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The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #2
Bound by Flame
When Cynda gets hot and bothered, things start to sizzle.
Gorgeous flame-haired Cynda Flynn knows fire-its heat, its power, its magic. A fully trained Sybil warrior priestess, Cynda's weapon is flame. But she's unprepared for the passion ignited by Nick Lowell, an undercover cop in the NYPD's Occult Crime Unit. He's half human, half demon, and hotter than hell, with fathomless black eyes that ignite something buried deep inside Cynda, making her melt in all the right places.
Luckily, Nick has found a way to control his dark side, but he's done it old-school-through steel-willed self-control. And after five years working secretly within the deadly Legion cult, he's unbreakable. Or he was, until Cynda came along. Now it's personal-and even his big bad love may not be enough to halt a terrible new evil snuffing out fire Sybils like Cynda. It's nasty. And if it can't be stopped, they're all going to fry.
Gorgeous flame-haired Cynda Flynn knows fire-its heat, its power, its magic. A fully trained Sybil warrior priestess, Cynda's weapon is flame. But she's unprepared for the passion ignited by Nick Lowell, an undercover cop in the NYPD's Occult Crime Unit. He's half human, half demon, and hotter than hell, with fathomless black eyes that ignite something buried deep inside Cynda, making her melt in all the right places.
Luckily, Nick has found a way to control his dark side, but he's done it old-school-through steel-willed self-control. And after five years working secretly within the deadly Legion cult, he's unbreakable. Or he was, until Cynda came along. Now it's personal-and even his big bad love may not be enough to halt a terrible new evil snuffing out fire Sybils like Cynda. It's nasty. And if it can't be stopped, they're all going to fry.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 29, 2008
12 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Anna Windsor
14 books167 followersI'm in my 40's now, and finally living my lifelong dream of loving all my jobs. I still work in psychology, I farm, I write--and I have a blast.
I'm southern by birth, and I've lived in the south most of my life. My foothill farm is beautiful, and I couldn't ask for a better place to live or write. I find inspiration, peace, joy, and beauty in my family, my home, the woods, and the love of all my many animals. And I do have a lot of animals. I mean, a lot. Dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, peafowl, guineas, ducks, geese, and oh, yeah--a parrot. Who is a perfect parrot-pain, but I do love him.
Urban fantasy, high fantasy, futuristic science fiction, and historical fantasy are my favorite genres to write or to read. I write almost every day, and I try to finish at least one manuscript every few months. In between time spent practicing psychology, writing, tending the animals, and spending time with my family, I also try to dedicate a few hours to playing my guitar and piano, photography, playing video games, watching old movies, and walking.
I'm thrilled to be able to write, and thrilled that readers enjoy my stories. Thank you for stopping by my site, for meeting me--and most of all, thanks for reading! I'd love to hear from you, and I'd love to know what you think about my books.
I'm southern by birth, and I've lived in the south most of my life. My foothill farm is beautiful, and I couldn't ask for a better place to live or write. I find inspiration, peace, joy, and beauty in my family, my home, the woods, and the love of all my many animals. And I do have a lot of animals. I mean, a lot. Dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, peafowl, guineas, ducks, geese, and oh, yeah--a parrot. Who is a perfect parrot-pain, but I do love him.
Urban fantasy, high fantasy, futuristic science fiction, and historical fantasy are my favorite genres to write or to read. I write almost every day, and I try to finish at least one manuscript every few months. In between time spent practicing psychology, writing, tending the animals, and spending time with my family, I also try to dedicate a few hours to playing my guitar and piano, photography, playing video games, watching old movies, and walking.
I'm thrilled to be able to write, and thrilled that readers enjoy my stories. Thank you for stopping by my site, for meeting me--and most of all, thanks for reading! I'd love to hear from you, and I'd love to know what you think about my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 9, 2008
Yowza, this book is waaayyyyy hot! No pun intended. "Bound by Flame" is Anna Windsor's second book in her 'Dark Crescent Sisterhood' and it's fabulous. Cynda, the fire sybil, fights the Legion, a personal enemy targeting fire sybils, and her own Motherhouse to get her man! And what a man Nick is!! He's half demon, handsome, and hung! What more could a fire sybil ask for?
I loved "Bound by Shadow" so much, I was almost hesitant to read this second book. I was afraid it woulnd't, couldn't be as riveting as the first. I was so wrong, and have never been happier to admit it. Cynda has to struggle and overcome problems with her values, her 'family', and her powers to be with Nick. Each of the issues has merit in Windsor's world and Cynda's hard lessons are evident in the decisions she makes which drive the romance side of the plot. Nick too, has some tough decisions to make...what is family and what is he willing to give up to protect and defend what's his. The romance is very well written and so compelling, and oh so hot...you'll burn your fingers reading about it.
The action and suspense is done just as well. Windsor's plot threads from this second book weave seamlessly into those from the first and together they form an exciting tale. Now I just have to wait for the third book, "Bound by Light" which will focus on Merilee and Jake. Thank goodness I only have to wait long enough to make a quick trip to the bookstore as it's already hit the shelves.
If you're a fan of hot paranormals, get up right now and go get all three. You won't be sorry.
I loved "Bound by Shadow" so much, I was almost hesitant to read this second book. I was afraid it woulnd't, couldn't be as riveting as the first. I was so wrong, and have never been happier to admit it. Cynda has to struggle and overcome problems with her values, her 'family', and her powers to be with Nick. Each of the issues has merit in Windsor's world and Cynda's hard lessons are evident in the decisions she makes which drive the romance side of the plot. Nick too, has some tough decisions to make...what is family and what is he willing to give up to protect and defend what's his. The romance is very well written and so compelling, and oh so hot...you'll burn your fingers reading about it.
The action and suspense is done just as well. Windsor's plot threads from this second book weave seamlessly into those from the first and together they form an exciting tale. Now I just have to wait for the third book, "Bound by Light" which will focus on Merilee and Jake. Thank goodness I only have to wait long enough to make a quick trip to the bookstore as it's already hit the shelves.
If you're a fan of hot paranormals, get up right now and go get all three. You won't be sorry.
June 5, 2024
that was literally so fun what the fuck. like genuinely well developed magic system, creatures, political system. well written characters ???? BRO
February 25, 2012
Bound by Flame
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
In order to discover the identity of the killer targeting Fire Sibyls for death, Cynda Flynn must work with Nick Lowell, a former undercover cop with the NYPDs Occult Crime Unit who also happens to be a Curson demon. Nick has his other half under control but how long will that last now that Cynda in next of the killer's list.
Review
Good action scenes and some witty dialogue but the romance is not as engrossing as in Bound by Shadows.
Cynda and Nick are a likeable couple but there is nothing really special about either of them and their romance lacks the intensity of connection and emotion that characterized the couple in the first book. On a positive note, Cynda and Nick willingly accept their growing relationship and there is very little angst in their romance as the threat is mainly external. Nevertheless, Cynda's constant burning of clothes and setting fire to everything around her becomes tiresome after a while.
The secondary story revolving around the murder of Fire Sibyls and the questionable loyalties of Nick's brother, Jake, are compelling with some good twists and turns even though the identity of the killer is too obvious.
Overall, a good PNR read and as Jake's character really appealed to me, I look forward to his and Merilee's story.
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
In order to discover the identity of the killer targeting Fire Sibyls for death, Cynda Flynn must work with Nick Lowell, a former undercover cop with the NYPDs Occult Crime Unit who also happens to be a Curson demon. Nick has his other half under control but how long will that last now that Cynda in next of the killer's list.
Review
Good action scenes and some witty dialogue but the romance is not as engrossing as in Bound by Shadows.
Cynda and Nick are a likeable couple but there is nothing really special about either of them and their romance lacks the intensity of connection and emotion that characterized the couple in the first book. On a positive note, Cynda and Nick willingly accept their growing relationship and there is very little angst in their romance as the threat is mainly external. Nevertheless, Cynda's constant burning of clothes and setting fire to everything around her becomes tiresome after a while.
The secondary story revolving around the murder of Fire Sibyls and the questionable loyalties of Nick's brother, Jake, are compelling with some good twists and turns even though the identity of the killer is too obvious.
Overall, a good PNR read and as Jake's character really appealed to me, I look forward to his and Merilee's story.
January 17, 2025
ก่อนอื่นขอแนะนำว่า สำหรับคนที่คิดจะอ่านเล่มเรื่องชุดนี้ แต่ยังไม่ได้อ่านเล่มแรก ก็ขอแนะนำว่าอย่าเพิ่งอ่านเล่มนี้ หรือกระทั่งอ่านรีวิวเลยนะคะ เพราะมันสปอยล์เล่มแรกไว้เยอะเลยล่ะค่ะ
เล่มนี้เป็นเรื่องราวของซินด้า ผู้ซึ่งเป็นซิบิลแห่งไฟ (ถ้าจะอธิบายซิบิลง่าย ๆ ก็คงต้องบอกว่า เป็นกลุ่มผู้หญิงที่มีพลังเหนือธรรมชาติ แต่ละคนจะมีลักษณะเด่นตามธาตุดิน น้ำ ลม ไฟ) และนิค โลเวลล์ ซึ่งเป็นน้องชายฝาแฝด (หรืออาจจะพี่ชายก็ได้ เรื่องไม่ได้บอกไว้ชัดเจน) ของพระเอกเล่มแรก
เช่นเดียวกับพระเอกเล่มแรกนิคเป็นเคอร์ซัน (แปลง่าย ๆ ก็คือเป็นปีศาจนั้นแหละ เป็นมนุษย์ที่กลายร่างเป็นปีศาจได้) แต่นิคมีความควบคุมปีศาจในกายได้ดีกว่าที่ครีดเป็นในเล่มแรก เขาและกิเดี้ยน (ชื่อปีศาจที่อยู่ในตัวเองซึ่งนิคตั้งให้) อยู่ร่วมกันได้ ดังนั้นนิคจึงไม่จำเป็นต้องผ่านพิธีกรรมเพื่อสะกดปีศาจอย่างที่ครีดต้องทำ
เรื่องราวในเล่มนี้ก็ต่อเนื่องจากเล่มแรกนี่แหละ เป็นเรื่องราวการต่อสู้ระหว่างซิบิลและกลุ่มที่เรียกตัวเองว่า ลีเจิน ซึ่งหลังจากพ่ายแพ้ไปในเล่มแรก ลีเจินก็เงียบไปพักใหญ่ ก่อนที่จะกลับมาอาลวาดด้วยการไล่ล่าฆ่าซิบิลแห่งไฟทั่วโลก ซินด้าเป็นหนึ่งในกลุ่มที่ถูกตามล่า แต่เธอรอดมาได้
พล็อตเรื่องจึงเป็นการตามหาความจริงว่า ใครอยู่เบื้องหลังการตามฆ่าซิบิลแห่งไฟ และเรื่องราวของนิคในการตามหาน้องชายของเขานั่นก็คือเจค (การอธิบายเกี่ยวกับเจคมันค่อนข้างยากนะคะ ขอบอกว่าให้ไปอ่านเล่มแรกแล้วกันจะเข้าใจขึ้น แต่ประเด็นคือเจคก็เป็นมนุษย์กึ่งปีศาจเช่นเดียวกับครีดและนิค) ซึ่งเจคถูกกลุ่มลีเจินควบคุมและบังคับให้ทำร้ายพวกซิบิลอยู่ ดังนั้นนิคจึงจำเป็นต้องเลือกระหว่างน้องชาย และหญิงที่เขารัก
แม็กซ์ชอบเล่มนี้มากกว่าเล่มแรกค่ะ เขียนได้ดีกว่า เรื่องราวน่าติดตามกว่า ไม่ได้บอกว่ามันดีมาก ๆ แต่ถือว่าสอบผ่านอย่างสบาย ที่สำคัญแม็กซ์ชอบความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างนิคและซินด้า การที่เธอเลือกเขา แม้จะได้รับคำขาดจากมาเธอร์ซึ่งเป็นหัวหน้าซิบิลแห่งไฟบอกให้เธอเลิกกับนิ คเสีย ไม่อย่างนั้นจะขับเธอออกจากซิบิล แต่ซินด้าก็ยังเลือกนิค ประเด็นนี้ถูกใจมาก เพราะแม็กซ์ขัดใจกับริแอนน่านางเอกเล่มแรกมาก ที่กว่าจะเปิดใจยอมรับตัวตนของครีดก็เกือบจบเรื่องไปแล้ว แต่เล่มนี้ซินด้าไม่มีปัญหาในการต่อสู้กับคนที่มองนิคในแง่ร้าย เธอยอมรับความเป็นปีศาจของเขาได้
บอกส่วนที่ชอบไปแล้ว ก็ต้องพูดส่วนที่ไม่ชอบ ซึ่งไม่เกี่ยวอะไรกับตัวเอกหรอกค่ะ แม็กซ์งงกับปฏิกริยาของครีดในเรื่องที่เกี่ยวกับเจค เพราะครีดก็ถือเป็นพี่ชายของเจคเหมือนกัน แต่ดูเหมือนในเรื่องนี้จะมีนิคเพียงคนเดียวเท่านั้นที่ห่วงใยสวัสดิภาพของ น้องชายคนนี้ ครีดดูเหมือนคนอื่นที่ไม่ยินดียินร้าย แม็กซ์ไม่ชอบปฏิกริยาอย่างนี้จากคนที่เคยเป็นพระเอกหรอกนะคะ
โดยรวมชอบเล่มนี้เพราะชอบพระเอกนางเอก และวิธีการที่พวกเขาปฏิบัติต่อกัน ในฐานะของเพื่อนร่วมรบ และคนรัก แม็กซ์มองเห็นความสัมพันธ์ของทั้งคู่คงจะไปกันได้อีกยาวนาน แต่ในขณะเดียวกันปัญหาที่ตามติดมาจากเล่มแรกในเรื่องความไม่มีน้ำยาของซิบิล ก็ยังมีอยู่ครบถ้วนค่ะ
คะแนนที่ 77
เล่มนี้เป็นเรื่องราวของซินด้า ผู้ซึ่งเป็นซิบิลแห่งไฟ (ถ้าจะอธิบายซิบิลง่าย ๆ ก็คงต้องบอกว่า เป็นกลุ่มผู้หญิงที่มีพลังเหนือธรรมชาติ แต่ละคนจะมีลักษณะเด่นตามธาตุดิน น้ำ ลม ไฟ) และนิค โลเวลล์ ซึ่งเป็นน้องชายฝาแฝด (หรืออาจจะพี่ชายก็ได้ เรื่องไม่ได้บอกไว้ชัดเจน) ของพระเอกเล่มแรก
เช่นเดียวกับพระเอกเล่มแรกนิคเป็นเคอร์ซัน (แปลง่าย ๆ ก็คือเป็นปีศาจนั้นแหละ เป็นมนุษย์ที่กลายร่างเป็นปีศาจได้) แต่นิคมีความควบคุมปีศาจในกายได้ดีกว่าที่ครีดเป็นในเล่มแรก เขาและกิเดี้ยน (ชื่อปีศาจที่อยู่ในตัวเองซึ่งนิคตั้งให้) อยู่ร่วมกันได้ ดังนั้นนิคจึงไม่จำเป็นต้องผ่านพิธีกรรมเพื่อสะกดปีศาจอย่างที่ครีดต้องทำ
เรื่องราวในเล่มนี้ก็ต่อเนื่องจากเล่มแรกนี่แหละ เป็นเรื่องราวการต่อสู้ระหว่างซิบิลและกลุ่มที่เรียกตัวเองว่า ลีเจิน ซึ่งหลังจากพ่ายแพ้ไปในเล่มแรก ลีเจินก็เงียบไปพักใหญ่ ก่อนที่จะกลับมาอาลวาดด้วยการไล่ล่าฆ่าซิบิลแห่งไฟทั่วโลก ซินด้าเป็นหนึ่งในกลุ่มที่ถูกตามล่า แต่เธอรอดมาได้
พล็อตเรื่องจึงเป็นการตามหาความจริงว่า ใครอยู่เบื้องหลังการตามฆ่าซิบิลแห่งไฟ และเรื่องราวของนิคในการตามหาน้องชายของเขานั่นก็คือเจค (การอธิบายเกี่ยวกับเจคมันค่อนข้างยากนะคะ ขอบอกว่าให้ไปอ่านเล่มแรกแล้วกันจะเข้าใจขึ้น แต่ประเด็นคือเจคก็เป็นมนุษย์กึ่งปีศาจเช่นเดียวกับครีดและนิค) ซึ่งเจคถูกกลุ่มลีเจินควบคุมและบังคับให้ทำร้ายพวกซิบิลอยู่ ดังนั้นนิคจึงจำเป็นต้องเลือกระหว่างน้องชาย และหญิงที่เขารัก
แม็กซ์ชอบเล่มนี้มากกว่าเล่มแรกค่ะ เขียนได้ดีกว่า เรื่องราวน่าติดตามกว่า ไม่ได้บอกว่ามันดีมาก ๆ แต่ถือว่าสอบผ่านอย่างสบาย ที่สำคัญแม็กซ์ชอบความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างนิคและซินด้า การที่เธอเลือกเขา แม้จะได้รับคำขาดจากมาเธอร์ซึ่งเป็นหัวหน้าซิบิลแห่งไฟบอกให้เธอเลิกกับนิ คเสีย ไม่อย่างนั้นจะขับเธอออกจากซิบิล แต่ซินด้าก็ยังเลือกนิค ประเด็นนี้ถูกใจมาก เพราะแม็กซ์ขัดใจกับริแอนน่านางเอกเล่มแรกมาก ที่กว่าจะเปิดใจยอมรับตัวตนของครีดก็เกือบจบเรื่องไปแล้ว แต่เล่มนี้ซินด้าไม่มีปัญหาในการต่อสู้กับคนที่มองนิคในแง่ร้าย เธอยอมรับความเป็นปีศาจของเขาได้
บอกส่วนที่ชอบไปแล้ว ก็ต้องพูดส่วนที่ไม่ชอบ ซึ่งไม่เกี่ยวอะไรกับตัวเอกหรอกค่ะ แม็กซ์งงกับปฏิกริยาของครีดในเรื่องที่เกี่ยวกับเจค เพราะครีดก็ถือเป็นพี่ชายของเจคเหมือนกัน แต่ดูเหมือนในเรื่องนี้จะมีนิคเพียงคนเดียวเท่านั้นที่ห่วงใยสวัสดิภาพของ น้องชายคนนี้ ครีดดูเหมือนคนอื่นที่ไม่ยินดียินร้าย แม็กซ์ไม่ชอบปฏิกริยาอย่างนี้จากคนที่เคยเป็นพระเอกหรอกนะคะ
โดยรวมชอบเล่มนี้เพราะชอบพระเอกนางเอก และวิธีการที่พวกเขาปฏิบัติต่อกัน ในฐานะของเพื่อนร่วมรบ และคนรัก แม็กซ์มองเห็นความสัมพันธ์ของทั้งคู่คงจะไปกันได้อีกยาวนาน แต่ในขณะเดียวกันปัญหาที่ตามติดมาจากเล่มแรกในเรื่องความไม่มีน้ำยาของซิบิล ก็ยังมีอยู่ครบถ้วนค่ะ
คะแนนที่ 77
April 15, 2018
I guess I am too practical - it really bothered me that the main characters were always half dressed because their clothing was singed/in tatters/holey/missing completely (in public), etc. Additionally, the furniture and carpets were often smoking. While I appreciate the Sybils and their unique world, I found the constant fire distracting. This is a "talent" that might have been better skipped; I assume I will have the same issue reading about a water talent.
If you can ignore the eye watering smoke, the book is pretty good.
If you can ignore the eye watering smoke, the book is pretty good.
July 27, 2017
Decent erotic supernatural action. Second in a trilogy (which I didn't realize before I read it, as I was given it and the first book but neither really lists which comes first chronologically).
The world concept I found more interesting than the sex scenes - which seemed well written, but didn't do a lot for me, which is more on me than the writing itself.
The world concept I found more interesting than the sex scenes - which seemed well written, but didn't do a lot for me, which is more on me than the writing itself.
May 2, 2018
See book one for series thoughts.
I liked this one a little less than the first book (so maybe 3.5 stars), but that was mostly because I didn't click with Cynda quite as much as Rianna or Merilee. Still a great read though!
And I LOVE the world.
I liked this one a little less than the first book (so maybe 3.5 stars), but that was mostly because I didn't click with Cynda quite as much as Rianna or Merilee. Still a great read though!
And I LOVE the world.
June 13, 2018
Another one bites the dust
This lives up to the promise of the first book. Can the Triad bring another demon into the fold and stop the destruction? Wonderful byplay between the characters. Absolutely love this series. For anyone into paranormal, dark fantasy, romance and mysteries. Recommended
This lives up to the promise of the first book. Can the Triad bring another demon into the fold and stop the destruction? Wonderful byplay between the characters. Absolutely love this series. For anyone into paranormal, dark fantasy, romance and mysteries. Recommended
September 18, 2018
all i have to say is read the series!
November 8, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable second installment in this series.
March 6, 2019
I liked this story. I just found it not as engaging as the first book in the series.
May 1, 2020
Really a 3.5 *
March 8, 2011
Bound By Flame hits it off with pulse pounding action, it erupts from the pages with blazing fury and threw me into the back alley where Cynda and Nick get attacked. One thing's for sure, Anna Windsor knows how to make me sit up and pay attention from the first chapter, cause immediately a new threat is revealed that reeled me into the world of the Sybils again.
When the Sybils loose one of their own the pages seem to scream with emotion, the feeling of loss almost overwhelming but the Sybils possess a resilience that wills them to fight back, conquer that what tries to bring them down and they had me rooting for them every step of the way. At the heart of the Sybil community are three dynamic women, Riana, Merilee and Bound By Flame centers more around Cynda, the Fire Sybil. And boy does she burn up this story!
I thoroughly enjoyed to get more closely acquainted with Cynda and her fiery personality. It speaks of and is fueled by such passion, emotions and a caring heart. I love the manner in which the author portrays the females/Sybils in her stories, she knows what makes a woman tick and it allows me to feel a part of this Sisterhood, this clan of warrior women that fight the Asmodia, Astaroth and so on to keep mankind safe.
Nick is just about as different from Creed as apple's are from pears. To see Nick in my mind's eye meditate to keep his "Other" named Gideon in check is one of those character details I revel in as a reader. It makes every character come to life, become 3-D and I spend every available minute reading Bound By Flame. The dynamic between Nick/Gideon is humorous at times and at others a bit dangerous but without a doubt undeniable a part of each other. While Creed had to discover his "Other" Nick is almost comfortable within his own skin and then there's Jake, he is wrapped in mystery and I can't wait to sink my teeth in his story.
The romance is equal to the suspense and action-laden storyline but Cynda makes it sizzle, and well, Nick knows how to make Cynda sizzle. Just like with Creed and Raina, Nick and Cynda have a silent eye communication that adds depth to gestures, emotions and their growing feelings. Their thread so fragile at first but rapidly growing and gaining strength, it made me gobble it all up, gorging myself in their romance. When Cynda receives an ultimatum by her Motherhous it tore through me and I can only commend Anna Windsor's for her appealing writing style that can irrevocably make me care so much about each character! Safe to say I was completely absorbed by the romance and the revealing plotline. It worked superbly together, neither had the absolute leading role but both enhanced one another's impact.
It is Nick and Cynda whom light up this book like a match to dry wood, though the actual lovemaking is few, the level of sensuality is scorching the pages and makes their attraction all the more palpable. The problems rise quickly which sets them as a couple for multi life-altering decisions. This in combination with the plot at hand makes the tension rocket from the pages and I was NOT to be disturbed, NOT under any circumstances! The visual Anna Windsor gave me of the riveting events unfolding in the end made my pulse thunder and Nick and Cynda immortalized themselves as a romance couple!
If there is one major secondary character that had me from the first moment it is Andy and her story development is one I swiftly could decipher but to see it confirmed, oh my, what possibilities! With the last page read I could only hunger for Bound By Light and I know that it will not take long for it will be devoured, I can impossibly speak of reading because the need to know how things progress is a hunger that demands instead of asks. Unquestionably top notch writing from Anna Windsor!
When the Sybils loose one of their own the pages seem to scream with emotion, the feeling of loss almost overwhelming but the Sybils possess a resilience that wills them to fight back, conquer that what tries to bring them down and they had me rooting for them every step of the way. At the heart of the Sybil community are three dynamic women, Riana, Merilee and Bound By Flame centers more around Cynda, the Fire Sybil. And boy does she burn up this story!
I thoroughly enjoyed to get more closely acquainted with Cynda and her fiery personality. It speaks of and is fueled by such passion, emotions and a caring heart. I love the manner in which the author portrays the females/Sybils in her stories, she knows what makes a woman tick and it allows me to feel a part of this Sisterhood, this clan of warrior women that fight the Asmodia, Astaroth and so on to keep mankind safe.
Nick is just about as different from Creed as apple's are from pears. To see Nick in my mind's eye meditate to keep his "Other" named Gideon in check is one of those character details I revel in as a reader. It makes every character come to life, become 3-D and I spend every available minute reading Bound By Flame. The dynamic between Nick/Gideon is humorous at times and at others a bit dangerous but without a doubt undeniable a part of each other. While Creed had to discover his "Other" Nick is almost comfortable within his own skin and then there's Jake, he is wrapped in mystery and I can't wait to sink my teeth in his story.
The romance is equal to the suspense and action-laden storyline but Cynda makes it sizzle, and well, Nick knows how to make Cynda sizzle. Just like with Creed and Raina, Nick and Cynda have a silent eye communication that adds depth to gestures, emotions and their growing feelings. Their thread so fragile at first but rapidly growing and gaining strength, it made me gobble it all up, gorging myself in their romance. When Cynda receives an ultimatum by her Motherhous it tore through me and I can only commend Anna Windsor's for her appealing writing style that can irrevocably make me care so much about each character! Safe to say I was completely absorbed by the romance and the revealing plotline. It worked superbly together, neither had the absolute leading role but both enhanced one another's impact.
It is Nick and Cynda whom light up this book like a match to dry wood, though the actual lovemaking is few, the level of sensuality is scorching the pages and makes their attraction all the more palpable. The problems rise quickly which sets them as a couple for multi life-altering decisions. This in combination with the plot at hand makes the tension rocket from the pages and I was NOT to be disturbed, NOT under any circumstances! The visual Anna Windsor gave me of the riveting events unfolding in the end made my pulse thunder and Nick and Cynda immortalized themselves as a romance couple!
If there is one major secondary character that had me from the first moment it is Andy and her story development is one I swiftly could decipher but to see it confirmed, oh my, what possibilities! With the last page read I could only hunger for Bound By Light and I know that it will not take long for it will be devoured, I can impossibly speak of reading because the need to know how things progress is a hunger that demands instead of asks. Unquestionably top notch writing from Anna Windsor!
April 13, 2010
This review was originally posted on my review blog : http://fallingofftheshelf.blogspot.com
Cynda Flynn is a regular fire bug, because it's her choice weapon. Fire flows through Cynda's veins as true as the blood. She is the pestle of her triad, and will do her part in protecting the innocent. She is always prepared for battle. This time she's unprepared, and it's all due to an undercover cop from the NYPD Occult Crime Unit, Nick Lowell. Nick is no ordinary man, in fact, he's half-demon as well, and hotter than any flame Cynda can produce. She doesn't understand her feelings for him, but she's determined to find out what he has over her.
Nick knows how to control his demon half, with a lot of self-control and steel will. He likes to think he's unbreakable, after working with the deadly Legion cult for five years, if the most evil of people can't break him, surely he can't be broken. He learns he's not made of stone, and his soft spot is Cynda Flynn. He's determined to find the evil source that is destroying fire Sybils like Cynda.
Bound by Flame is book two in the Dark Crescent Sisterhood series, and even better than the first installment. I personally loved Cynda's character, especially her power over fire. Reading about a characters emotions can sometimes be a little confusing, but with Cynda, her flames speak for her. When she's angry, you know it, because half the city can go up in flames around you. It might well be the case if she's in a passionate tussle with one Nick Lowell.
Anna Windsor makes a great story, filled with lots of action and just enough romance to keep you interested. I personally had a hard time putting this book down, and would recommend it to all paranormal romance readers. The story of the Sibyl is original, and full of a history of many cultures, all coming together to fight the forces of evil. I honestly can't wait to see how this story progresses in the third installment, Bound by Light, where we will learn the story of Merilee Alexander, the third Sybil of this fantastic triad.
Cynda Flynn is a regular fire bug, because it's her choice weapon. Fire flows through Cynda's veins as true as the blood. She is the pestle of her triad, and will do her part in protecting the innocent. She is always prepared for battle. This time she's unprepared, and it's all due to an undercover cop from the NYPD Occult Crime Unit, Nick Lowell. Nick is no ordinary man, in fact, he's half-demon as well, and hotter than any flame Cynda can produce. She doesn't understand her feelings for him, but she's determined to find out what he has over her.
Nick knows how to control his demon half, with a lot of self-control and steel will. He likes to think he's unbreakable, after working with the deadly Legion cult for five years, if the most evil of people can't break him, surely he can't be broken. He learns he's not made of stone, and his soft spot is Cynda Flynn. He's determined to find the evil source that is destroying fire Sybils like Cynda.
Bound by Flame is book two in the Dark Crescent Sisterhood series, and even better than the first installment. I personally loved Cynda's character, especially her power over fire. Reading about a characters emotions can sometimes be a little confusing, but with Cynda, her flames speak for her. When she's angry, you know it, because half the city can go up in flames around you. It might well be the case if she's in a passionate tussle with one Nick Lowell.
Anna Windsor makes a great story, filled with lots of action and just enough romance to keep you interested. I personally had a hard time putting this book down, and would recommend it to all paranormal romance readers. The story of the Sibyl is original, and full of a history of many cultures, all coming together to fight the forces of evil. I honestly can't wait to see how this story progresses in the third installment, Bound by Light, where we will learn the story of Merilee Alexander, the third Sybil of this fantastic triad.
December 20, 2010
This is the first one I picked up. I had seen it on shelves for a while, but I never bought it. I got it for 50 cents in a used book store, along with the third book (Which I'm reviewing!). I would definitely have payed full price for this though. It was amazing. I loved Cynda's fire, both in a physical and emotional sense. Nick was the perfect choice for a mate. I loved the mothers, and I LOVE that they were willing to fight the mothers for their love. :) The battle at the motherhouse was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Surprisingly so for a graphic romance novel. Anna Winsor's writing is very visual, which I appreciate. Her descriptions of Cynda and her fire were some of my favorite. I liked the firsckinteraction in the alley between Cynda and Nick, and that he calls her firebird. AND I loved Jake as a character. There is much more, but I'd just be rambling and naming things off, not putting them into cool sentences, lol. It was a great book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2011
I will say that these books are quite predicatable (so far) but I very much enjoyed this one despite that. I knew I would enjoy reading about Cynda from the moment I met her in Bound by Shadow. She's funny, independant, strong, caring and loyal. At first I thought it would be too easy and again predictable for Nick and Cynda to end up together with him being the twin brother of Creed, who was the male lead in the first book, but Nick Lowell is quite different from his brother and this story is very different from the first and very much Nick and Cynda's own. The way their relationship progresses is great and very suitable to their personalities. There is much heartache, strife and desperation, but most of all love. The series plotline develops very nicely as well with the Legion and others out for Sybil blood. There is more action where fighting and battles are concerned and it looks like the Sybil's war with the Legion has been fanned into a mighty flame that is far from over.
October 6, 2008
This book is much better than the first book entitled "Bound By Shadow". If you can manage to get through the first one without putting it down and stepping away from it indefinitely, you will benefit when reading the second one.
The story and magic behind the Sybils is much easier to understand, easier to follow, and the plot is much clearer. I'm glad I didn't give up on the first book and decided to muddle through it. Maybe I'll pick it up and read it again before reading the next one entitled "bound By Light", which I already have in my possession for when I finished this one.
I would definitely recommend this book to people, but only after they have managed to get through the first one.
The story and magic behind the Sybils is much easier to understand, easier to follow, and the plot is much clearer. I'm glad I didn't give up on the first book and decided to muddle through it. Maybe I'll pick it up and read it again before reading the next one entitled "bound By Light", which I already have in my possession for when I finished this one.
I would definitely recommend this book to people, but only after they have managed to get through the first one.
January 11, 2013
The thing about a series is that sometimes you read the same story with minor variations, over and over again. That's okay if you enjoyed the first and have established an interest in the characters. Bound by Flame is the second in a trilogy. I enjoyed the first book so much I bought the next two, basically knowing what I was going to get.
The heroine in Bound by Flame is the one character I didn't particularly care for in the first book. I thought this woman with the gift of flame was too hot-headed, irritable, and basically, a pain in the *ss.
The author manages to soften her a good deal in this book but it takes the hero to bring out the warmth in this flaming diva. He's the reason I liked Bound by Flame.
The heroine in Bound by Flame is the one character I didn't particularly care for in the first book. I thought this woman with the gift of flame was too hot-headed, irritable, and basically, a pain in the *ss.
The author manages to soften her a good deal in this book but it takes the hero to bring out the warmth in this flaming diva. He's the reason I liked Bound by Flame.
February 16, 2009
Great read! Another outstanding action oriented paranormal.
The heroine is the second Sibyl of the triad, a worker of elemental fire magic. When she was six, her parents abandoned her to Motherhouse Ireland where fire sibyls are raised and trained. Now assigned to the Manhattan triad her life is disrupted by Creed's half-demon brother who insists on protecting her from the threat against all fire sibyls and her especially. He also refuses to believe she doesn't DO relationships...
Order REALLY matters with this series...
Dark Crescent Sisterhood:
1 Bound by Shadow
2 Bound by Flame
3 Bound by Light
The heroine is the second Sibyl of the triad, a worker of elemental fire magic. When she was six, her parents abandoned her to Motherhouse Ireland where fire sibyls are raised and trained. Now assigned to the Manhattan triad her life is disrupted by Creed's half-demon brother who insists on protecting her from the threat against all fire sibyls and her especially. He also refuses to believe she doesn't DO relationships...
Order REALLY matters with this series...
Dark Crescent Sisterhood:
1 Bound by Shadow
2 Bound by Flame
3 Bound by Light
August 11, 2016
Fire witch Cynda Flynn is part of a witch triad who fight demons, particularly the Legion - demons who are trying to take over the world. Nick Lowell is half-human, half-demon, a NYPD Occult Unit cop, and Creed's twin brother. Quite literally, the sparks fly between Nick and Cynda and fire happens when they get together. Talk about a connection. The battles are spectacular and the leadership of the witches and of the Legion is very well thought out. I totally loved this book and can't wait to read about the next "sister" in Bound by Light.
February 23, 2011
I really wanted to like this book. I expected to like this book. Unfortunately, it completely failed to draw me in. Cynda setting fire to everything in her vicinity drove me nuts - I kept thinking about how inconvenient it would be, and it jerked me out of the narrative. I was never captivated by the relationship between Cynda and Nick, partially because so much of the book was taken up by battle scenes - the final battle (actually two battle scenes back to back) lasts approximately sixty pages (Helm's Deep in LotR lasts about ten). After a while, I was just slogging through to get to the end.
January 21, 2013
Elementally locked in & loaded suspense filled adventure complete with sorcery, kick ass Sybils, sexy demons (and some nightmare ones) bound in a struggle to save lives & tradition all while the reader is seduced with some very hot sex...oops...sexy characters.
I was impressed at how complete this story was. The author doesn't shirk her duties or tie up loose ends quickly. Everything was given its due & went beyond my expectations for where the story would end. I love that! This was especially impressive since it was the middle book in a series. It stood strong all on its own.
I was impressed at how complete this story was. The author doesn't shirk her duties or tie up loose ends quickly. Everything was given its due & went beyond my expectations for where the story would end. I love that! This was especially impressive since it was the middle book in a series. It stood strong all on its own.
March 17, 2016
This series is much better than i was expecting. The characters are well developed, tightly plotted, intriguing and engaging storyline. Plenty of twists to keep the reader interested. The mothers are quite intimidating. Love the elemental magic part of the story. Enough steaminess for those who want the romance element. The romance blends well into the story without feeling separate or overtaking the action of battles, or mystery of the legion and their demons.
August 23, 2008
Absolutly loved this book! I can't wait to read the first and last books...I really can't say anything because it was sooo good! Although Mother Keara kinda made me mad when she told Cynda to either choose her friends, powers and family over the man she loved! But it was a happy ending so its all good!!!
February 25, 2010
This was better than I expected. Also witty.
Best Quotes from Book:
Cynda> "Sex does not solve all the problems in the universe."
Merilee> "Prove it."
Merilee> "I think I'll buy her a two week vacation in Austin, Texas. Or maybe Houston."
Cynda> "Why Texas?"
Merilee> "Duh? Cowboy butts!"
Best Quotes from Book:
Cynda> "Sex does not solve all the problems in the universe."
Merilee> "Prove it."
Merilee> "I think I'll buy her a two week vacation in Austin, Texas. Or maybe Houston."
Cynda> "Why Texas?"
Merilee> "Duh? Cowboy butts!"
December 23, 2015
This is a fairly interesting trilogy - Dark Crescent Sisterhood - and I've enjoyed it even though it took me forever to read this second book in the series. Pretty standard Paranormal Romance except both the male and female leads are supernatural. The sex is hot but not porny. I'm interested in how they're going to tie this back story all up in just one more book.
November 24, 2008
Book 2 - also good. Cyndi's personal battle involves learning to trust/love - which is kinda overused, but still a good storyline. I like how the books progress through the overarching storyline with their battles.
December 2, 2008
Good action, and I like how it built on the first book, but didn't totally depend on it. This one showed us the fire sybils, and I enjoyed it as much as the first. Strong female lead, strong male lead and they both manage to find a balance.
November 19, 2009
Even better than the 1st book in this series. Nick and Cynda were so darn HOT together (literally and figuratively!)
I have a new author to add to my favs list! Anna Windsor!!
I have a new author to add to my favs list! Anna Windsor!!
May 16, 2010
Surprisingly it wasn't as annoying as the first one. This one featured Cynda, and in the first book I couldn't stand her. The author definitely toned her down in this one. She bordered on being a shrew in the first book.
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