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Blind Fury #1
Bound by Fate
Most people move to a magical retirement island for peace and quiet—and pickleball.
Maya August moved there to disappear.
As the assistant director of security for Evermore Island—a secret community where elderly paranormals fade into obscurity—Maya has built the perfect hiding place. Her days consist of magical mishaps, avoiding the clothing-optional tennis courts, and definitely not getting attached to the island’s strays (feline or otherwise).
Then her boss vanishes. A resident turns up dead. And Maya’s carefully constructed refuge begins to crumble.
She could handle a murder investigation. She’s handled much, much worse. What she can’t handle is the HOA president forcing her back to the mainland after five years in self-imposed exile to meet Vale, the mysterious and powerful figure who's claimed jurisdiction over her case.
But Maya isn’t interested in playing by his rules or anyone else’s.
Because if Maya can’t solve this case and keep her past buried, there are fates far worse than letting a killer walk free.
Perfect for fans of morally gray heroines, slow-burn tension, and retirement home chaos meets magical noir, Bound By Fate is the first book in the new Blind Fury urban fantasy series.
Maya August moved there to disappear.
As the assistant director of security for Evermore Island—a secret community where elderly paranormals fade into obscurity—Maya has built the perfect hiding place. Her days consist of magical mishaps, avoiding the clothing-optional tennis courts, and definitely not getting attached to the island’s strays (feline or otherwise).
Then her boss vanishes. A resident turns up dead. And Maya’s carefully constructed refuge begins to crumble.
She could handle a murder investigation. She’s handled much, much worse. What she can’t handle is the HOA president forcing her back to the mainland after five years in self-imposed exile to meet Vale, the mysterious and powerful figure who's claimed jurisdiction over her case.
But Maya isn’t interested in playing by his rules or anyone else’s.
Because if Maya can’t solve this case and keep her past buried, there are fates far worse than letting a killer walk free.
Perfect for fans of morally gray heroines, slow-burn tension, and retirement home chaos meets magical noir, Bound By Fate is the first book in the new Blind Fury urban fantasy series.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2026
About the author
Annabel Chase
255 books1,581 followersAnnabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 13, 2026
Maya August appears to be just an assistant security director. Very efficient. Very effective.
And very good at being invisible, just how she likes it, till Judd, boss disappears. She eventually finds him, dead.
Maya can’t hide behind his larger presence anymore, and reluctantly has to step up to protect the island and their inhabitants when one of the mermaid Neighbors is murdered and everything really falls apart.
The HOA president forces Maya to leave the island and go meet with mysterious Vale, who has offered help with the massive issues finding the killer, and support, but Maya, due to her magical heritage (hidden because of her bloodlines and the fear they create in others) stubbornly doesn’t ask for help.
Throughout the novel, Maya realizes slowly, she has support of her own in the community, slowly, in the coven, with the wolf pack, even with the sirens…and as the tensions rise at the finale and Maya faces down the surprising secret killer.
Part of the power of the novel is the characters - Maya is lonely and thinks she must do everything alone, won’t be accepted as she is, but she is much stronger with the neighbors. While she is armed with her only weapons to face the killer, she has her neighbors at her back, a family of choice, together and this is action packed, perfect for adrenaline junkies who love a surprise sneaky thriller with some fun and an absolutely worthwhile read
And very good at being invisible, just how she likes it, till Judd, boss disappears. She eventually finds him, dead.
Maya can’t hide behind his larger presence anymore, and reluctantly has to step up to protect the island and their inhabitants when one of the mermaid Neighbors is murdered and everything really falls apart.
The HOA president forces Maya to leave the island and go meet with mysterious Vale, who has offered help with the massive issues finding the killer, and support, but Maya, due to her magical heritage (hidden because of her bloodlines and the fear they create in others) stubbornly doesn’t ask for help.
Throughout the novel, Maya realizes slowly, she has support of her own in the community, slowly, in the coven, with the wolf pack, even with the sirens…and as the tensions rise at the finale and Maya faces down the surprising secret killer.
Part of the power of the novel is the characters - Maya is lonely and thinks she must do everything alone, won’t be accepted as she is, but she is much stronger with the neighbors. While she is armed with her only weapons to face the killer, she has her neighbors at her back, a family of choice, together and this is action packed, perfect for adrenaline junkies who love a surprise sneaky thriller with some fun and an absolutely worthwhile read
February 16, 2026
outstanding start to a new series
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Bound By Fate (Blind Fury Book 1) is a new series by Annabel Chase and the first book is a terrific one.
I absolutely love the premise of a paranormal retirement community, along with the attendant issues of its otherworldly residents in their “later, much much later years “ of existence. Witches, vampires who have lived extremely long and rich lives and now live out their lives together. Some lively souls, enjoying their ancient lives while others exhibit significant signs of dementia.
It’s a familiar setting and group made fantastical in a complex and intimate story. One that will flow together with a weekly meeting of cardsharp players and fanatical cliques of pickleball teams. All beautifully written and believable.
Chase treats them with kindness, respect and compassion. These people are layered with degrees of history and poignancy of life at its for some.
The assistant head of their security team is an enigma, Maya August, an intriguing figure herself. She’s in hiding on this retirement island off of Savannah,Georgia. She’s been personally isolating herself from everyone. And that gives Chase ample room for her to develop Maya’s personality and reveal bits about her background as events happen.
And, wonderfully, Chase does this by bringing Maya into the community. She finally fully acknowledges her role as protector and part of them. We are enveloped by their presence as well as Maya’s ability to make her own choices for herself.
But there’s also mystery, murders, and outside forces of power here. One of those includes a person called Zale, someone who will figure into the series.
I love everything about this. The many characters, types of beings, the various mythology the author is introducing (she’s excellent at it), but above all, this realistic yet not retirement community of powerful paranormal beings. All who have issues we can identify with but on extraordinary levels.
I really can’t wait for the next story to arrive.
Btw, HOA’s are still awful no matter what the setting. FYI.
A winner and so happy to share with you.
Cover design by Trif
Blind Fury:
Bound By Fate #1
Bargain With Fate #2 - May 26,2026
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Bound By Fate (Blind Fury Book 1) is a new series by Annabel Chase and the first book is a terrific one.
I absolutely love the premise of a paranormal retirement community, along with the attendant issues of its otherworldly residents in their “later, much much later years “ of existence. Witches, vampires who have lived extremely long and rich lives and now live out their lives together. Some lively souls, enjoying their ancient lives while others exhibit significant signs of dementia.
It’s a familiar setting and group made fantastical in a complex and intimate story. One that will flow together with a weekly meeting of cardsharp players and fanatical cliques of pickleball teams. All beautifully written and believable.
Chase treats them with kindness, respect and compassion. These people are layered with degrees of history and poignancy of life at its for some.
The assistant head of their security team is an enigma, Maya August, an intriguing figure herself. She’s in hiding on this retirement island off of Savannah,Georgia. She’s been personally isolating herself from everyone. And that gives Chase ample room for her to develop Maya’s personality and reveal bits about her background as events happen.
And, wonderfully, Chase does this by bringing Maya into the community. She finally fully acknowledges her role as protector and part of them. We are enveloped by their presence as well as Maya’s ability to make her own choices for herself.
But there’s also mystery, murders, and outside forces of power here. One of those includes a person called Zale, someone who will figure into the series.
I love everything about this. The many characters, types of beings, the various mythology the author is introducing (she’s excellent at it), but above all, this realistic yet not retirement community of powerful paranormal beings. All who have issues we can identify with but on extraordinary levels.
I really can’t wait for the next story to arrive.
Btw, HOA’s are still awful no matter what the setting. FYI.
A winner and so happy to share with you.
Cover design by Trif
Blind Fury:
Bound By Fate #1
Bargain With Fate #2 - May 26,2026
March 18, 2026
A Woman with a lot of secrets.
Maya has been working on an island where elderly supernaturals retreat to when they are at risk of discovery in the human world. Evermore (the island) is invisible to the human world thanks to a spell and it's residents relocate there when they are about to be discovered and outed for their natures of because of ill health like dementia or cancer. Maya's job is to work security on the island her supervisor is a werewolf named Judd, usually their work consists of minor tasks like parking infringements and minor fights between residents who 're bored with nothing else to do. All that ends when the body of one.of the residents Belinda a mermaid is found dead in a fountain did she did accidentally? Maya doesn't believe so and enlists help to find the truth. Also Judd is missing and has.been since around the same time as Belinda died coincidence? It's another problem Maya has to solve. But Maya has a problem she has been five years on Evermore and she went there to hide. She has buried a large portion of her nature and skills in order to hide who she is and what she can do. Investigating these cases threatens the peace Maya has worked hard to achieve. The question is more if Maya can stay hidden with all the outsiders intruding on the island testing her resolve and her skill.......................
Maya has been working on an island where elderly supernaturals retreat to when they are at risk of discovery in the human world. Evermore (the island) is invisible to the human world thanks to a spell and it's residents relocate there when they are about to be discovered and outed for their natures of because of ill health like dementia or cancer. Maya's job is to work security on the island her supervisor is a werewolf named Judd, usually their work consists of minor tasks like parking infringements and minor fights between residents who 're bored with nothing else to do. All that ends when the body of one.of the residents Belinda a mermaid is found dead in a fountain did she did accidentally? Maya doesn't believe so and enlists help to find the truth. Also Judd is missing and has.been since around the same time as Belinda died coincidence? It's another problem Maya has to solve. But Maya has a problem she has been five years on Evermore and she went there to hide. She has buried a large portion of her nature and skills in order to hide who she is and what she can do. Investigating these cases threatens the peace Maya has worked hard to achieve. The question is more if Maya can stay hidden with all the outsiders intruding on the island testing her resolve and her skill.......................
June 5, 2026
This was a good surprise! Quite gritty and a bit dark, with a good murder mystery, an interesting MC and a world that feels original enough (retirement island for old supernatural creatures, isn't that everything you need to know??)
Not perfect, but I'll give the next installment a try (if I can remember the plot by then...)
Not perfect, but I'll give the next installment a try (if I can remember the plot by then...)
February 13, 2026
This was quick, fun and full of action. Maya is young compared to the residents of the magical retirement community. There’s a good mix of characters full of quirks and experiences. The mystery kept me guessing and was overall a great read.
May 31, 2026
Maybe I'm tired of this format
If you like Annabel Chase, you'll like this book. I think I'm A little tired of the "new girl with a secret must protect the small town" thing combined with obscure gods and a sprinkle of social commentary.
If you like Annabel Chase, you'll like this book. I think I'm A little tired of the "new girl with a secret must protect the small town" thing combined with obscure gods and a sprinkle of social commentary.
February 16, 2026
Good read
I really liked this book it reminds me of the crossroad queen series. Can't wait to read what happens next.
I really liked this book it reminds me of the crossroad queen series. Can't wait to read what happens next.
February 15, 2026
Annabel Hits A Home Run
“Bound By Fate” is the first book in the new series by Ms Chase. Meet Maya August, the assistant head of security on a secluded retirement island for paranormals. After a resident is murdered, and Maya’s boss goes missing, her job suddenly turns into that of murder detective. Like our old friend, the Crossroads Queen, there’s a lot more to Maya than meets the eye. She’s got a bunch of cards she’s keeping close to her chest: at least for now. Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride!
“Bound By Fate” is the first book in the new series by Ms Chase. Meet Maya August, the assistant head of security on a secluded retirement island for paranormals. After a resident is murdered, and Maya’s boss goes missing, her job suddenly turns into that of murder detective. Like our old friend, the Crossroads Queen, there’s a lot more to Maya than meets the eye. She’s got a bunch of cards she’s keeping close to her chest: at least for now. Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride!
March 14, 2026
I don't know. This started off okay, but it became more meh as it continued.
The neighbors are okay (I like the witches, mostly), but the constant gossip got really annoying.
There is a lot of things going on all at once, which started off being good since it kept things moving. However, once we got to the chaos demon thing at the golf course, I was a bit over it all.
Maya found out who was stealing identities, but she let him go since he said he'd stop? What? That made absolutely no sense. He broke the law? Ugh.
When Maya meets Vale, someone she doesn't know and shouldn't trust (which he brings up), she drinks his coffee but doesn't eat his food? Umm ... he could have done something to the coffee, too. Then she trusts him enough to follow him to a cafe and to eat the food there?
The entire chapter with Vale and the Archivist felt stilted and meh for me.
The best part of the book was the cat. The rest was just not for me.
The neighbors are okay (I like the witches, mostly), but the constant gossip got really annoying.
There is a lot of things going on all at once, which started off being good since it kept things moving. However, once we got to the chaos demon thing at the golf course, I was a bit over it all.
Maya found out who was stealing identities, but she let him go since he said he'd stop? What? That made absolutely no sense. He broke the law? Ugh.
When Maya meets Vale, someone she doesn't know and shouldn't trust (which he brings up), she drinks his coffee but doesn't eat his food? Umm ... he could have done something to the coffee, too. Then she trusts him enough to follow him to a cafe and to eat the food there?
The entire chapter with Vale and the Archivist felt stilted and meh for me.
The best part of the book was the cat. The rest was just not for me.
May 18, 2026
Overall this is a great idea for a book. And I have to say I have loved Annabel Chase's previous book series.
A magical retirement island with HOA and all. For when paranormal elderly can no longer exist in "regular" society - because hey people would start to notice.
Meet Maya August, the assistant directory for Security, who is thrown into solving a double murder. Hiding something herself, she must try to fix everything before she's kicked off the island herself.
Some things flowed, some didn't. You don't eat the food, but you'll take a drink of what he gives you? One minute saying you shouldn't transform on the main land because people might see. But then pulling out your wings in front of Vale, who 10m before you weren't sure you could even trust. And on the mainland.
And you have secrets - which some were hinted too - but it would have been nice to explore just a little more about Maya as well as more about Vale and the corporation he runs. It may have pulled me in more to invest in these characters.
I'd give this 3.5 stars - the witches were fun, loved the cat (reminded me of HRH in Midlife IFKYK). But for some reason, I just didn't gel with everything and everyone. The other problem for me, I started Riftborn (update for that shortly) before finishing writing a review for this. Woops.
I not sure if I'll invest the time in continuing the series. I have too many other things on my #wtr list.
Triggers: Murder
#lynnhacic #lhacic #lhacic26 #lhacicgoodreads
A magical retirement island with HOA and all. For when paranormal elderly can no longer exist in "regular" society - because hey people would start to notice.
Meet Maya August, the assistant directory for Security, who is thrown into solving a double murder. Hiding something herself, she must try to fix everything before she's kicked off the island herself.
Some things flowed, some didn't. You don't eat the food, but you'll take a drink of what he gives you? One minute saying you shouldn't transform on the main land because people might see. But then pulling out your wings in front of Vale, who 10m before you weren't sure you could even trust. And on the mainland.
And you have secrets - which some were hinted too - but it would have been nice to explore just a little more about Maya as well as more about Vale and the corporation he runs. It may have pulled me in more to invest in these characters.
I'd give this 3.5 stars - the witches were fun, loved the cat (reminded me of HRH in Midlife IFKYK). But for some reason, I just didn't gel with everything and everyone. The other problem for me, I started Riftborn (update for that shortly) before finishing writing a review for this. Woops.
I not sure if I'll invest the time in continuing the series. I have too many other things on my #wtr list.
Triggers: Murder
#lynnhacic #lhacic #lhacic26 #lhacicgoodreads
February 15, 2026
good
Maya August thought her job as one of the security specialists on an island for retired supernaturals, would be a quiet and easy job.
Unfortunately, the death of one of the residents, and the disappearance of her boss, thrust her into an investigation that seems to require skills she would rather keep buried.
This is the first book in a new series by Annabel Chase, and is in the same vein as the Crossroads Queen series by the same author. We have a thirty-something heroine, with a mysterious (and possibly dangerous) past, being thrust into the middle of a murder investigation. There are plenty of suspects, after all the supernatural beings might be retired but it doesn’t mean they are incapable, and there are several other Intriguing characters too. There are some unusual creatures of myth and folklore, and some interesting takes on their legends.
While the mystery is wrapped up by the end of the book, there are some loose ends and an overarching story arc that remain unfinished, ready for future books in the series.
It’s an enjoyable, not-quite-cosy paranormal mystery, with a tough and intriguing heroine, and a cast of quirky side characters.
I look forward to seeing where the story takes us next, and seeing if Maya manages to develop a love interest in one of the males we are introduced to in the book.
Maya August thought her job as one of the security specialists on an island for retired supernaturals, would be a quiet and easy job.
Unfortunately, the death of one of the residents, and the disappearance of her boss, thrust her into an investigation that seems to require skills she would rather keep buried.
This is the first book in a new series by Annabel Chase, and is in the same vein as the Crossroads Queen series by the same author. We have a thirty-something heroine, with a mysterious (and possibly dangerous) past, being thrust into the middle of a murder investigation. There are plenty of suspects, after all the supernatural beings might be retired but it doesn’t mean they are incapable, and there are several other Intriguing characters too. There are some unusual creatures of myth and folklore, and some interesting takes on their legends.
While the mystery is wrapped up by the end of the book, there are some loose ends and an overarching story arc that remain unfinished, ready for future books in the series.
It’s an enjoyable, not-quite-cosy paranormal mystery, with a tough and intriguing heroine, and a cast of quirky side characters.
I look forward to seeing where the story takes us next, and seeing if Maya manages to develop a love interest in one of the males we are introduced to in the book.
February 24, 2026
Giddy with Excitement!!! ❤️❤️❤️
This is the first book in a new series by Annabel Chase, and I couldn’t be happier! After reading her "Crossroads Queen" series (one of the BEST out there), I couldn’t wait to see what she would come up with next. The FMC, Maya August, is the assistant head of security at a retirement community for supernaturals. Trying to keep a low profile after her previous life — which, for now, remains a big mystery, she suddenly has to deal with the murder of a resident and her missing boss. Even though Maya hasn’t been in the “game” for a while, it’s clear she’s a fierce, smart, and self-sufficient woman. She not only has to solve the case, but also deal with the residents’ antics, which don’t always make her life easy, though it’s obvious they care about her as much as she cares about them :-). I love Maya’s sarcastic, no-nonsense attitude, which hides a gooey center underneath it all. The case gets resolved by the end of the book, but it leaves you waiting to see what will happen next. I cannot wait for the second book to come out! Annabel Chase has proven herself to be a very talented writer who creates super original stories that make you feel deeply, laugh, and become fully invested in her characters. Even though this book tells a complete story, to me it felt like a preview of what is still to come. Highly recommended 😍😍😍
This is the first book in a new series by Annabel Chase, and I couldn’t be happier! After reading her "Crossroads Queen" series (one of the BEST out there), I couldn’t wait to see what she would come up with next. The FMC, Maya August, is the assistant head of security at a retirement community for supernaturals. Trying to keep a low profile after her previous life — which, for now, remains a big mystery, she suddenly has to deal with the murder of a resident and her missing boss. Even though Maya hasn’t been in the “game” for a while, it’s clear she’s a fierce, smart, and self-sufficient woman. She not only has to solve the case, but also deal with the residents’ antics, which don’t always make her life easy, though it’s obvious they care about her as much as she cares about them :-). I love Maya’s sarcastic, no-nonsense attitude, which hides a gooey center underneath it all. The case gets resolved by the end of the book, but it leaves you waiting to see what will happen next. I cannot wait for the second book to come out! Annabel Chase has proven herself to be a very talented writer who creates super original stories that make you feel deeply, laugh, and become fully invested in her characters. Even though this book tells a complete story, to me it felt like a preview of what is still to come. Highly recommended 😍😍😍
February 24, 2026
Thirty-five-year-old Maya is a half-Gorgon/half-mage with a secretive past who escapes to a small private island to work as their assistant security director. Evermore Island, off the coast of Georgia, is a retiree village for hundred-plus-year-old nonhuman paranormals (“Neighbors”) who want to live their last years without having to hide their abilities from humans.
When her boss disappears and she discovers a dead Neighbor, Maya is forced to reach within the community for help in solving the crime. That includes being nice to the bossy HOA president who runs the island, and befriending the many colorful side characters, including -
* Zachariah, the prickly golf-loving necromancer/medical examiner
* Meemaw, the head of the witch’s coven
* Hannya, an ugly demon who just wants to be included in pickleball
* Vale, an enigmatic character who lives in Savannah
I absolutely loved Maya as a character, and the setting was so clever. The pacing was great, and the plot very interesting. I adored Jinx, the stray cat who lives near Maya.
I enjoyed Lorelei’s adventures in the Crossroads Queen series, and wasn’t sure if the author would be able to follow with a series as good as that one. I’m glad to say that this Blind Fury series is starting out strong. I can’t wait for the next one!
When her boss disappears and she discovers a dead Neighbor, Maya is forced to reach within the community for help in solving the crime. That includes being nice to the bossy HOA president who runs the island, and befriending the many colorful side characters, including -
* Zachariah, the prickly golf-loving necromancer/medical examiner
* Meemaw, the head of the witch’s coven
* Hannya, an ugly demon who just wants to be included in pickleball
* Vale, an enigmatic character who lives in Savannah
I absolutely loved Maya as a character, and the setting was so clever. The pacing was great, and the plot very interesting. I adored Jinx, the stray cat who lives near Maya.
I enjoyed Lorelei’s adventures in the Crossroads Queen series, and wasn’t sure if the author would be able to follow with a series as good as that one. I’m glad to say that this Blind Fury series is starting out strong. I can’t wait for the next one!
March 13, 2026
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.5*
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.5*
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
May 26, 2026
Great new series!
Maya is security at a secretive island for senior paranormals who are aging and not always safe to live in the mortal world anymore. One night, she gets a call and everything changes...isn't that always the way?? LOL!
If you enjoyed Annabel Chase's "Crossroads Queen" as I did, you will definitely enjoy this. She always comes up with interesting worlds and scenarios and cool heroines. Maya is a tight lipped character and I very much look forward to finding out more about her unhappy past. Not much in the way of romance in the first book, but I loved meeting the secondary characters and getting to know Maya. She might not think much of her abilities to care or bond with people (yet!) but it's clear she has a big heart and a lot of care for the people in her charge!
If you enjoy strong, protective and compelling heroines and paranormal and mystical world building (love the mix of mythologies), you will enjoy this! I highly recommend it and I very much look forward to the next in the series!
Maya is security at a secretive island for senior paranormals who are aging and not always safe to live in the mortal world anymore. One night, she gets a call and everything changes...isn't that always the way?? LOL!
If you enjoyed Annabel Chase's "Crossroads Queen" as I did, you will definitely enjoy this. She always comes up with interesting worlds and scenarios and cool heroines. Maya is a tight lipped character and I very much look forward to finding out more about her unhappy past. Not much in the way of romance in the first book, but I loved meeting the secondary characters and getting to know Maya. She might not think much of her abilities to care or bond with people (yet!) but it's clear she has a big heart and a lot of care for the people in her charge!
If you enjoy strong, protective and compelling heroines and paranormal and mystical world building (love the mix of mythologies), you will enjoy this! I highly recommend it and I very much look forward to the next in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bound By Fate by Annabel Chase is the first book in the Blind Fury series.
Maya August is the assistant director for Evermore, an island where old, I mean old paranormals go to live the rest of their days.
Maya is hiding from her past life, and it has been for 5 years. She has built a quiet life, until her boss disappears and one of the "Neighbors" turns up dead.
She is forced to the mainland off her perfect recluse to meet Vale, who can help with the investigation.
This book is so GOOD. There are so many different types of paranormal and different characters or "Neighbors" on Evermore. I really love the enchanted retirement island.
The world building is excellent. The story kept me hooked from the first word.
Maya is a force to be reckoned with. The action is incredible; I loved the fight scenes.
I think there is so much more to learn about Maya and her past and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Maya August is the assistant director for Evermore, an island where old, I mean old paranormals go to live the rest of their days.
Maya is hiding from her past life, and it has been for 5 years. She has built a quiet life, until her boss disappears and one of the "Neighbors" turns up dead.
She is forced to the mainland off her perfect recluse to meet Vale, who can help with the investigation.
This book is so GOOD. There are so many different types of paranormal and different characters or "Neighbors" on Evermore. I really love the enchanted retirement island.
The world building is excellent. The story kept me hooked from the first word.
Maya is a force to be reckoned with. The action is incredible; I loved the fight scenes.
I think there is so much more to learn about Maya and her past and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
March 28, 2026
A supernatural whodunnit
This reads easily and rolls along with no dull bits. Our heroine has a past she wants to keep hidden, but circumstances seem to be nudging her out of her quiet existence. There are some fine old ladies, a fine not-so-old man, a cat who seems to be a tad more than just a cat, some murders, and some mischief. The action nearly all takes place on an enchanted island that houses retired magic users and supernaturals, some with dodgy memories, some with longings for the power and position they used to have. Our heroine is staff, so not a retiree.
This is a contained story, but there’s more to come, such as why our heroine is hiding away, and I imagine the not-so-old fine man will reappear. Not sure why the series is called Blind Fury, but no doubt more will be revealed.
All clean - no sexy bits, no swearing I noticed, some death and fighting, but no gore or gratuitous nastiness.
This reads easily and rolls along with no dull bits. Our heroine has a past she wants to keep hidden, but circumstances seem to be nudging her out of her quiet existence. There are some fine old ladies, a fine not-so-old man, a cat who seems to be a tad more than just a cat, some murders, and some mischief. The action nearly all takes place on an enchanted island that houses retired magic users and supernaturals, some with dodgy memories, some with longings for the power and position they used to have. Our heroine is staff, so not a retiree.
This is a contained story, but there’s more to come, such as why our heroine is hiding away, and I imagine the not-so-old fine man will reappear. Not sure why the series is called Blind Fury, but no doubt more will be revealed.
All clean - no sexy bits, no swearing I noticed, some death and fighting, but no gore or gratuitous nastiness.
Read
August 13, 2026I have a KU trial and this was recommended to me and I'm in the right mood, so I tried it. I enjoyed it--formulaic writing works sometimes and this hits all the 30+ magical cozy murder mystery notes. So then I checked the author's back catalog and realized "she" has published more since 2017 than Nora Roberts has published since 1981. So, ghost author studio! Given the glut of translations "she" has released in the past year, almost undoubtedly using gAI in the process (hopefully not as a replacement for whichever ghost writers are also involved). I'm not morally opposed to ghostwriters, it is in the grand tradition of Nancy Drew to have them. It does mean that this author is probably going to be hit or miss for me though, and I'll never know who wrote the hits.
February 25, 2026
Will absolutely be reading the full series
You know it’s real when I make a commitment like that and none other the other books are even close to being out. I recently read AC’s Crossroads Queen series and loooooved it, so I was super excited when I saw this one was coming. It is a phenomenal story - unique premise, a huge cast of interesting characters, a charming and mysterious man or 3, and I love that the central mystery of this first book was wrapped up. Also, I am a huge fan of the way this author includes such a wide array of mythology and folklore in the books; it has been absolutely fascinating to read about so many things I hadn’t heard of before.
You know it’s real when I make a commitment like that and none other the other books are even close to being out. I recently read AC’s Crossroads Queen series and loooooved it, so I was super excited when I saw this one was coming. It is a phenomenal story - unique premise, a huge cast of interesting characters, a charming and mysterious man or 3, and I love that the central mystery of this first book was wrapped up. Also, I am a huge fan of the way this author includes such a wide array of mythology and folklore in the books; it has been absolutely fascinating to read about so many things I hadn’t heard of before.
March 24, 2026
Totally Captivating - for Mythology Buffs
You don’t need to be into ythology to enjoy any book by Annabel Chase, she publishes great escapism novels, but having an interest in mythology takes it to another level. The use of creatures, spirits, gods etc is nothing short of fascinating. Just in passing she drops in a creature from mythology based around the Tuatha Dé Danann or the fears of the Middle East. In fact it would be interesting to re-read all her books and list all the ancient beliefs she has used. Cracking stories and brilliant education in mythology. Next book already ordered.
You don’t need to be into ythology to enjoy any book by Annabel Chase, she publishes great escapism novels, but having an interest in mythology takes it to another level. The use of creatures, spirits, gods etc is nothing short of fascinating. Just in passing she drops in a creature from mythology based around the Tuatha Dé Danann or the fears of the Middle East. In fact it would be interesting to re-read all her books and list all the ancient beliefs she has used. Cracking stories and brilliant education in mythology. Next book already ordered.
April 18, 2026
This one had its ups and downs. The plot was pretty good with a retirement home for paranormals on an island off the coast near Savannah. Sounds great. The constant allusions to Maya's (FMC) past without any additional info is something Chase has done in other series and it's totally frustrating. Information comes in small dribbles until you just don't care anymore. There are some inconsistencies that made a few things just fall flat. Vale is presented as the most likely love interest for Maya and he didn't really hit it for me - yet. Overall, it was ok and I will try Book 2 to see if it clicks better for me.
February 25, 2026
A fast paced paranormal cozy style read. Finished this in one sitting. Liked the storyline, and the characters. The setting of a paranormal only retirement village island for those who need to disappear from the normal world once they reach a certain point was very amusing to me. The secondary characters, the residents, are quirky and sassy. Love that they seem to be underestimated for the most part. The MC, Maya, is more than she seems, and her potential love interest is the same. No romance, just vibes at this point. Will have to check out the next book as I did enjoy this.
July 5, 2026
Quirky and Heart
A brilliant start to a new urban fantasy series. Maya is a fantastic main character, and I loved slowly uncovering clues about both the murders and her mysterious past. The mix of humour, magic, mystery and found family worked really well, and the residents of Evermore quickly felt like characters I wanted to spend more time with. It balanced action with genuine heart, and by the end I was completely invested in where Maya's story is heading. A very enjoyable first book that has me looking forward to continuing the series.
A brilliant start to a new urban fantasy series. Maya is a fantastic main character, and I loved slowly uncovering clues about both the murders and her mysterious past. The mix of humour, magic, mystery and found family worked really well, and the residents of Evermore quickly felt like characters I wanted to spend more time with. It balanced action with genuine heart, and by the end I was completely invested in where Maya's story is heading. A very enjoyable first book that has me looking forward to continuing the series.
July 24, 2026
3.5
Working as a security guard on an island full of magical senior citizens who have aged out of society (ie can't hide their magic from humans in the age of tech- or have illnesses like dementia) but still have access to their powers + a life time of knowledge on how to use it?
What could go wrong? Well, a murder involving a mermaid.
I had a lot of fun with the kooky (albeit slightly annoying) cast of characters, but what kept me reading was the world building. Lots of different magicals going on. The FL also has a mysterious past- but her personality is a bit bland at the moment. Might read on to figure out more of her deal.
Working as a security guard on an island full of magical senior citizens who have aged out of society (ie can't hide their magic from humans in the age of tech- or have illnesses like dementia) but still have access to their powers + a life time of knowledge on how to use it?
What could go wrong? Well, a murder involving a mermaid.
I had a lot of fun with the kooky (albeit slightly annoying) cast of characters, but what kept me reading was the world building. Lots of different magicals going on. The FL also has a mysterious past- but her personality is a bit bland at the moment. Might read on to figure out more of her deal.
February 15, 2026
Another fantastic book
I love just about everything Annabel Chase writes. She is truly gifted at creating lovable, relatable characters. Plus her stories are always interesting, the conversations entertaining and funny, the world building is always great and the romance sweet. She is one of the few authors I'll read anything from. I'm so excited about this series and can't wait to continue on.
I love just about everything Annabel Chase writes. She is truly gifted at creating lovable, relatable characters. Plus her stories are always interesting, the conversations entertaining and funny, the world building is always great and the romance sweet. She is one of the few authors I'll read anything from. I'm so excited about this series and can't wait to continue on.
February 16, 2026
good start to the series
This was an enjoyable read, with a different take on paranormal. Set in a retirement like community for paranormal in their older years. Maya works the security there and has lots of secrets about her past. And although she is a security officer, she is put in the position of trying to solve who killed her security boss and a mermaid. Vale only has a small part in this book, but it’s obvious there is attraction, and a bigger role in future books
This was an enjoyable read, with a different take on paranormal. Set in a retirement like community for paranormal in their older years. Maya works the security there and has lots of secrets about her past. And although she is a security officer, she is put in the position of trying to solve who killed her security boss and a mermaid. Vale only has a small part in this book, but it’s obvious there is attraction, and a bigger role in future books
March 21, 2026
Love a good story with feisty old witches
I have enjoyed other books by Ms. Chase and this one was no exception. I did feel that she should have started the story with a prologue of her coming to the island which would have given better background on her beloved mentor. The characters are fun and interesting and I look forward to learning more about them. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I have enjoyed other books by Ms. Chase and this one was no exception. I did feel that she should have started the story with a prologue of her coming to the island which would have given better background on her beloved mentor. The characters are fun and interesting and I look forward to learning more about them. I look forward to the next book in the series.
April 26, 2026
Bound bv Fate
A great start to the series from Ms. Chase.
Maya has a big secret to hide, she lands a security job in a senior citizen retirement island for Paranormals, and spends five idyllic years laying low, then a murder happens and then another an her idyllic life goes up in smoke. Can she figure out what happened and keep her job and her secret intact? As always the joy comes in finding out!
Off to read another book while waiting for book 2 to come out next month.
A great start to the series from Ms. Chase.
Maya has a big secret to hide, she lands a security job in a senior citizen retirement island for Paranormals, and spends five idyllic years laying low, then a murder happens and then another an her idyllic life goes up in smoke. Can she figure out what happened and keep her job and her secret intact? As always the joy comes in finding out!
Off to read another book while waiting for book 2 to come out next month.
June 20, 2026
This book has a really interesting premise. You don’t often read fantasy/urban fantasy books so wholly focused on the elderly. The idea of “assisted living facility for magical creatures” is quite unique. I enjoyed the read, and, of course, the cat (who truly did save the day). However, this novel didn’t have anything that stood out for me beyond the bones of the world-building. I’ll give the sequel a shot though!
July 17, 2026
Captivating, creative, funny, intriguing
As I had just finished another series by Annabel Chase, I was keen to try this new one. It didn't disappoint.
The characters come to life easily from the page and the lightness yet depth of the writing made this a captivating book. I couldn't put it down and read it in 2 days.
The only downside is that I now want to read more of this series, but will have to be patient and wait for new releases!
As I had just finished another series by Annabel Chase, I was keen to try this new one. It didn't disappoint.
The characters come to life easily from the page and the lightness yet depth of the writing made this a captivating book. I couldn't put it down and read it in 2 days.
The only downside is that I now want to read more of this series, but will have to be patient and wait for new releases!
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