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Realms in Peril #2
Bound by Fate
The viral TikTok fantasy romance, now in a special print edition with bonus material and an exclusive first look at the third and final book in the Realms In Peril trilogy!
As dark forces gather to claim the realms, Ryker, Kya, and Zalen must master their own deadly challenges to stop them in this pulse-pounding second book in the Realms In Peril series.
Ryker, a Worthy fae sworn to protect his Nation, has been driven to the edge of madness since Kya left this world. He won't let his mate escape her shadow, but enemies are determined to keep Ryker and Kya apart as war brews, and Ryker may be forced to choose between his mate and the realm he has vowed to defend.
Meanwhile, Kya, bound by the nightmare of her new reality and desperate to return to her realm and Ryker, is stripped of her magic and held captive in a world that demands sacrifice for survival. She must use every skill and tool at her disposal to save herself, her bond, and her realm—no matter the cost.
Amidst the chaos, Zalen, a prince with dark ambitions, has set his plan in motion to claim his Kingdom, the power he desires, and the obsession he craves. But consequences stir beneath his victory. Facing an unexpected threat to his rule, all that he has worked toward might end before it has even begun.
As greater forces tighten around every realm, Ryker, Kya, Zalen, and their allies must step carefully to maintain the world’s balance.
As dark forces gather to claim the realms, Ryker, Kya, and Zalen must master their own deadly challenges to stop them in this pulse-pounding second book in the Realms In Peril series.
Ryker, a Worthy fae sworn to protect his Nation, has been driven to the edge of madness since Kya left this world. He won't let his mate escape her shadow, but enemies are determined to keep Ryker and Kya apart as war brews, and Ryker may be forced to choose between his mate and the realm he has vowed to defend.
Meanwhile, Kya, bound by the nightmare of her new reality and desperate to return to her realm and Ryker, is stripped of her magic and held captive in a world that demands sacrifice for survival. She must use every skill and tool at her disposal to save herself, her bond, and her realm—no matter the cost.
Amidst the chaos, Zalen, a prince with dark ambitions, has set his plan in motion to claim his Kingdom, the power he desires, and the obsession he craves. But consequences stir beneath his victory. Facing an unexpected threat to his rule, all that he has worked toward might end before it has even begun.
As greater forces tighten around every realm, Ryker, Kya, Zalen, and their allies must step carefully to maintain the world’s balance.
624 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2024
About the author
A.N. Caudle
6 books829 followersA.N. Caudle has a history in engineering with a degree in Organizational leadership (and to make her even nerdier, she went to space camp). After spending over a decade poring over architectural schematics, she was hit with the idea for a story that demanded (yes, demanded) to be told.
What was supposed to be one singular book turned into a series (did not see that coming) and much more, going far beyond anything she could have imagined.
Caudle lives in Arkansas with her husband, two sons, and a menagerie of pets.
What was supposed to be one singular book turned into a series (did not see that coming) and much more, going far beyond anything she could have imagined.
Caudle lives in Arkansas with her husband, two sons, and a menagerie of pets.
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December 29, 2024
No because what in the actual FLYING FUCK just happened????!!!!! That had so much potential to be phenomenal and to say it flopped would be an understatement! It breaks my heart to even say this because I LOVED book one…. But alas, here we are, again severely disappointed by the second book in a fantasy romance series.
Guys. I think I officially need to check myself in to a mental institution because it’s been a month and a half since I rated a fantasy romance book over 3 stars and I genuinely might be spiraling into insanity.
To say this was a mess would be an understatement. When multi-POV is done right it is my absolute FAVORITE, however when it isn’t done right… it’s a recipe for disaster which unfortunately was the case here for me. The new POVs that were brought in to the story really made zero sense to me I could not figure out the significance of them and why they were important to the overall story. It just felt like they were there to be there? We got two new romances thrust into the mix but their relationships had already developed??? It was weird I felt like I skipped a whole book? Malina’s entire POV was her grief journey which I loved and appreciated the mental health/addiction rep but it was dragged out for wayyyyy too long it just didnt make sense because her character didn’t do anything else? Maera was there???? Zalen’s entire personality was how he got a hard on every time Maera walked into the room… no but seriously even with the bomb that was dropped at the end of this I DID NOT GET THE POINT OF HIM AND MAERA IN THIS BOOK WTF DID THEY ADD?!
I feel like throwing in all of these new POVs and romances was a failed attempt to make up for the fact that THE MAIN COUPLE I FELL IN LOVE WITH IN BOOK 1 WERE SEPARATED FOR 450 PAGES?????!!!!!!!! And it was so UNNECESSARY!!! The fact that we got little to no Kyra and Ryker together the entire book I think was the worst part for me. Don’t get me wrong what Kyra went through in the beginning broke my heart but then her being held captive just dragged out for so long and she literally accomplished nothing the entire time it felt like such a waste.
The plot was all telling no showing. There was so much potential but overall the whole storyline fell incredible flat. The magic system is unique and fascinating yes…. But there is quite literally zero explanation as to how it works. Don’t even get me started on Kyra just randomly tapping into new magic and all of a sudden knowing how to use it even though she has no clue what it is. I genuinely felt like these characters were all running around like chickens with their heads cut off because nobody knew what the fuck was going on or how to handle anything and honestly like same.
I don’t really know how to make this review concise and coherent because my thoughts about this book are just a bunch of scribbles in my mind.
Oh well.
Guys. I think I officially need to check myself in to a mental institution because it’s been a month and a half since I rated a fantasy romance book over 3 stars and I genuinely might be spiraling into insanity.
To say this was a mess would be an understatement. When multi-POV is done right it is my absolute FAVORITE, however when it isn’t done right… it’s a recipe for disaster which unfortunately was the case here for me. The new POVs that were brought in to the story really made zero sense to me I could not figure out the significance of them and why they were important to the overall story. It just felt like they were there to be there? We got two new romances thrust into the mix but their relationships had already developed??? It was weird I felt like I skipped a whole book? Malina’s entire POV was her grief journey which I loved and appreciated the mental health/addiction rep but it was dragged out for wayyyyy too long it just didnt make sense because her character didn’t do anything else? Maera was there???? Zalen’s entire personality was how he got a hard on every time Maera walked into the room… no but seriously even with the bomb that was dropped at the end of this I DID NOT GET THE POINT OF HIM AND MAERA IN THIS BOOK WTF DID THEY ADD?!
I feel like throwing in all of these new POVs and romances was a failed attempt to make up for the fact that THE MAIN COUPLE I FELL IN LOVE WITH IN BOOK 1 WERE SEPARATED FOR 450 PAGES?????!!!!!!!! And it was so UNNECESSARY!!! The fact that we got little to no Kyra and Ryker together the entire book I think was the worst part for me. Don’t get me wrong what Kyra went through in the beginning broke my heart but then her being held captive just dragged out for so long and she literally accomplished nothing the entire time it felt like such a waste.
The plot was all telling no showing. There was so much potential but overall the whole storyline fell incredible flat. The magic system is unique and fascinating yes…. But there is quite literally zero explanation as to how it works. Don’t even get me started on Kyra just randomly tapping into new magic and all of a sudden knowing how to use it even though she has no clue what it is. I genuinely felt like these characters were all running around like chickens with their heads cut off because nobody knew what the fuck was going on or how to handle anything and honestly like same.
I don’t really know how to make this review concise and coherent because my thoughts about this book are just a bunch of scribbles in my mind.
Oh well.
October 22, 2024
Yes, I love it (duh) and I hope you do too!
April 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes ✨
🏹 Fated mates
💎 Shadow Daddy
🏹 Stabby FMC 🔪
💎 Found Family
🏹 Touch her/him & 💀
💎 “My little Gem”
🏹 Kidnapping
💎 Multi-POV
🏹 First person POV
💎 Dark themes
🏹 Medium spice
💎 Gods/Fae/Magic
✨ My Review ✨
Compared to Book 1, this one definitely dives into darker themes.
Let me start by saying I absolutely loved the first book in this series. I also adore Ryker and Kya they completely own my heart.
Before diving into this one, I skimmed through some reviews and noticed a common trend:
“The multi-POV doesn’t add anything.”
“Ryker and Kya’s separation is dragged out and unnecessary.”
I went in with an open mind, genuinely wanting to see the purpose behind the extra perspectives. But like many other readers, I struggled to understand the relevance of Zalen’s POV.
There are four POVs in total: Ryker, Kya, Malina, and Zalen. I can kind of see the point of Malina’s 🤔 I did enjoy getting to know her more , but I still believe her journey, especially with mental health and addiction, deserved its own dedicated story. It felt squashed into someone else’s.
As for Zalen… I just didn’t get it. His POV didn’t add anything and honestly made the story feel more confusing than compelling. He should’ve been introduced more gradually… maybe as a developed side character first, rather than being dropped in so fully without proper build-up.
Ryker and Kya’s separation:
Again, I have to agree with other readers. Waiting until around page 450 for them to finally reunite felt unnecessarily dragged out. I do understand what the author was trying to do… To build that longing, trauma, and growth, but it didn’t hit as hard as it could have. The constant cutaways to Zalen and Malina stole too much of that emotional payoff. Their story ended up getting lost in the shuffle.
That being said, I will read Book 3 … I’m way too invested in Ryker and Kya to stop now.
I just really hope the author listens to the feedback and returns to the magic and flawless flow she delivered in Book 1.. because that was an absolute masterpiece.
🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes ✨
🏹 Fated mates
💎 Shadow Daddy
🏹 Stabby FMC 🔪
💎 Found Family
🏹 Touch her/him & 💀
💎 “My little Gem”
🏹 Kidnapping
💎 Multi-POV
🏹 First person POV
💎 Dark themes
🏹 Medium spice
💎 Gods/Fae/Magic
✨ My Review ✨
Compared to Book 1, this one definitely dives into darker themes.
Let me start by saying I absolutely loved the first book in this series. I also adore Ryker and Kya they completely own my heart.
Before diving into this one, I skimmed through some reviews and noticed a common trend:
“The multi-POV doesn’t add anything.”
“Ryker and Kya’s separation is dragged out and unnecessary.”
I went in with an open mind, genuinely wanting to see the purpose behind the extra perspectives. But like many other readers, I struggled to understand the relevance of Zalen’s POV.
There are four POVs in total: Ryker, Kya, Malina, and Zalen. I can kind of see the point of Malina’s 🤔 I did enjoy getting to know her more , but I still believe her journey, especially with mental health and addiction, deserved its own dedicated story. It felt squashed into someone else’s.
As for Zalen… I just didn’t get it. His POV didn’t add anything and honestly made the story feel more confusing than compelling. He should’ve been introduced more gradually… maybe as a developed side character first, rather than being dropped in so fully without proper build-up.
Ryker and Kya’s separation:
Again, I have to agree with other readers. Waiting until around page 450 for them to finally reunite felt unnecessarily dragged out. I do understand what the author was trying to do… To build that longing, trauma, and growth, but it didn’t hit as hard as it could have. The constant cutaways to Zalen and Malina stole too much of that emotional payoff. Their story ended up getting lost in the shuffle.
That being said, I will read Book 3 … I’m way too invested in Ryker and Kya to stop now.
I just really hope the author listens to the feedback and returns to the magic and flawless flow she delivered in Book 1.. because that was an absolute masterpiece.
May 15, 2025
I am so disappointed. This book was worse than the first. I had so much expectations for this book since I really liked the first one.
Adding 2 different POVs that brought ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to the story..like why were they even added all it brought to the story was a romance that felt like it was jus added so the story could have at least something in it while the main storyline was going.
I was bored. So disappointed. Almost never is the sequel worse than the first book. I am sad and annoyed.
Adding 2 different POVs that brought ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to the story..like why were they even added all it brought to the story was a romance that felt like it was jus added so the story could have at least something in it while the main storyline was going.
I was bored. So disappointed. Almost never is the sequel worse than the first book. I am sad and annoyed.
November 2, 2024
Infinity freaking stars!
Going into this after the criminal cliffhanger ending, I knew it was going to be a wild ride- but not once did I think this was going to be a complete emotional rollercoaster 😂
How do I even review this properly without giving any spoilers?! I literally cannot. Just honestly, prepare yourself to be ruined in every way- like ripped apart and put back together repeatedly over the course of this read.
AN Caudle is a literal wizard, in my opinion the pacing of the book was once again, really well done. You can just tell she puts everything into her stories and it’s executed in the most amazing way.
This picks up right where we left off in WOF, we meet new characters, we fall even more in love with the OG characters, and we get thrown into this wild ride of plot, politics, love, strength and the lengths people will go to for the people they love. You will laugh, cry, want to throw your book. You will feel so deeply for these characters that you may need to take breaks, and come back in a few minutes. Even if you do, just know you will probably not be prepared for the ending- if you think halfway through you have an idea.. trust me.. you don’t.
When’s the next one out? 😂
Going into this after the criminal cliffhanger ending, I knew it was going to be a wild ride- but not once did I think this was going to be a complete emotional rollercoaster 😂
How do I even review this properly without giving any spoilers?! I literally cannot. Just honestly, prepare yourself to be ruined in every way- like ripped apart and put back together repeatedly over the course of this read.
AN Caudle is a literal wizard, in my opinion the pacing of the book was once again, really well done. You can just tell she puts everything into her stories and it’s executed in the most amazing way.
This picks up right where we left off in WOF, we meet new characters, we fall even more in love with the OG characters, and we get thrown into this wild ride of plot, politics, love, strength and the lengths people will go to for the people they love. You will laugh, cry, want to throw your book. You will feel so deeply for these characters that you may need to take breaks, and come back in a few minutes. Even if you do, just know you will probably not be prepared for the ending- if you think halfway through you have an idea.. trust me.. you don’t.
When’s the next one out? 😂
November 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
-multiple magic systems
-morally grey/black characters
-spicy
-found family
-political intrigue
-trauma/addiction/mental health rep
-cliffhanger
Ohh man, this book, where to begin.. This is the second book in the Realms of Peril series, and we’re seeing a new realm and new characters in addition to the main storyline. Malina, Kya, and Ryker are all dealing with the aftermath of the events of book 1. There’s a LOT of emotional and heart wrenching moments. Like a lot.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘, 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙.“
But we’re also seeing the story of Zalen, our new morally grey/mostly black, super powerful and possessive MMC, in his realm with his woman Maera as they’re preparing for their new roles in their kingdoms while a mysterious person is going around killing the kings. You come to love him and his relationship with Maera, he would burn the world down for her but he also encourages her (in his own way) to find her voice and her own power.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧,” 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮.
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧.”
The plot is setting up SO much and just keeps building, and you really come to love ALL of the characters so much along the way. And you think you know how it’s all going to come together between both realms, but guess what.. YOU DON’T. You have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA AND YOU’RE LEFT COMPLETELY SPEECHLESS AT THE END. Sorry.. I’m still in shock.
I’m so scared we’re all going to be devastated in book 3 but I’m here for it haha 🙌🏻
Thank you again @ancaudleauthor for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Bound by Fate (Book 2 in the Realms of Peril series) releases December 5, 2024.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
-multiple magic systems
-morally grey/black characters
-spicy
-found family
-political intrigue
-trauma/addiction/mental health rep
-cliffhanger
Ohh man, this book, where to begin.. This is the second book in the Realms of Peril series, and we’re seeing a new realm and new characters in addition to the main storyline. Malina, Kya, and Ryker are all dealing with the aftermath of the events of book 1. There’s a LOT of emotional and heart wrenching moments. Like a lot.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘, 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙.“
But we’re also seeing the story of Zalen, our new morally grey/mostly black, super powerful and possessive MMC, in his realm with his woman Maera as they’re preparing for their new roles in their kingdoms while a mysterious person is going around killing the kings. You come to love him and his relationship with Maera, he would burn the world down for her but he also encourages her (in his own way) to find her voice and her own power.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧,” 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮.
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧.”
The plot is setting up SO much and just keeps building, and you really come to love ALL of the characters so much along the way. And you think you know how it’s all going to come together between both realms, but guess what.. YOU DON’T. You have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA AND YOU’RE LEFT COMPLETELY SPEECHLESS AT THE END. Sorry.. I’m still in shock.
I’m so scared we’re all going to be devastated in book 3 but I’m here for it haha 🙌🏻
Thank you again @ancaudleauthor for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Bound by Fate (Book 2 in the Realms of Peril series) releases December 5, 2024.
January 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
was this a good time? yes. was it a literary masterpiece? not really. did it bother me how kya and ryker were separated for 80% of the book? also yes.
i kind of hated that zalen was daegel, but i also expected that plot twist ever since i found out his motive was a women. the timeline of events after finding out the truth has been hard for me to reconcile. it makes more sense for them to have been two separate characters, because at times it felt like zalen’s chapters were occurring at the same time daegel was with kya.
maybe that was just my mind making assumptions to move the story along smoothier. however, if that’s the case, then the writing wasn’t doing was it should have.
with all that being said, i did enjoy the story and the plot because it was entertaining! there’s a very high chance i’ll be reading the third book too.
was this a good time? yes. was it a literary masterpiece? not really. did it bother me how kya and ryker were separated for 80% of the book? also yes.
i kind of hated that zalen was daegel, but i also expected that plot twist ever since i found out his motive was a women. the timeline of events after finding out the truth has been hard for me to reconcile. it makes more sense for them to have been two separate characters, because at times it felt like zalen’s chapters were occurring at the same time daegel was with kya.
maybe that was just my mind making assumptions to move the story along smoothier. however, if that’s the case, then the writing wasn’t doing was it should have.
with all that being said, i did enjoy the story and the plot because it was entertaining! there’s a very high chance i’ll be reading the third book too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2024
ALL 👏🏻 THE 👏🏻 FREAKING ⭐️
This book was EVERYTHING and more!! I knew going in it was going to be a wild roller coaster of emotion after that debilitating cliff AN Caudle left us hanging on at the of Worthy of Fate! What I didn’t know, is how gut wrenching yet beautiful it would actually be! Bound by Fate was one of the most exquisite reads I have had the pleasure of reading. It truly left me feeling ALL the feels and emotional damage. However, it is worth every laugh and every tear!
You will be sucked in and hooked from the very first word!! This book is teeming with incredible action that will leave you on the edge of your seat and your heart palpitating with tension. You may think you know what’s going to happen; trust me, you don’t!!!
AN has created such an amazingly vibrant world that continues to grow and develop with each book. We get new realms, new characters, new magic systems, and increased political tension. The depth of the characters is unreal and the growth is astounding. While you will fall even more in love with OG characters from Worthy of Fate, you will quickly learn to love (or hate) these new additions just as much. The hardships and turmoil they face is unrelenting and devastating. The love, the banter, the found family is so amazing and beautiful!
This book, like book 1, is so beautifully written. You can tell that AN takes great care and puts so much love into her words. Her prose is magnificent and unforgettable. The plot is perfectly paced and the story is jam packed with action! And, once again, we are left hanging by our pinkies on the most unimaginable cliffy 😫
If you are a Romantasy fan, then I highly recommend the Realms in Peril series! This series has everything that we know and love about this genre!! It is one of the most amazing series I have read to date!
Have I convinced you? Run now and read book 1, Worthy of Fate! I promise you won’t be sorry!!
Now….when is book 3 coming??????
This book was EVERYTHING and more!! I knew going in it was going to be a wild roller coaster of emotion after that debilitating cliff AN Caudle left us hanging on at the of Worthy of Fate! What I didn’t know, is how gut wrenching yet beautiful it would actually be! Bound by Fate was one of the most exquisite reads I have had the pleasure of reading. It truly left me feeling ALL the feels and emotional damage. However, it is worth every laugh and every tear!
You will be sucked in and hooked from the very first word!! This book is teeming with incredible action that will leave you on the edge of your seat and your heart palpitating with tension. You may think you know what’s going to happen; trust me, you don’t!!!
AN has created such an amazingly vibrant world that continues to grow and develop with each book. We get new realms, new characters, new magic systems, and increased political tension. The depth of the characters is unreal and the growth is astounding. While you will fall even more in love with OG characters from Worthy of Fate, you will quickly learn to love (or hate) these new additions just as much. The hardships and turmoil they face is unrelenting and devastating. The love, the banter, the found family is so amazing and beautiful!
This book, like book 1, is so beautifully written. You can tell that AN takes great care and puts so much love into her words. Her prose is magnificent and unforgettable. The plot is perfectly paced and the story is jam packed with action! And, once again, we are left hanging by our pinkies on the most unimaginable cliffy 😫
If you are a Romantasy fan, then I highly recommend the Realms in Peril series! This series has everything that we know and love about this genre!! It is one of the most amazing series I have read to date!
Have I convinced you? Run now and read book 1, Worthy of Fate! I promise you won’t be sorry!!
Now….when is book 3 coming??????
November 2, 2024
Bound By Fate by A.N. Caudle is the 2nd book in the Realms in Peril series and it had me hooked just like Worthy of Fate did! As expected, we get absolutely beautiful writing and some new POV’s for this book and you’re going to love them! AN makes us fall even more in love with the characters we already know and it’s simply perfect!
I probably would have devoured this book in an entire day if work didn’t get in my way, but I still managed to finish over 2 days and I was blown away in shock with some of the plot twists, especially that ending!! This series will remain in my Roman Empire and in my heart literally FOREVER.
I experienced the whole range of emotions reading this and might need to send you a bill for my next therapy appointment that I’ll need to process everything LOL.
It is also available in audio and performed by Beth Hicks and Walker Williams. I loved listening to this book as a re-read! They did a fantastic job and I will definitely be listening again when I want to re-live this world!
Without getting spoilery, if you love dark romantasy, you NEED to have this series on your radar! I am so excited to see where the series goes from here and know we are in for a wild ride with the next book!!
I probably would have devoured this book in an entire day if work didn’t get in my way, but I still managed to finish over 2 days and I was blown away in shock with some of the plot twists, especially that ending!! This series will remain in my Roman Empire and in my heart literally FOREVER.
I experienced the whole range of emotions reading this and might need to send you a bill for my next therapy appointment that I’ll need to process everything LOL.
It is also available in audio and performed by Beth Hicks and Walker Williams. I loved listening to this book as a re-read! They did a fantastic job and I will definitely be listening again when I want to re-live this world!
Without getting spoilery, if you love dark romantasy, you NEED to have this series on your radar! I am so excited to see where the series goes from here and know we are in for a wild ride with the next book!!
December 31, 2024
I’ve been telling everyone they need to pick up this book because it completely took over my life. The worldbuilding is so immersive, the magic system actually feels fresh, and I loved the whole gods‑and‑fae dynamic. I was hooked from the beginning.
Kya is an absolute force. She knows exactly how strong she is and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect the people she loves. She’s sharp, dangerous in all the right ways, effortlessly confident, quick on her feet, hilarious, and maybe just a tiny bit unhinged.
And Ryker… listen. Strong, sexy, full shadow‑daddy energy. Their romance is forbidden fated mates, but done with such a twist that the tension is unreal. The author builds their connection beyond the bond while still giving all the slow‑burn, forbidden, “we really shouldn’t but we absolutely will” energy.
The found family moments hit so well, and the side characters are genuinely amazing. Plus the Trial of the Gods storyline is such a cool take on trials. It’s creative, intense, and so much fun to read.
This book had me laughing, blushing, crying, and feeling about twelve emotions at once. I don’t want to talk about that cliffhanger and epilogue because I’m still recovering and already desperate for the next book.
Kya is an absolute force. She knows exactly how strong she is and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect the people she loves. She’s sharp, dangerous in all the right ways, effortlessly confident, quick on her feet, hilarious, and maybe just a tiny bit unhinged.
And Ryker… listen. Strong, sexy, full shadow‑daddy energy. Their romance is forbidden fated mates, but done with such a twist that the tension is unreal. The author builds their connection beyond the bond while still giving all the slow‑burn, forbidden, “we really shouldn’t but we absolutely will” energy.
The found family moments hit so well, and the side characters are genuinely amazing. Plus the Trial of the Gods storyline is such a cool take on trials. It’s creative, intense, and so much fun to read.
This book had me laughing, blushing, crying, and feeling about twelve emotions at once. I don’t want to talk about that cliffhanger and epilogue because I’m still recovering and already desperate for the next book.
December 25, 2024
One of my most highly anticipated reads after reading the first book worthy of fate that ended on a huge cliffhanger. These books are seriously under hyped.
It is so good if you like fated mates, found Family, fae, witches animal companions, dragon, touch her and die vibes then this is the book for you.
I loved the meddling God‘s trope in here as well & traveling to a new World. The author paints such a vivid picture throughout this book and the FMC in here while being held prisoner suffers some major trauma. The way she starts to overcome it was done really well. The spice as usual was really good as well. Our Mmc will do whatever it takes to get his mate back.
It is so good if you like fated mates, found Family, fae, witches animal companions, dragon, touch her and die vibes then this is the book for you.
I loved the meddling God‘s trope in here as well & traveling to a new World. The author paints such a vivid picture throughout this book and the FMC in here while being held prisoner suffers some major trauma. The way she starts to overcome it was done really well. The spice as usual was really good as well. Our Mmc will do whatever it takes to get his mate back.
November 29, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ rounding up!
3 🌶️
This was an amazing sequel to the first book in the Realms in Peril series! Full of emotional turmoil, action, spice and twists galore. After the ending of the first book, I was dying to know how all of the characters were going to continue their journeys and was not disappointed in all of the angst and character development throughout their story arcs.
2 more POVs were added and the world building was expanded, learning more about the realms, gods and spirit animals. I really enjoyed the added PoV chapters. I liked getting Malina’s pov and reading her struggle after the events of book 1. I felt like her journey was real and raw and her love interest is the sweetest cinnamon roll mmc! Zalen’s pov chapters were quite intriguing, being that he is a new character introduced in this sequel. He is a very morally black character. I enjoyed reading his chapters to see what depraved thing he would do next. And that twist at the end? That was insane. I’m proud to say that I definitely guessed part of it hehehe 😈😈
Kya and Ryker’s continued story is also full of its own hardships and heartaches. I still love that Kya is a fierce, stubborn fighter even though her decisions are frustrating at times. And I loved getting the broody feral mate version of Ryker who had zero F’s to give about almost anything but Kya.
Overall this was a great installment to the series and I’m amazed that this is a debut series! With such a complex world and magic system, it’s amazing how well this series has come together from a debut author. There were so many wtf moments and twists and turns and I couldn’t put it down. There’s another wild cliffhanger and I’m so excited for the next one!
Thank you to book of matches media and the author for a gifted eArc in exchange for an honest review.
3 🌶️
This was an amazing sequel to the first book in the Realms in Peril series! Full of emotional turmoil, action, spice and twists galore. After the ending of the first book, I was dying to know how all of the characters were going to continue their journeys and was not disappointed in all of the angst and character development throughout their story arcs.
2 more POVs were added and the world building was expanded, learning more about the realms, gods and spirit animals. I really enjoyed the added PoV chapters. I liked getting Malina’s pov and reading her struggle after the events of book 1. I felt like her journey was real and raw and her love interest is the sweetest cinnamon roll mmc! Zalen’s pov chapters were quite intriguing, being that he is a new character introduced in this sequel. He is a very morally black character. I enjoyed reading his chapters to see what depraved thing he would do next. And that twist at the end? That was insane. I’m proud to say that I definitely guessed part of it hehehe 😈😈
Kya and Ryker’s continued story is also full of its own hardships and heartaches. I still love that Kya is a fierce, stubborn fighter even though her decisions are frustrating at times. And I loved getting the broody feral mate version of Ryker who had zero F’s to give about almost anything but Kya.
Overall this was a great installment to the series and I’m amazed that this is a debut series! With such a complex world and magic system, it’s amazing how well this series has come together from a debut author. There were so many wtf moments and twists and turns and I couldn’t put it down. There’s another wild cliffhanger and I’m so excited for the next one!
Thank you to book of matches media and the author for a gifted eArc in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2026
2/5⭐️ ARC Review | Bound by Fate by A.N. Caudle
⚠️ Minor spoilers ahead
Bound by Fate picks up where book one left off. Book one was incredible. it had such a strong foundation and unique concept that I had really high hopes going into book two. I hate to say it, but this one was a flop for me. Which is beyond disappointing because this had the potential to be GREAT; I just don’t think it was executed in the best way. However, there’s something for everyone, and unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
We learn that Kya hasn’t been killed and is instead being held captive in another realm. And her captivity is BRUTAL. She isn’t rescued for a loooooooooong while, and something happens during that time that, in my eyes, is severe. Like… unforgivable. My jaw was on the FLOOR, and Ryker’s reaction felt like such an underreaction. It’s not the only time this happens either. I struggle to connect with a story when the characters’ emotions don’t seem to match the severity of what’s happening around them.
We’re also given a new recurring POV: Zalen. We aren’t really told who he is, why we should care about him, or much about his love interest, Maera. The POV jumps felt jarring, and I had zero attachment to either of them. Beyond 60% of the book, I was still wondering, WHO TF ARE THESE PEOPLE?! I will say, there are two things and two things only that Zalen did consistently: plot to take over all the kingdoms and bang Maera as often as possible. YAWN.
Melina, understandably, is not handling “killing Kya” well. She develops unhealthy coping mechanisms because she can’t cope with the guilt, and this was actually one of the stronger parts of the book for me. The depiction of addiction genuinely made me feel something. It showed not only what addiction does to the person struggling with it, but the damage it causes to everyone around them. I haven’t personally read that portrayed this way in a fantasy novel before. Content warning: if you have someone in your life who struggles with addiction, Melina’s POV could be difficult or triggering to read.
The last 10% FINALLY brings some action, but the book ends right when it feels like things are actually beginning. There is a pretty big reveal that, in hindsight, I probably should have seen coming, and the ending did save my rating a little.
Overall, this book felt like long, drawn-out foreplay when you’re just not in the mood. 😭 I frequently found myself skimming and, unfortunately, by the end I was looking forward to simply being done.
I’m sad to say I won’t be continuing the series, especially after how much I loved the first book.
⚠️ Minor spoilers ahead
Bound by Fate picks up where book one left off. Book one was incredible. it had such a strong foundation and unique concept that I had really high hopes going into book two. I hate to say it, but this one was a flop for me. Which is beyond disappointing because this had the potential to be GREAT; I just don’t think it was executed in the best way. However, there’s something for everyone, and unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
We learn that Kya hasn’t been killed and is instead being held captive in another realm. And her captivity is BRUTAL. She isn’t rescued for a loooooooooong while, and something happens during that time that, in my eyes, is severe. Like… unforgivable. My jaw was on the FLOOR, and Ryker’s reaction felt like such an underreaction. It’s not the only time this happens either. I struggle to connect with a story when the characters’ emotions don’t seem to match the severity of what’s happening around them.
We’re also given a new recurring POV: Zalen. We aren’t really told who he is, why we should care about him, or much about his love interest, Maera. The POV jumps felt jarring, and I had zero attachment to either of them. Beyond 60% of the book, I was still wondering, WHO TF ARE THESE PEOPLE?! I will say, there are two things and two things only that Zalen did consistently: plot to take over all the kingdoms and bang Maera as often as possible. YAWN.
Melina, understandably, is not handling “killing Kya” well. She develops unhealthy coping mechanisms because she can’t cope with the guilt, and this was actually one of the stronger parts of the book for me. The depiction of addiction genuinely made me feel something. It showed not only what addiction does to the person struggling with it, but the damage it causes to everyone around them. I haven’t personally read that portrayed this way in a fantasy novel before. Content warning: if you have someone in your life who struggles with addiction, Melina’s POV could be difficult or triggering to read.
The last 10% FINALLY brings some action, but the book ends right when it feels like things are actually beginning. There is a pretty big reveal that, in hindsight, I probably should have seen coming, and the ending did save my rating a little.
Overall, this book felt like long, drawn-out foreplay when you’re just not in the mood. 😭 I frequently found myself skimming and, unfortunately, by the end I was looking forward to simply being done.
I’m sad to say I won’t be continuing the series, especially after how much I loved the first book.
November 13, 2024
“And I love you, little gem. Beyond the bond, beyond anything fate could put between us, I will never stop loving you.” 😩🥹🩷
4.5⭐️, I can’t even begin to express how good this book was and the emotions it took me through. After the cliffhanger book one ended on, I was like a rabid animal foaming at the mouth waiting for book two and to follow up book one with this.. JUST KNOW this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT.
“You’re a monster.”
“I’m your monster.”
BABY, I genuinely LOVE the characters in this world and I love how we were introduced to new characters as well. Like I was trying to put the plot together especially with the new characters and I thought it was going one way but.. that ending was a GAG; and don’t even get me started on the way my chest was HURTING for all of our characters.. like they were going THRU IT, but it kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance, the PLOT, the spice, the characters, the way I was trying to connect the dots… Ugh, this ATE and I can’t wait for the next book!
4.5⭐️, I can’t even begin to express how good this book was and the emotions it took me through. After the cliffhanger book one ended on, I was like a rabid animal foaming at the mouth waiting for book two and to follow up book one with this.. JUST KNOW this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT.
“You’re a monster.”
“I’m your monster.”
BABY, I genuinely LOVE the characters in this world and I love how we were introduced to new characters as well. Like I was trying to put the plot together especially with the new characters and I thought it was going one way but.. that ending was a GAG; and don’t even get me started on the way my chest was HURTING for all of our characters.. like they were going THRU IT, but it kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance, the PLOT, the spice, the characters, the way I was trying to connect the dots… Ugh, this ATE and I can’t wait for the next book!
September 6, 2025
well i’m confused
December 1, 2024
I feel like it will take a long time for this book to release its grasp on my heart & mind. How can a book be this good? Honestly, how can this be?
Worthy of Fate, Book 1 in the Realms in Peril by A.N. Caudle, was my introduction to this beautifully crafted dark fantasy world filled with gods, prophecies, hidden identities, fated mates, and so much more. I loved it, and I craved the sequel. And then came the sequel, Bound by Fate. It came, and it blew my mind. I am sitting here, writing this review, and still feeling the aftermath of a rollercoaster ride that was Bound by Fate.
While Worthy of Fate perfectly sets the stage and introduces us to a world hunted by plague set on destroying everything, a world of the Worthy, a world where Ryker's and Kya's souls will finally find their way to each other, Bound by Fate puts everything into a broader perspective, offering new POVs, new characters, and just offering the world on a plate. It offers so many plot twists & turns, so much heartbreak, pain, rage, devotion, and love that transcends time and place. It offers tales of struggle and self-loath, drowning one's pain in whatever way possible and finally finding the strength within to find the light.
It was heartbreaking seeing Ryker and Kya apart, yet utterly beautiful seeing them tearing the worlds apart to find each other. It was soul-crushing witnessing Malina's pain, yet utterly beautiful being there to see Hakoa pour all his love and devotion into helping her. And finally, it was so painful falling in love with Zalen and Maera, only to see everything crumbling down.
Caudle has told a tale everyone should experience; Bound by Fate is set to be released on December 5th, giving you plenty of time to dive into Worthy of Fate and immerse yourself into this devastatingly beautiful world.
I love being a member of the ARC team and getting to experience the story; I can only hope to continue doing so.
Worthy of Fate, Book 1 in the Realms in Peril by A.N. Caudle, was my introduction to this beautifully crafted dark fantasy world filled with gods, prophecies, hidden identities, fated mates, and so much more. I loved it, and I craved the sequel. And then came the sequel, Bound by Fate. It came, and it blew my mind. I am sitting here, writing this review, and still feeling the aftermath of a rollercoaster ride that was Bound by Fate.
While Worthy of Fate perfectly sets the stage and introduces us to a world hunted by plague set on destroying everything, a world of the Worthy, a world where Ryker's and Kya's souls will finally find their way to each other, Bound by Fate puts everything into a broader perspective, offering new POVs, new characters, and just offering the world on a plate. It offers so many plot twists & turns, so much heartbreak, pain, rage, devotion, and love that transcends time and place. It offers tales of struggle and self-loath, drowning one's pain in whatever way possible and finally finding the strength within to find the light.
It was heartbreaking seeing Ryker and Kya apart, yet utterly beautiful seeing them tearing the worlds apart to find each other. It was soul-crushing witnessing Malina's pain, yet utterly beautiful being there to see Hakoa pour all his love and devotion into helping her. And finally, it was so painful falling in love with Zalen and Maera, only to see everything crumbling down.
Caudle has told a tale everyone should experience; Bound by Fate is set to be released on December 5th, giving you plenty of time to dive into Worthy of Fate and immerse yourself into this devastatingly beautiful world.
I love being a member of the ARC team and getting to experience the story; I can only hope to continue doing so.
November 10, 2024
Infinity stars! I'm still in awe that this is A.N. Caudle's debut series and she did not disappoint in book 2 of The Realms in Peril series - in fact this is currently my fav book in the series. The writing is smooth, with a fast paced plot and so many moments of absolute dread (in the best way 🙃)
A dark spicy fantasy with a unique plot and world, complex political climate, morally grey characters, fated mates, spirit animals and tremendous heartache. Ugh the characters, I fell in love with so many for many different reasons. You will shed tears and cackle out loud!
Caudle handles addiction and grief/loss in a terrifyingly accurate way. Prepare to do nothing but binge this book! I cannot wait for the end of this trilogy! Thank you to the author for this ARC opportunity
A dark spicy fantasy with a unique plot and world, complex political climate, morally grey characters, fated mates, spirit animals and tremendous heartache. Ugh the characters, I fell in love with so many for many different reasons. You will shed tears and cackle out loud!
Caudle handles addiction and grief/loss in a terrifyingly accurate way. Prepare to do nothing but binge this book! I cannot wait for the end of this trilogy! Thank you to the author for this ARC opportunity
December 5, 2024
The second installment takes everything established in the first book of the Realms in Peril series and amplifies it. This sequel dials up the stakes, the action, and the emotional intensity, delivering a gripping dark fantasy romance that doesn’t shy away from pushing its characters to their limits.
The multi-POV structure is used well, allowing readers to experience the fallout from book one through several perspectives. Each character’s arc is compelling, and the new POV adds a fascinating layer to the story. This newcomer, Zalen, with his deliciously monstrous demeanor and obsessive devotion to his love, is fascinating, though his dynamic toes a fine line between compelling and discomforting for me. His actions can feel infantilizing toward his partner, but they fit with his morally black characterization and the themes of control and power that permeate his story. And his partner does grow in an amazing way.
Malina, previously a more secondary character, is given room to grow, and her arc is expanded. Watching her grapple with immense challenges—and sometimes break under the weight of them—is both heart-wrenching and deeply satisfying to the story. ALL of these characters go through it! Caudle doesn’t hold back, throwing so many obstacles at these characters, which makes their struggles and triumphs all the more rewarding.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster packed with heartache, secrets, and tension. The pacing is relentless, and the twists keep you hooked. If the first book set the stage, Bound by Fate proves this series is hitting its stride. Fans of morally complex characters and dark romance will find plenty to love here. I can’t wait to see how Caudle continues to push these characters and this world in the next!
Thanks so much to the author and BOMM for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The multi-POV structure is used well, allowing readers to experience the fallout from book one through several perspectives. Each character’s arc is compelling, and the new POV adds a fascinating layer to the story. This newcomer, Zalen, with his deliciously monstrous demeanor and obsessive devotion to his love, is fascinating, though his dynamic toes a fine line between compelling and discomforting for me. His actions can feel infantilizing toward his partner, but they fit with his morally black characterization and the themes of control and power that permeate his story. And his partner does grow in an amazing way.
Malina, previously a more secondary character, is given room to grow, and her arc is expanded. Watching her grapple with immense challenges—and sometimes break under the weight of them—is both heart-wrenching and deeply satisfying to the story. ALL of these characters go through it! Caudle doesn’t hold back, throwing so many obstacles at these characters, which makes their struggles and triumphs all the more rewarding.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster packed with heartache, secrets, and tension. The pacing is relentless, and the twists keep you hooked. If the first book set the stage, Bound by Fate proves this series is hitting its stride. Fans of morally complex characters and dark romance will find plenty to love here. I can’t wait to see how Caudle continues to push these characters and this world in the next!
Thanks so much to the author and BOMM for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
January 7, 2025
I really wanted to like this one (having loved book one!), but it was kind of all over the place??? That said, I suspect at least some of it was necessary to set up subsequent books. And while I loved how the author did certain things, I also hated how she did others. Idk. But after that cliffhanger, I will be reading the next book!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
October 12, 2026
For fans of Lightlark, Voracious & Starside.
I especially loved the introduction of new characters and a new love story. Multiple POVs and timelines. Stakes and spice are increasing. Pls check your TWs. The author portrayed grief/loss, trauma and addiction well. I like that the female characters are strong and willing to fight - would love to see more female rulers in the world. I am interested in reading what comes next, in the conclusion of this trilogy.
3.5 ⭐️
🌶️3
Thank you to Ace and NetGalley for this ARC; all opinions are my own.
I especially loved the introduction of new characters and a new love story. Multiple POVs and timelines. Stakes and spice are increasing. Pls check your TWs. The author portrayed grief/loss, trauma and addiction well. I like that the female characters are strong and willing to fight - would love to see more female rulers in the world. I am interested in reading what comes next, in the conclusion of this trilogy.
3.5 ⭐️
🌶️3
Thank you to Ace and NetGalley for this ARC; all opinions are my own.
April 18, 2026
I loved how this book flowed right from the first one! There was no guessing game. We got a few new characters but the story picked up and continues to twist and turn and build and take is on a dark ride! I loves this series sooo much it is a must read !!!
January 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Wow! I can’t even think right now with how this one ended! 😳😱
January 19, 2025
I WANT MORE
November 8, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. Leaves you wanting more and needing the next book! It was fun to get some of the back story of characters you met in book 1, and seeing how the storyline plays out. I'm excited to continue on in this journey ❤️. Can not wait to see what happens with Kya, Ryker, and Atara, as well as what becomes of Daegal!
March 25, 2026
This review is written without having read book 1, Worthy of Fate, in The Realms of Peril Series. I received this ARC before reading book 1. This is not the first time this has happened, and I have not been disappointed at all.
From the first chapter, I felt like I walked in to the end of a war and in the beginning of another. The action was immediate and the pacing was fast, then moderate, then slow, then fast again. I was utterly whiplashed throughout reading the entirety of this book! Every good thing that happened came with such horrendous sacrifice, torture, or pain that it was hard to villainize the actions of both good and evil doers.
This is for mature and adult readers due to the nature of war and the manner of death through torture, imprisonment, and murder. There are also unhealthy addictions and substance abuse that may not be suitable for your taste. This is a dark fantasy romance, after all, and so there are dark elements throughout the book to produce emotional highs and lows.
Let's talk about SPICE! The spice is explicitly descriptive and pleasantly built up just right. The foreplay is slow and intentional. The connections you will read about will be haunting, heart wrenching, and emotionally draining. I had to walk away a few times to catch my breath.
The plot twists are somewhat predictable, but only if you pay attention to details while reading, otherwise you may be very surprised at the conclusion and the cliffhanger. Yes, a cliffhanger. Be ready for it.
This is a God-tier series for me. It seems to me the way A.N. Caudle wrote some scenes with some of the characters reflecting from the past, was intentional for readers that read out of order like I did and I appreciate that so much! Her writing revealed just enough and now I am ready to read the first book. It will read like a prequel, and I am looking forward to it!
From the first chapter, I felt like I walked in to the end of a war and in the beginning of another. The action was immediate and the pacing was fast, then moderate, then slow, then fast again. I was utterly whiplashed throughout reading the entirety of this book! Every good thing that happened came with such horrendous sacrifice, torture, or pain that it was hard to villainize the actions of both good and evil doers.
This is for mature and adult readers due to the nature of war and the manner of death through torture, imprisonment, and murder. There are also unhealthy addictions and substance abuse that may not be suitable for your taste. This is a dark fantasy romance, after all, and so there are dark elements throughout the book to produce emotional highs and lows.
Let's talk about SPICE! The spice is explicitly descriptive and pleasantly built up just right. The foreplay is slow and intentional. The connections you will read about will be haunting, heart wrenching, and emotionally draining. I had to walk away a few times to catch my breath.
The plot twists are somewhat predictable, but only if you pay attention to details while reading, otherwise you may be very surprised at the conclusion and the cliffhanger. Yes, a cliffhanger. Be ready for it.
This is a God-tier series for me. It seems to me the way A.N. Caudle wrote some scenes with some of the characters reflecting from the past, was intentional for readers that read out of order like I did and I appreciate that so much! Her writing revealed just enough and now I am ready to read the first book. It will read like a prequel, and I am looking forward to it!
November 11, 2024
Wow, well that was wild ride! I was so excited to get an ARC (thank you A.N. Caudle!) of Bound by Fate since I LOVED Worthy of Fate. The second book in the series dives into new and old characters, all of which are dealing with ramifications from the end of the first one, and more POVs than the first book, which kept the book fast paced and exciting. Worthy of Fate ends on a massive cliffhanger, and this one dives right into where we left off. This book is a bit darker than the first one with additional spice throughout. Our characters really go through it in this book, so be prepared for some heartbreaking situations they all have to go through.
The ending of this book is also a big reveal with a leadup to what will be an action-packed third book. The pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place toward the end, and I thought the last 30% of the book was the best part of it. I love this series, the world, and the characters.
Also, the line "you can't rationalize the actions of those that crave power" about broke me during this time we're living in. Overall, amazing read and left me craving the next book.
The ending of this book is also a big reveal with a leadup to what will be an action-packed third book. The pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place toward the end, and I thought the last 30% of the book was the best part of it. I love this series, the world, and the characters.
Also, the line "you can't rationalize the actions of those that crave power" about broke me during this time we're living in. Overall, amazing read and left me craving the next book.
November 18, 2025
I knew I was going to dislike this one based on the reviews alone - and so I can't say I'm surprised.
Just disappointed.
I should start this review by admitting that I really don't get off on angsty stories. They're not my jam, I don't like being sad and reading about sad characters being sad. I don't enjoy watching characters be tormented either. If that's your thing - this book may go vastly different for you than it did for me.
Because unfortunately, a large part of this is just misery and trauma porn (emphasis on porn 😒). And much of the rest is just...mediocre.
What do you mean I now have 4 POVs to follow and one of them is somebody we haven't even MET yet? Why the hell should I care at all about Zalen's story? Where did he come from? What purpose did he serve to this plot? His POVs were completely incongruent and detached from Ryker and Kya's story. I struggled HARD to get through his chapters because I literally did not care. Just about every time he showed up on page it was just to abuse his partner anyway because apparently she likes it when he fucks her like he hates her. 😒😒😒
The "bomb drop" (let's be real we all knew from chapter ONE who this dude was, giving him a POV chapter is a dead give away, but I digress) at the end doesn't change my opinion on this matter. I did not need or want ANY of that.
Not to mention, we now have multiple romance stories to follow - not just our main couple. Except the other 2 were already long established and we didn't get to read about hardly any of it before now ... so it's like jumping into a story in the middle and trying to figure out what's going on when you're missing half the context.
Malina's story was heartbreaking and while I can appreciate the grief, addiction, and mental health struggles she goes through, and while I applaud Caudle's representation of these things...again, what was the point? Why are you giving this tale to us in her POV? What purpose does it serve?
Are you just giving us Malina's and Hokoa's smutty love story as a consolation prize for keeping Kya and Ryker separated for 80% of the story? Because if so, you can keep it. I don't need cheap thrills.
And the main couple? Kya and Ryker? They're separated for 450 pages. FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY and the book's not even 600 pages long.
To say this book dragged in every way imaginable is the understatement of the century. Every POV was boring and repetitive.
Zalen's cock is hard.
Malina's super sad and making bad decisions.
Kya's being tortured.
Ryker's going insane.
Yippee.🎊
I dunno man. I can't figure out where Caudle was going with all of this.
And the fact that the story's clearly not over but it's been a year and we have NO clue when the third book will ever be released?
Bah. I think I'm just gonna be done after this. I don't care about the story anymore. I don't care about the characters. I'm just so freakin' disappointed because book 1 had SUCH potential.
Just disappointed.
I should start this review by admitting that I really don't get off on angsty stories. They're not my jam, I don't like being sad and reading about sad characters being sad. I don't enjoy watching characters be tormented either. If that's your thing - this book may go vastly different for you than it did for me.
Because unfortunately, a large part of this is just misery and trauma porn (emphasis on porn 😒). And much of the rest is just...mediocre.
What do you mean I now have 4 POVs to follow and one of them is somebody we haven't even MET yet? Why the hell should I care at all about Zalen's story? Where did he come from? What purpose did he serve to this plot? His POVs were completely incongruent and detached from Ryker and Kya's story. I struggled HARD to get through his chapters because I literally did not care. Just about every time he showed up on page it was just to abuse his partner anyway because apparently she likes it when he fucks her like he hates her. 😒😒😒
The "bomb drop" (let's be real we all knew from chapter ONE who this dude was, giving him a POV chapter is a dead give away, but I digress) at the end doesn't change my opinion on this matter. I did not need or want ANY of that.
Not to mention, we now have multiple romance stories to follow - not just our main couple. Except the other 2 were already long established and we didn't get to read about hardly any of it before now ... so it's like jumping into a story in the middle and trying to figure out what's going on when you're missing half the context.
Malina's story was heartbreaking and while I can appreciate the grief, addiction, and mental health struggles she goes through, and while I applaud Caudle's representation of these things...again, what was the point? Why are you giving this tale to us in her POV? What purpose does it serve?
Are you just giving us Malina's and Hokoa's smutty love story as a consolation prize for keeping Kya and Ryker separated for 80% of the story? Because if so, you can keep it. I don't need cheap thrills.
And the main couple? Kya and Ryker? They're separated for 450 pages. FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY and the book's not even 600 pages long.
To say this book dragged in every way imaginable is the understatement of the century. Every POV was boring and repetitive.
Zalen's cock is hard.
Malina's super sad and making bad decisions.
Kya's being tortured.
Ryker's going insane.
Yippee.🎊
I dunno man. I can't figure out where Caudle was going with all of this.
And the fact that the story's clearly not over but it's been a year and we have NO clue when the third book will ever be released?
Bah. I think I'm just gonna be done after this. I don't care about the story anymore. I don't care about the characters. I'm just so freakin' disappointed because book 1 had SUCH potential.
November 11, 2024
Bound by Fate is the second book in The Realms in Peril series. It follows Kya and Ryker, Melina and Hakoa, while also introducing new characters, Zalen and Maera.
Now the goods.
Holy freaking crap.
Kya goes through some absolutely terrible things but still never breaks. "I refuse to be contained." She meets an unlikely ally while discovering more of her gifts.
Ryker, my sweet man. He literally stops at nothing to get his mate back, even demands his God to take him to her, while dealing with unrest in the Nations.
"I would keep my promise. My little gem would not escape her shadow. No matter how damn hard she tried. Nothing would stop me."
Melina, my girl goes through it in the worst way possible. I'm not going to say how, what, or why, because spoilers and whatnot.
We get to see a different side of Hakoa in this book and I couldn't help but fall more in love with his character. “Because now you understand the same obsession I have with you. And how damn hard it was for me to walk away.”
Now, for the new characters; Zalen and Maera.
Zalen is a scheming little thing and I couldn't help but love him immediately. "Her lips turned up into a smile that wars could be fought over. And I would for her, only for her."
And lastly, Maera. She starts out seeming to be a timid thing, but definitely grows into her own and we start seeing her fire the more you read.
A.N is the ultimate Queen of plot twists. I'm not sure how I was expecting book 2 to end, but it was DEFINITELY not the way it did. The ending and the cliffhanger, absolutely mind blowing and left my jaw on the floor.
Now the goods.
Holy freaking crap.
Kya goes through some absolutely terrible things but still never breaks. "I refuse to be contained." She meets an unlikely ally while discovering more of her gifts.
Ryker, my sweet man. He literally stops at nothing to get his mate back, even demands his God to take him to her, while dealing with unrest in the Nations.
"I would keep my promise. My little gem would not escape her shadow. No matter how damn hard she tried. Nothing would stop me."
Melina, my girl goes through it in the worst way possible. I'm not going to say how, what, or why, because spoilers and whatnot.
We get to see a different side of Hakoa in this book and I couldn't help but fall more in love with his character. “Because now you understand the same obsession I have with you. And how damn hard it was for me to walk away.”
Now, for the new characters; Zalen and Maera.
Zalen is a scheming little thing and I couldn't help but love him immediately. "Her lips turned up into a smile that wars could be fought over. And I would for her, only for her."
And lastly, Maera. She starts out seeming to be a timid thing, but definitely grows into her own and we start seeing her fire the more you read.
A.N is the ultimate Queen of plot twists. I'm not sure how I was expecting book 2 to end, but it was DEFINITELY not the way it did. The ending and the cliffhanger, absolutely mind blowing and left my jaw on the floor.
February 4, 2025
I’m actually so impressed with this book. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy the first one, I really did, but this one was so much more complex, so much deeper, the writing was better, the characters were explored at a whole new level and I really connected a lot more with everything.
This book is a little darker than the first, I would definitely recommend reading the trigger warnings before starting, I’m glad I had prepared myself because I think any sexual assault is a tough read, especially if you don’t know it’s coming.
The rest contains minor spoilers..
Malina’s chapters were so good. She wrote her grief so incredibly well, I truly felt her despair and breakdown. I wanted her and Kya’s reunion more than I wanted Ryker and Kya to reunite. If you’re looking for another Ryker and Kya book you’re not getting it, they don’t see each other again until 80% of the way in.
I suspected the ending at the start of the book but convinced myself I was wrong, especially when Kya and Leysa started talking about King Zalen so when I got to the ending I was like whaaaaaaat. I thoroughly enjoyed the two storylines throughout the book, I gathered they were on different timelines quite early on and I was excited to see how they came together.
I’m actually so looking forward to the next book!
This book is a little darker than the first, I would definitely recommend reading the trigger warnings before starting, I’m glad I had prepared myself because I think any sexual assault is a tough read, especially if you don’t know it’s coming.
The rest contains minor spoilers..
Malina’s chapters were so good. She wrote her grief so incredibly well, I truly felt her despair and breakdown. I wanted her and Kya’s reunion more than I wanted Ryker and Kya to reunite. If you’re looking for another Ryker and Kya book you’re not getting it, they don’t see each other again until 80% of the way in.
I suspected the ending at the start of the book but convinced myself I was wrong, especially when Kya and Leysa started talking about King Zalen so when I got to the ending I was like whaaaaaaat. I thoroughly enjoyed the two storylines throughout the book, I gathered they were on different timelines quite early on and I was excited to see how they came together.
I’m actually so looking forward to the next book!
November 7, 2024
"You will not apologize for what was done to you. It is not your fault, and you are not to blame"
Oh, okay, excuse me while I'm over here sobbing 😭
✨️ARC Review✨️
Bound By Fate - Book 2 in the Realms of Peril by @ancaudleauthor
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶 .5
Review: Both books end on cliffhangers and are impossible to put down. Bound by Fate follows Kya and Ryker, Malina and Hakoa, and some new morally grey characters that you're BOUND to love 😏 See what I did there? All of the characters have such great, strong, lovable personalities, and I can't wait for book 3. I am absolutely OBSESSED with Hakoa and Malina, and the bonus chapter that A.N Caudle just sent in her newsletter?!?!? 🌶️😍🥵 I had no business reading that at work bright and early on Release Day.
Find me on Booksta and Booktok under bookishsirensong :) Let's be friends!
Oh, okay, excuse me while I'm over here sobbing 😭
✨️ARC Review✨️
Bound By Fate - Book 2 in the Realms of Peril by @ancaudleauthor
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶 .5
Review: Both books end on cliffhangers and are impossible to put down. Bound by Fate follows Kya and Ryker, Malina and Hakoa, and some new morally grey characters that you're BOUND to love 😏 See what I did there? All of the characters have such great, strong, lovable personalities, and I can't wait for book 3. I am absolutely OBSESSED with Hakoa and Malina, and the bonus chapter that A.N Caudle just sent in her newsletter?!?!? 🌶️😍🥵 I had no business reading that at work bright and early on Release Day.
Find me on Booksta and Booktok under bookishsirensong :) Let's be friends!
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