Witchbond

Kitsune Chronicles #2

by Lissa Kasey

Everyone wants control over Sebastian's magic.

After a hard year on the run from everything from biker bears to Great Lake sirens, Seb thought he’d found a home. Liam, his mate and an alpha werewolf, seemed to be the safest place to rest. Until the fae send the Wild Hunt their way.

They’ve decided Liam isn’t strong enough to subdue a kitsune, and will stop at nothing to bind Seb to one of theirs. Even if that means eliminating Liam and tricking Seb into a bargain he can’t refuse.

Can they survive being stalked by the Hunt, tricked by the fae, and barely escaping the corrupted otherworld of Underhill?

Genres: Shapeshifters, Fantasy, M M Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Magic, Urban Fantasy

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2020

About the author

Lissa Kasey is Ace/Aro and ENBY. Lissa's storytelling specializes in in-depth characters, detailed world building, sweet and spicy romance, and twisting plots to keep you clinging to the page.

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, again with the cover. I'll make this quick, as I clearly stated my opinion in my review of Witchblood. I am a Caucasian, working single mom. Still, I find it offensive that a character who is very aware of his mixed heritage, and much darker skin tone, is depicted as a very pale white man on the cover of these books. And what's up with the eyeliner? SMH.

This book begins a short time after the end of the first book, Witchblood. I'm not sure exactly where to begin with this review. I did enjoy the story. It kept my attention, and I was never "bored" with the storyline. But, it was repetitive in so many ways; phrases were used too many times, and Seb's constant self-doubt and insecurities are pretty wearing.

There is still a block keeping the mate bond between Sebastian and Liam from completely forming. Once again, Liam is patience personified, while Sebastian is full of doubts. There is a concerted effort to help Seb bond with Liam's pack, and that evening was entertaining.

Since the Volkov has stepped down, his responsibilities have been transferred to regional leaders, and of course Liam is heavily involved. Seb has been having nightmares more frequently since the power of the kitsune has been released, and some of the contents are causing Liam to be concerned. When Liam and a vampire suddenly become violent in public, all he|| breaks loose. The PSA, or Preternatural Species Agency, gets involved when Seb gets hurt while trying to stop things from escalating. But it soon becomes obvious that Seb's representative is not looking out for Seb.

This starts the path back to Underhill, which really annoyed me for a time. It was a bit too similar to the first book, but eventually I got over it. A mystery from Witchblood is solved when Sebastian is rescued from a trap by a young (human) man. But the longer Seb is trapped in the fae world, the weaker he becomes. He is not only away from his mate, but fighting the kitsune and an invisible foe that seems to be draining the life out of him.

Eventually, the monster, or kitsune, takes over, and then Seb is next aware when he is expelled from Underhill. He is sent back to his pack lands, only to find that the fae have signed his death warrant. With an unlikely ally, and the help and power of his pack, The Hunt is foiled, and Sebastian is free to live another day. However, there is a new mission to plan, and a war on the horizon.

Overall, this was an entertaining story. As I said, there were some things that bothered me, but not badly enough that I didn't enjoy the read. We learn a little more about Liam and some of the other characters, but as the story is told in first person, we only get Sebastian's interpretations. I will still be on the lookout for the next book in this series.

Happy reading!

* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *

[Cæsar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing!!!

The story, well developed, I love the MC's growing in this book, Seb still a little annoying but he grew nicely trough the story, and now I'm starting to like him, very much!

I still think there's a lot o dragging around, a lot of unnecessary explanations, I believe the first part of the book was about Sebastian and his confusion, I prefer the second part, when all the development happened. The sex scene at the end was super hot!!!

Let's talk about this cover, I think it's very insulting... as it was said before, Seb has dark skin, at least darker then a white person... his mother is Japanese and the father had "midnight skin" as was said in book one... and they chose a very white guy, for me that is a huge disappointment.

I have this book on Audible and I heard it again, Tyler Kent gave a great performance, I love his acting, very convincing, fully committed, congratulations!!!

[Cee-cee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just finished this book and I still don't know what the purpose was. A lot of it covers the after effects of Seb's impulsive decision but to what effect? What was the bigger plot? There were so many elements that needed follow up and were skimmed over to focus on Seb and even that was thoroughly done. I don't know where this book was trying to take the story therefore can't tell if it achieved anything.

[miro · Rating 2 out of 5]

1st thing: THE COVER (he's not white so why is there a depiction of him as a white man on the cover)?!?!?!

Fuming.

(I would rate this 3 stars but for that you get 2 & I'm not even sorry about it. It would be nice to see some inclusivity)

Now in regards to the story:

When I finally got a mention of Nicky at chapter 15 after hearing nothing about him since the middle of book one I had to stop reading for a second because I was just like ??? How do you forget about a character for that long. Then when Sebastian left Kiran I lost all remaining hope and trust in the author and thought 'right so this is gonna be another Nicky repeat'.

The second half was sooo much better than the first half, again. But why did we have to dive right into the epilogue??

I don't know if I can make it through another book in this series when all I want is information on Kiran, Nicky, Apa, the green man & Sebastian's dad.

Asking myself what the point in reading it will be if I have to go through another 15+ chapters of nothing to do with those characters.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Witchbond is book two in the Kitsune Chronicles series by Lissa Kasey. I saw a lot of potential with the first book in the series and really liked the world this author created. Book two has all the same traits; good mix of both shifter and magic/fae elements, strong connection between the two MCs, and interesting side characters. Unfortunately all the things I didn't like about the first book also appeared again. A bit too much internal dialogue, Sebastian’s constant self doubt, and too much time spent in Underhill. just made the story feel long. The overall story was still interesting and I did enjoy listening to it, but just not as much as I had hoped. I would still continue on in the series, as there are still aspects of this story that I really did like.

[Chanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witchblood: Kitsune Chronicles

If you have not read a Lissa Kasey book before be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions.
Sebastian is not your ordinary fox shifter, he is witchblood, kitsune. His past experience has taught him fear, anxiety and not to trust. He takes us on a roller coaster of emotions as he navigates his past fears, anxiety and trust issues all the while trying to get back to his mate and navigating the perrals of the Fae underworld. Be prepared for your emotions to be all over the place. Lissa Kasey knows how to pull you in and make you feel all the MC is feeling. Enjoy with a strong cup of tea!

[Marianne Boutet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it hadn't had so much explanation in it. Not only more information than we would ever want to know about kitsunes, but also repetition of information and events that happened in the first book. It was almost like, "you don't have to read Witchblood, it's all here."

That being said, it was a Good Read.

[llv]

Rating: dnf
Just wasn’t feeling it. Skipped to the end and found out that we still don’t know exactly where Nicky is except roaming around the underworld and decided to quit.

[Elaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine

~

Witchbond (Kitsune Chronicles, 2) by Lissa Kasey
★★★★☆

321 Pages
1st person, one character POV
Themes: MM Romance, Alpha male, Alpha/Omega, pack, shifters, single father, true mates
Triggers: mentions of past partner abuse, mental health, anxiety, violence, possession, PTSD, edging, knotting
Genre: MM Romance, PNR, Urban Fantasy, Shifters, Magic, Kitsune, Werewolves

~

World-Building: ★★★★★
Heat: ★★★★☆
Chemistry: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★☆
Romance: ★★★★☆

~

Witchbond is the second book in Lissa Kasey's Kitsune Chronicles, and felt like a story of two halves, for me. While one half was a little sporadic and felt disorientating at times, the other half was clean, clear, and well arranged to explore the Fae part of Sebastian's nature.

The story has quite a bit of recapping, to remind you of important events from Book 1, which were fine. They were well placed, only available at relevant spots, and only discussing the important facts to that event. It never felt overbearing or annoying, despite coming straight from Book 1.
It's been a few months since Book 1, and Sebastian is still suffering nightmares from all he experienced, which was great to see. A good continuation of his characterisation, and a promise that not everything was neatly resolved just because it was over.

Sebastian is still struggling with his bond to the pack, though he's closer to Korissa here. Learning more about each other, getting to know each other's quirks and habits. It was, again, a good continuation of the bond formed in Book 1. Just as Sebastian and Liam's relationship hasn't cured him of his past, his nightmares, or his anxiety, it hasn't magically fixed the bond between the pack, either. The whole way through the book, Sebastian really has to work hard to create and fix that bond, despite his own anxieties and mental blocks. Liam still knows when to push and pull, or when to back off.
Neither takes the upper hand forcefully, but let their natural personalities dictate their relationship, refusing to conform to expected roles. I love that their bond is stronger, and continues to grow, and that Sebastian fights through his fears and anxiety to attempt to meet Liam halfway.

I liked the secondary characters. I find Wesley intriguing, liked seeing more of Robin, and was interested to see Kiran, who I know is the MC of Book 4, which is exciting. I'm hoping that Wesley, Nick, Kiran and even Vince will all feature heavily throughout the series, from now on. And that, as well as learning more about Robin, we might see a few of them pairing off? I have high hopes for Toby and grumpy Carl, at the very least.

However, I found the whole bakery fight to be really jarring. It's the real reason I took a star off my review. I just felt that it came entirely out of nowhere. While there had been some hopping about in the first half of the book, with Sebastian experiencing weird, disorientating dreams, and even experienced Liam's memories, it all felt logical to Sebastian and his abilities. But, the bakery scene came from nowhere. I didn't feel like there was an appropriate build-up towards the events, or that it was natural to Liam's personality.
For me, there was the barest mention of Liam *possibly* talking to Al, the vampire from Hugh's coven, but Sebastian made it clear he shouldn't. Then, suddenly, all hell was breaking loose, and until the moment Sebastian woke up, I thought it would be another dream.
I think it was a bigger issue because we didn't have Liam's POV. If we'd had that, even for one chapter, we could have seen the provocation, the attitude and resulting decisions that led to Liam acting so out of character. He's normally so level-headed that seeing him attack a vampire, in front of humans, was so contrary to everything that makes him Alpha. And, right to the end, there was no explanation of what was said or done to provoke it, other than it being a set-up.
For me, it was like going from 0-60 in two pages, and suddenly the entire atmosphere of the book, and the realism of it, took a dive into the surreal for a few chapters. Then, eventually, it evened out and began to make sense again. Maybe it was the military aspect or the fact it didn't *feel* like a decision Liam would make, I definitely felt lost for those pages, unsettled until Sebastian re-entered Underhill.

However, I did like that we got to see so much more of Liam's past. It really helped show how old and experienced he was, that he had a lot of experience on both sides of being in charge and taking orders. As well as why he's become the Alpha he is.
It was great to see Apa again, and the rest of the pack having a bigger part, in the first half of the book. There were some surprises, such as the revelations about Nick, Kiran, and the Wild Hunt.

I did feel that, for an event heavily emphasised in the blurb, I was a bit disappointed. The blurb mentions the Wild Hunt being a huge thing, and Sebastian being tricked into a bargain he can't refuse, except...I didn't feel like any of that was really the crux of the book. I felt that Sebastian firming his bond with Liam and the pack, as well as rediscovering his Fae nature, was the fundamental plot point. Along with the whole excursion through Underhill. I'm not sure what bargain was meant by the blurb, either, as there were a few threats and tricks, but nothing I felt Sebastian had no choice but to agree to.
The Wild Hunt didn't even happen until about 24% into the story. Maybe if the run up to that had been a bit more ominous, rather than sudden, it would have felt more important, but it didn't last very long, in terms of pages or the timeline, for something that occupied the entire blurb.

~

OVERALL

The book felt less cohesive than Book 1, but still had an engaging, gripping storyline, and great characters. While I felt some of the transitions between events was awkward, I felt it answered nearly all my questions, and left me feeling the series itself had been strengthened and built upon. The book *added* vital elements to the series, and to the journey of the characters. So, whatever my issues with the flow, it was still a strong and important addition to the series, and a solid standalone storyline for these characters.
I adore Sebastian and Liam's relationship. There is constant growth, care, evolution, and a shared understanding between them.

~

Favourite Quote

“I stared at her. She stared back. The kid was too damn smart. “I’m not sure you’re normal,” I told her.
“Raised by an alpha werewolf,” she reminded me.
“Me too,” I said with a totally shocked expression and pretending to grip imaginary pearls.
“Jerk. If you’d been raised by my dad your life would have been different.”
“And it would be really weird to be sleeping with him.”
She laughed. At least she wasn’t freaked out by our relationship. “I’m so happy you’re likable.”

“I was Sebastian Volkov, mutt, witchblood, and Liam’s mate. They could claim or deny me as they wished, he was still mine, and I was his.”

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the first book in this series and was so excited that finally the second book was out.

And it was really good ... till the middle ... .then Seb goes again to Underhill ... and it might be important tothe story but this part of the story was way too long for me. FurthermoreIhoped that we see more of a development with his relationship with the pack .... but it seemed not to be an issue at the end

Nevertheless, I can't wait to get my hands on the next one

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rip off rip off rip off!!
I'm stunned.
First, the book is boring. Way to long with very little substance. Bla bla bla, boring.
That would be normal, some books just suck. But this author has no imagination of her own. 90% of this, and the first book, is a rip off of Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson series. From the fox, to alpha neighbor, the daughter, the pack, dylan/Sean, Carl, underhill, apa, valkov, Oberon, the trailer, garage, ex-wife etc etc etc. Patricia should be credited for original idea. This isn't sampling, it's a rip off.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series just never seems to quite get me the way some of the authors other series have. I like Liam and Seb as a couple, but the story often feels a little forgettable. Also this story really is Seb off on his own stuck in fairy and away from Liam and it caused the story to drag quite a bit. There were elements of the time in fairy that were interesting, but it went on to long and kept us away from the bond that is forming between Liam and Seb.

I am curious to see where the series goes though so I will continue.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt long

Unlike the first book, I felt like this dragged on even though there is a lot of action going on. We were just in Seb’s head for most of the book. Seb and Liam weren’t even together for most of it. I’m not sure if I’ll continue with this sees as this was only ok.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am absolutely loving these... they are amazing and so very different from most.. it is wonderful and sexy and interesting.. plus it has all kinds of twists and things i dont see coming.. plus sadness.. its not all easy and simple.. its hard and complex with emotions... good and bad.. it was wonderful and i cant wait for the next one.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So exciting!

We learn more of Sebastian's origins, and see more into Liam's story. There also is an advancing of Apa's storyline.
This book mostly deals with the fae, and Underhill. We also learn the side effects of the mating bond separation.
I'm loving this series, and can't wait to read the next exciting chapter.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Lise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would be a 3 star read, but there was so much tell, not show. And very repetitive. It felt like I was told a story from someone sitting in a chair. And not that things actually happened

[Susana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Seb only wants to go home… But home is no longer a place but a person for him.
Sebastian Volkov is slowly learning to trust his mate, Liam Ulrich, but his bond is not fully working, and he finds himself doubting his worth and his place in Liam’s pack. When a setup reveals Liam’s true nature to the world, Seb makes a big mistake trying to go back to him, a mistake that may eventually lead to the end of the life knows...
The story follows up the first book, some months after the events described in Witchblood. Seb and Liam are still working in their relationship, and understanding how the bonded mates link they share works. When Liam is taken into custody by the military, Seb’s solution to be returned to him ends with him trapped Under-the-Hill. The story is interesting, and there are new characters which add to the enticing couple that are Seb and Liam. I specially liked Kiran and Nick (I hope we see him safe soon). But the rhythm of this story is not as fast paced and gripping as the first one, as it is continuously stopped by Seb’s issues questioning his self-worth, or his doubts whether what he is going through is real or just a dream. I understand Seb has issues, but all that second-guessing gets tiresome after you’ve read the same complaints once and again… But for that, the story is really good, and I am looking forward to reading more on this fascinating world.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really intriguing MM shifter romance which I enjoyed reading. The continuation of the story from “Witchblood #1) into this book is smooth & flawless. The plot is interesting with some suspenseful situations & there is some good scene descriptions & world building. The characters (a caring alpha werewolf, Liam) & (a witchborn omega fox shifter, Sebastian) are realistically flawed with emotional vulnerabilities & continue to evolve throughout the story-line but there are new challenges in store for these two.
There is: a manipulative fae (Wesley), twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, werewolves, demons, fae, a fae Underhill, monsters, military, humans, adventure, action, mates, memories, mystery, threats, danger, enemies, attacks, defensiveness, protectiveness, magic, wards, violence, conflict, disorientation, mate bonds, life force, mates, dreams, manipulations, confusion, loneliness, confrontations, determination, warnings, well-meaning advice, some steam & a HFN with a interesting conclusion.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the first book but not so much this one. The first half was really good and then they get separated and we are mostly in Seb's head and while there was quite a bit of action it just felt like it dragged on to long. I really didn't enjoy the whole part where Seb is in fairy. Liam and Seb spent most of this book apart and the pace just felt slow to me. I'll probably still read the 3rd book but I was a little disappointed given how much I enjoyed the first one.

[Mstay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much happening

Okay I had some issues with the first book but still overall felt like it was a great story. The problem here is that this just drags in the bad from the last and piles on more. I will not be continuing this series.

[NoonaMae · Rating 2 out of 5]

The general idea of the story was interesting and for that two stars, but the execution is lacking.
Redundant and repetitive, too much dragging.

This was the last chance for this saga. I’m done. I finished this book but I feel exhausted. I can’t stand to be in Sebastian head anymore.

[Aruslovesspring · Rating 3 out of 5]

****Spoilers****

There are some very compelling and interesting ideas that are played with in this book. In particular the concept of being able to open and close doorways to other dimensions, the issues with the fae, and the system of severing the bonds between the packs.

However I really didn't like how Seb's character developed in this second instalment.

Part of Seb's charm in the first book was that he was prickly but fiercely independent. Often making comments about how alphas were " alpha-holes" that he wasn't going to bend to his mates will, and that he wasn't going to be a " Susie homemaker ".


But in this second instalment he turns into all those things. He cooks food for the pack like a good little wife, and is obsessed with trying to fit into the pack hierarchy. And being "good enough" for his mate.
He has completely lost his independent streak and is now somehow both incredibly needy and prickly? It just makes him seem so weak? After everything he went through in the first book that is clearly the last thing he is.
Then he kinda flies off the handle and descends into hysterics? It just felt so... Odd.

The best part of the book was when he slips back to the other dimension because it forces him to be strong in order to return to the other side. If you like the first book I would still recommend you give this a try you may like it This just was not my favorite.

[Beaumont · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like 3.5-ish stars.

I loved:

-The scenes with the pack and the bakery. I thought it was really cute. I’m officially voting for a new genre called cozy fantasy. I’ll also take cozy sci fi.

-How protective and possessive Seb is of Liam. This genre rarely has his character category this protective, but I thought it was great. Seb always wanted a family and how he has his boyfriend and his pack and is fiercely and effectively protective of them.

-That Seb has a healthy and supportive relationship with his partner and his new family. His previous family and lover were awful. And his adoptive dad is still crap.


I was less in love with:

-The light skinned guy on the cover. The actual cover art is pretty, but the book clearly states Seb has dark skin. That makes me think the powers that be thought a guy with dark skin and red hair wouldn’t sell on the cover.

-Under Hill. There was a LOT of it in this book. It gives me vibes like The Fade sequences in Dragon Age: Origins. I’m someone who had mods to skip that. For me it’s too long, too “mysterious.”

[Elin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witchbond continues a few weeks after the first one ended, with Seb still struggling with all his previous hang ups, which of course is something that won't disappear after a couple of months with Liam.
He is plagued with nightmares and guilt, finding it difficult to connect with the pack, who again struggles to break through Seb's walls.
I love reading about Liam and his need to take care of Seb, because of their bond and because he loves him. How they need each other like breathing, which is truly put to the test in this book.

My only issue with it is that it's very wordy, it feels long and drawn out because there's so little communication and so much in Seb's head with million of details.
But at the same time, it doesn't spoil my enjoyment of it, it just meant I needed a few more breaks from it than I normally would.

I'm endlessly curious about what will happen in the next book as things are coming together and I really need to see Nicky free.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2nd book in this series did not disappoint at all.

A continuation of Witchblood, Lissa Kasey continues to build her world and her shifter mythos, bringing in the fae mythos and weaving it throughout the world she is creating. It was another of those books that I couldn't put down after I started to read.

I love the vulnerabilities she allows her main character to have, the imperfections and character flaws that she has written into Sebastian. I admire how Liam tries to help but also tries to let Sebastian find his own legs as he slowly adapts to his new life as part of a pack, part of mated pair. The fae curveball adds a new and interesting twist to the plot as well as creates a new enemy to square off against.

If I had one negative, the scenes with Marlow seemed a little too... not contrived but expected. There had to be the one that didn't like Seb, who called him out on his BS, who accused him of not caring, not fitting in on purpose. I get why his character was needed but it was just... really obvious. But it also gives Seb the push he needs to see himself as part of a pack, part of a family, and gives him something to fight for so it works.

Other than that, loved the whole story and look forward to the next one.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and spellbinding

I loved this book! So much was packed into and it answered many questions while leaving new ones. Liam and Seb are such a powerful couple. Their bond fascinates me. We see Seb finding his way, with himself and the pack, and it comes with a unique set of ups and downs. Many times his stubbornness and reticence frustrated me but I did enjoy seeing him work through it all. Liam, ok so maybe he can be an alpha-hole at times, but I love him so much. He is the calm in the storm. If all that’s not enough to work through, many outside troubles try to interfere with Seb and with Liam. Never interfere with Seb and Liam. Surprises and danger galore exist but this book was so much fun to read. Every page makes me want to know more and more.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

First thing is I do enjoy the characters and general story otherwise I would not bother reading the book to the end.

However,...
1) Consistency within the book and with other books is poor. Rules keep changing - or at least appear to by the way they are written (e.g. can werewolves get tattoos? First book explicitly says no, second book implies yes via a werewolf basically requesting one...). There was a few little things that disturbed the world building for me. But more majorly some character motivations seem to shift as well with little explanation.

2) Repetitive - this is a series but you don't need to recap most of the first book, nor itself...

3) As mentioned before why is a mix raced character consistently described as dark so pale on the cover? It feels like erasure

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one that of those series that you can’t put down once you’ve started.

This author weaves a complex, intriguing yet mind blowing story that simply left me wanting more.

Sebastian in his Kitsune form was magnificent, scary and badass. The Fae underworld was a twisted, scary and dangerous place to be in.

A fantastic story with plenty of action, mayhem, heat, love, mystery and suspense. World building was amazing - the author made everything come alive. A unique shifter story that takes you on one hell of a ride.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[blub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picks up around the time book 1 left off at. Sebastian is trying to get used to pack life but is plagued by nightmares and self doubts along with the feeling of not belonging within the pack. Things take a turn for the worse when a fight between Liam and a vampire blows up and shifters are on the way of being outed. Sebastian discovers things about himself, underhill and readers questions concerning Nicky are finally addressed in this book.

There was a moment where I went "Oh great another book with the idea of shifters being outed and panic". Getting over that the book was a great addition, looking forward the next one and hopefully we get to see other kitsunes.