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Mage Bond
A long-ago meeting sets fate into motion…
As captain of the city guards, Martin protects E'Skaara by day. At night, he creeps in shadows to defend the citizens from predators most cannot see. He's escaped from his past as a mage-born lad who'd nearly destroyed a village in self-defense. The three things he can't so easily elude? Rage at a deity who condemns mages to death, memories of a pirate who saved him, and the magic he must conceal.
Tavernkeeper Peter keeps secrets. Secrets that can get him killed: his desire for men, a pirate past, and magical abilities. He should run from the one place mages cannot be safe, but yearning for a lost love binds him to where they shared their last kiss, waiting for one more glimpse of a dear face.
When dark forces reunite them, the magic both men try so hard to hide might just be their salvation.
As captain of the city guards, Martin protects E'Skaara by day. At night, he creeps in shadows to defend the citizens from predators most cannot see. He's escaped from his past as a mage-born lad who'd nearly destroyed a village in self-defense. The three things he can't so easily elude? Rage at a deity who condemns mages to death, memories of a pirate who saved him, and the magic he must conceal.
Tavernkeeper Peter keeps secrets. Secrets that can get him killed: his desire for men, a pirate past, and magical abilities. He should run from the one place mages cannot be safe, but yearning for a lost love binds him to where they shared their last kiss, waiting for one more glimpse of a dear face.
When dark forces reunite them, the magic both men try so hard to hide might just be their salvation.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2022
48 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Eden Winters
88 books673 followersYou will know Eden Winters by her distinctive white plumage and exuberant cry of “Hey, y’all!” in a Southern US drawl so thick it renders even the simplest of words unrecognizable. Watch out, she hugs!
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
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September 19, 2022Don't know if I can or should rate this book because it still seems like it's one of those it's-me-not-you cases where my mood and the style of the story doesn't match. It's not a bad book but it took me terribly long to get through with several breaks for other books in-between.
I liked the start where the author creates a world where magic is not only suspect but a possible death sentence. We meet Arkenn who is hunted by his fellow villagers after they burned down his home with his grandma in it. Badly injured and surrounded by his enemies his magic activates an inferno and he barely makes it to the shore where he's saved by Petran, the son of a pirate captain, who smuggles him on board. What now starts is a sweet teenage crush, innocent and deep as it only can happen at that age but their time is limited because the pirates can't know about the blind passenger, so in the next harbor they have to part but can't forget the other one and no one afterwards can compare.
So far, so good but then the mood of the story changed. For certain reasons both boys are stranded in that city with the infamous temple and it takes a long, long time until they meet again. Unfortunately not only time but also pages, pages which usually are used to show more world building and character developing. World building? Hm, we get a bit of the city but nothing about the world and that's unfortunate in so far as later the author adds a multiverse with traces of lessons against prejudice. We quickly understand that the main danger comes from the temple and its supposed deity but suddenly there's a 2nd enemy and Martin aka Arkenn is fighting together with a mysterious tutor against them while Peter aka Petran leads a humble life as a tavern keeper, hiding from the temple. Character development? Sure, both boys grow into men and both certainly change but in a way I lost my connection with them and that didn't come back when both finally met again. Have to admit I expected more than I got from that reconnection. It was sweet, yes, but did I believe it? I wanted to, though.
Then there's the question about the final battle and the support characters. I would classify both as lost opportunities. The main enemy appears quite late and their system of suppression lost its danger on the way through the story. So the final battle was a bit anticlimatic. The support characters? After losing the connection with the main characters, frowning about Dmitri and the master, Enys and Addie were a delight but insulated regarding their effect on the mood, and Cere … it's complicated. I really liked him and would have liked to know more about him but in the end he's just one more deflection and a story dead end.
Mage Bond started promising but for me it seemed like Eden Winter lost her focus on the way or just wanted too much.
I liked the start where the author creates a world where magic is not only suspect but a possible death sentence. We meet Arkenn who is hunted by his fellow villagers after they burned down his home with his grandma in it. Badly injured and surrounded by his enemies his magic activates an inferno and he barely makes it to the shore where he's saved by Petran, the son of a pirate captain, who smuggles him on board. What now starts is a sweet teenage crush, innocent and deep as it only can happen at that age but their time is limited because the pirates can't know about the blind passenger, so in the next harbor they have to part but can't forget the other one and no one afterwards can compare.
So far, so good but then the mood of the story changed. For certain reasons both boys are stranded in that city with the infamous temple and it takes a long, long time until they meet again. Unfortunately not only time but also pages, pages which usually are used to show more world building and character developing. World building? Hm, we get a bit of the city but nothing about the world and that's unfortunate in so far as later the author adds a multiverse with traces of lessons against prejudice. We quickly understand that the main danger comes from the temple and its supposed deity but suddenly there's a 2nd enemy and Martin aka Arkenn is fighting together with a mysterious tutor against them while Peter aka Petran leads a humble life as a tavern keeper, hiding from the temple. Character development? Sure, both boys grow into men and both certainly change but in a way I lost my connection with them and that didn't come back when both finally met again. Have to admit I expected more than I got from that reconnection. It was sweet, yes, but did I believe it? I wanted to, though.
Then there's the question about the final battle and the support characters. I would classify both as lost opportunities. The main enemy appears quite late and their system of suppression lost its danger on the way through the story. So the final battle was a bit anticlimatic. The support characters? After losing the connection with the main characters, frowning about Dmitri and the master, Enys and Addie were a delight but insulated regarding their effect on the mood, and Cere … it's complicated. I really liked him and would have liked to know more about him but in the end he's just one more deflection and a story dead end.
Mage Bond started promising but for me it seemed like Eden Winter lost her focus on the way or just wanted too much.
August 5, 2022
Thanks to the author/publisher for the goodreads giveaway!
This was not my normal type of story and I feel like there was a lot of missed potential. Had the author spent a little more time flushing out the storyline and really developing the battle and recovery. Character development was done well as I found myself invested in the two main characters despite having nothing in common with them, I just wish the same care had been given to the story.
This was not my normal type of story and I feel like there was a lot of missed potential. Had the author spent a little more time flushing out the storyline and really developing the battle and recovery. Character development was done well as I found myself invested in the two main characters despite having nothing in common with them, I just wish the same care had been given to the story.
August 14, 2023
3.5 stars
I'm really mixed about this. Most of it I liked. It had an interesting story with some great twists, but it did feel very slow at times. Then again, I felt like some of the slow parts were integral to the story.
I wish there was a bit more character relationship development between the guys. It was a bit too physical with no real reason (other than fate) to have an emotional connection. I wish I could've seen them have more emotional connection and have more time on page together.
My heart broke for poor Cere and Abbie. I liked them as side characters.
I'm really mixed about this. Most of it I liked. It had an interesting story with some great twists, but it did feel very slow at times. Then again, I felt like some of the slow parts were integral to the story.
I wish there was a bit more character relationship development between the guys. It was a bit too physical with no real reason (other than fate) to have an emotional connection. I wish I could've seen them have more emotional connection and have more time on page together.
My heart broke for poor Cere and Abbie. I liked them as side characters.
July 22, 2022
first things first.. this cover is gorgeous.. i would buy this paperback just for the cover.. wow! second... this book was wonderful.. i love this author.. and this book didnt dissapoint. some different stuff going on.. misunderstanding.. love.. confusion.. anger. two powerful men who have to figure out what is going on and what their lives need to be and who they need to become. i loved it
August 3, 2022
This book is good. But there are big gaps in time during the story. Martin and Peter meet each other a young teenagers. They form and emotional bond and then are separated. Martin is a mage hiding in plain in a city where being a mage is a crime. Peter becomes a tavern owner. Martin uses his magic to protect people from monsters at night. Peter helps get mage born children out of the city. Their paths cross and they rekindle their feelings for each other. Martin must learn how to use his magic and Peter must learn how to help him. There is an evil that threatens more than just their world that they must defeat.
July 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Martin/Arkenn meet when Peter/Petran saves him. They spend amount a week together before they get to dry land. Petran sneaks Arkenn off the boat and they go their separate ways. Fast forward 5 years, Martin is now a city guard while Peter owns a tavern. They reunite again and the feelings they had when they were younger still remained. There is great world building with mages, elves and demons. I loved it and hope there is a continuation of this story as I would love to see what happens next.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
July 17, 2022
Wonderful PNR Fantasy
Two young men with unique abilities meet and are instantly attracted to each other.
As they learn of who and what they are suddenly separated.
Years later and a chance encounter leads to them working together to defeat an enemy bound and determined to destroy them and all of their kind.
Filled with fast paced action and adventure, acts of derring-do, danger and drama.
Twists and turns abound aplenty to keep you invested and turning the pages until it's exciting conclusion.
Two young men with unique abilities meet and are instantly attracted to each other.
As they learn of who and what they are suddenly separated.
Years later and a chance encounter leads to them working together to defeat an enemy bound and determined to destroy them and all of their kind.
Filled with fast paced action and adventure, acts of derring-do, danger and drama.
Twists and turns abound aplenty to keep you invested and turning the pages until it's exciting conclusion.
July 4, 2024
Loved the whole book.
Great job.
😍
Great job.
😍
July 29, 2022
“He has a right to know his heritage”, Mum’s soft voice lulled. As Arkenn slipped off to sleep, she added, “because someday, the battle might be his. But if so, he won’t be alone. There are always Two.” ~ Mage Bond
When Petran, of 'Mage Bond' by Eden Winters, finds a young boy, Arkenn, burned and broken on the beach, he sneaks him back onto his father's pirate ship and hides him. Petran and Arkenn dread the day they reach the city of E'Scarra because they know it's where they will part ways.
Little do they know that this is the beginning of a new chapter that will seal their destinies.
When enemies attack the ship, it is all hands on deck, including Petran. During the battle, the adversaries wound Petran. Desperate to save his son, his father takes him back to his room. He reveals that he knew Arkenn was there all along. Sensing Arkenn's mage powers, Petran's father begs him to do what he can for him. Arkenn uses his abilities to save Petran's life.
When they reach E'Scarra, Petran gives Arkenn a tour of the city. He explains that it is not safe for mages and that he should try hard to hide his abilities. Reluctantly, they part ways, wondering if they will see each other again. Petran wanders back to the ship but soon realizes that the citizens of E'Scarra have caught his father and crew. With a look, his father tells him that there is nothing Petran can do for them and that he should save himself.
Although he is not aware of it, Petran is a mage. A woman nearby recognizes his abilities, takes him in, and protects him. She changes his name to Peter and dyes his hair so he will more easily blend in with the townspeople. She gets him a job as a bartender. Peter is safe, but for years afterward, he still yearns for Arkenn.
Arkenn changes his name to Martin, joins the city guards, and eventually works his way up to captain. He misses Petran but doesn't look for him because he thinks he is dead. When the time is right, they are reunited and join forces to defeat a formidable enemy, one that, so far, has been invincible.
Eden has created an epic tale of two men destined to be soul mates and saviors. Petran and Arkenn are fantastic characters whose struggles made my heart ache. 'Mage Bond' is exciting, sad, passionate, and once again proves that good always concurs against evil. Thanks, Eden, for an engaging story.I hope there will be more books set in this magical world.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.
When Petran, of 'Mage Bond' by Eden Winters, finds a young boy, Arkenn, burned and broken on the beach, he sneaks him back onto his father's pirate ship and hides him. Petran and Arkenn dread the day they reach the city of E'Scarra because they know it's where they will part ways.
Little do they know that this is the beginning of a new chapter that will seal their destinies.
When enemies attack the ship, it is all hands on deck, including Petran. During the battle, the adversaries wound Petran. Desperate to save his son, his father takes him back to his room. He reveals that he knew Arkenn was there all along. Sensing Arkenn's mage powers, Petran's father begs him to do what he can for him. Arkenn uses his abilities to save Petran's life.
When they reach E'Scarra, Petran gives Arkenn a tour of the city. He explains that it is not safe for mages and that he should try hard to hide his abilities. Reluctantly, they part ways, wondering if they will see each other again. Petran wanders back to the ship but soon realizes that the citizens of E'Scarra have caught his father and crew. With a look, his father tells him that there is nothing Petran can do for them and that he should save himself.
Although he is not aware of it, Petran is a mage. A woman nearby recognizes his abilities, takes him in, and protects him. She changes his name to Peter and dyes his hair so he will more easily blend in with the townspeople. She gets him a job as a bartender. Peter is safe, but for years afterward, he still yearns for Arkenn.
Arkenn changes his name to Martin, joins the city guards, and eventually works his way up to captain. He misses Petran but doesn't look for him because he thinks he is dead. When the time is right, they are reunited and join forces to defeat a formidable enemy, one that, so far, has been invincible.
Eden has created an epic tale of two men destined to be soul mates and saviors. Petran and Arkenn are fantastic characters whose struggles made my heart ache. 'Mage Bond' is exciting, sad, passionate, and once again proves that good always concurs against evil. Thanks, Eden, for an engaging story.I hope there will be more books set in this magical world.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.
September 13, 2022
Great Story.
The author had a lot of twists and turns in the story. Every time I thought they were going to use a grossly over used plot devise that is common in gay paranormal romance they surprised me with a different path. So refreshing!
It was a fun ride.
The author had a lot of twists and turns in the story. Every time I thought they were going to use a grossly over used plot devise that is common in gay paranormal romance they surprised me with a different path. So refreshing!
It was a fun ride.
Read
May 25, 2022Mage Bond takes place in the same magical realm as Something Wicked, but has a slightly more serious tone, different characters, a different country, and takes place about five hundred years before Something Wicked.
January 18, 2023
3.5 stars
This is quite the world with evil in many forms and good in others. While I liked the characters, I really wish Petran/Peter and Arkenn/Martin spent more time together. It made it hard to believe in them as a couple when they were a part for so much of the time. I know that kind of thing gets glossed over when magic destinies are involved but still.
There was a lot of magic, danger, and action. Some commentary on the perceived differences among differing peoples being not so great.
This is quite the world with evil in many forms and good in others. While I liked the characters, I really wish Petran/Peter and Arkenn/Martin spent more time together. It made it hard to believe in them as a couple when they were a part for so much of the time. I know that kind of thing gets glossed over when magic destinies are involved but still.
There was a lot of magic, danger, and action. Some commentary on the perceived differences among differing peoples being not so great.
July 20, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
2 stars
I’m not going to sugar coat it. I did not like this book. While it has issues with world building and characterization, my primary problem is with the ending. And it’s a big issue that speaks to the book as a whole, so that’s where we’re going to start.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2 stars
I’m not going to sugar coat it. I did not like this book. While it has issues with world building and characterization, my primary problem is with the ending. And it’s a big issue that speaks to the book as a whole, so that’s where we’re going to start.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
August 23, 2023
4.5 stars really really liked it
July 20, 2022
Reviewed For Love Bytes – 3 hearts
Saved from the clutches of death, Arkenn is given a second chance, albeit one fraught with danger. Events on the high seas give Arkenn a glimpse of love from the pirate’s son, Petran. Sadly, it’s all too fleeting. So, with memories of the man who saved him and lit his heart, he waits for the day they are reunited.
This story had my emotions all over the place, for a mixture of right and wrong reasons.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Arkenn and Petran. The world this author uses has been featured in previous writings, and it is obvious that she was so in love with it that other characters and adventures needed telling. Prior knowledge of the world isn’t necessary to read this installment as world building is superb and extensive. Although, overenthusiasm for some aspects comes through and disturbs the flow.
Mage Bond is one of those tales where some story areas make more sense at the end than when they are first revealed. And because I don’t want to give away spoilers, this is one of those cases where I’ll say, read it and find out.
The story has the potential to be something special. Here are the things I loved. I loved Arkenn, Petran and the more expansive cast. The world they resided in was excellent as it comprised pirates, magic, demons, good vs evil, etc. The beginning was rivetingly stunning, and the end was supremely action packed. Albeit, occasionally, there were so many personal thoughts between elements of dialogue that the flow of conversation was stilted.
But, my biggest frown was the middle section of the novel. I got so frustrated that I had to put the story down and leave it for a few days before returning.
Mage Bond is a long book, and a hefty portion was dedicated to character development and training. “That doesn’t sound too bad.” I hear you say. But while I understand these things need to happen – the overriding phrase that was almost on repeat was “the time wasn’t right.” Okay, that too, I get, as some people need to be able to walk before they can run. However, after the great beginning, there was no hook of action to keep me turning the page while the characters went through their ‘growing phase’. And what drama there was, was more tell than show. E.g., The blurb says that Arkenn is a city guard by day and a defender in the shadows at night. That is the ‘tell’ aspect. I wanted to be shown what he did. I wanted to live through some of the things Arkenn did as a guard and be by his side while he kept order – what actions got him promoted. I wanted to be there for more than a couple of skirmishes in the shadows and a uniform change. I wanted to be at the party rather than be told there was one.
In summary – the world created is superb and if the entire story had the storytelling prowess of the beginning and end, it would have been up there among my favorite novels of all time. Sadly, the middle let it down. For me, Mage Bond needed more show, less tell, and fewer rambling thoughts.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Saved from the clutches of death, Arkenn is given a second chance, albeit one fraught with danger. Events on the high seas give Arkenn a glimpse of love from the pirate’s son, Petran. Sadly, it’s all too fleeting. So, with memories of the man who saved him and lit his heart, he waits for the day they are reunited.
This story had my emotions all over the place, for a mixture of right and wrong reasons.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Arkenn and Petran. The world this author uses has been featured in previous writings, and it is obvious that she was so in love with it that other characters and adventures needed telling. Prior knowledge of the world isn’t necessary to read this installment as world building is superb and extensive. Although, overenthusiasm for some aspects comes through and disturbs the flow.
Mage Bond is one of those tales where some story areas make more sense at the end than when they are first revealed. And because I don’t want to give away spoilers, this is one of those cases where I’ll say, read it and find out.
The story has the potential to be something special. Here are the things I loved. I loved Arkenn, Petran and the more expansive cast. The world they resided in was excellent as it comprised pirates, magic, demons, good vs evil, etc. The beginning was rivetingly stunning, and the end was supremely action packed. Albeit, occasionally, there were so many personal thoughts between elements of dialogue that the flow of conversation was stilted.
But, my biggest frown was the middle section of the novel. I got so frustrated that I had to put the story down and leave it for a few days before returning.
Mage Bond is a long book, and a hefty portion was dedicated to character development and training. “That doesn’t sound too bad.” I hear you say. But while I understand these things need to happen – the overriding phrase that was almost on repeat was “the time wasn’t right.” Okay, that too, I get, as some people need to be able to walk before they can run. However, after the great beginning, there was no hook of action to keep me turning the page while the characters went through their ‘growing phase’. And what drama there was, was more tell than show. E.g., The blurb says that Arkenn is a city guard by day and a defender in the shadows at night. That is the ‘tell’ aspect. I wanted to be shown what he did. I wanted to live through some of the things Arkenn did as a guard and be by his side while he kept order – what actions got him promoted. I wanted to be there for more than a couple of skirmishes in the shadows and a uniform change. I wanted to be at the party rather than be told there was one.
In summary – the world created is superb and if the entire story had the storytelling prowess of the beginning and end, it would have been up there among my favorite novels of all time. Sadly, the middle let it down. For me, Mage Bond needed more show, less tell, and fewer rambling thoughts.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
October 27, 2022
3.5 stars
I honestly like the world building, and the MCs are great, but I would've liked Peter's powers to be shown more. As they said, "There's always two." But maybe that's the problem, the story just didn't feel the same when they were separated.
I was honestly just planning to skim the novel, but the first few chapters made me determined to read it. I kinda lost my interest in the novel near the middle part, but the last parts thankfully managed to regrab my attention.
Also, OMFG, Dimitri and Xavier need their own book! I need to know their history, from how they met, the challenges they faced, their kid, their separation, and now to the present. Gosh, Xavier would make such a great power bottom and Dimitri has so many possibilities!
Considering the hints of Dimitri adopting the orphans and "keeping Xariel busy", as said by Martin, I want to know more about them! They've truly piqued my interest and it'd be interested how the author would build Xavier and Dimitri outside of this book.
I know I mostly talked about Xavier and Dimitri, but they're near the end of the book and I had complicated feelings about Martin and Peter by that point. But gosh, the possibilities of Xavier and Dimitri tho! I know I'm not the only one curious.
Anyways, that's all for this review. Remember, all opinions are different so you should read a book and judge for yourselves!
I honestly like the world building, and the MCs are great, but I would've liked Peter's powers to be shown more. As they said, "There's always two." But maybe that's the problem, the story just didn't feel the same when they were separated.
I was honestly just planning to skim the novel, but the first few chapters made me determined to read it. I kinda lost my interest in the novel near the middle part, but the last parts thankfully managed to regrab my attention.
Also, OMFG, Dimitri and Xavier need their own book! I need to know their history, from how they met, the challenges they faced, their kid, their separation, and now to the present. Gosh, Xavier would make such a great power bottom and Dimitri has so many possibilities!
Considering the hints of Dimitri adopting the orphans and "keeping Xariel busy", as said by Martin, I want to know more about them! They've truly piqued my interest and it'd be interested how the author would build Xavier and Dimitri outside of this book.
I know I mostly talked about Xavier and Dimitri, but they're near the end of the book and I had complicated feelings about Martin and Peter by that point. But gosh, the possibilities of Xavier and Dimitri tho! I know I'm not the only one curious.
Anyways, that's all for this review. Remember, all opinions are different so you should read a book and judge for yourselves!
July 14, 2022
Eden Winters has done it again. She created an intriguing and unique imaginative world that stands out in a world of 'run off the mill' PNR urban fantasies - no matter how well they are written. Actually she puts her own memorable stamp on everything she decides to write about - may it be contemporary action mystery ( I've reread her Diversion series more times than I can remember) , space opera like The Consorts of the Red King, Sci-fi, rock stars, shifters, humor... You name it, it's there and it's good so no matter what your preferences are - you'll be coming back for more. This book is no exception. I don't want to reveal more, because no one likes spoilers - all you need to know is in the blurb - just read it and enjoy. There's a HEA but actually, I would very much enjoy a sequel if she decides to write one. This book is actually placed in the same universe as Something Wicked, so if you want to know what happened ages ago before, and how the world in Something Wicked came to existence you might want to read both but it's not necessary. Each book stands alone.
July 17, 2022
This is an epic tale spanning years about two young lovers torn apart by an unforgiving world and their journey to finding not only each other, but themselves. Martin and Peter live in a land where magic was once commonplace but is now outlawed, and even the implication of magic usage is grounds for imprisonment or execution. I love the two main characters! They’re incredibly layered and compelling. And their story is told so eloquently—from start to finish—that a very intimate connection is forged between the characters and the reader. You just can’t help but become invested in their lives and stories. You hope with them, grieve with them, laugh with them, struggle with them, hurt with them, and love with them. There are so many different and diverse characters and stories going on simultaneously that it’s almost like a few books in one, all seamlessly coexisting before artfully converging. I hung on every word in this book and truly hated to see it come to an end. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly inspirational and endearing paranormal romance.
July 13, 2022
Mage Bond is a wonderfully atmospheric fantasy full of adventure, intrigue, and romance. Martin and Peter were destined to meet, and save, each other, for the best chance to conquer an ancient evil comes from a mage-bonded pair. Separated in a city that hunts mages to extinction, each learns to hide his true nature to survive, all the while hoping for some hint of finding the love they lost. The world-building is thorough, and the city is populated with fascinating and well-drawn characters. The story moves at an excellent pace, building to an action-packed and satisfying climax. As with Something Wicked (set in a different "realm" of the same universe), I find myself hoping for a sequel to this romantic, swashbuckling story.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
August 14, 2022
Listen to your heart
“‘Because someday the battle might be his.
But if so, he won’t be alone. There are always two.’”
Fantasy, action, adventure, love, and a battle to save the world, who wouldn’t want to dive and immerse yourself in this world? There’s a lot going on in the storyline, or storylines in some cases, and I won’t share much as you need to discover it all on your own, but Peter and Martin are an amazing pair. Though these two spent more time apart than together, their bond shone true and I was rooting for them even as I cheered for how they grew as individuals. I adore the friendships formed, the battles waged, and the love that led the way in this high fantasy, magical ride.
“‘Because someday the battle might be his.
But if so, he won’t be alone. There are always two.’”
Fantasy, action, adventure, love, and a battle to save the world, who wouldn’t want to dive and immerse yourself in this world? There’s a lot going on in the storyline, or storylines in some cases, and I won’t share much as you need to discover it all on your own, but Peter and Martin are an amazing pair. Though these two spent more time apart than together, their bond shone true and I was rooting for them even as I cheered for how they grew as individuals. I adore the friendships formed, the battles waged, and the love that led the way in this high fantasy, magical ride.
July 12, 2022
Eden Winters has done it again with this amazing story. For those who love magic and fantasy you'll love Mage Bond! This is a wonderful tale that spans many years of the characters' lives. Although this is a love story it is not the most important part of the story. The main characters have an important destiny to complete before they get their happy ever after. This is one of those books that while hurrying to get to the end, you still wish the story would never end. There is great world building in this book. All the characters, main and secondary are interesting and well crafted. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 13, 2022
This is a wonderful, lengthy tale that spans several years of the characters' lives. A true fantasy, Mage Bond's author gives the reader a well-rendered, beautifully realized world in which those with magic are persecuted by the Lady, rounded up by Her Chosen never to be seen again.
The MCs in this book have a purpose other than falling in love and living happily ever after, and we follow them through many twists and turns while sitting on tenterhooks as the story unfolds and the plot thickens.
For those who love high fantasy and authors like Lynn Flewelling, you'll love Mage Bond!
The MCs in this book have a purpose other than falling in love and living happily ever after, and we follow them through many twists and turns while sitting on tenterhooks as the story unfolds and the plot thickens.
For those who love high fantasy and authors like Lynn Flewelling, you'll love Mage Bond!
November 10, 2023
I couldn't tolerate the language. No need to call a week a sevennight, for me that doesn't add to the atmosphere, it just annoys me.
And 30% of the book is the main characters just running past each other and not realizing that people's appearance and body shape can change a lot after they turned eighteen.
Then another 20% where they are "I would really like to, but I really shouldn't - and then doing it anyways but feeling conflicted about it when there is no real reason for the shouldn't in the first place".
I'm at 70% now and I give up.
This book just absolutely wasn't my tea.
And 30% of the book is the main characters just running past each other and not realizing that people's appearance and body shape can change a lot after they turned eighteen.
Then another 20% where they are "I would really like to, but I really shouldn't - and then doing it anyways but feeling conflicted about it when there is no real reason for the shouldn't in the first place".
I'm at 70% now and I give up.
This book just absolutely wasn't my tea.
June 8, 2022
This is one of those books where you can't wait to get to the end to see if the hero wins the day, while simultaneously wishing the story would never finish. An absolutely lovely read. Great world building. Excellent main and secondary characters. Devoured this book in two days. This is only the second book I've read by this author, and both have been excellent. I understand that there's another book et in this universe. Will definitely be downloading it today.
July 28, 2022
little uneven
Tried to cover a high fantasy trilogy in one book, and did a fair job. Biggest strength was between Peter and Martin, even if it did feel a little forced, them not recognizing one another.
A little rushed at times, due to the need to skip time, lots of slow scenes followed by sparse action.
Tried to cover a high fantasy trilogy in one book, and did a fair job. Biggest strength was between Peter and Martin, even if it did feel a little forced, them not recognizing one another.
A little rushed at times, due to the need to skip time, lots of slow scenes followed by sparse action.
June 13, 2022
i liked reading this book, it was exciting and i didn't want it to end
June 17, 2022
I really loved this story - great world building and engaging characters. I’m so looking forward to more tales!
October 27, 2022
Nearly a 5* epic story but a few corners cut or missed opportunities created an engaging quick read.
January 13, 2024
Visit my web site to read a complete review of “Mage Bond.”
March 7, 2024
This was a good story that was trying to do too much.
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