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Abandoned Bonds
“Being watched when you have nothing to hide is unnerving.
Being watched when you have everything to lose is excruciating.”
Briar Lennox has finally stepped into her rightful role as Luna of the Iolite Pack and captured the heart of its Alpha along the way. But she now has more eyes on her than ever before, making it nearly impossible to keep her power hidden and evade her own death sentence.
While still reeling from the wreckage the Pack Rite left in its wake, the Iolite Academy faces a new threat. Briar wasn’t the only one to escape extinction a decade ago. When demons infiltrate their borders, she aligns with a reluctant ally to keep the students safe without revealing her connection to the enemy.
But when Briar discovers her forgotten past may be the key to something far more sinister, the line between enemy and ally grows thin. Amongst shifting loyalties and long-buried secrets brought to light, Briar must decide which bonds are forever and which are better off abandoned.
Abandoned Bonds is the second book in The Iolite Academy series, a new adult romantic fantasy series. This enemies-to-lovers tale is filled with found family, dark academia, enchanted forests, and banter. It’s perfect for fans of Karen Lynch, Lexi Ryan, and Julie Hall.
Being watched when you have everything to lose is excruciating.”
Briar Lennox has finally stepped into her rightful role as Luna of the Iolite Pack and captured the heart of its Alpha along the way. But she now has more eyes on her than ever before, making it nearly impossible to keep her power hidden and evade her own death sentence.
While still reeling from the wreckage the Pack Rite left in its wake, the Iolite Academy faces a new threat. Briar wasn’t the only one to escape extinction a decade ago. When demons infiltrate their borders, she aligns with a reluctant ally to keep the students safe without revealing her connection to the enemy.
But when Briar discovers her forgotten past may be the key to something far more sinister, the line between enemy and ally grows thin. Amongst shifting loyalties and long-buried secrets brought to light, Briar must decide which bonds are forever and which are better off abandoned.
Abandoned Bonds is the second book in The Iolite Academy series, a new adult romantic fantasy series. This enemies-to-lovers tale is filled with found family, dark academia, enchanted forests, and banter. It’s perfect for fans of Karen Lynch, Lexi Ryan, and Julie Hall.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 30, 2026
I'm not sure where to start. Forgotten Ashes draws you in but Abandoned Bonds will tear you up inside. I buddy read this with 3 friends and it was very needed because there is SO MUCH to unpack and discuss. Our group chat was very active and it was fantastic.
This story picks up right where book 1 ends. A lot of questions and theories get explained in this book, which I truly appreciated, but you will end up with so many more questions and theories.
I immediately fell into a reading slump after reading this because it will emotionally wreck you in all the best ways. I can't wait for book 3 and to continue with this incredible group of characters and this world.
This story picks up right where book 1 ends. A lot of questions and theories get explained in this book, which I truly appreciated, but you will end up with so many more questions and theories.
I immediately fell into a reading slump after reading this because it will emotionally wreck you in all the best ways. I can't wait for book 3 and to continue with this incredible group of characters and this world.
June 10, 2026
This was one of my most anticipated book releases this year and it did not disappoint!!! 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 I absolutely loved getting to come back to this world and see these characters again!! (Some I loved more than others 👀 😂)
I was so excited that we got some much needed answers to so many questions from book 1 but I still have so many more!!
I absolutely love the relationship with Brair and Asher and am dying to see how it progresses!
We got even more POVs this book which helped answer a lot of questions from book 1 which was much needed! I absolutely love McKenna and can’t wait to see where her story goes too!
This book put me into a reading slump that I’m still trying to climb out of 🫠 Dying for book 3 after that ending!! 👀
If you love:
✨Adult Fantasy
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Forced Proximity
✨Found Family
✨Shifters
✨Dark Academia
✨First Person Multi POV
✨No Spice Romance
I was so excited that we got some much needed answers to so many questions from book 1 but I still have so many more!!
I absolutely love the relationship with Brair and Asher and am dying to see how it progresses!
We got even more POVs this book which helped answer a lot of questions from book 1 which was much needed! I absolutely love McKenna and can’t wait to see where her story goes too!
This book put me into a reading slump that I’m still trying to climb out of 🫠 Dying for book 3 after that ending!! 👀
If you love:
✨Adult Fantasy
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Forced Proximity
✨Found Family
✨Shifters
✨Dark Academia
✨First Person Multi POV
✨No Spice Romance
May 25, 2026
I honestly did not think Kathryn Covens could make me yearn even more for the next book than I already was after Forgotten Ashes… but somehow Abandoned Bonds completely wrecked me in the best way possible. I am OBSESSED. I love her writing style I felt I was inside the story as it unfolded.
The emotional tension, the twists, the character dynamics — everything had me hooked from beginning to end. The bonds between the characters feel so raw and addictive, and now I’m left counting down the days until the next installment because I NEED MORE.
Thank you so much, Kathryn Covens, for providing me with an ARC copy of Abandoned Bonds. It was such a privilege to read early, and now I’ll just be over here emotionally spiraling until the next book releases.
The emotional tension, the twists, the character dynamics — everything had me hooked from beginning to end. The bonds between the characters feel so raw and addictive, and now I’m left counting down the days until the next installment because I NEED MORE.
Thank you so much, Kathryn Covens, for providing me with an ARC copy of Abandoned Bonds. It was such a privilege to read early, and now I’ll just be over here emotionally spiraling until the next book releases.
June 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️
Make sure you start this book ready to cry, break, and scream. Book 2 in the Iolite Academy series is here and Kathryn Covens has outdone herself. Abandoned Bonds carries forward everything that was developed in book 1, but furthers relationships, strengthens bonds, and has you at the edge of your seat. Kathryn has written a book filled with emotional angst that at times I had to remind myself to breathe. She brings her characters to life that you truly care about their happiness and well being, while knowing they are fictional. That is not easy to do.
You absolutely have to read book 1 before book 2 in this series. Book 1 establishes the world our characters live in, sets readers up for the overall plot line, and completely pulls you into this universe. I have loved getting to know each character and seeing how they work together to meet the end goal. Briar is once again strong, resilient, and has some of the answers she’s been searching for. While she discovers more and more about herself, she is surrounded by a group that supports her and lifts her up. She continues to grow throughout this book as she fully steps into the power she holds.
The romance in this book, again may not be explicit, but man, oh man, the tension makes up for that. It is evident to see how the relationship(s) are growing and maturing, but Kathryn keeps readers on their toes with the push and pull of them. At times I wanted to scream at the lack of awareness and at others I was giddy with how the interactions were just dripping with attraction and chemistry. From one end of the spectrum to the other, the characters that are more on the antagonist side, are easy to dislike, due to Kathryn’s amazing writing.
As this universe expands, Kathryn keeps readers guessing. Waiting for book 3 is not going to be easy, but at least we know it’s coming. The world building in this book is as beautiful and vivid as book 1 and I was easily able to imagine being in this world. With everything our characters have already gone through, I am hopeful they will find their happy endings soon, but also not sure if I am ready for this series to be over with the next book. Either way, I can’t wait to see with Kathryn does with the next book.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🖤Enchanted Academia
💎Dark Academia
🖤Enemies to Lovers
💎Elemental Magic
🖤Hurt x Comfort
💎Found Family
🖤Amazing Banter
💎Paranormal Romance
Make sure you start this book ready to cry, break, and scream. Book 2 in the Iolite Academy series is here and Kathryn Covens has outdone herself. Abandoned Bonds carries forward everything that was developed in book 1, but furthers relationships, strengthens bonds, and has you at the edge of your seat. Kathryn has written a book filled with emotional angst that at times I had to remind myself to breathe. She brings her characters to life that you truly care about their happiness and well being, while knowing they are fictional. That is not easy to do.
You absolutely have to read book 1 before book 2 in this series. Book 1 establishes the world our characters live in, sets readers up for the overall plot line, and completely pulls you into this universe. I have loved getting to know each character and seeing how they work together to meet the end goal. Briar is once again strong, resilient, and has some of the answers she’s been searching for. While she discovers more and more about herself, she is surrounded by a group that supports her and lifts her up. She continues to grow throughout this book as she fully steps into the power she holds.
The romance in this book, again may not be explicit, but man, oh man, the tension makes up for that. It is evident to see how the relationship(s) are growing and maturing, but Kathryn keeps readers on their toes with the push and pull of them. At times I wanted to scream at the lack of awareness and at others I was giddy with how the interactions were just dripping with attraction and chemistry. From one end of the spectrum to the other, the characters that are more on the antagonist side, are easy to dislike, due to Kathryn’s amazing writing.
As this universe expands, Kathryn keeps readers guessing. Waiting for book 3 is not going to be easy, but at least we know it’s coming. The world building in this book is as beautiful and vivid as book 1 and I was easily able to imagine being in this world. With everything our characters have already gone through, I am hopeful they will find their happy endings soon, but also not sure if I am ready for this series to be over with the next book. Either way, I can’t wait to see with Kathryn does with the next book.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🖤Enchanted Academia
💎Dark Academia
🖤Enemies to Lovers
💎Elemental Magic
🖤Hurt x Comfort
💎Found Family
🖤Amazing Banter
💎Paranormal Romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me hooked from the first page and I was distraught when I got to the last page quicker than anticipated. What do you mean I actually started and finished a book within a 24 hour period?!
For starters, this book starts immediately after the events in book 1. Did I remember the events that happened in book 1….to be honest I remember bits and pieces but not a whole lots of details. Thankfully the really important events are referenced throughout this book so I wasn’t completely lost in the plot for too long.
Plot wise, if you were to have major plot points mapped out, it seems like nothing crazy or a lot happens in this book…but the plot is focused more on character interactions and dynamics. Yes there are mysteries to be solved and evil villainous plots to be thwarted but the heart of both Iolite Academy books so far is how the characters interact with each other. Somehow Briar (the FMC) is at the center of it all between pack, other realm, and academy relations, and it’s so fascinating to watch it all unfold as you read through the story.
Without giving away spoilers, I appreciate how the author navigates each of the characters and their beliefs. Familial, pack, friendly, and fated bonds are all tested between all characters as secrets are uncovered and some of those bonds are strengthened while others are abandoned.
This book is told through multiple perspectives (POVs) but two are the main focus and the other two have a couple of chapters. Many times I feel like the more POVs that are used/added, the more the story tends to drag but that’s not the case here. I feel like the additional POVs added some nuance/information to aid in the storytelling without dragging it out as well as added a little more depth that the story could’ve been lacking with just the two main POVs.
This is a solid sequel if you enjoyed the first book and I know there’s already a third book in the works. I’m thankful that the author gifted me an ARC to read before it releases but it was (and still is) on my need to buy list.
For starters, this book starts immediately after the events in book 1. Did I remember the events that happened in book 1….to be honest I remember bits and pieces but not a whole lots of details. Thankfully the really important events are referenced throughout this book so I wasn’t completely lost in the plot for too long.
Plot wise, if you were to have major plot points mapped out, it seems like nothing crazy or a lot happens in this book…but the plot is focused more on character interactions and dynamics. Yes there are mysteries to be solved and evil villainous plots to be thwarted but the heart of both Iolite Academy books so far is how the characters interact with each other. Somehow Briar (the FMC) is at the center of it all between pack, other realm, and academy relations, and it’s so fascinating to watch it all unfold as you read through the story.
Without giving away spoilers, I appreciate how the author navigates each of the characters and their beliefs. Familial, pack, friendly, and fated bonds are all tested between all characters as secrets are uncovered and some of those bonds are strengthened while others are abandoned.
This book is told through multiple perspectives (POVs) but two are the main focus and the other two have a couple of chapters. Many times I feel like the more POVs that are used/added, the more the story tends to drag but that’s not the case here. I feel like the additional POVs added some nuance/information to aid in the storytelling without dragging it out as well as added a little more depth that the story could’ve been lacking with just the two main POVs.
This is a solid sequel if you enjoyed the first book and I know there’s already a third book in the works. I’m thankful that the author gifted me an ARC to read before it releases but it was (and still is) on my need to buy list.
Read
May 20, 2026Well, I loved this book even more than the first one, and that is very hard to do, yet Kathryn somehow did it. I absolutely adore this book.
I’m Team Asher all the way. I love him so, so much. His moments with Briar had me in tears more times than I can count. You can truly feel how deeply he loves her. The way he cares for her, protects her, and the things he says to her completely broke me in the best way.
I also really love Kathryn’s writing style. It pulls you in from page one. The relationships in this book whether friendship, romance, or sibling bonds feel so strong and genuine. I adored everything: the humor, the teasing, the banter, the yearning, the pining, the sweet moments, and the scenes that completely shattered me emotionally.
I’m trying not to spoil anything, but honestly, this book is a must-read. The world-building is incredible too. Stepping into the world of the lunar foxes felt like entering an entirely new world, and I loved every second of it. I especially loved all the new layers and surprises introduced in this book that I never saw coming, and now I cannot wait for book 3.
Some of my favorite chapters were Chapter 18, Chapter 22, Chapter 23, and Chapter 24.
Chapter 18 … oh my gosh. That chapter was EVERYTHING. The pining while Asher carried her through the woods after she was hurt absolutely destroyed me. He didn’t want to love her, but he couldn’t help it. Asher is kind, caring, lovesick, dark, and aloof all at once. He’s been hurt and is terrified of being hurt again, but he still cannot stop himself from loving her.
This story made me fall in love, swoon, and cry all at once. It broke me in the best way possible, and I will be eagerly waiting for book 3.
And again, thank you so much to Kathryn for the ARC. I truly love her writing. The humor is amazing, the banter between everyone is so good, and I’m loving the new POVs as well.
I’m Team Asher all the way. I love him so, so much. His moments with Briar had me in tears more times than I can count. You can truly feel how deeply he loves her. The way he cares for her, protects her, and the things he says to her completely broke me in the best way.
I also really love Kathryn’s writing style. It pulls you in from page one. The relationships in this book whether friendship, romance, or sibling bonds feel so strong and genuine. I adored everything: the humor, the teasing, the banter, the yearning, the pining, the sweet moments, and the scenes that completely shattered me emotionally.
I’m trying not to spoil anything, but honestly, this book is a must-read. The world-building is incredible too. Stepping into the world of the lunar foxes felt like entering an entirely new world, and I loved every second of it. I especially loved all the new layers and surprises introduced in this book that I never saw coming, and now I cannot wait for book 3.
Some of my favorite chapters were Chapter 18, Chapter 22, Chapter 23, and Chapter 24.
Chapter 18 … oh my gosh. That chapter was EVERYTHING. The pining while Asher carried her through the woods after she was hurt absolutely destroyed me. He didn’t want to love her, but he couldn’t help it. Asher is kind, caring, lovesick, dark, and aloof all at once. He’s been hurt and is terrified of being hurt again, but he still cannot stop himself from loving her.
This story made me fall in love, swoon, and cry all at once. It broke me in the best way possible, and I will be eagerly waiting for book 3.
And again, thank you so much to Kathryn for the ARC. I truly love her writing. The humor is amazing, the banter between everyone is so good, and I’m loving the new POVs as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Abandoned Bonds, which is book 2 in the Iolite Academy Series, picks up where book 1 left off. I do suggest doing a re-read of Forgotten Ashes before diving into Abandoned Bonds as it took me a bit to remember everything that happened in book 1 but I was also just as enraptured with this book as I was with the first.
This book was just as fast paced as Forgotten Ashes but we don't see much of the plot move forward until roughly 60% into the book. Trust the process! So many questions from Forgotten Ashes are answered in this book with a whole onslaught of new questions entering the chat. That ending? Like what? Hello!
My MMC choice is still my MMC choice and I am not surprised with the actions of the other. Briar is still a tough and stabby FMC who leads with loyalty and love and I'm scared for what might happen in book 3. I loved the multiple POVs which really help the character development, although it didn't help me change my opinion on Grayson (which is okay in my book)... you know what you did!. The tension between Asher and Briar was simply lovely.
Abandoned Bonds keeps the reader intrigued with the shift in direction when it comes to the FMCs love interest, but keeps you in suspense with the different plot twists. I can't wait for book 3!
Thank you to Kathryn for an opportunity to read this as an ARC!
—————————————————————————————
Review coming soon but what I will say is that Asher has my heart and just as with the first book, Grayson can fall into a ditch. The relationship between Briar and Isaac was my favourite and that cliff hanger, are you kidding me?
This book was just as fast paced as Forgotten Ashes but we don't see much of the plot move forward until roughly 60% into the book. Trust the process! So many questions from Forgotten Ashes are answered in this book with a whole onslaught of new questions entering the chat. That ending? Like what? Hello!
My MMC choice is still my MMC choice and I am not surprised with the actions of the other. Briar is still a tough and stabby FMC who leads with loyalty and love and I'm scared for what might happen in book 3. I loved the multiple POVs which really help the character development, although it didn't help me change my opinion on Grayson (which is okay in my book)... you know what you did!. The tension between Asher and Briar was simply lovely.
Abandoned Bonds keeps the reader intrigued with the shift in direction when it comes to the FMCs love interest, but keeps you in suspense with the different plot twists. I can't wait for book 3!
Thank you to Kathryn for an opportunity to read this as an ARC!
—————————————————————————————
Review coming soon but what I will say is that Asher has my heart and just as with the first book, Grayson can fall into a ditch. The relationship between Briar and Isaac was my favourite and that cliff hanger, are you kidding me?
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐ 0 🌶️
Who needs spice when you have tension like this? Good lort these two, er, three, are absolutely incredible and Kathryn is a freaking goddess on the keyboard. I don't get a lot of time to eyeball read these days but you bet your butt I made time for this one and it was worth every late night and every time I "accidentally" read past my bedtime because I literally couldn't put it down.
We get a love triangle of sorts—one where we know who the final pairing is even with it not being outright said and all three (plus my girl Kenna) getting POVs. I'm team Asher all the way, Grayson can kick rocks 💅 I have some choice words about that man child and his beta but alas, some are spoilers and others would get me banned on the main reviewing platform, so I digress.
The ending has me wishing I had a time machine—please transport me to the near future where I not only know book three's title, but have it in my hands. In the meantime I guess I'll just wait for my shelf trophy to arrive and debate adding the sprayed edition with exclusive content to my order....
A huge thank you to Kathryn for the advanced copy!! I'm one hundred and ninety two percent in loveeee with this series.
Who needs spice when you have tension like this? Good lort these two, er, three, are absolutely incredible and Kathryn is a freaking goddess on the keyboard. I don't get a lot of time to eyeball read these days but you bet your butt I made time for this one and it was worth every late night and every time I "accidentally" read past my bedtime because I literally couldn't put it down.
We get a love triangle of sorts—one where we know who the final pairing is even with it not being outright said and all three (plus my girl Kenna) getting POVs. I'm team Asher all the way, Grayson can kick rocks 💅 I have some choice words about that man child and his beta but alas, some are spoilers and others would get me banned on the main reviewing platform, so I digress.
The ending has me wishing I had a time machine—please transport me to the near future where I not only know book three's title, but have it in my hands. In the meantime I guess I'll just wait for my shelf trophy to arrive and debate adding the sprayed edition with exclusive content to my order....
A huge thank you to Kathryn for the advanced copy!! I'm one hundred and ninety two percent in loveeee with this series.
June 9, 2026
Thank you so much Kathryn for giving me the opportunity to read Abandoned Bonds early!
To share some of what I highlighted:
“There’s nothing wrong with crying.” “Tears keep the sadness from drowning you inside.”
“The strength it takes to be kind is just as important as the strength it takes to wield a sword, okay?”
“I would start, and win, a hundred wars for her in a heartbeat.”
💗 enemies to lovers
💗 he falls first, and he’s angry about it
💗 mine
💗 touch her and ☠️
This is hands-down one of my favorite sequels. I knew we were going to be torn apart by this one but I under estimated just how much.
I’m glad this picked up right where Forgotten Ashes left off. I did not need to reread book one as I remembered most of what happened. However, if you don’t, I’d recommend the refresher! This book also ends on a massive cliffhanger so prepare accordingly.
This book was heavily character driven, with 4 POVs, and I just love multiple POVs. I was also down for the little journey through the realms, even though it was short lived. I was NOT expecting the hidden identity twists but I’m really living for it.
I can’t wait to follow The Rose and The Moon, Issac, and the rest of the shifters in the next book. I truly will go anywhere these characters go!
To share some of what I highlighted:
“There’s nothing wrong with crying.” “Tears keep the sadness from drowning you inside.”
“The strength it takes to be kind is just as important as the strength it takes to wield a sword, okay?”
“I would start, and win, a hundred wars for her in a heartbeat.”
💗 enemies to lovers
💗 he falls first, and he’s angry about it
💗 mine
💗 touch her and ☠️
This is hands-down one of my favorite sequels. I knew we were going to be torn apart by this one but I under estimated just how much.
I’m glad this picked up right where Forgotten Ashes left off. I did not need to reread book one as I remembered most of what happened. However, if you don’t, I’d recommend the refresher! This book also ends on a massive cliffhanger so prepare accordingly.
This book was heavily character driven, with 4 POVs, and I just love multiple POVs. I was also down for the little journey through the realms, even though it was short lived. I was NOT expecting the hidden identity twists but I’m really living for it.
I can’t wait to follow The Rose and The Moon, Issac, and the rest of the shifters in the next book. I truly will go anywhere these characters go!
June 9, 2026
Alpha Read.
I have been wanting this book since I finished Forgotten Ashes (which feels like an eternity because I’m DRAMATIC). The cliffhanger at the end of FA made me gasp and I needed more.
Abandoned Bonds doesn’t disappoint. We immediately jump back into the story, and our death god Asher is so—SO—grumpy and angry towards Briar (you have to read book one to understand tho) and I can’t really blame him and yet, I’m like “get over it!” because I am a Briar-stan. But enemies-to-lovers is my lifeblood so I could not put this down.
I’m not gonna go into the details, because I believe it’s best to go in blind (after reading book one of course!), but just know that: a) I binge read this so quickly, b) I cried literal tears—from my eyes!!, c) I’m still maybe attracted to the villain, d) I would die for Isaac, and e) I can’t believe how many emotions I felt from a 300-ish page book.
I was an alpha reader and I loved seeing this book come together. I think what I love even more is that even though I have an inkling on where the story is going, I’m constantly surprised by the plot, or the character’s actions, or the depth of feeling I get. And I’m still thinking about it months later. And the bonus print chapter? I died.
I have been wanting this book since I finished Forgotten Ashes (which feels like an eternity because I’m DRAMATIC). The cliffhanger at the end of FA made me gasp and I needed more.
Abandoned Bonds doesn’t disappoint. We immediately jump back into the story, and our death god Asher is so—SO—grumpy and angry towards Briar (you have to read book one to understand tho) and I can’t really blame him and yet, I’m like “get over it!” because I am a Briar-stan. But enemies-to-lovers is my lifeblood so I could not put this down.
I’m not gonna go into the details, because I believe it’s best to go in blind (after reading book one of course!), but just know that: a) I binge read this so quickly, b) I cried literal tears—from my eyes!!, c) I’m still maybe attracted to the villain, d) I would die for Isaac, and e) I can’t believe how many emotions I felt from a 300-ish page book.
I was an alpha reader and I loved seeing this book come together. I think what I love even more is that even though I have an inkling on where the story is going, I’m constantly surprised by the plot, or the character’s actions, or the depth of feeling I get. And I’m still thinking about it months later. And the bonus print chapter? I died.
June 9, 2026
ABANDONED BONDS
-Kathryn Covens
#2 The Iolite Academy
Happy release day @kathryncovensauthor
I've loved this book so much it was all I needed and More
I've started my fantasy journey with Forbidden Ashes and I loovvee her writing style so much. That book made me yearn and this one, this one broke me and now all I want is the next book to make me whole again.
Hooked from the first page this one was an emotional rollercoaster ride with the twists and turns that will make you eat your nails.
I've always been team Brair and Asher and never liked Greyson so this one is automatically my favourite. The way he just looks at her maes my heart so full. You can actually feel his love pouring out of the pages.
Despite so much going on and the way things unfolded her focus on relationships and feelings has touched me and made me feel connected to all of them like they are my friends and family.
Not wanting to over share but I've got a lot of my questions from the previous book answered making things so so clear and the ones which haven't been cleared yet, I know are reserved for the next one. So I'm super excited for the next book...
If you love a good Adult Fantasy this one is a MUST READ for you.
Toodles 💕
-Kathryn Covens
#2 The Iolite Academy
Happy release day @kathryncovensauthor
I've loved this book so much it was all I needed and More
I've started my fantasy journey with Forbidden Ashes and I loovvee her writing style so much. That book made me yearn and this one, this one broke me and now all I want is the next book to make me whole again.
Hooked from the first page this one was an emotional rollercoaster ride with the twists and turns that will make you eat your nails.
I've always been team Brair and Asher and never liked Greyson so this one is automatically my favourite. The way he just looks at her maes my heart so full. You can actually feel his love pouring out of the pages.
Despite so much going on and the way things unfolded her focus on relationships and feelings has touched me and made me feel connected to all of them like they are my friends and family.
Not wanting to over share but I've got a lot of my questions from the previous book answered making things so so clear and the ones which haven't been cleared yet, I know are reserved for the next one. So I'm super excited for the next book...
If you love a good Adult Fantasy this one is a MUST READ for you.
Toodles 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ever read a book and then you eagerly anticipate the second and hope and pray it’s as good as you’re hoping?
Fear not! This book does NOT disappoint! This book was everything I was hoping for and more!
I love that this book picks up where book one left off! We get to delve into more relationships in this book and get more back stories as well, which I loved! We get multiple POVs which was a lot of fun to hear different perspectives.
This book was like peaks and valleys of emotion. I laughed and I cried. Hearts were healed and others shattered. The level of loyalty and friendship in this story is the sweetest thing. If I didn’t love Isaac in book one (I totally did), then this book would’ve won me over. I also have a soft spot for Marcus.
I don’t want to say too much more for fear of accidentally ruining the story. What I can say is that the wait was worth it for this book! I’m beyond excited for book three and will impatiently awaiting its release!
Tropes:
Found family
Enemies to lovers
Dark academia
Enchanted Forests
Banter
Romantic fantasy
Basically, just all the YES!
Fear not! This book does NOT disappoint! This book was everything I was hoping for and more!
I love that this book picks up where book one left off! We get to delve into more relationships in this book and get more back stories as well, which I loved! We get multiple POVs which was a lot of fun to hear different perspectives.
This book was like peaks and valleys of emotion. I laughed and I cried. Hearts were healed and others shattered. The level of loyalty and friendship in this story is the sweetest thing. If I didn’t love Isaac in book one (I totally did), then this book would’ve won me over. I also have a soft spot for Marcus.
I don’t want to say too much more for fear of accidentally ruining the story. What I can say is that the wait was worth it for this book! I’m beyond excited for book three and will impatiently awaiting its release!
Tropes:
Found family
Enemies to lovers
Dark academia
Enchanted Forests
Banter
Romantic fantasy
Basically, just all the YES!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Abandoned Bonds by Kathryn Covens
📚The Iolite Academy, Book 2
Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️Jun. Favorite
NA • Romantasy
📖314 Pages
🗓️June 9
🌹enemies to lovers
🌙academic setting
🌹love triangle(ish)
🌙secret powers
🌹takes care of her
🌙slow burn
🔎”Tears keep the sadness from drowning you inside.”
🔎”You’re starting to sound like you care about me again.”
“Maybe I do.”
🔎”She’s mine. I will always protect what’s mine.”
Kathryn Covens is responsible for some big things in my bookish life.
Before she became a published author, she told me to read Catherine Cowles and changed my life.
Then she went and published her first novel and it easily became one of my all time favorite debuts.
Now, she comes out with the sequel and somehow I like love triangles?! ME?! What is happening?! Okay, so maybe not even Briar realizes it’s indeed a love triangle but honestly, this is the mark of great writers. They can give you your most disliked trope and make you love it.
Love it so much you feel the need to write on the margins of the book because that feeling is too big to stay inside you.
I tabbed, highlighted and ANNOTATED 112 pages of the 314. I went through all the emotions, all the stages of grief and love, all the anticipation.
I lived this book.
I need book three more than I need air to breathe right now. Just wanted to put this out there 😁
📚The Iolite Academy, Book 2
Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️Jun. Favorite
NA • Romantasy
📖314 Pages
🗓️June 9
🌹enemies to lovers
🌙academic setting
🌹love triangle(ish)
🌙secret powers
🌹takes care of her
🌙slow burn
🔎”Tears keep the sadness from drowning you inside.”
🔎”You’re starting to sound like you care about me again.”
“Maybe I do.”
🔎”She’s mine. I will always protect what’s mine.”
Kathryn Covens is responsible for some big things in my bookish life.
Before she became a published author, she told me to read Catherine Cowles and changed my life.
Then she went and published her first novel and it easily became one of my all time favorite debuts.
Now, she comes out with the sequel and somehow I like love triangles?! ME?! What is happening?! Okay, so maybe not even Briar realizes it’s indeed a love triangle but honestly, this is the mark of great writers. They can give you your most disliked trope and make you love it.
Love it so much you feel the need to write on the margins of the book because that feeling is too big to stay inside you.
I tabbed, highlighted and ANNOTATED 112 pages of the 314. I went through all the emotions, all the stages of grief and love, all the anticipation.
I lived this book.
I need book three more than I need air to breathe right now. Just wanted to put this out there 😁
Review of advance copy received from Author
This sequel delivered.
I remember after the first book, I wasn't sure if we were supposed to like Grayson or not.
I was leaning towards not, and now after book 2, I definitely do not like that alpha one bit.
We get some additional POV's in this one, which is a great addition to the story progress, but the main focus is still on the Rose and the Moon.
I love the interaction between Briar and Asher and how their relationship evolves from the anger he felt when he discovered what she was at the end of book one. Briar finally discovers a very important piece of who she was before the Othniel pack found her in the woods.
But what are we supposed to think about Evander? Somehow I think there is more to the demons than just them being the bad guys we are supposed to believe they are, but we will have to wait for book 3 to find out.
Absolutely loved this sequel.
I remember after the first book, I wasn't sure if we were supposed to like Grayson or not.
I was leaning towards not, and now after book 2, I definitely do not like that alpha one bit.
We get some additional POV's in this one, which is a great addition to the story progress, but the main focus is still on the Rose and the Moon.
I love the interaction between Briar and Asher and how their relationship evolves from the anger he felt when he discovered what she was at the end of book one. Briar finally discovers a very important piece of who she was before the Othniel pack found her in the woods.
But what are we supposed to think about Evander? Somehow I think there is more to the demons than just them being the bad guys we are supposed to believe they are, but we will have to wait for book 3 to find out.
Absolutely loved this sequel.
June 9, 2026
Arc review
This is the second book in the Iolite Academy series.
This is a paranormal academy where you will find shapeshifters, wolves, foxes, etc., while they study at this enchanted academy. We follow the story of Briar, who is a half-demon elemental and has to keep it a secret.
I had been waiting for this book for years!! It felt like an eternity, and when I got the chance to read it before its release, I literally danced with excitement.
I liked seeing them deal with the aftermath of the ending of Forgotten Ashes, and believe me, I enjoyed reading every single POV of The Moon (it’s a secret POV, you’ll find out).
I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, though I wouldn't really consider this one to be quite that, but there is a certain character "G" who really gets on my nerves.
I can't wait to keep reading and see the author grow.
Thank you for the arc <3
This is the second book in the Iolite Academy series.
This is a paranormal academy where you will find shapeshifters, wolves, foxes, etc., while they study at this enchanted academy. We follow the story of Briar, who is a half-demon elemental and has to keep it a secret.
I had been waiting for this book for years!! It felt like an eternity, and when I got the chance to read it before its release, I literally danced with excitement.
I liked seeing them deal with the aftermath of the ending of Forgotten Ashes, and believe me, I enjoyed reading every single POV of The Moon (it’s a secret POV, you’ll find out).
I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, though I wouldn't really consider this one to be quite that, but there is a certain character "G" who really gets on my nerves.
I can't wait to keep reading and see the author grow.
Thank you for the arc <3
June 18, 2026
I. Can't. BREATHE. After finishing Abandoned Bonds I am destroyed in the best of ways. I love that the second book in the Iolite Academy series picks up right where book one left us dangling off from!
The plot is pushing forward, we spend a lot of the first half connecting dots to questions we had from the first book, and the second half really pushes us forward into what we will find out next!
The characters kind of broke my heart in this one. They really go through individual metamorphosis' and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, I mean, Kathryn Covens really knows how to leave us wanting more!
I don't want to give too much away as this is a series, but if you're a lover of fantasy books with shifters, heart racing plot and yearning, this series will definitely be for you!
This is an ARC review I am leaving voluntarily and all thoughts are my own. 💛
The plot is pushing forward, we spend a lot of the first half connecting dots to questions we had from the first book, and the second half really pushes us forward into what we will find out next!
The characters kind of broke my heart in this one. They really go through individual metamorphosis' and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, I mean, Kathryn Covens really knows how to leave us wanting more!
I don't want to give too much away as this is a series, but if you're a lover of fantasy books with shifters, heart racing plot and yearning, this series will definitely be for you!
This is an ARC review I am leaving voluntarily and all thoughts are my own. 💛
Review of advance copy received from Author
I cannot love these characters and this story more! I loved Forgotten Ashes and this one was even more. I’m usually a slow reader but this book reeled me in and wouldn’t let go! I devoured this book and want the next even though this one isn’t even published yet (at the time of my reading.)
Thank you to the author, Kathryn Covens for yet another amazing book and extra big thank you for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC. I am honored I was chosen.
This book has yearning, conflicting emotions, sarcasm, revelations and so much more. The development of the character was thorough. I really felt like I knew them and their different quirks.
Love it, love it, love it!
I will be pre ordering this book for a book trophy 100%. It will become one of my comfort reads for sure.
Thank you to the author, Kathryn Covens for yet another amazing book and extra big thank you for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC. I am honored I was chosen.
This book has yearning, conflicting emotions, sarcasm, revelations and so much more. The development of the character was thorough. I really felt like I knew them and their different quirks.
Love it, love it, love it!
I will be pre ordering this book for a book trophy 100%. It will become one of my comfort reads for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🦊Abandoned Bonds ARC review🦊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ low
🤬 mild
⚔️ mild
I had no idea what direction Kathryn was going to go with book 2, but man, I am so glad I signed up for this ARC. Kathryn does an incredible job of keeping you hooked the entire book - I was theorizing the ENTIRE time!
We get more POVs in this 2nd book and I can’t begin to tell you how much they tied to the rest of the story/plot. Except Grayson. We hate him. Read this and you’ll see why 😂
I love the tension between Briar and Asher; their relationship is so unique and while we had questions answered from the last book, we have more questions hanging in the balance for the 3rd book 😅 and I am HERE for it!
Themes:
Animal shifters🐍
Demons😈
Found family🏠
Amnesia⁉️
College-aged academy🏫
Friends to lovers💕
Enemies to lovers❤️🔥
A hug thanks goes out to Kathryn and her team for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC. I can’t wait for the next one!🙌🏻
Do yourself a favor and start Forgotten Ashes now so you can read Abandoned Bonds when it comes out June 9th! It’s one of the best series I’ve read this year! ❤️🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ low
🤬 mild
⚔️ mild
I had no idea what direction Kathryn was going to go with book 2, but man, I am so glad I signed up for this ARC. Kathryn does an incredible job of keeping you hooked the entire book - I was theorizing the ENTIRE time!
We get more POVs in this 2nd book and I can’t begin to tell you how much they tied to the rest of the story/plot. Except Grayson. We hate him. Read this and you’ll see why 😂
I love the tension between Briar and Asher; their relationship is so unique and while we had questions answered from the last book, we have more questions hanging in the balance for the 3rd book 😅 and I am HERE for it!
Themes:
Animal shifters🐍
Demons😈
Found family🏠
Amnesia⁉️
College-aged academy🏫
Friends to lovers💕
Enemies to lovers❤️🔥
A hug thanks goes out to Kathryn and her team for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC. I can’t wait for the next one!🙌🏻
Do yourself a favor and start Forgotten Ashes now so you can read Abandoned Bonds when it comes out June 9th! It’s one of the best series I’ve read this year! ❤️🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
I thought the first book was great but this one was even better! It is told in multiple POV's, which was perfect because I wanted each of their POV's! The story was so engaging and easy to get lost in. The world building was great and the fantasy world was easy to follow. It is a kisses only book.
The characters in the book were well developed, definitely people to love and people to hate. The FMC is a strong character that has gone through so much and it has made her even stronger. My heart breaks for everything she has gone through and is going through. The other main characters of the story are also fantastic and I enjoyed getting to know them more in this book. I can't wait to see how everything comes together in the story!
I thought the first book was great but this one was even better! It is told in multiple POV's, which was perfect because I wanted each of their POV's! The story was so engaging and easy to get lost in. The world building was great and the fantasy world was easy to follow. It is a kisses only book.
The characters in the book were well developed, definitely people to love and people to hate. The FMC is a strong character that has gone through so much and it has made her even stronger. My heart breaks for everything she has gone through and is going through. The other main characters of the story are also fantastic and I enjoyed getting to know them more in this book. I can't wait to see how everything comes together in the story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the second instalment in this series just as much as the first (which doesn’t always happen with a second book). This read was highly anticipated and I was so excited and grateful to the Author for providing me with an ARC for my thoughts.
We get to see much more of the world, and different POVs (I also thought the names were very unique and clever). I especially loved the Moon Fox realm! I also enjoyed the foreshadowing and knowing the big twist before the FMC did - very reliable narrator.
Briar is such a strong FMC and I really loved learning so much more about the Moon Fox Prince.
An excellent second book by a very talented author, I can’t wait for the next.
We get to see much more of the world, and different POVs (I also thought the names were very unique and clever). I especially loved the Moon Fox realm! I also enjoyed the foreshadowing and knowing the big twist before the FMC did - very reliable narrator.
Briar is such a strong FMC and I really loved learning so much more about the Moon Fox Prince.
An excellent second book by a very talented author, I can’t wait for the next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Arc read*
The characters are what make this story so compelling. Briar in particular, and of course, our broody "death god" Asher. Oh the tormented yearning this poor man put himself through!
The story continues to unfold in a way that has had me gripped and wanting to know what's going to happen next.
I'm so invested in these characters, and I'm going to be impatiently waiting for the next book that's to that cliff I was left on.
Thank you so very much for the eARC copy of Abandoned Bonds, this has truly been a series that I immediately fallen in love with and will continue to follow these characters through anything and everything they may go through.
The characters are what make this story so compelling. Briar in particular, and of course, our broody "death god" Asher. Oh the tormented yearning this poor man put himself through!
The story continues to unfold in a way that has had me gripped and wanting to know what's going to happen next.
I'm so invested in these characters, and I'm going to be impatiently waiting for the next book that's to that cliff I was left on.
Thank you so very much for the eARC copy of Abandoned Bonds, this has truly been a series that I immediately fallen in love with and will continue to follow these characters through anything and everything they may go through.
June 9, 2026
This is book 2 in The Lolite Academy series.
We pick up where the first book left off. This one is just as action packed as the first. In the beginning I found it a bit confusing with the multiple povs however as it went on I so appreciated getting the inside thoughts and experiences of each one.
There’s so much tension! I love the characters personalities and the bonding as well as bickering. There’s constant danger but also humor to make this a breath of fresh air!
The ending is a doozy so it’s gonna be hard waiting for the next one but just like with this one, it will be well worth the wait!
Thank you Kathryn Covens for letting me read it early!
We pick up where the first book left off. This one is just as action packed as the first. In the beginning I found it a bit confusing with the multiple povs however as it went on I so appreciated getting the inside thoughts and experiences of each one.
There’s so much tension! I love the characters personalities and the bonding as well as bickering. There’s constant danger but also humor to make this a breath of fresh air!
The ending is a doozy so it’s gonna be hard waiting for the next one but just like with this one, it will be well worth the wait!
Thank you Kathryn Covens for letting me read it early!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
"Hatred and fear may unite a few like minds for a short time, but it would inevitably bring ruin to all, in the end."
Oh, how I missed the Iolite Academy.
It's 5am. Kathryn, I mean this in the most supportive, respectful, non-pressuring (is that even a word?) way I can: I need the next book! Devoured this one in a day!
So. Much. Happened. Kathryn writes tension so well! The secrets and betrayal. The love interests. The plot twists!
I have so many questions, and considering I was lucky enough to read this early, the wait for answers will be torturous. The sign of a great book!
Oh, how I missed the Iolite Academy.
It's 5am. Kathryn, I mean this in the most supportive, respectful, non-pressuring (is that even a word?) way I can: I need the next book! Devoured this one in a day!
So. Much. Happened. Kathryn writes tension so well! The secrets and betrayal. The love interests. The plot twists!
I have so many questions, and considering I was lucky enough to read this early, the wait for answers will be torturous. The sign of a great book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really would like to thank Kathryn once again for this amazing ARC!
It was so so nice to get back into this world.
I loved Asher in book 1 and even if I would have liked to shake him in the beginning of this one, I still love his character so much.
When he carried Briar through the forest... Swooning!
I would have liked to see more Kenna and Isaac... But I get it!
And Grayson can die for all I care!
I'm excited to see where this is all going!
It was so so nice to get back into this world.
I loved Asher in book 1 and even if I would have liked to shake him in the beginning of this one, I still love his character so much.
When he carried Briar through the forest... Swooning!
I would have liked to see more Kenna and Isaac... But I get it!
And Grayson can die for all I care!
I'm excited to see where this is all going!
June 9, 2026
First off, thanks for the author for this ARC.
Second, you better be ready to choose a side! This babe (FMC) is strong and a born leader but amnesia has her in a love triangle or is it a diamond… idk you should definitely read this and find out because these books are simply 5 star ⭐️ I just simply can’t move on until I see where these characters will go in this interesting world.
-no spice
-LGBT rep
Second, you better be ready to choose a side! This babe (FMC) is strong and a born leader but amnesia has her in a love triangle or is it a diamond… idk you should definitely read this and find out because these books are simply 5 star ⭐️ I just simply can’t move on until I see where these characters will go in this interesting world.
-no spice
-LGBT rep
June 10, 2026
**ARC Review**
First off, I would like to thank Kathryn for the opportunity to ARC read this book. Wow, it did not disappoint! I was able to feel everything the characters were feeling through her writing. There are so many twists and turns that just make the story better and better. The only bad part is that book 2 just came out, and I NEED book 3 ASAP to know what happens next! Such a good book, such a good series! This one will stay with me for a while.
First off, I would like to thank Kathryn for the opportunity to ARC read this book. Wow, it did not disappoint! I was able to feel everything the characters were feeling through her writing. There are so many twists and turns that just make the story better and better. The only bad part is that book 2 just came out, and I NEED book 3 ASAP to know what happens next! Such a good book, such a good series! This one will stay with me for a while.
June 20, 2026
Dragged out the action!
I was very excited for this book because I LOVED Forgotten Ashes. Unfortunately, I thought the author did not deliver. The first half of the book was extremely slow and boring, which gave me the impression that the author was purposely dragging out the story. The actual story was really good but you needed to start reading the book after the first half of it.
I was very excited for this book because I LOVED Forgotten Ashes. Unfortunately, I thought the author did not deliver. The first half of the book was extremely slow and boring, which gave me the impression that the author was purposely dragging out the story. The actual story was really good but you needed to start reading the book after the first half of it.
June 8, 2026
I absolutely have devoured this series. I cannot wait for the next book! Bomb after bomb was dropped the last 25% off this book and I couldn’t get my jaw off the floor. I did see some of it coming but it was seriously so good! We got so many answers with this one, and so many new questions!
I received this as an ARC from Kathryn Covens
I received this as an ARC from Kathryn Covens
Review of advance copy received from Autor
Necesito el siguiente libro PARA AYER
Esta saga se siente como las pelis de tiktok, son algo malillas, pero adictivas a la vez. Me he querido arrancar la cara de la desesperación y hay 0 suspense real (es todo súper obvio), pero ea. Aquí estoy, habiéndome leído el último 70% en un día.
Esta saga se siente como las pelis de tiktok, son algo malillas, pero adictivas a la vez. Me he querido arrancar la cara de la desesperación y hay 0 suspense real (es todo súper obvio), pero ea. Aquí estoy, habiéndome leído el último 70% en un día.
June 19, 2026
Upping the angst, misscommunication shenanigans, fast paced. The stakes were high and although predictable, the reveals were on. I flew through this! Felt a little rushed by the end but i hadn't realized this was a trilogy.
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