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Bondspire Academy: Book 1
Not yet published
Expected 27 Dec 26In the kingdom of Slythara, power is determined by the creature you bond to.
Heir to one of the most powerful Triarch families, Seraphina Velastra has spent her life preparing to uphold a legacy she never chose—including an unwanted engagement to the kraken-bonded heir determined to claim her. But Bondspire Academy changes everything. Surrounded by danger, friendship, and her first taste of freedom, Sera begins to question everything she was raised to believe. Her rare Aethergift allows her to manipulate the body’s endocrine system, but it comes at a she feels everything from those around her.
Love. Pain. Fear. Heartbreak.
All the emotions she was never allowed to experience behind the walls of the keep. And nothing challenges her beliefs more than the first non-Triarch dragon rider in five centuries.
As forbidden feelings ignite, rebellion brews, war looms, and a weapon threatens to unravel the very foundation of her world. With Aurethas—the ancient dragon bound to her soul—by her side, Sera must protect the kingdom she was raised to inherit… or risk everything to fight for a new one. If only her gift doesn’t consume her first.
Some kingdoms are built on power. Others are built on lies.
Heir to one of the most powerful Triarch families, Seraphina Velastra has spent her life preparing to uphold a legacy she never chose—including an unwanted engagement to the kraken-bonded heir determined to claim her. But Bondspire Academy changes everything. Surrounded by danger, friendship, and her first taste of freedom, Sera begins to question everything she was raised to believe. Her rare Aethergift allows her to manipulate the body’s endocrine system, but it comes at a she feels everything from those around her.
Love. Pain. Fear. Heartbreak.
All the emotions she was never allowed to experience behind the walls of the keep. And nothing challenges her beliefs more than the first non-Triarch dragon rider in five centuries.
As forbidden feelings ignite, rebellion brews, war looms, and a weapon threatens to unravel the very foundation of her world. With Aurethas—the ancient dragon bound to her soul—by her side, Sera must protect the kingdom she was raised to inherit… or risk everything to fight for a new one. If only her gift doesn’t consume her first.
Some kingdoms are built on power. Others are built on lies.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 27, 2026
About the author
Sandra M. Jenkyn
3 books15 followersSandra M. Jenkyn writes stories about love, loyalty, and the choices that shape who we become. Whether set in dragon-filled kingdoms or small Southern towns, her novels explore complicated relationships, personal growth, and characters searching for where they belong. Diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation at thirteen, she found comfort in books and storytelling, spending countless hours imagining worlds filled with dragons, magic, and adventure.
Today, Sandra holds a degree in Public Health and works in marketing while pursuing her lifelong passion for writing. Her novels feature morally complex characters, political intrigue, found family, and romance that develops alongside high-stakes fantasy plots.
She lives in Georgia with her family, where she can often be found reading, experimenting with sourdough recipes, working in her garden, or plotting new ways to make her characters suffer before earning their happy endings.
When she isn't writing, she's probably adding another book to an already overflowing shelf.
Today, Sandra holds a degree in Public Health and works in marketing while pursuing her lifelong passion for writing. Her novels feature morally complex characters, political intrigue, found family, and romance that develops alongside high-stakes fantasy plots.
She lives in Georgia with her family, where she can often be found reading, experimenting with sourdough recipes, working in her garden, or plotting new ways to make her characters suffer before earning their happy endings.
When she isn't writing, she's probably adding another book to an already overflowing shelf.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
One of the best books I have read lately. Think Hogwarts but so much better. And that is just the school. Now add in the characters Seraphine,Aiden,Mariah and Mase. Seraphine who grows up as a royal princess and told to marry Dailen who is a total ass at first. Seraphine and Mariah are best friends. And Mariah happens to be Dailen sister. But once they all go to school something happens. Seraphine grows her backbone and meets Mase who isn't royal but has magic and bonded with a dragon only to believe the Royals can bond with. But if I keep typing I will give away everything in this story. Read for yourself and get lost in the magic. The slow burn between strangers and find out who the real evil character is. Cant wait for the next book
Review of advance copy received from Author
This books gives Forth Wing meets Harry Potter with a sprinkle of Bridgerton in there. It has great character growth for multiple characters, betrayls, twists, and a touch of romance (closed-door for the spice lovers).
The MFC, Seraphina, has a power I personally have never read about before and it's truly an awesome one, as well as Daelan's gift and his father's which is terrifying. The creativity for these powers is outstanding.
I love that the academy has similarities to IRL college life which keeps it relatable even in a fantasy setting.
Some things I could tell were coming, but some were true twists and I was genuinely surprised. I love how this books has some great character growth.
I look forward to reading more in this series!
The MFC, Seraphina, has a power I personally have never read about before and it's truly an awesome one, as well as Daelan's gift and his father's which is terrifying. The creativity for these powers is outstanding.
I love that the academy has similarities to IRL college life which keeps it relatable even in a fantasy setting.
Some things I could tell were coming, but some were true twists and I was genuinely surprised. I love how this books has some great character growth.
I look forward to reading more in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bondspire Academy by Sandra M. Jenkyn was such a good read!! I absolutely loved the whole concept of bonding with magical creatures and the unique magic system. It was different from what I normally see in fantasy books, and I was here for it!
Sera was such a great FMC! Watching her go from this sheltered girl who had her whole life planned out for her to someone finally questioning everything and finding her own voice was probably one of my favorite parts.
And the friendships, the tension, the slow burn, the dragons!! SO GOOD!! There was plenty of drama, secrets, betrayal, and twists to keep me turning pages.
Sera was such a great FMC! Watching her go from this sheltered girl who had her whole life planned out for her to someone finally questioning everything and finding her own voice was probably one of my favorite parts.
And the friendships, the tension, the slow burn, the dragons!! SO GOOD!! There was plenty of drama, secrets, betrayal, and twists to keep me turning pages.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my gosh! First off I feel absolutely so lucky to have received an arc for this book! Secondly, let it be known that this is not my normal genre. And lastly, the book! Seriously this far went above and beyond my expectations. Everyone should read it and I absolutely can not wait for this series to continue!! The words written in these pages bring this story to life so beautifully! Every bit of the 5 Stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐
This book is exceptionally well written, including the characters, the chemistry between them and the high stakes.
I absolutely adored the chemistry between the MCs, they were just so cute. And Sera and Maliah are literally the perfect besties, I loved their interactions so much.
However, the last two chapters emotionally wrecked me and now I can't even think straight 😭
I'd like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity to ARC read this book 🫶🏻💕
This book is exceptionally well written, including the characters, the chemistry between them and the high stakes.
I absolutely adored the chemistry between the MCs, they were just so cute. And Sera and Maliah are literally the perfect besties, I loved their interactions so much.
However, the last two chapters emotionally wrecked me and now I can't even think straight 😭
I'd like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity to ARC read this book 🫶🏻💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
**5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐**
I absolutely loved *Bondspire Academy* by Sandra Jenkyn! One of my favorite things about this story was the variety of creatures that people could bond with. It made the world so interesting, and I loved seeing all the different possibilities.
Sera was such a great main character. She's kind but also strong, and I found myself cheering her on every time she stood up to the Governors on behalf of the commoners with their supposedly "lesser" bonds. I really admired her willingness to speak up for those who were treated as less important.
I also have to say, my feelings about Sera's fiancé took quite a turn. I went from really disliking him to actually feeling sorry for him by the end. I love when a story can change my perspective on a character like that!
And that cliffhanger?! Now I'm just sitting here needing the next book immediately! I'm so excited to see where the story goes from here.
A huge thank-you to Sandra Jenkyn for allowing me the opportunity to read and review an ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait for more!
I absolutely loved *Bondspire Academy* by Sandra Jenkyn! One of my favorite things about this story was the variety of creatures that people could bond with. It made the world so interesting, and I loved seeing all the different possibilities.
Sera was such a great main character. She's kind but also strong, and I found myself cheering her on every time she stood up to the Governors on behalf of the commoners with their supposedly "lesser" bonds. I really admired her willingness to speak up for those who were treated as less important.
I also have to say, my feelings about Sera's fiancé took quite a turn. I went from really disliking him to actually feeling sorry for him by the end. I love when a story can change my perspective on a character like that!
And that cliffhanger?! Now I'm just sitting here needing the next book immediately! I'm so excited to see where the story goes from here.
A huge thank-you to Sandra Jenkyn for allowing me the opportunity to read and review an ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait for more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yall 😩⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‼️ i was blessed to have been an Beta Reader for Bondspire Academy &. the way this read caught my feelings and didn’t let go is crazy ! The fmc sera is a force to be reckoned with! We love wholesome friendships & this is not short of it! . The mmcs Daelan & Mase deserve their flowers as well, cuz who doesn’t love a strong & in charge mmc. There’s dragons, betrayal, & an epic showdown ! It broke my heart in the best way lol but that just means I need book 2 immediately to find out what happens & you all need to check it out !! 😍🥰 Bondspire Academy will be out January 2027 but she already has Before We Were Flames so go read & go follow ! 👏🏽💯#betareader
Review of advance copy received from Author
ADVANCED COPY RECEIVED BY AUTHOR!
This 1st book was so good! I loved the different magic system, especially the main characters ability to manipulate hormones! She is a strong woman that unfortunately was sheltered all her life. She started growing into who she wants to be. Though there were some things you know are going to happen because they happen in a lot of books like these, there were also things I didnt guess. I am a little upset that im going to have to wait for the next one because this book left me on a cliff!! I cant wait till the next comes out! I definitely recommend giving this book a shot!
This 1st book was so good! I loved the different magic system, especially the main characters ability to manipulate hormones! She is a strong woman that unfortunately was sheltered all her life. She started growing into who she wants to be. Though there were some things you know are going to happen because they happen in a lot of books like these, there were also things I didnt guess. I am a little upset that im going to have to wait for the next one because this book left me on a cliff!! I cant wait till the next comes out! I definitely recommend giving this book a shot!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bondspire Academy by Sandra M. Jenkyn is amazing. It has so much world building, magical creatures, and amazing characters. If you love a romantasy with a forbidden love interest, arranged engagement, academy vibes, magical bonded creatures, and plenty of action then you will love Bondspire Academy!
Thank you so much Sandra M. Jenkyn and The SPACE Network for an eARC copy of Bondspire Academy.
I received an ARC copy of Bondspire Academy by Sandra M. Jenkyn and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Thank you so much Sandra M. Jenkyn and The SPACE Network for an eARC copy of Bondspire Academy.
I received an ARC copy of Bondspire Academy by Sandra M. Jenkyn and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so good! I was grabbed by the story right from the start and could not put it down. Academy setting, she's royalty and told who to marry, the mysterious new guy, the politics, and battles. Yep, I'm here for it! I'm so glad I got to Beta read this and I cannot wait for book 2!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews