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The Rise of Lilith #1
Aether Bound
What would you sacrifice to save your brother from a fate worse than death? Lil can see the demon on your shoulder. Good or bad, virtue or vice, she knows just what you desire. Too bad everyone thinks she’s crazy. Everyone, that is, except her brother Ezra. After years spent hiding her abilities, Lil’s finally found a place she slinging fruity rum-filled drinks behind the counter of a touristy beach bar in Southern California. But when her brother goes missing during a freak ocean storm, Lil knows something is terribly wrong. With demons rising from the waves, Lil can no longer deny her power. Given the key to unlocking her nascent magic, Lil must journey to Aegir’s Hall in the depths of the Unseen realm of the gods to rescue Ezra. But the primordial god of the ocean has set his sights on a greater prize—the untamed Daughter of Lilith. If you like your adventures shaken, not stirred, with a pinch of magic, a twist of myth, and a dash of mayhem, you’ll love this new contemporary paranormal fantasy series by Megan Haskell.
- GenresFantasy
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2022
33 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Megan Haskell
19 books144 followersLegend has it, I was born with a book in my hands. When I was a kid, my mom would ground me from reading in order to get me to do my chores. To this day, I can readily ignore the real world in favor of the imaginary one lurking between the pages of my current addiction. My dad — also an avid reader — introduced me to Tolkien in my late elementary years, and I never looked back. I love escaping to worlds where magic and monsters are real, especially stories with kick-butt heroines and dangerously attractive heroes.
Despite my voracious book appetite, I didn’t start creative writing until I was working as a number cruncher in a big accounting firm. With an hour plus commute by train every day, and a demanding left-brain occupation, I needed a mobile creative outlet. A pen and paper are about as mobile as it gets! As the pages began to fill, I quickly moved onto a tiny laptop, and a writer was born. Now I get to create my own fantasies!
I currently live in Southern California with my wonderfully supportive husband, two daughters, and a ridiculously energetic dog.
Despite my voracious book appetite, I didn’t start creative writing until I was working as a number cruncher in a big accounting firm. With an hour plus commute by train every day, and a demanding left-brain occupation, I needed a mobile creative outlet. A pen and paper are about as mobile as it gets! As the pages began to fill, I quickly moved onto a tiny laptop, and a writer was born. Now I get to create my own fantasies!
I currently live in Southern California with my wonderfully supportive husband, two daughters, and a ridiculously energetic dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 1, 2022
I got an advance copy for an honest review. I have read and enjoyed other books by this author and was excited to check this out.
Lil can see demons, something she keeps hidden from everyone except her brother. She is estranged from the rest of her family and keeps herself from being close to anyone due to her abilities and the fear that she will not be accepted. When her brother disappears during an unusual storm, she has to learn to use and embrace these abilities if she has any hope of getting him back.
I liked the characters. Lil and her brother and friends were interesting. I thought the story was unusual and it was a quick read. I felt the pacing was very good. I honestly can't wait to see where this series goes. The story had magic, a little myth, friendship and family. Even a little romance without being in your face or obnoxious. I would recommend it as a very enjoyable read.
Lil can see demons, something she keeps hidden from everyone except her brother. She is estranged from the rest of her family and keeps herself from being close to anyone due to her abilities and the fear that she will not be accepted. When her brother disappears during an unusual storm, she has to learn to use and embrace these abilities if she has any hope of getting him back.
I liked the characters. Lil and her brother and friends were interesting. I thought the story was unusual and it was a quick read. I felt the pacing was very good. I honestly can't wait to see where this series goes. The story had magic, a little myth, friendship and family. Even a little romance without being in your face or obnoxious. I would recommend it as a very enjoyable read.
May 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! I loved that it was a paranormal/fantasy in a modern setting. If you enjoy TV shows like "Lucifer" that feature fantastic characters in a modern environment, then you will enjoy this book. I was drawn into the story very quickly and could not put it down. This would be a great read at the beach with a drink in hand!
July 2, 2023
Definitely 3.5 Well written and great story building! Liked getting to know the characters and excited to see what happens in the next book!
November 6, 2023
Lil has lived anything but a normal life, but she's trying to find some sense of it working as a bartender in Laguna Beach. She can see the demons on your shoulders, and while it helps her read people well, it also makes her keep her distance. She cares only for her brother, Ezra, but when he goes missing into a god's realm under the sea, she will stop at nothing to bring him back. Yet the sea god and his new bride won't make it easy for her.
The is the first book in the thrilling paranormal fantasy series, The Rise of Lilith. We start with Lil as a smart, sarcastic bartender who keeps people at an arm's length away to protect her heart. That's where the stereotypical female main character tropes end. Her unusual power is that she sees and hears the demons on people's shoulders. Her powers grow as the plot moves along, but it's a cool power that could lead to some interesting places. Much of the book is spent in the sea god's realm: a party all the time afterlife where he's collecting souls to fuel the invasion he's planning. Ezra is taken, and Lil to go on a deadly mission to get him back. Lots of world building with various gods from different cultures and times. I love how they mesh together and all the infighting. The whole cast of characters is fantastic. I adore Grams, and I really want more of Hecate. Can't wait for the next book!
The is the first book in the thrilling paranormal fantasy series, The Rise of Lilith. We start with Lil as a smart, sarcastic bartender who keeps people at an arm's length away to protect her heart. That's where the stereotypical female main character tropes end. Her unusual power is that she sees and hears the demons on people's shoulders. Her powers grow as the plot moves along, but it's a cool power that could lead to some interesting places. Much of the book is spent in the sea god's realm: a party all the time afterlife where he's collecting souls to fuel the invasion he's planning. Ezra is taken, and Lil to go on a deadly mission to get him back. Lots of world building with various gods from different cultures and times. I love how they mesh together and all the infighting. The whole cast of characters is fantastic. I adore Grams, and I really want more of Hecate. Can't wait for the next book!
June 20, 2025
Aether Bound by Megan Haskell is a fast-paced and emotionally charged urban fantasy that pulls you in with its sharp wit, beachside setting, and deeply personal stakes. Set in sunny Laguna Beach—where surf meets supernatural—this story blends tropical charm with creeping dread in the best way possible.
Lil, our fiercely relatable protagonist, is more than just a bartender. She sees the demons no one else can—and when they start crawling up from the ocean depths, her laid-back life gets flipped upside down. With her brother missing and a primordial sea god stirring beneath the waves, Lil is thrust into a fight that’s as much about saving the world as it is about facing her own fears, doubts, and hidden strength.
Megan Haskell crafts a vivid, contemporary world that simmers with magic, myth, and mystery. Her writing balances humor with heart, and the emotional undercurrents—especially around family, identity, and responsibility—give the story real depth. Lil’s voice is sharp, honest, and instantly engaging, making her the kind of heroine you want to root for from page one.
A well-deserved indieBRAG honoree, Aether Bound is perfect for fans of urban fantasy with strong female leads, coastal vibes, and stories that dig deep into both the supernatural and the emotional. If you like your magic tangled with myth and your demons personal, this one’s for you.
Lil, our fiercely relatable protagonist, is more than just a bartender. She sees the demons no one else can—and when they start crawling up from the ocean depths, her laid-back life gets flipped upside down. With her brother missing and a primordial sea god stirring beneath the waves, Lil is thrust into a fight that’s as much about saving the world as it is about facing her own fears, doubts, and hidden strength.
Megan Haskell crafts a vivid, contemporary world that simmers with magic, myth, and mystery. Her writing balances humor with heart, and the emotional undercurrents—especially around family, identity, and responsibility—give the story real depth. Lil’s voice is sharp, honest, and instantly engaging, making her the kind of heroine you want to root for from page one.
A well-deserved indieBRAG honoree, Aether Bound is perfect for fans of urban fantasy with strong female leads, coastal vibes, and stories that dig deep into both the supernatural and the emotional. If you like your magic tangled with myth and your demons personal, this one’s for you.
May 3, 2022
Megan Haskell delivers another superbly well-crafted fantasy! Between her stunning world-building and high-tension thriller, this book is a page turner. I hate using cliches, but hey, when it’s accurate, I just have to throw it out there. Seriously, I had planned on making this story last a week. But I finished in three days. I just couldn’t stop at the end of a chapter; I had to know more! She had me hooked from the first page. I love Lil, the main character, and her quirky and fun compatriots at the bar are folks I could easily go down to Pacific Beach (or any other SoCal beach) and meet in one of the local hangouts. They’re real and they’re interesting. And Lil’s “gift” is very imaginative. I can see where there’s plenty more to explore, and I can’t wait for the rest of the books in the series! I also thoroughly enjoyed Megan’s playing with…mythology…I have to be careful to avoid spoilers. Suffice it to say, her approach is unique in my experience, and very fun! But don’t let my emphasis on fun make you think there’s no fear/tension/danger. There’s plenty, as well as hurt and anger. It’s a great read from a talented author, and again, I look forward to what’s next.
June 13, 2023
"Aether Bound" by Megan Haskell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Aether Bound" by Megan Haskell is a wonderfully woven mythological fantasy that offers lots of mystery and intrigue to it's readers. Ezra is by far my favorite character that has a disability and I think he is portrayed so well. He's full of life and spirit and I like that he lives with and owns his disability without wanting for another life.
My favorite part of this book was all the build-up and mystery in the first 100 pages. I couldn't put the book down. Although the mystery ends up being revealed, I really loved Haskell's more advanced knowledge of mythology and how she uses it to tell a new tale. What I am saying is, if you like mysteries...and mythology, you HAVE to read this one. This could also be a great read for those readers who are wanting a 'water' themed read as there are many elements such as the setting being between a beach bar and having odder fish creatures in it's world.
'The Rise of Lilith' is going to be a series of 4-6 books and Megan can count me in for the ride! Book #2 is a day one buy for me and I hope many more readers will give this first book of the series a go!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Aether Bound" by Megan Haskell is a wonderfully woven mythological fantasy that offers lots of mystery and intrigue to it's readers. Ezra is by far my favorite character that has a disability and I think he is portrayed so well. He's full of life and spirit and I like that he lives with and owns his disability without wanting for another life.
My favorite part of this book was all the build-up and mystery in the first 100 pages. I couldn't put the book down. Although the mystery ends up being revealed, I really loved Haskell's more advanced knowledge of mythology and how she uses it to tell a new tale. What I am saying is, if you like mysteries...and mythology, you HAVE to read this one. This could also be a great read for those readers who are wanting a 'water' themed read as there are many elements such as the setting being between a beach bar and having odder fish creatures in it's world.
'The Rise of Lilith' is going to be a series of 4-6 books and Megan can count me in for the ride! Book #2 is a day one buy for me and I hope many more readers will give this first book of the series a go!
November 9, 2025
This was a great read. While it was for me fun and light hearted it also addressed some very serious topics. I want to understand the power(s) of the Daughters of Lilith more and am glad that it wasn’t t just dump shock indicating you should fully understand the magic system in this world, the main character is learning just as we do
The self love and found family aspects of this book are great. As well as the addressing toxic familial relationships too, along with understanding of those if not forgiving them; which I like, personally I do feel there are actions that do not deserve forgiveness just because someone thinks you need to forgive in order to move on.
One of my favorite quotes in the book is the following by the character Grams:
"Born family can be overrated. Love can be abused. Best to find strength and comfort in oneself, first. Once you love yourself, you can see the truth and love in others."
I also very much appreciated that there were not a ton of distracting (to me,) typos. I have found that not all indie authors manage to get those edited out sufficiently.
Definitely a 5 star read for me and I am looking forward to reading book two in the series soon.
The self love and found family aspects of this book are great. As well as the addressing toxic familial relationships too, along with understanding of those if not forgiving them; which I like, personally I do feel there are actions that do not deserve forgiveness just because someone thinks you need to forgive in order to move on.
One of my favorite quotes in the book is the following by the character Grams:
"Born family can be overrated. Love can be abused. Best to find strength and comfort in oneself, first. Once you love yourself, you can see the truth and love in others."
I also very much appreciated that there were not a ton of distracting (to me,) typos. I have found that not all indie authors manage to get those edited out sufficiently.
Definitely a 5 star read for me and I am looking forward to reading book two in the series soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2022
Seeing demons on people's shoulders not nothing compared to the problems our main MS Lil has to content with. I like her. She's strong, compassionate and devoted to her brother. She has other "gifts" she uses daily or at least while she is working.
Action, with just a hit of a budding romance (hopefully to her anchor to the land.)
The book ends with a HFN vibe. So if you like the story line (and I know you will) you can continue. If not (and I don't think you won't like this wonderful story) you can leave without feeling like there is a cliffhanger .
There is more adventure and trouble for Lil .
I like her friends. They are solid and willing to help even when she thinks they shouldn't because they may get hurt.
The story line, world building are excellent. I love the world picture in the book. You can see and feel what each person is going through.
Can't wait for the next adventure.
I was given this book as an ARC through Bookfunnel with no obligation for my honest review.
Action, with just a hit of a budding romance (hopefully to her anchor to the land.)
The book ends with a HFN vibe. So if you like the story line (and I know you will) you can continue. If not (and I don't think you won't like this wonderful story) you can leave without feeling like there is a cliffhanger .
There is more adventure and trouble for Lil .
I like her friends. They are solid and willing to help even when she thinks they shouldn't because they may get hurt.
The story line, world building are excellent. I love the world picture in the book. You can see and feel what each person is going through.
Can't wait for the next adventure.
I was given this book as an ARC through Bookfunnel with no obligation for my honest review.
November 17, 2023
I loved this book, I read lots of fantasy novels but this one was definitely refreshingly different and consequently all the more enjoyable. Lil works in a bar and her only close friend is her brother Ezra, who is confined to a wheelchair, Lil looks out for Ezra. Lil has a special ability in that she can see demons on the shoulders of some people and knows their evil influence. When Ezra meets a new girl called Tempest Lil is happy for him as they seem to bond really well, but when Ezra goes on a boat with Tempest and then goes missing she is frantically worried. What follows is a great read, very well written storyline with some great characters and very worth reading. Lil's story in which she discovers more about herself, deals really well with some deep issues such as trauma. Highly recommended.
July 17, 2023
I wasn’t sure what I was going to get with this story as I’ve never read anything by Megan but she didn’t disappoint at all. The mastery of words, the mixture of worlds both human and the underworld was awe-inspiring.
I love mythology and the sprinkle of it left me hungering for more. Lil is a bartender at a place called The Trident where she is trying to stay off the radar and just work a job she loves. Unknown to everyone but her own brother though is she can See the demons that are attached to every soul.
This story is beautiful portal fantasy with ties of mythology. It touched on trauma healing and taking things as it is and not to hide who you are and what you want to be.
I highly recommend it to everyone who loves Mythology with a sprinkle of Fantasy.
I love mythology and the sprinkle of it left me hungering for more. Lil is a bartender at a place called The Trident where she is trying to stay off the radar and just work a job she loves. Unknown to everyone but her own brother though is she can See the demons that are attached to every soul.
This story is beautiful portal fantasy with ties of mythology. It touched on trauma healing and taking things as it is and not to hide who you are and what you want to be.
I highly recommend it to everyone who loves Mythology with a sprinkle of Fantasy.
May 22, 2023
I loved it! I am a genre skipper to be sure, which makes Megan's contemporary paranormal fantasy novel "Aether Bound" a new-found favorite. Somehow, Megan mixes the mundane (a bar) with the crazy goings-on of monsters, gods and goddesses, alcoholic partiers of all shapes and forms into a romance and epic family squabble that kept me turning pages to the very end. Mixed in with all the fantasy were meaningful comments about the "demons" we all carry. Some of us are more demonized than others, but if I new the heroine, "Lil," I would steer clear of her. She would see my demons and I couldn't hide anymore.
Great reading for summer... or any time!
Great reading for summer... or any time!
July 16, 2023
An eel walks into a bar. Bartender says, “Back for more, ay?”
Lilith is a bartender in a place called the Trident. She loves her job, but unlike most people- she can tell what people really want to drink. She can literally see the demons on your shoulder. Kinda cool, right?
Except the only one who knows is her brother. And he is missing. She is willing to do what it takes to find him and bring him home. Even if it means going to a place called the Aether.
I enjoyed the book. It had lots of action, and there was always something going on for Lil to work towards. I enjoyed how she grows emotionally and comes to accept herself as she is.
Lilith is a bartender in a place called the Trident. She loves her job, but unlike most people- she can tell what people really want to drink. She can literally see the demons on your shoulder. Kinda cool, right?
Except the only one who knows is her brother. And he is missing. She is willing to do what it takes to find him and bring him home. Even if it means going to a place called the Aether.
I enjoyed the book. It had lots of action, and there was always something going on for Lil to work towards. I enjoyed how she grows emotionally and comes to accept herself as she is.
December 18, 2024
The first half wasn't half-bad. Not terribly original but decently well written.
Everything is a little too blunt and too obvious.
But I was intrigued by the core plot setup and the MCs past.
Pretty much at the 50% mark, at the point of the first action scene, the book falls apart completely.
The author doesn't have the slightest clue how to write engaging action and the dialogue becomes so trite and cartoonish it almost physically hurt me to read.
Just before that, we already got cheesy cheese dialogue that read like middlegrade at best but between grown adults.
After all this I simply gave up. It's just not very good.
Everything is a little too blunt and too obvious.
But I was intrigued by the core plot setup and the MCs past.
Pretty much at the 50% mark, at the point of the first action scene, the book falls apart completely.
The author doesn't have the slightest clue how to write engaging action and the dialogue becomes so trite and cartoonish it almost physically hurt me to read.
Just before that, we already got cheesy cheese dialogue that read like middlegrade at best but between grown adults.
After all this I simply gave up. It's just not very good.
May 5, 2022
Aether Bound by Megan Haskell is Book 1 in The Rise of Lilith series. This is a well written interesting story with well-developed characters. The pace is good. Lil is a little unusual but very likeable. She will need to develop her abilities in order to be able to save her brother after he goes missing after a strange storm. You are drawn into the story and find yourself turning pages to the end. I am very interested to see where this story is headed with gods and goddess in the mix. It is an excellent read and recommend it. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
July 3, 2023
This was a really intriguing new mythological urban fantasy with Mythos you don't typically see in the genre and a new twist even on that. I enjoyed the pacing and that the MC, Lil, was learning with us. I love that Ezra, her brother, is kick a** even as a paraplegic and even though he ends up needing to being saved by Lil, it's not because of his disabilities.
As I was reading this, I kept stopping to tell my sister how much I was enjoying it. This is for sure a series I will follow, I see that 'The Rise of Lilith' is going to be a series of 4-6 books and I can't wait for book #2.
As I was reading this, I kept stopping to tell my sister how much I was enjoying it. This is for sure a series I will follow, I see that 'The Rise of Lilith' is going to be a series of 4-6 books and I can't wait for book #2.
May 5, 2025
Lil can see demons - and not just her own. They follow people around, some harmless, others not so much. When a women is drowned and her brother goes missing, she can no longer just watch and chase off the smaller ones, and she gets drawn into a world full of myths, gods, and danger. This urban fantasy was a fun rolic in a unique world that I loved. The characters are fun to get to know, and while the pace drags in a couple of spots, it's never for long before things ramp right back up. Lil is a great kick-butt main character, and this book is absolutely worth the read!
May 2, 2022
It started out slow. Seeing Demons on people and hearing what they say can be a little unnerving, at least to me it would. Lil is different though. She has been seeing them for a long time now. Even got rid of some. Then the story exploited and took off at high speed. Turned out to be a very good story. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 5, 2022
OMG this is one hell of a ride. A well written contemporary paranormal fantasy with some fantastic world building and an adventurous exciting journey. Filled with magic and mythology I found myself falling into this world and I just didn’t want to leave. The characters are fantastic, our felons mc is strong, compassionate and loves her brother all whilst hiding her abilities. It’s an entertaining read about demons, friendship and family and I cannot wait to read more.
May 11, 2022
World building a it's best!
Megan Haskell has built an amazing mythical world with many gods and semi gods in creature form. I couldn't put this book down . I read it in two days.
All Lil wants is to save her brother from her crazy mother who lives in the under ocean world of Aether. It is where souls go to live for a time after leaving their body's. Can she save him and herself? It is a roller coaster ride!!
Megan Haskell has built an amazing mythical world with many gods and semi gods in creature form. I couldn't put this book down . I read it in two days.
All Lil wants is to save her brother from her crazy mother who lives in the under ocean world of Aether. It is where souls go to live for a time after leaving their body's. Can she save him and herself? It is a roller coaster ride!!
May 18, 2022
This book grabbed me right from the start. Lil has a gift that she doesn’t want anyone to know about. She can see “demons” on peoples shoulders. Most of the time the demons are doing nothing harmful., That changes and the fun begins. Lil doesn’t want anyone to know that she’s got a thing for a certain trombone player, including herself. That might or might not change later in the book. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a fantastic book! I hope you give it a try.
June 26, 2023
This was a super fun urban fantasy. I listened to the audio version which was perfect. Lil is your everyday bartender - except for the demons she can see whispering naughty nothings into people's ears. She ends up needing to save her brother Ezra from the water 'God' and her 'mother'. Her abilities are amazing and the very low key romance is super cute. I know it says book 1, so I am on the search for book 2!
June 28, 2023
I am a sucker for mythological urban fantasy books and this did not disappoint. Lil has always been different, able to see demons. She has hidden it for most of her life, but she must learn to embrace it and use it to save her brother and friends. This is the first book in this series and I can't wait for more! The world building is great, the characters are amazing and of course the suspense keeps you wanting to read what happens next!
May 3, 2022
I enjoyed the book. Lil is a bit unusual, but I liked her. The characters in the book were well written and the story moved along well. I liked the interplay of the gods and goddesses and I think the future stories will be interesting with the obvious meddling of the gods thrown in.
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
May 6, 2022
This is a good read. The story involves an alternative dimension with gods and goddesses that is quite imaginative. Likable characters, interesting interaction and fast paced. It has a great blend of myth and magic. There is closure, with no cliffhanger at the end, but a hint of more to come. It was well written and cleanly edited. I’m looking forward to Lil’s emerging growth in the series.
February 19, 2024
This book has a really original premise that hooked me right away. Lil, the main character, can see the demon on people's shoulders. When Lil's brother Ezra is taken, she must go on an epic quest to get him back. I really enjoyed all the different pantheon of gods and immortals. A fun read with great plot twists and a fantastic cast of characters. Can't wait to start the next one!
November 26, 2024
Wonderful story!
This book was full of surprises! I love urban fantasy, and am very suspicious when they start sounding the same. This was a breath of fresh air with a complicated plot, interesting backstory, found family for a self-isolated protagonist. Well written! Highly recommend
This book was full of surprises! I love urban fantasy, and am very suspicious when they start sounding the same. This was a breath of fresh air with a complicated plot, interesting backstory, found family for a self-isolated protagonist. Well written! Highly recommend
April 26, 2022
I enjoyed this story (I've enjoyed other books from the author), had me turning the pages wanting to know what's next and I could feel the emotions of the main character.
April 26, 2022
I received this book as an ARC and was also an early reader. I loved this book, I read it in one sitting. I can't wait to read more about these characters. I hope there's another book.
April 27, 2022
Another amazing book by this talented author. There’s no stopping once you start reading. Loved the characters and everything about it. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews