Fractured Bonds: A why choose paranormal academy romance

by Lyra Mishon

Find one soul-bonded mate, lose another.

It feels like the goddess is having a joke at my expense.

Between an ugly hag of a sea witch and the worst mother-in-law a witch could ask for, my dreams of a quiet life have gone up in flames.

There’s no time to get to know my vampire mate, or have cuddles with my bear and incubus. Or think of creative ways to exact revenge on the storm mage for being a complete d*ck.

It’s lucky we have a new fae ally. Or so I thought until the slippery fu–sorry, kind-hearted member of the Autumn Court, scammed me into accepting a fae bargain.

But unscrupulous fae deals are tomorrow’s problem.

Right now, I have the mer queen’s banquet to attend, an evil crone to assassinate, and some school assignments to catch up on.

Then there’s my demonic father, desperate for a fond family reunion…

Thank the goddess I have Kenji, my loyal familiar, by my side to offer some much-needed emotional support.

Oh wait…

---

Fractured Bonds is book three in the Starfall Academy series. It's a multi pov paranormal romance filled with chaos and banter, where the FMC has several love interests and doesn't have to choose between any of them - even if she'd quite like to get rid of at least ONE of them... There are some dark, angsty moments, but expect more fun and mischief from our cast of clowns, errr... characters!

Genres: Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, Magic, Demons, Shapeshifters, Witches

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Your_bookish_fantasy Kerri-louise Whitham · Rating 5 out of 5]

**🅽︎🅾︎ 🆂︎🅿︎🅾︎🅸︎🅻︎🅴︎🆁︎🆂︎**
𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗-FRACTURED BONDS BY LYRA MISHON

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤-
🗣(out of 5 stars, my rating scale is at the end)
📚 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
🌡️ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲🌶🌶🫑/ 5
♟️𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹- >>>⚔️<<<
🎃: 𝐶𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 🌑: 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑦 ⚔️: ᵒᵒᵒʰʰʰ ˢᵗᵃᵇᵇʸ ᵖᵉᵒᵖˡᵉ••• 💀: 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 M̶E̶N̶U̶ 😳 -𝑖 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠!! ☠️: P͟I͟T͟C͟H͟ F͟C͟u͟K͟I͟N͟G͟ B͟L͟A͟C͟K͟!


𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠:
•📖#  331 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
•𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘁? A day
•# Multi 𝗣𝗢𝗩
•𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲- 31 march 2026
•𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 or 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 driven? A mix
•𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗻𝗼- STARFALL Academy book 3 of 4
•𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 on 𝗞𝗨? ✅
•𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲- fast

●𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊
😈𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕤 & 𝔹𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕪𝕒𝕝𝕤
🔮𝔐𝔶𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰
🪧Pᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ Iɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇ
🪄𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡
🏫𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑒/𝐴𝑐𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔
👩‍❤️‍👨𝙵𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙼𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜
💈 ᗷᗩᑎTᗴr
🍆𝑅𝑒𝑣 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑚
☠️𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕔𝕙 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕕...
⚰️𝑉𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑠
🧙‍♀️𝔚𝔦𝔱𝔠𝔥𝔢𝔰
🌊Տᗴᗩ ᑕᖇᗴᗩTᑌᖇᗴՏ ᗰᗴᖇᗰᗩIᗪՏ ՏIᖇᗴᑎՏ
🧝‍♀️𝔽𝕒𝕖
🌕𝑊𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑤𝑜𝑙𝑓 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠

🌍 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘:
I absolutely loved this one! Almost as good as the first. So many spicy moments, delicious steam and deadly risks made this read absolutely brilliant!

I really enjoy this authors writing style, she keeps the pace fast and steady and keeps your attention all the way through!

The world building is good, simple and very effective, we have have the school and the underwater kingdom to explore in this book. With new characters, twists and turns.

I really enjoyed seeing more of the best friend in this one and am very curious about her love life, oh and it was great seeing more of all her mates in the active storylines too rather than just one or two at a time. (However I’m still waiting for some harem scenes!!

I’m still annoyed with the kitsune, I really don’t like his personality as he comes across as genuinely mean and horrid, like he wishes he had a different witch rather than being saddled and stuck with her. He was less cruel than book 2 but still a character I wouldn’t mind being killed off. I don’t need him cute and fluffy but having her back and some appreciation would have been nice.

I’m so looking forward to the next and final book and hope it’s a lot longer. I’m waiting to see what’s going on in the demon world, what alarics dad knows and is up to, how the vamp is going to get vengeance and then if there is anything on the cards for Kai in terms of his parents and kingdom. I would have thought all of that was 2 books worth hence why I’m hoping for a loooonnnnggggg final book! I’ll be sad for this series to end to be honest.

🪧𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
I love this series, lots of spice and steam, great foreboding moments with deception and surprises sprinkled throughout. With a whole host of supernaturals we get a great variety of personalities that lead to banter, danger and some steep cliffs!


I received an early copy of this and would like to thank the author for allowing me to publish my honest review. (I know I’m a strict reviewer so it scares some authors off)

𝐹𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠;

𝕋𝕚𝕜𝕋𝕠𝕜
https://www.tiktok.com/@your_bookish_...

IᑎՏTᗩ
https://www.instagram.com/your_bookis...

 

***********************

𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕤:
⭐️ DNF

⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but  it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another author's hands

⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish I didn't start this one as it didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetitive writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people, but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending it to all!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!

🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable. Even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!

 SPICE SCALE:
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action

🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times

🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, playrooms, and more dark / taboo fantasies and realities.

[ThatBookBratBethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, book three was a little all over the place and lacked any true character development...don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed certain aspects, but I definitely had to push myself to finish because it just wasn't sucking me in. I am going to start with the things I enjoyed:



• 1. The parallels between the story & what's happening in today's society. It was obvious the author was trying to tie in evil elite vs. anyone who doesn't fit the mold, & I love this for her. I just feel that the execution was often too petty and lacked any true emotion.


• 2. Still loving the academy vibes, etc. It was a fun read, I just feel we should be further along with development in the 3rd book of a series.




Things that really irked me:



• At the best of times, Raven has toed the line of being an insufferable FMC. In this book, she took a nosedive into this territory, sadly. The author had all the makings of giving us a naive to badass FMC who fights injustice and makes us feel hopeful. In book 3, she somehow still hasn't developed her magic/control & could somehow kill an all-powerful sea witch & save her 4 mates, but couldn't defend herself in a fight against an academy witch? Thus needing to be rescued by Alar-dick? I know we needed an opening for him to begin his redemption, but this really didn't make sense.


I also found Raven shallow, petty, and just hard to digest in this book. You don't change by telling yourself you're a badass constantly, but then not following through when put to the test. You change through working on it. I also feel like she isn't the best mate - but honestly, the relationships lack depth, so I can't dive into this part. If the plot is going to be lost to spice, the spice should be worth it - but each scene lasted two seconds and made it look like her mates have 0 stamina.



And why is she still at odds with her dang familiar?!?!



The MMCs all lack true depth and personality - they have their roles, and beyond that, we don't get to know them. I mean, poor Kai was tortured and almost killed at the request of his mother, but then he kind of fades into the background. I could actually go into a whole rant about this and how by book 3 and with 4 permanent bonds in place, things should be deeper & more cohesive, but I don't want to. Furthermore, I rarely get upset about books not hitting the mark, but in a world where Academy why choose is becoming overdone, you really have to hit the mark. I rarely give heavily critical reviews, but I really feel by book 3 of a series we should be deeper with eveyrthing and this book was very surface level with too many holes to ignore. It's obvious Vane is up to something incredibly nefarious, but his move isn't made until the last 10% of the book. We get no development of Raven being hell's princess, we get no pushback from the mer queen, etc., and I am supposed to believe that everything will be wrapped in a pretty bow in one last book? I think maybe longer between releases would have given more time to develop the plot in a manner that didn't leave anything to be desired.



Anyway, I am sure many will still eat this up because it's a decent paranormal academy, why choose, and I love that, and I think the author has done well. I just personally expect more depth by this point. Thank you, Lyra & Book Sirens, for this opportunity.

[NYC Toy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Fractured Bonds is a wildly entertaining third installment that leans a little less on nonstop action and a little more on character development—and for the most part, that shift works beautifully. Lyra Mishon continues to deliver the signature chaos, humor, and magical mayhem that make the Starfall Academy series so addictive. Raven’s life is, as always, witch-hybred is not more controlled and exhibiting more skills in the 3rd book. Yet she talks like she’s a badass (eyerollnments remains endlessly fun. We spent a good portion of the book with Raven going to classes and dealing with racist (or speciesist, if that’s a word). We learned who her parents were in book 2 but there was no deep dive into them in book 3. I wonder how that will play out in book 4.


This installment shines when it slows down enough to let the characters breathe. Ravens’ relationships with her mates deepen in meaningful ways.

Additionally, however, Raven’s powers do not grow in this book, she has one or two incidences where she uses her strong magic, mostly with help from Kenji, but still cannot control it in general. She gets caught off guard more than once and needs help. There are mentions of her private lesson with her favorite professor and lot scenes of her going to class, so I’m not sure why this supposed super powerful witch-hybred is not more controlled and exhibiting more skills in the 3rd book. Yet she talks like she’s a badass (eyeroll).

That said, this book is noticeably less action-packed than the first two. While there are still high-stakes moments - politics, fae bargains, and the ever-present threat of danger—the pacing is more measured. Readers looking for the relentless momentum of the earlier books may find this one a bit quieter. But that quieter approach allows for deeper exploration of the characters and world building, which is ultimately one of the novel’s greatest strengths.

Not every love interest receives equal attention, however, and that’s where the story feels a little uneven. Kai, the merman, finally gets some well-deserved time in the spotlight, and his storyline adds both emotional weight and intrigue. His moments with Raven are some of the strongest in the book. On the other hand, Maverick—the steadfast bear shifter—deserved more page time, especially given the emotional threads surrounding his character. There’s clearly more to his story, and it would have been wonderful to explore that in greater depth.

Likewise, Raven’s connections with her mage and vampire mates feel somewhat underdeveloped here. With such a large cast of love interests, it’s inevitable that some will take center stage while others linger at the edges, but a bit more interaction with those relationships would have made the emotional arc feel even richer. The series thrives on the distinct personalities within Raven’s growing circle, and when some of those voices fade into the background, you definitely notice. Although, the mage has come around a bit, but he’s not fully invested because of his fear. Hopefully we see a major turnaround in book 4 because of the cliffhanger involving him at the end. The emotional stakes feel higher, particularly as the group begins to function more like a true unit rather than a collection of reluctant allies. The banter is sharp, the found-family dynamic is stronger than ever, and Kenji once again steals scenes with his perfectly timed commentary (although there were a few times when he was just cruel and not funny). Her BFF also gained a backbone, and I cannot wait to get a spinoff story of her and the Fae.

Overall, this is a funny, heartfelt, and emotionally layered continuation of the series, this book proves that sometimes the quieter installments are the ones that make you care the most. —book four cannot come soon enough.

Side note, I just discovered in the end credits that Lyra M. is also Ava Summers. I was so surprised because I have read and even reviewed some of Ava Sumers books in the past. I am even more of a fan now. From RH Mafiosas to RH Paranormals. She is quite versatile in the RH field.

[Leah D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good! The chokehold that these characters have on me is truly insane. I love them all. They are so different from each other, yet they compliment each other flawlessly. I am obsessed with the writing style this author has.

There is a lot going on at all times and while this one was definitely a slower pace than the other two (not as much plot advancement happens here), you’re still fully invested the whole time. The banter that they have with each other is absolutely perfect. The themes here are not light and fluffy, but the amount of comedic relief that is injected into these books makes it feel not so heavy.

How do you even pick a favorite MMC here? I don’t think it’s possible. Kai is definitely dealing with a lot after everything his mom did at the end of the last book and we pick right back up where we left off there. His mom is so far past narcissistic it’s wild. He definitely is dealing with some trauma and a lot of guilt from leaving Raven so soon after they solidified their mate bond in the last book. He is so hard on himself and I feel like we still have so much more to learn about him. He is definitely your broody, quiet type but you can feel the love he has for Raven.

Zane will have you swooning, laughing and eating up everything he does and says (just like in the other books) and he is definitely a well-rounded character. Morally grey, yes. But he just gives green flag, golden retriever energy. Maverick is just honestly chefs kiss. You have the nicest, sweetest, yet incredibly strong and protective guy on the planet and he is never boring.

Raven is a super likeable FMC, she gets some pretty nasty bullying done to her and her mates throughout the series but things escalate here in big ways. She is relatable, kind, funny and smart. You really root for her and her mates, you’re really pulled in and invested in all of their relationships and you want them to get a happily ever after of the ages.

This last cliffhanger though? Sooo rude. I hope that the next book is pretty long, they definitely have a lot of things to wrap up and bring to a close.

I absolutely whipped through this just like the last two books in the series, they are just so fun and addictive.

Thank you to Book Sirens and to the author for this advanced reader copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.25⭐️
2.5🌶️

[Booksbystarlightandshadows · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a page turner and a quick read but given there is only one book left, there still seems to be so many plotlines going on that are nowhere near resolved. Alaric's dodgy dad, Raven's also dodgy dad, the creepy principal's weird magic scan, and the also very shifty Kitsune research. I did like Raven's relationship with Fig which was cute but how she was so clueless about Glynda's sudden Fae research was beyond me!

Zane as always is my stand out; his creative nicknames, his constant barging in and general revenge plots always drew my attention whenever he was on page. I'm still enraged about the Christmas tree from the last book but I'm glad it got a mention. I'm a little over possessive Maverick although I was surprised his big plotline happened all off page and it wasn't used as a more of a pack bonding moment to support him. Rasmus felt like he was just there this time round; I am here for the tension between him and Zane but it doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Kai also disappeared for quite a lot of the book considering his rescue took up such a big part of the plot. I like the bonds all evolving at different times but I was hoping he'd have become more involved in the pack dynamic at this point. It still feels like they are all separate rather than a pack.

Which leaves us with Alaric; the ice prince who I still think is hiding a heart of gold under there. As much as he was reluctant to bond, I have zero doubt he would do anything to keep Raven and his mother safe. Has he been harsh? Yes. Could he have chosen a better way to keep his distance? Also yes. But I have a feeling after that cliffhanger that it was 100% the right choice to keep Raven as far away from his dad as possible.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dyslexic Reviewer - Spoil Free Reviews

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author: @lyramishonauthor
POV: Multi 1st person
Gene: Why Choose, Paranormal Romantasy
Triggers: Explicit sexual scenes, Violence, etc.
Read Time: 6-8 hours
Expected Publishing Date: 4/4/2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

❤World Building: We have more world building of the Mer Queendom in this book, letting us into some of the court politics and living conditions. But this being a third book in a series there isn’t a lot of world building needed at this point.

❤️ The Characters: Ok, we know our main characters, so I’m not going to concentrate on them. We get more of Alaric in this book, which I loved! We also have a new Fae character, Farris, who I’m hoping we see more of in the next book. Kenji is always amazing!

❤️ The Story: The story is SO GOOD! I did not expect that cliffhanger ending, but it sure did make me want the final book like right now! Throughout the book there is excitement, tension, spice, and so many twists and turns!

❤️‍🔥Overall: I’ve loved every book in this series, and this one did not disappoint! I don’t know how she can keep carrying on the tale while still surprising me, but she does an excellent job of just that! She is a master wordsmith!

🐷Pig facts Inspired by Fig: Pigs not only form friendships, but they often choose to spend their time with the friend they’re closest to. As we see among the rescued pigs at Farm Sanctuary, they also like to snuggle up together at bedtime. These emotionally complex animals can understand the feelings of others and offer support. Plus, just like us, they experience a form of empathy known as “emotional contagion,” or experiencing what others feel. (My husband wants me to point out that pigs are also good with eggs)

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you thought Raven’s life was complicated in Witch Fire, buckle up, because Fractured Bonds takes the "messy paranormal life" trope and turns the volume up to eleven. I devoured this in one sitting!

Our favorite chaotic witch is back, and this time she isn't just accidental market stall fire level stressed, she’s rescuing a mate from the Queen of the Mermaids stressed. Raven’s internal monologue remains the absolute highlight of this series for me. As she so eloquently puts it:

"If this rescue mission’s success hinged on my remembering to kiss the queen’s ass, we were all doomed."

The stakes are higher, the bullying at Starfall Academy is getting deadlier (looking at you, Demelza), and the reluctant energy from some of the mates is being tested in the best ways possible. Watching this group try to find their rhythm while dodging assassination attempts is pure entertainment. There’s something so satisfying about seeing them finally click, or as the book says:

"See? That’s why you’re the perfect addition to our fun crew. Mates that slay together, stay together, am I right?"

Lyra Mishon has a gift for balancing genuine peril with laugh-out-loud humor and, of course, those incredibly well-written spicy scenes that she’s becoming known for. The chemistry between Raven and her mates is evolving in a way that feels earned, even with all the external drama.

I felt every emotion reading this one: fear, excitement, and a whole lot of butterflies. If you like your romantasy with high stakes, a fierce heroine who refuses to bow down to royalty, and a reverse harem that starts to work as a team, you need this series in your life.

I am looking forward to the next (and last) book in this series!

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fractured Bonds delivers exactly what I’ve come to expect from this chaotic, addictive series—high-stakes drama, messy relationships, and a cast of characters that feel like absolute gremlins (affectionate).

Picking up right where the previous book left off, the story throws us straight back into the whirlwind of academy life, political intrigue, dangerous bargains, and increasingly complicated mate bonds. There is a lot going on—arguably at times a little too much—but it never loses that fast-paced, bingeable quality that makes this series so hard to put down.

The highlight for me continues to be the dynamics between Raven and her mates. Each relationship brings a different energy, and while the “why choose” aspect is as fun and chaotic as ever, I did find myself wishing for a bit more depth and development—especially this far into the series. The emotional beats are there, but they don’t always hit as hard as they could.

That said, the banter? Elite. The humor balances out the darker themes beautifully, and even in the midst of danger, betrayal, and magical chaos, there’s a sense of fun that keeps everything engaging.

Plot-wise, this book feels very much like a bridge—setting up bigger things to come rather than delivering major payoffs. While that means the pacing occasionally dips and some threads feel underdeveloped, it also builds anticipation for what’s shaping up to be an explosive finale.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read that kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s messy, dramatic, and full of potential—even if it doesn’t quite reach the emotional depth or payoff I was hoping for.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book.
This is book three of the Starfall Academy series—a why-choose paranormal romance series. I was utterly hooked by the first book (Witch Fire), but less impressed by the second (Mage Storm).
Fractured Bonds brought me back into the fold. There were times where the first book felt like it was doing too much with too many plot threads, while the second book focused too much on a singular plot thread; Fractured Bonds seemed to hit the sweet spot for me. There were moments of focus, as well as moments of the fun chaos I experienced in the first book. I will say though that I am a little worried about the conclusion of the series. The fourth book will apparently be the last, and there may be too many loose plot threads to tie up in just one book.

I was reasonably pleased by the character growth in this book. This is a fated mates story with a large group of mates for the female main character, so it’s easy for the male characters to get a little lost, but I saw some tangible growth and action moving each character along in their overall arc.

The writing was…okay, so my one note for this book was that the writing was cringy. It has the same simple, blunt tone with a very colloquial, unpolished style. It’s really not great writing, but it works for this kind of story. If you need a book to be well-written to be enjoyable, then this is not for you.

Overall, I gave this 3.5 stars. I had fun. I’m emotionally invested in whatever happens in the next book. I can’t ask for much more than that. I would recommend this series to friends who enjoy the same kind of campy, chaotic stories that I like.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Compelling Journey of Discovery and Determination
This series has captivated many with its intricate narrative and well-developed characters. At its heart is the female main character (FMC), who embarks on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery in a world entirely new to her. This narrative explores not only her personal growth but also the complex dynamics she faces as she learns about her unique connection to several mates, each pulling her in different emotional directions.

The story becomes even more gripping when one of her mates goes missing. What follows is a relentless quest driven by the FMC’s unwavering resolve to find him. This pursuit is filled with numerous challenges, both external and internal, that test her strength, courage, and determination. The obstacles she confronts along the way deepen the story’s emotional impact and highlight her resilience.

This combination of fantasy elements, emotional complexity, and suspenseful adventure makes the series a compelling read. It resonates with readers who appreciate stories about identity, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect those they care about. As the FMC navigates this perilous journey, the story unfolds with a rich blend of tension and heartfelt moments that keep the audience engaged and eager to see what happens next.

Ultimately, this tale is not just about finding a missing person but about the transformative power of perseverance and the discovery of inner strength when faced with overwhelming odds. It offers a vivid portrayal of a heroine’s growth in a fantastical setting, making it a memorable and inspiring narrative.

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Reverse Harem
*Paranormal
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Academy Setting
*Unusual FMC
*Elitist Society
*Fated Mates
*Building Harem (5)
*Mid Burn
*Book 3/4
Good but expected a little more development in penultimate book.
Raven is showing just how much she will do for her mates and the lengths she will go to for the. She has Kai to save in this book and so there is plenty of action for you there! The student body are also still after her and she’s fielding attacks left right and centre :/
The level of action is well matched with the angst, not only for Raven herself, but for her mates too as there are some heart-breaking moments for them :(
Crucially her mates are stating to work better together in this one (don’t get me wrong there’s still challenging moments!) but overall start to see bonds between them as well. And there is definitely a kick up in the spice level of this one! However I did feel Kai disappeared a bit in this one and he hasn’t really had the same level as the others.
I don’t think there was as much plot movement in this one, for instance still not knowing what’s going on with the missing shifter, or what Tiberius Vane is up to, or what’s happening with the Demons and Raven’s father - feels like a lot to be wrapped up in the last one, so could be explosive :o Oh and will she ever gain control of her magic or get on with her familiar?
I would have liked a little more grovel from Alaric in this one (not just a Mudder) but I think after hat happened in the last couple of chapters and that cliffhanger he may have a LOT to make up from in the final book :0

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving the merman, a fae bargain, and more classes

4.5 ⭐

Oh sweet Kai. He just wanted his Mom to be happy for him and his mate and instead he is a prisoner and she is having terrible things done to him with no care if he survives. Kai is the quietest of the mates but when he does show up a bit more after being rescued though we still don't get much depth from him.

Raven Is still quiet the mess. I feel like she should be gaining more control over her magic but that just doesn't seem to be happening. I'm not sure if there is a reason for this or not. At times she still feels very childish. I'm not sure how she just pulled that rescue out of nowhere though....

There are more spicy scenes but they need more variety, length and participation. Lets get more Harlem action already. Or some sword crossing or something. I need excitement.

It was good to see a bit of progress with Alaric though it's still no where near where it should be. Zane is still the most interesting of the mates. He is fun and chaos.

Ravens familiar is still not very nice to her though he still makes me laugh. He has all these powers but he feels very selfish and only does things if they are good for him.

There are still A LOT of unanswered questions in this series. I'm hoping the last book is longer and we get more answers about everything going on. We also still have so many questions about Raven. Lastly we need some real growth and teamwork in the harem cause they are seriously dysfunctional.

[Leslie L. Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. Despite how naive Raven started out and in some ways, still is, Author Lyra Mishon was building up to something through character growth and I can absolutely respect that. Her mates backstories have filled out wonderfully and the world building, while needing a little work, has delivered a unique magic system to each species of the many beings living in their world. While the antagonists of the novels are appropriately evil, the protagonists range from genuinely good people required to sometimes do hard things to survive to morally grey but pure of heart with their mate(s) (looking at you, Zane and Kenji 👀).

The plot keeps developing and becoming larger with every subsequent installment and while there's only one more book in this series, I'm dying to find out how the author will wrap up the many loose ends in the story. Plus, if I have to endure another cliffhanger for which this author is becoming notorious, I'll set my hair on fire and run screaming into traffic (joking; easy, settle down, 'Zon)!

The books are targeted at YA and the frequent steamy moments mean this series is not for teens under 18+. Beyond that, if you enjoy academy, magical, reverse harem, fated mates romantasy, you'll likely grow to love this series as I have. The author has improved markedly as a writer as each book has progressed and I'm fairly excited to see what she'll be turning out within 3 or 4 series from now. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[books.with.alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy:

Lyra, you did it again! Book 3 of the Starfall Academy had me ROLLING with laughter most of the book. I’m already anticipating book 4 because of THAT ENDING!? 😱😱

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Raven’s character growth from book 1 has been great and this book really shows how strong she’s becoming as she grows into her magic and who she is as a person. And her bond with Kenji feels like it’s finally getting somewhere even if he’s still kind of an ass to her. 😂

Zane is the best comic relief you could ask for but also has so much depth to him. Especially when he doesn’t let the rumors of his past ruin what he has building.

Rasmus is the cool, calm and collected one and I cannot wait to hopefully get more of him in the next book.

Maverick, the strong and steady bear. What happened in this book was so heartbreaking. I just wanted to hug him (without Raven frying me to a crisp 😅)

Kai… sweet, innocent Kai might not be as innocent as he puts out there 👀 in all seriousness, I love Kai so much and he deserved more than what happened to him in the first half of this book.

Alaric… might finally be pulling his head out of his butt! I really don’t like his father especially after this book. I KNEW HE WOULD PULL SOME ISH!

Once again. Thank you Lyra, for the opportunity to advance read this series for you! I’ve loved every bit of it!

[Jeannie Storm Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again another amazing installment of this series! Love the playfulness of her soul-bonded little reverse harem! Their banter is hilarious and I can tell why Raven gets annoyed by some of their bickering but its also endearing. The boys all dont want to share but are also set on making her happy and learning to coincide with each other. The spice is definitely there and often and I'm not complaining! All her mates are gorgeous and all so different! There is literally something for everyone! A shy merman, a slutty Incubus, a worrriful mage, an ancient vampire and a caretaker bear oh my!! And once again Kenji (her kitsune familiar) is raunchy and self absorbed but always comes through when it means the most. The plot and darkness that is plaguing the magical and human world is slowly being uncovered! It Those in elite political power are trying to take control of everyone and give themselves the only privilege and all the power. Along with demon attacks and feral diseases spreading through the magical community! All while trying to study at a magical academy! Every book has been a cliff jumping but its keeping me hanging on! Im so excited for the next and final book in The Starfall Academy Series!!

[Kaitlynn Esquibel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has really grown on me since the first book and if you liked the first book but had issues with it I genuinely recommend reading the next books as it gets better. This book starts with Raven having to go on a rescue mission again but this time for another one of her mates the beloved merman Kai. With some help and bargains from a Fae prince Raven and her harem of mates set off again. This book did have more bonding with her mates in the school setting as well as other locations as well. You learn more about her other mates and their complicated growing up and how Raven deals with the idea of her mates only having each other as most of them don't have family. Raven often toys with the idea of her future with her mates and what it might look like while also battling her school schedule and peers that are constantly out to get her. My only complaint is that there is a weird pacing issue in some of the chapters where it seems that an important scene to continue just randomly ends and as the reader we are expected to just be okay with. I am eager to see where the next and possibly last book takes Raven and her mates. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking into FRACTURED BONDS:
🤬 A new bully rears her petty, ugly head
🤨 Teachers are acting shady
💔 Poor, sweet Kai 💔 The horrible pain and suffering his very own MOTHER and that nasty sea withch put him through. Even after Raven tells him she loves him, he’s still busy telling himself he’s not good enough. Ugh 💔
🤔 Alaric, still blind to so much going on—not telling anyone his reasoning, or, wait . . . . What is this madness⁉️
🫨Wait just a dang minute here . . . so, so, so much to process in this ‘episode’.
📌Could someone PLEASE kill Tiberius Vane already⁉️
Oh. My. LANTA. Lyra Mishon is trying to kill me with the cliffhanger again 🤢
*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Alaric
✨Zane
✨Maverick
✨Kai
✨Rasmus
FMC:
✨Raven
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨cliffhanger
Series:
✨ Starfall Academy: Book 3of4
Tropes:
👉supernatural romance
👉why choose romance
👉grumpy/sunshine
👉soul bond mates
👉toxic family
👉enemies to lovers
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥violence
💥death
Burn Speed:
✨medium - ish
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series so far. It's funny, it's chaotic, and poor Raven never gets a moment to breathe. There is always something around the corner that she and her soul bonds have to deal with.

This book starts with Kai's mother, the Queen of the Merpeople, who is not happy that her son has bonded with Raven, and will do anything to correct it, even if it means hurting her own son. Raven has to ask for help to get to Kai, but she has to be careful about how she asks.

At the same time, the Academy is in lockdown because of the attacks. But is Alaric's father actually doing anything with the council to stop them, or does he have a hidden agenda? Alaric is struggling with the bond with Raven; he has his reasons why he is fighting it, but would she and the others understand?

The story is action-packed, steamy, and funny from the get-go. Raven is dealing with all her soul bonds, who are vying for her attention. Some don't mind sharing, while others like the alone time. Maverick, Zane, Kai, and Rasmus try to keep Raven safe, but there is always a new threat around the corner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Lyra had as much fun writing the story as I had reading it. I love this academy series. Well thought out, well written with just the perfect amount of humor, suspense and mystery and of course steamy romance.

The story begins where the previous one ends. There is a lot going on in Raven's life. And trying to keep all of her secrets is challenging.

Maverick is still the alpha of the harem and wants to make sure Raven is happy. Kai is coming around. His rescue put a whole new meaning to family issues. Zane is still Zane. I love the spice he puts into everyday living. Alaric has his own problems to figure out none more than his father. And what his father does to him. The newest addition to the harem is Rasmus. I like his no nonsense attitude. He is very decisive when it comes to caring for his queen, Raven.

Of course you have the bullies who meet karma with the help of Zane, Rasmus and surprisingly Alaric.

I can't wait to read the next and final book to the series.

I received a free advanced copy of this book via Booksiren and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

this gets worse and worse

I’m sorry but I’m getting so annoyed with this series. Quirks of the characters at the beginning are now annoyingly frustrating. She is naive and has no clue about her magic. Great. She’s at a school yet not making any true effort to work on her magic. Her character has made no real development except in her sexual relationships. She has added more mates and all they do is bicker. Again, no real development there. Her two newest mates have very little personality and remain more in the background as to not create more conflict. These stories feel all over the place. Her kitsune is so right that she is a dumb witch. For all the time she spends in the library, you would think she would learn something. For all the real threats against her, you think they would be preparing. Instead they kill her bullies and go to sex clubs. Very frustrating series. There’s lots on interesting potential plots in here if you take out all the annoying characters. But she has too many plots stirring.

[Rogue Kayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again.... Lyra has hit the nail on the head.
An amazing read.
I felt this book was more of a filler book (a buil up to an epic ending), not really any main action, but gave an insight into the goings on in the academy.
A fast paced smooth read, which grabbed my attention from the beginning. Loads happening in the book, from the rescue of Kai, to the normal goings on in the academy, ie bullying, sarcasm, using magic at forbidden time, or used in retaliation.
The spice was spicing, not as much as book 2, but can feel the tention growing ready to explode 😂.
Zane still my favourite even though he interrupted a crucial moment.
Kenji still being his oh so sarcastic kitsune self. Love it!
The new edition of fae (Farris need more)
And.... Fig the pig. OMG i love it, he is soooo adorable.
Lastly that cliffhanger had me on edge, i look forward to... but sad for the last book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

supernatural romance
why choose romance
grumpy/sunshine
soul bond mates
toxic family
enemies to lovers
Reverse Harem
Paranormal
Multi-1st-PoV
Academy Setting
Unusual FMC
Elitist Society
Fated Mates
Building Harem (5)
Mid Burn
Book 3/4
Banter


Pleaaseee check the TW

“My beloved little pet, you are the most precious thing in my world.”

So many spicy delicious moments! I loved the fast pace and world building. I was hooked.
There’s always a lot happening, (though plot advancement is less significant here), you’re still fully invested throughout. Their banter is perfection. The themes here aren’t light, but the comedic relief into these books makes it feel less heavy.
Raven is so relatable and funny. I was really rooting for her and her mates!
The men! I can’t choose a favorite! Poor Kai has been through a lot especially after what his mother did at the end of the last book! He’s broody and the quiet one of the group, (Which by the way picks up right where we left off so I definitely recommend reading the 1 and 2nd book.) Kai is so hard on himself he feels so much guilt.
Maverick is super protective and he’s the nicest guy
And Zane had me laughing and just falling under his spell!
And that freakin cliff hangerrrrr whhhyyyy!!
I can’t wait for book 4!!

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can they save Kai from his mother?

As our story begins, our intrepid heroine, Raven, along with most of her mates, are in the process of trying to save Kai. After all, if they don’t manage to save Kai, Raven will die along with him. What does he need saving, you ask? Well, because his mother, the queen, has no intention of allowing her son to mate with anyone other than a mermaid and so she resorted to using dark magic in order to break the bond, never mind the fact that not only Kai but Raven could very well die as a result. Alaric has still not bonded with Raven and this story ends on a cliffhanger. I really do adore this series. Not only do we get the story from multiple POVs, but the harem is finally starting to work together. This is a story that will grab you from the beginning and not let go, especially when it ends in a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kcee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously. Thank you to miss Lyra for having me on the A R C team and giving me the opportunity to enjoy this amazingly good time!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We pick up right where we left off in book 2. The tension is high, there is a lot at stake, and reinforcements must be called in!
This story has me locked in til the end, and I know I will be so sad when it's over.. I can already feel it!
I love the characters and their dynamics so much (Zane literally has my whole freaking heart!), the plot is super binge-able and oh so entertaining, the dialog/banter keeps these little feet kicking and it's still carrying the same pace and vibe as the rest if the story. Never a dull moment with this one!
I 10/10 recommend this series if you're simply looking for an escape, a getaway, or just a good ol' time!
Great story! I need book 4 immediately!!

[03lyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun but okay

Nothing really happened in the story besides saving the merman. He still stays away from the rest of the group, stays away from the FMC and even lost his only friend.

This is the most gullible FMC ever. Knowing how sheltered she grew up she doesn’t try to learn about ANYTHING. Her mates are no help with that either. Only her familiar is the funniest shit ever but he calls her stupid (which she is most times)

We get the big reveal last book about her half breed but then nothing in the book about her learning more. She is willfully ignorant. The only thing different is the side romance of her friend Glynda which is unnecessary at this point. I don’t know the author is going to finish this series at all

[Alicia Rigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fractured Bonds is another fun and addictive segment of the Starfall Academy series. This is book 3 of the series and the character dynamics, banter, energy, and story line are only getting better! Each character is very distinct and the way that they interact together is frustrating at times as they grow into themselves and their relationships and roles, but it is perfectly flawless. There are darker emotional moments in this story as well and serious fun, making it a pleasant balance to read!

This was such a quick read because of the ease of the story, the way you feel immersed as the story continues, the drama, the tension and exploration in the relationships… there are so many good elements here. I am ready for the conclusion in book 4!

[TheLiterary Mug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel 3 in the Starfall Academy series is a real treat. It has all the dark, angsty feels
with a healthy dose of comical relief and a multi POV paranormal romance, that had me picking my favorite, in this why choose at all storytelling.

Ravens (FMC) shift as she evolves is the ultimate coming-of-age party as she stumbles into her magic and figures out who she is, while having a whole crew of love interests on her heels and it's total mayhem.

The banter throughout was top-notch, the plot thick and was full of surprises. As the misfit crew gets into all sorts of mischief, it made for a suspenseful cliff hanger.
For fans of why choose paranormal academy romance, this one's a real treat, with all the desired vibes and then some

[Kaylee Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three and you absolutely have to read the first two books to understand what’s going on. Because of an incident in book one Raven gets sent to the Starfall Academy to learn how to control her magic. But be prepared because we aren't over and these cliffhangers will literaly leave you on the edge of your seat!! I'm obsessed with all of the spicy scenes between Rave and all of her mates. The differences between all of the mates is wonderful. Raven is still a bit of a mess and trying to control her magic bit she has a bunch of chaos between her mates and everything else going on. This is a wonderful series to keep you interested and wanting to read more.

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, this book came down to that ending. The story so far has been gripping, and I just devoured the book, however, Alaric is becoming a problem that has to go either way. His father is up to some truly shady shit, and while Raven and her guys are aware of the problem, there doesn't seem to be too much they can do about it. Alaric is having moments where something decent seems to break through (like for a nano-second) but I'm doubtful he can ever be redeemed. Was desperate to see what was going to happen after that unexpected cliffhanger, but (of course) the fourth book isn't out yet (about the 4th series so far this month where the next book is still months away...grrrrr!)

3.75

[Sullivan Nae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why do we always have a need to bring drama to every single man this woman is sleeping with, it drags the story out and makes the rest of the series unreadable.

Now we are just killing anyone who annoys their little pet but can’t fight against Alaric’s father who they are all supposedly more powerful than. Raven’s character has not developed or grown, Maverick is still overbearing to an annoying degree.

Where is her father or the demons, they were trying to get at her in the first book, now they are nowhere to be seen.

I am unsure I will go on with the series, I think Kenji is one of the positives for this series and honestly what’s with the pig 🙄