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The Ties That Bind Us: A Dark Fantasy Romance
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26Two enemies.
One prophecy.
A woman between them who could change everything.
Sean Archer has spent his life trapped in a small California town, forbidden to leave without knowing why. David Berkeley is destined for a life of crime, his strange gift of emotional coercion twisted into a weapon. They’ve hated each other for as long as they can remember.
But when a hidden realm drags them both across its borders, Sean learns he is heir to a kingdom on the brink of ruin—and David is bound to the bloodline that once destroyed it.
Caught in the middle is Anna Ainslan, a warrior with her own dangerous secrets. She can help David understand his treacherous magic, can inspire Sean to become the leader Luxoria demands in the face of looming war—but she’s also the only one either of them could ever truly love.
As conflict rises and fate tightens its grip, Sean, David, and Anna must decide if the ties that bind them are chains…or the only hope of saving two worlds. Because in a land where destiny rules, love might be the most dangerous rebellion of all.
The Ties That Bind Us is the first book in a sweeping dark fantasy romance series of enemies and allies, forbidden magic, and love that dares to defy prophecy. Perfect for fans of A Forbidden Alchemy and Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter series!
One prophecy.
A woman between them who could change everything.
Sean Archer has spent his life trapped in a small California town, forbidden to leave without knowing why. David Berkeley is destined for a life of crime, his strange gift of emotional coercion twisted into a weapon. They’ve hated each other for as long as they can remember.
But when a hidden realm drags them both across its borders, Sean learns he is heir to a kingdom on the brink of ruin—and David is bound to the bloodline that once destroyed it.
Caught in the middle is Anna Ainslan, a warrior with her own dangerous secrets. She can help David understand his treacherous magic, can inspire Sean to become the leader Luxoria demands in the face of looming war—but she’s also the only one either of them could ever truly love.
As conflict rises and fate tightens its grip, Sean, David, and Anna must decide if the ties that bind them are chains…or the only hope of saving two worlds. Because in a land where destiny rules, love might be the most dangerous rebellion of all.
The Ties That Bind Us is the first book in a sweeping dark fantasy romance series of enemies and allies, forbidden magic, and love that dares to defy prophecy. Perfect for fans of A Forbidden Alchemy and Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter series!
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Deidra Duncan
4 books290 followersDeidra Duncan spends her days (and some nights) living the dream as a board-certified OB/GYN, where every minute is either routine monotony or sheer terror. She lives in Florida with two human tornadoes and the wonderful man who helped make them. She’s usually dressed in either scrubs or glitter, and would love for someone to magically combine them. She devotes every rare moment of free time to writing or reading.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 1, 2026
ARC reader:
This book turns the romantasy genre on its head. The ideas are fresh, the world is new but has some classic fantasy elements, and the characters are well thought out. There are some that you love and some that you love to hate. If you love a good love triangle, or is it a square? This one is for you! The ending leaves your jaw on the floor wishing you had book 2 yesterday.
This book turns the romantasy genre on its head. The ideas are fresh, the world is new but has some classic fantasy elements, and the characters are well thought out. There are some that you love and some that you love to hate. If you love a good love triangle, or is it a square? This one is for you! The ending leaves your jaw on the floor wishing you had book 2 yesterday.
Review of advance copy
I’m super grateful to have read this incredible book as an arc!
The Ties That Bind Us was a gripping read that truly delivered on the romance, mystery, and drama! The realm of light is absolutely stunning, with a magic system that is incredibly intriguing and not entirely as it seems!
I loved the main characters and all their complexities! They each have multifaceted virtues and flaws as well as many motivations guiding their decisions which made for a very compelling plot that had me on the edge of my seat anticipating how the events would play out!
I really enjoyed how this book turned familiar tropes completely on their heads to be reimagined in exciting ways! Even if you think you know where this book is going, I’m sure you’ll be surprised just like I was! I have so many questions that need answering and can’t wait to learn more as the series progresses!
The Ties That Bind Us is book 1 in the series and comes out soon on July 21! I highly recommend everyone do themselves the favor of reading this one when it comes out, especially since the author has assured us the wait for book two won’t be too long! ;)
The Ties That Bind Us was a gripping read that truly delivered on the romance, mystery, and drama! The realm of light is absolutely stunning, with a magic system that is incredibly intriguing and not entirely as it seems!
I loved the main characters and all their complexities! They each have multifaceted virtues and flaws as well as many motivations guiding their decisions which made for a very compelling plot that had me on the edge of my seat anticipating how the events would play out!
I really enjoyed how this book turned familiar tropes completely on their heads to be reimagined in exciting ways! Even if you think you know where this book is going, I’m sure you’ll be surprised just like I was! I have so many questions that need answering and can’t wait to learn more as the series progresses!
The Ties That Bind Us is book 1 in the series and comes out soon on July 21! I highly recommend everyone do themselves the favor of reading this one when it comes out, especially since the author has assured us the wait for book two won’t be too long! ;)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This dark fantasy romance follows four characters reborn with a chance to right their past wrongs and restore a fractured kingdom. Once torn apart by a shared love, the two MMCs are given another opportunity. With memories of their past lives clouding the present and new emotions shaping their current choices, they risk repeating the same mistakes. With a few wild cards thrown into the mix, things become interesting. I even suspect it may evolve into a “why choose” situation in the future (maybe?).
The entire concept is compelling, capturing chaos and confusion in a way that feels surprisingly relatable. It did take me about halfway through to fully settle into the story, but once I was in, I was all in. There are a lot of names to keep track of—especially with the past names merging with the present characters. The intricacies of past and present intertwining create a layered history that feels like a compelling story to solve.
Overall, I think it was worth reading.
I'm definitely team David.
The entire concept is compelling, capturing chaos and confusion in a way that feels surprisingly relatable. It did take me about halfway through to fully settle into the story, but once I was in, I was all in. There are a lot of names to keep track of—especially with the past names merging with the present characters. The intricacies of past and present intertwining create a layered history that feels like a compelling story to solve.
Overall, I think it was worth reading.
I'm definitely team David.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌟ARC REVIEW🌟
WOAH.
If you love your cookie cutter romantasy books where you can predict what’s gonna happen, then this is not the one for you. Damn. I have so many questions. What’s happening? Why? What’s next? How could Deidra Duncan do this to me? When is the next book coming out? (Because I need the answer to be now).
This one threw me many times. Every time I assumed something was going to happen with some of the characters, the plot twisted, my mind was blown, and I was thrown through a loop I didn’t even know existed. It was a fucking wild ride from the first chapter, and I am here for every second of it. The last few chapters of this book had me in my feels.
I cannot wait to find out what comes next with David, Sean, and Anna, as well as the rest of the kingdom. I know what I think will happen, I know what I WANT to happen, but let’s be honest, do I even know anything anymore? Nope.
Stars: 5
Spice: 3
WOAH.
If you love your cookie cutter romantasy books where you can predict what’s gonna happen, then this is not the one for you. Damn. I have so many questions. What’s happening? Why? What’s next? How could Deidra Duncan do this to me? When is the next book coming out? (Because I need the answer to be now).
This one threw me many times. Every time I assumed something was going to happen with some of the characters, the plot twisted, my mind was blown, and I was thrown through a loop I didn’t even know existed. It was a fucking wild ride from the first chapter, and I am here for every second of it. The last few chapters of this book had me in my feels.
I cannot wait to find out what comes next with David, Sean, and Anna, as well as the rest of the kingdom. I know what I think will happen, I know what I WANT to happen, but let’s be honest, do I even know anything anymore? Nope.
Stars: 5
Spice: 3
Review of advance copy received from Author
I may never recover. 😭
Okay, to be honest…it took me a minute to get into this book at first because I wasn’t sure I liked the characters. But damn, they grew on me, made me fall in love with them, and then turned around and shattered my heart — in a way that only Deidra Duncan can do.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Deidra is a phenomenal writer. The world building is immersive without being overwhelming, the characters are flawed in the most human and lovable ways, and the spice is beautifully written without ever feeling cringe or overdone.
I’ve read across so many genres and from so many authors, and somehow Deidra’s writing still feels completely unique every single time — and always ends up being a five-star read for me. ⭐️
Huge thank you to Deidra for giving me the opportunity to ARC read another one of her incredible books. You will forever be one of my all-time favorite authors! 🖤
If you haven’t read anything by Deidra Duncan yet… what are you waiting for?!
Okay, to be honest…it took me a minute to get into this book at first because I wasn’t sure I liked the characters. But damn, they grew on me, made me fall in love with them, and then turned around and shattered my heart — in a way that only Deidra Duncan can do.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Deidra is a phenomenal writer. The world building is immersive without being overwhelming, the characters are flawed in the most human and lovable ways, and the spice is beautifully written without ever feeling cringe or overdone.
I’ve read across so many genres and from so many authors, and somehow Deidra’s writing still feels completely unique every single time — and always ends up being a five-star read for me. ⭐️
Huge thank you to Deidra for giving me the opportunity to ARC read another one of her incredible books. You will forever be one of my all-time favorite authors! 🖤
If you haven’t read anything by Deidra Duncan yet… what are you waiting for?!
April 19, 2026
ARC Reader Review
I really wanted to love this book, but alas it wasn’t quite for me. The story basis, plot, characters, and fresh idea were all there! But, something about this author’s writing style didn’t jive as well for me.
I saw another reviewer say it was like Percy Jackson but for adults and I think that is spot on. For me, the modern vocabulary and nuances didn’t fit with the fantastical world she had built.
There were parts I enjoyed. The love interest developments, complex characters, mysterious history that is still being untangled. I truly believe this author has wonderful ideas.
Just wish more was revealed in this book. Too much was left unknown; making the book feel incomplete and more like an information filler book than a complete story.
I am curious enough to read the next book when it comes out.
I really wanted to love this book, but alas it wasn’t quite for me. The story basis, plot, characters, and fresh idea were all there! But, something about this author’s writing style didn’t jive as well for me.
I saw another reviewer say it was like Percy Jackson but for adults and I think that is spot on. For me, the modern vocabulary and nuances didn’t fit with the fantastical world she had built.
There were parts I enjoyed. The love interest developments, complex characters, mysterious history that is still being untangled. I truly believe this author has wonderful ideas.
Just wish more was revealed in this book. Too much was left unknown; making the book feel incomplete and more like an information filler book than a complete story.
I am curious enough to read the next book when it comes out.
April 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The Ties that Bind Us by Deidra Duncan
This book was like nothing I’ve read before. It gave me adult Percy Jackson vibes, in the best way. I was sooo emotionally attached to the characters it’s unreal. I am very partial to David though… he’s mine, you can’t have him!
I absolutely adore Deidra’s writing, and love how different this is from her other works. The dry wit she throws in, really does it for me.
The world is well described, the character each unique, and crucial to the story. I am sitting over here desperately begging for book two asap. If you like multiple POVs, fated mates (maybe), forced proximity, grumpy/ sunshine, who did this to you, enemies to lovers (Maybe) and dark prophecies, this is for you!
Be ready for a wild ride.
This book was like nothing I’ve read before. It gave me adult Percy Jackson vibes, in the best way. I was sooo emotionally attached to the characters it’s unreal. I am very partial to David though… he’s mine, you can’t have him!
I absolutely adore Deidra’s writing, and love how different this is from her other works. The dry wit she throws in, really does it for me.
The world is well described, the character each unique, and crucial to the story. I am sitting over here desperately begging for book two asap. If you like multiple POVs, fated mates (maybe), forced proximity, grumpy/ sunshine, who did this to you, enemies to lovers (Maybe) and dark prophecies, this is for you!
Be ready for a wild ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love square..? Tropes: Secrets, found family, prophesies, memory loss. I really enjoyed this book, it took a few chapters to get into the story and is written in multiple peoples POV which was a little confusing at the beginning keeping up with them all when you are learning them all but once I figured out who was who and what was happening the book really kept me interested. There are a lot of questions (some left unanswered, awaiting a next book hopefully)! It is well written and has a lot of new magic, and interesting ideas that I have not seen in a book before, which made it different and I really enjoyed it. I am awaiting the release of book 2 to answer my questions! Add this book to your TBR list for sure!
Team David all the way!! ❤️🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Team David all the way!! ❤️🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
April 23, 2026
First, breath of fresh air that this follows 4 MCs, two male two female, who are connected by destiny to change history and save their world. Such creative writing that I was grabbed instantly through the prologue.
This is not one of those that I takes 1/4 of the book before stuff starts happening.
There was a bit of a lull but I expect that with small portions of fantasy books because they have to build things up. But hitting around 40% of the way through it picks back up nicely. And then we really get a 5th MC, but then do we really?? Two bodies. One soul.
The twists towards the end had me going “what?!” *double take* “what?!” Some of it in a good way and some maybe too much at once. Overall I would read book 2 and would recommend.
This is not one of those that I takes 1/4 of the book before stuff starts happening.
There was a bit of a lull but I expect that with small portions of fantasy books because they have to build things up. But hitting around 40% of the way through it picks back up nicely. And then we really get a 5th MC, but then do we really?? Two bodies. One soul.
The twists towards the end had me going “what?!” *double take* “what?!” Some of it in a good way and some maybe too much at once. Overall I would read book 2 and would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
arc review
The Ties That Bind Us is a new take on romantasy. Sean and David have hated each other all thier lives. When they are both drawn to a different realm and learn who they really are they will need to reevaluate being enemies. There is a prophecy that shapes how the realm sees the men. There are connections you don't expect. Isobel was sworn to protect Sean. Anna and David spend hours together in the library. And the secrets and revelations continue up to the last page.
I almost couldn't put this down and can't wait for when book 2 is written.
The Ties That Bind Us is a new take on romantasy. Sean and David have hated each other all thier lives. When they are both drawn to a different realm and learn who they really are they will need to reevaluate being enemies. There is a prophecy that shapes how the realm sees the men. There are connections you don't expect. Isobel was sworn to protect Sean. Anna and David spend hours together in the library. And the secrets and revelations continue up to the last page.
I almost couldn't put this down and can't wait for when book 2 is written.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am somehow lucky enough to be on Deidra Duncan’s romantasy street team and got an ARC of this book and my goodness does this one turn romantasy on its head. This book is familiar with the romantasy tropes but turns them all on their head. The magic is SO interesting .. you’ve got portal magic, healing magic, emotional magic, bonds that are wanted and unwanted. It is SO good. The characters feel so real and I ride HARD for David. The end of this one sets you up for more and I cannot wait to continue this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
eARC reader,,,
wow this book turns all romantasy books on it axal, really enjoyed the characters and its layout with them and how they link, the story is fresh new and I really enjoyed reading the book. it is not the classic fantasy story. I loved the love that Aunt Blaire had for Sean. Being an auntie to 2 girls and 2 boy i can relate, that you will do anything for them, which shes shows. this book will make you wish for book 2.....like NOW
wow this book turns all romantasy books on it axal, really enjoyed the characters and its layout with them and how they link, the story is fresh new and I really enjoyed reading the book. it is not the classic fantasy story. I loved the love that Aunt Blaire had for Sean. Being an auntie to 2 girls and 2 boy i can relate, that you will do anything for them, which shes shows. this book will make you wish for book 2.....like NOW
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so unique!!! I feel like you can always count on that with Deidra's writing. This love triangle....square(?) whatever it is is messssyyyy but very interesting! It did take me a hot second to become fully immersed in the story, but once it picked up I was locked in. The world building is SO one of a kind and there is so much lore! I am very intrigued for more in this series & the drama that unfolds!
Thank you to Deidra Duncan for the ARC 🫶
Thank you to Deidra Duncan for the ARC 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hold on to your hats, your seats and anything loose! This is not an easy, quick read. This is a world building romantacy. This is the first in a new series and the character development is complex and rich. Five leads that are interwoven beautifully with past, present, fate, and magic. A rich supporting cast and amazing story development. Emotions will be tested! Brilliant work!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I seen a review that said this was an adult version of a Percy Jackson and I couldn’t agree more. I liked the idea but it was slow to start and that has a tendency to lose me quickly. I just don’t think this was for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If Deidre writes it, I will read it, and I will LOVE it!
This is the third book I have read from this author and I am consistently amazed and thrilled by the journey she takes us on.
Romantasy at it's finest!
*stay tuned for my more indepth review.
This is the third book I have read from this author and I am consistently amazed and thrilled by the journey she takes us on.
Romantasy at it's finest!
*stay tuned for my more indepth review.
May 27, 2026
I’m going to need to sleep on this one before I write my review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews