, ignites his protective trait. Until he meets her. Until they touch. That protectiveness flairs like a lightening bolt, literally. I do enjoy a tough guy with a gooey centre and Taig is precisely that. Dutiful, yes, but he's as kind and compassionate as he is violent when the need arises. The natural spark that ignited between Heleth and Taig, flares uncontrollably but it's forbidden. No mage, no matter their status or lack of it, can associate with a mundane. The sweet, and hot, romance was gorgeously passionate, full of fireworks. I did love seeing Taig wearing his heart on his sleeve and Heleth, unapologetically, giving in to her basal urges.
In case you're thinking this is purely a hot Romantasy, you'd be wrong. This novella has political shenanigans, deadly secrets, major power plays, as well as mysterious elements surrounding "the dress" and the Assembly. The supporting characters were just as well fleshed out as the 2 main characters. Loved Gisela and Reina, both allude to be much more than meets the eye, and I'm dying to discover more of them. With Heleth and Taig getting to be together, albeit with strings attached by the Assembly, their beautiful HEA, is marred, once again by the Assembly's meddling hand. And the next chapter is one I'm really looking forward to, their daughter's journey....
Astoria Hope is a new to me author and I was thrilled at her captivating writing skill, her ease of storytelling and the foundation of her world building. A great, fast paced, beautiful, quick read.
August 22, 2026
In the prequel for Magebound Courts Hope leads us into a world that judges you not on who you are but solely how much power you are capable of garnering, for an empath like Heleth they are left to a life of servitude mostly forgotten. Heleth has always kept what she is truly capable of from anyone in the Assembly because she knows what that would mean for her future, besides she enjoys mending fabrics until someone uses that to their advantage along with how easily they could make her disappear now she must make a plan to save herself before others can remov her.
Taig took the opportunity to come to Caervorn from Gelida to serve as a guard knowing work for someone without land would be a guarantee. Among his days on the wall there is one mage he just can't seem to get out of his head, yet he knows a relationship between the two would never be allowed their difference in status is too great. It starts as guard duty they fall fast with danger quickly on their tails, it would seem as if every time the two are together they are attacked or followed is destiny attempting to tell them they are bound to fail, even if it's the only time the two are steady. Gaining insight into what happened leading to the dangerous work Heleth has been doing in the tailoring shop allows the couple to gain an advantage, will it be enough to save their lives and their relationship?
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars I went solely on 3 based on the ending, it was so abrupt it felt as if it left things left unsaid. Just my opinion.
Taig took the opportunity to come to Caervorn from Gelida to serve as a guard knowing work for someone without land would be a guarantee. Among his days on the wall there is one mage he just can't seem to get out of his head, yet he knows a relationship between the two would never be allowed their difference in status is too great. It starts as guard duty they fall fast with danger quickly on their tails, it would seem as if every time the two are together they are attacked or followed is destiny attempting to tell them they are bound to fail, even if it's the only time the two are steady. Gaining insight into what happened leading to the dangerous work Heleth has been doing in the tailoring shop allows the couple to gain an advantage, will it be enough to save their lives and their relationship?
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars I went solely on 3 based on the ending, it was so abrupt it felt as if it left things left unsaid. Just my opinion.
January 3, 2026
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars on this one, but ultimately the quiet sweet love story bumped it up for me. I know this is a prequel so I didn’t expect too much world building but this was a very confusing place. Very little was offered as to the “why” of things and it made the surrounding plot confusing. But i was hooked on the romance from the first Taig POV and his obsession with Heleth. These two were seriously so sweet it made my teeth ache, but in the best way. I was smiling so wide and giggling at these two slightly awkward soft MCs finding their romance. The political plot was background noise to the love story for me, and it saved the book. Wish I had a full length novel of just Taig and Heleth flirting, making babies, and living their quiet life ❤️ 3.5 ⭐️
January 6, 2026
sweet little prequel novella that gives a nice backstory. i love a soft but powerful FMC, Heleth has a backbone but she’s still a nervous girl which is honestly so refreshing and realistic. and Taig? oh i love a man that yearns and he does just that. i know this is a novella to set up the following books in the series but part of me wishes this was just a little longer, it felt a bit rushed and ended abruptly.
August 26, 2026
This book is short and sweet with danger , intrigue and mystery ( and a little spice)
Heleth is our Mage who is wrapped up in secrets of the Assembly.
Taig - dark past cinnamon roll takes on his role as a self appointed bodyguard.
The chemistry between these 2 - mwah *chefs kiss 💋
Lots of little Easter eggs for book 2. Can't wait to read the rest fof the series
Tropes
-Forbidden love
-Cinammon Role MMC
Heleth is our Mage who is wrapped up in secrets of the Assembly.
Taig - dark past cinnamon roll takes on his role as a self appointed bodyguard.
The chemistry between these 2 - mwah *chefs kiss 💋
Lots of little Easter eggs for book 2. Can't wait to read the rest fof the series
Tropes
-Forbidden love
-Cinammon Role MMC
January 20, 2026
I read Book 1 before I read this, and while the story came to me backwards, I am glad I read them this way, because now I understand how a mere herbalist could become a queen. How could she not as a true daughter of these parents?
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2026
This was a lovely little prequel novella that details the romance between the parents of the FMC of Bound to the Broken crown.
Sweet, a little spicy, with some danger and intrigue mixed in. It's a perfect little companion to pick up after the first book of the main series, it adds some depth to the character and some to the story itself.
Sweet, a little spicy, with some danger and intrigue mixed in. It's a perfect little companion to pick up after the first book of the main series, it adds some depth to the character and some to the story itself.
July 7, 2026
Loved this short story. I am definitely ready for more i enjoyed the pace of the book and the love that developed. I want to see what happens next. I like the qorld and magic used. I am curious about the mmc and if his past will effect the future. I also want to know what happened to the queen and the other kingdom.
January 20, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
1/5 🌶
I loved this prequel & introduction to a new, magical series! The characters sucked me in right away and the story was very fast-paced with secrets, danger, and passion. I'm moving straight on to book 1 now!
1/5 🌶
I loved this prequel & introduction to a new, magical series! The characters sucked me in right away and the story was very fast-paced with secrets, danger, and passion. I'm moving straight on to book 1 now!
December 26, 2025
I was so into this but then it just kind of ... ended? Worth reading but I wish the author had made this just a bit longer.
January 20, 2026
ooh I'm excited to see what's next!
January 27, 2026
What a perfect little novella to set up the series. I’m excited to learn more about Heleth and Taig’s story. Her magic is interesting and his yearning for her is so sweet. Starting book 1 now!
January 28, 2026
*review coming soon
March 9, 2026
This prequel novella is stupendous!!! We meet Taig and Heleth and their backstory is excellent, we get adventure, political intrigue, and a lovely romance. This is truly a treat!
July 1, 2026
I liked Heleth and Taig's story. It was short and sweet, and a good introduction to the series. I can't wait to start their daughter Isca's story next.
August 19, 2026
This was such a perfect prequel novella - Heleth and Taig were so adorable, my cheeks hurt from smiling at them lol
January 20, 2026
Taig and Heleth have a defy all odds kind of love. I sort of liked how they both acknowledged they were moving fast but that was the power of their magical connection I suppose. I did feel like there was different points when the flow seemed to have different pacing and I would have loved to know more about the inner workings of this magical world. However considering this is a prequel novella it overall was an amazing read and I am excited to see what else this series has to offer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2026
Since Bound To The Broken Crown (Magebound Book 1) was one of my favorite reads in 2025 I was ecstatic to find out there was a prequal about Isca's parents and this novella did not disappoint.
Astoria Hope rolled so much angst, tension, yearning and magic into this little novella. Just like Isca her mother. Heleth is an empath, but hides her powers from the Mage Assemble. However when she gets drawn into Assemble politics it is guard Taig who acts as her shield. The relationship is forbidden but for Heleth, an orphan raised without love or safety, she is drawn to everything Taig offers.
I absolutely LOVED this novella. You can absolutely tell where Isca get's her greatest attributes from. After finishing the novella I now want to reread book 1 since I have background on her parents. Can be read out of order or as a standalone.
Tropes
- Prequal novella
- Forbidden romance
- Hidden powers
- Spicy
- Political intrigue
- He is soft just for her
Astoria Hope rolled so much angst, tension, yearning and magic into this little novella. Just like Isca her mother. Heleth is an empath, but hides her powers from the Mage Assemble. However when she gets drawn into Assemble politics it is guard Taig who acts as her shield. The relationship is forbidden but for Heleth, an orphan raised without love or safety, she is drawn to everything Taig offers.
I absolutely LOVED this novella. You can absolutely tell where Isca get's her greatest attributes from. After finishing the novella I now want to reread book 1 since I have background on her parents. Can be read out of order or as a standalone.
Tropes
- Prequal novella
- Forbidden romance
- Hidden powers
- Spicy
- Political intrigue
- He is soft just for her
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews