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Drexel Academy #2
Bound by Magic
I have to hide who I am. Even in a school for supernaturals, I’m not normal and if anyone finds out it would cost me my life.
I wasn’t supposed to survive the accident that killed my parents, but I did.
I wasn’t supposed to have abilities from both my witch and shifter side, but I do.
Drexel Academy was meant to be a haven, but there are forces here working against me. My enemies are hidden in plain sight and as if I didn’t have enough to worry about, I can’t ignore the fact that I’m falling for three very different guys.
Then I’m given a choice. Run from the danger and leave this madness behind or risk staying to discover the truths of my past.
Fans of Meg Xuemei X and & G. Bailey will love this slow-burn reverse harem series.
I wasn’t supposed to survive the accident that killed my parents, but I did.
I wasn’t supposed to have abilities from both my witch and shifter side, but I do.
Drexel Academy was meant to be a haven, but there are forces here working against me. My enemies are hidden in plain sight and as if I didn’t have enough to worry about, I can’t ignore the fact that I’m falling for three very different guys.
Then I’m given a choice. Run from the danger and leave this madness behind or risk staying to discover the truths of my past.
Fans of Meg Xuemei X and & G. Bailey will love this slow-burn reverse harem series.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
416 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 25, 2021
OMG the whining in this book. Literally the whole thing was the FMC saying she's not ready to complete the bond with her mates. There. You don't have to read it now.
December 4, 2021
I was going to review this as a low 3 stars, but my patience vanished in the last five chapters.
I was not impressed with Saige at all as I kept reading. Her whiny attitude and constant pity party felt like a toddler’s tantrum. When it started to peak there was mention of depression which I understood, her circumstances are a lot. But it just kept getting worse and her attitude flipped from moody/depressed to proactive on a dime as soon as the story needed to move. It felt fake which made my sympathy for her vanish. Add to that her poor decision making and logic, even her ability to make connections and make predictions were shit. Which is weird af since she’s a freaking psychic. Mostly this book felt a lot like her moping around whining about wanting to go home, while the guys acted like unsympathetic pushy idiots while they pined after her. Besides a couple more drama bombs being dropped but resulting in nothing this book was just too much self doubt and pity.
I knew who Kaden was at the end, predicting in the first hawk dream this would happen. I actually like him as far as a couple chapters displayed. Saige’s self absorption paint the actual events in such a mean light. He did nothing truly wrong. He wanted to be there for her and was limited in how he could interact. He wanted to find her and that was his only way to get answers and make sure she was alright. Yes it’s maybe a bit embarrassing but no confidences were revealed and it was not done with ill intent. So Saige once again was displaying her lack of understanding or empathy or logic making herself the victim again and making Kaden a villain. This was really the last straw. Everything is about her and I don’t freaking like it. This would be an interesting story if it didn’t centre on a spoiled brat. Suck it up buttercup and grow the hell up.
Shout out to anyone who noticed her lying to the guys about deciding to stay (trying to backtrack and make herself sound better) even though her aunt didn’t give her the option after she learned about Saige’s bonds. Real open honest communication.
**Also, this book had her being called Ms Stewart a few times but she should be going by Williams. If I remember her bio dad was a Stewart but she should only be referred to by Williams at school and she was called Stewart at least once. This was not the only factual/plot error in terms of referring to past events in the story ruining continuity. They’re small-ish but frustrating, and easier to notice in shorter books.
2.75 stars, C+, 67%
I was not impressed with Saige at all as I kept reading. Her whiny attitude and constant pity party felt like a toddler’s tantrum. When it started to peak there was mention of depression which I understood, her circumstances are a lot. But it just kept getting worse and her attitude flipped from moody/depressed to proactive on a dime as soon as the story needed to move. It felt fake which made my sympathy for her vanish. Add to that her poor decision making and logic, even her ability to make connections and make predictions were shit. Which is weird af since she’s a freaking psychic. Mostly this book felt a lot like her moping around whining about wanting to go home, while the guys acted like unsympathetic pushy idiots while they pined after her. Besides a couple more drama bombs being dropped but resulting in nothing this book was just too much self doubt and pity.
I knew who Kaden was at the end, predicting in the first hawk dream this would happen. I actually like him as far as a couple chapters displayed. Saige’s self absorption paint the actual events in such a mean light. He did nothing truly wrong. He wanted to be there for her and was limited in how he could interact. He wanted to find her and that was his only way to get answers and make sure she was alright. Yes it’s maybe a bit embarrassing but no confidences were revealed and it was not done with ill intent. So Saige once again was displaying her lack of understanding or empathy or logic making herself the victim again and making Kaden a villain. This was really the last straw. Everything is about her and I don’t freaking like it. This would be an interesting story if it didn’t centre on a spoiled brat. Suck it up buttercup and grow the hell up.
Shout out to anyone who noticed her lying to the guys about deciding to stay (trying to backtrack and make herself sound better) even though her aunt didn’t give her the option after she learned about Saige’s bonds. Real open honest communication.
**Also, this book had her being called Ms Stewart a few times but she should be going by Williams. If I remember her bio dad was a Stewart but she should only be referred to by Williams at school and she was called Stewart at least once. This was not the only factual/plot error in terms of referring to past events in the story ruining continuity. They’re small-ish but frustrating, and easier to notice in shorter books.
2.75 stars, C+, 67%
March 12, 2023
Reread audiobook: this book was still hard for me with all the negative self talk, but the audiobook made it more tolerable.
Original review:
Where do I start?? This book was a downer with very little forward progression. All Saige did the entire book was complain and push against the guys that liked her. I saw her as a whiney brat ... It was hard to understand what the guys saw that made them want to bond for life to her. I think I might be done with the series, which is really too bad because book 1 had a lot of potential.
Original review:
Where do I start?? This book was a downer with very little forward progression. All Saige did the entire book was complain and push against the guys that liked her. I saw her as a whiney brat ... It was hard to understand what the guys saw that made them want to bond for life to her. I think I might be done with the series, which is really too bad because book 1 had a lot of potential.
February 2, 2022
A book like this makes you hate teenagers. How could she devolve into such a winey little brat? The story has no plot. We are on book two with no clear antagonist so we are forced to endure her winey and bratty attitude.
March 12, 2022
I didn't hate Seige's personality in the first book. She pissed me off, but just a little, even though I would NEVER act like her if I was in the same situation, I understand that there are hypersensitive people.
But in this second book she really pissed me off. What was the plot of this book? 200 pages of Seige wailing and crying and saying it's not ready. She so far had 3 damn boyfriends (at least 2 interested) and she didn't have a damn kiss or a damn progress! No sweet moments or deep conversations.
I never thought I would say that, but Lexie managed to write 200 pages about NOTHING. Nothing happened in that book.
Nothing happened in the first book either, but I thought "oh, it's an introductory book for future events." But the second book can't be about anything either! I feel that the first and second could be one book if I cut a few scenes. Which is not difficult since most events are useless.
I thought I preferred personalities like Seige, more passive, "rational", gentle, etc, but... it was embarrassing to see Hanna take charge of the situation and put her 3 mates on the line when Seige had to! Let's face it, it was ridiculous. I felt like Hanna was their girlfriend. I wanted her to have a steady hand or an iron backbone, or at least not need help confronting her boyfriends. I hated that Seige couldn't solve a goddamn problem on her own and went back to Hanna all the time. "But she's 17 yo" Hanna is too? Sai too, Theo Too, the others too. And everyone is more mature than her.
And I won't even comment on Seige wanting them to be honest with her when she didn't. Hiding your secrets when they will inevitably find out. Wanting to wait 10 years to come together. Stupid girl.
Seriously thinking about whether the next book is worth reading.
Oh, and Kaden didn't do anything wrong. He was a child when he started visiting her in dreams and if he stopped later she would complain that she was abandoned. Once again Seige thinking only of her pigeon ass and being a selfish bitch. Selfish, spoiled, whiny, hypersensitive, boring. She should be grateful to have someone interested in her.
I must make an honorable mention about your body shaming. "if you wear clothes like that and he notices you, he'll only be interested in your body" well, when she noticed their six-pack and muscular back, that's fine huh? She was already interested in them and noticing how muscular and hot they were only increased her interest, right? Why couldn't Daniel's opinion of Hanna be the same?
Just because she's a board and doesn't have an attractive body to show off doesn't mean that no one else can.
-----------------
Eu não odiei a personalidade de Seige no primeiro livro. Ela me irritou, mas só um pouco, mesmo que eu NUNCA agisse como ela se estivesse na mesma situação, entendo que existem pessoas hipersensíveis.
Mas neste segundo livro ela realmente me irritou. Qual foi o enredo deste livro? 200 páginas dela chorando e chorando e dizendo que não está pronta. Ela até agora teve 3 malditos namorados (pelo menos 2 interessados) e ela não teve um maldito beijo ou um maldito progresso! Sem momentos fofos ou conversas profundas.
Nunca pensei que diria isso, mas Lexie conseguiu escrever 200 páginas sobre NADA. Nada acontece no livro.
Nada aconteceu no primeiro livro também, mas eu pensei "oh, é um livro introdutório para eventos futuros". Mas o segundo livro também não pode ser sobre nada! Eu sinto que o primeiro e o segundo poderiam ser um livro se eu cortasse algumas cenas. O que não é difícil, pois a maioria dos eventos são inúteis.
Achei que preferia personalidades como Seige, mais passivas, "racionais", gentis, etc, mas... foi embaraçoso ver Hanna tomar conta da situação e colocar seus 3 companheiros na linha quando Seige quem deveria ter feito isso! Vamos ser sinceros, foi ridículo. Eu senti como se Hanna fosse a namorada deles. Eu queria que ela tivesse uma mão firme ou uma espinha dorsal de ferro, ou pelo menos não precisasse de ajuda para confrontar seus namorados. Eu odiava que Seige não pudesse resolver um maldito problema sozinha e procurava Hanna o tempo todo. "Mas ela tem 17 anos" Hanna também? Sai também, Theo também, os outros também. E todo mundo é mais maduro do que ela.
E eu nem vou comentar sobre Seige querendo que eles sejam honestos com ela quando ela não é. Escondendo seus segredos quando eles inevitavelmente descobrirão. Querendo esperar 10 anos para se unir. Garota estúpida.
Pensando seriamente se vale a pena ler o próximo livro.
Ah, e Kaden não fez nada de errado. Ele era criança quando começou a visitá-la em sonhos e se parasse depois ela reclamaria que foi abandonada. Mais uma vez Seige pensando apenas em sua bunda de pombo e sendo uma cadela egoísta. Egoísta, mimada, chorona, hipersensível, chata. Ela deveria estar grata por ter alguém interessado nela.
Devo fazer uma menção honrosa sobre seu body shaming. "se você usar roupas assim e ele notar você, ele só vai se interessar pelo seu corpo" bem, quando ela notou o tanquinho e as costas musculosas, tudo bem né? Ela já estava interessada neles e perceber o quão musculosos e gostosos eles eram só aumentou seu interesse, certo? Por que a opinião de Daniel sobre Hanna não poderia ser a mesma?
Só porque ela é uma tábua e não tem um corpo atraente para se exibir não significa que ninguém mais possa.
But in this second book she really pissed me off. What was the plot of this book? 200 pages of Seige wailing and crying and saying it's not ready. She so far had 3 damn boyfriends (at least 2 interested) and she didn't have a damn kiss or a damn progress! No sweet moments or deep conversations.
I never thought I would say that, but Lexie managed to write 200 pages about NOTHING. Nothing happened in that book.
Nothing happened in the first book either, but I thought "oh, it's an introductory book for future events." But the second book can't be about anything either! I feel that the first and second could be one book if I cut a few scenes. Which is not difficult since most events are useless.
I thought I preferred personalities like Seige, more passive, "rational", gentle, etc, but... it was embarrassing to see Hanna take charge of the situation and put her 3 mates on the line when Seige had to! Let's face it, it was ridiculous. I felt like Hanna was their girlfriend. I wanted her to have a steady hand or an iron backbone, or at least not need help confronting her boyfriends. I hated that Seige couldn't solve a goddamn problem on her own and went back to Hanna all the time. "But she's 17 yo" Hanna is too? Sai too, Theo Too, the others too. And everyone is more mature than her.
And I won't even comment on Seige wanting them to be honest with her when she didn't. Hiding your secrets when they will inevitably find out. Wanting to wait 10 years to come together. Stupid girl.
Seriously thinking about whether the next book is worth reading.
Oh, and Kaden didn't do anything wrong. He was a child when he started visiting her in dreams and if he stopped later she would complain that she was abandoned. Once again Seige thinking only of her pigeon ass and being a selfish bitch. Selfish, spoiled, whiny, hypersensitive, boring. She should be grateful to have someone interested in her.
I must make an honorable mention about your body shaming. "if you wear clothes like that and he notices you, he'll only be interested in your body" well, when she noticed their six-pack and muscular back, that's fine huh? She was already interested in them and noticing how muscular and hot they were only increased her interest, right? Why couldn't Daniel's opinion of Hanna be the same?
Just because she's a board and doesn't have an attractive body to show off doesn't mean that no one else can.
-----------------
Eu não odiei a personalidade de Seige no primeiro livro. Ela me irritou, mas só um pouco, mesmo que eu NUNCA agisse como ela se estivesse na mesma situação, entendo que existem pessoas hipersensíveis.
Mas neste segundo livro ela realmente me irritou. Qual foi o enredo deste livro? 200 páginas dela chorando e chorando e dizendo que não está pronta. Ela até agora teve 3 malditos namorados (pelo menos 2 interessados) e ela não teve um maldito beijo ou um maldito progresso! Sem momentos fofos ou conversas profundas.
Nunca pensei que diria isso, mas Lexie conseguiu escrever 200 páginas sobre NADA. Nada acontece no livro.
Nada aconteceu no primeiro livro também, mas eu pensei "oh, é um livro introdutório para eventos futuros". Mas o segundo livro também não pode ser sobre nada! Eu sinto que o primeiro e o segundo poderiam ser um livro se eu cortasse algumas cenas. O que não é difícil, pois a maioria dos eventos são inúteis.
Achei que preferia personalidades como Seige, mais passivas, "racionais", gentis, etc, mas... foi embaraçoso ver Hanna tomar conta da situação e colocar seus 3 companheiros na linha quando Seige quem deveria ter feito isso! Vamos ser sinceros, foi ridículo. Eu senti como se Hanna fosse a namorada deles. Eu queria que ela tivesse uma mão firme ou uma espinha dorsal de ferro, ou pelo menos não precisasse de ajuda para confrontar seus namorados. Eu odiava que Seige não pudesse resolver um maldito problema sozinha e procurava Hanna o tempo todo. "Mas ela tem 17 anos" Hanna também? Sai também, Theo também, os outros também. E todo mundo é mais maduro do que ela.
E eu nem vou comentar sobre Seige querendo que eles sejam honestos com ela quando ela não é. Escondendo seus segredos quando eles inevitavelmente descobrirão. Querendo esperar 10 anos para se unir. Garota estúpida.
Pensando seriamente se vale a pena ler o próximo livro.
Ah, e Kaden não fez nada de errado. Ele era criança quando começou a visitá-la em sonhos e se parasse depois ela reclamaria que foi abandonada. Mais uma vez Seige pensando apenas em sua bunda de pombo e sendo uma cadela egoísta. Egoísta, mimada, chorona, hipersensível, chata. Ela deveria estar grata por ter alguém interessado nela.
Devo fazer uma menção honrosa sobre seu body shaming. "se você usar roupas assim e ele notar você, ele só vai se interessar pelo seu corpo" bem, quando ela notou o tanquinho e as costas musculosas, tudo bem né? Ela já estava interessada neles e perceber o quão musculosos e gostosos eles eram só aumentou seu interesse, certo? Por que a opinião de Daniel sobre Hanna não poderia ser a mesma?
Só porque ela é uma tábua e não tem um corpo atraente para se exibir não significa que ninguém mais possa.
January 2, 2023
Loved. Loving all the characters and storyline. Easy read but keeps me interested and not wanting to put it down! Finding out who the hawk wasn’t my guess at all. On to book 3!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2022
meh
It’s fine for something to have as a quick read but honestly, I don’t know why the author didn’t make the series one long book. It’s almost as if they were like eh, just release this now so they’ll get off my back about new work. It’s not even a slow burn and it doesn’t even seem like she really even likes any of her fated mates. I will finish the series but so far it’s not looking real good. The characters themselves and the story itself are cool ideas and that’s the reason I’ll finish it. As a romance though, not so great.
It’s fine for something to have as a quick read but honestly, I don’t know why the author didn’t make the series one long book. It’s almost as if they were like eh, just release this now so they’ll get off my back about new work. It’s not even a slow burn and it doesn’t even seem like she really even likes any of her fated mates. I will finish the series but so far it’s not looking real good. The characters themselves and the story itself are cool ideas and that’s the reason I’ll finish it. As a romance though, not so great.
March 16, 2022
Still at Hogwarts but PG
I honestly feel like the characters have little to no chemistry for each other and the MC just keeps continuing her cycle of over analyzing and honestly being selfish and a bit of a brat. First book I was understanding because her whole understanding was ripped from her but now it’s like she’s not adjusting and the guys seem like they have to save her constantly. There’s a line between being supportive and having to save the damsel is thin and it seems like that’s all they do. Really hope book 3 gets better because as of right now, I’m about to stop reading.
I honestly feel like the characters have little to no chemistry for each other and the MC just keeps continuing her cycle of over analyzing and honestly being selfish and a bit of a brat. First book I was understanding because her whole understanding was ripped from her but now it’s like she’s not adjusting and the guys seem like they have to save her constantly. There’s a line between being supportive and having to save the damsel is thin and it seems like that’s all they do. Really hope book 3 gets better because as of right now, I’m about to stop reading.
January 30, 2022
she got whiny
Won’t continue to the third. I think I got a headache listening to her devolve. Maybe that’s because of her happy normal life rather than one with strife and able to make her strong. I could understand depression and some self pity but it really got irritating when she was asking for communication and yet clearly not being truthful either. I thoroughly enjoyed the first, so this was upsetting that the main fc took this route and became someone that just irked the crap out of me.
Won’t continue to the third. I think I got a headache listening to her devolve. Maybe that’s because of her happy normal life rather than one with strife and able to make her strong. I could understand depression and some self pity but it really got irritating when she was asking for communication and yet clearly not being truthful either. I thoroughly enjoyed the first, so this was upsetting that the main fc took this route and became someone that just irked the crap out of me.
August 14, 2023
The girl was depressed and she made me depressed while reading this book. I was frustrated, confused to the extent I don't want to continue this story. Like really I can't. Maybe in future but there was no major expectations or mystery is presented that would be a beacon for me to read another word out of Saige. Sad and depressed just like her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2022
⭐⭐
This book was even slower then book one. Not much really happened. Also, the FMC just gets on my nerves. I hope the pity party is over in the next book.
This book was even slower then book one. Not much really happened. Also, the FMC just gets on my nerves. I hope the pity party is over in the next book.
April 10, 2024
RH MMMM/Witches-Shifters-Vampires/Academy
SYNOPSIS (of 6 Book Series): This story is set in the modern world but where humans do not know that supernaturals exist. The FC, Saige, discovers that she is a witch/shifter hybrid whose birth parents were killed when she was young and she was brought up by the human best friends. The world is governed by a Council who are anti hybrids. 17 years ago many hybrids and mixed couples were killed and that is starting up again. The FC is sent to Drexel Academy to learn to control her powers but must hide that she is a hybrid. There she meets her 4 bond mates. The story covers the development of their relationship and the rising danger of the Council seeking to kill/control supernaturals that are different or in mixed relationships. There's a HEA
Heat Level: 🌶️🥶/🍆 This is very slow burn. The FC only just kisses 2 of the 4 MCs by 75% into Book 3. No real sex happens until Book 6 although there is a bit of fooling around in Book 4. It’s as if the FC is 12 and was raised in a convent with her apparent lack of understanding of sex 🫣 The sex scenes are often one way with the MCs doing things to the FC but without her reciprocating or initiating and it is cringeworthy when they have to talk her through exactly what to do. It all feels too juvenile. Chemistry between the FC and MCs is not high. There’s a bit more with Niall but it’s not exactly steamy and the writing felt clunky not hot.
As a summary this series is too long, has a ridiculous amount of typos and editing issues, is limited in any excitement or drama, with a whiny complaining FC that really gets on your nerves and, after plowing through 6 Books, the ending is a massive let down 😡. Outside of the torture descriptions I think this series is aimed at a young audience.
As for the sex scenes, the FC makes a big issue of not being ready to bond with the MCs and not wanting to jump into sex then gets bent out of shape when none of her Bonds make a pass at her after the bonding 🙄 There’s even a whole scene where Hannah has a go at the MCs for NOT hooking up with the FC which is childish and unfair. The chemistry is weak and I never really felt any deep connection between the FC and any of the MCs. As with other books of this kind it was hard to see what the MCs saw in the FC outside of the enforced bond. The MCs themselves didn't really seem to get along and the whole Bond felt fragmented and never really seemed to come together as a cohesive group.
By Book 3 we’ve had 1 short lived dramatic/exciting scene. There is a cliffhanger of sorts at the end of Books 4 & 5 but they are low level. The last half of Book 3 & first half of Book 4 are like Groundhog Day. They’re full of the FC whining about being alone and no one focusing on the bond and about how the group is fragmented. Noone really seems to be bothered about being a unit. It’s interspersed by some cringy descriptions of the FC being introduced to sex (but not full sex). I almost gave up at the end of Book 3 and wish I had. As these were KU I decided to skim and see if things picked up much. They didn't really. There's a bit of excitement at the end of Book 5 but the story just drags interminably and the characters become progressively more annoying. Book 6 is taken up with a ridiculous merry-go-round of the FC wanting to storm in and attack the Council's stronghold and the resistance doing nothing.
The whole story is superficial. You never really get to know the villains as they are mostly just an amorphous Council. There is a brief introduction of an evil council member in Book 4 and then nothing until Book 6 which goes overboard with showing how evil the Council are.
Ultimately Book 6 did not really make sense to me. The resistance seemed to do nothing to fight back and even invited one of the Council to their uber secret hideout. By the time the climax came I really did not see the point of the FC and her Bonds. With the training that they did I expected them to do something to save people and take down the Council. It turns out that they were completely redundant and actually just got themselves into trouble. ***SPOILER***The author appears to try to create real drama by having the FC & her Bonds walk into an obvious trap where, despite all their training and strength they are easily captured and then the Book goes into detail about how each is then tortured horribly. There is a big scene where we can see how evil the Council Members are (its all very Mwah-ha-ha and OTT) when they come to look at their handywork. The Council is then taken down by an attack by the shifter pack and some of the resistance although it is unclear who exactly it was and how they took down the stronghold which appeared to not be very strong. Neither the FC nor her Bonds help to take down the stronghold and in fact have to be rescued. There was no reference to the FC being betrayed or to what happened to the evil doctors undertaking the experiments or why the resistance was so ineffectual. As I mention above, you only get a brief reference to the fact that the Council Members are put on trial and executed a while after the fact. Its ridiculously anti climactic despite there being a long epilogue which, to me, again made no sense as it tells us how the FC and her Bonds go to Alaska and build cabins. Really? What's that about??
SYNOPSIS (of 6 Book Series): This story is set in the modern world but where humans do not know that supernaturals exist. The FC, Saige, discovers that she is a witch/shifter hybrid whose birth parents were killed when she was young and she was brought up by the human best friends. The world is governed by a Council who are anti hybrids. 17 years ago many hybrids and mixed couples were killed and that is starting up again. The FC is sent to Drexel Academy to learn to control her powers but must hide that she is a hybrid. There she meets her 4 bond mates. The story covers the development of their relationship and the rising danger of the Council seeking to kill/control supernaturals that are different or in mixed relationships. There's a HEA
Heat Level: 🌶️🥶/🍆 This is very slow burn. The FC only just kisses 2 of the 4 MCs by 75% into Book 3. No real sex happens until Book 6 although there is a bit of fooling around in Book 4. It’s as if the FC is 12 and was raised in a convent with her apparent lack of understanding of sex 🫣 The sex scenes are often one way with the MCs doing things to the FC but without her reciprocating or initiating and it is cringeworthy when they have to talk her through exactly what to do. It all feels too juvenile. Chemistry between the FC and MCs is not high. There’s a bit more with Niall but it’s not exactly steamy and the writing felt clunky not hot.
As a summary this series is too long, has a ridiculous amount of typos and editing issues, is limited in any excitement or drama, with a whiny complaining FC that really gets on your nerves and, after plowing through 6 Books, the ending is a massive let down 😡. Outside of the torture descriptions I think this series is aimed at a young audience.
As for the sex scenes, the FC makes a big issue of not being ready to bond with the MCs and not wanting to jump into sex then gets bent out of shape when none of her Bonds make a pass at her after the bonding 🙄 There’s even a whole scene where Hannah has a go at the MCs for NOT hooking up with the FC which is childish and unfair. The chemistry is weak and I never really felt any deep connection between the FC and any of the MCs. As with other books of this kind it was hard to see what the MCs saw in the FC outside of the enforced bond. The MCs themselves didn't really seem to get along and the whole Bond felt fragmented and never really seemed to come together as a cohesive group.
By Book 3 we’ve had 1 short lived dramatic/exciting scene. There is a cliffhanger of sorts at the end of Books 4 & 5 but they are low level. The last half of Book 3 & first half of Book 4 are like Groundhog Day. They’re full of the FC whining about being alone and no one focusing on the bond and about how the group is fragmented. Noone really seems to be bothered about being a unit. It’s interspersed by some cringy descriptions of the FC being introduced to sex (but not full sex). I almost gave up at the end of Book 3 and wish I had. As these were KU I decided to skim and see if things picked up much. They didn't really. There's a bit of excitement at the end of Book 5 but the story just drags interminably and the characters become progressively more annoying. Book 6 is taken up with a ridiculous merry-go-round of the FC wanting to storm in and attack the Council's stronghold and the resistance doing nothing.
The whole story is superficial. You never really get to know the villains as they are mostly just an amorphous Council. There is a brief introduction of an evil council member in Book 4 and then nothing until Book 6 which goes overboard with showing how evil the Council are.
Ultimately Book 6 did not really make sense to me. The resistance seemed to do nothing to fight back and even invited one of the Council to their uber secret hideout. By the time the climax came I really did not see the point of the FC and her Bonds. With the training that they did I expected them to do something to save people and take down the Council. It turns out that they were completely redundant and actually just got themselves into trouble. ***SPOILER***The author appears to try to create real drama by having the FC & her Bonds walk into an obvious trap where, despite all their training and strength they are easily captured and then the Book goes into detail about how each is then tortured horribly. There is a big scene where we can see how evil the Council Members are (its all very Mwah-ha-ha and OTT) when they come to look at their handywork. The Council is then taken down by an attack by the shifter pack and some of the resistance although it is unclear who exactly it was and how they took down the stronghold which appeared to not be very strong. Neither the FC nor her Bonds help to take down the stronghold and in fact have to be rescued. There was no reference to the FC being betrayed or to what happened to the evil doctors undertaking the experiments or why the resistance was so ineffectual. As I mention above, you only get a brief reference to the fact that the Council Members are put on trial and executed a while after the fact. Its ridiculously anti climactic despite there being a long epilogue which, to me, again made no sense as it tells us how the FC and her Bonds go to Alaska and build cabins. Really? What's that about??
January 2, 2023
Finally!
That ending was what this whole book was about. It was glaringly obvious and I’m glad I stuck it out. It’s in the fmc pov, and she was a bit annoying in this book. She went through a lot but she handled the fall out of learning so much in a short amount of time. She’s very passive and hates confrontations. I felt a bit disconnected to her feelings during these times as it didn’t feel like a natural transition in thought process. The guys all have their ways of showing they care and the fmc pushes them away each time they try. I hope she gets back in her groove. She was enigmatic in the first book. Met each challenge head on and made friends fairly quickly. She has the support in her friends and men, she needs to learn to trust them more. I kept waiting to find if there was a spell placed on her. She left her bathroom kit on the shared bathroom counter, did her business and came back out and used it. It felt a bit fishy but who knows. I am interested in finding out if the fmc cell phone was tampered with. There’s evidence pointing to that but nothing has been made clear. I am definitely interested in reading the next book. The newest character has her eyes opened and feels like she’s ready to take the plunge that she was denying this whole book. Now let’s hope the ceremony is quickly done and it gets her magic under control.
That ending was what this whole book was about. It was glaringly obvious and I’m glad I stuck it out. It’s in the fmc pov, and she was a bit annoying in this book. She went through a lot but she handled the fall out of learning so much in a short amount of time. She’s very passive and hates confrontations. I felt a bit disconnected to her feelings during these times as it didn’t feel like a natural transition in thought process. The guys all have their ways of showing they care and the fmc pushes them away each time they try. I hope she gets back in her groove. She was enigmatic in the first book. Met each challenge head on and made friends fairly quickly. She has the support in her friends and men, she needs to learn to trust them more. I kept waiting to find if there was a spell placed on her. She left her bathroom kit on the shared bathroom counter, did her business and came back out and used it. It felt a bit fishy but who knows. I am interested in finding out if the fmc cell phone was tampered with. There’s evidence pointing to that but nothing has been made clear. I am definitely interested in reading the next book. The newest character has her eyes opened and feels like she’s ready to take the plunge that she was denying this whole book. Now let’s hope the ceremony is quickly done and it gets her magic under control.
November 27, 2022
I tried
I understand realistically that a poly relationship will have a lot of issues, but how Saige goes from oh I have crushes on these guys and want to try dating them, to I don’t want this bond I don’t want to be with you and dragging her feet. She annoys me in this book, not even trying to get to know her bond more or further relationships. I also feel like Hannah hopping in to “ground the guys” is an overstep on her part. They need to figure out their stuff together. Saige feels left out after they figure out their stuff, but she keeps pushing them away, talks about needing complete trust before bonding but won’t open herself up and tell the truth until the end when they stop handling her with kids gloves. I tried to continue this series, but I’m done now. Her character development is way too delayed for my taste, and the slow burn is extremely slow. None of them have even kissed yet.
I understand realistically that a poly relationship will have a lot of issues, but how Saige goes from oh I have crushes on these guys and want to try dating them, to I don’t want this bond I don’t want to be with you and dragging her feet. She annoys me in this book, not even trying to get to know her bond more or further relationships. I also feel like Hannah hopping in to “ground the guys” is an overstep on her part. They need to figure out their stuff together. Saige feels left out after they figure out their stuff, but she keeps pushing them away, talks about needing complete trust before bonding but won’t open herself up and tell the truth until the end when they stop handling her with kids gloves. I tried to continue this series, but I’m done now. Her character development is way too delayed for my taste, and the slow burn is extremely slow. None of them have even kissed yet.
June 14, 2023
Books 1 and 2
Audiobook narration is good. 1 female narrator.
Book itself was… slow. Lots of information dumps. Not much going on. Kind of felt like a daily journal in some ways.
The FMC actually acted/thought like a teenager, which was good in that it was more realistic but also very annoying because she was frequently whiny, lamenting about everything, and took out her insecurities and fears on other people. Despite her stubborn focus on wallowing, she was a good person and there was plenty room for growth and maturation - even though I rolled my eyes, gritted my teeth, and skipped through a lot of the second book.
The supporting characters were also good people. As for the guys - kind of blah. Since there was only one POV and the FMC was the way she was, the view of the guys was colored by her perceptions so it was hard to “like” them when she wasn’t really liking them.
Not bad books necessary but also not sure I can make it through another one.
Audiobook narration is good. 1 female narrator.
Book itself was… slow. Lots of information dumps. Not much going on. Kind of felt like a daily journal in some ways.
The FMC actually acted/thought like a teenager, which was good in that it was more realistic but also very annoying because she was frequently whiny, lamenting about everything, and took out her insecurities and fears on other people. Despite her stubborn focus on wallowing, she was a good person and there was plenty room for growth and maturation - even though I rolled my eyes, gritted my teeth, and skipped through a lot of the second book.
The supporting characters were also good people. As for the guys - kind of blah. Since there was only one POV and the FMC was the way she was, the view of the guys was colored by her perceptions so it was hard to “like” them when she wasn’t really liking them.
Not bad books necessary but also not sure I can make it through another one.
October 3, 2025
I bet if I bonked her on the head with a baseball bat, it would create a reverberating echo as though her skull were a boundless cavern.
Wow that FMC was the worst in this one.
I much preferred her in the first, when she was in too much culture shock to question anything.
Now that’s all she does, on top of copious whining, and it is exhausting.
I should’ve known it would be like this when I saw how many books this series was, but she really is going to drag this story out way past its worth, huh?
There were some developments, but not really any with the men.
Boys, really.
They spend most of the interactions frustrated, impatient, or running away.
When are we meant to swoon?
It was mostly just build up to the future storyline without really having one of its own.
The FMC drove me crazyyy denying the bond, even still.
It’ll jumpstart your magic, you wallowing weenie.
We’re going to need some expeditious character arcs or I’ve just about had all I can take.
Wow that FMC was the worst in this one.
I much preferred her in the first, when she was in too much culture shock to question anything.
Now that’s all she does, on top of copious whining, and it is exhausting.
I should’ve known it would be like this when I saw how many books this series was, but she really is going to drag this story out way past its worth, huh?
There were some developments, but not really any with the men.
Boys, really.
They spend most of the interactions frustrated, impatient, or running away.
When are we meant to swoon?
It was mostly just build up to the future storyline without really having one of its own.
The FMC drove me crazyyy denying the bond, even still.
It’ll jumpstart your magic, you wallowing weenie.
We’re going to need some expeditious character arcs or I’ve just about had all I can take.
May 13, 2022
Pnr rh
Sage, Sai, Niall, Kaden, Theo
This book was rough. For 73% of the book, the FMC was a mopey, bitchy, selfish child. The last ten percent was okay... but she was still trying to be selfish.
There's a lot happening, but the author literally said the FMC was overwhelmed or depressed a few dozen times and Saige keeps making stupid choices. Saige was strong, mostly level-headed and excited in the first book.... so seeing her personality change so dramatically was terrible. I also didn't like that in this book Theo and Niall flipped personalities. This book has Theo being pushy and grumpy and Niall being more open-minded and receptive.
If Saige is a total downer for the first 25% of the next book, I'm putting down the series.
Sage, Sai, Niall, Kaden, Theo
This book was rough. For 73% of the book, the FMC was a mopey, bitchy, selfish child. The last ten percent was okay... but she was still trying to be selfish.
There's a lot happening, but the author literally said the FMC was overwhelmed or depressed a few dozen times and Saige keeps making stupid choices. Saige was strong, mostly level-headed and excited in the first book.... so seeing her personality change so dramatically was terrible. I also didn't like that in this book Theo and Niall flipped personalities. This book has Theo being pushy and grumpy and Niall being more open-minded and receptive.
If Saige is a total downer for the first 25% of the next book, I'm putting down the series.
February 15, 2022
Good
**WARNING! Cliffhanger!** of a sort anyway. This is book 2 of an ongoing series, and as such it begins where book 1 left off, and ends at a crossroads…
Saige is learning to deal with her new life in the supernatural world, but is struggling to come to terms with certain realities. There’s her magic, which is hard, her friendships and relationships, which is harder… and then there is her family…
An enjoyable quick read in this series. This features a cameo from Avalon, the heroine in the Supernatural Society series, so we get to hear a little from her. It also lets us into some of the mysteries of Saige’s guys!
An entertaining read for RH and Academy fans.
**WARNING! Cliffhanger!** of a sort anyway. This is book 2 of an ongoing series, and as such it begins where book 1 left off, and ends at a crossroads…
Saige is learning to deal with her new life in the supernatural world, but is struggling to come to terms with certain realities. There’s her magic, which is hard, her friendships and relationships, which is harder… and then there is her family…
An enjoyable quick read in this series. This features a cameo from Avalon, the heroine in the Supernatural Society series, so we get to hear a little from her. It also lets us into some of the mysteries of Saige’s guys!
An entertaining read for RH and Academy fans.
April 7, 2023
3/5 stars
I will not lie, I almost rated this book two stars. In the middle ish portion of the book I just could NOT stand Saige! She was getting on my last nerve. I almost DNF’ed this book even. But I thankfully stuck with it, and near the end it got a little better.
I do not know if I am going to read the next book, but that ending really left me wanting too. Also the other series that I was going to start by this same author, the MC from that book, was in this one! So that crossover was SUPER cool I felt. The only thing is that now I do not know if I even have to read that series, because I know somethings that happen from this book… sooooo, who knows. I will decide eventually.
I will not lie, I almost rated this book two stars. In the middle ish portion of the book I just could NOT stand Saige! She was getting on my last nerve. I almost DNF’ed this book even. But I thankfully stuck with it, and near the end it got a little better.
I do not know if I am going to read the next book, but that ending really left me wanting too. Also the other series that I was going to start by this same author, the MC from that book, was in this one! So that crossover was SUPER cool I felt. The only thing is that now I do not know if I even have to read that series, because I know somethings that happen from this book… sooooo, who knows. I will decide eventually.
October 8, 2023
Rating: 2.5 Stars
POV(s): Single—First Person
Relationship: Reverse Harem
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
❥
Shoutout to Marina for managing to put to words the absolute annoyance that this book was in her review. To summarize, Saige turned into an obnoxiously self-absorbed whiner, lacking in critical thinking skills.
(Additionally, there were grammar/spelling and continuity errors.)
❥
Title: “Bound by Magic (Drexel Academy #2)” by Lexie Scott
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Academy Romance
➢ Fated Mates
➢ High School
➢ Magic
➢ Shifters
➢ Vampires
➢ Witches
POV(s): Single—First Person
Relationship: Reverse Harem
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
❥
Shoutout to Marina for managing to put to words the absolute annoyance that this book was in her review. To summarize, Saige turned into an obnoxiously self-absorbed whiner, lacking in critical thinking skills.
(Additionally, there were grammar/spelling and continuity errors.)
❥
Title: “Bound by Magic (Drexel Academy #2)” by Lexie Scott
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Academy Romance
➢ Fated Mates
➢ High School
➢ Magic
➢ Shifters
➢ Vampires
➢ Witches
January 7, 2026
Only read this book if you have a high threshold for BS. Because the h (Saige) is absolutely unbearable. There's zero chemistry between her and the men. Zero plot movement. No villain (except the h). And it's just tiring. I'm done with this series.
Excerpt:
“I turned and looked the room over and realized once again how boring my side was. All my bedding was white, and I only had one family picture on my desk. Compared to the rich jewel tones of Natasha’s side, it looked clinical.”
Well Saige, maybe if you weren't a self centred miserable sack of meat, who runs around constantly seeking validation from others, you'd have time to cultivate an actual personality.
Excerpt:
“I turned and looked the room over and realized once again how boring my side was. All my bedding was white, and I only had one family picture on my desk. Compared to the rich jewel tones of Natasha’s side, it looked clinical.”
Well Saige, maybe if you weren't a self centred miserable sack of meat, who runs around constantly seeking validation from others, you'd have time to cultivate an actual personality.
December 15, 2021
Way too much whining!
I really enjoyed the first book. There was actually magic going on, but over half the book was the main character whining about everything!!!! I'm really hoping that the next book will return to them learning more about their magic and relationships. Also, it's very uncharacteristic for a 17 year old to not seem interested in all these guys that like her. Where are the hormones in the book? This is a revere harem book and not one kiss in two books!? Come on
I really enjoyed the first book. There was actually magic going on, but over half the book was the main character whining about everything!!!! I'm really hoping that the next book will return to them learning more about their magic and relationships. Also, it's very uncharacteristic for a 17 year old to not seem interested in all these guys that like her. Where are the hormones in the book? This is a revere harem book and not one kiss in two books!? Come on
August 6, 2023
interesting!
This book was interesting but also frustrating and a whirlwind at the same time. I found myself getting frustrated with Saige but then thinking about it she is scrambling to understand what’s going on herself and with those around her. I feel like it’s slow slow, I feel I need more information surrounding the council and her family back story but I’m sure that will come but love the twist at the end of this book and will still be getting the next book to see how this all plays out!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book was interesting but also frustrating and a whirlwind at the same time. I found myself getting frustrated with Saige but then thinking about it she is scrambling to understand what’s going on herself and with those around her. I feel like it’s slow slow, I feel I need more information surrounding the council and her family back story but I’m sure that will come but love the twist at the end of this book and will still be getting the next book to see how this all plays out!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 3, 2024
A must read second book red book read
An amazing story. This book kept me reading all day and night. Sauce and her mates will keep you reading in this fantasy academy book with an enriching background and history. You will want to keep on reading. This book ends again on a breath taking cliff hanger which makes me glad I have the next book already here to read. This is one academy book which has gotten me back into reading academy books with its strong well written story and characters. I am glad I randomly found it one day.
An amazing story. This book kept me reading all day and night. Sauce and her mates will keep you reading in this fantasy academy book with an enriching background and history. You will want to keep on reading. This book ends again on a breath taking cliff hanger which makes me glad I have the next book already here to read. This is one academy book which has gotten me back into reading academy books with its strong well written story and characters. I am glad I randomly found it one day.
July 3, 2022
So I’m assuming that they are all hybrids even though Sai is saying that he isn’t. Kaden is the hawk from her dream, honestly saw that coming. It’s hard to tell us she can trust Natasha or not. As well as her mentor and the time lady, Ms. Chronis. I’m glad Masie is okay but she is definitely hiding something. It sucks that the bonding ceremony is making her feel like it’s forced but they were meant to be. It will interesting to see if her magic improves after the ceremony.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2024
This is a great series!
I rate this series so far as 5 stars! There was one eetsy teeny tiny little mistake earlier in this book where it said that she had three variants of WATER magic, but it's actually EARTH, but that's hardly enough to take away a star.
I love that another character finally makes a real appearance in this book! I was waiting to see who they were!
I'm jumping right into the next book, so I'll end my review here!
I rate this series so far as 5 stars! There was one eetsy teeny tiny little mistake earlier in this book where it said that she had three variants of WATER magic, but it's actually EARTH, but that's hardly enough to take away a star.
I love that another character finally makes a real appearance in this book! I was waiting to see who they were!
I'm jumping right into the next book, so I'll end my review here!
November 18, 2021
Good
This was an enjoyable read. I mostly liked the characters though I was frustrated with Saige and the decisions for a majority of the time. This was my only real complaint though. The pacing was fine, the plot was interesting and I love an academy setting. Overall, I had a good time reading this book and will most likely read the next installment when it comes out.
This was an enjoyable read. I mostly liked the characters though I was frustrated with Saige and the decisions for a majority of the time. This was my only real complaint though. The pacing was fine, the plot was interesting and I love an academy setting. Overall, I had a good time reading this book and will most likely read the next installment when it comes out.
April 24, 2022
😻
I really feel bad for Saige. Seriously she’s drowning. Hopefully she gets more of a life preserver. I do agree with the guys in a way. But she also needs to do it for the safety. I’m glad they will not push the physical side till she’s ready. Hopefully they can stop the council one day.
I really feel bad for Saige. Seriously she’s drowning. Hopefully she gets more of a life preserver. I do agree with the guys in a way. But she also needs to do it for the safety. I’m glad they will not push the physical side till she’s ready. Hopefully they can stop the council one day.
September 29, 2022
ok hear me out
I really enjoyed the first book. I absolutely love the story and world building. However Saige is just so whiny in this book. I understand being overwhelmed but the whole book is literally her whining. I really feel like we learned nothing in this book and nothing was really added until the end. Seriously nothing until the end.
I really enjoyed the first book. I absolutely love the story and world building. However Saige is just so whiny in this book. I understand being overwhelmed but the whole book is literally her whining. I really feel like we learned nothing in this book and nothing was really added until the end. Seriously nothing until the end.
December 27, 2022
It’s ok
Saige is very immature and whiney. She’s never happy and doesn’t accept or want to move forward with anything. She is her own worst enemy. I mean she process like she’s in junior high. Good plot but the heroine not so much. Her constant depression and whining makes her look so weak.
Saige is very immature and whiney. She’s never happy and doesn’t accept or want to move forward with anything. She is her own worst enemy. I mean she process like she’s in junior high. Good plot but the heroine not so much. Her constant depression and whining makes her look so weak.
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