What do you think?
Haven Chronicles #2
Etched in Bone
Knox is an exemplary Templar of the Order, righteous and by the book, but when an amateur witch soulbinds him to the demon he's hunting things get complicated. The secret that he's been hiding his entire life–that he’s a nephilim–is suddenly the thing that's killing him. His angelic blood is rejecting his demonic connection and, unless he finds a way to sever their soulbind, it's going to tear him apart.
Dimitri has survived as long as he has in the mortal realm by keeping a low profile, but all of that ends the moment he's soulbound to a Templar. Suddenly there's someone in his head, a gods damned angel of all things, and he can't separate what he's feeling from what Knox is feeling. And when what he's feeling turns to desire, burning so deep he can't tell who it's coming from, he knows he's in trouble.
Etched in Bone is a m/m enemies-to-lovers urban fantasy romance between an angelic Templar and a demon. It features forced proximity, a soulbond, hurt/comfort and a happy ending.
Etched in Bone is book two of the Haven Chronicles series and does not have to be read in order.
Dimitri has survived as long as he has in the mortal realm by keeping a low profile, but all of that ends the moment he's soulbound to a Templar. Suddenly there's someone in his head, a gods damned angel of all things, and he can't separate what he's feeling from what Knox is feeling. And when what he's feeling turns to desire, burning so deep he can't tell who it's coming from, he knows he's in trouble.
Etched in Bone is a m/m enemies-to-lovers urban fantasy romance between an angelic Templar and a demon. It features forced proximity, a soulbond, hurt/comfort and a happy ending.
Etched in Bone is book two of the Haven Chronicles series and does not have to be read in order.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 3, 2026
3/5. Again, it desperately needs editing and proofing. I loved the story, the characters were fantastic, and it had a very sweet ending. There were more holes in this one than the first installment, though, and a lot of things that it didn’t make sense to let be missing. It just felt less than the first one; I don’t know how to explain it. That same depth was missing because it seemed to laser-focus on the one point and brush off literally anything else that should’ve come with it. You mean to tell me it’s totally cool that he went WEEKS without the Order getting in his business, and only seeing his partner once in passing, then only once more by design? It’s cool that’s he’s just suddenly had this massive change to his autonomy and self, one that will shake his position and future, and nobody has fuck-all to say about it? No, sir, I do not believe these are important aspects that need to be ignored, and I have way more questions than answers, and I’d love everything to be addressed for my own peace of mind, thanks.
May 30, 2026
I suppose this came down to a classic case of expectations that weren't met. And that's a shame, because it's Atlas Jones's brilliant writing that makes it all work for me, as well as this equally mysterious urban fantasy setting that is so wonderful immersive.
Knox had seemed like an interesting one in the first book of this series, and I was itching for his story. But to have him forcibly paired with a thousand-year-old demon wasn't ultimately what I could get behind. Being on diametrically opposing sides as well didn't bode well; in fact, this seemed too far of a gap to bridge even with the extreme enemies-to-lovers trope. In here, Knox is too kind and good and Dimitri too cruel and cutting for me, despite the Nephilim's somewhat fallen nature and that bad-arsery that's talked so much about--if you're going by that reasoning.
Still, 'Etched in Bone' focuses so much on the present and getting rid of that pesky bond to delve into much else, such as the fantastic world of Haven and its gloriously diversified people/spirit beings. It just feels like an opportunity missed somehow.
Knox had seemed like an interesting one in the first book of this series, and I was itching for his story. But to have him forcibly paired with a thousand-year-old demon wasn't ultimately what I could get behind. Being on diametrically opposing sides as well didn't bode well; in fact, this seemed too far of a gap to bridge even with the extreme enemies-to-lovers trope. In here, Knox is too kind and good and Dimitri too cruel and cutting for me, despite the Nephilim's somewhat fallen nature and that bad-arsery that's talked so much about--if you're going by that reasoning.
Still, 'Etched in Bone' focuses so much on the present and getting rid of that pesky bond to delve into much else, such as the fantastic world of Haven and its gloriously diversified people/spirit beings. It just feels like an opportunity missed somehow.
June 27, 2026
The writing is great, the story is catching, there is just the unease of giving Knox this kind of partner at the heart of it:
Knox is a gentle, kind, patient person and he is partnered up with this:
"The words have teeth, but Knox doesn’t flinch. He is learning to read the difference between Dimitri’s anger and Dimitri’s fear, and right now the anger is a shell over something softer."
Add to it that who is kind and gentle and who is lashing out in anger is neatly falling along heterosexual couple's lines, while other parameters like who is bottoming or who is stronger, bigger, older do the same. I'm reading m/m not to read about the wide and vast potential of yikes in hetero pairings.
Some other things didn't add up for me:
- The previous books plot was on the scale of saving the world (while being kind to each other and having hot sex). This book's plot is about fixing the oopsie of a near-teenager.
- The previous book had a forbidden romance as well but being out in public made sense because it was in the area of the city that was protecting one half of the couple against the other half's organization. In this book, that doesn't work the same. The demon and the templar are out and about everywhere clearly together and encounter no templar colleagues or citizens that notice (everyone there knows the templars and what they are supposed to do with obvious demons).
- It never explains how being together with a demon and being a templar will work in the future. Hiding?
Despite all this I enjoyed the story enough will gladly read the next book in the series (not sure if it is listed in the series on goodreads though). But Knox would have deserved a so much kinder partner, if they wouldn't end up with each other without an involuntary soulbind, they shouldn't end up with each other.
Knox is a gentle, kind, patient person and he is partnered up with this:
"The words have teeth, but Knox doesn’t flinch. He is learning to read the difference between Dimitri’s anger and Dimitri’s fear, and right now the anger is a shell over something softer."
Add to it that who is kind and gentle and who is lashing out in anger is neatly falling along heterosexual couple's lines, while other parameters like who is bottoming or who is stronger, bigger, older do the same. I'm reading m/m not to read about the wide and vast potential of yikes in hetero pairings.
Some other things didn't add up for me:
- The previous books plot was on the scale of saving the world (while being kind to each other and having hot sex). This book's plot is about fixing the oopsie of a near-teenager.
- The previous book had a forbidden romance as well but being out in public made sense because it was in the area of the city that was protecting one half of the couple against the other half's organization. In this book, that doesn't work the same. The demon and the templar are out and about everywhere clearly together and encounter no templar colleagues or citizens that notice (everyone there knows the templars and what they are supposed to do with obvious demons).
- It never explains how being together with a demon and being a templar will work in the future. Hiding?
Despite all this I enjoyed the story enough will gladly read the next book in the series (not sure if it is listed in the series on goodreads though). But Knox would have deserved a so much kinder partner, if they wouldn't end up with each other without an involuntary soulbind, they shouldn't end up with each other.
August 31, 2026
I enjoyed this one too - maybe not as much as the other but this was good.
There wasn’t as much world-building in this. I felt like I know nothing about Knox and his backstory. Did his parents leave him? Does he know who they are? Was he rejected? I’m confused. Also, we had no background outside of vague mentions regarding Dimitri’s life before.
And what are they going to do after? Dimitri doesn’t have a job. How is he getting money? Lol
This book was definitely more for the vibes. Can’t think too much into it.
Also, slightly irritating is the term “feedback loop”. I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard that term lol. Wayyyy too much.
There also again did seem like some continuity errors. Or things just not followed up on. Like one chapter said something along the lines of, time passed by quickly at this point. But then it was only a day or something. Very strange.
And Dimitri being a burnt little crisp but then being fine with only a couple burns in some areas. Then no explanation of him ever changing clothes or taking a shower after.
There wasn’t as much world-building in this. I felt like I know nothing about Knox and his backstory. Did his parents leave him? Does he know who they are? Was he rejected? I’m confused. Also, we had no background outside of vague mentions regarding Dimitri’s life before.
And what are they going to do after? Dimitri doesn’t have a job. How is he getting money? Lol
This book was definitely more for the vibes. Can’t think too much into it.
Also, slightly irritating is the term “feedback loop”. I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard that term lol. Wayyyy too much.
There also again did seem like some continuity errors. Or things just not followed up on. Like one chapter said something along the lines of, time passed by quickly at this point. But then it was only a day or something. Very strange.
And Dimitri being a burnt little crisp but then being fine with only a couple burns in some areas. Then no explanation of him ever changing clothes or taking a shower after.
August 13, 2026
10/10 ⭐️ — This One Had Me SAT
“You’re the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen, and I have seen everything.”
Atlas Jones… THANK YOU. 😭 Because Dimitri and Knox’s story? Absolutely everything.
I love a good story, but more than that, I love a story that knows where it is going. Give me direction, give me a journey, give me characters whose story actually unfolds and builds on itself — and I am SOLD. Etched in Bone gave me all of that and then tripled it.
This is easily a 10/10 for me.
I could genuinely read this book again and again without getting tired of it. The bond journey was everything. The accidental bond, the struggle to break it, the emotions, the tension, the way everything develops between Dimitri and Knox… I was THERE for all of it.
I’ve read the series, even though I never got around to writing a review, and I enjoyed Vale’s story. I also read the fourth book. But I have to be honest — Knox’s story is the one for me. It just hit differently.
There is something about reading a story that feels properly constructed and purposeful. When I can see the direction of the story and feel everything coming together, I completely loosen up as a reader and just let myself fall into it. And with this one? Ohhh yeah. I was IN. 😂
And the steam? The steam is STEAMING. 🔥
But honestly, what I loved most was the journey. Watching this accidental bond become something neither of them could simply walk away from made the whole story so satisfying for me.
Etched in Bone is the kind of book where I finish it and immediately think, “Yeah… I could read that again.”
For me, this is my favourite of the series so far.
Dimitri. Knox. The bond. The journey. The steam. The whole thing.
10/10. No complaints. Atlas Jones, you absolutely understood the assignment. ❤️🔥
“You’re the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen, and I have seen everything.”
Atlas Jones… THANK YOU. 😭 Because Dimitri and Knox’s story? Absolutely everything.
I love a good story, but more than that, I love a story that knows where it is going. Give me direction, give me a journey, give me characters whose story actually unfolds and builds on itself — and I am SOLD. Etched in Bone gave me all of that and then tripled it.
This is easily a 10/10 for me.
I could genuinely read this book again and again without getting tired of it. The bond journey was everything. The accidental bond, the struggle to break it, the emotions, the tension, the way everything develops between Dimitri and Knox… I was THERE for all of it.
I’ve read the series, even though I never got around to writing a review, and I enjoyed Vale’s story. I also read the fourth book. But I have to be honest — Knox’s story is the one for me. It just hit differently.
There is something about reading a story that feels properly constructed and purposeful. When I can see the direction of the story and feel everything coming together, I completely loosen up as a reader and just let myself fall into it. And with this one? Ohhh yeah. I was IN. 😂
And the steam? The steam is STEAMING. 🔥
But honestly, what I loved most was the journey. Watching this accidental bond become something neither of them could simply walk away from made the whole story so satisfying for me.
Etched in Bone is the kind of book where I finish it and immediately think, “Yeah… I could read that again.”
For me, this is my favourite of the series so far.
Dimitri. Knox. The bond. The journey. The steam. The whole thing.
10/10. No complaints. Atlas Jones, you absolutely understood the assignment. ❤️🔥
September 13, 2026
I need a Sequel
I loved this couple so much. Their connection and how it slowly builds is one of the most beautiful slow-burns I’ve read. The longing between them is everything! Their dynamic is fun, tender, deep and slightly unhinged. The ending came way too soon. There is so much potential story left. How they start building a life together while keeping their relationship secret. It felt like this was just the beginning of their story. I desperately need a sequel for them.
I loved this couple so much. Their connection and how it slowly builds is one of the most beautiful slow-burns I’ve read. The longing between them is everything! Their dynamic is fun, tender, deep and slightly unhinged. The ending came way too soon. There is so much potential story left. How they start building a life together while keeping their relationship secret. It felt like this was just the beginning of their story. I desperately need a sequel for them.
May 5, 2026
This book is one of the best mm fantasy books so far this year. Atlas' writing is improving with every new book they write and I'm all here for it.
MCs are well written and likeable, each in their own way, and the storyline is well structured and satisfyingly paced.
Exactly right amount of spicy for my taste and does not turn into simple smut. The story is interesting enough to make you want to read the book in one sitting.
Full 5/5 for me
MCs are well written and likeable, each in their own way, and the storyline is well structured and satisfyingly paced.
Exactly right amount of spicy for my taste and does not turn into simple smut. The story is interesting enough to make you want to read the book in one sitting.
Full 5/5 for me
August 14, 2026
I laughed and cried so much throughout this book WOW. New favourite full stop.
I love Dimitri’s sense of humour and it was so amazing to read Knox’s and his bond. I’ve read a lot of bond-based romance books and this was just PERFECT! It is just the perfect pairing of amazing interesting story & romance.
I love Dimitri’s sense of humour and it was so amazing to read Knox’s and his bond. I’ve read a lot of bond-based romance books and this was just PERFECT! It is just the perfect pairing of amazing interesting story & romance.
May 4, 2026
Loved reading this book! It’s wonderfully written and the connection between dimitri and knox develops so beautifully it’s amazing to see it unfold. Finished in one sitting - so lovely.
Honestly hope the next book is about newt (he seems like a precious bean)
Tw: fighting and violence
Honestly hope the next book is about newt (he seems like a precious bean)
Tw: fighting and violence
September 3, 2026
It's not a full 4 stars, but something like 3,5. It's better written than the first book of the series, but it still feels unpolished.
Knox is just my kind of protagonist. Quiet and strong, with a pure heart and unlimited kindness to those around him.
Knox is just my kind of protagonist. Quiet and strong, with a pure heart and unlimited kindness to those around him.
May 24, 2026
I enjoyed reading this and it was my first book from this author. I liked Knox and Dimitri as characters, the general atmosphere of the story and the way things were described. I really enjoy it when books don't over explain and have 20 pages just for world building. Here you get thrown right into it and it doesn't make you feel like you're missing anything.
Two of my main issues, which had me give it 4 instead of 5 stars, was the lack of dialogue. I really, really loved it when they were talking. There was sass, there was adoration, there was spunk. It made me happy, and also a little sad for what little dialogue there actually was.
My second issue was the repetition of certain phrases, or the phrasing of certain processes. We get it, it's a reverb chamber that amplifies back and forth, and back and forth, and back and forth .
Two of my main issues, which had me give it 4 instead of 5 stars, was the lack of dialogue. I really, really loved it when they were talking. There was sass, there was adoration, there was spunk. It made me happy, and also a little sad for what little dialogue there actually was.
My second issue was the repetition of certain phrases, or the phrasing of certain processes. We get it, it's a reverb chamber that amplifies back and forth, and back and forth, and back and forth .
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews