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The Bookbinder
This novella is a work of adult fantasy romance fiction.
This story takes place 10 years prior to the events in the full-length novel, Kiss of the Black Flame, book 1 in The Bookbinder’s Bargain trilogy. It is designed to stand alone but provide a glimpse into the past of our protagonist, Saige Grayson. In the following novella, Saige is twenty-five years of age, however, in the main series she is thirty-five. You can, of course, read the novel without having read this prequel.
Content warnings: gaslighting, chronic pain, pressure to commit a sexual act/sexual harassment, references to self-harm.
--
Ten years before the bargain that will change everything, Saige Grayson is building a life on her own terms.
At work, she loses herself in the rhythm of the bindery—the smell of leather and beeswax, the quiet satisfaction of restoring what's broken. All the while, she's fighting a body that betrays her without warning, a relationship that slowly chips away at everything she knows to be true, and a debt to the city's most dangerous man that she can't ignore.
Then, during the chaos of the Reclaiming Festival, she spots a figure in the shadows. Green eyes. A metallic ring of gold. Gone before she can be sure he was ever there.
Except there's blood on her paring knife. And it isn't hers.
Saige has spent years being told her instincts are wrong. That the pain isn't real. That she's imagining things.
She's done listening.
This story takes place 10 years prior to the events in the full-length novel, Kiss of the Black Flame, book 1 in The Bookbinder’s Bargain trilogy. It is designed to stand alone but provide a glimpse into the past of our protagonist, Saige Grayson. In the following novella, Saige is twenty-five years of age, however, in the main series she is thirty-five. You can, of course, read the novel without having read this prequel.
Content warnings: gaslighting, chronic pain, pressure to commit a sexual act/sexual harassment, references to self-harm.
--
Ten years before the bargain that will change everything, Saige Grayson is building a life on her own terms.
At work, she loses herself in the rhythm of the bindery—the smell of leather and beeswax, the quiet satisfaction of restoring what's broken. All the while, she's fighting a body that betrays her without warning, a relationship that slowly chips away at everything she knows to be true, and a debt to the city's most dangerous man that she can't ignore.
Then, during the chaos of the Reclaiming Festival, she spots a figure in the shadows. Green eyes. A metallic ring of gold. Gone before she can be sure he was ever there.
Except there's blood on her paring knife. And it isn't hers.
Saige has spent years being told her instincts are wrong. That the pain isn't real. That she's imagining things.
She's done listening.
ebook
About the author
Helen Scheuerer
44 books7,493 followersHelen Scheuerer is the fantasy author of the bestselling series, The Oremere Chronicles, the Curse of the Cyren Queen quartet and The Legends of Thezmarr. Her work has been highly praised for its strong, flawed female characters and its action-packed plots.
Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a creative writing degree and a Masters of Publishing. She has been a full-time author since 2018 and now lives amidst the mountains in New Zealand where she is constantly dreaming up new stories.
Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a creative writing degree and a Masters of Publishing. She has been a full-time author since 2018 and now lives amidst the mountains in New Zealand where she is constantly dreaming up new stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 18, 2026
Reid suuuuuuuuckssssss 🗣️🗣️🗣️
July 16, 2026
This novella was a great way to get an introduction before reading Kiss of the Black Flame. Saige seems like a FMC I'm going to really enjoy, which Helen is great at doing anyways. Quick and easy to read but really thoughtful and did its job to get me excited!
July 28, 2026
Oh I absolutely loved getting more insight on Sage 10 years prior. If you haven't read Kiss of the Black Flame yet, read this first. It follows our FMC when someone finally saw Archie for the first time.. from her eyes. In love with this series.
July 30, 2026
I’m honestly amazed by how quickly Helen made me care about and connect with these characters, especially Saige. Her determination in overcoming both physical and societal hardships is genuinely inspiring. Seeing the love and support she shares with the people who matter most is so incredibly heartwarming. I’m already so invested in her story and cannot wait to spend more time with the Consortium of Difficult Women and watch those friendships continue to grow.
I have a strong feeling so many readers are going to relate to Saige, and she’s going to become an unforgettable FMC. I’m so excited to dive into Kiss of the Black Flame! 🖤
I have a strong feeling so many readers are going to relate to Saige, and she’s going to become an unforgettable FMC. I’m so excited to dive into Kiss of the Black Flame! 🖤
July 22, 2026
This little story gave me everything I needed to be super excited about the Kiss of the Black Flame.
I already LOVE Saige as a main character. Some of her inner thoughts punched me straight in the face, cause she's a chronic pain girly and you know those dark thoughts of feeling like a burden hit a bit too close to home.
I loved the group of people she had around her, I just hope the "ancient" ones will make it to the actual book, cause they were wonderful. I also want, no actually NEED to see Raven again. She's everything, I love how supportive she is, and her sense of humor is everything.
I also really hope we get to see more of the group of women Saige is getting together.
This is more of a "what I need in Kiss of the Black Flame", instead of a review lol
I can tell you who I need less off, though...cause if I have to see Reid (that was his name, right?!) again, he better not be breathing.
I already LOVE Saige as a main character. Some of her inner thoughts punched me straight in the face, cause she's a chronic pain girly and you know those dark thoughts of feeling like a burden hit a bit too close to home.
I loved the group of people she had around her, I just hope the "ancient" ones will make it to the actual book, cause they were wonderful. I also want, no actually NEED to see Raven again. She's everything, I love how supportive she is, and her sense of humor is everything.
I also really hope we get to see more of the group of women Saige is getting together.
This is more of a "what I need in Kiss of the Black Flame", instead of a review lol
I can tell you who I need less off, though...cause if I have to see Reid (that was his name, right?!) again, he better not be breathing.
July 24, 2026
This was such a good introduction and has made me all the more excited for Kiss of the Black Flame (which I'll be diving straight into now!)
I've connected to Saige so quickly in only so little pages - seeing her chronic pain and the lack of belief around her (I can imagine a lot of women will be resonating with Saige).
Loved seeing the budding female friendships and the strong empowerment vibes throughout - excited to see more of The Consortium of Difficult Women!
Reid? if he doesn't meet an untimely demise in the very near future I'll be jumping into the book to fix this myself
I've connected to Saige so quickly in only so little pages - seeing her chronic pain and the lack of belief around her (I can imagine a lot of women will be resonating with Saige).
Loved seeing the budding female friendships and the strong empowerment vibes throughout - excited to see more of The Consortium of Difficult Women!
Reid? if he doesn't meet an untimely demise in the very near future I'll be jumping into the book to fix this myself
July 10, 2026
Actually a really good novella with insight to the upcoming book. I’m so excited!!
July 26, 2026
Love a prequel novella and now even more hype to read Kiss of the Black Flame this week
July 19, 2026
I love Helen’s writing and can burn through her books in a day. Can’t wait for this series to be released!
July 16, 2026
I’m such a sucker for novellas, so I was thrilled that The Bookbinder not only lived up to my expectations but completely exceeded them! 😍
Set 10 years before Kiss of the Black Flame, this prequel is the perfect introduction to the world and has me even more excited to dive into this series.
I always say that Helen Scheuerer writes phenomenal female characters, and I already have a feeling that Saige is going to be another unforgettable FMC. If you’re thinking about picking up this series, I can’t recommend this novella enough. It’s a fantastic introduction to the characters and definitely makes you want to read Kiss of the Black Flame asap! 🔥
Set 10 years before Kiss of the Black Flame, this prequel is the perfect introduction to the world and has me even more excited to dive into this series.
I always say that Helen Scheuerer writes phenomenal female characters, and I already have a feeling that Saige is going to be another unforgettable FMC. If you’re thinking about picking up this series, I can’t recommend this novella enough. It’s a fantastic introduction to the characters and definitely makes you want to read Kiss of the Black Flame asap! 🔥
July 13, 2026
This short novella was so well written and got me so much more excited for the next book to come out. I love getting to see the backstory of characters and now I can't wait to see how it ties in to the series.
July 28, 2026
I loved getting this backstory of a younger version of our FMC. The way she was able to build up her determination to overcome her hardships both physically and societal with pure grit was inspiring. I can’t wait to start this series!
July 12, 2026
Such a lovely little novella!
Loved being introduced to these new characters. It makes me very excited to read Kiss of the Black Flame.
Loved being introduced to these new characters. It makes me very excited to read Kiss of the Black Flame.
July 15, 2026
This was a great introduction to Kiss of the Black Flame! I feel for Saige and her chronic pain, feeling alone when you shouldn’t be in the worst of times.
I’m really excited to dive into KotBF!
I’m really excited to dive into KotBF!
July 17, 2026
The chronic pain/invisible illness representation was so well done 👏 Cannot wait for KOTBF
July 18, 2026
I loved this prequel and can’t wait for book one!
July 23, 2026
4.5⭐ - a promising start!
July 31, 2026
Perfect intro novella, very excited to read Kiss of the Black Flame ❤️
July 19, 2026
There is a reason Helen is my favourite author- in just 50ish pages she has woven a world I want to be a part of- this was such a good introduction, beautifully written and I already love Sage! I’m diving straight into The Kiss of the Black Flame!!
July 20, 2026
I’m excited to see how this contributes to the Kiss of the Black Flame storyline, I think this will be good for readers to read for extra context to the plot and I enjoyed it!
August 3, 2026
I’m such a sucker for novellas, so when I saw The Bookbinder was a little introduction before Kiss of the Black Flame, I was immediately sold. This was the perfect little appetiser because now I’m sitting here desperate for the main course.
I already adore Saige. The way Helen Scheuerer portrays the reality of chronic pain—not just the physical pain, but the emotional weight that comes with it—was incredible. Those moments of feeling like a burden, questioning yourself, and having to constantly fight against a body that doesn’t always cooperate felt so real.
And yet Saige is still so incredibly strong.
She’s resilient, determined, and refuses to let the world define her by what she struggles with. I already know she’s going to be an unforgettable character, and I am fully prepared to become even more obsessed with her journey.
I can’t wait to spend more time with the Consortium of Difficult Women and watch those friendships continue to grow. Also where do I sign up?
Also Reid. The vile man you are. What do you mean her pain is an inconvenience to you? The audacity of this man. The way he dismissed Saige’s pain and tried to convince her that what she was experiencing wasn’t real had me furious. Someone please remove him from my sight. If he shows up in Kiss of the Black Flame, I hope he gets punched in the face.
Even though this was a quick read, it packed such an emotional punch. This novella gave me so much insight into Saige, her abilities, her struggles, and the relationships that shaped her into who she is. More than anything, I loved seeing her surrounded by people who truly see her, support her, and love her.
Helen, you can’t just casually drop a mysterious green eyed Azkari into the story and expect me not to be desperate to know more!
The Bookbinder was everything a prequel novella should be. It gave me just enough of this world to become completely invested, introduced me to characters I come to love, and somehow made me even more impatient to pick up Kiss of the Black Flame.
Helen Scheuerer has once again proven she knows how to create characters that crawl into your heart and refuse to leave. I’m officially invested, and ready for more.
I already adore Saige. The way Helen Scheuerer portrays the reality of chronic pain—not just the physical pain, but the emotional weight that comes with it—was incredible. Those moments of feeling like a burden, questioning yourself, and having to constantly fight against a body that doesn’t always cooperate felt so real.
And yet Saige is still so incredibly strong.
She’s resilient, determined, and refuses to let the world define her by what she struggles with. I already know she’s going to be an unforgettable character, and I am fully prepared to become even more obsessed with her journey.
I can’t wait to spend more time with the Consortium of Difficult Women and watch those friendships continue to grow. Also where do I sign up?
Also Reid. The vile man you are. What do you mean her pain is an inconvenience to you? The audacity of this man. The way he dismissed Saige’s pain and tried to convince her that what she was experiencing wasn’t real had me furious. Someone please remove him from my sight. If he shows up in Kiss of the Black Flame, I hope he gets punched in the face.
Even though this was a quick read, it packed such an emotional punch. This novella gave me so much insight into Saige, her abilities, her struggles, and the relationships that shaped her into who she is. More than anything, I loved seeing her surrounded by people who truly see her, support her, and love her.
Helen, you can’t just casually drop a mysterious green eyed Azkari into the story and expect me not to be desperate to know more!
The Bookbinder was everything a prequel novella should be. It gave me just enough of this world to become completely invested, introduced me to characters I come to love, and somehow made me even more impatient to pick up Kiss of the Black Flame.
Helen Scheuerer has once again proven she knows how to create characters that crawl into your heart and refuse to leave. I’m officially invested, and ready for more.
July 25, 2026
The Bookbinder by Helen Scheuerer is a prequel novella to The Bookbinder’s Bargain, set ten years before the events of the novel, and I absolutely loved getting a deeper look into Saige’s past.
This story explores how Saige became a bookbinder while also showing the reality of the chronic pain she lives with. I really appreciated how honestly her pain was portrayed, especially when the people around her did not always believe or support her.
We also get an early glimpse of Archer, and even that brief moment had me so excited:
“I blink into the dark, trying to understand what I’m seeing. A pair of green eyes, a metallic ring of gold framing the irises. An Azkari. He has to be. But as quickly as I’ve spotted the figure, he’s gone. A figment of my pain addled imagination.”
I loved finally getting to know Leo, especially since he was no longer alive during The Bookbinder’s Bargain. Seeing more of him added so much emotional weight to Saige’s story and helped me understand the people who shaped her.
We also see more of Reid, and somehow he is even worse than I remembered. The way he dismissed Saige’s pain and tried to convince her it was not real made me furious.
More than anything, I loved seeing Saige surrounded by her found family. Their love, loyalty and support brought so much warmth to the story and made this novella feel incredibly meaningful.
This was the perfect addition to the series. It gave me more insight into Saige, her abilities, her pain and the relationships that made her who she is. Helen Scheuerer continues to make me care deeply about every character she writes.
This story explores how Saige became a bookbinder while also showing the reality of the chronic pain she lives with. I really appreciated how honestly her pain was portrayed, especially when the people around her did not always believe or support her.
We also get an early glimpse of Archer, and even that brief moment had me so excited:
“I blink into the dark, trying to understand what I’m seeing. A pair of green eyes, a metallic ring of gold framing the irises. An Azkari. He has to be. But as quickly as I’ve spotted the figure, he’s gone. A figment of my pain addled imagination.”
I loved finally getting to know Leo, especially since he was no longer alive during The Bookbinder’s Bargain. Seeing more of him added so much emotional weight to Saige’s story and helped me understand the people who shaped her.
We also see more of Reid, and somehow he is even worse than I remembered. The way he dismissed Saige’s pain and tried to convince her it was not real made me furious.
More than anything, I loved seeing Saige surrounded by her found family. Their love, loyalty and support brought so much warmth to the story and made this novella feel incredibly meaningful.
This was the perfect addition to the series. It gave me more insight into Saige, her abilities, her pain and the relationships that made her who she is. Helen Scheuerer continues to make me care deeply about every character she writes.
July 23, 2026
The Bookbinder is a quick little prequel novella set ten years before Kiss of the Black Flame, and honestly, it's just a fun way to get your feet wet with this new world.
You definitely don't HAVE to read it before the main series, but if you're planning to anyway, I don't see why you wouldn't. It's only about 58 pages, doesn't waste a single one of them, and gives you a chance to watch Saige Grayson begin to discover the strength and determination that make her such a compelling protagonist later on.
It was also fun meeting Yevna, Raven, Leo, and of course Grim, all of whom become so important in Saige's life. And while the Azkari will definitely keep you intrigued, my favorite part was getting to witness the birth of the Consortium of Difficult Women. I absolutely loved seeing the beginnings of what becomes such a beautiful women's support network.
Short, engaging, and a great little appetizer before diving into the trilogy. It definitely reminded me why I’m excited about this series.
You definitely don't HAVE to read it before the main series, but if you're planning to anyway, I don't see why you wouldn't. It's only about 58 pages, doesn't waste a single one of them, and gives you a chance to watch Saige Grayson begin to discover the strength and determination that make her such a compelling protagonist later on.
It was also fun meeting Yevna, Raven, Leo, and of course Grim, all of whom become so important in Saige's life. And while the Azkari will definitely keep you intrigued, my favorite part was getting to witness the birth of the Consortium of Difficult Women. I absolutely loved seeing the beginnings of what becomes such a beautiful women's support network.
Short, engaging, and a great little appetizer before diving into the trilogy. It definitely reminded me why I’m excited about this series.
August 2, 2026
This novella works beautifully as an introduction to the world we will all be obsessed with for this new trilogy. It's incredible how Helen has the ability to create a connection with characters in so few pages but she's managed to introduce most of the key players in the story in a way that feels natural, effortless and highly impactful.
However, I read this after KotBF and it gave me that extra insight in Saige's past that I could appreciate so much more after knowing what she will go through and the ways in which she will grow as a person.
I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the founding moments of the Consortium and could see the power - and humour - in this, already knowing what it would become and how important of a support system or will be for Saige in her moments of need.
Sidenote: it also made me want to give Reid an even more massive kick in the nuts.
Whether you read this before or after the first book in the trilogy, you're sure to be in for an excellent time!
However, I read this after KotBF and it gave me that extra insight in Saige's past that I could appreciate so much more after knowing what she will go through and the ways in which she will grow as a person.
I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the founding moments of the Consortium and could see the power - and humour - in this, already knowing what it would become and how important of a support system or will be for Saige in her moments of need.
Sidenote: it also made me want to give Reid an even more massive kick in the nuts.
Whether you read this before or after the first book in the trilogy, you're sure to be in for an excellent time!
July 19, 2026
What an absolute delight this prequel novella is! It has just elevated my hype towards the release of Kiss Of The Black Flame!
In this novella we are introduced to Saige! She is currently 25 and is a bookbinder! We get a glimpse of her found family (Leo, Raven, Yevna and of course Grim). They are celebrating the success of Saige's kings commission which also lands on The Reclaiming! Saige is can already tell is such a hard worker and loves what she does. During the celebration her ailment (pain shoot's up her left side) which leads her to try to catch some air in the alley.. she is met with green eyes 👀
We are also met with her boyfriend Reid in this novella - you can form your opinions when you read this 😂
This novella definitely has set the stage for the upcoming release of Kiss Of The Black Flame and I am truly counting down the seconds!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
In this novella we are introduced to Saige! She is currently 25 and is a bookbinder! We get a glimpse of her found family (Leo, Raven, Yevna and of course Grim). They are celebrating the success of Saige's kings commission which also lands on The Reclaiming! Saige is can already tell is such a hard worker and loves what she does. During the celebration her ailment (pain shoot's up her left side) which leads her to try to catch some air in the alley.. she is met with green eyes 👀
We are also met with her boyfriend Reid in this novella - you can form your opinions when you read this 😂
This novella definitely has set the stage for the upcoming release of Kiss Of The Black Flame and I am truly counting down the seconds!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
July 30, 2026
★★★★★
This was such a beautiful and unforgettable read. I loved how the story celebrated the power of books, knowledge, and resilience while weaving them into a deeply emotional historical setting. Peggy was an incredible protagonist—curious, determined, and easy to root for—and her relationship with Maude was the heart of the novel.
The writing was absolutely gorgeous, rich in detail without ever feeling overwhelming. I felt completely immersed in Oxford during WWI, and the behind-the-scenes look at the art of bookbinding was fascinating. Every character felt authentic, and the themes of love, sacrifice, education, and finding your own voice stayed with me long after I finished.
This is a quiet but powerful novel that deserves every one of its five stars. Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction, books about books, and beautifully written character-driven stories.
This was such a beautiful and unforgettable read. I loved how the story celebrated the power of books, knowledge, and resilience while weaving them into a deeply emotional historical setting. Peggy was an incredible protagonist—curious, determined, and easy to root for—and her relationship with Maude was the heart of the novel.
The writing was absolutely gorgeous, rich in detail without ever feeling overwhelming. I felt completely immersed in Oxford during WWI, and the behind-the-scenes look at the art of bookbinding was fascinating. Every character felt authentic, and the themes of love, sacrifice, education, and finding your own voice stayed with me long after I finished.
This is a quiet but powerful novel that deserves every one of its five stars. Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction, books about books, and beautifully written character-driven stories.
July 30, 2026
This was novella prequel to the author's upcoming book Kiss of the Black Flame. It introduces the FMC and gives a glimpse of life 10 years before the main series starts.
I loved the cast in this novella. Saige has a wonderful found family in Leo, Yevna, and Raven.
I LOVED the Consortium of Difficult Women idea, I chuckled out loud when Raven came up with that - so cool to see the different trades represented. Not sure how much of this carries into the main series since there is so much time difference, but I hope we see the development of these women in trade supporting each other!
The Azkari sound very interesting and I look forward to learning more. Also curious if the Gods who created them are still present in the world or not.
I was already putting Kiss of the Black Flame on my TBR - that is only reinforced by reading this prequel.
I loved the cast in this novella. Saige has a wonderful found family in Leo, Yevna, and Raven.
I LOVED the Consortium of Difficult Women idea, I chuckled out loud when Raven came up with that - so cool to see the different trades represented. Not sure how much of this carries into the main series since there is so much time difference, but I hope we see the development of these women in trade supporting each other!
The Azkari sound very interesting and I look forward to learning more. Also curious if the Gods who created them are still present in the world or not.
I was already putting Kiss of the Black Flame on my TBR - that is only reinforced by reading this prequel.
July 18, 2026
This was the perfect introduction to the characters and this world!
Saige is a character I know I’m going to love. The insight into her chronic pain and how this affects her, the way others view it and the way it shapes how she views herself was so well conveyed in only a 50 page novella. I definitely found myself resonating with Saige and am very excited to get to know her more.
I also loved the setting! The bookbinders shop was fascinating and the attention to detail was impressive.
This novella has definitely done what it set out to do! It had built a lot of suspense and intrigue for what’s to come in the main story and has me wanting to dive straight into The Kiss of the Black Flame next 😍
Saige is a character I know I’m going to love. The insight into her chronic pain and how this affects her, the way others view it and the way it shapes how she views herself was so well conveyed in only a 50 page novella. I definitely found myself resonating with Saige and am very excited to get to know her more.
I also loved the setting! The bookbinders shop was fascinating and the attention to detail was impressive.
This novella has definitely done what it set out to do! It had built a lot of suspense and intrigue for what’s to come in the main story and has me wanting to dive straight into The Kiss of the Black Flame next 😍
July 25, 2026
This was intriguing and helped to set up the world for the main book to come later this year. I liked the MFC and loved the element of mystery in this and GRIM. You’d have to read to find out who GRIM is. I personally feel that the MFC is having a lot of things kept from her and is being safe guarded by those closest. And I was also loving the part that the love interest played in this book and how his actions and words set the tone for how men view woman in this world and time period. This short prequel novella has don’t more than enough to introduce me to the authors easy and enjoyable writing style and i cant wait to embark on her new series later this year - of which i have already preordered a deluxe edition.
July 12, 2026
Quote: “I’m just . . . enduring. Just me and the pain, honest about what it is. I don’t unravel or question my own sanity. I do what I can to breathe, to accept that it will pass, that I just need to hold on—the reprieve is coming.”
What a cute little prequel novella! Nothing reeeally happened much BUT I felt like it gave us a good glimpse into Saige and introduced us to characters, the world, the shop and perhaps set up who will maybe become villains 👀
I’m definitely sensing a memory loss trope/forgotten or hidden identity maybe??? Either way I’m even more excited to dive in Kiss of the Black Flame ❤️🔥
P.s. The Consortium of Difficult Women is a brilliant club name 😌
What a cute little prequel novella! Nothing reeeally happened much BUT I felt like it gave us a good glimpse into Saige and introduced us to characters, the world, the shop and perhaps set up who will maybe become villains 👀
I’m definitely sensing a memory loss trope/forgotten or hidden identity maybe??? Either way I’m even more excited to dive in Kiss of the Black Flame ❤️🔥
P.s. The Consortium of Difficult Women is a brilliant club name 😌
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews