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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.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
220 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Chase
215 books1,497 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 - 24 of 24 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
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
February 15, 2026
A good fun read! Great humor if a bit snarky. I laughed out loud at of couple of the MFC wisecracks. Is has all troupes but it’s well written and the love interest is still pending, which I like. I love the premise of a refuge for older paranormals who face the troubles of all the elderly. It’s a shorter read that I wish was longer, but worth it.
February 16, 2026
Enjoyed this book
I love the anticipation in the first novel of a series, what is the FMC really like? What kind of powers does Maya have? I was pleasantly surprised with her. She is a bit socially awkward, which starts to make sense when you learn more about her. I want to know more! look forward to additional adventures with Maya!
I love the anticipation in the first novel of a series, what is the FMC really like? What kind of powers does Maya have? I was pleasantly surprised with her. She is a bit socially awkward, which starts to make sense when you learn more about her. I want to know more! look forward to additional adventures with Maya!
February 18, 2026
good
I really liked Maya in this book. I love the fact that the island is pretty much a retirement home for different paranormal’s. Not only does Maya have to solve the murder of one of the residents, but she has to try to find her boss as well. I really like the mystery of this book and how it progressed to the end. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
I really liked Maya in this book. I love the fact that the island is pretty much a retirement home for different paranormal’s. Not only does Maya have to solve the murder of one of the residents, but she has to try to find her boss as well. I really like the mystery of this book and how it progressed to the end. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
February 24, 2026
Another strong mouthy heroine with deep secrets. Maya reminds me of Lorelei Clay from the Crossroads Queen series - a brave, strong and opinionated woman with a deep secret and a world she left behind. Assisted by a bunch of elderly supernaturals and a demigod who is too good to be true she's unstoppable. I'm so excited for these series!
February 14, 2026
Another fun series off to a good start from Annabel Chase.
I like the characters so far.
Possible plot hole with a dead shifter found fully dressed but fought as a wolf. Earlier mentions of shifting have clothing left lying around so how did he get his clothes back on dirt a fight?
I like the characters so far.
Possible plot hole with a dead shifter found fully dressed but fought as a wolf. Earlier mentions of shifting have clothing left lying around so how did he get his clothes back on dirt a fight?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2026
And once again Annabel Chase has sucked me into a fantastic world she created. This first book in her new series is everything I hoped for! Great characters, engrossing storyline, a likeable yet badass main character and most of all a promise of more books in the future!
February 16, 2026
Oh so good!
I absolutely loved this book. I can’t wait for the next one. Such an exciting world and the characters are a hoot. I loved it
I absolutely loved this book. I can’t wait for the next one. Such an exciting world and the characters are a hoot. I loved it
February 18, 2026
Annabel Chase delivers another gem. Humor, action, and humanity!
Ms. Chase comes through again with a story and characters that leave you wanting more. I cannot wait for book 2!
Ms. Chase comes through again with a story and characters that leave you wanting more. I cannot wait for book 2!
February 20, 2026
I am a huge fan of Annabel Chase's books, and have pretty high expectations too. This book is fantastic. No spoilers, but that kind of ending was exactly what my brain and heart needed.
February 19, 2026
Love this start to a new series
Annabel knows how to draw you in to a new world and an intriguing cast of characters.
Very eager to see what comes next.
Annabel knows how to draw you in to a new world and an intriguing cast of characters.
Very eager to see what comes next.
February 23, 2026
another great book
A great new series. Thank you Annabel Chase for another great series! Can’t wait for it to available on audible!
A great new series. Thank you Annabel Chase for another great series! Can’t wait for it to available on audible!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews