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Hexen's Cross #2
Hexen's Binding
Bryden changed everything. History that once was, is no longer. And life doesn't exist as it once did. Hellia lurks in the shadows between worlds, but the specter of the once-powerful hexen is the least of Taran Grim's worries. Something happened that day in Bryden. Something Taran failed to see. And Coll might be the one paying the price.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2019
5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
J. Kowallis
8 books96 followersJ. Kowallis graduated from Weber State University’s creative writing program, and lives in Utah with her Mini Schnauzer, Etta. She enjoys dreaming about, flying to, and writing about distant lands (real or unreal).
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 20, 2019
Hexen's Binding sets the stage for an incredibly climactic book 3 of J. Kowallis's mesmerizing trilogy, Hexen's Cross. Themes of family and magic cast a spell to keep every reader eager for more!
August 14, 2019
A fantastic sequel packed with drama and lore and thrilling witchcraft. Much of the story revolved around Taran's relationship with her family, especially her father. With the alternate reality playing into the majority of the story, readers are able to meet new characters who add a lot of personality to the story. I particularly enjoyed Angie, who I hope will have a larger role in future books.
Taran continued to be a strong character who will do anything to correct her mistakes and fight for the people she cares about. She gets a little intense at times, but that still adds to her determination. I often found her conversations with Alaric and Angie to be the most compelling, since they were the most prominent characters.
That said, this is a long book about Taran's path to rescue Coll, and it gets dark quick. There is a particular moment that may trigger some readers, and while it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book, it did throw me for a loop. I was also surprised that almost all of Taran's daring worked out for her, thanks to the help of her friends and family.
As for Taran's relationship with Coll, the driving force behind this sequel, I do agree that their emotions ran away with them. But I would hope that they could explore this dynamic in future books, since they do have a complicated and endearing romance. The ending demands more thrills, excitement, and drama, and I can't wait to experience it!
Taran continued to be a strong character who will do anything to correct her mistakes and fight for the people she cares about. She gets a little intense at times, but that still adds to her determination. I often found her conversations with Alaric and Angie to be the most compelling, since they were the most prominent characters.
That said, this is a long book about Taran's path to rescue Coll, and it gets dark quick. There is a particular moment that may trigger some readers, and while it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book, it did throw me for a loop. I was also surprised that almost all of Taran's daring worked out for her, thanks to the help of her friends and family.
As for Taran's relationship with Coll, the driving force behind this sequel, I do agree that their emotions ran away with them. But I would hope that they could explore this dynamic in future books, since they do have a complicated and endearing romance. The ending demands more thrills, excitement, and drama, and I can't wait to experience it!
August 2, 2019
*Spoiler free review*
An amazing continuation from Hexen’s Cross with rich history and lore which propels the reader further into the world the author has created. An addictive storyline which will leave readers hooked right up to the final page. Would definitely recommend to any fantasy lovers!
An amazing continuation from Hexen’s Cross with rich history and lore which propels the reader further into the world the author has created. An addictive storyline which will leave readers hooked right up to the final page. Would definitely recommend to any fantasy lovers!
July 22, 2019
What a great follow-up to Hexen's Cross! Taran and Coll have returned from Bryden and it is immediately apparent something has changed. Well not only something, but the past and multiple events that shaped Coll and Taran into the people they were have changed and altered who they are now. Coll has changed for a completely different reason. Hexen's Binding is a journey for Taran as she combines who she was before Bryden with who she is now. She is a much stronger person and it's obvious that some of the changes were necessary in order for her to complete the tasks ahead of her. She also learns a lot about herself and her feelings for Coll. We have the same great characters and villains from before with a few new additions. The author made it so easy to connect with each person. That connection had me glued to each page rooting for them, grieving with them and celebrating their triumphs. The amount of research the author puts into her work is astounding. The detail and descriptions in the book blew my mind. I can wait to see what comes next. You won't regret reading this series!
July 17, 2019
Get ready to be pulled into a magical world full of rich lore and and wonderful characters. I loved this book!
So, if you haven't read Hexen's Cross, I strongly recommend you do, because man is it awesome. The Intense world built around Dr. Taran Grim is so descriptive and alluring, you'll wish YOU were secretly a key to a master magical prophecy. There are even pronunciation guides at the beginning. You get even more backstory on Taran and the life she wishes could be normal in this book. Every new revelation you discover about her family, friends, and magical power is a delight, and you can tell that this is a character that is take charge and wants to hone her own future, regardless of what destiny she is bound to.
Coll is exactly what you want a bad boy with room for improvement to be, and the character development he gets is a huge step from the boy Taran literally ran into in book 1. I'm not spoiling anything, but his story is one that you definitely can't stop reading.
The side characters were a great little cherry on top, like Angie. She was so great, she could have a whole book just about her. Her training with Taran really helped you believe that Taran means business, and it made sure that Taran didn't just become a main character that gets super powerful just because she's a main character. She worked hard for it. She earned being a badass witch.
Overall, a great read! Can't wait for more stories within the Hexen's Cross world.
So, if you haven't read Hexen's Cross, I strongly recommend you do, because man is it awesome. The Intense world built around Dr. Taran Grim is so descriptive and alluring, you'll wish YOU were secretly a key to a master magical prophecy. There are even pronunciation guides at the beginning. You get even more backstory on Taran and the life she wishes could be normal in this book. Every new revelation you discover about her family, friends, and magical power is a delight, and you can tell that this is a character that is take charge and wants to hone her own future, regardless of what destiny she is bound to.
Coll is exactly what you want a bad boy with room for improvement to be, and the character development he gets is a huge step from the boy Taran literally ran into in book 1. I'm not spoiling anything, but his story is one that you definitely can't stop reading.
The side characters were a great little cherry on top, like Angie. She was so great, she could have a whole book just about her. Her training with Taran really helped you believe that Taran means business, and it made sure that Taran didn't just become a main character that gets super powerful just because she's a main character. She worked hard for it. She earned being a badass witch.
Overall, a great read! Can't wait for more stories within the Hexen's Cross world.
September 10, 2019
In Hexen's Cross Taran was impressive in so many ways but she seemed to be lacking in the practice of the Hexen craft and it was clear that she would need to bolster that moving forward. I couldn't imagine just how exactly that would come about in Hexen's Binding and I was truly surprised how it did in the best way. Some say the pen is mightier than the sword and that has maybe never been as true as it is for Taran, especially when that pen is building a magical arsenal of knowledge into her own grimoire.
I also have to say I really appreciated the strong family dynamic elements in this one. A lot of this story is getting to know ones roots, whether it be on the magical side of things, family, or even feelings. In all of those scenarios one thing rings true, it isn't easy to dig in deep and it is not always pretty what you find along the way, but in the end real strength will be found and built upon piece by piece. The Grims and the Donovans are like any other family in a lot of ways, they have their fractures and their failings but they also have immense strength and in the end a willingness to put differences aside and stand together when it counts.
While I wouldn't go as far to say that Hexen's Binding was the calm before the storm, because there was enough struggle to keep you glued to the pages, I did feel like it was building to a grand crescendo coming about in the next book. This ending satisfies just enough but will have you on the edge of your seat desperately awaiting the next installment.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review .
I also have to say I really appreciated the strong family dynamic elements in this one. A lot of this story is getting to know ones roots, whether it be on the magical side of things, family, or even feelings. In all of those scenarios one thing rings true, it isn't easy to dig in deep and it is not always pretty what you find along the way, but in the end real strength will be found and built upon piece by piece. The Grims and the Donovans are like any other family in a lot of ways, they have their fractures and their failings but they also have immense strength and in the end a willingness to put differences aside and stand together when it counts.
While I wouldn't go as far to say that Hexen's Binding was the calm before the storm, because there was enough struggle to keep you glued to the pages, I did feel like it was building to a grand crescendo coming about in the next book. This ending satisfies just enough but will have you on the edge of your seat desperately awaiting the next installment.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review .
July 6, 2019
I received a free copy for an honest review. This one was so much better than the first. I loved getting to know Sera and Emilia better and even some glimpses of Taran’s sisters. New characters were introduced because of the change in the timeline and those were actually some of my favorite characters besides the obvious. This book is filled with action, drama, suspense, and a hint of romance that will make you swoon. I cannot wait for the next one. I’m in love with this series!!!
July 23, 2019
When I finished reading Hexen's Cross, I was very happy to start the sequel the next day. The journey gets better with each turn of the page. Taran faces chaos as her life is altered from her experiences in Bryden. Relationships with the Donovans and her own family members take on new paths that continue to force Taran to grow and develop into a powerful Hexen, trying to understand her role in an ancient prophesy. The ending is a cliff hanger, so now I'll be counting down the days for the next book in this fantastic series!
I received Hexen's Binding ARC in exchange for my review.
I received Hexen's Binding ARC in exchange for my review.
October 14, 2019
Only love for this series. omg. ❤️
September 2, 2019
**I received a free copy for an honest review.**
I really enjoyed the first book and found the second a bit predictable. Nonetheless it is a very good follow up to the first book. Some characters have now got a more meaningful role and we get to discover them in a new light.
Although as I said it is a bit predictable, you just have that nagging feeling all along that something will come around the corner and it does! Like in the first book, once again the end is fantastic!!! It's really making you want to read the next book, which I will certainly do when it's published!
I also want to read more from the author as it's very easy to read, the stories are original.
I really enjoyed the first book and found the second a bit predictable. Nonetheless it is a very good follow up to the first book. Some characters have now got a more meaningful role and we get to discover them in a new light.
Although as I said it is a bit predictable, you just have that nagging feeling all along that something will come around the corner and it does! Like in the first book, once again the end is fantastic!!! It's really making you want to read the next book, which I will certainly do when it's published!
I also want to read more from the author as it's very easy to read, the stories are original.
September 16, 2019
Hexen's Binding grabbed my attention and kept it until the last page! I adore this J. Kowallis and the world she has created! She manages to get the perfect blend of magic and romance every time!
My favorite witchy world by far!
My favorite witchy world by far!
August 22, 2019
I loved this book! I didn’t like the beginning of the book as much as I liked the last one but that’s only because I missed the witty banter between Taran and Coll...there’s a reason for that though that is worth the wait!
Book 2 starts right after the last book. A lot had happened, Coll lost his memory and both Taran and Coll changed their timelines with the events at the end of book 1.
Taran finds herself in a totally different life where her dad didn’t die in front of her eyes. Instead of dying, he just left the whole family. He had his reasons though and Taran knows she needs to learn more about this life. She wants to regain some of her knowledge and figure out what’s going on so she starts out by building a relationship with her dad in this new world. He explains everything and leads her to work closely with the woman who raised Coll and his sisters. Coll’s sisters, mainly Sera, are still cautious of everything and hadn’t wanted Taran around. Things change when Coll is not as he seems though and both are desperate.
Book 2 dives more into Taran and Coll’s destiny and pull towards each other. It brings in both of their families and proves how important family is in life. The ending was a fun twist and I can’t wait to see where book 3 takes the story!!!
Book 2 starts right after the last book. A lot had happened, Coll lost his memory and both Taran and Coll changed their timelines with the events at the end of book 1.
Taran finds herself in a totally different life where her dad didn’t die in front of her eyes. Instead of dying, he just left the whole family. He had his reasons though and Taran knows she needs to learn more about this life. She wants to regain some of her knowledge and figure out what’s going on so she starts out by building a relationship with her dad in this new world. He explains everything and leads her to work closely with the woman who raised Coll and his sisters. Coll’s sisters, mainly Sera, are still cautious of everything and hadn’t wanted Taran around. Things change when Coll is not as he seems though and both are desperate.
Book 2 dives more into Taran and Coll’s destiny and pull towards each other. It brings in both of their families and proves how important family is in life. The ending was a fun twist and I can’t wait to see where book 3 takes the story!!!
September 23, 2019
Great writing, wonderful characters! One of the best series this year!
What a great follow-up to Hexen's Cross! Taran and Coll have returned from Bryden and it is immediately apparent something has changed. Well not only something, but the past and multiple events that shaped Coll and Taran into the people they were have changed and altered who they are now. Coll has changed for a completely different reason. Hexen's Binding is a journey for Taran as she combines who she was before Bryden with who she is now. She is a much stronger person and it's obvious that some of the changes were necessary in order for her to complete the tasks ahead of her. She also learns a lot about herself and her feelings for Coll. We have the same great characters and villains from before with a few new additions. The author made it so easy to connect with each person. That connection had me glued to each page rooting for them, grieving with them and celebrating their triumphs. The amount of research the author puts into her work is astounding. The detail and descriptions in the book blew my mind. I can wait to see what comes next. You won't regret reading this series!
What a great follow-up to Hexen's Cross! Taran and Coll have returned from Bryden and it is immediately apparent something has changed. Well not only something, but the past and multiple events that shaped Coll and Taran into the people they were have changed and altered who they are now. Coll has changed for a completely different reason. Hexen's Binding is a journey for Taran as she combines who she was before Bryden with who she is now. She is a much stronger person and it's obvious that some of the changes were necessary in order for her to complete the tasks ahead of her. She also learns a lot about herself and her feelings for Coll. We have the same great characters and villains from before with a few new additions. The author made it so easy to connect with each person. That connection had me glued to each page rooting for them, grieving with them and celebrating their triumphs. The amount of research the author puts into her work is astounding. The detail and descriptions in the book blew my mind. I can wait to see what comes next. You won't regret reading this series!
July 30, 2019
Following the first book, this one was quite a surprise when we meet a special someone from Taran's past. This was such a great story that introduced a few new characters because when this story begins, its in a whole new tineline. This timeline, Taran is more dedicated to her craft and has some catching up to do (with herself). She is trying to save Coll from the past and is learning a little more about herself too. She takes some big risks, will they pay off? I hope so...
July 28, 2019
Fantastic follow up to her first book, once again the author has created a masterpiece of family legends, magic and danger. Just when Taran thought her work was done, everything changes. Will she be strong enough to save the man she loves? A fascinating look into mythology as it could be now, I can not wait for the next book!
I received an advance copy of this book and reviewed wholeheartedly!
I received an advance copy of this book and reviewed wholeheartedly!
August 28, 2019
Prophesies. Witchcraft. History. Family. Love.
A heart-clenching, perfectly exquisite sequel... I don't even know where to begin.
In order to read this book, I picked up Hexen's Cross again. With the story fresh in my kind, the riveting sequel unfolded. Heart-wrenching, pulse- pounding, tear-inducing, complete masterpiece.
I'm still amazed by the rich folkloric detail J.Kowallis has put into this book. Brynden? I can still feel the plush of the grass underneath my feet. It's rewarding to read a book as rich in detail as this one.
Magic.
A heart-clenching, perfectly exquisite sequel... I don't even know where to begin.
In order to read this book, I picked up Hexen's Cross again. With the story fresh in my kind, the riveting sequel unfolded. Heart-wrenching, pulse- pounding, tear-inducing, complete masterpiece.
I'm still amazed by the rich folkloric detail J.Kowallis has put into this book. Brynden? I can still feel the plush of the grass underneath my feet. It's rewarding to read a book as rich in detail as this one.
Magic.
May 28, 2020
There may be some personal bias ;)
February 22, 2020
This book was not at all what I expected to come from this series. It was totally off pace with the first and yet still in line. It was a joy to read and get to know all the characters a little more as well as meeting new people altogether. There were a few editorial oversights, but nothing too distracting (especially since it cleared up near the end). Kowallis sure knows how to make a struggle real and I admire that wholeheartedly. The pace was a bit slow for my liking, but that would probably be my biggest and only qualm with this story. An overall success.
March 4, 2020
Great sequel. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. There’s not a lot of action in this book, but the emotional journey is a good one.
September 10, 2019
HEXEN'S BINDING BY J. KOWALLIS
In Hexen's Cross Taran was impressive in so many ways but she seemed to be lacking in the practice of the Hexen craft and it was clear that she would need to bolster that moving forward. I couldn't imagine just how exactly that would come about in Hexen's Binding and I was truly surprised how it did in the best way. Some say the pen is mightier than the sword and that has maybe never been as true as it is for Taran, especially when that pen is building a magical arsenal of knowledge into her own grimoire.
I also have to say I really appreciated the strong family dynamic elements in this one. A lot of this story is getting to know ones roots, whether it be on the magical side of things, family, or even feelings. In all of those scenarios one thing rings true, it isn't easy to dig in deep and it is not always pretty what you find along the way, but in the end real strength will be found and built upon piece by piece. The Grims and the Donovans are like any other family in a lot of ways, they have their fractures and their failings but they also have immense strength and in the end a willingness to put differences aside and stand together when it counts.
While I wouldn't go as far to say that Hexen's Binding was the calm before the storm, because there was enough struggle to keep you glued to the pages, I did feel like it was building to a grand crescendo coming about in the next book. This ending satisfies just enough but will have you on the edge of your seat desperately awaiting the next installment.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
In Hexen's Cross Taran was impressive in so many ways but she seemed to be lacking in the practice of the Hexen craft and it was clear that she would need to bolster that moving forward. I couldn't imagine just how exactly that would come about in Hexen's Binding and I was truly surprised how it did in the best way. Some say the pen is mightier than the sword and that has maybe never been as true as it is for Taran, especially when that pen is building a magical arsenal of knowledge into her own grimoire.
I also have to say I really appreciated the strong family dynamic elements in this one. A lot of this story is getting to know ones roots, whether it be on the magical side of things, family, or even feelings. In all of those scenarios one thing rings true, it isn't easy to dig in deep and it is not always pretty what you find along the way, but in the end real strength will be found and built upon piece by piece. The Grims and the Donovans are like any other family in a lot of ways, they have their fractures and their failings but they also have immense strength and in the end a willingness to put differences aside and stand together when it counts.
While I wouldn't go as far to say that Hexen's Binding was the calm before the storm, because there was enough struggle to keep you glued to the pages, I did feel like it was building to a grand crescendo coming about in the next book. This ending satisfies just enough but will have you on the edge of your seat desperately awaiting the next installment.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
October 7, 2019
I am absolutely loving this series! The way she has written the aesthetic and relationship for Coll and Taran is absolutely amazing! I cannot wait for the 3rd book!
I would give both books so far a 4.5 stars (rounding up) just because my only feedback is that there are some spelling and grammatical issues ie; Sera being spelled Sarah, 'yeh' being spelled back to yeah and a couple other minor errors in both books.
Not sure if I missed it, but definitely would love the explanation of why Coll and Taran swapped timelines and what's going to happen there! (:
I would give both books so far a 4.5 stars (rounding up) just because my only feedback is that there are some spelling and grammatical issues ie; Sera being spelled Sarah, 'yeh' being spelled back to yeah and a couple other minor errors in both books.
Not sure if I missed it, but definitely would love the explanation of why Coll and Taran swapped timelines and what's going to happen there! (:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2021
What an amazing follow-up!
The storry really builds up to creat a great serie! it is full of twists and turns and you just can't put the book down!
Plus the characters are just amazingly written.
*ARC generously provided by the author
The storry really builds up to creat a great serie! it is full of twists and turns and you just can't put the book down!
Plus the characters are just amazingly written.
*ARC generously provided by the author
September 27, 2019
Enjoyed this follow up to Hexen's Cross. Things have changed thanks to Bryden and neither Taran an Coll are ready for what could be the consequences. The many twists and turns keep you reading through needing to know what will happen next.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews