In Maya August’s world, even your shadow can betray you.
When a shadow slips its leash and leaves a body behind, the aging paranormal population of Evermore is on edge—again. But shadows aren’t the only things misbehaving.
An elderly elf is fading fast. He’s stopped eating, losing weight, and spending all his time asleep, lost in vivid dreams of the woman he calls his soulmate, but Maya suspects there’s something far more sinister at work.
As demonic spirits begin slipping into the realm, she realizes the city of Savannah and its secret island neighbor are standing on the brink of disaster, the kind you can’t stop—only survive.
To protect the innocent, Maya is forced to team up with Vale again. The demigod is dangerous, infuriating, and has his own agenda. Maya isn’t exactly an open book either, and working together means risking secrets she’s fought hard to bury.
With fate tightening its grip and no way to stop what’s coming, Maya must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice—because she knows all too well what happens when the darkness isn’t kept at bay, and that trust may be the most dangerous bargain of all.
Perfect for fans of sharp-tongued heroines, slow-burn alliances, and magical mayhem with a noir edge, Bargain with Fate is the second book in the Blind Fury urban fantasy series—where retirement home chaos meets ancient magic.
Annabel 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.
Blind Fury series has so many interesting aspects to it. A upscale hidden retirement island for paranormal beings, many of them ancient, off the coast of Georgia.
The retirees, a fabulous, entertaining and mythically rich group of beings keep themselves busy with nude pickle ball, gossip and a wealth of activities that often include murder and mystery.
They are, even as supporting characters, the very best thing about this series.
Unfortunately, it’s the main character (and her MMC) and the author’s treatment of a potential relationship that just doesn’t work for me.
Bargain With Fate is book 2 and the main character of Maya August hasn’t shown much in the way of growth or progress in her development since her boss died and left her in charge of Security for the Island and its inhabitants. It’s a responsibility she avoided as much as possible when she was hired as his assistant. And now she’s Acting Director of Security, she’s not changing anything in regard to her role or actions. Unless absolutely necessary or pushed by her boss, she avoids any sort of accountability.
She’s whiny, borderline rude, and honestly, taking advantage of her job. Given her constant internal refrain/insistence on her being in isolation for her “unknown dangerous past” and that only the island is safe for her. Not being an adult about her role and job (she complains about her hours, being needed etc by her elderly residents) in return for safe haven? Makes her singularly unlikable. Don’t get me started on the cat.
Then there’s the potential romantic relationship with a paranormal boss who doesn’t seem to take no for an answer. She repeatedly tells Vale, a Demi god and supernatural boss of the area, that she’s not going to have a relationship with him, and that she’s got extremely good reasons not to reveal her past to him. Discussion after discussion.
He agrees, then he starts pressing her for more information and yes, a date. Against everything they had just discussed. Because obviously no means yes. To him and his men, one an elf she’s fond of, who talk to her about why she’s rejecting such a great guy.
All of this is supposed to be straightforward storytelling, no manipulation, which is even more toxic. Because she starts to waver even though she doesn’t want to. She continues to say no .
And so, even with a neat plot and interesting cliffhanger, I’m saying no to that relationship and main character. And this type of toxicity.
Cover design by Trif
Blind Fury: Bound by Fate #1 Bargain with Fate #2 Cursed with Fate #3 - Dec 21,2026
This is slowly building to a massive battle .......... I think.
So far Maya has faced various supernatural crises but has managed to survive quite easily while managing to keep her past hidden. Maya is hiding out as a security officer on an island dedicated to retired supernaturals. The modern world is getting too difficult to stay hidden in what with the drones and cell phones so the elderly supernaturals need a place they can still be themselves without worrying about the humans. Maya found the island when looking for a place to hide (from what we do not know though there have been hints) she has not made any friends content to just do her job. But that is getting harder and with recent events and there's also the problem of trouble bringing attention with it something Maya is desperate to avoid........................
Second book in the series. Zero growth from the main character. She's whiny and doesn't want responsibility for anything including her job or her cat. The author keeps alluding to her mysterious past and hidden powers page after page for 2 books straight but we have zero idea what exactly they are. But they're also the reason she can't get involved with the guy she likes. Because again, mysterious past and mysterious powers. Honestly very disappointed, I usually love Annabelle's books. Haven't decided if I'm going to push through the third book and if I care enough to keep reading about how mysterious her past is and how she's hiding whatever it is she's hiding.
Maya Augustine is back and dealing with even more magical senior citizen shenanigans. Money disappears, frightening harbingers scare the locals, and a woman is murdered…by an invisible man? And we haven’t even gotten to Maya’s relationship dilemmas.
Bargain With Fate is a light, lively story filled with colorful characters (literally and figuratively) with far more energy than most folks half their age. Evermore is a fascinating island—at once a paradise and a ripe setting for forced proximity. For Maya, it’s a refuge, but also potentially a trap.
Ms. Chase feeds us crumbs of our heroine’s horrific past, using it to increase Maya’s bonds with Neighbors, create intrigue, and add friction with the various romantic options. Meemaw and Margie return, as well as a few other favorites—Zachariah, I’m looking at you.
The story structure fascinates me because there are several seemingly unrelated threads, such as you would expect a security officer on a magical retirement island to encounter, that converge. Some are misinterpreted. Some are related. Some remain unanswered, leaving a residue of mystery. The pacing kept me engaged, and then there’s the ending. After a brief but intense buildup, we’re left to madly theorize over what it means!
And theorize, I shall.
Bargain With Fate is an electric addition to an already fun and absorbing series. It will appeal to contemporary fantasy readers who like ornery, jaded, and mischievous supporting characters; a dynamic world chock full of legendary beings; and a strong heroine who has to focus on survival before anything else—even happiness. So grab a cocktail and take a mental vacation on Evermore!
This is the second 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 other “problems” that are happening around her. 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. There is also a potential love interests that is slowly developing which adds another layer to this story. I cannot wait to see what the next book brings! 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. Highly recommended 😍😍😍
Bargain with Fate is the second book in the Blind Fury urban fantasy series by Annabel Chase.
I devoured the first book in the series Bound By Fate and I highly recommend reading the first book for the best reading enjoyment.
Maya is dealing with lots of things, and all on her own. A rogue shadow is on the lose and has killed one of the residents of the Evermore paranormal retirement neighborhood.
An older Elf is severely ill, and Maya knows it's more than old age.
There are demons on the run and Maya is working with Vale again. She is not happy about it as she doesn't want her secrets getting out. These two give definition to slow burn.
To protect the innocent, Maya is forced to team up with Vale again. The world building in this book is so well done.
I love the setting in Savannah and the paranormal ancient history. The author has a way of writing urban fantasy like NO OTHER.
I love all the diverse characters in the story. The different types of paranormal are so dynamic.
I am so excited for the next book in this incredible urban fantasy series.
couldn't quite give book two 4 stars, it just didnt live up to the pacing of the first book. There was very little character development for the MFC we just found out a little more about her in the last 10% of the book but it does set the next one up to be more about her rather than the residents. this book was about those on the island, and did feel like a book about shadowing someone on an average 'day in the life of a security guard'. just needed a better balance between the fun antics of the residents and the development of the FMCs storyline. could be seen as a filler book.
5 Star - Couldn't put this book down. Its stay up late reading and be late to work good. 4 Stars - Couldn't put this book down but I still got a goodnights sleep 3 Stars - An enjoyable read that took me a few days to a week to finish 2 Stars - An okay book that I struggled to get through in places - next book is still on my TBR list 1 Stars - DNF
When mysterious figures appear on the island, it seems to signify something bad is coming. Then there is the failing elf, the murderous shadow, and a few issues that Maya might just need the help of demigod Vale with!
The second book in this series picks up shortly after book one, and continues Maya’s story. She’s still mysterious, still hiding, still trying to deal with the death of her friend, but she’s beginning to settle in some more, making friends amongst the retirees on the island,
This is a fun, and fairly action filled book, with intriguing characters, and an enjoyable magical system. It’s a great read for fans of fantastical mysteries, the author and of urban fantasy.
In this second installment, Maya August is investigating monsters, a resident’s unusual death, and some other strange happenings on the supernatural retirement island called Evermore. Justine (the HOA president) is still looking for Judd’s replacement on the security team, so Savannah’s demigod protector, Vale, aids in some of the investigations.
There’s still a lot of secrecy around Maya’s hidden skills, and I hope this is revealed soon. I see a lot of parallels in Maya’s and Lorelei’s (the Crossroads Queen) characters. Both are hiding something of themselves, so they are very reserved with those around them. But like Lorelei, Maya is starting to open up, just a tiny bit.
The ending leaves much to anticipate in the next installment.
I only recently discovered Annabel Chase and devoured the Crossroads Queen series before diving into this one. I am sincerely in awe of the lore and the requisite background research needed for it. I’m sure it must be a detailed and thorough process, and the result is just so, so cool. This second installment had me feeling like I was reading a myth and folklore compendium. I also love that there are such different plot lines happening concurrently - they’re engaging and keep me on my toes. It’s almost like you get a mini mystery mythological serial in each book. All the new reveals in BwF were so rad (I literally read the last sentence and said, “siiiiiiiick!” out loud). Just all in all in love with the series and can’t wait for the next one!!
Fun read: A Fury in hiding. Doing right by the Innocent
Maya Is a fury in hiding Fed up with her old job she decided to quit the only way possible by disappearing. She came to work as security on a remote island for retired supernaturals. She has a good heart, although she doesn't quite realize it. There is an demigod on the mainland Who would really like to get to know her better But Maya holds everyone at arms length. She thinks that by keeping people at arm's length,she is saving them from herself. She doesn't realize that it hurt she's a natural protector. It's a fun and humorous look at the power of self-denial. We frequently don't see ourselves the way the world does
Perfect for action and adrenaline junkies, this is an exciting book! Maya is half gorgon, a recluse and a protective security director on a private island full of magical retirees.
Sure, sounds like a snore fest BUT this novel is chock full of magical battles, hot supernatural heroes, magical evil villains and outcasts and a reluctant heroine that will protect her community with everything she has or go down trying.
There are multiple baddies trying to outdo each other and Maya, along with protector Vale from the mainland as the other power protector.
Highly recommend this series which does not disappoint for chills, thrills and supernatural thrills and an absolutely worthwhile read
This one is starting to remind me quite a bit of the Crossroads Queen series. Strong FMC with lots of hidden powers hiding away from some Big Bad that will track them down. The hidden powers thing in this series seems more of a cop out since Maya continues to do everything she has avoided for at least 5 years now. I guess all characters have to grow up sometime. Maybe the new Assistant that comes in on the last page will push the progress a bit.
This is the second book in the “Blind Fury” series. Maya continues to work solo as the head of security on the retirement island for paranormals. But her boss has hired an assistant to help her, though without Maya’s input. To make matters more interesting, her new assistant appears to be someone from Maya’s past. If you haven’t figured out what Maya is yet, you will by the end of the book. Another must read from the talented Annabel Chase.
I love the Neighborhood and how vibrant and funny life on the island is! Maya is complexity and mysterious in all the right ways for Vale. This series is going to be all that and more! I think Nanna Pratt would approve! If you haven't read her previous work I highly suggest you go and enjoy her series that has a moat, the Wild Hunt and the crossroads....if you're lucky you might find a unicorn float ;)
Once again Annabel Chase blows me away with her use/mix of world folklore. Somehow, she manages to intertwine the Far East with Greece and Nordic and Celt oh and somewhere there will be Original Inhabitants of the North and South Americas with Australasia etc. what would I give for a peek into her library? Reading this series and the Crossroads series are the best history/religious education you can get and then some!!!! More please…………….
This is a good read but with little progress. I like the characters and the story is fun and interesting. The only disappointment is that it doesn’t progress the storyline except to show her continuing to get involved on the mainland even when she insists how dangerous it is. I’m guessing this is the precursor book to her secrets coming to light. Definitely will continue to read.
Wow, Maya, hip deep in the “what the heck has happened to my life?!?” With this one. A deeper gaze into the residents of the island and some “mainland” shenanigans make for a nice read with plenty of threads that manage to add texture without getting too tangled.
Light-hearted and funny in some places, contemplative in other parts, topped with a action-packed showdown at the end like a cherry on top of a delicious sundae that makes you sad when it’s finished. We learn more about Maya and her backstory, each reveal gives me the feels. This is a hero you want so badly to win in life.
Bargain with Fate appears to offer an entertaining mix of paranormal mystery, magic, humour, and adventure. The supernatural setting and unusual cast give the story an imaginative quality, while the central conflicts create plenty of opportunities for suspense and character development. It should appeal to readers who enjoy lighthearted fantasy with mystery at its heart.
Really enjoying this series. Very curious about all of Maya’s powers. Her and Vale go well together. I like the mysteries that are solved or dealt with in each book while the story of Maya is the main focus
I loved this second book, and she has kept me guessing all the way through. Problem is that once finished I am championed the bit to discover more. Unfortunately, well-written books take time!
What a great story. I am super excited for the next one even though we have awhile to wait for it. I absolutely love this story line. I read it way too fast. Loved it
I’m loving the slow burn relationship development. I’m loving the unexpected battles with unknown underworld, creatures, and beings. And I can’t wait to get onto book 3.
This was a fun follow up to book 1. The setting is unique and the characters are fun and interesting. There’s an equal amount of mystery and fun character interaction to make the story fly by. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I can't wait for the next one! In this one things were starting to reveal themselves but not quite. I still can't figure out what supernatural being she is but I think fingers crossed it'll be revealed in the next book!