Magnus Blackwell’s past is about to catch up with him.
An evil force has seized New Orleans. Pestilence, suffering, and darkness cloak the city. The citizens are scared and need their mambo to guide them, but Lexie Arden can’t help anyone. A diabolical presence has taken Lexie’s power and severed her ties with the other side.
Magnus Blackwell is fighting demons of his own. Torn between his devotion to Lexie and a spirit from his past, Magnus’s loyalty is put to the test. He must revisit his sins to uncover the key to the hatred ripping the city apart. If he doesn’t, Lexie’s reign as mambo will end.
Their search for answers leads them deep into the darker realms of voodoo—until a desperate Lexie does the unthinkable, and Magnus can do nothing to spare her from her fate.
Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Having been brought up in the motion picture industry, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans. Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/czfZYD
And POOF...just like that you open the pages to this book and it instantly binds itself to you and doesn't release you until you have reached the last page. What an incredibly written, intriguing, suspenseful, exciting, a bit nerve wracking read. The story line picks up from the first in this series and has you meet the newly appointed, newly married Mambo, Lexi, who has opened her shop for all things spiritual, all things voodoo, and even a space for her to work personally with clients who wish to reach out to the hereafter. Magnus is still with her as her spirit guide and amongst all of the day to day issues, there is something brewing. They can feel it in the air, until Lexi can't feel anything spiritual anymore. There is a storm brewing and with the darkening skies will come the darkening chaos that will threaten everyone in New Orleans, including Lexi herself.
The characters are amazingly written and are so very complex. Lexi is a beautiful, bright light with a good heart. She and her husband Will are working on their future when things take a turn for Lexi as the darkness begins to invade the city and her life. Magnus is, well, Magnus. Always around doing his best to protect Lexi, even trying to protect her from her strong willed self. But as the darkness begins to intensify, something happens to both the ghost and the human mambo, altering their worlds and making things quite complicated and suspenseful.
This is an amazing read and I cannot recommend this book, this series, highly enough. You like paranormal reads..well do not let this series get by you..you may come to regret that decision!
Bound is book two in this series by Alexandrea Weis. I've been a fan of PNR for years, and this book isn't your typical paranormal. Even though we are dealing with Voodoo, magic, and ghosts. Lexie is living in New Orlean's as the new Mambo of the Voodoo culture. She has Magnus her ghost spirit guide and everything seems fine until it doesn't. Literally, everything goes to shit in a matter of minutes from the moment Lexie loses her magic. Ghosts start to pop up all over the place, the city is hit with heavy rains and rats are running loose on the streets. Magic is unbalanced, and Lexie is forced to fix everything. This story is high drama, fast-paced, and amazing. I loved the rollercoaster ride of 'now what' moments Lexie faced trying to figure out who was causing all the chaos to the city and how to stop them, and at what cost. Great second story, can't wait for book 3 in this series!
Reviewed on behalf of http://bookaddict.live, Bound is the second book in the Magnus Blackwell Series, but there is a prequel Novella called Blackwell and Damned is book one. I have been riveted by this exceptional series, and have loved every single moment engrossed in each page. After the previous brilliant book, I couldn’t wait to continue the story, and had so much expectation and anticipation for this book. After devouring this book in an evening, I am excited to say that the authors didn’t let me down and met all my expectations, and then some! I really couldn’t have loved this book more. It is full of thrilling mystery, suspense, drama, the supernatural, intensity, good vs evil, light vs dark- voodoo, ghosts, and magic right up my street. This book jumps right into the story. A lot has happened since Lexie discovered the dragon cane. She is still coming to terms with the events of the last book as well as her new position of Mambo and the doubts and responsibilities that come with that, her marriage to Will, her business, and trying to bring some balance into her life. Magnus and Lexi have come to terms with their situation, their connection is strong and they have an appreciation for one another. Strange things begin to happen and there seems to be a shift in the universal energy bringing a sense of foreboding of events are about to happen that threaten to disrupt all of life in New Orleans and the spiritual universe. There is a sinister force with an evil agenda that will test Lexie and Magnus like nothing they could ever imagine. The city, the people, her friends and family, and even the dead won’t be safe from this threat and Lexie will need to figure it all out before it’s too late. But with her powers vanishing she will need to explore every possibility in order to defeat the darkness. Lexie takes her job as Mambo very seriously, and there is nothing she wouldn’t do to protect the people, city and the ‘family’ that she loves so much. Will she find a way to restore the balance of the universe. And if she does, at what cost? Her relationship with Magnus will be tested too, as he deals with his past Lexie knows he isn’t telling her everything and wonders if she can trust and rely on him still. Will their bond survive, or will the darkness destroy it too. I cannot recommend this book, series and authors enough! If you like paranormal elements in a riveting read, then this is definitely the book for you! This is such an exceptional tale, incredibly well written the product of very talented storytellers. The writing is compelling, polished, descriptive and exquisitely detailed. I loved everything about this book, but you really should read it for yourself, as you are sure to love it just as much as I did. But, if you haven’t read the other two books yet, I recommend that you do, to get all the brilliant backstory, details, and character information that they contain, will really add your reading experience of this book. If I could I would give this book 6 stars, I will stop raving now.
I was hired to proofread this book. The only aspects of the story that I influenced were the spelling and grammar. If you feel that my connection to the book makes my review untrustworthy, so be it, but this is my honest review.
This book sucked me right back into Lexie's life. I was excited to see Lexie doing her job as mambo of New Orleans. I wasn't really prepared for things to get flipped upside down in her life, although I probably should have expected it from this writing duo.
Bound is the third instalment (Book #2) in the Magnus Blackwell series by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor- and comes after the prequel Blackwell (Book #0.5) and Damned (Book #1). I have been riveted by this exceptional series, and have loved every single moment exploring each page. After the previous superb instalment, I couldn’t wait to continue the story, and had so much expectation and anticipation for this book. After devouring this book in an afternoon, I am excited to say that the authors didn’t let me down and met all my expectations, and then some! I really couldn’t have loved this book more. It is full of thrilling mystery, suspense, drama, the supernatural, intensity, good vs evil, light vs dark- voodoo, ghosts, and magic. This book jumps right into the story. A lot has happened since Lexie discovered the dragon cane. She is still coming to terms with the events of the last book- as well as her new position of Mambo and the doubts and responsibilities that come with that, her marriage to Will, her business, and trying to bring some balance into her life. Magnus and her have come to terms with their situation, their connection is strong and they have an appreciation for one another. Strange things begin to happen and there seems to be a shift in the universal energy- bringing a sense of foreboding of events are about to happen that threaten to disrupt all of life in New Orleans and the spiritual universe. There is a sinister force with an evil agenda that will test Lexie and Magnus like nothing they could ever imagine. The city, the people, her friends and family, and even the dead won’t be safe from this threat and Lexie will need to figure it all out before it’s too late. But with her powers vanishing she will need to explore every possibility in order to defeat the darkness. Lexie takes her job as Mambo very seriously, and there is nothing she wouldn’t do to protect the people, city and the ‘family’ that she loves so much. Will she find a way to restore the balance of the universe? And if she does, at what cost? Her relationship with Magnus will be tested too, as he deals with his past- Lexie knows he isn’t telling her everything and wonders if she can trust and rely on him still. Will their bond survive, or will the darkness destroy it too? I cannot recommend this book, series and authors enough! If you like paranormal elements in a riveting read, then this is definitely the book for you!!! This is such an exceptional tale, incredibly well written- the product of very talented storytellers. The writing is compelling, polished, descriptive and exquisitely detailed. I loved everything about this book- but you really should read it for yourself, as you are sure to love it just as much as I did. But, if you haven’t read the other two books yet, I recommend that you do, to get all the brilliant backstory, details, and character information that they contain, will really elevate your reading experience of this book. Bring on the next book! Bellissimo!
Bound: A Magnus Blackwell Novel (Book 2) by Alexandrea Weis is book two in her Magnus Blackwell series. These books can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest reading them in order to help enrich your enjoyment of this series. It will help with background information to understand characters better. I enjoyed this book and it is my favorite in this series yet. This author's writing style is so easy flowing and engaging. She pulled me in right from the beginning of the story. Her characters are both connectable and lovable. They took me on an emotional roller coaster ride right along with the twists and turns that left me sitting on the edge of my seat. In this installment of this series Blackwell's past is about to come full force into his present. Lexi has just become the new mambo. The citizens of the city need her but the problem is, she doesn't have any power to help them. She cannot seem to communicate with the other side. Then you have Blackwell who is torn between the spirit that haunts him and helping Lexi. What will happen when he must revisit his past in order to save Lexi's new position? This is where the twists and turns really start in this story. Lexi makes some choices that Blackwell cannot seem to stop. Blackwell is fighting his own demons. This story takes on voodoo and the dark side in order to help Lexi find the answers she needs. I enjoyed both of these characters. Lexi is a strong woman but yet a little confused on why her powers are gone. But on the other hand she is determined to figure out and left nothing behind to stop her. Blackwell is just Blackwell. He is Lexi's protector but has a way of causing trouble for Lexi sometimes with her husband. He also is determined and pretty much does what he wants. They work so well together even when they disagree. The secondary characters in this story were a little different but they fit right in with the story line. I enjoyed them and enjoyed watching them support the other characters. I highly recommend this book. Find out what happens to Blackwell and if Lexi will find the answers she is looking for.
Holy Cow what a book! The writing duo of Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor have gone far beyond this readers expectations and written a phenomenal book/series that will leave you spellbound and craving more.
Bound is Book 2 of the series and continues with Lexi setting up her shop in downtown New Orleans as well as continuing her role as the new Mambo. Of course Magnus is tagging along as her spirit guide. While Lexi is embracing her role as Mambo, there are those that are out to destroy her and take her powers. While the spirit world becomes topsey turvy, people begin to die and spirits start to run amuck in New Orleans. Lexi and Magnus must find a way to right the ship before all is lost. The authors will take you on an amazing journey that will keep you glued to the pages and have you both hopeful and fearful of what’s to come.
I HIGHLY recommend giving the Magnus Blackwell series a go even if you don’t usually go for paranormal or voodoo storylines. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret it. The books are 100% better if read them in order, starting the with prequel titled Blackwell, then book 1 called Damned and of course Bound is next. Then like myself you will be anxiously awaiting Book 3 to find out what happens to Lexi, Magnus and the city of New Orleans next. This is a definitely a 5 star book in a 5 star series.
Another amazing book! Love the suspense. Running all of the people in my mind and all of the possibilities. It's nice to read a book and learn about the rich history of the town's. New Orleans definitely has a lot of history. I can't wait to see where Lexie and Magnus end up next and how her new role will work it's way out. Congratulations Alexandrea! It truly is magnificent. I read it in one day. Didn't want to put it down
Magnus Blackwell’s past is about to catch up with him.
An evil force has seized New Orleans. Pestilence, suffering, and darkness cloak the city. The citizens are scared and need their mambo to guide them, but Lexie Arden can’t help anyone. A diabolical presence has taken Lexie’s power and severed her ties with the other side.
Magnus Blackwell is fighting demons of his own. Torn between his devotion to Lexie and a spirit from his past, Magnus’s loyalty is put to the test. He must revisit his sins to uncover the key to the hatred ripping the city apart. If he doesn’t, Lexie’s reign as mambo will end.
Their search for answers leads them deep into the darker realms of voodoo—until a desperate Lexie does the unthinkable, and Magnus can do nothing to spare her from her fate
••••••••••
REVIEW: BOUND is the second full-length instalment in Alexandrea Weis’ contemporary, adult BOUND paranormal, mystery, Voodoo fantasy series focusing on New Orlean’s Voodoo Mambo Lexi Arden, and her spirit guide Magnus Blackwell. BOUND can be read as a stand-alone but for cohesion and back story I recommend reading the series in order.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Lexi and Magnus) BOUND follows Lexi and Magnus on the hunt for a killer. As Lexi slowly begins to lose her capacity as the reigning Mambo, a number of powerful Voodoo priests and priestesses become the victim of a serial killer, not of this world. Lexi begins to investigate the how and why of her missing powers, when a being more dominant and forceful makes Lexi an offer she should have refused. Without her powers, the spirits of the dead begin to descend upon the people of New Orleans, including two ghosts with close connections to Lexi’s spirit guide. Our heroine is determined to uncover the truth but in doing so walks a fine line between good and evil, wherein the darkness begins to override her soul. Not one to follow the rules Lexi will come face to face with a malicious spirit who is willing to do anything to bring Lexi to the dark side.
BOUND is an intriguing story of dark and white magic; of the influential lure of power, and the resulting repercussions of selling one’s soul for the ultimate prize. From priests and priestesses, spirits and ghosts, to Damballah (The Sky Father/ Primordial Creator of Life) and Kalfu (Master of malevolent spirits/ controls the evil aspects of Voodoo), Alexandrea Weis pulls from the Haitian and African history of the practice of Voodoo, the spiritual folkway of those who follow and believe. BOUND is a detailed, complex and enchanting story of mystery, suspense, drama and magic. The premise is entertaining and compelling; the characters are colorful and tenacious. The world building continues to take the reader on a journey through the fantastic as one determined and head-strong woman battles to regain control of the spirits, and the power within.
Bound is the third instalment (Book #2) in the Magnus Blackwell series by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor- and comes after the prequel Blackwell (Book #0.5) and Damned (Book #1). I have been riveted by this exceptional series, and have loved every single moment exploring each page. After the previous superb instalment, I couldn’t wait to continue the story, and had so much expectation and anticipation for this book. After devouring this book in an afternoon, I am excited to say that the authors didn’t let me down and met all my expectations, and then some! I really couldn’t have loved this book more. It is full of thrilling mystery, suspense, drama, the supernatural, intensity, good vs evil, light vs dark- voodoo, ghosts, and magic. This book jumps right into the story. A lot has happened since Lexie discovered the dragon cane. She is still coming to terms with the events of the last book- as well as her new position of Mambo and the doubts and responsibilities that come with that, her marriage to Will, her business, and trying to bring some balance into her life. Magnus and her have come to terms with their situation, their connection is strong and they have an appreciation for one another. Strange things begin to happen and there seems to be a shift in the universal energy- bringing a sense of foreboding of events are about to happen that threaten to disrupt all of life in New Orleans and the spiritual universe. There is a sinister force with an evil agenda that will test Lexie and Magnus like nothing they could ever imagine. The city, the people, her friends and family, and even the dead won’t be safe from this threat and Lexie will need to figure it all out before it’s too late. But with her powers vanishing she will need to explore every possibility in order to defeat the darkness. Lexie takes her job as Mambo very seriously, and there is nothing she wouldn’t do to protect the people, city and the ‘family’ that she loves so much. Will she find a way to restore the balance of the universe? And if she does, at what cost? Her relationship with Magnus will be tested too, as he deals with his past- Lexie knows he isn’t telling her everything and wonders if she can trust and rely on him still. Will their bond survive, or will the darkness destroy it too? I cannot recommend this book, series and authors enough! If you like paranormal elements in a riveting read, then this is definitely the book for you!!! This is such an exceptional tale, incredibly well written- the product of very talented storytellers. The writing is compelling, polished, descriptive and exquisitely detailed. I loved everything about this book- but you really should read it for yourself, as you are sure to love it just as much as I did. But, if you haven’t read the other two books yet, I recommend that you do, to get all the brilliant backstory, details, and character information that they contain, will really elevate your reading experience of this book. Bring on the next book! Bellissimo!
Book 2 in the Magnus Blackwell series, and this picks straight up from where book 1 Damned finished, so make sure you read this first - this is a fabulous series, I'm really loving it!
Lexi is trying to establish herself as the newly appointed Mambo having also just got married. She has opened her own voodoo / spiritual shop and even has her own place in there to work with clients needing spiritual help. She's doing her best to care for those around her who need her help with Magnus still there as her spirit guide to help out.
But there is trouble coming, and things are about to get interesting for them! Lexi loses her powers and her connection to Magnus. There is a darkness coming that is after her powers and causes a shift in the balance in the voodoo world for all in New Orleans, an evil is on the prowl threatening all, ghosts are appearing everywhere, it starts to rain constantly, rats appear overrunning the streets, swarms of black flies everywhere - bad juju is happening and Lexi must find a way to fix it.
This is a fabulous read, I love the New Orleans setting, so descriptive you could almost be there. Lexi is a wonderful character, caring and wanting to help everyone and be a good Mambo whilst trying to balance this with being a new wife to Will, but she is strong willed and independent, sassy and stubborn in her actions sometimes. Magnus is very protective of Lexi and cares about her, trying to keep her safe in all situations, even when she won't listen to anyone else.
This is a great PNR read, thoroughly captivating from the start, its fast paced, full of drama and the story itself is wonderfully written and highly descriptive. I can't recommend it highly enough, you really must give this series a go, its fantastic, I can't wait for the next book!
Bound _ a Magnus Blackwell novel. I had read a previous novel featuring the mysterious Magnus Blackwell and I loved it, so I was keen to see if this one lived up to my expectations! From page one I knew I was not going to be disappointed. We are immediately sucked into the New Orleans underworld of voodoo and spirits as we meet up again with Lexie and her spirit guide Magnus. Lexie is now Mambo but an appearance by a mysterious spirit in the form of Magnus dead wife leads her to lose her ability to speak to the dead. How can she continue her role of Mambo without that power? Her desperation leads her to take decisions she should not, and Magnus is too distracted to realise until it is too late. I loved this novel and whipped through it in a matter of hours. It again delves deep into the voodoo side of New Orleans and the author’s description of both the town and the people in it, is fabulous. As a French speaker I love the occasional appearance of French language in the book too. This novel was full of suspense and colour, just as I imagine New Orleans to be. The characters are well written and interesting. I like the fact that Lexie has her unassuming “normal” husband Will alongside the suave spirit guide Magnus. The story whips along at a great pace and I found myself absorbed into it. I could not put it down. This novel was a lot darker than the previous one, but I really enjoyed it and loved the new characters as well as reacquainting myself with the old ones.
BOUND is book two of the Magnus Blackwell series, and boy did it knock me right off my feet. Once again Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor have collaborated to bring their readers another phenomenal instalment to this series. This was a book that had me dreading its end - I simply didn't want to reach that final page. All of my expectations have been well and truly exceeded.
Bound is the continuation of Lexie's story. She is the new Mambo of New Orleans and there are a lot of people not very happy about that fact. Once again Magnus is along for the ride, but is he there to help or hinder her in her new position? All is not right in New Orleans and Lexie and Magnus must work together to ensure the balance of things is once again equal.
This is a gripping read. One that will have you on the edge of your seat and shaking your head all the way through. This is paranormal and voodoo at it best - chilling, amazing and intoxicating. I cannot wait for book three arrive - this story is spellbinding. To ensure you get the best out of this story it is recommended that each book be read in order - even though they are all standalones.
Wow Lexie and Magnus are back, I'm even more addicted to this series than ever before, and the authors have me ready to beg for more.
I finally know who that green eyed cat (and this spirit likely possessed everyone that had those bright green eyes in book one) and it was a surprise I wasn't expecting. Ice read about Baron Samedi before but love the way the authors blend the other voodoo gods, NOLA history and tons of learning information into the story so you're learning new things, absorbing old lessons, and yet never realizing you're being taught because it's so perfectly woven into the book.
The villain was a bit unexpected and the loss of a beloved character hurt. As did the costs to succeed but how much damage the cost and it's repercussions are left for us to learn about in the next book.
I'm unable to fully articulate how much and why I love this book without risking giving away anything I haven't already. But I can honestly say it's on my list of "books I need to own in print" and hints are being dropped of upcoming gift occasions to family. Now to just hope book three is less than a year away.
“One cannot embrace the darkness without giving up something of the light.”
Bound by Alexandrea Weis is a fantastic read! This is the second book in Alexandrea’s Magnus Blackwell series, it’s also the first book that I have read in the series, with that being said I would suggest reading book one first. Bound was a fairly easy book to follow but I feel like I would have appreciated this story more having read all of the backstory from the first book. Bound is a truly unique and one of a kind story, it’s intense, dark, suspenseful and very captivating. It’s one of those books that make it hard to put down as there’s never a dull moment which made it for a really interesting and engaging read.
I enjoyed all of the amazing detail, from the characters, the character’s past, the history of voodoo and of Lexie’s powers. I will absolutely be reading the rest of the series so I can read more about Magnus and Lexie and how they became bound to one another. Alexandrea Weis is such a creative writer and her books always pull me in with her perfectly flowing stories. This is definitely a book I would recommend to others!
Bound (A Magnus Blackwell Novel, book 2) Alexandrea Weis 4 Star Rating
Bound was the first book I’ve read by Alexandrea Weis and the first I’ve read of the Magnus Blackwell book series as well. I would recommend starting the series from the very beginning to get the most out of the books/backstory as you would with any book series, but starting at book 2 didn’t make me enjoy the story any less! I really enjoyed the writing and imagery in Bound instantly, the paranormal has always intrigued me so I really couldn’t wait to delve into this particular storyline. Immediately I was drawn to Lexie and Magnus and had trouble putting the story down. The twists and turns kept me guessing and I loved the suspense of light vs dark and the struggles the characters face in where their loyalty should lie and sacrifices that are made as a result. Alexandrea Weis is a new to me author but after reading her biography in the about the author segment I’m really excited to explore more of her writing. As far as the Magnus Blackwell series goes, I am definitely ready for more after this read!
Bound : A Magnus Blackwell Novel ( Book 2 ) By Alexandrea Weis ⅘ Stars
Bound is book two in The Magnus Blackwell Series by Alexandrea Weis. What a compelling and entertaining story! I personally, have been waiting for this book for ages!! I thoroughly enjoy this series, from start to finish!! It will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wanting more! I don’t know what it is about Magnus Blackwell that I like so much. He just seems so real like and relatable. Oh and not to mention .. he’s so swoon worthy! He is town between two completely different women. Who will he chose? His world will turn upside down , when the unthinkable happens. You gotta read this book! You will not regret it in the least! But I do suggest you read the first book ahead of time, to get a better understanding on the back story and characters ! Great job, Alexandrea ! I can’t wait to see what’s next!!
Lexie Bennett is a happily married woman who has just taken over a very important position in New Orleans society. She is the new Mambo. There are many of the community that are against her. What is happening in the streets and with the added pressure from her normally very supportive husband, Lexie is having a crisis of confidence. Will the ever present Mr Blackwell help or hinder her attempts to solve the problems. An exciting and spooky battle between the light and darker side of voodoo. Will everyone survive or is the cost just too high?. This is part of a series that should be read in order. A very entertaining story full of danger and excitement.
Amazing! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is the third book in this series. What an incredibly written, intriguing, suspenseful, exciting, a bit nerve wracking read. The story line picks up from the first in this series. The characters are amazingly written and are so very complex. This is an amazing read and I HIGHLY recommend this book. If you love paranormal reads, well you NEED to get this one. If you do may come to regret that decision! I was literally so entranced by the book I couldn’t put it down before finishing it. Keep up the amazing work!
Bound by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor a four-star read that will take you away. This is the second/third book in the Magnus Blackwell novels (there is book one and a prequel), I would highly recommend that you read the other books in the series, and then this one as they do flow, but they could be read as stand-alone if you didn’t fancy the first ones. This book is filled with mystery filled with voodoo and magic, and characters that you will adore in both Lexie and Magnus Blackwell, as well as some of the other characters that you will see along the journey. This is a great book, the author has filled the pages with words that will make you turn each page with vigour.
Amazing! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is the third book in this series. What an incredibly written, intriguing, suspenseful, exciting, a bit nerve wracking read. The story line picks up from the first in this series. The characters are amazingly written and are so very complex. This is an amazing read and I HIGHLY recommend this book. If you love paranormal reads, well you NEED to get this one. If you do may come to regret that decision! I was literally so entranced by the book I couldn’t put it down before finishing it. Keep up the amazing work!
What a fantastic continuation of the series! Was very impressed with the second book and felt it was rich in detail. It would stand alone well enough but only fully appreciated if the reader has already experienced book one. The plot and pace move quickly. I was literally so entranced by the book I couldn’t put it down before finishing it. Extremely well written. I felt as though I was walking the streets of New Orleans with Lexie and Magnus.
Outstanding! I absolutely loved this novel. It picked up where the last book left off, and pulled me in to the story instantaneously. Do yourself a favor though and read Blackwell first, then read Damned. Even though you could probably read this as a stand-alone, you'll enjoy this more if you read the prequel and first book first.
Bound: A Magnus Blackwell Novel (Book 2) By: Alexandrea Weis, Lucas Astor 5 out of 5 stars
The story Bound: A Magnus Blackwell Novel (Book 2) by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor is a book in the horror/ghost genre. It is a story that involves voodoo and magic. This is just the type of book I have always loved reading. I didn’t want it to end. It is the 3rd book I have read in the series as there is book 1 and a prequel. This is a series that I would highly recommend reading in order as in each book you read about the characters from the previous stories and as the storyline unfolds in the book previous actions by characters are referenced. There are also new developments and revelations that you will read about. I love the main characters of Magnus Blackwell and Lexie. Magnus is Lexie’s spirit guide and protector. In this story we find out just how tortured he still is by that past. He feels a loyalty to Lexie however as the story progresses you read of the conflict that is going on within him. Will his loyalty be enough to keep him by Lexie’s side as the evil forces do their best cause chaos and division? Lexie is a strong woman who has a fierce determination to find out what is happening in New Orleans. She is also a person who has compassion and loyalty to those she loves and would do anything to keep them safe, even if that means that she takes actions that others find dangerous. As the new mambo, she also experiences doubt and has frustration regarding the situation she now finds herself in. Lexie’s gifts and power has been taken from her. Will she regain them? Both her and Magnus are looking for the source of the evil that is gripping New Orleans. Will they find out who is responsible? Magic has both a good and evil side. Can Lexie keep one side from overcoming the other? How far is she willing to go in order to keep balance in the world and keep those she loves safe? This story is set in New Orleans. It is a place that has plenty of history and I love reading stories set there. I have always been intrigued by voodoo and I liked that you are given explanations on what happens when it is used. This book creates an atmosphere that is intense, and I found myself getting lost in its pages. This author has created an amazing storyline and characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see where the story takes us next. I highly recommend this series. It takes you on a journey that you will not soon forget!
After I finished Damned, I immediately dove back into the world of the Magnus Blackwell series to read Bound.
Although I suppose I shouldn't be, I was a bit surprised that two of the issues I had with Damned were a continued bother to me in Bound.
I still find Will a confusing character. Bound opens to Will once more disliking Magnus, despite having seemingly warmed to him at the end of Damned. He also flip-flops several times between supporting Lexie and her calling above all else, and accusing her of putting her career first to the point of ignoring him and their life. As the book progressed, I found myself liking him less and less.
Like Damned, Bound had the odd phenomenon of feeling like it was going to end multiple times. Unlike Damned, this mostly occurred in the final few chapters, and bothered me, as I felt it made the ending drag on. I experienced a sense of "It's not done yet?" each time a chapter that would have been a good ending gave way to a new chapter.
A new issue for me in Bound was the unrelenting pace of the story. I had an urge to take breaks while reading to get a respite from everything happening. On top of this, the final few chapters are packed with many different plot threads. I got the sense that the authors found themselves with plot points they weren't able to work into the story and decided to jam them in at the end. I doubt this is really what happened, it was just how I felt about the ending.
On the positive side, the authors created a fabulous atmosphere of distrust. I found myself wondering if any of the characters could be trusted, if any of them were what they seemed. Turns out, yes, a handful of them were.
I don't know if all of the information in the book regarding Voodoo is factual, but it certainly seems well researched. Those characters in the book that are "knowledgeable" about Voodoo come across as well-informed and believable.
If the Voodoo information isn't factual, then the authors have certainly created a great mythos with the Voodoo spirits. If it is factual, then I applaud them for their research and making excellent use of the Voodoo pantheon of characters.
Despite the couple of... let's call them hiccups... I enjoyed Bound. The story was interesting, and I look forward to future installments. I really want to see Lexie succeed.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in the Magnus Blackwell series, and you really SHOULD read book one, Damned, first. It's not totally necessary to read Blackwell (0.5) but I would recommend you do, it just gives you a better understanding of Blackwell and the sort of person he used to be.
I loved Bound, gave it 5 stars, but here?? Really struggled. I had to keep putting this down, and reading a bit of something else in between, and then coming back to it. And I have no idea why!
Something is holding New Orleans in its grip, something evil. It has also taken Lexi's power and it has shifted to Blackwell. The key to finding out who and what is doing these things lies deep in Blackwell's past and Lexi has a difficult decision to make.
I have no idea, not a single flipping clue WHY I struggled with this one, I really don't. It's told from both Lexi and Blackwell's point of view, so we get them both, dealing with whomever is doing this evil to New Orleans.
I just ...ARGH!!!...cannot find the words! So, I'm just gonna leave this as is, it didn't work for me, but someone else will love.
Oh! We find out who that bloody cat is, although the name given to the cat is used for the being that appears out of the cane, and I got a little bit fuddled on that one!
Something is definitely wrong. As pestilence comes down on New Orleans, Lexie begins to feel strange. Her power disappears overnight and she knows something is definitely not right.
No powers, nightmares, and being challenged for her rightful place as mambo, Lexie knows she is too weak to fight. This is the time when she needs her ghost with her, but this may not be possible. His protection may not always be there when she needs him. The Dark side is calling to her to join it, while her Light side is weakening more and more.
This is Lexie's fight to control good and evil. This is an impossible task for a mambo and many have failed. She must cross over while keeping her good side with her and she must do this without help. I was mesmerized by this book. Could not put it down until I could find out how it all ended. Must read!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy with me.
“Something bad is coming.” This is the second book in the Magnus Blackwell series by Alexandrea Weis (with Lucas Astor) and I would recommend that the books are read in order and that you read the others before starting in on this one. It will make a lot more sense if you have the background story of Magnus and Lexi, the main two characters in the book. I would have to say this is my favorite book of the series so far. It was so well written with a vivid and descriptive background of the city of New Orleans. It was as if the reader is transported right into the middle of the story and the city. Something that truly enhanced the story line beautifully. I also enjoyed the details that are divulged of the world of Voodoo and other spiritual beliefs that are deeply rooted in the culture of New Orleans. In this book we find Lexi, newly married to her husband Will, and newly dubbed the Mambo. She has managed to get a shop up and running where she can help her people with many different things, especially that of talking with the other side. The only problem is a storm is brewing and her powers are suddenly intercepted. Magnus is fighting with feelings over the past and the current. He is determined to keep Lexi safe, even if it means from herself. Will he be able to help her before it is too late? He must deal with the past and his ghosts before he can truly be there for Lexi. With everyone in danger, will they be able to figure out how to help Lexi find her powers so she can help the people of her city and keep herself out of danger? Or will they be too late? “You’re trying too hard. Sometimes people will only see the truth when they’re ready.”