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Inferno Bound
Just because I look like a sweet witch next door doesn’t mean I fight like one.
I was supposed to be the girl who went to a state college, joined my hometown coven, and dodged invites to multi-level marketing parties. Trusting the wrong vamp damned me to a different life.
Now? I’m the pint-sized assassin no one sees coming.
Framed for a crime I didn’t commit, I was forced to become a Shadow, using my fire elemental powers to do the Enclave’s bidding. A decade working alongside the world’s most ruthless bloodsuckers and shifters honed me into a weapon capable of surviving a brutal world.
When a mission pops up in my hometown with the vamp who framed me as the target, I’ll beg, bribe, and coerce my way onto that team. Despite the broody lone wolf lobbying to keep me off this mission, I’ll do anything for vengeance. Even attend my high school reunion.
Inferno Bound is the prequel to the Alchemy of Witches series. If you love fast-paced urban fantasy with quirky characters, found family, and slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, this is the series for you.
I was supposed to be the girl who went to a state college, joined my hometown coven, and dodged invites to multi-level marketing parties. Trusting the wrong vamp damned me to a different life.
Now? I’m the pint-sized assassin no one sees coming.
Framed for a crime I didn’t commit, I was forced to become a Shadow, using my fire elemental powers to do the Enclave’s bidding. A decade working alongside the world’s most ruthless bloodsuckers and shifters honed me into a weapon capable of surviving a brutal world.
When a mission pops up in my hometown with the vamp who framed me as the target, I’ll beg, bribe, and coerce my way onto that team. Despite the broody lone wolf lobbying to keep me off this mission, I’ll do anything for vengeance. Even attend my high school reunion.
Inferno Bound is the prequel to the Alchemy of Witches series. If you love fast-paced urban fantasy with quirky characters, found family, and slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, this is the series for you.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Liv is another exceptionally interesting character this very talented author brought to life, she's snarky, sassy and her "couldn't care less" attitude is, at times, hilarious! A small town girl, who left home many years ago a disgrace, had became, in her words, "a killer with a score to settle—even if I didn’t look like it. People rarely saw past the rosy cheeks, petite build, and strawberry-blonde hair." Yep, she's dynamo in a small package... and incredibly good at her job. What led her to being what she is, was first orchestrated by someone she believed in, someone she'd do anything for (and did!) She was lied to, manipulated, used for her witchy powers. Then arrested. Publicly, embarrassingly. All the blame firmly on her 16 year old shoulders. Only, by manifesting into an elemental witch, she suddenly became a hot commodity for the government, she's "enlisted" to a lifetime sentence by the Enclave. Do as they say, when they say, and voilà, an assassin is born...An assassin who has vengeance on her mind, an assassin who's a bit of a loose cannon, who drives her partner Grif insane. To be honest, she drives many to grind their teeth, she does things her way, not like Grif, who was all about cold efficiency on the job. There was nothing he hated more than someone going off script. And she, heck, she loved to go off-script.
When you get glimpses of her past, which Ms McBride teases me with, by giving me just enough to get the picture, hells, I'm ready to deal in revenge! Eli is a leech, not only a vampire but literally sucking a "victim's" confidence one drop at a time. He's the ultimate smooth talking sleezeball who uses his charm and sweet talk to get them to do as he wants. He's so subtle about it, and when they're too far in, he wiggles it for all it's worth! Liv was such a victim, she idolised him, believed him, helped him and he turned his back on her when she was caught. But that and revenge apart, Grif and Liv's assignment is to observe, to find out what Eli's agenda is, not to end him. Except...yes, you got it, Liv is Liv, Liv plays to no one's tune, as hard as she tries! I love how multi layered Lisa's characters are, there are slivers of layers that she peels off one at a time, enticingly, making me drool to see them laid wide open. Then there's Rafe, constantly bearing a scowl, is rather hot, even Liv has to admit it, "Rafe might irritate me, but with hard-fought muscles and tousled dark hair, the man was a work of art." And Aleksei, the boss man, is a by the book kinda guy, so Liv really tries his patience, over and over again! As is the plot, layered and unexpected.
Ms McBride had me on the edge of my seat throughout, geez, that confrontation with Eli really spiked my pulse, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be but, yep, the author snatched my "like what now!" disbelief and tossed it like she was an expert juggler! Liv is dumped once again, this time by her "employee" and a whole new reality opens up. Everything she was, is no longer, "Just as the Enclave had stolen my future at sixteen when they sentenced me to a life as a Shadow, they’d done it again today when they yanked that life away from me." After being controlled in every aspect of her life, this severing leaves Liv in a vacuum, and my heart bled for her. The author spectacularly turned it around, again... I loved the gutsy characters, their vibrancy, I loved the pacing, I loved that Lisa fleshed out this novella perfectly, enticingly.This book is FUN! With well placed angst and action, this book has everything I could possibly ask for, even the hilarious Janis and her friends, Bea, Alyce and Helen! These four powerful witches are just as much "alternative" in their thinking as Liv is, but super supportive, super loving and super awesome! This author has a magic touch, this author is an automatic read for me, this author is superb!
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When you get glimpses of her past, which Ms McBride teases me with, by giving me just enough to get the picture, hells, I'm ready to deal in revenge! Eli is a leech, not only a vampire but literally sucking a "victim's" confidence one drop at a time. He's the ultimate smooth talking sleezeball who uses his charm and sweet talk to get them to do as he wants. He's so subtle about it, and when they're too far in, he wiggles it for all it's worth! Liv was such a victim, she idolised him, believed him, helped him and he turned his back on her when she was caught. But that and revenge apart, Grif and Liv's assignment is to observe, to find out what Eli's agenda is, not to end him. Except...yes, you got it, Liv is Liv, Liv plays to no one's tune, as hard as she tries! I love how multi layered Lisa's characters are, there are slivers of layers that she peels off one at a time, enticingly, making me drool to see them laid wide open. Then there's Rafe, constantly bearing a scowl, is rather hot, even Liv has to admit it, "Rafe might irritate me, but with hard-fought muscles and tousled dark hair, the man was a work of art." And Aleksei, the boss man, is a by the book kinda guy, so Liv really tries his patience, over and over again! As is the plot, layered and unexpected.
Ms McBride had me on the edge of my seat throughout, geez, that confrontation with Eli really spiked my pulse, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be but, yep, the author snatched my "like what now!" disbelief and tossed it like she was an expert juggler! Liv is dumped once again, this time by her "employee" and a whole new reality opens up. Everything she was, is no longer, "Just as the Enclave had stolen my future at sixteen when they sentenced me to a life as a Shadow, they’d done it again today when they yanked that life away from me." After being controlled in every aspect of her life, this severing leaves Liv in a vacuum, and my heart bled for her. The author spectacularly turned it around, again... I loved the gutsy characters, their vibrancy, I loved the pacing, I loved that Lisa fleshed out this novella perfectly, enticingly.This book is FUN! With well placed angst and action, this book has everything I could possibly ask for, even the hilarious Janis and her friends, Bea, Alyce and Helen! These four powerful witches are just as much "alternative" in their thinking as Liv is, but super supportive, super loving and super awesome! This author has a magic touch, this author is an automatic read for me, this author is superb!
.
March 31, 2026
OH MY GOD, once again this author has catapulted me into another thrilling start to what I know is gonna be a phenomenal series. I fell in love with Ms McBrides books when I discovered Fastening The Grave and The Relic Hunter Series, I was smitten by Kali and anyone who has read my reviews on Riley knows I adore that pink haired menace of a goat shifter. But now it looks like I've got another character to become besotted by and trust me, Liv doesn't disappoint. Set in the same universe as the previous books, it's fast paced, chock full of humour, along with plenty of action, that I've simply come to love from this author and has a few twists that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I'm literally salivating for the next book in this series after reading this, I really can't freaking wait.
I utterly adored Liv, snarky, rebellious, with an impulsive streak a mile wide, yeah you better believe she hooked me in. When her life comes crashing down at 16 after being used by someone she trusted and loved, the only thing that saved this young witches life was her fire elemental powers that manifested while in custody. So instead she is sentenced by the Enclave to become a Shadow, an assassin that has no choices but to follow the orders she is given for the rest of her life. But when a chance for revenge presents itself against her scummy ex vampire boyfriend, who betrayed her, Liv will do anything to get on that mission to bring him down before he can hurt someone else. Although she's there to observe only, along with Grif her partner, Liv isn't going to follow the rules, because she has a vendetta to settle and well she doesn't march to anyone's drum. I really can't wait to see what happens next with her character and I loved her cutie pie familiar Bandit, who has definitely stolen my heart.
I was over the moon to see my Stitch witches back, who are as mischievous as ever, and bring oodles of fun and humour as always. Seriously I really, really want them to adopt me. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Aleksei Volkov as well who is Liv's big boss. And oh my god, then there's the uptight, scowly Rafe who gets under her skin, has muscles to die for and a scent that smells like dessert. Le sigh.
I'm already impatiently waiting for the next one in this series, and I'm ready to strap in and embrace the chaos I'm sure Liv is sure unleash. I really can't recommend this enough, especially if you are a fan of snarky heroines with attitude that march to their own beat. Love, love love this 😁
I utterly adored Liv, snarky, rebellious, with an impulsive streak a mile wide, yeah you better believe she hooked me in. When her life comes crashing down at 16 after being used by someone she trusted and loved, the only thing that saved this young witches life was her fire elemental powers that manifested while in custody. So instead she is sentenced by the Enclave to become a Shadow, an assassin that has no choices but to follow the orders she is given for the rest of her life. But when a chance for revenge presents itself against her scummy ex vampire boyfriend, who betrayed her, Liv will do anything to get on that mission to bring him down before he can hurt someone else. Although she's there to observe only, along with Grif her partner, Liv isn't going to follow the rules, because she has a vendetta to settle and well she doesn't march to anyone's drum. I really can't wait to see what happens next with her character and I loved her cutie pie familiar Bandit, who has definitely stolen my heart.
I was over the moon to see my Stitch witches back, who are as mischievous as ever, and bring oodles of fun and humour as always. Seriously I really, really want them to adopt me. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Aleksei Volkov as well who is Liv's big boss. And oh my god, then there's the uptight, scowly Rafe who gets under her skin, has muscles to die for and a scent that smells like dessert. Le sigh.
I'm already impatiently waiting for the next one in this series, and I'm ready to strap in and embrace the chaos I'm sure Liv is sure unleash. I really can't recommend this enough, especially if you are a fan of snarky heroines with attitude that march to their own beat. Love, love love this 😁
August 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Fast, fiery, and full of sass!
Inferno Bound by L.A. McBride is a fast-paced paranormal novella following Olivia “Liv” Monroe, a witch whose life was turned upside down when one wrong decision landed her with a ten-year sentence serving as a Shadow for a crime she was framed for.
Liv wields the elemental power of Fire which is considered one of the strongest powers a witch can possess. Boy, she definitely knows how to bring the heat literally and figuratively. 🔥 After setting her sights on revenge against her ex-boyfriend, Eli, Liv manages to blow up more than a few things along the way, including the Shadows’ plans to uncover a secret underground drug ring. But her quest for vengeance also gives her the chance to clear her name, finally finish her sentence, and walk away from the Shadows with her freedom…and a pretty significant amount of back pay! Even though leaving the Shadows may not have been her favorite choice…a choice she wasn’t even given thanks to her hot-headed nature.
And then there are the men. 👀 We’re introduced to the devastatingly handsome wolf shifter Rafe, as well as Liv’s former Shadow boss, Aleksei, and I’m definitely interested to see where those relationships go.
With money in the bank and her freedom finally hers, Liv heads to Kansas City for a fresh start, opening a witch shop alongside her Aunt Janis and a group of absolutely delightful geriatric witches.
This first installment was fun, witty, and incredibly fast-paced, with some great down-and-dirty character development packed into a novella-length story. Liv is sassy in all the right ways, and I loved her fiery personality and determination. The supporting cast added plenty of humor and personality, and the story gave me just enough to make me want more.
A fun start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Liv gets herself into next!
Inferno Bound by L.A. McBride is a fast-paced paranormal novella following Olivia “Liv” Monroe, a witch whose life was turned upside down when one wrong decision landed her with a ten-year sentence serving as a Shadow for a crime she was framed for.
Liv wields the elemental power of Fire which is considered one of the strongest powers a witch can possess. Boy, she definitely knows how to bring the heat literally and figuratively. 🔥 After setting her sights on revenge against her ex-boyfriend, Eli, Liv manages to blow up more than a few things along the way, including the Shadows’ plans to uncover a secret underground drug ring. But her quest for vengeance also gives her the chance to clear her name, finally finish her sentence, and walk away from the Shadows with her freedom…and a pretty significant amount of back pay! Even though leaving the Shadows may not have been her favorite choice…a choice she wasn’t even given thanks to her hot-headed nature.
And then there are the men. 👀 We’re introduced to the devastatingly handsome wolf shifter Rafe, as well as Liv’s former Shadow boss, Aleksei, and I’m definitely interested to see where those relationships go.
With money in the bank and her freedom finally hers, Liv heads to Kansas City for a fresh start, opening a witch shop alongside her Aunt Janis and a group of absolutely delightful geriatric witches.
This first installment was fun, witty, and incredibly fast-paced, with some great down-and-dirty character development packed into a novella-length story. Liv is sassy in all the right ways, and I loved her fiery personality and determination. The supporting cast added plenty of humor and personality, and the story gave me just enough to make me want more.
A fun start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Liv gets herself into next!
August 31, 2026
Hands down one of the best books I've read in the last couple of years. I went into it completely blind to avoid spoilers. As I read the first line, I instantly sat up in my seat as a huge childish grin spread across my lips. It was honestly the first thing I’ve been given to read that had me not wanting to put the book down. I finished the entire prequel in about an hour.
I was extremely disappointed that it was such a short story, as I feel it was a bit rushed. But then I realized it was more of a prologue for the series. After realizing that, I couldn’t be upset anymore, because let’s be honest, most of us don’t ever read the prologues in a book. This is honestly how I would prefer people to do their prologues. It gives you the backstory without being a dull, boring, two-page prologue. It also gives you a sample of the author's writing abilities, so you can decide if you want to read the rest of the series. I think all authors should adopt this idea, so they can really draw people in.
Watching Liv weaponize her fire elemental magic is incredibly satisfying, and the friction between her and a certain broody wolf kept me glued to the pages at the start. Then the story progressed to the mission, and oh boy did I like the backstory to it. The way certain characters were explained and spoke made it so I could see them in my head, which I find doesn’t happen often with newer books lately.
I had originally just signed up for the book two ARC and was very surprised when I was sent this first- it did not disappoint. I’m officially on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel! If you’re checking out the reviews to see if it’s worth a read. It really is, and it will only take maybe an hour or two of your time to see if the series is for you.
I was extremely disappointed that it was such a short story, as I feel it was a bit rushed. But then I realized it was more of a prologue for the series. After realizing that, I couldn’t be upset anymore, because let’s be honest, most of us don’t ever read the prologues in a book. This is honestly how I would prefer people to do their prologues. It gives you the backstory without being a dull, boring, two-page prologue. It also gives you a sample of the author's writing abilities, so you can decide if you want to read the rest of the series. I think all authors should adopt this idea, so they can really draw people in.
Watching Liv weaponize her fire elemental magic is incredibly satisfying, and the friction between her and a certain broody wolf kept me glued to the pages at the start. Then the story progressed to the mission, and oh boy did I like the backstory to it. The way certain characters were explained and spoke made it so I could see them in my head, which I find doesn’t happen often with newer books lately.
I had originally just signed up for the book two ARC and was very surprised when I was sent this first- it did not disappoint. I’m officially on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel! If you’re checking out the reviews to see if it’s worth a read. It really is, and it will only take maybe an hour or two of your time to see if the series is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Liv is an assassin for the Enclave serving her sentence. When she was 16, she trusted the wrong person and ended up being responsible for the deaths of innocent people. After 10 years, she is finally able to get a chance at bringing the vampire who tricked her down. She will finally be able to make sure he can't trick another unsuspecting young girl. But when everything goes sideways, Liv learns things were not what they seemed. Then she also gets news she wasn't expecting, and we see her start a new chapter of her life.
Olivia, Liv, was your average 16 year old. She was great in school, up and coming in her coven and just wanted to help people. She was innocent and naive until a vampire took advantage and had her brewing dangerous potions. When she was caught, she was sentenced to become a Shadow, a secret supernatural assassin. 10 years later, while not as hardened as other, she is a completely different person. She is definitely on the morally grey side. And I cannot wait to read more of the Stitch Witches as well! I adore those ladies!
This is a quick, short prequel but we really get to understand what happened to Liv before working for the Enclave. We got to meet her in the Riley Cruz series when she visits the Stitch Witches, so I am excited to get to know her a little more in her own series. There is a bit of action in this book with the lead up to what will happen in the main series. We get to see the consequences of Liv's choices come back to her. Oh, and I can't forget her little companion Bandit, who is cute - as far as a rat can be! (I am sure I will come to love him and can't wait to find out what secret he has!)
Olivia, Liv, was your average 16 year old. She was great in school, up and coming in her coven and just wanted to help people. She was innocent and naive until a vampire took advantage and had her brewing dangerous potions. When she was caught, she was sentenced to become a Shadow, a secret supernatural assassin. 10 years later, while not as hardened as other, she is a completely different person. She is definitely on the morally grey side. And I cannot wait to read more of the Stitch Witches as well! I adore those ladies!
This is a quick, short prequel but we really get to understand what happened to Liv before working for the Enclave. We got to meet her in the Riley Cruz series when she visits the Stitch Witches, so I am excited to get to know her a little more in her own series. There is a bit of action in this book with the lead up to what will happen in the main series. We get to see the consequences of Liv's choices come back to her. Oh, and I can't forget her little companion Bandit, who is cute - as far as a rat can be! (I am sure I will come to love him and can't wait to find out what secret he has!)
February 12, 2026
*I got an arc*
CW: a severed hand; guy who groomed FMC in the past and is grooming another; incinerating a bad guy to death; cliffhanger
I didn't realise how excited I was to be back in this world until I was confronted with one of the best opening lines I've ever read: "Even in a den of assassins, strolling into the boss's office with a severed hand raised a few eyebrows." There is something about the specificity of a severed hand (instead of the typical head) that drags me right back into the joy and nonsense of this world.
The Plot: Liv helpfully brings a severed hand to Aleksei (the head of the Shadows and Max Volkov's brother) as a bribe to go on a mission. The mission? To go back to her hometown and deal with the man that groomed and then framed her ten years ago. She's supposed to just be the lookout but Liv isn't the best with rules...
--
This is shaping up to be my favourite series in this world! I liked Kali and loved Riley, but Liv is so delightfully shameless and sassy that I will be absolutely suffering until book one arrives. The characters (especially the witch coven featuring Liv's Aunt Janis!) are an utterly terrifying delight and the hints of where (I'm assuming) the series will go are masterfully done. While there are characters and references to previous series, I think this does stand alone for people wanting to jump right in to Liv (although you'll miss many excellent shenanigans if you do!)
CW: a severed hand; guy who groomed FMC in the past and is grooming another; incinerating a bad guy to death; cliffhanger
I didn't realise how excited I was to be back in this world until I was confronted with one of the best opening lines I've ever read: "Even in a den of assassins, strolling into the boss's office with a severed hand raised a few eyebrows." There is something about the specificity of a severed hand (instead of the typical head) that drags me right back into the joy and nonsense of this world.
The Plot: Liv helpfully brings a severed hand to Aleksei (the head of the Shadows and Max Volkov's brother) as a bribe to go on a mission. The mission? To go back to her hometown and deal with the man that groomed and then framed her ten years ago. She's supposed to just be the lookout but Liv isn't the best with rules...
--
This is shaping up to be my favourite series in this world! I liked Kali and loved Riley, but Liv is so delightfully shameless and sassy that I will be absolutely suffering until book one arrives. The characters (especially the witch coven featuring Liv's Aunt Janis!) are an utterly terrifying delight and the hints of where (I'm assuming) the series will go are masterfully done. While there are characters and references to previous series, I think this does stand alone for people wanting to jump right in to Liv (although you'll miss many excellent shenanigans if you do!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want more already!!
From the first line I was hooked. This book gave an amazing insight into Liv and where she had come from. I was thoroughly invested in this character and storyline.
This Prequel novella is set in the same world that inhabits Riley and Kali, who are two of my favourite charters I have ever read and Liv might be joining them on this list. The world build for these inter links series is superb.
Ten years ago, Liv fell for the wrong person and her life was forever changed. Now she is having to deal with people from her past and is trying to figure out what the future holds for her. She is also an Assassin Witch with fire powers!!!
Liv’s character ticks all the boxes for me, Snarky and kick ass. She is dealing with and confronting a whole lot, and she does it with Charm and strength. She is trying to find her place in the world and find what she truly wants.
The story line was engaging from beginning to end, fantastic pacing as is true of all of L.A McBride’s books. I can’t wait to see where this goes next.
This series is definitely one to look out for. I don’t know where it is going but I a certainly ready to find out.
🔥 Vibes 🔥
Return to Hometown
Assassin Witch with fire power – WHAT!-
Revenge
Found family -my jam-
Witches and shifters and vampires oh my!
Packrat buddy
Enemies to lovers
Broody lone wolf
Grumpy X sunshine
From the first line I was hooked. This book gave an amazing insight into Liv and where she had come from. I was thoroughly invested in this character and storyline.
This Prequel novella is set in the same world that inhabits Riley and Kali, who are two of my favourite charters I have ever read and Liv might be joining them on this list. The world build for these inter links series is superb.
Ten years ago, Liv fell for the wrong person and her life was forever changed. Now she is having to deal with people from her past and is trying to figure out what the future holds for her. She is also an Assassin Witch with fire powers!!!
Liv’s character ticks all the boxes for me, Snarky and kick ass. She is dealing with and confronting a whole lot, and she does it with Charm and strength. She is trying to find her place in the world and find what she truly wants.
The story line was engaging from beginning to end, fantastic pacing as is true of all of L.A McBride’s books. I can’t wait to see where this goes next.
This series is definitely one to look out for. I don’t know where it is going but I a certainly ready to find out.
🔥 Vibes 🔥
Return to Hometown
Assassin Witch with fire power – WHAT!-
Revenge
Found family -my jam-
Witches and shifters and vampires oh my!
Packrat buddy
Enemies to lovers
Broody lone wolf
Grumpy X sunshine
Review of advance copy received from Author
Liv is awesome, a great choice for this spin-off of the Kali James and Riley Cruz series set in the same universe. You may remember her from those series. Here you find out how she became a Shadow and how she left that life behind. Her backstory is definately enough to support this fast-paced novella and has me already invested in this new series. It's also got a scene that had me literally crying with laughter. This novella is a must-read for that hilarious scene alone.
Liv's creative, crafty, confident, rebellious, brave, a little jaded, and has a great sense of humor. She's got her own moral compass and a good heart despite being sentenced to life as a Shadow (a magical black-ops operative/assasin/spy). She's jaded from her job and saddled with guilt from the teenage mistake that got someone killed and landed her a life-sentence as a Shadow, but it hasn't dimmed her fire. She's still so ... alive. She seems to revel in a little action, with an impulsive steak and a dash of reckless self-sacrificing. She still can't help but care about justice, innocent lives, and stopping another teenager from making the same mistake she did. She's dangerous and deadly, but still kind at heart.
I can't wait for the rest of the series. And seriously, this novella is hilarious.
I read an eARC. My opinions are my own.
Liv's creative, crafty, confident, rebellious, brave, a little jaded, and has a great sense of humor. She's got her own moral compass and a good heart despite being sentenced to life as a Shadow (a magical black-ops operative/assasin/spy). She's jaded from her job and saddled with guilt from the teenage mistake that got someone killed and landed her a life-sentence as a Shadow, but it hasn't dimmed her fire. She's still so ... alive. She seems to revel in a little action, with an impulsive steak and a dash of reckless self-sacrificing. She still can't help but care about justice, innocent lives, and stopping another teenager from making the same mistake she did. She's dangerous and deadly, but still kind at heart.
I can't wait for the rest of the series. And seriously, this novella is hilarious.
I read an eARC. My opinions are my own.
February 17, 2026
What a delightful time I had with this riveting prequel packed with action and plenty of background to really get into Liv's character and her past. Ten years ago she was manipulated and deceived by the vampire, Eli for her strong witch powers at the tender, but rebellious age of 16. Only her fire element saved her. After being publicly humiliated in front of her family and coven she was trained as an assassin for the Enclave's Shadows. Now she is back in her hometown to observe and collect evidence against Eli on strict orders from Aleksei Volkov. Liv has other plans. For years her thirst for revenge simmered. Though only Grif can implement the kill order, she set out a brilliant strategy to cover her ass to get her dues. Mmmm I detected an attraction to Rafe, the grumpy Elite assassin. Forward to a week later and Liv is released from her assassin duties, at a loss what to do with her future as killing was all she knew. She sets off to Kansas where she welcomed into the coven of her hilarious aunt and her cronies. Gifted with a kleptomaniac rat, she named Bandit. For me it was insta love with the characters and the storyline, I'm decidedly going to pursue this new series. A huge thanks to the author for the complimentary copy I thoroughly enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Reader, all opinions are my own!**
Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, which allowed a vicious vampire to walk free, Liv’s life turned on its head, and she was forced to become a member of the world’s greatest and most deadly organization of assassins, The Shadows, who carry out the black ops work the Enclave needs doing all over the world. When the chance to return to her hometown for a mission comes up, Liv makes it HER mission and heads home to see if she can fix a little unresolved tension.
Being one of the most rare types of elemental witch in the world has its benefits…
It’s Liv’s turn!!! The third series that is set in L. A. McBride’s urban fantasy universe that got its start with the reluctant necromancer Kali James in the West Bottoms area of Kansas City is finally starring the fiery Liv. Liv has been a fan favorite since our first peek at her as the niece of one of the Stitch Witches, and this has been long anticipated. It’s been worth the wait, and I cannot put into words how excited I am for the series that this prequel kicks off. You’re going to LOVE it!
Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, which allowed a vicious vampire to walk free, Liv’s life turned on its head, and she was forced to become a member of the world’s greatest and most deadly organization of assassins, The Shadows, who carry out the black ops work the Enclave needs doing all over the world. When the chance to return to her hometown for a mission comes up, Liv makes it HER mission and heads home to see if she can fix a little unresolved tension.
Being one of the most rare types of elemental witch in the world has its benefits…
It’s Liv’s turn!!! The third series that is set in L. A. McBride’s urban fantasy universe that got its start with the reluctant necromancer Kali James in the West Bottoms area of Kansas City is finally starring the fiery Liv. Liv has been a fan favorite since our first peek at her as the niece of one of the Stitch Witches, and this has been long anticipated. It’s been worth the wait, and I cannot put into words how excited I am for the series that this prequel kicks off. You’re going to LOVE it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Inferno Bound is a prequel novella for a new series, and boy does it kick things off with a bang!
Liv (Olivia) is a fire witch with a complicated past and lots of secrets. Life took a huge turn for her as a teenager, upending all she knew when she was forced to become a Shadow and now she has vengeance in her sights. This first book covers some big events and changes in Liv’s life. There is action, peril, magic, new beginnings, some lighter moments and hints of a slow burn romance to come. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and really cannot wait for more. Liv is a (excuse the pun) firecracker of a character and I definitely want to get to know her better.
L.A. McBride is fairly new-to-me author, but since discovering her books, I’ve been devouring them at a rate of knots. This latest series is set within the same ‘universe’ as previous books, but can be read as a standalone series. I cannot recommend these books highly enough, both the new book and those which have come before.
Liv (Olivia) is a fire witch with a complicated past and lots of secrets. Life took a huge turn for her as a teenager, upending all she knew when she was forced to become a Shadow and now she has vengeance in her sights. This first book covers some big events and changes in Liv’s life. There is action, peril, magic, new beginnings, some lighter moments and hints of a slow burn romance to come. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and really cannot wait for more. Liv is a (excuse the pun) firecracker of a character and I definitely want to get to know her better.
L.A. McBride is fairly new-to-me author, but since discovering her books, I’ve been devouring them at a rate of knots. This latest series is set within the same ‘universe’ as previous books, but can be read as a standalone series. I cannot recommend these books highly enough, both the new book and those which have come before.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This novella was a great introduction to this new series, set in the same world as the Kali James and Riley Cruz series. Liv is a fire elemental witch and as part of her punishment for a crime she was supposed to have committed 10 years before, she has had to become an assassin for the Enclave. She is supposed to follow orders to the letters, but Liv is far too independent and feisty to do that. If she can get the job done her way, then that's the way she will do it, regardless of what her partner or boss actually want.
Her current job takes her back home to her small town, where the vampire who caused many, if not all, of her problems has reappeared, trying his tricks again. Liv will do anything to stop him even though she is only meant to be observing him this time round. There's no way Liv will let him get away with it again!
Liv was a great character - I loved how she stood up for herself, putting herself into dangerous situations to get the results she wanted. And the reappearance of the Stitch Witches was great - I can't wait to see if there will be some crossovers with Kali and Riley at some point. I think all three of these young women would make a formidable team together! Can't wait to get onto the first full book in this series as soon as it comes out!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own honest one.
Her current job takes her back home to her small town, where the vampire who caused many, if not all, of her problems has reappeared, trying his tricks again. Liv will do anything to stop him even though she is only meant to be observing him this time round. There's no way Liv will let him get away with it again!
Liv was a great character - I loved how she stood up for herself, putting herself into dangerous situations to get the results she wanted. And the reappearance of the Stitch Witches was great - I can't wait to see if there will be some crossovers with Kali and Riley at some point. I think all three of these young women would make a formidable team together! Can't wait to get onto the first full book in this series as soon as it comes out!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own honest one.
February 14, 2026
If you have read the Kali James James & Riley Cruz series your will already be champing at the bit for Liz;s story. And it you haven’t - why not? Seriously – go read it. I’ll wait.
Great. Now you are all caught up you can join the rest of us in finding out where it all started for our girl Liv.
Ah Liv, she is great. Even in a den of assassins, she manages to stand out—and not just because she occasionally shows up with severed body parts.
Liv is a snarky elemental witch making the best of her life as a Shadow after trusting the wrong person at sixteen. Sent back to her hometown to observe (not kill) the vampire who groomed and framed her, Liv does what she does best: ignores orders and follows sense of what is right.
There’s action, anger, humor, and a touch of heartbreak with poor Liv finding her life is completely upended again, making this a perfect lead into promises to be a fantastic new series
I received an ARC but all views expressed are my own.
Great. Now you are all caught up you can join the rest of us in finding out where it all started for our girl Liv.
Ah Liv, she is great. Even in a den of assassins, she manages to stand out—and not just because she occasionally shows up with severed body parts.
Liv is a snarky elemental witch making the best of her life as a Shadow after trusting the wrong person at sixteen. Sent back to her hometown to observe (not kill) the vampire who groomed and framed her, Liv does what she does best: ignores orders and follows sense of what is right.
There’s action, anger, humor, and a touch of heartbreak with poor Liv finding her life is completely upended again, making this a perfect lead into promises to be a fantastic new series
I received an ARC but all views expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When we meet Liv, the FMC in Inferno Bound, she’s working as a Shadow assassin as punishment for a crime she supposedly committed as a teenager. An opportunity arises on a case involving the person who set her up to take the fall 10 years ago, she jumps on it, hoping to exact her revenge and clear her name. She’s only supposed to investigate and let her partner handle the interrogation, but when things go awry, the decisions she makes will change the direction of her future.
I really liked Liv, her life took a turn when she made some poor decisions as a teen, but she’s managed to thrive on her new path. Her actions in this novella have some pretty big ramifications and I’m excited to see the shenanigans she gets into with her new coven. I really enjoyed this novella, and I cannot wait to read the first book in this new series from one of my favorite authors!
I really liked Liv, her life took a turn when she made some poor decisions as a teen, but she’s managed to thrive on her new path. Her actions in this novella have some pretty big ramifications and I’m excited to see the shenanigans she gets into with her new coven. I really enjoyed this novella, and I cannot wait to read the first book in this new series from one of my favorite authors!
February 10, 2026
What a great start to a new series.
Due to some problems in her past, Liv left her small town in disgrace and in trouble. To make up for her youthful error, she is assigned to be a Shadow. She investigates and possible kills supernaturals who are causing problems
Sent back to her old town to help watch for the vampire that caused her problems, she wants revenge but that’s not her job.
Liv is snarky, tough, sensitive, dangerous and looks innocent. She’s met with a lot of distain when she returns to town, has problems with her parents.
This book has some action, surprises, suspense and humour.
It is a quick, fast, easy read and I really want more in this series.
I loved it.
Due to some problems in her past, Liv left her small town in disgrace and in trouble. To make up for her youthful error, she is assigned to be a Shadow. She investigates and possible kills supernaturals who are causing problems
Sent back to her old town to help watch for the vampire that caused her problems, she wants revenge but that’s not her job.
Liv is snarky, tough, sensitive, dangerous and looks innocent. She’s met with a lot of distain when she returns to town, has problems with her parents.
This book has some action, surprises, suspense and humour.
It is a quick, fast, easy read and I really want more in this series.
I loved it.
March 1, 2026
Any day you can read a new LA McBride story is a day filled with rainbows and unicorns. Or rather vampires and fire starting witches who really don’t like each other. This backstory tells the tale of a witch who is more powerful than anyone knows and more sassy than anyone likes. Liv is a Shadow, an assassin for The Enclave, the supernatural world’s secret-not-so-secret police. She is heading home to get even with the Vamp who made her what she is today. Very quickly she is in over her head, so they think, and ends up the hero and the goat. Now she begins a new life in a new city with all her friends and a new coven. What could go wrong? Can’t wait for more!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This author has become an immediate read even without reading the blurb, because I just enjoy her writing so much. This was definitely the case with this prequel. Only as I started reading it did I realize that it was a minor character from her previous series. LOL! Anyway, I love how we learned her backstory, and how she’s going forward with her life after the events of her past are seen in a different light after an op she goes on. I don’t want to say anything spoiler-ish. This is a great introduction to what I’m sure will be a great series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel to a new series set in the Kali James world. Liv is on a mission that’s as personal as it is dangerous and we get a glimpse into the situation that has her serving time as a shadow. If you haven’t read any of the other books in this world you can start here but I’d recommend going to the start with Kali and reading in publication order. Liv is a talented, headstrong witch with a grudge and is sent on a strictly no contact mission. It’s a short introduction to her world and is fast paced and fun.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great way to start the series. We’ve met Liv before in some of the authors other books, however this series focuses on her. The story holds your attention and also gives us a lot more of Liv’s very interesting backstory. Characters we know from the authors other stories (geriatric witches for example) are here also. It’s a short read, however it packs a lot into it. Definitely 5 stars for me. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to start.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 25, 2026
Liv has lived the last 10 years of her life under a sentence for a crime she didn't commit. Trained as an assassin because what else do you do with a powerful elemental witch? But Liv has had one thing on her mind for all those years, and the revenge that has been simmering is within her grasp.
This was a great novella introduction to Liv and her back story. She has so much potential with her new coven of 'golden aged' and I really look forward to where the set up for the new series is going to go.
"After all, no one expected a Pomeranian on a junkyard chain."
This was a great novella introduction to Liv and her back story. She has so much potential with her new coven of 'golden aged' and I really look forward to where the set up for the new series is going to go.
"After all, no one expected a Pomeranian on a junkyard chain."
Review of advance copy received from Author
An interesting setup to a new series. We find out about Liv’s origin story. Without giving too much away, she’s a fire elemental witch and assassin. She visits home to face what started everything for her.
It’s a great fast-paced story with a bit of everything. She’s a determined character who beats to her own drum and to say it’s a novella, it’s a good well rounded plot with different characters and depth.
It’s a great fast-paced story with a bit of everything. She’s a determined character who beats to her own drum and to say it’s a novella, it’s a good well rounded plot with different characters and depth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Liv is a smart young witch, that made a mistake at 16 and ended up paying for it, for years. She eventually returns home to find another young witch being conned by a sadistic vampire. Live felt she had to help. She was really smart in the way that she set said vampire up, it was outstanding. I will stop here as I do not do spoilers! I Loved It!!! I Highly Recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Inferno Bound was well worth the wait! I love this Universe and I am so happy that Lisa decided to bring us Liv’s story next! It is entertaining, interesting and funny. This prequel gives us Liv’s backstory and a reintroduction to some of our favorite witch aunties.
This is a really enjoyable well written quick read. It really whet my appetite for Liv’s storyline and I am super excited for her first full book! I highly recommend this Universe, this Author and this book!
This is a really enjoyable well written quick read. It really whet my appetite for Liv’s storyline and I am super excited for her first full book! I highly recommend this Universe, this Author and this book!
February 10, 2026
Loving this pre-emptive look into Liv's series. She is going to be such a fun read! Having read Riley's series I have met Bea and co from the Stitch Witch before, and they are always a hoot so I can't wait to see how they interact with Liv's adventures. Also looking forward to finding out who Liv's love interest is because Ms McBride writes some amazing romance in her books, along side the magic and adventure.
February 11, 2026
McBride has done it again! She has a talent for making unique characters with depth and who are so much fun to read.
Inferno Bound is set in the same world as her Kali James and Riley Cruz series are. I loved seeing glimpses of characters I'd already met. It felt like coming home.
Liv's backstory was an exciting, quick read that left me wanting more! Exactly what it was supposed to do.
Inferno Bound is set in the same world as her Kali James and Riley Cruz series are. I loved seeing glimpses of characters I'd already met. It felt like coming home.
Liv's backstory was an exciting, quick read that left me wanting more! Exactly what it was supposed to do.
February 10, 2026
I ❤️ this series! This was a great start to get to know more about Liz. I'm sensing another amazing romantic relationship in the works too. I can't wait to see where this series takes us in the larger book set. Again, all of these characters are incredible. They are so descriptive that they jump right off the page.
February 26, 2026
L.A McBride has done it again with this first insight to Liv’s series, she knows how to write a book that captures you from the get go. I really loved that some old faces made an appearance it’s no secret that Riley is one of my absolute favourites. Liv is a force to be reckoned with, facing her past whilst trying to create a new future. I’m really looking forward to see where this series goes.
February 27, 2026
Sooo good!! Here we are introduced to a new protagonist in LA McBride's supernatural world and I love her! Some serious witchy teenage misfortune landed Olivia ten years in the life of an assassin, and this books sets up what happens next. I love it and can't wait to read more, especially as she lands in Kansas City with other characters to love from Ms. McBride's world. Bring on the next book!
August 26, 2026
Inferno Bound is a sharp, effective prequel that quickly establishes Liv as a fire elemental witch with bite and baggage.
The world drops into place without a lecture, and Liv's voice kept me hooked. I turned the last page expecting more story and hit the end, which is the best kind of frustration. It left me genuinely eager for Fire Marked. It can't get here soon enough.
The world drops into place without a lecture, and Liv's voice kept me hooked. I turned the last page expecting more story and hit the end, which is the best kind of frustration. It left me genuinely eager for Fire Marked. It can't get here soon enough.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this! It’s a fun look into the backstory of Liv and I am so glad she is getting her own series. It’s a different perspective as she is an ex Shadow and I think it’ll be a good way to see more of the world. Looking forward to the rest of her story!
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