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Magic Awakened #1
Bound by Magic
One tough-as-nails mercenary. Four hot-as-sin rebels. Bound together by powerful magic and dangerous desire...
In a world ruled by magic, surviving without it means I have to be quicker, smarter, and fiercer than the magical beings that run this city.
I get by just fine working as a bounty hunter... until what should be a routine take-down of an incubus and his buddies turns into a disaster when something inside me goes haywire.
Turns out, I do have magic. And it's so powerful, it's bonded four insanely gorgeous men to me.
They're part of an underground rebellion fighting back against the magical elite, and they claim they need my help.
But if I agree to fight alongside them, I may be risking more than my life. I could lose my heart too.
Bound by Magic is the first book in the Magic Awakened trilogy, a slow-burn reverse harem romance featuring a fierce heroine, magical intrigue, and four hot book boyfriends you won't have to choose between.
READ THE WHOLE SERIES
Magic Awakened: a reverse harem fantasy
Bound by Magic
Game of Lies
Consort of Rebels
Warning: Magic Awakened is an adult paranormal romance series with explicit scenes and is meant for readers who enjoy steam and pulse-pounding action.
In a world ruled by magic, surviving without it means I have to be quicker, smarter, and fiercer than the magical beings that run this city.
I get by just fine working as a bounty hunter... until what should be a routine take-down of an incubus and his buddies turns into a disaster when something inside me goes haywire.
Turns out, I do have magic. And it's so powerful, it's bonded four insanely gorgeous men to me.
They're part of an underground rebellion fighting back against the magical elite, and they claim they need my help.
But if I agree to fight alongside them, I may be risking more than my life. I could lose my heart too.
Bound by Magic is the first book in the Magic Awakened trilogy, a slow-burn reverse harem romance featuring a fierce heroine, magical intrigue, and four hot book boyfriends you won't have to choose between.
READ THE WHOLE SERIES
Magic Awakened: a reverse harem fantasy
Bound by Magic
Game of Lies
Consort of Rebels
Warning: Magic Awakened is an adult paranormal romance series with explicit scenes and is meant for readers who enjoy steam and pulse-pounding action.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2018
1265 people are currently reading
1461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
January 8, 2024
I liked this one. I wasn't sure about it at first, but it got so much better, and now I just need the next book. I can't wait to read what happens next.
January 2, 2021
When I say we’re better off together no matter what, I mean it. And I will always mean it. I would rather die by your side than live without you.
This would be cute if Corin showed any emotions towards Lana at all. These men are stressing me out. And I know some people fantasize about more than one partner, sexual or not. That just seems like so much work to me. This would really suck in real life.
Wow. That wasn’t even part of my review. Just a scary thought.
This story introduces badass mercenary Lana Crow a Blighted, which means she has no magic. In this society it makes her less valuable than dirt. Or so everyone thinks. There’s this plague thing called the Great Death that affected only magical beings like 20 years ago BUT I have so many questions. None answered. Her ring with that mystery date on the inside? He family? Her magic? Nothing was answered. So many questions.
Anyways, she’s magically bonded to four hot dudes when her ring explodes? Or she explodes? Is it her birthday or not? Does any of it matter? Nothing is answered and I have even more questions. Jae is a mage, Fenris is a shifter, Akio is a incubus, and Corin is human. Because of her “magic explosion” they are magically bonded and need to be close to each other. There is a lot of sexual tension BUT NOTHING HAPPENS!! At all. Lana and Fen kiss once. Which is expected the shifter is all for getting it on with her from day one. Which brings so many more questions. But I’ll skip those.
There’s this rebellion starting off by this crazy jealous maybe evil woman named Christine. She definitely wants Lana dead probably all magical beings. I can see her wanting to commit genocide quite easily. The Blighted/non magical beings have been more or less enslaved and are killed for the smallest things. I see why Christine is so angry. Ugh. The magic folk have some sort of hierarchy with more names but I can’t remember them. I’m surprised I remembered blighted and that’s only because it’s said like a million times. Jae’s family is highborn magic folk but there’s some beef with his dad.
I’m rambling but there’s nothing to say. Nothing happens. The world is introduced, kind of. The characters are introduced. The problems are introduced. But nothing happens and none of my questions are answered. I am intrigued though and this is in kindle unlimited which I finally got. So I’m going to read book two and see if anything happens.
This would be cute if Corin showed any emotions towards Lana at all. These men are stressing me out. And I know some people fantasize about more than one partner, sexual or not. That just seems like so much work to me. This would really suck in real life.
Wow. That wasn’t even part of my review. Just a scary thought.
This story introduces badass mercenary Lana Crow a Blighted, which means she has no magic. In this society it makes her less valuable than dirt. Or so everyone thinks. There’s this plague thing called the Great Death that affected only magical beings like 20 years ago BUT I have so many questions. None answered. Her ring with that mystery date on the inside? He family? Her magic? Nothing was answered. So many questions.
Anyways, she’s magically bonded to four hot dudes when her ring explodes? Or she explodes? Is it her birthday or not? Does any of it matter? Nothing is answered and I have even more questions. Jae is a mage, Fenris is a shifter, Akio is a incubus, and Corin is human. Because of her “magic explosion” they are magically bonded and need to be close to each other. There is a lot of sexual tension BUT NOTHING HAPPENS!! At all. Lana and Fen kiss once. Which is expected the shifter is all for getting it on with her from day one. Which brings so many more questions. But I’ll skip those.
There’s this rebellion starting off by this crazy jealous maybe evil woman named Christine. She definitely wants Lana dead probably all magical beings. I can see her wanting to commit genocide quite easily. The Blighted/non magical beings have been more or less enslaved and are killed for the smallest things. I see why Christine is so angry. Ugh. The magic folk have some sort of hierarchy with more names but I can’t remember them. I’m surprised I remembered blighted and that’s only because it’s said like a million times. Jae’s family is highborn magic folk but there’s some beef with his dad.
I’m rambling but there’s nothing to say. Nothing happens. The world is introduced, kind of. The characters are introduced. The problems are introduced. But nothing happens and none of my questions are answered. I am intrigued though and this is in kindle unlimited which I finally got. So I’m going to read book two and see if anything happens.
November 10, 2018
Excellent writing
As much as I loved this author's writing, the story was lacking for me. I always check the authors genre list so I can't complain because romance was not listed. I guess I just assumed there would be with a genre of polygamous-reverse harem. My bad... The story was good just not my cuppa, I need romance. Excellent writing - Storyline Okay.
As much as I loved this author's writing, the story was lacking for me. I always check the authors genre list so I can't complain because romance was not listed. I guess I just assumed there would be with a genre of polygamous-reverse harem. My bad... The story was good just not my cuppa, I need romance. Excellent writing - Storyline Okay.
October 1, 2019
So many unanswered questions! 😩
This story draws you in in the first few pages. I couldn’t stop listening.
Narration is good. And now I’m off to the next book in the series!
#MyBookObsessionApproved
This story draws you in in the first few pages. I couldn’t stop listening.
Narration is good. And now I’m off to the next book in the series!
#MyBookObsessionApproved
September 9, 2019
Fantastic first book to a new magical series. I loved the MC and I LOVED the 4 male characters. Each has his own story and I am looking forward to seeing their relationships grow. We don't get a whole lot of steam in this book but it's a slow burn so that's to be expected. I still think there was enough flirting and enough tension to make the romances super interesting.
Lana has some grit to her and I like that. She knows how to stand up for herself but she also knows how to be vulnerable and I think that's a hard thing to find in a female MC.. at least one that I actually like. Usually they go too far in one direction but Lana was awesome. I can't wait to learn more about her past in the next book.
I listening to audiobook and the narration was really good!
Lana has some grit to her and I like that. She knows how to stand up for herself but she also knows how to be vulnerable and I think that's a hard thing to find in a female MC.. at least one that I actually like. Usually they go too far in one direction but Lana was awesome. I can't wait to learn more about her past in the next book.
I listening to audiobook and the narration was really good!
May 1, 2020
I enjoyed it, but didn't love it. I think maybe the characters were a little underdeveloped? I just didn't really connect to them. Plus, the lead female is a little too far on the Mary Sue spectrum - she's the poor little powerless girl who discovers OMG she has powers! And they are notably stronger than anyone else! And she's the child of someone important, practically like a princess! And all these people are just drawn to her like she is a human magnet ... even though they seriously have every reason to hate her, given how they met. Insta-love when you were trying to murder the person, and in fact actually stabbed them in the gut ... that's a tough sell. But not to these guys, apparently. They just nickname her Killer and fall in insta-love.
*shrug*
*shrug*
January 20, 2020
It’s okay so far. Nothing that makes it stand out or anything but I’m interested enough to start the next book.
I already gave two other series by Sadie Moss a try and I didn’t really like them, so I was a bit skeptical starting this one. But I was pleasantly surprised.
I already gave two other series by Sadie Moss a try and I didn’t really like them, so I was a bit skeptical starting this one. But I was pleasantly surprised.
October 2, 2018
The concept of this story was unique. The idea of trying to take back the world from the Mages and making things equal across the board was interesting to watch.
Her relationships with each of the men were different between each of them, so it didn’t feel one note. The guys also had their own distinct personalities and they didn’t blend into one character. It’ll be intriguing to watch them grow, especially Akio and Corin. Her relationships with them are rocky but in a sense that works for them. It’s not easy to love them, so she’ll have to fight just as hard to build those relationships.
I would have liked to see more of the training aspect and bonding with the guys. She was with them for a good chunk of time and I think it would have solidified her bonds with them more if we got to actually see them interact more in those moments.
Holy Tahoe that twist at the end. That’s a wrench being thrown in and I cannot wait to see how it unfolds.
Her relationships with each of the men were different between each of them, so it didn’t feel one note. The guys also had their own distinct personalities and they didn’t blend into one character. It’ll be intriguing to watch them grow, especially Akio and Corin. Her relationships with them are rocky but in a sense that works for them. It’s not easy to love them, so she’ll have to fight just as hard to build those relationships.
I would have liked to see more of the training aspect and bonding with the guys. She was with them for a good chunk of time and I think it would have solidified her bonds with them more if we got to actually see them interact more in those moments.
Holy Tahoe that twist at the end. That’s a wrench being thrown in and I cannot wait to see how it unfolds.
September 12, 2018
A 4.5 Star Magical Tale 🌟
Lana Crow starts this book as a 'Blighted', as non magical folk are now called, Mercenary with very questionable morals! She only remembers her life from about 6 years old, she was an orphan among many, after a plague decimated the magical communities world wide!😢 The remaining 'Gifted' assumed the humans started the plague & in turn slaughtered them in droves for revenge!!😱😢 She was taken in by a wonderfully kind hearted lady, along with other kids. She is who gave Lana her love of reading 📚💕
On her 25th Birthday she's decided to take the most appalling job of her life - to assassinate someone. She's convinced herself if she doesn't take it someone else will & $5,000 would go extremely far for her! Things don't quite go to plan 😳 She wakes up 24+ hours later to discover she isn't Blighted anymore but Gifted & very powerful, Her mind is blown💥 She's always hated the Gifted for the way they treat everyone below them as dirt or worse but now she's one of them!!😳
Akio, who she was supposed to kill is a incubus, and his 3 close friends - Fenris is a wolf shifter, Jae is a mage & Corin who is human/blighted but he's also the guy she had to leave behind 8 years ago when a gifted threatened everything they had, it broke her heart and she's fairly certain his too!!😱💔 It transpires they're all a part of the Resistance. They're planning a rebellion to eventually bring down the Gifted Government which is ridiculously bias and so completely unfair towards anyone that isn't exactly like them, they want equality for all! They want her & her newly emerged power on their side. That's sits perfectly with Lana as she agrees with what they stand for!👍
The guys take Lana to get her magic tested by a an old man that reads differing magic types. It turns out when her magic was released it bound the four men to her by planting some of her magic within each of them but some of each of their magic, even Corin's humanity, was transferred into her too!😱 They're now bound together!💞😎 They each need to train her in their specialist gifts. Their magical & emotional bonds strengthen daily 👍
The Resistance storyline runs throughout the book almost in the background until it explodes into the forefront again. It is woven beautifully within the story of our 5 main characters. I loved each character although we got to know Lana & Fen the most. There are obviously deeper tales to be delved into with Akio & Jae, Corin has a massive back story with Lana which has been touched upon a few times. (I believe a prequel may be available about their early years together 👍)
The world the author has created is clearly one of extreme poverty verses excessive wealth & suppression of people's from other classes - draw what comparisons you wish between race, class, religion etc in our current times, I know I did!!😢 It was so well written 💕
I'm really excited for the next book in this series, bring it on 😊 I'm definitely recommending this one 🌟
Debbie, 1970, UK
Lana Crow starts this book as a 'Blighted', as non magical folk are now called, Mercenary with very questionable morals! She only remembers her life from about 6 years old, she was an orphan among many, after a plague decimated the magical communities world wide!😢 The remaining 'Gifted' assumed the humans started the plague & in turn slaughtered them in droves for revenge!!😱😢 She was taken in by a wonderfully kind hearted lady, along with other kids. She is who gave Lana her love of reading 📚💕
On her 25th Birthday she's decided to take the most appalling job of her life - to assassinate someone. She's convinced herself if she doesn't take it someone else will & $5,000 would go extremely far for her! Things don't quite go to plan 😳 She wakes up 24+ hours later to discover she isn't Blighted anymore but Gifted & very powerful, Her mind is blown💥 She's always hated the Gifted for the way they treat everyone below them as dirt or worse but now she's one of them!!😳
Akio, who she was supposed to kill is a incubus, and his 3 close friends - Fenris is a wolf shifter, Jae is a mage & Corin who is human/blighted but he's also the guy she had to leave behind 8 years ago when a gifted threatened everything they had, it broke her heart and she's fairly certain his too!!😱💔 It transpires they're all a part of the Resistance. They're planning a rebellion to eventually bring down the Gifted Government which is ridiculously bias and so completely unfair towards anyone that isn't exactly like them, they want equality for all! They want her & her newly emerged power on their side. That's sits perfectly with Lana as she agrees with what they stand for!👍
The guys take Lana to get her magic tested by a an old man that reads differing magic types. It turns out when her magic was released it bound the four men to her by planting some of her magic within each of them but some of each of their magic, even Corin's humanity, was transferred into her too!😱 They're now bound together!💞😎 They each need to train her in their specialist gifts. Their magical & emotional bonds strengthen daily 👍
The Resistance storyline runs throughout the book almost in the background until it explodes into the forefront again. It is woven beautifully within the story of our 5 main characters. I loved each character although we got to know Lana & Fen the most. There are obviously deeper tales to be delved into with Akio & Jae, Corin has a massive back story with Lana which has been touched upon a few times. (I believe a prequel may be available about their early years together 👍)
The world the author has created is clearly one of extreme poverty verses excessive wealth & suppression of people's from other classes - draw what comparisons you wish between race, class, religion etc in our current times, I know I did!!😢 It was so well written 💕
I'm really excited for the next book in this series, bring it on 😊 I'm definitely recommending this one 🌟
Debbie, 1970, UK
June 30, 2019
Listened to this via Audible. The narration was ok. I feel like this is one of those stories where I might have been better off reading it myself. I just had trouble staying involved with the narration and can't think of any reason in the story itself or characters for that. I will say that when I go to continue this story I'll definitely go for the physical read. Also I felt like this was a spinoff but come to find out there is a novella before this one. There are a lot of references to times in the life of our FMC that we don't get to see here so I'm hoping that some of that is explained in the novella.
Lana, our FMC, is an assassin/mercenary in a "post apocalyptic" type world. A tragedy struck killing most of the magic population and the remaining Magically gifted are in charge, ruling over the non magic, basically enslaving them. Lana has grown up in the non magical community thinking she is "blighted" her whole life. Lana does ok at her job with the help of magical items. It isn't until a big job on her 25th birthday that she is put up against 4 guys and ends up in the middle of a Rebel movement against magic. Not only that but she also seems to be a late bloomer of the magic variety and has bound these men, one of which just happens to be her childhood friend, to her. The rebel leader doesn't trust her, Lana seems to have a tracker spell on her. Now during an undercover event she discovers some truth of her past as well as the life she never got to have.
This was slow burn the first book here. We got left off mid story, and I am interested in where it goes. I'll keep an eye out for the other books but I'm definitely not interested in the narration for the rest of the series.
Lana, our FMC, is an assassin/mercenary in a "post apocalyptic" type world. A tragedy struck killing most of the magic population and the remaining Magically gifted are in charge, ruling over the non magic, basically enslaving them. Lana has grown up in the non magical community thinking she is "blighted" her whole life. Lana does ok at her job with the help of magical items. It isn't until a big job on her 25th birthday that she is put up against 4 guys and ends up in the middle of a Rebel movement against magic. Not only that but she also seems to be a late bloomer of the magic variety and has bound these men, one of which just happens to be her childhood friend, to her. The rebel leader doesn't trust her, Lana seems to have a tracker spell on her. Now during an undercover event she discovers some truth of her past as well as the life she never got to have.
This was slow burn the first book here. We got left off mid story, and I am interested in where it goes. I'll keep an eye out for the other books but I'm definitely not interested in the narration for the rest of the series.
September 9, 2018
An interesting take on the magical world! Sadie Moss has written a tale of a segregated world (those who are Gifted with power, those who have been Touched by power, and those who are Blighted without power). Bound by Magic is a fantastic tale of a girl, who by all knowledge is as magic-less as can be, finding that perhaps it isn't all black and white when it comes to those Gifted with power. With the help of four unlikely male companions, will Lana be able to help those wronged? Only time will tell.
The reason I loved this book so much is because we have a FMC, Lana, who is able to kick-ass and take names (and I love a good, strong FMC!). We then have four companions whose personalities are so varied, yet blend so well to make a great cohesive unit. We have Akio (the brooding, "has to have the last say" one), Fenrise (the excitable, playful puppy), Jae (the strong willed, smart and at times scary powerful one), and Corin (the troubled, slightly damaged goods with a broken heart).
I honestly cannot WAIT to see where we are taken in Game of Lies and only hope I can make it to October without combusting from excitement. This tale has hooked me, and I truly believe it will hook you too!
**I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author for review consideration**
The reason I loved this book so much is because we have a FMC, Lana, who is able to kick-ass and take names (and I love a good, strong FMC!). We then have four companions whose personalities are so varied, yet blend so well to make a great cohesive unit. We have Akio (the brooding, "has to have the last say" one), Fenrise (the excitable, playful puppy), Jae (the strong willed, smart and at times scary powerful one), and Corin (the troubled, slightly damaged goods with a broken heart).
I honestly cannot WAIT to see where we are taken in Game of Lies and only hope I can make it to October without combusting from excitement. This tale has hooked me, and I truly believe it will hook you too!
**I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author for review consideration**
June 5, 2019
This paranormal series is off to a great start! The plot is interesting and the characters are all strong but each is unique. This is a slow burn in that there is a lot of apparent chemistry between Lana and the men but it is not acted on, yet. The big surprise for this reverse harem is that there is no sex in this first book, but don't let that dissuade you; because the writing is excellent and it is supposed to get way hotter in the next book. New to this author, but I already like her style! Excited for book 2!!!
I've listened to a number of titles narrated by Heather Firth and she has given an excellent performance in each book! I am super impressed with her versatility as a narrator in the romance subgenres. This is the first fantasy/paranormal project of hers and she did an amazing job bringing these different species of characters to life. Amazing! I will continue to listen to her work in the future.
I've listened to a number of titles narrated by Heather Firth and she has given an excellent performance in each book! I am super impressed with her versatility as a narrator in the romance subgenres. This is the first fantasy/paranormal project of hers and she did an amazing job bringing these different species of characters to life. Amazing! I will continue to listen to her work in the future.
July 16, 2019
This wasn't a bad read, it was just very predictable. The writing is great and I really enjoyed the world building.
Lana is supposed to be a mercenary/assassin but I don't see how she'd be capable of such a job. Her jobs go wrong due to her lack of planning. She can't be very good at her job with that incompetence.
I always roll my eyes when the MC decides everyone's in danger with her nearby so clearly she has to run away instead of actually deal with it. Because that'll solve everything right :/ I think it would be quite suspicious for someone to run away right after being (rightly) accused of being a spy, instead the guys just say it upset them and don't do it again. Ugh. There's more that bothers my about Lana and her guys but i'll leave it there.
If you're ok with those or can look past what are admittedly relatively minor points, then you might really enjoy this. The writing is fantastic and the narration by Heather Firth was good.
Lana is supposed to be a mercenary/assassin but I don't see how she'd be capable of such a job. Her jobs go wrong due to her lack of planning. She can't be very good at her job with that incompetence.
I always roll my eyes when the MC decides everyone's in danger with her nearby so clearly she has to run away instead of actually deal with it. Because that'll solve everything right :/ I think it would be quite suspicious for someone to run away right after being (rightly) accused of being a spy, instead the guys just say it upset them and don't do it again. Ugh. There's more that bothers my about Lana and her guys but i'll leave it there.
If you're ok with those or can look past what are admittedly relatively minor points, then you might really enjoy this. The writing is fantastic and the narration by Heather Firth was good.
July 15, 2019
A very short easy to read book.
Lana is someone who never thought she had magic, until her birthday. Which they sorta gloss over. I think her having a birthday is significant.
The book is not very deep, or in depth but is decent enough to keep me engaged and interested in the characters and what’s happened in the book.
I am interested to see where this goes, but I loath forced separation, especially when magical bonds are in the equation. Usually that means they can’t be apart or something. Or that they shouldn’t be apart.
I don’t feel like I’ve gotten far enough to really give a great in depth review of this book. We just dipped our toes into this universe.
I’ll probably go onto the next one. And also do the vampire series by the same author.
Lana is someone who never thought she had magic, until her birthday. Which they sorta gloss over. I think her having a birthday is significant.
The book is not very deep, or in depth but is decent enough to keep me engaged and interested in the characters and what’s happened in the book.
I am interested to see where this goes, but I loath forced separation, especially when magical bonds are in the equation. Usually that means they can’t be apart or something. Or that they shouldn’t be apart.
I don’t feel like I’ve gotten far enough to really give a great in depth review of this book. We just dipped our toes into this universe.
I’ll probably go onto the next one. And also do the vampire series by the same author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2019
Twists and Romance
Lana is kind of a villain at first. She's a mercenary who takes people for anyone who has money. She doesn't know what happens to people once she turns them in but she needs the money to survive. I can't blame her tho. She is Blighted, non-magical. I think the most unbelievable part of the story is that she accepts a hit on a man for only $5000. That's really low and she is so much better than that. However Blighted are the bottom of the barrel and they are supposed to appreciate the scraps given to them. It's a harsh world. I enjoyed the twists in this story. The romance just made it even better.
Lana is kind of a villain at first. She's a mercenary who takes people for anyone who has money. She doesn't know what happens to people once she turns them in but she needs the money to survive. I can't blame her tho. She is Blighted, non-magical. I think the most unbelievable part of the story is that she accepts a hit on a man for only $5000. That's really low and she is so much better than that. However Blighted are the bottom of the barrel and they are supposed to appreciate the scraps given to them. It's a harsh world. I enjoyed the twists in this story. The romance just made it even better.
August 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this - even with its darker themes, it was a light read. The guys are all entertaining in their own ways and Lana is a kick butt FMC.
I'm curious to see where this goes but I do wish there was a bit less of telling us how something went. We miss out on some relationship building because it's just told to us that it happened. I find I'm not enjoying this as much as I could of we got to experience some of the conversations that lead to them getting friendlier etc.
Either way, this is a series that I want to see through to the end at this point. I want to see what happens.
I'm curious to see where this goes but I do wish there was a bit less of telling us how something went. We miss out on some relationship building because it's just told to us that it happened. I find I'm not enjoying this as much as I could of we got to experience some of the conversations that lead to them getting friendlier etc.
Either way, this is a series that I want to see through to the end at this point. I want to see what happens.
Want to read
March 2, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/2/2020)! 🎁
May 19, 2025
3.5/5*
June 17, 2019
Love Lana
I love Lana. She’s smart and scrappy. I love how the group came to be. It makes the connection between then make more sense.
I love Lana. She’s smart and scrappy. I love how the group came to be. It makes the connection between then make more sense.
July 3, 2019
I could not read this story fast enough. The story grasped my attention and did not let go. It was a great opening to the series and can not wait to see learn more in book 2.
🎧Audible obsession!
🎧Audible obsession!
March 28, 2020
3.5 stars, not a bad start to a series. It is not for everyone but I was fine with it. I will continue with the series.
April 1, 2022
This was a great first book. Does a great job of setting it up and moving the story along with lots of action.
October 1, 2018
Well written intense first book to the RH series. Lana can't help where she ended up, but she tries hard to stay out of trouble and earn her pay. When she is hired for a job, she is suddenly thrown into a world she didn't know she belonged to. And of course we can't forget the men she is bonded with. Corin who shares a past. Jae who is patient and kind. Akio who is hot as sin in every way. And Fenris who is as playful as a puppy. Intense situations and drama follow these five wherever they go. Steam 5/10 * Sweet 7/10 * RH * 1st pov * Cliffhanger
February 20, 2019
Sooo... I'm not in a good enough mood to say something nice. Here's the problem: We all know the recital for a Urban Fantasy, right? This book followed it to the letter. I mean, she was supposed to be an assassin. Sure. I see that a lot, sometimes converted to bounty hunter or something, but okay, you can make something nice of this.
Then. She got captured, and didn't even fight. WHAT good does it do to be docile at a time like this? ANY self-respecting assassin would've gotten out of the bonds and out of there.
There were a lot more things in this that just don't make sense to me, but I'm annoyed and not in the mood to list them.
At any rate, before that happened, it followed the UF recital to the letter, and since I already was in a bad mood before the book, and the book didn't fix it, I'm going to be mad for the whole day and watch some anime. Whatever.
Then. She got captured, and didn't even fight. WHAT good does it do to be docile at a time like this? ANY self-respecting assassin would've gotten out of the bonds and out of there.
There were a lot more things in this that just don't make sense to me, but I'm annoyed and not in the mood to list them.
At any rate, before that happened, it followed the UF recital to the letter, and since I already was in a bad mood before the book, and the book didn't fix it, I'm going to be mad for the whole day and watch some anime. Whatever.
February 2, 2020
A slow burn that pulls you in
I am enjoying this new series from Sadie Moss. It is a slow burn RH and I am enjoying it. The magical bond between Lana and her men was instantaneous so the feelings of lost and attachment are there but the author is also building a more natural bond by having Lana and her men interact and grow closer organically before moving to the more physical aspects of the relationship, so far kissing is as far as the romance has moved but the adventure and intrigue of the storyline is enough to keep you interested and wanting more.
I am enjoying this new series from Sadie Moss. It is a slow burn RH and I am enjoying it. The magical bond between Lana and her men was instantaneous so the feelings of lost and attachment are there but the author is also building a more natural bond by having Lana and her men interact and grow closer organically before moving to the more physical aspects of the relationship, so far kissing is as far as the romance has moved but the adventure and intrigue of the storyline is enough to keep you interested and wanting more.
September 7, 2019
Great
I am becoming a huge Sadie fan! I love this series and enjoyed reading it. I can’t wait for the next.
I am becoming a huge Sadie fan! I love this series and enjoyed reading it. I can’t wait for the next.
September 24, 2018
Ms. Moss had me hooked from the beginning – you ease into it at an easy pace and as the twists and action picks up, it’s so easy to become immersed and follow along at every step because it is so well written from the very beginning. You clearly understand the history, the setting and the incredible female lead.
I am so excited that this is part of the beginning of a series (there is a short prequel available when you sign up for the author’s newsletter) because at the end of this book, I felt quite… happily unsatisfied(?) because I loved the book and I was a bit deflated because it was done but simultaneously, I cannot wait to catch up with these characters and continue with their story.
This is a segregated world – the Gifted, the Touched and the Blighted. Lana Crow is Blighted, making her a girl from the wrong side of the magical tracks. She’s been through so much in her life but she’s a Thriver – she is the best kind of bad ass female lead that an author can offer the reader because she’s tough, she’s a fighter - both mentally and physically, she’s sarcastic and funny and in spite of so much that has left her slightly jaded with a well-developed sense of self preservation, she still has heart and a desire to do the right thing. I love that she’s fierce and feisty but she’s not afraid to be herself, to be afraid, and vulnerable. Too often such bad ass female leads are written with personalities that are harsh and too hard. Sadie Moss obviously understands balance! I’m a huge, albeit it new, fan of the Author and of Lana Crow.
One fine day, a job that goes wrong is suddenly a catalyst for change in her life that’s about to go so very right. Lana unintentionally meets 4 delicious and delightful young men and discovers that there’s more to herself than met even her eye and that she’s more Gifted than anyone could ever comprehend. This discovery is pretty much on the magical level of the Big Bang and none of their lives will ever be the same again because… you guessed it… they’re bonded.
Suddenly our loner lead is bonded to 4 very different men: the sexy and affable Fenrise who is completely open to her and their bonding; the slightly hostile, incredibly distrustful (but he kinda has good reason) and insanely talented Akio; the (mostly) calm, collected and very powerful Jae and the surprise blast from her remembered past, Corin.
This book takes us through the process of them getting to know each other and learning to work and fight together. And let me tell you, for a book with no sex, the sexy is at a constant off the charts simmer. Truth be told, it’s one of my favourite things about this book, because it can be so tempting for an author to take the easy route and rush the physical stuff and the fact that Ms. Moss didn’t do that thrilled me so much because I loved reading about the growth of their relationships with each other as individuals and as a cohesive unit – so trust me when I tell you that the developing and resulting intimacy is just as intoxicating.
This is the first book that I’ve read by Sadie Moss and I am so impressed by how well written it is and how engaging the plot is from beginning to temporary end. I love these characters and their group dynamic and I am slightly desperate for the next installment.
If the next book in the series lives up to the standard that this book has set then Sadie Moss deserves to be on everyone’s “1-click” list.
I am so excited that this is part of the beginning of a series (there is a short prequel available when you sign up for the author’s newsletter) because at the end of this book, I felt quite… happily unsatisfied(?) because I loved the book and I was a bit deflated because it was done but simultaneously, I cannot wait to catch up with these characters and continue with their story.
This is a segregated world – the Gifted, the Touched and the Blighted. Lana Crow is Blighted, making her a girl from the wrong side of the magical tracks. She’s been through so much in her life but she’s a Thriver – she is the best kind of bad ass female lead that an author can offer the reader because she’s tough, she’s a fighter - both mentally and physically, she’s sarcastic and funny and in spite of so much that has left her slightly jaded with a well-developed sense of self preservation, she still has heart and a desire to do the right thing. I love that she’s fierce and feisty but she’s not afraid to be herself, to be afraid, and vulnerable. Too often such bad ass female leads are written with personalities that are harsh and too hard. Sadie Moss obviously understands balance! I’m a huge, albeit it new, fan of the Author and of Lana Crow.
One fine day, a job that goes wrong is suddenly a catalyst for change in her life that’s about to go so very right. Lana unintentionally meets 4 delicious and delightful young men and discovers that there’s more to herself than met even her eye and that she’s more Gifted than anyone could ever comprehend. This discovery is pretty much on the magical level of the Big Bang and none of their lives will ever be the same again because… you guessed it… they’re bonded.
Suddenly our loner lead is bonded to 4 very different men: the sexy and affable Fenrise who is completely open to her and their bonding; the slightly hostile, incredibly distrustful (but he kinda has good reason) and insanely talented Akio; the (mostly) calm, collected and very powerful Jae and the surprise blast from her remembered past, Corin.
This book takes us through the process of them getting to know each other and learning to work and fight together. And let me tell you, for a book with no sex, the sexy is at a constant off the charts simmer. Truth be told, it’s one of my favourite things about this book, because it can be so tempting for an author to take the easy route and rush the physical stuff and the fact that Ms. Moss didn’t do that thrilled me so much because I loved reading about the growth of their relationships with each other as individuals and as a cohesive unit – so trust me when I tell you that the developing and resulting intimacy is just as intoxicating.
This is the first book that I’ve read by Sadie Moss and I am so impressed by how well written it is and how engaging the plot is from beginning to temporary end. I love these characters and their group dynamic and I am slightly desperate for the next installment.
If the next book in the series lives up to the standard that this book has set then Sadie Moss deserves to be on everyone’s “1-click” list.
May 5, 2021
So, this book wasn't bad.. it was just okay.
Bound by Magic is about Lana, a Blighted (human with no magic) who works as a mercenary. She gets offered a job that is worth more than her usual ones and accepts it. When she goes to kill the incubus, her magic breaks it's concealment spell or seal or whatever and she inadvertently binds herself to four 'super hot dudes' - a mage, an incubus, a shifter, and a Blighted. She then joins the Resistance and learns more about her magic and what being bound to the 4 means. They get attacked, Lana gets blamed, they go on a mission and it ends with a (kind of predictable) revelation for Lana
I don't like, but also kind of like Lana (weird, I know). She's pretty self-sufficient, makes it clear she doesn't need anyone (especially a guy) to take care of her. She's walled herself off from making connections with people. She doesn't have the stereotypical rough past; however, she has had to overcome some challenges. That said, there isn't much else to her..her personality is lacking.
The guys are similar. I guess you could say they are one-dimensional. There's the silly, light-hearted one (Fenrir); the serious, professor type (Jae); the badboy charmer (Akio); and the long lost childhood sweetheart (Conlin). That is all there really is to them though. Maybe if there were multiple POV and we got insight into each of her guys, there would be more...But there isn't and I'm not impressed.
The story is good though. It's was interesting enough to hold my attention despite the characters lacking character.
I will probably (maybe) eventually finish the series, but right now I think I'll move on to something else and come back to this one. The ending didn't really motivate me to get started on book 2.
Bound by Magic is about Lana, a Blighted (human with no magic) who works as a mercenary. She gets offered a job that is worth more than her usual ones and accepts it. When she goes to kill the incubus, her magic breaks it's concealment spell or seal or whatever and she inadvertently binds herself to four 'super hot dudes' - a mage, an incubus, a shifter, and a Blighted. She then joins the Resistance and learns more about her magic and what being bound to the 4 means. They get attacked, Lana gets blamed, they go on a mission and it ends with a (kind of predictable) revelation for Lana
I don't like, but also kind of like Lana (weird, I know). She's pretty self-sufficient, makes it clear she doesn't need anyone (especially a guy) to take care of her. She's walled herself off from making connections with people. She doesn't have the stereotypical rough past; however, she has had to overcome some challenges. That said, there isn't much else to her..her personality is lacking.
The guys are similar. I guess you could say they are one-dimensional. There's the silly, light-hearted one (Fenrir); the serious, professor type (Jae); the badboy charmer (Akio); and the long lost childhood sweetheart (Conlin). That is all there really is to them though. Maybe if there were multiple POV and we got insight into each of her guys, there would be more...But there isn't and I'm not impressed.
The story is good though. It's was interesting enough to hold my attention despite the characters lacking character.
I will probably (maybe) eventually finish the series, but right now I think I'll move on to something else and come back to this one. The ending didn't really motivate me to get started on book 2.
June 23, 2023
I tried this book after enjoying the same author's Academy of Unpredictable Magic series and while I did not enjoy it as much, I still found it to be a solid and pleasant read. I especially appreciate that this author is competent in her art as so many in this genre just aren't.
The Good
1) Polished writing
2) Clear and coherent storytelling
3) Comprehensive world building
4) Unique and refreshing concept for the formation of the magically 'bond'
5) Likable and relatable lead female
6) Lead males all have there own voices
7) Incubus is quite entertaining
8) Mage is lovely
9) Engaging plot-driven storyline
Neutral
1) Not a stand alone novel, more of the introductory installment of a serial
The Bad
1) The nicknames Killer. Really? On what planet is that endearing, let alone romantic? And given that she failed, it comes off as trying too hard to suck up and be edgy. Just use her freakin' name, it's not hard to pronounce and shows respect for her as her own individual.
2) The nickname Kitten. Really? She is a grown woman of no familial relation, not his five year old daughter. It's derisive and infantilizing. Just use her freakin' name, it's not hard to pronounce and shows respect for her as her own individual.
3) The presence of one of the male leads smacks of contrivance
4) The same male lead's turnaround creates emotional whiplash and makes zero sense in context
5) Werewolf acts like that friend-zoned guy who just doesn't get it. It was cringy to read.
6) The timing of the appearance of the relative also smacks of contrivance
Enjoyed it enough that I am now off the read the next one.
The Good
1) Polished writing
2) Clear and coherent storytelling
3) Comprehensive world building
4) Unique and refreshing concept for the formation of the magically 'bond'
5) Likable and relatable lead female
6) Lead males all have there own voices
7) Incubus is quite entertaining
8) Mage is lovely
9) Engaging plot-driven storyline
Neutral
1) Not a stand alone novel, more of the introductory installment of a serial
The Bad
1) The nicknames Killer. Really? On what planet is that endearing, let alone romantic? And given that she failed, it comes off as trying too hard to suck up and be edgy. Just use her freakin' name, it's not hard to pronounce and shows respect for her as her own individual.
2) The nickname Kitten. Really? She is a grown woman of no familial relation, not his five year old daughter. It's derisive and infantilizing. Just use her freakin' name, it's not hard to pronounce and shows respect for her as her own individual.
3) The presence of one of the male leads smacks of contrivance
4) The same male lead's turnaround creates emotional whiplash and makes zero sense in context
5) Werewolf acts like that friend-zoned guy who just doesn't get it. It was cringy to read.
6) The timing of the appearance of the relative also smacks of contrivance
Enjoyed it enough that I am now off the read the next one.
April 26, 2019
dnf'd at 74%
I found the world building interesting, the writing is excellent. I stopped reading for the following reasons:
1. The main character, Lana, is meant to be a mercenary/thief/assassin but her behaviour throughout the book does nothing to convince me that she has been in this line of work for 8 years. The two times we see her work, the jobs go wrong because of zero planning/incompetence on her part - which makes me wonder if she trained with a villain's goons. The only real time we see her past be of any relevance is in a fight scene. That's it.
2. Ivy. Her concept is awesome but she serves no real purpose in the book and that honestly bothers me.
3. The 'you're all in danger so I'm going to run away' trope rears its ugly head in this story and hoo boy that killed my enthusiasm. There is a reveal that she has a tracker on her and she led the government to the general area of the Resistance HQ. The Resistance leader is understandably upset and accuses Lana of being a spy. The guys leave Lana on her own to calm down the leader and Lana decides... to run away?
Now, if I accused someone of being a spy and they did a vanishing act, I'd be even more suspicious. So why is this not addressed when the guys track her down again? All that happens is that the guys tell her not to do it again because they were upset by it.
I pushed on a bit more after that but the story lost its magic for me and I couldn't claw it back. In the grand scheme of things these aren't major issues and if they don't bother you then I do really recommend giving this series a go.
I found the world building interesting, the writing is excellent. I stopped reading for the following reasons:
1. The main character, Lana, is meant to be a mercenary/thief/assassin but her behaviour throughout the book does nothing to convince me that she has been in this line of work for 8 years. The two times we see her work, the jobs go wrong because of zero planning/incompetence on her part - which makes me wonder if she trained with a villain's goons. The only real time we see her past be of any relevance is in a fight scene. That's it.
2. Ivy. Her concept is awesome but she serves no real purpose in the book and that honestly bothers me.
3. The 'you're all in danger so I'm going to run away' trope rears its ugly head in this story and hoo boy that killed my enthusiasm. There is a reveal that she has a tracker on her and she led the government to the general area of the Resistance HQ. The Resistance leader is understandably upset and accuses Lana of being a spy. The guys leave Lana on her own to calm down the leader and Lana decides... to run away?
Now, if I accused someone of being a spy and they did a vanishing act, I'd be even more suspicious. So why is this not addressed when the guys track her down again? All that happens is that the guys tell her not to do it again because they were upset by it.
I pushed on a bit more after that but the story lost its magic for me and I couldn't claw it back. In the grand scheme of things these aren't major issues and if they don't bother you then I do really recommend giving this series a go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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