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Death and Destiny #2

Of Beasts and Bonds

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Librarian's Note: This is an alternate-cover edition for ISBN 9780997529302

A SEFIA Star Award Winning Book: Seal of Excellence for Independent Authors

A deadlier war begins. New enemies arise. And, a bond must be completed, before it is too late.

A new threat to the earth arises, in the form of the angry and vengeful gods Mami Wata and Oya, now free from their imprisonment, and hellbent on making humanity suffer. Assefa Berber and Dr. Sanura Williams, the prophesied Cat and Fire Witch of Legend, will now need everything they possess-power, magic, strength, cunning-along with a much stronger mate bonding, to defeat Mami Wata and her vile beasts.

In order for their bond to survive, Assefa and Sanura must defeat all forces of evil. The fate of their love hangs in the balance.

375 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2016

35 people are currently reading
251 people want to read

About the author

N.D. Jones

47 books440 followers
N.D. Jones, Ed.D., is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of fantasy, speculative fiction, paranormal romance, and historical fantasy. She lives in Maryland with her family, where she creates emotionally resonant, character-driven stories rooted in imagination, depth, and heart.

She has written more than a dozen books across multiple series, including Winged Warriors, Death and Destiny, Dragon Shifter Romance, Feline Nation, Fairy Tale Fatale, and the contemporary romance trilogy The Styles of Love. Her historical fantasy novel Harriet’s Escape won the 2024 BookLife Prize Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Category.

A lifelong educator, N.D. brings a deep understanding of emotional development and identity to her storytelling. She is currently expanding into middle-grade fantasy with a new series that carries her signature blend of heart, humor, adventure, and emotional truth to younger readers.

Whether writing for adults or children, N.D. creates stories that explore courage, connection, legacy, and the power of imagination. She calls her work Novels with Soul — fantasy that resonates long after the final page.

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5 stars
46 (62%)
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23 (31%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
1,902 reviews749 followers
November 26, 2021
The best part about this book is that Sanura and Assefa's relationship is developing at a believable pace and that no matter how hard those meddling Gods try, they'll always come out on top <3

Only one book left :(
Profile Image for DeeReads.
2,284 reviews
July 15, 2016
This was a great story based on prophecy, magic and mystery. I loved the relationship of Assefa and Sanura but honestly, I wanted them to complete the pomp and circumstances (bonding) to their union and come out kicking with all the evil cleverly named Mata Wata and Oya brought down upon them.

Yes, I loved N.D.'s writing style with very vivid mythology descriptions (500 years) and memorable characters (I am not giving out any spoilers) but I really wanted it my way after reading the first book.
Still this series was a great one but remember this: to find one's soul mate in "Of Beasts and Bonds" Assefa and Doc Sanura did test their bonds while freeing pure evil (beasts).


4.5 magical stars even though it ends in a dang-blasted cliffy!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Zoe.
132 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2016
I received this book free from e Book discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I didn't read the first of the series but this book can be read as a stand alone without reading the first book. I can't wait for the final book and I'm going to read the first next so I understand it a bit better, although saying that it does explain it very well. It's a beautiful love story with the fantasy and paranormal running along side it. I really enjoyed even though ours the first book I've ever read like this, it's given me another genre to read now.
The fire witch Sanura needs to bond with the prophesied cat Assefa but she can still feel her dad and mourns the loss of him in a new way now, she had partially bonded with Assefa but until she allows him to bite her they will never fully bond. He can feel this yet cannot wait forever.
This is taken out of their hands when the water god starts playing with his emotions trying to break him and Sanura apart. I live the way this book has more depth to it with a few stories going on in the one book. Male pride is hurt as they want to be the alpha male but he has been chosen, who will try to take him down if any will.
All along you think you know what's going to happen but with clever twists you realise you don't. Everything isn't what it seems.
I would definitely recommend this book if you like anything romantic or paranormal, it's a great compelling read.
12.7k reviews189 followers
February 3, 2018
Another amazing story of magic, prophecy to take you away to another world again. Can’t get enough of this author’s books.
Profile Image for Ray Sunn.
Author 1 book3 followers
August 20, 2016
If you think the first book was great, this one outdid the last one! I read half of the book in one night, but was drawn away by pressing matters I had to take care of, then I finished the other half the next night or is it morning since I stayed up till almost 4 am to finish reading it. It was that gripping good!

I really enjoyed the love story between Sanura and Asefa, a bond strengthened, not destroyed despite Mata Wata inflicting immense tragedies upon them and their love ones. You can feel the deep emotional connection between the two lovebirds, but not only that with cherry on top, the sex scenes were scorching hot, which is how I like it.

Another thing I like what the author did was creating intrigue between Asefa's right hand man, Zareb, who was referred to also as the "Shield," and Sanura's best girlfriend, Cin. I could feel the irresistible attraction between them, pulling like a moth to a flame. You will know what I mean if you read the first book in regard to Cin's relationship status. Just the whole interactions between her various characters had me fascinated.

One moment I was fanning myself from the heat, the next I had tears welling in my eyes from the exchanges between Sanura and her mother or the grief of one of Asefa's close friends. There were other moments too, but I don't want to give spoilers here. You have to read to feel for yourself what the author had evoked in me with her story. It's the hallmark of a great writer if she can touch a chord in the reader's heart. She sure did for me. I can't wait for the next installment!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for S.
816 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2019
Good

So since this is book 2 of a trilogy, know that you have to read book 1. This story is a continuation of the previous book. So having read book 1, I didn't think so much detail would be in this one. It's not enough that you can get out of reading book 1, but it's a lot. I thought so much detail in book 1 was to set up the character world, but I see that's just the particular style of this writer. Unfortunately it didn't always work for me and I found myself skimming often. I'm still invested in the story and plan to read book 3. Who is the water witch of legend?!
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,481 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2016

Title: Of Beasts And Bonds
Author: N.D. Jones
Publisher: Kuumba Publishing
Series: Death and Destiny # 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Of Beast and Bonds" by N.D. Jones

My Thoughts......

This novel was a the second in the 'Death and Destiny' which featured.....

Special Agent Assefa Berber and Dr. Sanura Williams picks up where book one left off [from the extensive world built around Western African lore and their culture]. The readers gets a paranormal romance [darker preternatural element] that was quite complexed. in how this author presents this dramatic story to the reader. How will this couple have a relationship and 'the fate that will fight against them? Why wasn't this relationship not complete? What did Sanura's father have to do with that situation? How would these two main characters deal with 'adversity, strife, betrayal, death, trials and tribulations?' How will 'having faith, love and strength' aid these two as the deal with all that is put in front of them? To find out all these answers to the questions and much more you will have to pick up the well written read and see for yourself how well this author brings it all out to the reader.

Be ready for a interesting long mythology ride as this author take you in a story full of 'strife, turmoil, mythical depictions, murders, vivid imagery, battles, destruction's, betrayals and death.'

The characters from [Sanura, Assefa, Rashad, Makena, Mike, Mimi Wata, Omar, Greg Zareb, Omar, Sam, Stephen, Manute, Dahad, Najja, Michael, Cynthia, Eric, Rachel, Pilar, Paul] and to name a few were well developed, strong, willed, portrayed with imaginations that were off the chart giving the reader one good read that will definitely keep your attention to the end. This author really knows how to give the readers some interesting 'hot sexy love scenes.' In the end will these two Assefa and Sanura [ Fire Witch and Cat of Legend] get their HEA?

If you are looking for a very strong and entertaining read [of African Mythology with some urban fantasy/paranormal romance] then you have come to the right place for "Of Beast and Bonds" will give it all to you.

I received a copy by winning a complementary read of 'Of Beast and Bonds' and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Gisele Walko.
Author 6 books121 followers
June 7, 2016
So nice to catch up with Sanura and Assefa again. I liked this book even better than the first one (which was great). I felt the romance and the supernatural elements were more balanced this time around. This is a long book, but I seldom felt that the story wasn't well paced. A time or two it seemed a little slow, but all things considered, fantastic! This one also had more humor in it. Can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the Handfisting Ceremony, and if Mami Wata get's what's coming to her. 5 Stars!!!!
895 reviews
April 9, 2017
This Story Is Good !!!

I have really enjoyed this mated witch / cat set. Their trip of love and loyalty is remarkable . With great friends and family making a lot of wonderful interwoven side stories. A real test of strength and power. I look forward to the next story.
Profile Image for Kimberly Hicks.
Author 1 book195 followers
August 10, 2020
Well my favorite couple is back and better than ever in the continuing saga of Death and Destiny series. Special Agent Assefa Berber and Dr. Sanura Williams had their hands full trying to juggle their relationship and the fates that fight against them. Anyone who has read this series knows that Sanura loves Assefa, but their relationship wasn’t quite complete since she has yet to receive Assefa’s claiming bite. What would possess her not to do this you might ask? For starters, Sanura’s father’s spirit lives through her, and to give in to Assefa’s claim, of which he rightly deserves, would cause Sanura her only chance of keeping her father safe to her. What daughter doesn’t want her father’s love, especially, since he is no longer within our world, but more so has crossed over. Confused? Well you won’t be after you read this second installment.

Mami Water is a water goddess who is desperate to do away with the dynamic duo. And trust and believe she will stop at nothing to have them abolished from our world, but there is a mightier God who is also working with them to assure they live to fight another day.

Jones is an exciting writer bringing to life this paranormal world in which I, for one, cannot get enough of. Her imagination is through the roof and as you delve into the lives of Sanura and Assefa, you will find yourself rooting for them as I have. Her writing is even stronger in this installment than her first novel wherein she laid the groundwork for the characters I have grown to love. And, I must add, once again, Jones has a way of writing a love scene that is truly out of this world. If you aren’t feeling what the lovers are feeling, you obviously do not possess a soul. Of Beasts and Bonds is an incredible read and a story line that keeps on giving.

The Sexy Nerd gives Of Beasts and Bonds five stars beyond the paranormal. You will learn more about this couple and how they deal with adversity, trials and tribulations. Having faith, love and strength is a true testament to the love of Sanura and Assefa and how they work together to overcome. The book is on sale now wherever books are sold. I highly suggest you pick up your copy and continue on with the Death and Destiny series. You will not be sorry you did.
Profile Image for Expresso.
877 reviews139 followers
September 6, 2016

Wowza! What an amazing read! I honestly had no idea what to expect. With this author, expect the unexpected!

I've read tons of paranormal stories throughout the years. However, I've yet to stumble upon a paranormal read with the depth and complexity of this story. There are so many elements and components to this read. Together each element and component cohesively bind the story of Assefa and Sanura! Their painful journey is filled with strife, betrayal, and death. The death of Darryl Hughes is the saddest part of this story. Hughes lived in agony. As a witness to the devastation he wreaked and unable to stop because someone controlled him....heartbreaking.

Although a fabulous read, OBaB is not a light read. It is a story for those who appreciate not only paranormal elements but the darker Preternatural elements. Read with caution....you may become addicted! This installment ended in a good place for Assefa and Sanura. The epilogue tho......something is definitely coming. Something dark. Ugly. Deeply disturbing. Will Assefa and Sanura survive?

Five stars!
Profile Image for Katara Johnson.
551 reviews9 followers
September 4, 2017
It has begun!

The Fire witch and Cat of legends are fouled into an ancient battle against the water goddess. I love how the author describes test and battles while introducing and describing new characters and ancient ways of the Motherland. It makes the reader excited for book 3 and wondering will they win the battle.
Profile Image for Tina.
408 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2018
She's the most power Goddesses Oy and Mami Wata, are battling for control. Each has her own champion that only know of the prophecy but do not want to believe it's them.
Sanura is the most powerful witch of legend and her love, Assefa is the most powerful cat of legend. The prophecy states that the Witch and Cat of Legend are to fight the Goddess Mami Wata to protect the world from her water demons. But first, they need to mate. Even though Sanura loves Assefa with all her heart, there are other factors involved. But when their family and friends are put in danger, they know it's time to get involved.
This was an action packed book and I really loved the characters and the story. Can't wait to read the rest of this series. They are high on my wish list.
Profile Image for E.P..
Author 24 books116 followers
May 30, 2016
"Of Beasts and Bonds" is a satisfying continuation of the "Death and Destiny" trilogy. Sanura and Assefa are now living together, but they can't complete the mate bond, for reasons we discover during the narrative. Meanwhile, there are challenges to Assefa's position from within the Sankofa magical community, and Mami Wata is trying to weaken Assefa and Sanura by attacking those close to them.

The tension between Sanura and Assefa is based on elements that are typical for the paranormal romance genre, but they're both likable, relatable characters, so it feels less cliched than it might for more two-dimensional characters. Sanura's relationships with the other women around her in particular make for a more developed and sympathetic character than you tend to find in a lot of such books. There are a lot of characters and a lot of subplots, with the action jumping from subplot to subplot; sometimes this made me ask what was going on, but I was normally able to put things together pretty quickly, and the effect of the subplots is to create a rich and detailed background for the characters.

For me the best aspect of the book and of the series so far was the use of African culture and mythology to build the magical system the characters inhabit. African mythology is under-utilized in fantasy, in my opinion, and having it here transformed common urban fantasy/paranormal romance tropes--magic school, the Chosen One--into something refreshingly different. Readers who enjoyed the first book or who are looking for a paranormal romance that follows the conventions of the genre while also bringing a new cultural/mythological angle to it should find a lot to enjoy here.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books92 followers
June 9, 2016
Book: Of Beasts and Bonds
Author: N D Jones
Publication Date: 8/18/2016
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW

*May contain spoilers *

This story picks up where book one left us. Sanura and Assefa are planning to mate still but there are many things trying to prevent this from happening. The prophecy is trying to take hold so it is going to be an emotional battle for this couple and their loved ones. We also see a new relationship perhaps on the horizon. Zareb and Cin. The water witch is determined to take out Sanura and of course, since Assefa is the cat of legend and her familiar he is to be taken out also.

Sanura' mom cannot tell her daughter what the council has cooking.
And Sanura finally lets Assefa know about the dreams that began when she moved in with him.

This was a really well written book although I found a few missing words, the story is strong and very entertaining. I have a feeling the author has more of this story to tell us about.

I was gifted this book for my honest review.
Of Beasts and Bonds
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,017 reviews154 followers
October 15, 2016
I'm sorry there are no spoilers found here except the quest will continue on. Now on to the prophesied Cat and Fire Witch of legend, Assefa and Dr Sanura. With their incomplete bonding and the evil, Mami Wata, water goddess, their coming together has unleashed on the world. Death. Destruction. Magic. Mystery. Myth. All things are tested and re-tested again. Bonding should be a simple step in their progression, but every turn leads them to another task that needs to be completed.

As with the first book, I got rich memorable characters, strong mythical depictions, vivid imagery, and a battle that included death, destruction, and defeating the evil to some extent. I could feel the action, the intense bonds and the frustration of not connecting fully, the struggle between secondary characters, the pull of turmoil, the pull of frustrations. I got a full range of it all. I am on the hunt for the next installment. I have many things that I am hoping will be wrapped up in the next book.
**This eBook was provided via N.D. Jones in exchange for an honest review.**
394 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2016
4stars
This author does a good job telling a story meant to be the center story of 3 when the reader has not read bk 1. In the beginning I was not impressed. There is a lot of time spent in describing the opulent clothing and home goods of the characters. I would have preferred more of the reasoning for what was happening. However, that peeve gave way to respect of the story telling ability of the author. She brought some really complex characters to the story and was able to make them real to even a reader who had not read the previous book. By the end of the story I was determined to find and read the final book of the trilogy. The world building is good but might be a little more clear without so much bouncing back and forth from one city to another and then to the gods realm as well. So, while there were a few parts of the book I could do without it is a good story told well enough to hold interest to the end. RECOMMENDED
Profile Image for Michael Bell.
517 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2016
I still cannot understand why Assefa and Sanura didn't complete their mating ceremony. It wasn't about being married in the human sense of the word. Their powers needed to be fully joined to battle the forces that are determined to see them fail. I wonder if Assefa actually works for a living. HE does very little work as an FBI agent. I wonder why the police never investigated the deaths of Mrs. Livingston and her husband. The novel was long and the detour to Missouri was inconsequential. It wasn't an edge of your seat thriller. I will read the third installment to see if a god can be killed.
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,013 reviews
February 21, 2022
wow

Wow! This book was everything and then some. Riveting! Captivating! I was on pins and needles teetered on the edge of my seat from the ceremony until the very end! The description of the battle was intense. Thank goodness my phone isnt huge and heavy because I couldn’t stop reading on my kindle app! I couldn’t put it down from reading all night and into the early morning! I’m enthralled by this series. So well written and the characters are so well developed. The storyline is amazing!
Sanura has me ready to throttle her behind the mating situation going on between her and Aseefa. Aseefa is forever patient, understanding, loving, protective, and supportive of her no matter what. Mama-wata is pure evil.

Love it! Awesome read!
Profile Image for Lola White.
Author 45 books83 followers
October 13, 2017
The whole story is well done—the whole trilogy for that matter. I love that the two main characters are revealing themselves to each other bit by bit, and that both their magic are developing in tandem. I love the intricate and rich relationships both main characters enjoy, giving a sense of the deep roots they have and what they have to lose. Technically, when the time comes, they will fight for the world, for a goddess, but you know they’re really fighting for their circle of friends and family and I think it’s fantastic that the extended characters are also developed enough to make us feel their connections.

I was fully immersed in the world of witches and were-cats when I began this story. N.D. Jones has crafted a trilogy that swept me up and carried me on. I went from finishing Book 1 to beginning Book 2 in the space of minutes, so I will say that the devil’s in the details, and there are many details in the second book, not all of them necessary and not all of them felt consistent. Nothing major, however, and it was easy to lose myself in the pages.

I am so glad I found this trilogy. It’s been too long since I enjoyed a paranormal romance from a new-to-me author, and I’d forgotten how exciting it is to find a gifted storyteller who writes stories you want to read again and again.
Profile Image for Kia.
1,154 reviews
February 14, 2020
Lawd

Why Assefa got to go through hell and back since Sanura is still trying to hold on to her dead daddy. Man that whole back and forward was making me so mad. This man proved that he loves you without the extra of the witch of legends mess. It’s funny that she is a psychologist and still can’t see how her hang ups is hurting her relationship and their chances of winning. I hope she gets it together soon. As usual this series has sucked me in and I am loving it.
40 reviews
October 12, 2020
At this rate the third book is going to be lit!

There is no darkness without light and no love without pain. Just like the first book, this story was well crafted. I pride myself with predicting how characters move through a plot and while my current predictions still remain invalidated, I can't wait to read how this story concludes.
Profile Image for Linda Mims.
Author 2 books22 followers
January 7, 2017

This book had everything I like in a romance. There was a tall, dark, and handsome hero in Agent Assefa Berber and a beautiful, strong heroine in Dr. Sanura Williams. There were also plenty of unexpected complications that rendered their love story unfulfilled despite their hot, passionate encounters. Then, throw in the paranormal aspect, plus envy, chaos, and murder and I was in heaven.

Author N. D. Jones is the talent we’ve been clamoring for. Her writing is clean, crisp, and exciting, and her ability to create worlds is extraordinary.

Though I hadn’t read Book 1 in this series, I had no trouble getting into this second book. N. D. captured the essence of Book 1, capsulized it, and spun it into Book 2 without weighing it down. I look forward to the third book in this fantastic series.


Profile Image for Monique.
626 reviews43 followers
May 19, 2017
This was a very pleasant read. Well-written, intelligent, and well-paced. Besides reacquainting myself with Sanura, and Assefa (who has to be the most perfect man on the goddamn planet, in his looks, attitude, intelligence, and bad-assery), it was great to learn more about their pasts, and life - in all its paranormal ups and downs.
There were plenty of good guys to love...and bad guys to absolutely hate. (Like Greg's asshole father, and Mami Wata).
I don't know what took me so long to read this, as I read the first book around 6-7 months ago.
With that, I'm looking forward to the next book. C'mon, Ms. Jones! Even though it took me forever to read this, don't keep me hangin'!
Profile Image for Pearline.
378 reviews16 followers
December 21, 2016
Unfortunately, I didn't like this book as much of as the first due to the lack of mystery/suspense. It was also a lot of going back and forth between the two characters. I still want to read the third book in the series, hopefully the author goes back to the mystery suspense elements from the first book. I also would like to see the relationship of Assefa and Sanura to be solid instead of all the doubts and insecurities the two characters have about the relationship.
Profile Image for Leah Ford.
629 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2017
First of all i would like to say up-front that i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, but, i am going to be completely honest...... I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one.

It was slower than the first one and for my own personal read there was an overload of sex. Admittedly well written exciting sex but just too much!!

The characters, both good and bad are wonderful. Even though the story is mostly about Assefa and Sanura you get a great feel for all the characters.

When the story got going it was fabulous, it was a compulsive read and i just couldn't put it down. I love the whole idea of this story, elemental witches, shifters and a pending prophecy, whats not to like? There are a few twists and turns and the story is building nicely for the last book in this story.

I can't wait to read the next one and even though i thought this was not as good as the first i would still definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Stanley.
510 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2020
Pretty good

I liked it quite a lot but one thing I find strange and that’s the use of Jaguar shifters in a Africa setting. Jaguars are south and Central American animals, and to the best of my knowledge have never been found in either Asia or Africa. Why have them as central to a story featuring Africans?
970 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2023
Excellent!

What a riveting read. The storyline was fascinating. I love the various characters, especially the TMFC and the MMC.

I look forward to reading the final book in this awesome trilogy.
1,415 reviews13 followers
July 19, 2021
So Ready To Be done!!!

The author is a great storyteller. However, too many details is an overkill. So many chapters filled with details after detail. Also, Sanura is worrisome.
2 reviews
September 25, 2025
This was my favorite book in the series. I could visualize every scenes and the plot twists kept me on my toes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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