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Bound by Breath
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26The people of Azilia are suffocating. Without the enchanted Breath Willows, they would already be dead. And with every passing day, fear and greed over the dwindling air drive humans to hunt witchkind to the edge of extinction.
Lira, a lowborn servant, never expected to be accused of witchcraft. Her arrest draws the unwanted attention of Gregor Thorne—feared commander of the king’s Oathsworn guard, a man who prides himself on hating witches. But when Lira uncovers a secret powerful enough to upend the kingdom, Gregor is forced to question everything he thought he knew about her.
Across the sea, in exile, feared warlock Archmagus Luca Vaux waits. Determined to restore the great witch covens and topple the human king, he believes Lira is the key. Only she can retrieve the Breathstone—the relic sealed by the gods that could save Azilia from collapse. But Luca has not told her the price.
Torn between the life she longs to return to and the destiny she cannot escape, Lira must run from fate, or claim it. But when her sworn enemy becomes the one she cannot live without, survival and love may demand the ultimate price.
Perfect for readers who
• strong female protagonists
• dark whimsical fantasy worlds
• enemies-to-lovers romantic tension
• love triangles and dangerous devotion
• prophecies, power, and witchcraft
• slow-burn romance with devastating stakesEnter Azilia — but breathe while you can.
Lira, a lowborn servant, never expected to be accused of witchcraft. Her arrest draws the unwanted attention of Gregor Thorne—feared commander of the king’s Oathsworn guard, a man who prides himself on hating witches. But when Lira uncovers a secret powerful enough to upend the kingdom, Gregor is forced to question everything he thought he knew about her.
Across the sea, in exile, feared warlock Archmagus Luca Vaux waits. Determined to restore the great witch covens and topple the human king, he believes Lira is the key. Only she can retrieve the Breathstone—the relic sealed by the gods that could save Azilia from collapse. But Luca has not told her the price.
Torn between the life she longs to return to and the destiny she cannot escape, Lira must run from fate, or claim it. But when her sworn enemy becomes the one she cannot live without, survival and love may demand the ultimate price.
Perfect for readers who
• strong female protagonists
• dark whimsical fantasy worlds
• enemies-to-lovers romantic tension
• love triangles and dangerous devotion
• prophecies, power, and witchcraft
• slow-burn romance with devastating stakesEnter Azilia — but breathe while you can.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 3, 2026
11 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Vale
1 book3 followersVirginia Vale writes romantic fantasy for readers who like their magic dangerous, their worlds doomed, and their love stories emotionally inconvenient.
Her debut novel, Bound by Breath, follows a reluctant heroine in a world where the air is running out and love comes at a devastating cost.
She lives in Atlanta with her family and an opinionated dog who takes her supervisory role very seriously. In her spare time, she plays video games, hoards notebooks she swears she’ll use, and gets far too emotionally invested in fictional characters.
Her debut novel, Bound by Breath, follows a reluctant heroine in a world where the air is running out and love comes at a devastating cost.
She lives in Atlanta with her family and an opinionated dog who takes her supervisory role very seriously. In her spare time, she plays video games, hoards notebooks she swears she’ll use, and gets far too emotionally invested in fictional characters.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Humans and witches were at war a hundred years ago, leaving the witches nearly extinct. Now their breath magic—the very force that sustains the world—is running out, and everyone is suffocating. The only hope lies with the queen of the witches, except she has no idea who she is.
Lira, a stable hand raised as an orphan and loyal servant to the human king, discovers she is not only a witch, but the Ember Queen—the most powerful of them all. As the breath willows—the last remaining source of air—begin to wither, she must find the Breathstone, a long-lost gem that holds the world’s trapped magic. Her journey pushes her to her limits as she endures trials of mind, body, and heart—walking through literal fire for the fate of the world and for love.
This is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance layered into an action-packed fantasy. Lira’s knack for landing in dangerous situations keeps the momentum strong, and the worldbuilding feels fresh, especially the unique breath-based magic system. The prose is accessible, and the will-they-won’t-they tension between Lira and the main love interest is genuinely swoony.
The ending leans a bit heavy on exposition (yes, there’s a classic villain monologue), but it delivers a compelling cliffhanger that makes you want to immediately pick up the next book.
If you enjoy adventurous fantasy with low spice and a satisfying romantic arc, this one is definitely worth the read.
Lira, a stable hand raised as an orphan and loyal servant to the human king, discovers she is not only a witch, but the Ember Queen—the most powerful of them all. As the breath willows—the last remaining source of air—begin to wither, she must find the Breathstone, a long-lost gem that holds the world’s trapped magic. Her journey pushes her to her limits as she endures trials of mind, body, and heart—walking through literal fire for the fate of the world and for love.
This is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance layered into an action-packed fantasy. Lira’s knack for landing in dangerous situations keeps the momentum strong, and the worldbuilding feels fresh, especially the unique breath-based magic system. The prose is accessible, and the will-they-won’t-they tension between Lira and the main love interest is genuinely swoony.
The ending leans a bit heavy on exposition (yes, there’s a classic villain monologue), but it delivers a compelling cliffhanger that makes you want to immediately pick up the next book.
If you enjoy adventurous fantasy with low spice and a satisfying romantic arc, this one is definitely worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25✨
Thank you, Virginia Vale & BookSirens , for this ARC!
Story
Bound by Breath by Virginia Vale is a mesmerizing and haunting tale that gripped me from the very first page and never let go. The atmosphere is thick with tension; every breath the characters take seemingly carrying the weight of the world. Vale's writing creates a world where the air itself feels heavy, suffused with mystery and the promise of something darker just beyond the surface.
Humans and witches were at war a hundred years ago, leaving the witches nearly extinct. Now their breath magic—the very force that sustains the world—is running out, and everyone is suffocating. The only hope lies with the queen of the witches, except she has no idea who she is.
This is a slow-burn frenemies-to-lovers romance layered into an action-packed fantasy. Lira’s knack for landing in dangerous situations keeps the momentum strong, and the world building feels fresh, especially the unique breath-based magic system. The prose is accessible, and the will-they-won’t-they tension between Lira and the main love interest is genuinely swoony.
There was something in the story that was mentioned couple times and it didn’t make any sense. And all the troubles dissolved to easy… I wanted this story to keep me on the edge of the seat, but everything was too predictable… This why I couldn’t give story 5 stars.
The ending leans a bit heavy on exposition (yes, there’s a classic villain monologue), but it delivers a compelling cliffhanger that makes you want to immediately pick up the next book.
If you enjoy adventurous fantasy with low spice and a satisfying romantic arc, this one is definitely worth the read.
Bound by Breath releases March 3 2026.
Disclaimer: This book was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-biased, honest review.
Thank you, Virginia Vale & BookSirens , for this ARC!
Story
Bound by Breath by Virginia Vale is a mesmerizing and haunting tale that gripped me from the very first page and never let go. The atmosphere is thick with tension; every breath the characters take seemingly carrying the weight of the world. Vale's writing creates a world where the air itself feels heavy, suffused with mystery and the promise of something darker just beyond the surface.
Humans and witches were at war a hundred years ago, leaving the witches nearly extinct. Now their breath magic—the very force that sustains the world—is running out, and everyone is suffocating. The only hope lies with the queen of the witches, except she has no idea who she is.
This is a slow-burn frenemies-to-lovers romance layered into an action-packed fantasy. Lira’s knack for landing in dangerous situations keeps the momentum strong, and the world building feels fresh, especially the unique breath-based magic system. The prose is accessible, and the will-they-won’t-they tension between Lira and the main love interest is genuinely swoony.
There was something in the story that was mentioned couple times and it didn’t make any sense. And all the troubles dissolved to easy… I wanted this story to keep me on the edge of the seat, but everything was too predictable… This why I couldn’t give story 5 stars.
The ending leans a bit heavy on exposition (yes, there’s a classic villain monologue), but it delivers a compelling cliffhanger that makes you want to immediately pick up the next book.
If you enjoy adventurous fantasy with low spice and a satisfying romantic arc, this one is definitely worth the read.
Bound by Breath releases March 3 2026.
Disclaimer: This book was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-biased, honest review.
February 14, 2026
It took me less than 24 hours to read this because honestly, was that good!
A true enemies to lovers and such a refreshing and original plot, with so many twists and turns, so much of it unexpected and kept me hooked! And that ending!!! The final note written destroyed me and I know I’m going to be thinking about this for at least a month!
I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait for the second to be released! Thank you to the author, I am so grateful to have been an ARC reader for this book and this my full honest review!
A true enemies to lovers and such a refreshing and original plot, with so many twists and turns, so much of it unexpected and kept me hooked! And that ending!!! The final note written destroyed me and I know I’m going to be thinking about this for at least a month!
I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait for the second to be released! Thank you to the author, I am so grateful to have been an ARC reader for this book and this my full honest review!
February 16, 2026
I received an advanced readers copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I did not want to put this book down. It grabs you right from the beginning. I did see something happening before the characters realized it, but that cliffhanger, I didn’t guess that happening. I will definitely be continuing this series to find out what will happen with Lira.
February 9, 2026
I got this as an ARC and I was like I’m gonna be critical with this but this book was incredible, the story was so original and it’s hard to find romantasy that isn’t extremely similar to all the popular fantasy books which for me I still enjoy but I was so pleasantly surprised by this. I will be impatiently awaiting book 2 cause this one left me on a cliff hanger and I hope I get another opportunity to read the ARC for that one as well ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🥺🥺
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great fantasy book with an enemy to lovers theme subtly running throughout and with some really unexpected twists and turns in it and omg the ending is a major cliff hanger...I can't wait to read the next in the series when it comes out!
Great read for those who love magic and witch themes running alongside the human world.
Great read for those who love magic and witch themes running alongside the human world.
Review of advance copy
Bound by Breath by Virginia Vale is a mesmerizing and haunting tale that gripped me from the very first page and never let go. The atmosphere is thick with tension, every breath the characters take seemingly carrying the weight of the world. Vale's writing creates a world where the air itself feels heavy, suffused with mystery and the promise of something darker just beyond the surface.
The emotional depth of the story is unmatched. The characters are beautifully flawed, each carrying their own burdens, and as they navigate their twisted fates, you can’t help but feel their pain, their yearning, and their fear. The slow burn between them is palpable, building in intensity with every page, while the atmosphere of foreboding constantly threatens to swallow them whole.
What makes this book truly unforgettable is the way Vale captures the essence of breath itself—how it can be a source of life and a harbinger of doom, how it can be the thing that keeps us tethered to our humanity or the very thing that leads us into darkness. The tension between the characters, the secrets they keep, and the looming sense of inevitability create a world that is as beautiful as it is suffocating.
Five stars for a story that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Bound by Breath is a dark, emotional journey that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
The emotional depth of the story is unmatched. The characters are beautifully flawed, each carrying their own burdens, and as they navigate their twisted fates, you can’t help but feel their pain, their yearning, and their fear. The slow burn between them is palpable, building in intensity with every page, while the atmosphere of foreboding constantly threatens to swallow them whole.
What makes this book truly unforgettable is the way Vale captures the essence of breath itself—how it can be a source of life and a harbinger of doom, how it can be the thing that keeps us tethered to our humanity or the very thing that leads us into darkness. The tension between the characters, the secrets they keep, and the looming sense of inevitability create a world that is as beautiful as it is suffocating.
Five stars for a story that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Bound by Breath is a dark, emotional journey that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Review of advance copy
5 STAR ARC READ ✨
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of ‘Bound By Breath’ by Virginia Vale, and I was pleasantly surprised by this Romantasy. This book took me through a whirlwind of emotions, and then still had the audacity to leave me staring at that last page, leaving me feeling personally betrayed, slightly healed, and wrecked all at once.
From the very start, I was hooked. The story pulls you into this world that feels ancient, dangerous, and I was left intrigued as I kept turning the pages. With the fate, magic, tension and sacrifice that never really goes away. Even in the quieter moments, you’re left questioning or waiting for the shoe to drop. I felt deep curiosity, in awe, anxiety and dread. I felt rage, I felt the soft-tender moments and eventually complete devastation.
This read follows an FMC named Lira, who is honestly still figuring out how powerful she is. And as a reader, I absolutely loved following her on that journey. I am always here for strong, powerful FMCs.
If you love Romantasy books filled with fated mates, magic with consequences and slow emotional unravelling rather than instant trust. Then I would highly recommend this book to you. This book is perfect for readers who want to feel wrung out in the best way.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of ‘Bound By Breath’ by Virginia Vale, and I was pleasantly surprised by this Romantasy. This book took me through a whirlwind of emotions, and then still had the audacity to leave me staring at that last page, leaving me feeling personally betrayed, slightly healed, and wrecked all at once.
From the very start, I was hooked. The story pulls you into this world that feels ancient, dangerous, and I was left intrigued as I kept turning the pages. With the fate, magic, tension and sacrifice that never really goes away. Even in the quieter moments, you’re left questioning or waiting for the shoe to drop. I felt deep curiosity, in awe, anxiety and dread. I felt rage, I felt the soft-tender moments and eventually complete devastation.
This read follows an FMC named Lira, who is honestly still figuring out how powerful she is. And as a reader, I absolutely loved following her on that journey. I am always here for strong, powerful FMCs.
If you love Romantasy books filled with fated mates, magic with consequences and slow emotional unravelling rather than instant trust. Then I would highly recommend this book to you. This book is perfect for readers who want to feel wrung out in the best way.
February 21, 2026
I REALLY enjoyed this.
I felt like the world building was thought through, that I could understand people’s motivations and that the dialogue felt clear and true to character.
I did feel like the relationship was slightly rushed at the end but I’ll allow it because I felt like I could believe it.
Slightly gutted I got this as an ARC (free copy) and not as a finished set given that it does end on a cliffhanger and I want to learn more about the characters.
This was a very good fantasy with slow burn and well thought out characters. I’m really excited to return to this world when the second book comes out!
I felt like the world building was thought through, that I could understand people’s motivations and that the dialogue felt clear and true to character.
I did feel like the relationship was slightly rushed at the end but I’ll allow it because I felt like I could believe it.
Slightly gutted I got this as an ARC (free copy) and not as a finished set given that it does end on a cliffhanger and I want to learn more about the characters.
This was a very good fantasy with slow burn and well thought out characters. I’m really excited to return to this world when the second book comes out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
YES!! This is how you do enemies to lovers without bullying (well… without serious bullying, lol). I loved this book so much—an under-24-hour read for sure. It has so many well-loved tropes, but they never feel tacky, and the amount of steam is absolutely perfect. That ending, though? Cruel. Completely cruel.
If you’re after a fantasy romance with a well-thought-out arc and characters that make you laugh, cry, and swoon, Bound by Breath is a great contender.
If you’re after a fantasy romance with a well-thought-out arc and characters that make you laugh, cry, and swoon, Bound by Breath is a great contender.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So excited to receive this as my first ARC and wow… I could not put it down. Stayed up way too late reading “one more chapter.” The whole dying-world-running-out-of-air concept was so unique, and the romance and tension had me hooked. Easy 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received as an ARC (my first ever so was excited about that). This book blew my mind. I couldn’t put it down. Like others said, it’s a quick read. I loved that it was a romantasy with witches! And the storyline was super unique. I can’t wait for the second book. I think this one is gonna blow up and I’m so excited to have been and ARC reader and would love to be for the next one too! 😄
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews