Bound by the Broken Crown: Book One in the Bound by the Broken Crown Series

by L.L. Reid

Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2026

Reviews

[Audrey Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
2🌶
I devoured this book! Such a fun and wild ride! I was so invested from start to finish and need book 2 stat!
We have Fae and Fairys in a land where magic is being ripped out of anyone with a hint of magic. The FMC(lyra) has a tortured past and due to that her magic is repressed. She escapes torture just to find herself trapped with our MMC(Oberon). Oberon is a broody shadow weilder that needs Lyra to unlock her power so she can help with the war thats coming. Should be no surprise our MMC and FMC end up falling for one another. We do get a couple spicy scenes and some fade to black also. It was surprisingly a good balance in with the plot. We get all kinds of emotions along this journey and some loveable side characters. Those 2 bonus chapters at the very end was something i didnt even know i needed till i read them. There's so much depth to this story my heart was breaking for the characters by the end! Will definitely be keeping an eye out for book 2!

[Bethanie Ilsley-Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star read
The premise of this was great. if your a fan of magic, tension, fae and some hands on fighting you will love this.

I loved how you not only love the main characters but the side characters also pull you in.

This is giving Throne of Glass mixed with Zodiac Academy vibes (just without the Academy part) and The Lure of Evil.

This could of been a little smoother reading, some parts went into too much descriptive detail, where as others ...we needed more 🌶

I will be continuing with this series as the ending had me questioning the entirety of the book.

[RosieRitesReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyra has been a captive for as long as she remembers. Now she is forced to live with the realization that her once thriving kingdom is now gone, along with all of its people, including her family.

With an opportunity to escape the prison that has starved, beaten, and tortured her, Lyra makes a run for it. Having suppressed her magic to stay alive and with no way to protect herself, Lyra finds herself escaping one prison for another. This time, the only way to escape is to figure out how to awaken her magic once more.

Oberon controls shadows and carries a past that’s just as dark. Searching for redemption, he believes Lyra is the key to defeating the Dark King, a power hungry savage who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

War is inevitable, and Lyra must choose to stay and fight or leave the realm at the mercy of the Dark King.

Bound by the Broken Crown is jam-packed with

Unique Magic
Found Family
Fae/Faries
Shadow Daddy
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Enemies to lovers
Locked magic resurfacing

I loved watching Lyra’s character grow throughout the story. We get to watch as she goes from weakened captive to powerful warrior. The chemistry between her and Oberon is unmistakable, and the tension is well written.

The friendships Lyra makes are unforgettable, and the strengths her allies bring add so much to her growth. Unique magic and action-packed fight scenes kept me wholly entertained and intrigued as the plot unfolded.

Lastly, there is a plot twist that has me yearning for the next book, and I cannot wait!

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader Review

First off I’ll start by saying, I don’t normally read fantasy books like this. However, I was hooked after three chapters! This book took my emotions for a ride. From anger to happiness to sadness to disbelief to confusion etc. What started off as a confusing storyline trying to figure out why Lyra was being held in a cabin after having spent time imprisoned, turned into something just jaw dropping. The emotions and connection between Lyra and Oberon were perfection. I felt all of it and I loved it!

Ash and Zander made this group well rounded and made them a family in my eyes. They learned to respect one another and learned to care for one another and love each other like a chosen family and not one connected by blood. The ending though…… 🤔 What the hell was that!? I’m totally invested and I need book 2 ASAP!!! Fantastic read!!

[Mide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Broken Crown, it’s the kind of fantasy that pulls you in slowly and then tightens its grip.

Lyra is such a compelling protagonist. Her past as a prisoner of war isn’t just mentioned for drama; you can feel how it shapes her strength, her caution, and the walls she keeps up. She’s not written as helpless, she’s hardened, strategic, and determined not to kneel to anyone again. That resilience made me root for her from the start.

Oberon adds another layer entirely. He’s dark, controlled, and clearly carrying secrets of his own. The tension between him and Lyra is one of my favorite parts of the story. It’s not instant trust or easy romance, it’s suspicion, power balance, and reluctant connection. Their dynamic feels dangerous in the best way.

The political tension throughout the realm keeps the stakes high. Alliances feel fragile, betrayal always feels close, and the looming war creates constant pressure. By the end, I was fully invested and eager to see what happens next.

For a first installment, L.L. Reid sets up a gripping world filled with secrets, emotional depth, and slow-burn intensity. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.

[Leah Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book has it all! L.L. Reid knows how to write dark romantasy! The book follows Lyra who is a prisoner of the first war. The only royal left from the Light realm. Locked up and tortured because the King wanted her power for a century. She never broke. She escapes and ends up taken by the Prince, Oberon. Aka Shadow Daddy 🖤 Forced proximity, and enemy to lovers. It’s a must read! I flew through this book. Fae of all kinds, variety of magics, healing and survival! I cannot wait for the next book!!

[Ronald Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Broken Crown completely pulled me in from the first chapter. The world building is rich, the tension is intense, and the characters feel so real. I couldn’t put it down. Such a strong start to the series . I’m already excited for your next book!

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine escaping being tortured for having magic and your freedom is short lived because you have traded one prison for another. Lyra has been held captive for as long as she can remember. People want access to her magic, so they’ve taken liberties in torturing her and breaking her over and over trying to access but to no avail. When she finally has a chance to escape she once again finds herself in the hands of someone else who wants access to her magic.

Lyra is now being held by Oberon who is a broody shadow wielder who needs Lyra to not only access her magic but learn to hone it because she may be the key he needs to help fight in the inevitable war with the Dark King. Oberon has secrets of his own and Lyra won't be satisfied until she uncovers them all.

Lyra has choices to make. She has loss everything and everybody and her only chance at any form of freedom may lie in the very hands the man who has saved her from one form of captivity in exchange for another one. Will Lyra use her magic to stay and fight or use it as an opportunity to flee and leave the realm at the mercy of the Dark King.

I'm looking forward to book 2 and need it in my hands ASAP.

[Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Broken Crown is a gripping fantasy that pulls you into a world of danger, intrigue, and emotional depth. Lyra is a fierce and unforgettable heroine whose strength and resilience shine through every page, while Oberon’s dark, mysterious presence adds irresistible tension. The political alliances, hidden truths, and looming war create a rich, immersive atmosphere that keeps you hooked from start to finish. A powerful start to a promising series.

[Nataleh Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Broken Crown by L.L. Reid is a compelling and well-crafted start to the series. The world-building is immersive, the characters are layered and engaging, and the plot maintains a strong, steady pace throughout. Reid skillfully balances tension, emotion, and intrigue, creating a story that holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end.

An impressive first installment and a promising foundation for the series.

[Charlotteanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Broken Crown launches its series with intensity, intrigue, and a richly layered fantasy world that immediately pulls readers into a realm shaped by power, betrayal, and destiny. L.L. Reid crafts a story where loyalty is fragile, crowns are heavy with consequence, and every choice reverberates far beyond the throne.

[Bryce Jokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Broken Crown launches readers into a world where loyalty is fragile, power is intoxicating, and destiny comes at a devastating cost. In this gripping first installment, L.L. Reid crafts a dark fantasy tale filled with political intrigue, emotional turmoil, and characters who are as flawed as they are compelling.

[Riley Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wow! This story completely drew me in. Lyra’s courage and resilience leap off the page, and the tension between her and Oberon kept me on the edge of my seat. The world-building is rich, the stakes feel real, and the twists of fate and betrayal make it impossible to put down. A thrilling, dark, and unforgettable read!”

[Ashley Jnr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely drew me in and kept me engaged from beginning to end. The atmosphere, storytelling, and emotional weight of the journey really stood out to me. I found myself thinking about it even after I finished.
A powerful and memorable read, definitely deserving of 5 stars.

[Tatyana Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong and captivating opening to the series. L.L. Reid delivers immersive world-building, compelling characters, and a storyline that keeps the reader fully engaged. An excellent start with great promise ahead.

[Victor Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is expertly paced and thoughtfully written. The depth of the characters and the underlying tension throughout the plot make it a highly satisfying read. A remarkable first installment.

[Brian Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.L. Reid creates a vivid and intriguing fantasy world supported by strong character development and layered storytelling. A polished and impressive debut for the series.

[Halen H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-structured and engaging story that balances emotion, intrigue, and action seamlessly. The narrative flows effortlessly and leaves you eager for the next book.

[Misty Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!! this book had me from the first chapter. this is definitely one of my top books so far. the plot twist has me in a ball. I need the next book.

[Vibeke Sørlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This started a little slow but don’t end that way ,
I loved this story, you keep questioning everything all through the book. Can’t wait for book two!