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Ravencrest Academy #1
Magic Bound
Starting a new school is never easy, but this time not fitting in could cost lives.
Despite being raised by shifters, my life was fairly ordinary . . . until I tried to break up a fight and got zapped with magic.
Then, all hell broke loose.
The binding spell placed on me as an infant broke and I found out in a painful and rather unpleasant manner that I’m actually a witch.
Sounds great, right? Yeah . . . not so much.
Now, the very people my birth mother tried to hide me from want to use my concealment as an excuse to push an anti-shifter agenda. The only way to keep my adoptive family—and myself—safe is to enroll in the elite Ravencrest Academy and prove I can control my newfound abilities.
Unfortunately, raw power doesn’t translate into competency and magic alone does nothing to help me navigate the ins and outs of witch society. But even with all the things working against me, I manage to make a few new friends and there's a spark of something more with the last person I expect.
Still, I can’t let that distract me from the ugly truth that many who walk the halls of Ravencrest are eager to see me fail. To keep the peace between shifters and witches I must succeed . . . no matter the cost.
Magic Bound is the first book in an exciting new YA paranormal academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Supernatural Academy, Shadowspell Academy, and Evermore Academy.
Despite being raised by shifters, my life was fairly ordinary . . . until I tried to break up a fight and got zapped with magic.
Then, all hell broke loose.
The binding spell placed on me as an infant broke and I found out in a painful and rather unpleasant manner that I’m actually a witch.
Sounds great, right? Yeah . . . not so much.
Now, the very people my birth mother tried to hide me from want to use my concealment as an excuse to push an anti-shifter agenda. The only way to keep my adoptive family—and myself—safe is to enroll in the elite Ravencrest Academy and prove I can control my newfound abilities.
Unfortunately, raw power doesn’t translate into competency and magic alone does nothing to help me navigate the ins and outs of witch society. But even with all the things working against me, I manage to make a few new friends and there's a spark of something more with the last person I expect.
Still, I can’t let that distract me from the ugly truth that many who walk the halls of Ravencrest are eager to see me fail. To keep the peace between shifters and witches I must succeed . . . no matter the cost.
Magic Bound is the first book in an exciting new YA paranormal academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Supernatural Academy, Shadowspell Academy, and Evermore Academy.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2020
1331 people are currently reading
1838 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Kay
25 books445 followersThe only person she knows who had a subscription to Writer's Digest at eleven and was always excited to write research papers, Theresa has been putting words to paper since a young age. Living in the mountains of central Virginia with her husband and two kids, she works as a paralegal by day, binges on Netflix at night and finds bits of time in between reading almost everything she can get her hands on and laundry to craft stories that tend to feature broken characters in sci-fi or paranormal worlds, with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure.
She's constantly lost in one fictional universe or another and is a self-proclaimed “fangirl” who loves being sucked in to new books or TV shows. Theresa originally wanted to write horror novels as an ode to her childhood passion for Stephen King novels, but between her internal Muse’s ramblings and the constant praise for her sci-fi pieces from her writer’s group – The Rebel Writers – she knew she should stick with what was working.
Ok, enough talking about myself in the third person… I love interacting with readers, so if you want to shoot me a line, you can connect with me on Facebook and Tumblr Even if it’s not about my books, I like chatting about my (many) fandoms, books and reading in general, or just about anything really.
She's constantly lost in one fictional universe or another and is a self-proclaimed “fangirl” who loves being sucked in to new books or TV shows. Theresa originally wanted to write horror novels as an ode to her childhood passion for Stephen King novels, but between her internal Muse’s ramblings and the constant praise for her sci-fi pieces from her writer’s group – The Rebel Writers – she knew she should stick with what was working.
Ok, enough talking about myself in the third person… I love interacting with readers, so if you want to shoot me a line, you can connect with me on Facebook and Tumblr Even if it’s not about my books, I like chatting about my (many) fandoms, books and reading in general, or just about anything really.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
January 28, 2024
Magic Bound was heartwarming, addictive and completely mesmerized me. With characters that were easy to relate to and a story line that made this book impossible to put down, I devoured this book so fast! It was just so much fun. With enemies to lovers, magic and friendship swirling through the pages, Magic Bound easily landed on my favorites list!
Selene had been raised by her adoptive parents, who were shifters. She thought she was a blank, a child that had no magic and was from two witches. But a moment at a party went awry, and she discovered she had magic. To help protect her adoptive family, since shifters should not have raised a child with magic, she was shipped off to Ravencrest Academy. But life wasn't easy there for Selene, and what unfolded had me turning the pages faster and faster.
Selene is definitely one of my favorite heroines. She was brave, kind, held her own, and acted from her heart. So she was someone I easily looked up to and respected. But oh my gosh did she struggle. She had problems with something as simple as opening a door, with her magic. And because of how she was raised, and her lack of knowledge, others weren't kind to her. She was different. She was an outsider. But even though Selene struggled with magic, she was still completely kick ass. She had so much fire in her and I loved that she had a backbone and stood up for herself. Especially when it came to her interactions with Tristan.
Ohhh the illustrious Tristan St. James. I. Loved. Him! He landed on my favorite book boyfriend list, but it wasn't an easy path. You see, Tristan was a total douche bag. He wasn't nice to Selene and he hurt her at times. But I always looked for the tiniest of clues that Tristan was so much more than what he showed the world. And what I saw underneath it all, made me fall for him so hard. As more of his past came to light, and we saw how he was raised, it all started to click together.
Selene and Tristan had the most addictive slow burn enemies to lovers romance. Especially since there was a forbidden feel to it, because of who they each were. So I loved watching their interactions. They butted heads, each had their preconceived notions and it was rough at times. But I fell so hard watching them interact. Moments made me smile and sigh, and others had me wondering how they could even be in the same room together lol. So hold on because it was a bumpy ride. On top of Selene and Tristan, there was friendships, family, school and even politics in the pages.
The side characters rounded out this story so perfectly. There was Basil, the eccentric "Grandpa" who helped guide Selene at the academy. And whose quirks made me smile. To Isobel, who was Selene's roommate and was the sweetest girl ever. To even her cousin Reid, who felt more like a brother and was someone I cared deeply for. But my favorite side character was Adrian. He was a fellow student who made me laugh and smile so much. He seemed to have a lot of secrets, so I can't wait to learn all about him in this series!
So, yup, this book had it all! And that ending had me beyond excited to see what will happen next. It was such an easy book to devour and understand their world. Plus I loved so many of the characters. So if you're a fan of enemies to lovers, academy books or paranormal stories, then definitely add this one to your list! I can't recommend it enough!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly
The fragile hold I have on my emotions shatters, and the tears come down full force, followed by a hiccuping sob.
I can’t do this. I don’t want to be here. I want to go home.
Selene had been raised by her adoptive parents, who were shifters. She thought she was a blank, a child that had no magic and was from two witches. But a moment at a party went awry, and she discovered she had magic. To help protect her adoptive family, since shifters should not have raised a child with magic, she was shipped off to Ravencrest Academy. But life wasn't easy there for Selene, and what unfolded had me turning the pages faster and faster.
The level of arrogance dripping off this guy is ridiculous. And I’ve dealt with moody alpha level shifters. It makes me want to punch him. Hard.
Selene is definitely one of my favorite heroines. She was brave, kind, held her own, and acted from her heart. So she was someone I easily looked up to and respected. But oh my gosh did she struggle. She had problems with something as simple as opening a door, with her magic. And because of how she was raised, and her lack of knowledge, others weren't kind to her. She was different. She was an outsider. But even though Selene struggled with magic, she was still completely kick ass. She had so much fire in her and I loved that she had a backbone and stood up for herself. Especially when it came to her interactions with Tristan.
From the very first moment I met Tristan, he irritated me. The fact that he’s a St. James just makes it all the worse.
Ohhh the illustrious Tristan St. James. I. Loved. Him! He landed on my favorite book boyfriend list, but it wasn't an easy path. You see, Tristan was a total douche bag. He wasn't nice to Selene and he hurt her at times. But I always looked for the tiniest of clues that Tristan was so much more than what he showed the world. And what I saw underneath it all, made me fall for him so hard. As more of his past came to light, and we saw how he was raised, it all started to click together.
“You are a St. James after all. I don’t know why I ever expected better. You’re just as bad as everything I ever thought about your parents. Maybe worse. Perfect, pretty Tristan who always gets what he wants.”
“I always get what I want?” he asks, the question carried on a huff of incredulity. “If only that were true . . .”
Selene and Tristan had the most addictive slow burn enemies to lovers romance. Especially since there was a forbidden feel to it, because of who they each were. So I loved watching their interactions. They butted heads, each had their preconceived notions and it was rough at times. But I fell so hard watching them interact. Moments made me smile and sigh, and others had me wondering how they could even be in the same room together lol. So hold on because it was a bumpy ride. On top of Selene and Tristan, there was friendships, family, school and even politics in the pages.
Tristan grabs my arm. “You didn’t have to do that. There’ll be . . . repercussions for you, won’t there? With your pack or whatever.”
“Did you think I was going to stand there and let you get hurt? That’s really not my style.” I tug my arm out of his hold.
The side characters rounded out this story so perfectly. There was Basil, the eccentric "Grandpa" who helped guide Selene at the academy. And whose quirks made me smile. To Isobel, who was Selene's roommate and was the sweetest girl ever. To even her cousin Reid, who felt more like a brother and was someone I cared deeply for. But my favorite side character was Adrian. He was a fellow student who made me laugh and smile so much. He seemed to have a lot of secrets, so I can't wait to learn all about him in this series!
My entire world narrows down to nothing but the feel of his mouth on mine, his breath against my face, his fingers around my waist. And I am lost in it.
So, yup, this book had it all! And that ending had me beyond excited to see what will happen next. It was such an easy book to devour and understand their world. Plus I loved so many of the characters. So if you're a fan of enemies to lovers, academy books or paranormal stories, then definitely add this one to your list! I can't recommend it enough!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly
March 15, 2021
Originally posted at:
Let's start off with the good! The writing style is fantastic! The overall pacing of the story is on the slower and steady side of things, which really works for this one in particular. I really enjoyed the world-building though I would have liked for there to have been more of it throughout the story.
Now onto the less pleasant! Say it with me: Incompetent adults! All of them. Except for Basil. He was just sweet and helpful when he could be. The adults either treated a teenage girl like she was last week's garbage because of who she was raised by or gave her barely any instruction to understand the basics of their world. I'm petty but these people took it to a whole other level that's out of this stratosphere.
Tristen was also a big annoyance of mine throughout this story. The hot and cold thing he had going on with Selene was incredibly infuriating. They didn't get off on the right foot but when progress was finally being made things would revert themselves. Excuse me, I mean he would revert to being a complete crap stain just because he could. I can understand that things are tough for him but that doesn't mean he gets to take it out on anyone and everyone much less Selene who is also dealing with a lot too.
Selene was a great character! Being in her head was a totally fine experience. What I disliked, however, was how every adult seemed to think that throwing her out in the deep end without any instruction and telling her enough times that she could do it would be the way to go from here. She needed someone to instruct her on magic and how to control it. Letting her deal with crappy professors and putting her with Tristen from the beginning was a very idiotic move.
The ending was what I was expecting after everything happened. I have a theory about where this series is going. I'll spare you the details considering its spoilers, on spoilers, on spoilers. BUT this is one of those times I truly hope I'm wrong though.
Let's start off with the good! The writing style is fantastic! The overall pacing of the story is on the slower and steady side of things, which really works for this one in particular. I really enjoyed the world-building though I would have liked for there to have been more of it throughout the story.
Now onto the less pleasant! Say it with me: Incompetent adults! All of them. Except for Basil. He was just sweet and helpful when he could be. The adults either treated a teenage girl like she was last week's garbage because of who she was raised by or gave her barely any instruction to understand the basics of their world. I'm petty but these people took it to a whole other level that's out of this stratosphere.
Tristen was also a big annoyance of mine throughout this story. The hot and cold thing he had going on with Selene was incredibly infuriating. They didn't get off on the right foot but when progress was finally being made things would revert themselves. Excuse me, I mean he would revert to being a complete crap stain just because he could. I can understand that things are tough for him but that doesn't mean he gets to take it out on anyone and everyone much less Selene who is also dealing with a lot too.
Selene was a great character! Being in her head was a totally fine experience. What I disliked, however, was how every adult seemed to think that throwing her out in the deep end without any instruction and telling her enough times that she could do it would be the way to go from here. She needed someone to instruct her on magic and how to control it. Letting her deal with crappy professors and putting her with Tristen from the beginning was a very idiotic move.
The ending was what I was expecting after everything happened. I have a theory about where this series is going. I'll spare you the details considering its spoilers, on spoilers, on spoilers. BUT this is one of those times I truly hope I'm wrong though.
February 21, 2020
Selene was raised by a foster family of shifters and considered herself as part of the pack. She knows that she's not one of them and she's a witch, but she doesn't have any powers herself. Until one day things change and she's in danger and her foster family is getting accused of kidnapping her, she's now forced to get into the Ravencrest Academy, which is one of the best schools of magic and she needs to stay there in order to prove herself and protect her family at the same time.
Things don't seem to be easy for her though. She never had any kind of experience with magic and now she needs to learn how to control her powers. She's struggling there both academically and socially. Add to the mixture privilaged rich kids and secrets of the past and Selene isn't having the time of her life.
This book was so amazing! I really enjoyed reading it! At first it reminded me of Harry Potter, but like the college years. An abbandoned person , raised by others, someone who picks them up and enrolls them to a school of magic.. As a potterhead, I noticed the similarities and I didn't mind them. Of course, while moving forward I could see that they weren't as alike as I thought, but still I loved it.
Selene was a heroine that seemed to be strong,but also weak at the same time. A fighter who also knew when she had to give up. I liked how no matter what, she had her family above everything else and they were the most important thing in the world for her.
I also loved the slow burn, enemies to lovers romance and the male interest, who seems to go through a character development and I'm loving his character so much! I didn't see that coming when we met him at first, so it was a pleasant surprise! There are also many secondary characters who are worth mentioning. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, especially at the turn of events near the end! I need to know how things are going to be developed and I also have many questions that need to be answered in the next book(s)!
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Things don't seem to be easy for her though. She never had any kind of experience with magic and now she needs to learn how to control her powers. She's struggling there both academically and socially. Add to the mixture privilaged rich kids and secrets of the past and Selene isn't having the time of her life.
This book was so amazing! I really enjoyed reading it! At first it reminded me of Harry Potter, but like the college years. An abbandoned person , raised by others, someone who picks them up and enrolls them to a school of magic.. As a potterhead, I noticed the similarities and I didn't mind them. Of course, while moving forward I could see that they weren't as alike as I thought, but still I loved it.
Selene was a heroine that seemed to be strong,but also weak at the same time. A fighter who also knew when she had to give up. I liked how no matter what, she had her family above everything else and they were the most important thing in the world for her.
I also loved the slow burn, enemies to lovers romance and the male interest, who seems to go through a character development and I'm loving his character so much! I didn't see that coming when we met him at first, so it was a pleasant surprise! There are also many secondary characters who are worth mentioning. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, especially at the turn of events near the end! I need to know how things are going to be developed and I also have many questions that need to be answered in the next book(s)!
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2020
It has been far too long since I have stayed until 3AM to finish a book, but this magnificent book has done it. The main character, Selene, and her journey and growth in the story definitely engrossed me from start to finish. The world building was beautifully crafted; it was easy to be captivated in it and it was also weaved seamlessly into the story.
While Selene may not be the perfect character or narrator, her perspective was true and relatable. Her attitude and her actions are easy to admire and be engaged to, especially because she tried to make her vulnerabilities into her strengths. Even though she spaces out a lot and I sometimes wish I could have the other characters point of view than hers, I realized that her actions were perfectly normal given the events the drastically shook her life. I cannot wait to read more about her self discoveries and how she will fight back the situation she was left to survive.
It may also be worth mentioning that there is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, romance into the story, and I'am smitten with the way both characters are written and how both showed growth into the story.
While Selene may not be the perfect character or narrator, her perspective was true and relatable. Her attitude and her actions are easy to admire and be engaged to, especially because she tried to make her vulnerabilities into her strengths. Even though she spaces out a lot and I sometimes wish I could have the other characters point of view than hers, I realized that her actions were perfectly normal given the events the drastically shook her life. I cannot wait to read more about her self discoveries and how she will fight back the situation she was left to survive.
It may also be worth mentioning that there is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, romance into the story, and I'am smitten with the way both characters are written and how both showed growth into the story.
June 20, 2020
The book is said to have slow-burn romance, because it's build from friendship first. The objective of heroine's action in denying this can make you wish to throw the book away, but somehow I could still relate to that and finish this book, even if I feel sorry for both of them. I definitely enjoy the romance.
The ending makes me wish i have the book 2 already in my hand.
The ending makes me wish i have the book 2 already in my hand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2020
This book cast a spell on me, I swear! Never judge a book -- just do that indie author a favor and read her book because, who knows, it could be that book you needed to get you out of your reading slump!
Magic Bound centers around Selene, a witch who has had her powers 'bound' since birth. She was raised by werewolves and doesn't even know she is a witch until one night at a party she accidentally attacks someone out of self-defense. Selene is shipped off to Ravencrest Academy, the prestigious boarding school for witches, where she is expected to prove herself and protect her family.
Then, of course, there's the guy. I loved that they were spelled together, and enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Plus, the slow burn was so savory! What made the whole thing even better was that this wasn't the whole point of the trope. The ending was a change-up! Loved it!
I have to say that I really enjoyed Selene as a main character. I never found her whiny and she always was trying her best and looking out for her family and friends. Although....she really did need to find herself an alarm clock! Also, the secondary characters were excellent as well. I already mentioned Tristan, but also Isobel most notably. I am looking forward to seeing more of all of these characters in upcoming books. This was the first book I have read in a long time that I have binge-read and it was so refreshing! I can't wait or future installments to come out!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Magic Bound centers around Selene, a witch who has had her powers 'bound' since birth. She was raised by werewolves and doesn't even know she is a witch until one night at a party she accidentally attacks someone out of self-defense. Selene is shipped off to Ravencrest Academy, the prestigious boarding school for witches, where she is expected to prove herself and protect her family.
Then, of course, there's the guy. I loved that they were spelled together, and enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Plus, the slow burn was so savory! What made the whole thing even better was that this wasn't the whole point of the trope. The ending was a change-up! Loved it!
I have to say that I really enjoyed Selene as a main character. I never found her whiny and she always was trying her best and looking out for her family and friends. Although....she really did need to find herself an alarm clock! Also, the secondary characters were excellent as well. I already mentioned Tristan, but also Isobel most notably. I am looking forward to seeing more of all of these characters in upcoming books. This was the first book I have read in a long time that I have binge-read and it was so refreshing! I can't wait or future installments to come out!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 9, 2023
The story was okay overall but the H was a spineless disappointment
February 23, 2020
This is a great academy read that once started I just could not put down! Well written this has a fab storyline and has shifters and witches, magic, romance, mystery, intrigue, secrets and some great characters! I absolutely love Selene our kick ass heroine and cannot wait to find out more about her and her background and look forward to reading the next book!
December 16, 2024
Honestly this was such a quick and great read! I genuinely couldn’t put it down. It gave me zodiac academy vibes which I loved that series. Definitely think this is going to be a new favorite!
October 16, 2021
My Rating: 4.7 ⭐️
First things first...you are going to want to one-click this book it's really that simple. All you Young Adult Academy lovers out there I have found your next binge read. It has everything we love: an enemy to lovers vibe twisted in with some slow-burn romance, add in a society of witches and shapeshifters that practically hate each other...it's a world on precarious grounds of laws and acts that need some serious attention...You know you want it, so go and get this little gem right now! Pre-order, pre-order.
Gah, I literally loved so much about this. I was captured almost immediately into this world and I couldn't help but just want more and more. It had the perfect balance of intensity weaved into the story...and although I personally felt this book was more setting the ground for world-building and learning all the important elements and layers, there was not one moment that left me wanting to take a break. It was almost strange how intensely this book controlled my brain. If begging worked, I'd give my best impression of Oliver with that sad face and pleading eyes. Theresa does it work?
That's all well and good but you want more too, don't you?
Unlike this master, I shall grant your request lol.
The book starts off a wee bit slowly, but bear with it a moment...So we have Selene, I believe she is 17? but don't hold me to it haha...She is thought to be a blank, basically human, born of a witch but with no supposed powers, or so she thought...she was left as a baby with a shifter pack and was adopted in by a couple within. The pack is her family and is all she has ever known.
But at a party with her best friend Reid, her cousin, she gets into a teensy incident where some witches are on pack land...which is a no-no. Anyways, Selene is hit with some magic that sets off something inside her and she learns she does actually have magic, and a heck of a lot of it too. Which means that her magic was bound.
Long story short, to protect herself and her family she must attend one of the top OSA (Order of Supernatural Affairs) Academies and finds herself quickly on the road to Ravencrest. To add extra pressure to the situation, she has to succeed at all costs otherwise she'll put not only herself in danger but also her loved ones. You see being a witch raised in a family of shifters is definitely going to call a lot of attention from the Coven Council...and the fact that the shifters were aware she was a witch only complicates matters further...add in that she also happens to be the daughter of a well-known bloodline, Andras', which they plan to use in their favour to gain extra protection.
"...The only reason the Coven Council hasn’t already carted you away for ‘questioning’ is because I pulled the strings that got you enrolled at Ravencrest. As a student here, you’re under the jurisdiction of OSA, and that offers you some protections. As an Andras, you have even more protections. But if you continue acting like you don’t belong here, eventually someone will decide that you’re correct. You do not want that.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to say that I don’t belong here and I do want that, but not at the expense of something bad happening to my family. I’m here to stay—whether I like it or not. And I better make the best of it.
Selene is now brought into a world where she is living with witches at this academy, struggling to learn about this power inside her...that you think would be hard enough right? but on top of this she also has to cram all this witch knowledge in her head as quickly as she can so she can catch up with the rest of the class...this will be no easy feat...
The one thing she sees quickly though is that by being on this side of the field, it also helps show her a clearer picture of these two worlds... and that no one side is perfect. Everything in her life is flipped and she needs to learn to survive in this place.
Surrounded by people very much apart of the politics of this world, you quickly start to learn a lot more information and see all the games that people are playing...But on top of all that, there are new laws that the witches are trying to bring about which is kinda making some of the shifters revolt so I'm guessing you can see how having her there will shake things up even more. It's all very full-on.
Now I'm going to rewind just a teensy bit to her first day at the academy, where she meets my heart-throb by literally running into him. Welcome to the scene Tristan...our moody, arrogant, mostly jerkish guy who 100% stole my heart from the beginning. He was the boy that just sorta jumped out of the page at me and I just knew he was like this tortured soul and just wanted to wrap him up and give him a big ole hug lol. Yeah, yeah we already established I'm a weirdo haha.
I slam into someone. Everything in my hands goes flying, and I land on my butt on the ground. Dammit. I should have been paying more attention. The guy standing over me, clearly another student as he’s wearing what must be the school uniform, stares down at me. As in, literally looks down his perfect, lightly freckled nose at me. His hair is barely on the blond side of dirty blond, neatly combed, and trimmed close to his head at the sides and a little longer on top. Golden-brown eyes the color of dark honey go from the top of my head to my flip-flopped feet and my purple toenails. I’d say he’s the hottest guy I’ve ever seen if his lip wasn’t curling in distaste. The expression makes the high cheekbones and sharp lines of his pretty face turn into something cold and hard. “Sorry,” I say, offering a weak smile and a shrug. “I’m late, and I wasn’t looking where I was going.” His gaze makes another pass over me, and then he huffs and steps around me without a word, leaving me to gather the scattered papers alone. Wow.
Totally great first encounter lol he even refuses to talk to her...don't worry though circumstances just keep pushing them together. Oh and the slight spell that binds them together for a little while def helps there 😉
But one thing you should no about this shmexy man is that he's a St James...that may not mean a lot to you, but his parents are something major in the witching world, and they are the ones trying to get this new shifter law in place...you see how Selene and Tristan may butt heads a bit? Hmm yeah...so you should know and be prepared to especially want to throw a well-aimed punch right at his mother's perfect little face. Grrr coz this woman is just craaazzzy.
I think that about covers what I'm willing to divulge. I seriously recommend you dive into this new story. I can't wait to be able to re-enter this world and see as Selene learns more about her blood, power and destiny. Bring it all on.
Gotto say that ending really got to me lol...I didn't want it to end there and I just wanted to whinge and whine like a child lol
My heart was pulled in many directions with that end...but it has opened the story for so much more...book 2 I have a feeling will only pull on my heartstrings even more and will more than likely amp up that intensity. Eeek. I live for that stuff haha.
So get ready to fall in love with everything this world has to offer as Selene tries to find her feet in a world that is changing fast.
Thanks to Theresa for the awesome opportunity to read the ARC of this book in place for my honest review...it has been an absolute whirlwind.
Happy Readings My Nerdy Book Friends
First things first...you are going to want to one-click this book it's really that simple. All you Young Adult Academy lovers out there I have found your next binge read. It has everything we love: an enemy to lovers vibe twisted in with some slow-burn romance, add in a society of witches and shapeshifters that practically hate each other...it's a world on precarious grounds of laws and acts that need some serious attention...You know you want it, so go and get this little gem right now! Pre-order, pre-order.
Gah, I literally loved so much about this. I was captured almost immediately into this world and I couldn't help but just want more and more. It had the perfect balance of intensity weaved into the story...and although I personally felt this book was more setting the ground for world-building and learning all the important elements and layers, there was not one moment that left me wanting to take a break. It was almost strange how intensely this book controlled my brain. If begging worked, I'd give my best impression of Oliver with that sad face and pleading eyes. Theresa does it work?
That's all well and good but you want more too, don't you?
Unlike this master, I shall grant your request lol.
The book starts off a wee bit slowly, but bear with it a moment...So we have Selene, I believe she is 17? but don't hold me to it haha...She is thought to be a blank, basically human, born of a witch but with no supposed powers, or so she thought...she was left as a baby with a shifter pack and was adopted in by a couple within. The pack is her family and is all she has ever known.
But at a party with her best friend Reid, her cousin, she gets into a teensy incident where some witches are on pack land...which is a no-no. Anyways, Selene is hit with some magic that sets off something inside her and she learns she does actually have magic, and a heck of a lot of it too. Which means that her magic was bound.
Long story short, to protect herself and her family she must attend one of the top OSA (Order of Supernatural Affairs) Academies and finds herself quickly on the road to Ravencrest. To add extra pressure to the situation, she has to succeed at all costs otherwise she'll put not only herself in danger but also her loved ones. You see being a witch raised in a family of shifters is definitely going to call a lot of attention from the Coven Council...and the fact that the shifters were aware she was a witch only complicates matters further...add in that she also happens to be the daughter of a well-known bloodline, Andras', which they plan to use in their favour to gain extra protection.
"...The only reason the Coven Council hasn’t already carted you away for ‘questioning’ is because I pulled the strings that got you enrolled at Ravencrest. As a student here, you’re under the jurisdiction of OSA, and that offers you some protections. As an Andras, you have even more protections. But if you continue acting like you don’t belong here, eventually someone will decide that you’re correct. You do not want that.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to say that I don’t belong here and I do want that, but not at the expense of something bad happening to my family. I’m here to stay—whether I like it or not. And I better make the best of it.
Selene is now brought into a world where she is living with witches at this academy, struggling to learn about this power inside her...that you think would be hard enough right? but on top of this she also has to cram all this witch knowledge in her head as quickly as she can so she can catch up with the rest of the class...this will be no easy feat...
The one thing she sees quickly though is that by being on this side of the field, it also helps show her a clearer picture of these two worlds... and that no one side is perfect. Everything in her life is flipped and she needs to learn to survive in this place.
Surrounded by people very much apart of the politics of this world, you quickly start to learn a lot more information and see all the games that people are playing...But on top of all that, there are new laws that the witches are trying to bring about which is kinda making some of the shifters revolt so I'm guessing you can see how having her there will shake things up even more. It's all very full-on.
Now I'm going to rewind just a teensy bit to her first day at the academy, where she meets my heart-throb by literally running into him. Welcome to the scene Tristan...our moody, arrogant, mostly jerkish guy who 100% stole my heart from the beginning. He was the boy that just sorta jumped out of the page at me and I just knew he was like this tortured soul and just wanted to wrap him up and give him a big ole hug lol. Yeah, yeah we already established I'm a weirdo haha.
I slam into someone. Everything in my hands goes flying, and I land on my butt on the ground. Dammit. I should have been paying more attention. The guy standing over me, clearly another student as he’s wearing what must be the school uniform, stares down at me. As in, literally looks down his perfect, lightly freckled nose at me. His hair is barely on the blond side of dirty blond, neatly combed, and trimmed close to his head at the sides and a little longer on top. Golden-brown eyes the color of dark honey go from the top of my head to my flip-flopped feet and my purple toenails. I’d say he’s the hottest guy I’ve ever seen if his lip wasn’t curling in distaste. The expression makes the high cheekbones and sharp lines of his pretty face turn into something cold and hard. “Sorry,” I say, offering a weak smile and a shrug. “I’m late, and I wasn’t looking where I was going.” His gaze makes another pass over me, and then he huffs and steps around me without a word, leaving me to gather the scattered papers alone. Wow.
Totally great first encounter lol he even refuses to talk to her...don't worry though circumstances just keep pushing them together. Oh and the slight spell that binds them together for a little while def helps there 😉
But one thing you should no about this shmexy man is that he's a St James...that may not mean a lot to you, but his parents are something major in the witching world, and they are the ones trying to get this new shifter law in place...you see how Selene and Tristan may butt heads a bit? Hmm yeah...so you should know and be prepared to especially want to throw a well-aimed punch right at his mother's perfect little face. Grrr coz this woman is just craaazzzy.
I think that about covers what I'm willing to divulge. I seriously recommend you dive into this new story. I can't wait to be able to re-enter this world and see as Selene learns more about her blood, power and destiny. Bring it all on.
Gotto say that ending really got to me lol...I didn't want it to end there and I just wanted to whinge and whine like a child lol
My heart was pulled in many directions with that end...but it has opened the story for so much more...book 2 I have a feeling will only pull on my heartstrings even more and will more than likely amp up that intensity. Eeek. I live for that stuff haha.
So get ready to fall in love with everything this world has to offer as Selene tries to find her feet in a world that is changing fast.
Thanks to Theresa for the awesome opportunity to read the ARC of this book in place for my honest review...it has been an absolute whirlwind.
Happy Readings My Nerdy Book Friends
August 15, 2025
Magic Bound is a F/M Academy book, first in a series. The author has two audiobooks up to borrow. So I grabbed them both and since they are taken down soon, I started with this one last week.
It is a bit confusing, but I like it so far. The FMC and MMC have both issues. The FMC was raised by shifters and they hid from her that she is a supe too.
But when she encounters a witch, who zaps her, her supe powers are set free. And she has to leave her family and attend Ravencrest Academy to save her parents. Her parents go into hiding.
The FMC has to build a new life and has no idea about magic. And now she has to learn fast.
It is a bit confusing, but I like it so far. The FMC and MMC have both issues. The FMC was raised by shifters and they hid from her that she is a supe too.
But when she encounters a witch, who zaps her, her supe powers are set free. And she has to leave her family and attend Ravencrest Academy to save her parents. Her parents go into hiding.
The FMC has to build a new life and has no idea about magic. And now she has to learn fast.
April 7, 2023
Bychh...4.5 stars!
You know shit is hot when you no longer highlight notes in the nook. 11/10 recommend this fantasy fiction (with a hopeful dash of enemies to lovers)
A witch (raised by werewolves who are deemed "scum" by witches) is shipped off to a cutthroat magic school. There she meets enemies and friends alike who all care about academics. Main points: ⚠️⚠️LIGHT SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️
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->A Judas is among her friend's group.
-> A hotheaded rich boy whose temper is crazy. But he doesn't mind kissing tf outta her...until the end. *crying in "Please let my shipped sail"*
-> mystery of her power origin and family background. (She may be the most powerful witch yet...)
->bad blood between the werewolves and witches. Injustice, government secrets, and powerful, unfair laws against the wolves as a minority. (I HATE the rich boy's mom sm.)
-> Possible mystery on rich boys sisters "vanishing act"
->A kidnapping of one student who may have had information about the main characters' past has their memory wiped. Therefore catapulting us to book two.
Well written, and well paced. Excellent character building and development. Can't wait to start book two.
(If you like: Hex Hall, school-setting fantasy novels with romance themes, mystery, and mythical creatures, try this out. )
You know shit is hot when you no longer highlight notes in the nook. 11/10 recommend this fantasy fiction (with a hopeful dash of enemies to lovers)
A witch (raised by werewolves who are deemed "scum" by witches) is shipped off to a cutthroat magic school. There she meets enemies and friends alike who all care about academics. Main points: ⚠️⚠️LIGHT SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️
*
*
*
*
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*
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->A Judas is among her friend's group.
-> A hotheaded rich boy whose temper is crazy. But he doesn't mind kissing tf outta her...until the end. *crying in "Please let my shipped sail"*
-> mystery of her power origin and family background. (She may be the most powerful witch yet...)
->bad blood between the werewolves and witches. Injustice, government secrets, and powerful, unfair laws against the wolves as a minority. (I HATE the rich boy's mom sm.)
-> Possible mystery on rich boys sisters "vanishing act"
->A kidnapping of one student who may have had information about the main characters' past has their memory wiped. Therefore catapulting us to book two.
Well written, and well paced. Excellent character building and development. Can't wait to start book two.
(If you like: Hex Hall, school-setting fantasy novels with romance themes, mystery, and mythical creatures, try this out. )
February 26, 2020
Overall, this book kept me intrigued and interested. However, it did not wow me like I had hoped. The story and concept were good but execution, I think, could have been better.
FMC Selene's was raised by her adoptive parents who were also shifters. They loved and adored her like her own. I liked this part and was refreshing to read for a change. Her adoptive parents and cousin always had her back despite her not being a shifter. She grew up knowing she was a "blank" a title given to witches who are without magic. The fact that she was a witch without magic living with shifters was a huge thing as shifters and witches do not mix in this world. In fact, they are at war/hate each other. Although, the reasoning is not quite clear. Then her world is turned upside down due to an event and one thing led to another...she ends up at Ravencrest Academy - an snooty academy meant for witches. Thus, begins her new life of finding out she's not a blank after all and that she is indeed quite powerful although, has no idea how the witch community/powers work.
Tristan St. James, is the a-hole, hot, uber rich witch who also goes to the academy, hates shifters and doesn't like our FMC. Of course, they are both butting heads together. We don't really get to "know" him all that much. We briefly get to know why he acts the way he does and honestly, part of me doesn't blame him. But, I don't feel terrible about his character. There is a tragic past connected with him and there is not enough details and we don't really get to find out anything except that the event happened. The story doesn't go anywhere. By the end of the book, I really don't know Tristan that well except for what is shown and I don't hate him much.
The character development is not the best imo. The smooth flow of the story and the characters is missing. We have these other side characters - Adrian (I liked), Isobel, Penny, Reid (cousin that I like) and while they are likable on surface we don't know them really well. A lot of time is spent on Selene's lack of understanding of classes and how she feels she doesn't belong there but not much on the story itself - the WHY - of anything. There are "fights" between Tristan and Selene and nothing comes to any resolution. In fact, he is somewhat mean to her in the beginning and then she is to him...but weeks go by her not realizing anything odd how she was treating him until it was pointed out to her by her roommate. Same went with she lashed out at him at one point but, to me that just seemed forceful and no base for that much hateful lashing.
The ending leaves you with more questions and nothing gets answered. It is a mild cliffhanger if that.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc provided by the author.***
FMC Selene's was raised by her adoptive parents who were also shifters. They loved and adored her like her own. I liked this part and was refreshing to read for a change. Her adoptive parents and cousin always had her back despite her not being a shifter. She grew up knowing she was a "blank" a title given to witches who are without magic. The fact that she was a witch without magic living with shifters was a huge thing as shifters and witches do not mix in this world. In fact, they are at war/hate each other. Although, the reasoning is not quite clear. Then her world is turned upside down due to an event and one thing led to another...she ends up at Ravencrest Academy - an snooty academy meant for witches. Thus, begins her new life of finding out she's not a blank after all and that she is indeed quite powerful although, has no idea how the witch community/powers work.
Tristan St. James, is the a-hole, hot, uber rich witch who also goes to the academy, hates shifters and doesn't like our FMC. Of course, they are both butting heads together. We don't really get to "know" him all that much. We briefly get to know why he acts the way he does and honestly, part of me doesn't blame him. But, I don't feel terrible about his character. There is a tragic past connected with him and there is not enough details and we don't really get to find out anything except that the event happened. The story doesn't go anywhere. By the end of the book, I really don't know Tristan that well except for what is shown and I don't hate him much.
The character development is not the best imo. The smooth flow of the story and the characters is missing. We have these other side characters - Adrian (I liked), Isobel, Penny, Reid (cousin that I like) and while they are likable on surface we don't know them really well. A lot of time is spent on Selene's lack of understanding of classes and how she feels she doesn't belong there but not much on the story itself - the WHY - of anything. There are "fights" between Tristan and Selene and nothing comes to any resolution. In fact, he is somewhat mean to her in the beginning and then she is to him...but weeks go by her not realizing anything odd how she was treating him until it was pointed out to her by her roommate. Same went with she lashed out at him at one point but, to me that just seemed forceful and no base for that much hateful lashing.
The ending leaves you with more questions and nothing gets answered. It is a mild cliffhanger if that.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc provided by the author.***
January 26, 2020
Reviewer’s Note: I was given a free advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
The book follows Selene’s adventure into the world of magic and witches after believing she was a blank her entire life. There is some animosity between the different supernatural races—witches, vampires and shifters—which creates a dilemma for the protagonist considering she was adopted and raised by shifters. The main setting takes place at an elite training academy for witches, where we witness the struggles of the character navigating through her lack of knowledge on magic, bullies, and everything else that continuously shakes and has her questioning the world she knows.
This book drew me in rather quickly, between the first-person narrative voice and the plot development. The world Selene lives in is fast paced with new rules that require some major adjusting, all of which is made more difficult for her through various rising action loops. Consequently, the book is a quick, easy read that flows smoothly. I have read other books before that have had similar propositions, but this one does include new plot points that I have not seen in similar YA worlds. So, hurrah! Additionally, I did not anticipate the story ending where it did, not much resolution for the book overall, but it did create a cliffhanger that’ll make you curious for the next installment in the series.
According to the author’s website, this book is the first of four. I predict that the story’s overarching timeline will be a book per semester at Ravencrest, especially since the training academy is a two-year program. There was definitely enough development potential via different arcs presented in this book to carry us forward in Selene’s journey. I am looking forward to what happens next in the world’s politics, the protagonist’s relationships (friendships and budding romance!), and how she balances the line between the witch and shifter worlds as close kin to an alpha and direct descendant of one of the more powerful witch families. I am also hoping for more character development in the second book.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
The book follows Selene’s adventure into the world of magic and witches after believing she was a blank her entire life. There is some animosity between the different supernatural races—witches, vampires and shifters—which creates a dilemma for the protagonist considering she was adopted and raised by shifters. The main setting takes place at an elite training academy for witches, where we witness the struggles of the character navigating through her lack of knowledge on magic, bullies, and everything else that continuously shakes and has her questioning the world she knows.
This book drew me in rather quickly, between the first-person narrative voice and the plot development. The world Selene lives in is fast paced with new rules that require some major adjusting, all of which is made more difficult for her through various rising action loops. Consequently, the book is a quick, easy read that flows smoothly. I have read other books before that have had similar propositions, but this one does include new plot points that I have not seen in similar YA worlds. So, hurrah! Additionally, I did not anticipate the story ending where it did, not much resolution for the book overall, but it did create a cliffhanger that’ll make you curious for the next installment in the series.
According to the author’s website, this book is the first of four. I predict that the story’s overarching timeline will be a book per semester at Ravencrest, especially since the training academy is a two-year program. There was definitely enough development potential via different arcs presented in this book to carry us forward in Selene’s journey. I am looking forward to what happens next in the world’s politics, the protagonist’s relationships (friendships and budding romance!), and how she balances the line between the witch and shifter worlds as close kin to an alpha and direct descendant of one of the more powerful witch families. I am also hoping for more character development in the second book.
November 15, 2024
The narrator and writing style were both great. An easy story to immerse yourself in. Selene is thrown through a loop but keeps moving forward. The ending was a good one and has me wanting more.
August 14, 2021
OK book, but some serious plot holes.
So we have another academy mystery with the orphan girl coming in as an outcast. That is fine, as that is what it is billed as. The problem is that the author is setting up conflicts that don't really make much sense from the context of the narrative, but it feels like they are just shoe horned in to make sure that it ticks all the boxes in the genre.
Some minor spoilers here, so if that bothers you, quit at this point.
Plot holes:
1) For her to feel isolated, they have a no cell phone policy and she is confined to campus. That is fine, but when the author needs her off campus for an interaction with non campus individuals, she blithely accepts a date to go get pizza. Slightly later, she ends up with a cell phone, so we know there is a cell phone store just off campus, so why doesn't she go to the Tmobile store and buy a burner phone? Where is the campus security keeping her on campus? Supposedly, there are wards, but miraculously they don't stop her from leaving campus.
2) The school is billed as some elite prep school, but it is BLATANTLY stated that you can buy your way into a higher ranking. First off, this means that the administration is taking bribes, so the whole "I can't help your class ranking" BS by the administrator is just disingenuous. Secondly, with it being this blatant, no outside employer is going to pay any attention to their transcripts as they are apparently commonly falsified. Thirdly, this practice would be so demoralizing to the teachers who WANT to push their students that I find it hard to believe that they would practice any rigor at all, knowing that their results in class will be overridden by the administration.
3) To put in some academic tension, the author has mandated that despite this school depending upon the donations of the rich, they are willing to mandate a 20% fail rate. This is contradictory, because from the description of the school, most of the 20% are from the elite and this will not fly with their sponsors.
4) There is absolutely no empathy amongst the faculty. A new student comes in with deficiencies and NO ONE is willing to tutor her to get her up to speed?! With the pandering to the elites, there are certainly a bunch of rich unmotivated students there and it makes no sense that the school doesn't have a rigorous remedial program. Even worse, when one of the students is attacked near testing, there is no empathy about the attack and no opportunity to make up work missed! By that logic, if someone was in a car wreck and the administration would say "sorry, I guess you flunk out."
So we have another academy mystery with the orphan girl coming in as an outcast. That is fine, as that is what it is billed as. The problem is that the author is setting up conflicts that don't really make much sense from the context of the narrative, but it feels like they are just shoe horned in to make sure that it ticks all the boxes in the genre.
Some minor spoilers here, so if that bothers you, quit at this point.
Plot holes:
1) For her to feel isolated, they have a no cell phone policy and she is confined to campus. That is fine, but when the author needs her off campus for an interaction with non campus individuals, she blithely accepts a date to go get pizza. Slightly later, she ends up with a cell phone, so we know there is a cell phone store just off campus, so why doesn't she go to the Tmobile store and buy a burner phone? Where is the campus security keeping her on campus? Supposedly, there are wards, but miraculously they don't stop her from leaving campus.
2) The school is billed as some elite prep school, but it is BLATANTLY stated that you can buy your way into a higher ranking. First off, this means that the administration is taking bribes, so the whole "I can't help your class ranking" BS by the administrator is just disingenuous. Secondly, with it being this blatant, no outside employer is going to pay any attention to their transcripts as they are apparently commonly falsified. Thirdly, this practice would be so demoralizing to the teachers who WANT to push their students that I find it hard to believe that they would practice any rigor at all, knowing that their results in class will be overridden by the administration.
3) To put in some academic tension, the author has mandated that despite this school depending upon the donations of the rich, they are willing to mandate a 20% fail rate. This is contradictory, because from the description of the school, most of the 20% are from the elite and this will not fly with their sponsors.
4) There is absolutely no empathy amongst the faculty. A new student comes in with deficiencies and NO ONE is willing to tutor her to get her up to speed?! With the pandering to the elites, there are certainly a bunch of rich unmotivated students there and it makes no sense that the school doesn't have a rigorous remedial program. Even worse, when one of the students is attacked near testing, there is no empathy about the attack and no opportunity to make up work missed! By that logic, if someone was in a car wreck and the administration would say "sorry, I guess you flunk out."
January 30, 2020
Shifters and witches collide in this engaging read, which hits off the series with promises of much more excitement to come.
Selene has grown-up as a foster child to the Beta in a pack of shifters, although she is a witch, a blank born without powers. When a party ends with her trying to break up a fight, she's hit with a ball of magic and discovers that her past is not as she's been told. Scurrying to keep her safe, her family sends her off to the Academy, where as a new witch, she'll learn to handle her powers in safety. But nothing is safe, especially with the secrets Selene still has to uncover about her true heritage. Add powerful rich families to the list, who aren't afraid to go to any extreme to get what they want, and she's in for quite the first semester.
As far as academy books go, this one is quite a fun read. Selene is an engaging character, who's easy to like. She's got spunk and determination, but also knows when to step back. She makes mistakes and learns from them, all along keeping loyalty and justice close. There are some colorful characters around her, some to love and some to hate. A little more depth on this end would have been nice, but even without, it's still an easy and fun read.
There's a lot going on plot wise, which makes this an read full of twists and turns. Several angles were only scuffed over, and I'm hoping these will gain more attention as the series continues. Selene's past harbors quite a few mysteries, only a few which are beginning to come to light. And the families around her have stories of their own to tell, too. It's hard to guess where everything will go and what intrigue still lies in wait. All of the secrets definitely keep the tension high.
With so much going on, it's not an easy book to set aside. Something unexpected awaits around every corner...especially on the romance end. This isn't a sweet, instant love romance by any means.
The ending doesn't really wrap things up much, leaving many unanswered questions and undiscovered secrets. The climactic ending holds action and danger, but doesn't tie things up even after the 'big battle'. And while I'm not a huge fan of cliff hanger endings, it will be fun to see what happens next. Oh, and I'm really looking forward to see how the vampires will end up fitting into all of this.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading this one quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Selene has grown-up as a foster child to the Beta in a pack of shifters, although she is a witch, a blank born without powers. When a party ends with her trying to break up a fight, she's hit with a ball of magic and discovers that her past is not as she's been told. Scurrying to keep her safe, her family sends her off to the Academy, where as a new witch, she'll learn to handle her powers in safety. But nothing is safe, especially with the secrets Selene still has to uncover about her true heritage. Add powerful rich families to the list, who aren't afraid to go to any extreme to get what they want, and she's in for quite the first semester.
As far as academy books go, this one is quite a fun read. Selene is an engaging character, who's easy to like. She's got spunk and determination, but also knows when to step back. She makes mistakes and learns from them, all along keeping loyalty and justice close. There are some colorful characters around her, some to love and some to hate. A little more depth on this end would have been nice, but even without, it's still an easy and fun read.
There's a lot going on plot wise, which makes this an read full of twists and turns. Several angles were only scuffed over, and I'm hoping these will gain more attention as the series continues. Selene's past harbors quite a few mysteries, only a few which are beginning to come to light. And the families around her have stories of their own to tell, too. It's hard to guess where everything will go and what intrigue still lies in wait. All of the secrets definitely keep the tension high.
With so much going on, it's not an easy book to set aside. Something unexpected awaits around every corner...especially on the romance end. This isn't a sweet, instant love romance by any means.
The ending doesn't really wrap things up much, leaving many unanswered questions and undiscovered secrets. The climactic ending holds action and danger, but doesn't tie things up even after the 'big battle'. And while I'm not a huge fan of cliff hanger endings, it will be fun to see what happens next. Oh, and I'm really looking forward to see how the vampires will end up fitting into all of this.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading this one quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
November 21, 2022
2.5 stars
Nothing completely horrendous, however, equally, nothing that great happened in this book. The plot was lacking - if you asked me to recite it I don't think I could and I literally read it the other day... There was this whole thing about a trial the main character would have to do as part of her school grade and it literally didn't happen in this book - simply used as a way of getting you to read the next book. I WILLL NOT CONCEDE.
The love interest is not a vibe and the rest of the cast of characters have little flesh.
fills the void in my cavernous heart with trash though so we cant complain too much
Nothing completely horrendous, however, equally, nothing that great happened in this book. The plot was lacking - if you asked me to recite it I don't think I could and I literally read it the other day... There was this whole thing about a trial the main character would have to do as part of her school grade and it literally didn't happen in this book - simply used as a way of getting you to read the next book. I WILLL NOT CONCEDE.
The love interest is not a vibe and the rest of the cast of characters have little flesh.
fills the void in my cavernous heart with trash though so we cant complain too much
December 6, 2024
Magic Bound was a decent read that I enjoyed, but it didn’t leave me breathless. The plot had some great elements, and the world-building was fun, but I didn’t feel like it was anything too groundbreaking. The characters were likable, and there were some cool moments, but it just didn’t hit that "wow" factor for me.
A solid 3 stars—good, but not earth-shattering. If you enjoy magic and fantasy, it’s worth the read, but don’t expect it to blow your mind.
A solid 3 stars—good, but not earth-shattering. If you enjoy magic and fantasy, it’s worth the read, but don’t expect it to blow your mind.
June 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! The plot was interesting and the characters were very well-developed and believable. I also really appreciated that Adrian was bisexual and it was just a normal part of the plot and who he was. I think the author also did a good job of avoiding obvious plotholes or creating situations that could be easily solved, as can often happen in this genre. Looking forward to the next in the series!
January 13, 2024
Theresa Kay
Theresa Kay is one of only a handful of authors who I read more than once. She is superb writer and I recommend her absolutely
Theresa Kay is one of only a handful of authors who I read more than once. She is superb writer and I recommend her absolutely
November 13, 2024
honestly, this was better than I was expecting. some plot points were rushed or felt resolved too quickly. the supernatural politics were a bit confusing at times too and I was hoping for some more world building, but overall it was a good fantasy read and I am interested in reading the second book.
April 28, 2020
Selene was born a blank, a witch with no powers, so she is abandoned on the doorstep of a shifter family. There's a huge feud between witches and shifters, but the shifters take her in and raise her as their own. When she goes to a shifter party with her cousin Reid, Selene stumbles across witches picking on a shifter. After standing up for the shifter, she's in for a surprise when magic builds up inside of her.
A witch living with a shifter is illegal and to protect her family, Selene is forced to leave home and go to Ravencrest Academy. But not before her secrets are revealed and her life is tossed into even more chaos. She finds herself questioning everything: her past, present, and future.
Ravencrest Academy is full of elite and rich witches and Selene sticks out like a sore thumb. Thankfully, her roomate Isobel is a sweetheart and she meets Adrian and Devin who aren't afraid to be nice to her. Then, she runs into Tristan St. James... literally! An instant dislike for one another is obvious, but the director won't have it. He binds both Tristan and Selene together until they can be civil. Selene doesn't like the idea of having to be nice to him, but she can do it for the sake of breaking the spell, but what happens when her body and heart start reacting differently to him? Not to mention his family hates shifters while Selene loves them.
MAGIC BOUND is the first installment of the Ravencrest Academy and is full of betrayal, witches, shifters, secrets, forbidden romance, and more! I couldn't put it down and devoured the whole book in one sitting. Now, I'm dying for the second one! I love how Selene is a witch raised by wolves because now she can see both sides of the story, something nobody else bothers to do. And Tristan. Dear, conceited, and broken Tristan. I absolutely love him and the slow burning romance between him and Selene.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this book to fans of supernatural creatures like witches and shifters, forbidden romance, magic and fantasy, and secrets and betrayal.
This review can also be found on YABC: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindi...
A witch living with a shifter is illegal and to protect her family, Selene is forced to leave home and go to Ravencrest Academy. But not before her secrets are revealed and her life is tossed into even more chaos. She finds herself questioning everything: her past, present, and future.
Ravencrest Academy is full of elite and rich witches and Selene sticks out like a sore thumb. Thankfully, her roomate Isobel is a sweetheart and she meets Adrian and Devin who aren't afraid to be nice to her. Then, she runs into Tristan St. James... literally! An instant dislike for one another is obvious, but the director won't have it. He binds both Tristan and Selene together until they can be civil. Selene doesn't like the idea of having to be nice to him, but she can do it for the sake of breaking the spell, but what happens when her body and heart start reacting differently to him? Not to mention his family hates shifters while Selene loves them.
MAGIC BOUND is the first installment of the Ravencrest Academy and is full of betrayal, witches, shifters, secrets, forbidden romance, and more! I couldn't put it down and devoured the whole book in one sitting. Now, I'm dying for the second one! I love how Selene is a witch raised by wolves because now she can see both sides of the story, something nobody else bothers to do. And Tristan. Dear, conceited, and broken Tristan. I absolutely love him and the slow burning romance between him and Selene.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this book to fans of supernatural creatures like witches and shifters, forbidden romance, magic and fantasy, and secrets and betrayal.
This review can also be found on YABC: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindi...
January 22, 2020
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review on what I thought of this book.
In honestly I was not totally thrilled with this book. The concept was there but it was almost as if the author fell short when it came to actually executing the story. She would introduce a background or important backstory but would only glaze over it and we would never hear anything else about it. Selene had her whole world turned upside down due to an event that occurred during a party. She was raised by shifters and then thrust into the world of magic. Unfortunately, we heard nothing else as to why this was done or why her mother even had any kind of connection to this shifter family.
They also touched on a tragedy that occurred in one of the students lives that seemed to be a big reason as to why he was the way he was but we didn't really learn anything. There was hardly a bit of character development and I found myself kind of irritated with that fact that the author spent more time talking about her classes then how she was growing through all of this. Then the ending was extremely lackluster, you had this big anticlimactic fight that ended in about ten pages with nothing really resolved from it and then it just sort of ended. I was clicking on the pages thinking there was a malfunction but when I checked I was at the end, which I wasn't quite expecting.
TLDR;;; No character development and the story just sorted of ended with no really growth of the story. Could have been WAY better.
In honestly I was not totally thrilled with this book. The concept was there but it was almost as if the author fell short when it came to actually executing the story. She would introduce a background or important backstory but would only glaze over it and we would never hear anything else about it. Selene had her whole world turned upside down due to an event that occurred during a party. She was raised by shifters and then thrust into the world of magic. Unfortunately, we heard nothing else as to why this was done or why her mother even had any kind of connection to this shifter family.
They also touched on a tragedy that occurred in one of the students lives that seemed to be a big reason as to why he was the way he was but we didn't really learn anything. There was hardly a bit of character development and I found myself kind of irritated with that fact that the author spent more time talking about her classes then how she was growing through all of this. Then the ending was extremely lackluster, you had this big anticlimactic fight that ended in about ten pages with nothing really resolved from it and then it just sort of ended. I was clicking on the pages thinking there was a malfunction but when I checked I was at the end, which I wasn't quite expecting.
TLDR;;; No character development and the story just sorted of ended with no really growth of the story. Could have been WAY better.
June 6, 2020
It's packed with quite the amount of secrets and tension, right from the very beginning. I won't disclose any details - I'll try, at least - but it's definitely worth giving a read. I can't wait to get my eyes on the second book "Spell Linked". The way "Magic Bound" ended left me holding my breath, the last couple of chapters were intense.
There's a lot going on but not so much to make the story confusing, not easy and obvious either. Magic and shapeshifter themes are combined. A few crazy and powerful people, terrible parents, and loving parental figures. The lead female, I'd call her, Selene is thrown from her familiar world into a one she lived opposite of. She's gone from being a magicless girl to a witch attending a very prestigious academy. She's behind on the material, has no friends or family around, her powers are new and growing, changing. Plus, some important higher people happen to hate shifters - the very species of people she was raised and loved by.
And, of course, there's the romance, though it's not clear. A flirty boy turning good friend and an enemy turning... Hmm, he's struggling with a lot and only a small fraction of that is Selene. But it's the perfect base for the next book, I hope to find out more about how he is and how are things with Selene will proceed, especially since the ending left them under a question mark. ??? More than one.
Anyone who likes fantasy, witch/shapeshifter romance books with "academy themes" should give Magic Bound a chance.
There's a lot going on but not so much to make the story confusing, not easy and obvious either. Magic and shapeshifter themes are combined. A few crazy and powerful people, terrible parents, and loving parental figures. The lead female, I'd call her, Selene is thrown from her familiar world into a one she lived opposite of. She's gone from being a magicless girl to a witch attending a very prestigious academy. She's behind on the material, has no friends or family around, her powers are new and growing, changing. Plus, some important higher people happen to hate shifters - the very species of people she was raised and loved by.
And, of course, there's the romance, though it's not clear. A flirty boy turning good friend and an enemy turning... Hmm, he's struggling with a lot and only a small fraction of that is Selene. But it's the perfect base for the next book, I hope to find out more about how he is and how are things with Selene will proceed, especially since the ending left them under a question mark. ??? More than one.
Anyone who likes fantasy, witch/shapeshifter romance books with "academy themes" should give Magic Bound a chance.
May 10, 2020
(4.5 stars) - engaging classic academy story (w/parental caveat)
The author describes her book as "fun and tropey", and while it's not inaccurate, it's insufficient. Even though the book is fairly standard Academy fare, that's not a bad thing in itself - what matters is if it's well constructed with well defined, sympathetic characters that provide the heart a book needs to engage the reader. And it very much does!
Selene has a lot to learn and very little time to learn it - and it's not just academics. She's smart but inexperienced with high level manipulation & backstabbing. Hopefully she can keep herself & those she cares about from coming to harm while she's figuring things out.
The ending is not a cliffhanger, but it is a "to be continued".
Parents of teens may want to consider the following content issues for intercession or discussion:
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, secular attitudes towards sex as a recreational pasttime, with mentions of casual hookups, but at least nothing graphic
*Language: moderate swearing, mostly h---, but a couple of f-bombs
*Religion: about a dozen uses of God's Name in vain, sadly & unnecessarily, including several times as curses
The author describes her book as "fun and tropey", and while it's not inaccurate, it's insufficient. Even though the book is fairly standard Academy fare, that's not a bad thing in itself - what matters is if it's well constructed with well defined, sympathetic characters that provide the heart a book needs to engage the reader. And it very much does!
Selene has a lot to learn and very little time to learn it - and it's not just academics. She's smart but inexperienced with high level manipulation & backstabbing. Hopefully she can keep herself & those she cares about from coming to harm while she's figuring things out.
The ending is not a cliffhanger, but it is a "to be continued".
Parents of teens may want to consider the following content issues for intercession or discussion:
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, secular attitudes towards sex as a recreational pasttime, with mentions of casual hookups, but at least nothing graphic
*Language: moderate swearing, mostly h---, but a couple of f-bombs
*Religion: about a dozen uses of God's Name in vain, sadly & unnecessarily, including several times as curses
February 6, 2020
Imagine thinking you dont have magic, that you're a failure to your kind, thrown away to be raised by wolves. And then imagine a snap, and suddenly you're Power is there at your fingertips, but now you're being thrown away again because being with the wolves isn't safe. And all along, it was always about your safety....because the magic has always been there. So now you're in a new world, a cutthroat world where you just dont fit, trying to find yourself, trying to bridge the gap between wolves and witches, trying to survive. But nothing is what it seems, nothing goes as you hope, and in the end you still feel lost and alone.
Yep, that's a good overview of this book. I was co pletely impressed by the storyline. The plot developed phenomenally and the characters developed in ways that were believable and relatable, even though they're all supes. I loved this story and cant wait to see what's next.
Yep, that's a good overview of this book. I was co pletely impressed by the storyline. The plot developed phenomenally and the characters developed in ways that were believable and relatable, even though they're all supes. I loved this story and cant wait to see what's next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.
An excellent start to a unique magic academy series. The story itself is well-written and engaging, with bad blood between shifters and witches. Imagine growing up as a foster child to the Beta in a pack of shifters, but actually is a witch. That’s our heroine – Selene. When her powers appear without warning, the decision is hastily made to send her to Ravencrest Academy to keep her safe. Apart from the enthralling and captivating story, the characters were well developed and the worldbuilding was excellent. This book has everything you could ask for – magic, action, an intriguing storyline, and even a bit of romantic tension. Definitely a hit for me and I am looking forward to seeing how the story continues.
An excellent start to a unique magic academy series. The story itself is well-written and engaging, with bad blood between shifters and witches. Imagine growing up as a foster child to the Beta in a pack of shifters, but actually is a witch. That’s our heroine – Selene. When her powers appear without warning, the decision is hastily made to send her to Ravencrest Academy to keep her safe. Apart from the enthralling and captivating story, the characters were well developed and the worldbuilding was excellent. This book has everything you could ask for – magic, action, an intriguing storyline, and even a bit of romantic tension. Definitely a hit for me and I am looking forward to seeing how the story continues.
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