Twelve Bound By Fate

Branches of Past and Future #5

by M.N. Bennet

After stepping away from teaching, Dorian has taken on a new role as a professional enchanter to stop the looming threat of the Celestial Coven led by the notorious True Witch. But just because Dorian’s no longer in the classroom doesn’t mean he’s going to give up on his former students. As the twelve teens enter their first semester of internships, Dorian keeps a watchful eye over their progress. They’re stepping into the professional world of casting, and Dorian wants to ensure they each receive the best mentorships possible.

While working alongside Milo, Dorian uses the fully harnessed control of his telepathy to scour the world for leads on the elusive True Witch. Milo continues down his path with the Global Guild to put an end to the deadly coven bent on conquering the world. When new visions of old possibilities begin to surface, Milo will have to step up for his most difficult battle ever.

When The True Witch finally returns to the city to claim her prize, she brings her formidable coven to strike down any enchanter resistance. Dorian watches as Milo and other industry pros put their lives on the line to stop the Celestial Coven. He also grapples with the reality of his students fighting alongside professional enchanters. The world is on the precipice of cataclysmic change, and Dorian will have to unravel The True Witch’s secrets or risk Hell itself being unleashed.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic

Unknown Binding

Published July 13, 2026

About the author

MN Bennet is a high school teacher, writer, and reader. He lives in the Midwest, still adjusting to the cold after being born and raised in the South.

He enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy stories with huge worlds (sometimes too big), loveable romances (with so much angst and banter), and Happily Ever Afters (once he’s dragged his characters through some emotional turmoil).

When he’s not balancing classes, writing, or reading, he can be found binge watching anime or replaying Baldur's Gate 3 for the millionth time.

Reviews

[Meagan (FranticVampireReads)]

…………. 4.5 stars ………….

Oh my gods, this book was wild from start to finish! There was so much juicy info dropped throughout this book, from tasty little lore tidbits all the way up to massive earthshaking info drops that I’m still trying to process. (Don’t worry, no spoilers here!) This book was just so good and I loved that even though Dorian wasn’t currently teaching, he was still looking out for and protecting his students. (He won’t admit it, but he’s secretly a big softy and loves all of his students like they’re his own kids 🤭) Also! The cliffhanger ending?!?!! Absolutely diabolical. I was literally screaming “Fucking Theodore?!??!” for the entire last chapter. I was literally that little angry cussing face emoji for the entire last chapter: 🤬🤬🤬. I think I’m gonna be unwell about that ending for a while. And with that being said, Twelve Bound By Fate is getting 4.5 stars. It’s also currently my favorite book in the series so far!

[Stepphy]

In true Bennet style, we are treated to a wonderful collection of characters who have all experienced enormous personal growth since we met them in Three Meant to Be.
Although we see the world through Dorian Frost's eyes, the character development is really something to behold. The people he has created to help tell this story don’t feel like secondary characters at all. They are essential to the story being told.

I really loved how we got to explore more of Gladiatrix in this story. Using her to bring together Witches from other countries, I felt, was an excellent move for her impressive character. I also like how we get to explore a softer side to her personality, rather than the superhero front she has to wear in public; it brings an added layer of humanity to a larger-than-life character.

I enjoyed seeing how the characters developed through this series. We see how each of the homeroom coven is doing in their internships, and how well Chanelle matched them up with their respective Enchanters. That Witch is one smart cookie! We see them make mistakes and achieve some seriously amazing things. It was also great to see how much they rallied around each other after the Celestial Coven returns and attacks Chicago.

The Celestial Coven is diabolical. The way that Bennet writes them makes me loathe them so much! I did, however, really enjoy the way in which the fight scenes were described. We get to see our favourite characters take on challenges that would be the end of anyone else. They are forced to use all they know about their abilities to survive.

Caleb’s role in the True Witches' plans was unexpected and gave me an “Oh Shit” moment, and I feared for both Caleb and Tara’s lives for a while there. I really enjoyed how Dorian brought together his homeroom coven and rallied them to prepare to save their friends.

The softer moments of the story were needed to mellow out the story as a whole. The sweet moments between Dorian and Milo were awesome to see, and I was so happy to see that Milo could still be surprised, even if he is a powerful clairvoyant. It was so good to witness Dorian finally living in the moment and enjoying the spontaneous things in life... like double dates with Texas Daddy ... That scene was FIRE.
My heart also melted seeing how well Ben is fitting in with their little family, and how his trust in his new guardians is growing.

[Annette Jordan]

Twelve Bound by Fate is book five in M.N. Bennett's Branches of Past and Future, and I believe the penultimate book in this excellent series.
When I first started reading these books I was drawn in by the premise of a book set at a magical school but from the teacher's perspective, and over the course of the series I fell in love with Dorian and his rag tag bunch of students, seeing them grow and change as the formed friendships and rivalries. I was curious to see how I would find this book which sees the student's out of the school environment and starting internships under the mentorship of some of the world's most powerful magicians, but I was not worried as I knew I was in safe hands with this author, and he did not disappoint. As the series had progressed it has gotten darker and the stakes continue to get higher here, while some shocking secrets of the past are revealed, and the stage is set for a truly dramatic climax. Another facet of the series that has always been a strong point is the relationship between Dorian and Milo, and that also continues here, and the addition of a young ward to the family made for some interesting dynamics. Every book in the series expands the universe and the lore a little more, and for me one of the most fascinating characters that we got to spend more time with in this volume was Gladiatrix, it was refreshing to see a more human side to her character, making her more than just one of the most powerful enchanters in the world. This book also reveals something about a favourite character that has been brewing since book one, and that slow build which has allowed us as readers to really care about them makes their potential fate all the more shocking. (I am being very deliberately vague to try to avoid any hint of spoilers)
I'm excited to see how it will all play out in the final book, but at the same time I do not want to say goodbye to these wonderful characters.
I read an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own.

[Ivan]

This series has wedged itself deep in my heart.


I received an eARC and this was my honest review.


Dorian now isn't a teacher anymore but can't let go of his students, and neither can I. They have made space in my heart with a book series I love coming back to and read with a lot of fondness for every character. Even Milo recognizes that Dorian can't forever be protective over his students and makes sure he has space to keep tabs on them. Forever the sweet boyfriend that Milo.

The teens get to be interns in this book, finally moving on from school life and it's very different for them, and honestly for me too as a reader. Instead of them spending a lot of time together, a lot of pages are spent on each of their stories separately. Normally I'm not too big of a fan for such a book, I'd rather stay much with 1 true main character, but at this point I've grown to care for them so much and wouldn't want any of them to have less spotlight. And at the same time them now all flying out to different places and being interns for enchanters gives each of the characters some breathing room to grow independently, which was a lot of fun to follow as well.

This book also has a lot of tense moments, sometimes a bit to much for my poor heart just wanting everything to be happy for them. But at the same time the battles and plot points happening in the book were epic and I had so much fun reading them. I just needed many little breaks to calm myself down for not stressing too much as I tend to do with tense books. But that is totally okay.

I liked it as well we got to see more adult enchanters in action and even how the magical world operates overseas. It's a very fun addition to the world lore to open up the scope now in book 5 and I really enjoyed that.

Concluding this is another amazing book by MN Bennet and I am eagerly awaiting that 6th enstallment in the series.

[Sofía Bonino]

I adore these books. All five of them. This saga is so incredibly complex, beautiful, and immersive that I genuinely think it has rewired my brain chemistry.

One of my favorite things about this series is how the number of characters never feels overwhelming. You meet them little by little, exactly as Dorian does, and it all feels so natural. I’m honestly amazed by how seamlessly MN Bennet introduces everyone.

The domestic moments between Milo, Dorian, and Ben are EVERYTHING. I could read an entire book of them just existing together. Ben is the sweetest little guy, and I absolutely love the way his trauma is handled. It’s never just “okay, these are your dads now.” He remembers his family, he grieves, and Dorian and Milo never expect him to feel a certain way, they simply love him until he slowly lets them into his heart. They’re also the most overprotective papa bears in existence, and I adore them for it.

I was a little worried about the coven not being in the same class anymore, but this new dynamic worked so well. It let us follow the students from different perspectives and really get to know all of them on a deeper level.

And the plot… THE PLOT. I can’t say much without spoiling the first four books, but wow. I genuinely couldn’t put this book down.

And the SPICE in this one!!! The romance just keeps getting better. Their relationship continues to grow in such a natural way, and it shows in every intimate moment they share. Four books in, nothing feels repetitive, I honestly can’t get enough of these two.

And MN Bennet’s writing… just gorgeous. Every single book leaves me more impressed than the last.

Now excuse me while I simultaneously can’t wait for book six and desperately don’t want this series to end. Screaming, crying, throwing up 😭

[Anisha Choudhury | A Literary Autopsy]

3.75 ⭐⭐⭐✨ | 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of Twelve Bound By Fate by M.N. Bennet in exchange for an honest review.

Twelve Bound By Fate is the fifth installment in the Branches of Past and Future series, and it raises the stakes higher than ever. Dorian has transitioned from the classroom to his role as a professional enchanter, working tirelessly alongside Milo to track down the looming threat of the True Witch and her Celestial Coven.

While Dorian navigates his new responsibilities, he remains deeply invested in his former students as they begin their first semester of professional internships. The narrative masterfully balances the tension of a world on the brink of cataclysmic change with the personal growth of the younger generation. When the True Witch finally makes her move against the city, the resulting conflict forces both students and industry professionals to put everything on the line.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the progression of Milo and Dorian’s relationship amidst the intense stress of the ongoing magical conflict. It was also incredibly satisfying to watch Dorian’s former students flourish in their new environments. Bennet executes the revelations in this book with precision, keeping the momentum high.

This is an intense, emotional, and well-executed addition to the series. It effectively balances personal triumphs with the tragic realities of magic and war, leading up to a dramatic conclusion.

Note: Readers should be aware that this installment ends on a cliffhanger, so do not go into it expecting an immediate "Happily Ever After." I am eagerly anticipating the final installment!

[Deb Kel]

This series just keeps getting better, and this instalment raises the stakes in all the right ways. Moving the students out of the classroom and into internships was a natural progression, and I loved seeing how much they'd grown while still looking to Dorian for guidance and support.

Dorian continues to be one of my favourite protagonists. Even though he's no longer teaching, his dedication to his students never wavers, and his partnership with Milo remains one of the emotional anchors of the series. Their relationship is as strong as ever, balancing the increasingly dangerous plot with plenty of heartfelt moments.

The world-building continues to expand, revealing new layers of the magic system and some surprising secrets that had me eager to keep turning the pages. I also enjoyed getting to know some of the supporting characters better, especially seeing different sides to those who previously felt untouchable.

The action, emotional moments, and twists all build toward what promises to be an epic finale. I'm both excited and a little sad that the series is nearing its end because these characters have become so easy to care about. I can't wait to see how everything comes together in the final book.

[Jarrod P]

Whelp we are back again with another branches instalment.

Although it’s been a while since the last one I wish I had a recap episode to remind me of everything that happened in the last one 😅😅

But, I think I got the gist of it as I read through this one.

I’m constantly impressed in this series how each of the students continue to grow their magic branches, how they get more of a grasp of their powers and how to use them, while still keeping true to themselves.

One thing that I did miss, considering we are now out of the classroom, is there weren’t as many sassy Gael lines 🥲

Seeing Dorian and Milos relationship continue to develop as Dorian starts to let some of the past trauma is also good to see - and hello that double date 🥵

It is impressive that after 5 books, I still can’t predict what is going to happen at the end, and each time we get to the end of the book, I’m eager to see what happens next. Honestly I’m constantly wondering what trouble Dorian will get into because he can’t seem to fully accept help 😂

So, that being said, there’s one book left in this series. How will it end? I have some thoughts but also know from experience that I will be wrong…

[Ana Nimity]

Another entertaining installment in the Branches of Past and Future saga. A little sweeter than previous books, but just as challenging for the characters.

This really isn't a book you can read as a standalone—and that's a strength, not a drawback. This series is a delight, an amusement park filled with wild rides and romance. If you haven't read Three Meant to Be, go do that now and work your way through the series.

Fair warning: the cliffhanger ending in this one isn't as subtle as in previous books. It's blatant and frustrating—but by this point in the series, I trust M.N. Bennet to make it worth the wait. There's a little spice, but it's seasoning, not the main course.

If you like magic schools that feature both the students and the teachers, you'll love this series. I highly recommend it—and this look at the twelve original students as interns.

[Jack Baker]

Sooo good! But that cliffhanger! I don't want to wait a year to find out what happens! 😭

Really enjoyed this book, I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this book and it was such a great read. Loved the way the story progressed all the characters get a worthwhile moment, Bennet really does a great job juggling the two main characters alongside slide the 20+ side characters of various levels of importance.

Th spice is top notch but not essential to the plot so you can skip if if you want too and still get to experience the brilliant storytelling thaf happens!

If you haven't read this series that I definitely recommend picking up Three Meant to Be, which is the first book and catch up before what will be a huge climactic finale on the next book, number 6!

[N Ras]

ARC review

This book is definitely a setup for the final story. At first I didn’t think much was going to happen at all and then of course all hell breaks loose. Dorian continues to make strange decisions that leave me wondering “are you like… okay?!” ‘Cause WHY would you do that?! If you’re caught up on book 4, which you should be before reading this, you know Dorian isn’t teaching anymore. I was a tad worried how I would handle this new reality for him but no worries, he’s still meddling with his 12 students. I’m excited for the final book and seeing how this group handles the upcoming battle.

[Cara]

Twelve Bound by Fate is the fifth book in the Branches of Past and Future series.

It marks the start of the third year for Dorian’s coven, who are no longer his students because Dorian has left teaching to join the Global Guild in order to stop True Wicht.

The students are assigned mentors, and everything seems to be going smoothly—until it doesn’t. Dorian and Milo take their relationship to the next level.

I liked seeing the European Enchanters, how they’re organized on the Old Continent, and how they challenge the established order.

I can’t wait to read the sixth and final book.

[Kristi]

These books have been such a rollercoaster ride. I’ve enjoyed almost every single moment of it (because Milo still irritates me sometimes). This volume saw the students going out into the world in internships all over the city, while Dorian leaned into his softer side trying to be a good parent to Ben. Lots of growth, a few spicy scenes, and a couple of sweetly soft moments between Dorian and Milo. High angst, moderate heat, HFN.

This is my honest review of an advanced reader copy.

[Dee Layton]

I was blown away!!! This is book 5 in the Branches of past and futures series. This is the best series i have read in a long time by MN Bennett. I love everything about this series. The characters and the world built is amazing as well.

[S J]

I love this series. Everything about it, and this was another great book along the way. The way the characters are now all bound - can't wait to see where this goes.