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Dying isn’t the worst thing that could happen at seventeen, right?

Growing up on the streets of New York City, I imagined my death probably about a thousand times. Getting hit by a stray bullet, ticking off an angry drunk, or even stepping off the sidewalk too quickly and getting run over by a yellow cab. But this… this was something I would never have imagined, not in a million years.

I’m Aria Negrescu, and my name is pretty much the only thing in my life that turned out to be true. I was the poor little orphan girl who grew up bouncing around from foster home to foster home, each worse than the one before. 

But all of that changed one night when I met him.

Now an unstoppable hunter wants to kill me, and if I’m going to survive I have to discover who I really am. And that means trusting a mysterious stranger I know nothing about. A whole supernatural world exists right under my nose, and I’m about to become a part of it. Whether I like it or not. 

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2017

359 people are currently reading
1509 people want to read

About the author

G.K. DeRosa

83 books1,526 followers
G.K. De Rosa has been an avid reader from a very young age. In fact, before she could even read, she tried fooling everyone into thinking that she could. At the precocious age of two, while living in Italy, she had memorized an entire children’s book in Italian and expertly turned the pages at the exact right moments of the story. As she grew up, she always enjoyed literature, no doubt having been instilled with a love of story telling from her early years in Catholic school where she was greatly influenced by exemplary teachers who taught her the value of English and Literature. Though she did not pursue writing in college and instead went for the more traditional route of International Business inspired by her love for travel and all things foreign, after a move to New York City, she found her creative writing side calling once again. She began writing a restaurant review blog, City Lights and Tasty Bites, detailing her other passion – food! The hectic hustle and bustle of the city, combined with long commuting times gave her the opportunity to spend more time reading and rekindled a lost love. After reading countless books in many diverse genres over the two years in New York City, and returning to her home state of Florida, she felt compelled to write something for herself. She had always felt particularly drawn to Young Adult novels and having been an eternal romantic at heart, a fantasy romance was a natural choice. She currently lives in South Florida with her real life Prince Charming and their fur baby, Nico the German Shepherd.

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5 stars
229 (43%)
4 stars
165 (31%)
3 stars
92 (17%)
2 stars
21 (4%)
1 star
16 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for TL *Humaning the Best She Can*.
2,351 reviews167 followers
June 16, 2017
I received this via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.:)
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Short review since I'm not feeling well at the moment..
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2.5 stars

The beginning felt rushed to me... mental red flags popping up at how fast Aria accepted everything but I was enjoying the story regardless. It picked up after a bit and I was enjoying the world the author created.. and a few spots had me amused :).

Damian... he was okay, I never really warmed up to him fully. Nothing against his character, was just indifferent to him *shrugs*

Parts of the story did get on my nerves, I can see why some decisions were mad as the story went on but there were times I wanted to shake or smack some people.

The romance: Meh for me, I did like Nico more than Damian though.

A fun read for a rainy day or a non-people mood... won't be continuing with the series but still had fun and I can think of a couple friends to rec this to :).
Profile Image for Angela Sanders.
Author 47 books976 followers
May 18, 2017
An awesome beginning to yet another amazing series!

First, I'd like to say I'm a huge fan of the Wilder series. If you haven't read it yet, you should. This book is a spin-off of the series with some of its main characters making appearances throughout.

I was wildly impressed with Aria, her humor, acceptance of a new lifestyle and trying to find the silver lining in everything around her. She's young, with a great head on her shoulders, yet her heart is torn between two men...vampire/ex-vampire... and who wouldn't be? Both want nothing more than to protect her, along with her wonderful friends. The greatest of all, her friend Ricky who took her in when she ran away from foster care.
This book has it all - witches, shifters, vampires, witch hunters, demons, fairies - you name it!
G.K. DeRosa weaved a dangerous tale written to perfection! It's full of thrills, suspense and a bit of romance that will leave you wanting more. It's an absolute must-read! Five-stars!
Profile Image for Deana The  Queen .
459 reviews42 followers
August 12, 2020
Aria is a NYC original. Growing up an orphan, Aria trusts no one, especially when she gets a letter telling her she’s been accepted into a college to which she never applied. But when roommate and BFF Ricky suggests they take a roadtrip to check it out, Aria’s all for it.

Things get weirder when they visit and find out that not only has Aria been accepted, but someone has already prepaid her entire two years as well as provided for room and board. All she has to do to start in the fall is show up. But even before leaving for school, things get weird. Not to mention smoking hot Damien who just happens to show up at just the right time. Like, he saves her life twice, once when he kills Aria’s ex-boyfriend when he had plans to kill her.

So this is a cutesy kind of PNR. I love DeRosa’s books in general, and usually give them five stars, but this series was just not for me.

I did like the characters, but didn’t love them. I liked Aria, especially since we share the same name, but otherwise she was meh. I loved Ricky, Aria’s gay BFF roommate. He was sweet and snarky and I wished he could have been a love interest. Damien is kind of hot, but there just wasn’t enough romance for me. Or sex. I really wanted more, kind of like the author had in all the Hitched and Darkblood Academy books.
Profile Image for G.K. DeRosa.
Author 83 books1,526 followers
April 18, 2017
A fun fast-paced supernatural thrill ride :)
Profile Image for Patrick Hodges.
Author 48 books122 followers
April 29, 2017
I was intrigued by the premise of this story, which contains witches, fairies, shifters, demonic hunters, and more. So I read it, and boy, what a ride it was.

Aria Negrescu is an orphaned teen trying to eke out a loving as a barista in NYC, when she is informed that she has been accepted at a really nice private school. All of her tuition has been paid in advance, and it sounds like the break she's been looking for.

Of course, this is where she begins to find things out about herself, things she was never told. She begins to manifest powers that are not only hella scary, but bring down the wrath of an even scarier hunter, who will stop at nothing to see her dead.

This fast-paced novel has it all - action, memorable characters, and a great cliffhanger. Can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
January 23, 2018
It has been awhile since I found a new YA book that I could embrace. "Magic Bound" is a wonderful installment in that genre that includes all of the mystical creatures that I love. I mean come on, what's a good paranormal book without vamps, weres, fae and witches?

Seventeen year old Aria Negrescu is an orphan who grew up in the New York foster care system. Then after one too many bad experiences she dropped out of high school and moved in with her bff, Ricky. Together they work as baristas at a local coffee shop. While out partying one night, Aria meets a handsome sexy stranger, Damian. She has a boyfriend so she just accepts a drink from Damian and heads off to dance. When her bff leaves to go with his boyfriend, Aria finds herself alone and attempting to go home. She is attack but not before Damian comes to her rescue. Soon she will learn that all is not as it seems including herself.

Over the next few days Aria breaks up with her boyfriend, discovers that she has a fully paid scholarship to a junior college is a small town in Pa. but Damien somehow still has managed to include himself into her life. She will discover that the past she never knew is about to catch up with her and she will be under attack from an ancient hunter who is dead set on killing her and her kind. The problem is Aria doesn't know what her kind is.

Aria is a character that I really could embrace. She is street smart, snarky and bound and determined to be independent. The supporting characters were pretty good as well. There is plenty of intrigue and action. My only complaint is the convoluted explanations for things at times such as "a fairy god mother." I was thinking, "Really. Couldn't you come up with a more creative explanation?" Nonetheless, this was a really good read and I cannot wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
Profile Image for SheReads.
700 reviews91 followers
July 4, 2017
I love everything G.K. Derosa writes, but this one was my favorite by far. It has everything - Vampires, Magic, Sass.
Aria is a fantastic character. She hasn't had an easy life. It's been difficult and lonely. The only person she has in her corner is her best friend.
Until she meets the mysterious man at the club.
When things in her life take a crazy turn and she starts to see the impossible manifest itself, he is there. Then she suddenly receives acceptance to a school she never applied to in a small town that holds its fair share of secrets. From there, everything starts happening quickly and before she knows it, she's in the middle of a supernatural battle.
It's a great story and I can't wait to see it continue.
Profile Image for Carrie Torres.
29 reviews
December 18, 2017
I was given an advanced copy by the author for an honest review. I felt like this book was a thrilling paranormal book. I am a huge paranormal fantasy fan. And I loved the characters of this book. I thought they were all very likable and intriguing. I loved how Aria who was an orphan who embraced the direction her life headed. There is just the right amount of romance and action. I can’t wait to read the next installment
Profile Image for Jennifer Chandler.
3 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2017
I was given an advanced copy of Magic Bound by the author for an honest review.

I honestly love this book! Which really made it hard to put down. I like the storyline, the characters and the character growth and development. Which I do like the fact that you get that from the start and on as the story goes. I really do look forward to seeing how things progress for the characters. I don't really want my review to spoil things for those who have not read this book yet. I really enjoyed reading this book and found it a wonderful adventure to read. I can't wait to continue my journey with the story and the characters.
Profile Image for Leslie Sanchez.
1,774 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2017
This was so good. I kinda like when young witches come into their powers without any idea what's happening or how. Of course just being young and thinking she knows it all, there were a few times I wanted to smack Aria in the back of the head and shout "Pay Attention". It wouldn't have done any good, but shouting at my Kindle did make me feel better. I loved her best friend, Ricky. Hands down one of the best friends, ever. No spoilers, but the ending left me chomping at the bit for the next book. I think this book had it all. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Geo.
355 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2018
I received a free copy for an honest review. This book is like Supernatural meets The Vampire Diaries meets The Mortal Instruments. I didn't expect much from this to be honest, but boy, was I surprised. There were times when I wanted to slap Aria for being so forgetful and clueless sometimes but she improved my opinion of her but not wanting to stand in the sidelines while people risked their life for her. I loved Ricky, he's the best friend everyone wants to have, loyal and amazing. Damian had my heart from the start. If you love love-triangles, powerful characters, and twists and turns to give you whiplash for days, then you'll love this book.
Profile Image for Dallass.
2,249 reviews
April 14, 2020
Not bad, but a little predictable.

I liked this quite a bit, but the characters were a bit boring and kept to their stereotypes. The plot was an interesting one, and I’m hoping that it picks up in book 2
Profile Image for Infinity Sisters Reviews.
101 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2017
Magic Bound by GK DeRosa is the first book in The Hybrid Trilogy and a spin-off of Wilder: The Guardian series. Aria Negrescu has finally gotten her life in order: she's living with her best friend, Ricky, she has a job, and everything seems ordinary. Then on the night of her birthday, she meets a mysterious stranger named Damian. Since then she's shot fire from her hands, demons are trying to kill her, she's accepted into a college in Oak Bluffs that she never applied for, and she's pretty sure the townspeople all have a secret. On top of that, she has two men vying for her affection and to protect her. Determined to save herself, Aria must get to the secrets of the past and discover who she really is.

GK DeRosa has a fun and snarky writing style, with a strong voice and prose. DeRosa delightfully mixes the gritty city with the quaint and mysterious small town vibe, giving Aria two very different locations to play off. Aria is a lovable heroine with strengths and flaws, who's clearly just beginning her hero's journey. She also has an arrangement of quirky and delightful characters, from her best friend to her new roommate. The scenes with Ricky particularly shine. He was a familial anchor for Aria as she discovered this supernatural world, and at any time he never fails to be charming. The other characters have distinct personalities and fit well into Aria's part of this world. This is a spin-off of another series, but it's easy to read on its own. Magic Bound is a fun adventure with humor and heart as Aria takes a stand for herself against this supernatural world. It's an addictive must-read!
Profile Image for Michelle VanDaley.
1,703 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2018
Magic Bound lays the groundwork to the Hybrid. This fast paced action packed story has great in depth characters and on point world building. Aria is a fantastic although frustrating lead in that she is strong and resilient but totally stubborn. I look forward to reading more in the series and from this author
Profile Image for  Elektra | My Trending Books.
760 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2017
You all know by now that I love witchy books!
I am on a witch hunt :P ( books obviously)
When I bought this book I didn't expect to be so paranormal?
It was a good surprise it started slowly and then as it went you were just sucked in the story!
I mean it had vampires, werewolves, werebears, witches fairies whats, not to like?

It had all kind of supernaturals in it! I loved the story and the characters although some of them were a little predictable. If you like those sort of stuff I would totally suggest this book because it had all the elements you need in a book with supernaturals!

I'll stop because I'll spoil something and we wouldn't want that!
Profile Image for Hope.
Author 12 books4 followers
July 28, 2017
Great Characters. Cliffhanger Ending

The ending was a little surprising but it was definitely a cliffhanger. I'll have to go find the next book in the series because now I need the next book.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,050 reviews12 followers
May 22, 2017
Vampires and magic

Excellent fast-paced read with plenty of action and romance with lots of supernatural characters that have you either rooting for them or wishing for their death
1,774 reviews9 followers
December 17, 2017
I'd already read the first book in the Wilder series when I started this one. I absolutely love this series! It's fast paced, extremely well written. The world created is credible, the character building work even more so. This book represents a huge amount of work; created almost flawlessly. I culdn't put it down. Fanrtastic work from DeRosa.
Profile Image for Joey Paul.
Author 27 books588 followers
July 7, 2017
I loved this book! From the first page I was wanting to know more about Aria. Her voice leapt from the page and pulled me into her story. Starting with her sudden surprise of a college acceptance to a fully paid for ride, and an apartment to go with it, what could be the catch? Because of course there is one and now Aria is thrown into the world of supernatural beings and having to accept a whole new backstory about her entire life. It was amazingly written and Aria was completely down to earth. I loved everything about it and it's going to be one of those trilogies that you have to see through to the end. Derosa is a new author for me, but one I will be following closely. Highly recommended for those who love fantasy, supernatural and a down to earth approach.
Profile Image for Megan.
408 reviews
August 29, 2017
3.5-4 stars for me...I felt it was kinda all over the place at first...like you find out you're enrolled and accepted into college but never applied and don't really question it much? that was just odd. it was an interesting read though. I def saw some comparisons to the vampire diaries in there a tad. I'll read the next one though for sure!
656 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2018
The magic of words keeps you on the edge of you seat. Aria was just a normal girl, so she thought. Aria found out she's a witch and the problems arise. With her friends, is vampire, shifters and humans, she goes on the quest to find out about herself and why a giant monster is trying to kill her. Loved reading this kind of book. Good material. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
October 24, 2017
This is an awesome book and the start of a series by the author. I loved the lead female character.

I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book. This is book 1 of the Hybrid Trilogy by the author. I can't wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Sheila Ryals.
2,598 reviews13 followers
October 20, 2017
😻

I'm not sure I , like t he main character in this series. A tad bit to rash and bull headed. I like a tough female now and then. But I also I keep when they use their brains more. The storyline though I do like.
Profile Image for Cathy.
196 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2017
I received this book from the author for an honest review.

This is the first novel I have read by G.K. DeRosa. I am impressed with her ability to pull the reader into the story.

Magic Bound is a fantasy young adult novel. It is well written with interesting and likeable characters. The story has a wide variety of paranormals and most of them work together to keep the bad at bay. There were too many "hot" guys for my taste but then I am not a young adult girl and I can see that they would be swooning over these characters, thus making the story more appealing to them. I am interested in seeing where this story leads so I am hoping I don't have long to wait for the second installment.
Profile Image for Samantha Britt.
Author 49 books302 followers
June 6, 2017
Fun, fast-paced young adult paranormal read!

Magic Bound was a super fun and exciting story! I loved Aria and her spunky personality. She handles her new reality like a boss and stays true to herself despite all the changes in her life. My heart smiled for Damien and definitely felt for Nico and his struggles. I don't know which one I want for Aria!
I loved the references to the Guardian Series (of which the Hybrid series is a spin off) but appreciated that I did not need to know everything about that series to enjoy and appreciate Magic Bound on its own. It is definitely its own story with just a few references to the previous series for GK DeRosa's Guardian fans.
In short, I loved Magic Bound. That ending killed me, though. I hope book 2 will be out soon! :) Well done, GK DeRosa!
53 reviews
January 18, 2018
Magic Bound

Loved it! A mystery, an adventure, finding new friends and comrades in arms, magic, love interest, this book has it all!
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
July 6, 2018
A great book

I loved Aria, she’s a great character with problems and it makes for a great story. I really enjoy seeing some characters from the wilder series, especially Nico! The writing was good and the action was excellent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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