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Razor's Edge Chronicles #2
Bound by Silver
I’m still only a barber to the supernatural, and I still have super weak magic, but I’ve somehow been tasked with essentially saving the world.
Yeah, I know.
So far, it’s not going too well. In fact, it’s not going at all, frankly. I have no idea where to start, no power to make anything happen, and yes, Tim the cat continues to be a sarcastic pain in the ass that’s no help whatsoever.
As if I didn’t have enough on my plate, there’s also a weird, recent increase in human suicides that definitely feels like it’s linked to something magical.
And then to top it all off, a Mundane holding a weird amulet manages to enter the barbershop, which should be impossible, given all the spells in place to keep them out.
I’m going to need to figure out what’s going on quickly, because otherwise I’m pretty damn sure it’ll catch up to me. I’ve got the feeling that I’m up the proverbial creek without the proverbial paddle—I just don’t fully understand how much trouble I’m in, yet.
Grab Bound by Silver to find out if I manage to produce the proverbial paddle and get myself out of danger.
Yeah, I know.
So far, it’s not going too well. In fact, it’s not going at all, frankly. I have no idea where to start, no power to make anything happen, and yes, Tim the cat continues to be a sarcastic pain in the ass that’s no help whatsoever.
As if I didn’t have enough on my plate, there’s also a weird, recent increase in human suicides that definitely feels like it’s linked to something magical.
And then to top it all off, a Mundane holding a weird amulet manages to enter the barbershop, which should be impossible, given all the spells in place to keep them out.
I’m going to need to figure out what’s going on quickly, because otherwise I’m pretty damn sure it’ll catch up to me. I’ve got the feeling that I’m up the proverbial creek without the proverbial paddle—I just don’t fully understand how much trouble I’m in, yet.
Grab Bound by Silver to find out if I manage to produce the proverbial paddle and get myself out of danger.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2021
69 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Celine Jeanjean
32 books249 followersCeline Jeanjean is French, grew up in the UK and now she travels the world as a nomadic writer. That makes her a tad confused about where she is from. During her travels she's watched the sun rise over Angkor Wat, lost her shoes in Vietnam, and fallen off a bamboo raft in China.
Celine writes stories that feature quirky characters and misfits, set in wondrous worlds.
Celine writes stories that feature quirky characters and misfits, set in wondrous worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 12, 2021
This book continues the story of Apiya who lives in the island city of Panyong where Mundanes like you and me are unaware of the other residents, those who have magical powers, the Mayaks. Apriya stands between those two worlds. She is familiar with both but is different because she has been “touched” with a little magic. This is why she has been given the task of preventing war between the Mundanes and the Mayaks. Luckily, she has the assistance of the fascinating Sarroch, a Mayak whom she has only seen shifted into the body of a handsome Mundane.
While trying to work out how to carry out her mission, Apiya notices another problem. Several young Mundanes have committed suicide for no reason and she senses the presence of something supernatural which is not a Mayak. Soon she is entangled in extreme danger and no-one is going to help her. Apriya is coming of age, learning to rely on her own abilities and to protect those who are vulnerable.
The gripping story of this brave young woman also includes an intriguing question. Where did she come from and how is she able to solve problems so effectively? I was very disappointed that the story suddenly ends just when she is about to follow up a lead about her past but of course that means I will need to read the third volume of the Razor’s Edge Chronicles.
While trying to work out how to carry out her mission, Apiya notices another problem. Several young Mundanes have committed suicide for no reason and she senses the presence of something supernatural which is not a Mayak. Soon she is entangled in extreme danger and no-one is going to help her. Apriya is coming of age, learning to rely on her own abilities and to protect those who are vulnerable.
The gripping story of this brave young woman also includes an intriguing question. Where did she come from and how is she able to solve problems so effectively? I was very disappointed that the story suddenly ends just when she is about to follow up a lead about her past but of course that means I will need to read the third volume of the Razor’s Edge Chronicles.
September 19, 2024
Entertaining!
Apiya has been handed a big job - find a way to reintroduce magical beings to the mundane world without war breaking out. She isn’t a magical being, she has a very weak touch of magic, but she’s smart and resilient. Of course, danger and disaster dog her heels, so her success is quite iffy. Find out for yourself what happens.
Apiya has been handed a big job - find a way to reintroduce magical beings to the mundane world without war breaking out. She isn’t a magical being, she has a very weak touch of magic, but she’s smart and resilient. Of course, danger and disaster dog her heels, so her success is quite iffy. Find out for yourself what happens.
January 26, 2023
Good
Continuing this series. I love it. Great descriptions of characters. Catchy story. Definitely reading the next one. Can't wait to see what happens.
Continuing this series. I love it. Great descriptions of characters. Catchy story. Definitely reading the next one. Can't wait to see what happens.
June 16, 2021
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 22 March, 2021:
I was right in my suspicions that I would probably be more into this book than its predecessor. While the first book had the hefty task of setting up the series, this one was free to start playing with the broad mythology and really get into the story arc.
I did for a while think this was more of a standalone without a huge link to the first book. The ghost plotline seemed separate from the Mayak/Mundane conflict, but in the second half, the link between these two issues became clear and was actually quite tightly plotted.
I really liked the interpersonal conflicts in this one, especially between Apiya, Chai and Sarroch. Chai feeling he had something to prove, particularly to Sarroch, along with not trusting Api’s feelings, and Sarroch’s awkwardness at being saved by a Touched all led to great, difficult dynamics between the three of them that I really enjoyed reading. And it was fun imagining Apiya’s dad doing a presentation for the Mayak.
I’m looking forward to what happens in the next book – things definitely ramped up at the end of this one and I’m really intrigued to see Apiya’s role in the new order of things (watch me being way too vague in attempts to not spoil things).
I was right in my suspicions that I would probably be more into this book than its predecessor. While the first book had the hefty task of setting up the series, this one was free to start playing with the broad mythology and really get into the story arc.
I did for a while think this was more of a standalone without a huge link to the first book. The ghost plotline seemed separate from the Mayak/Mundane conflict, but in the second half, the link between these two issues became clear and was actually quite tightly plotted.
I really liked the interpersonal conflicts in this one, especially between Apiya, Chai and Sarroch. Chai feeling he had something to prove, particularly to Sarroch, along with not trusting Api’s feelings, and Sarroch’s awkwardness at being saved by a Touched all led to great, difficult dynamics between the three of them that I really enjoyed reading. And it was fun imagining Apiya’s dad doing a presentation for the Mayak.
I’m looking forward to what happens in the next book – things definitely ramped up at the end of this one and I’m really intrigued to see Apiya’s role in the new order of things (watch me being way too vague in attempts to not spoil things).
March 12, 2021
Book 2 advances the story of a Touched human (one with a smattering of magic) who has a mission that is way above her pay grade. That is – save the Mayak (fully magical beings) from the humans who continually encroach into their space. If she fails, the result will be war.
I am absolutely in love with this series! I have no idea where this story is headed, but the adventure is tons of fun!
So, what do I love about it? The first reason is Apiya. This in-the-middle character, between humans and the Mayak, experiences the best and worst of both sides of this battle. She must forge her own path because there is definitely no existing path to follow. She is not a heroic figure, though she does do some pretty heroic things. I also like her taste in music (vocal jazz), her best friend Chai, and her dog Hunter, who is utterly devoted to her. Anyone a dog likes is a person that I like. This is almost always true.
Cats can also prove the worthiness of a character. Tim, the cat, seems to like Apiya enough to irritate her with his superiority. Tim is eminently entertaining, and can always be counted remain unflappable. (Unless he means to appear unflappable.)
The second reason I love this series is the east Asian cultural influence. Both the geographic location and the folklore are imbedded into the story. In the author’s previous series, she created a city that I wanted to visit. In this series, Panong is the city that is calling to me. I dare you to read the book and not wonder what it would be like to ride a motorcycle through the streets. While Apiya looks like she is a Panong native, when she speaks with a British English accent, she proves that, once again, she is an in-the-middle character.
As with book 1, Mr. Sangong, Apiya’s mentor, remains enigmatic and seemingly unhelpful, while her Touched friend Chai gets into just about a much trouble as Apiya herself.
The Mayak Sarroch is a little more helpful, but continues to distance himself from Apiya because the Touched are not worth noticing. He’s going to have to notice her soon though. There is a mysterious tie between Sarroch’s house and Apiya, which I found delightful. The reason for the tie is yet to be resolved. I assume this is coming in a future book.
In Bound by Silver, Apiya acquires a talisman that has some pretty interesting properties. It is thought to hearken back to a time when the Mayak and humans co-existed peacefully and aware of each other. Why it shows up under the current circumstances is the crux of the dilemma to be solved by Apiya in this book. While I had an idea about the motivation of the person behind the dilemma, I was surprised to learn the nature of that person. So, hint, hints, surprise and then more hints for the future.
At only 194 pages, this is a quick read and loads of fun. Read it after reading Touched by Magic to get the most out of it.
Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
I am absolutely in love with this series! I have no idea where this story is headed, but the adventure is tons of fun!
So, what do I love about it? The first reason is Apiya. This in-the-middle character, between humans and the Mayak, experiences the best and worst of both sides of this battle. She must forge her own path because there is definitely no existing path to follow. She is not a heroic figure, though she does do some pretty heroic things. I also like her taste in music (vocal jazz), her best friend Chai, and her dog Hunter, who is utterly devoted to her. Anyone a dog likes is a person that I like. This is almost always true.
Cats can also prove the worthiness of a character. Tim, the cat, seems to like Apiya enough to irritate her with his superiority. Tim is eminently entertaining, and can always be counted remain unflappable. (Unless he means to appear unflappable.)
The second reason I love this series is the east Asian cultural influence. Both the geographic location and the folklore are imbedded into the story. In the author’s previous series, she created a city that I wanted to visit. In this series, Panong is the city that is calling to me. I dare you to read the book and not wonder what it would be like to ride a motorcycle through the streets. While Apiya looks like she is a Panong native, when she speaks with a British English accent, she proves that, once again, she is an in-the-middle character.
As with book 1, Mr. Sangong, Apiya’s mentor, remains enigmatic and seemingly unhelpful, while her Touched friend Chai gets into just about a much trouble as Apiya herself.
The Mayak Sarroch is a little more helpful, but continues to distance himself from Apiya because the Touched are not worth noticing. He’s going to have to notice her soon though. There is a mysterious tie between Sarroch’s house and Apiya, which I found delightful. The reason for the tie is yet to be resolved. I assume this is coming in a future book.
In Bound by Silver, Apiya acquires a talisman that has some pretty interesting properties. It is thought to hearken back to a time when the Mayak and humans co-existed peacefully and aware of each other. Why it shows up under the current circumstances is the crux of the dilemma to be solved by Apiya in this book. While I had an idea about the motivation of the person behind the dilemma, I was surprised to learn the nature of that person. So, hint, hints, surprise and then more hints for the future.
At only 194 pages, this is a quick read and loads of fun. Read it after reading Touched by Magic to get the most out of it.
Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
December 12, 2025
Apiya is now reluctantly in charge of relations between the Mayaks and the Mundanes. She still has no clue what she is or should be doing. Mr. Sangong is no help to her, and she is being too stubborn to call Sarroch. Meanwhile, in Panong, suicides are going up and it seems like it could be related to ghosts. But before she can address that, a Mundane with an amulet walked right into the barbershop after closing one night/morning. So now Apiya has to figure out how this could have happened and also how can she stop it since Mr. Sangong is unsurprisingly absent and out of reach.
Apiya is once thrust into a dangerous situation she doesn't think she is prepared for. That doesn't stop her from trying to figure out things out and bravely (or foolishly perhaps) diving in and trying to save the day. She is finally starting to understand that maybe Mr. Sangong has advice she needs to pay attention to and actively takes his suggestions. Mr. Sangong, when he is around, is still enigmatic but better at hinting to what he may be meaning. After this book though, I am not sure how I am going to feel about him in the future. I can't forget Tim. He is the epitome of a cat but there has to be something more to him than we are seeing - just like Hunter.
This book has more action than the previous book and I was easily sucked into the mystery surrounding both of the issues Apiya was dealing with. Now that we have all the back story we need from book one, this book moves along at a great pace as well. I loved the way the 2 issues were woven together and was surprised by the solution! I also loved the inclusion of all the new Asian mythological references. I learned about so many new creatures.
I have to say I can't wait to see where this takes the series since it goes in a different direction. And as a side note, I loved the solution for the ghosts at the very end of the book. I've never heard of that tradition, but it was very fitting.
Apiya is once thrust into a dangerous situation she doesn't think she is prepared for. That doesn't stop her from trying to figure out things out and bravely (or foolishly perhaps) diving in and trying to save the day. She is finally starting to understand that maybe Mr. Sangong has advice she needs to pay attention to and actively takes his suggestions. Mr. Sangong, when he is around, is still enigmatic but better at hinting to what he may be meaning. After this book though, I am not sure how I am going to feel about him in the future. I can't forget Tim. He is the epitome of a cat but there has to be something more to him than we are seeing - just like Hunter.
This book has more action than the previous book and I was easily sucked into the mystery surrounding both of the issues Apiya was dealing with. Now that we have all the back story we need from book one, this book moves along at a great pace as well. I loved the way the 2 issues were woven together and was surprised by the solution! I also loved the inclusion of all the new Asian mythological references. I learned about so many new creatures.
I have to say I can't wait to see where this takes the series since it goes in a different direction. And as a side note, I loved the solution for the ghosts at the very end of the book. I've never heard of that tradition, but it was very fitting.
March 16, 2021
I love the new world Celine has crafted.
It has the feel of a few different Asian countries/cultures all rolled into a single location, with a good dose of Asian superstitions thrown in. Apiya continues to struggle to find a solution to save the magical and mythical monsters of Asia from human progress, and avoid a war that may destroy humanity. As an orphan, she’s always believed her powers to be weak. As she continues to come up against powerful beings and threats, she realizes that she knows very little about her own background, and how she fits into the world of the Mayak. But does she really want to find out?
In this second book, Apiya, Chai and Sarroch need to learn how to work together. No one is all powerful, and everyone has strengths and weaknesses. If you’re new to this series, start with Touched by Magic. If you like this series, I think you’ll also like “The Viper and The Urchin”. A steampunk fantasy with a bit of a British Industrial Revolution feel, also by Celine.
It has the feel of a few different Asian countries/cultures all rolled into a single location, with a good dose of Asian superstitions thrown in. Apiya continues to struggle to find a solution to save the magical and mythical monsters of Asia from human progress, and avoid a war that may destroy humanity. As an orphan, she’s always believed her powers to be weak. As she continues to come up against powerful beings and threats, she realizes that she knows very little about her own background, and how she fits into the world of the Mayak. But does she really want to find out?
In this second book, Apiya, Chai and Sarroch need to learn how to work together. No one is all powerful, and everyone has strengths and weaknesses. If you’re new to this series, start with Touched by Magic. If you like this series, I think you’ll also like “The Viper and The Urchin”. A steampunk fantasy with a bit of a British Industrial Revolution feel, also by Celine.
August 6, 2021
This is an outstanding new book series that has an interesting take on mythology and magic. It’s a departure from the more traditional European mythology and goes deep into the myths of Asian cultures. The heroine is likable and relatable and, while magical, is not someone who suddenly “discovered“ immense powers that allow her to save the day… She stumbles through it with a minor Magical gift just like the majority of people would! I don’t want to give away too many details away but the main character is a barber, carrying for a magical egg, with a talking cat, a stupid and lovable dog, and a magical climbing turtle.
December 2, 2025
The story of Apia continues in this second book. Apia is tasked to prevent the Mayaks (the mystics) from taking over the world of the Mundanes (ordinary people and to get nigh living together in harmony.
The thing is, she has a year to do it and she doesn’t know how/what she needs to start or where to start.
The book leads into the beginning of the process unknowingly when mundanes begin to commit suicide in increasing numbers. With the help of her friend Chai and a Mayak they investigate as to why.
I enjoyed the storyline and am now eagerly looking forward to read the next book and continuing the saga.
The thing is, she has a year to do it and she doesn’t know how/what she needs to start or where to start.
The book leads into the beginning of the process unknowingly when mundanes begin to commit suicide in increasing numbers. With the help of her friend Chai and a Mayak they investigate as to why.
I enjoyed the storyline and am now eagerly looking forward to read the next book and continuing the saga.
March 18, 2021
I loved this second book in The Razor's Edge Chronicles. Apiya is such a great character.
This book is filled with action, suspense and loads of wit.
Apiya may feel like she is in way over her hear most of the time, but she is smart enough to pick up on and heed the cryptic little tidbits that Mr. Sangong drops when she tries to get information from him.
Fantasy, supernatural and a good bit of Asian mythology combine to make this book (and the whole series so far) into a winner.
Highly recommended.
This book is filled with action, suspense and loads of wit.
Apiya may feel like she is in way over her hear most of the time, but she is smart enough to pick up on and heed the cryptic little tidbits that Mr. Sangong drops when she tries to get information from him.
Fantasy, supernatural and a good bit of Asian mythology combine to make this book (and the whole series so far) into a winner.
Highly recommended.
March 13, 2021
I enjoyed this book and will be eagerly awaiting the next in the series. Initially it seemed to be a slower pace than the first book with more world building and looking at the issues around trying to establish peace but then everything happens so fast I could barely process it. I like that this books looks at myths and stories that are not European based and as always with this author I like the character's interactions. I will be reading this again.
May 6, 2022
The series continues to explore the authors world. I really enjoyed this book with it’s originality and characters. The main character is fun to watch as she gradually (very gradually) learns about her magic. The story was interesting as we learned more, not about the main character Apiya, but the Mayak in general and the tense political situation on the island. Also, Tim the cat is great! This is a fun, easy read and I’ve starting reading the next book in the series. I gave it 5 stars for the originality and the characters.
May 29, 2022
Love it love it tons o fun! Liked it even more than the first book, although I wish we could have some more barber biz! Yes to the magic, the characters, the setting, the plot. Really the only drawback is that these books are a mere 200 pages, almost a short story compared to the 1000 page epics I’ve been reading. But I’d rather they be short than stuffed with filler, each page is a banger as the kids say. And I can’t wait to read more!!
March 12, 2021
A fun second installment of this new fantasy world. I thoroughly enjoyed the development of relationships and the gradual unfurling of a fascinating new world, but just as with the first book, felt the plot of the first half was rushed. Lots going on without a lot of explanation or insight into character reactions.
I look forward to the third book!
I look forward to the third book!
March 29, 2021
I am continually pleasantly surprised by this series. The main characters are quite believable and endearing. The plot is easily followed, with a little patience, and the ending is satisfactory, yet obviously not a complete ending. I do highly recommend this book.
November 5, 2021
A Significant Turn of Events
Ok, so that title makes no sense unless you've been reading the series and have read this book. Let's just say, a lot happens in this book. Significant happenings. The series is getting more and more interesting.
Ok, so that title makes no sense unless you've been reading the series and have read this book. Let's just say, a lot happens in this book. Significant happenings. The series is getting more and more interesting.
October 10, 2025
Enjoyable combination of action with South Asian mythology and magic together with modern ethical problems being solved on the Apiya's journey of self-discovery. This second book brings a dangerous new foe and an intriguing new alliance - looking forward to the next book!
March 21, 2021
Great world building
A very interesting wirks which I like a lot. Some good twists, in all thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely worth a read.
A very interesting wirks which I like a lot. Some good twists, in all thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely worth a read.
April 13, 2021
Great 2nd book! She was given an impossible task and then things happen to make it even harder. She needs more people who believe in her and her unique brand of magic.
July 14, 2023
still very good
Really enjoying this series! The author has developed quirky characters while maintaining an interesting mystery. I am planning to continue reading the series
Really enjoying this series! The author has developed quirky characters while maintaining an interesting mystery. I am planning to continue reading the series
did-not-finish
July 30, 2024Second book of the series starts off boring and I do t have time for that. Too many other books on my list!
August 11, 2024
Excellent read but short. And the next book in the series is not in the library, which the first two were. Sigh.
April 2, 2021
A good little story in an obviously larger series. A great read with enough action to be exciting and enough details to be interesting. This book, as are the others in the series, is written a bit odd. It feels a bit like the main character is working their story in a journal so there's a lot of her explaining situations and describing people.
As in the first book the magic still isn't explained well, I'm not sure if that's on purpose but at this point in a series I feel I should have a better grasp on things. Many other secrets/mysteries have been revealed and of course new ones brought up to be revealed in future books but the magic is still vague so I think it's just an oversight of the author's. Or perhaps the main character, who is telling the story, doesn't know how the magic works. I don't quite get that feeling but maybe that's it. We'll see if future books enlighten me as I will be reading them.
UPDATE! After reading book 3 I read book 0.5 Found by Rain and it enlightened me a bit. Not completely but enough that I have changed my rating to 5 stars for the first three books (as far as I've read).
Book 0.5 explains that Apiya knows jack about magic when she moved to Panong. Although her mentor has taught her much my belief is that all of the Touched are kept as much in the dark as possible by the Mayak. I now think that the reason we the reader are unclear about how the magic works is because Apiya is unclear.
As in the first book the magic still isn't explained well, I'm not sure if that's on purpose but at this point in a series I feel I should have a better grasp on things. Many other secrets/mysteries have been revealed and of course new ones brought up to be revealed in future books but the magic is still vague so I think it's just an oversight of the author's. Or perhaps the main character, who is telling the story, doesn't know how the magic works. I don't quite get that feeling but maybe that's it. We'll see if future books enlighten me as I will be reading them.
UPDATE! After reading book 3 I read book 0.5 Found by Rain and it enlightened me a bit. Not completely but enough that I have changed my rating to 5 stars for the first three books (as far as I've read).
Book 0.5 explains that Apiya knows jack about magic when she moved to Panong. Although her mentor has taught her much my belief is that all of the Touched are kept as much in the dark as possible by the Mayak. I now think that the reason we the reader are unclear about how the magic works is because Apiya is unclear.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews