Broken Bonds

Blood & Flame Saga #2

by E.A. Winters

Bloodlust: the one thing she’s good at. The one thing she must fight against.

Ex-assassin Semra may have broken free of the mountain where the dragonlord indoctrinated her as a child, but she can’t shake his voice in her head – or the suspicious sideways glances following her every step.

The people closest to her seem distant, and the royal family's grief serves as a daily reminder of Semra's failures. With rogue assassins on the run and a dragon far too large for a castle, Semra is desperate to get away. When the princess is kidnapped, Semra accepts the mission to save her – a final penance to the royal family before disappearing for good.

The neighboring king's rage and paranoia grow as the two kingdoms mobilize for war. Tasked with working alongside the prince, Semra tries desperately to prove her own innocence to the court, even as her blood-stained history condemns her.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Dragons, Adventure, Audiobook, Romance, Young Adult

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

Author of The Blood and Flame Saga and The Melderblood Chronicles, E.A. Winters writes fast-paced, high stakes fantasy stories that keep you turning pages long into the night. She writes with a chai tea close at hand, and when she's not writing, she enjoys family time with her boys and husband in Virginia. Come along to narrowly escape death, ride dragons, and befriend assassins.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean YA Fantasy

4.5 Stars ✨


“It’s okay. Just know –maybe you don’t accept yourself yet, but I do. Borrow my view of you, until yours catches up. There is good in you.”

Semra might be free from the Dragon Lord- but her mind still holds her captive. As she struggles for a place to belong, she makes plans to leave the castle to find it. The people she was beginning to trust, all seem to be keeping their distance, as judgements are made. With one foot on the horse she plans to steal, she is summoned by the King. The princess is kidnapped, and with Semra as their only hope, she decides to take one last mission, wondering if she will ever be free from the blood stained history that currently defines her.

Goodness -This book was good, clean and action packed! It started off a bit depressing and bleak, but as the story progresses, it got amazing ! Poor Semra is so emotionally unstable, but at every corner, she is faced with having to deal with her fears and emotions. Her past haunts her every-time she closes her eyes. Slowly though, with the help of those around her, she is starting to see herself in a different light.

Zephan is such a sweetheart, and I love his strength and determination. I wanted to shake his sister the princess, she is in way over her head. The pacing was perfect, and all the action was exciting. My favorite part was the banter between the characters, it was top notch and can’t wait to see what happens next!

*clean slow burn romance
*no language
*does include mild violence

[Kaylee Warzecha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the character building that happens in this book! Semra is a complicated person who is going through an identity crisis. Most books just take the main character and make them super human and never talk about their emotions or inner battles. I love this book because of the deep issues that Semra has to work through. Already can’t wait for the 3rd book!

[Lillian B (Kaladin Stormblessed version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ 3 stars ✨

this was decent.
again, i have no clue what happened.
and for being a book that has a magic system based completely off of dragons, there was almost no dragons....
not that i care, but it jus seems weird to me.
im sure this wouldve been a five star if i knew what was going on.

[Ashley Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review.

I read the first book in the series and wasn't completely sold on this series, this book sold me.

Winters took off right where the first book ended and didn't slow down. It was hard to put the book down because there was no real good stopping point.

I don't know if the identity of the Raven was supposed to be a surprise/shock, I had a pretty good idea very quickly.

I also appreciated the slow burn and growth of the romance within the story.

I can't wait for the 3rd book.

[Brittnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

POVs - Mostly Semra, but also King Arnevon, Avaya and Axis

-Action packed
-Fights and battles
-Kidnapped princess
-Impending war
-Betrayals

[Terri Harr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good! I can’t believe more people aren’t talking about it. It’s got dragons, adventure, danger, people who aren’t who they say they are, people who you can’t tell who’s side they are on, and so much more!

There are four books in this series and I’m starting book three tomorrow. This series is so action packed that it kept me reading and only putting it down when I had to, reluctantly.

The characters are amazing and well developed, including the villains. A HUGE plus for me is that there is no cussing in these books and so far, there is just a sweet romance building but I don’t see it as becoming anything but closed door.

I loved these books so much that I’ve added them to my list of books that I HAVE to add to my bookshelves. I borrowed them on KU so they aren’t mine to keep. I must change that!

If YOU loved Fourth Wing, Hunger Games (control freak ruler making children train to kill people) and other dystopia type books with dragons but don’t want the cussing or the extreme smut, check out this author! She has created some amazing books without that, proving it can be done AND done very well, indeed. After this series, I will be checking out all of her other books!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader for this book series. 😇

Life is complicated for Semra as she moves forward with her mission to find and reform the younger assassins and bring the older assassins to justice. With her every move followed by distrustful kings guards and an increasingly distracted Siler in tow, she still is the same capable but emotionally unsure hero we grew to love in A Dragon’s Kiss.

Similar to her previous novels, Winters leaves no chapter without action and a cliffhanger. Do NOT try to read just a bit before bed because the writing style definitely leads into a “one more chapter” readathon. The prose is clear and direct, easy and fun to digest. While the characters are frequently in peril, the book does not fall prey to the common pattern of delving into gore, shock value, or crass situations to keep things interesting. An engaging clean fantasy novel!

[Rebekkah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.A. Winters was kind enough to give me a digital ARC copy of Broken Bonds.

I so far have read three of E.A. Winters books. I cannot get enough of this series. I hated having to stop reading for work or at night. Even now that I am finished with the book I can't stop thinking about the characters or what is going to happen next.

It is rare that I continue to mull over a book after I am finished with it. Semra is very complex and interesting. I think that this book was great! I loved how it showed Semra's struggle. I appreciate that Semra did just settle into a place in her world.

Don't get me started on the romance. I want more from these characters and to see where this romance goes. It reminds me of some of the classic literature romance where just a look is very meaningful.

There were a couple of parts where the plot seemed a bit slow but it was just setting it up for the next section of the book. I am pretty used to second books being very heavy on setting up the rest of the series. This one only had a hint of that. The pacing was fantastic!

PLEASE READ THIS SERIES!!!!!

[Timian Johansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Fantasy, Romance Subplot
Format: Kindle

Rating: 4/5
Spice: 0.5/5

Review:
Buddy read with Trine.

I’m in between eating on this one. I didn’t like the plot as much as the first one, but I appreciated that we got a little bit of romance in this one.

I felt like Semra was a bit tedious sometimes? She wasn’t in the first one, and I’m aware she has some issues. But I loved how she was a badass character, that didn’t take shit from anyone. And now she turned whiney as soon as Zephan didn’t give her attention. As if he doesn’t have enough on his plate himself.

I liked that some of the chapters were shorter. That made me more motivated to read a few extra chaps.

Was also nice with a few different POV’s, although I wouldn’t mind getting some from Zeph or Siler.

[Chris B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved how this book followed the first, where the adventure went! I think that Semras character arc is fascinating! I still love her character even though at times I wish I was there to smack her over the head! I enjoyed seeing some new POV’s and getting to know some other characters. I saw one thing coming…so I thought!
I am so invested and now wait for a couple months for the next one! Ugh! I need to know what happens next!!!

[Shane Sentes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book as an ARC by the author.

Broken Bonds picks up a short time after the events of book 1 Dragon's Kiss.
Continuing to follow Semra as she tries to find her place in a new world and dealing with the darkness of her past.
I personally loved this book. Seeing the continued character growth of Semra, and introduction of new characters was very fun. I'm excited for the continuation of this series!

[Tanya Knepp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt cliche and predictable compared to the plot of the previous book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing wrong with the blood and flame saga is it’s going to give me adrenal fatigue.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still couldn't put it down, what a great series so far!

[Hannah Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first book!

[Sarah Havener · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the sequel to Dragon's Kiss, Broken Bonds is a natural progression to the story. It's action packed and Semra grapples with where her place is in the world, along with her dragon. There are several types of conflict that keep the story moving, and there are hints (and maybe beginnings) of a slow burn romance. I'm interested to see where the story goes from here.

[The Shadow of the First Little Flower On The Brightest Patch of Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first book of the Blood and Flame saga, Dragon’s Kiss, I had high expectations for the sequel, Broken Bonds.

For the third time, E.A. Winters doesn’t disappoint.

When you think the stakes in Semra’s story can’t get any higher, they skyrocket in this book as she finds herself in the middle of a war between two countries. Still fast paced and still very action packed, Broken Bonds is a worthy successor to Dragon’s Kiss.

[Kamille · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, fast paced fantasy novel. I couldn't put it down.

[Ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be completely honest I did not finish this book. I am giving it 3 stars because I think it was well written and the story was good. I think most people, teens especially would love it.

Let me preface my however with this. I am a high school special education teacher. I spend a lot of time with teenagers and because of the population I work with I get high dosages of teen angst and emotions unfiltered. Many days I go home and the absolute last thing I want is overly emotional characters in my fiction. I get the draw for some people and I understand how it adds to a story but if I am trying to escape this is part of the reality I am trying to escape from.

Therefore, for me personally, it was just too angsty. I felt I had to wade through a lot of emotions and longing romance and inner monologue to get to what I really wanted which was the exciting and fast-paced story I was expecting. I understand why Winters made the choices she did but it was too much for me.

I even took a break for a few days and came back to the story to see if I just needed a quick break but was only about 1.5 pages in when another scene popped up that just made me say "Oh for heaven's sake, really!?" and I decided to just book the book down for real. Maybe I will circle back and finish it but I don't think that will be anytime soon.

For most readers I 100% suggest this book and will lend it out often to the teen readers I know. However, if you are like me and angst ain't your thing this may not be the book for you.

[L.B. Perdan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

What I loved:
- the witty banter, as always, was *chef's kiss* (just look at the 41 highlights I made 😂)
- I ADORED seeing Semra and Zephan's relationship develop more. While my heart is still with Siler, I must admit that Zephan has officially won me over.
- Semra really came into her own in this book, and you can see her inner struggles shift and change throughout the story
- We got more world-building and history, and some foreshadowing for future books I'm excited about
- the new POVs were nice, and I hope to see more in the future

What I loved less:
- The pacing on this one felt a bit off to me at times. At times it was slow, then everything was happening at once. I loved a fast-paced book, but I feel like this could have done with some more breathing room between story beats as everything kept happening so fast. It felt like every time the characters got out a sticky situation, they were immediately thrust into another one without having time to process.
- Although the history and world-building definitely developed more in this one, I often got lost in all the new details
- The ending felt a bit rushed, and I'm not sure on the first read-through where everything stands at the end

All in all, I am excited for book 3, and I'm looking forward to understanding the world and history more as the story develops.

[Jenna Rare · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an awesome sequel to Dragon's Kiss. The writing has improved tremendously.

Broken Bonds begins about a month or so after the events of Dragon's Kiss. Semra is having a major life crisis about what is she to do next after her mentor/boss is locked up. She carries around his amulet which is mentioned a lot. Is it a connection to her doubt? Her old life as an assassin?
We are introduced to the mind of a new character, Princess Avaya. She gets kidnapped by the enemy kingdom and she uses the opportunity to see if she can end the war all by herself. There is still so much mystery to Avaya's motives. Silver is considered a traitor. Zephen, Semra, and Monac (another awesome new character) have to travel to Belvidor to retrieve Avaya.


Reasons why I give it a 4:
1. the connection between Semra and Zephan... I don't know, but no matter how hard I try, I see no connection. I have always seen a better connection with Silver. I know that Semra will most likely not choose him, but I'm still shipping them. Shoot, even Silver and Avaya sound like a great couple.
2. Semra's pity party takes up half the book. It's just repeated over and over that she thinks she is not worthy. It got kinda annoying.
3. Zezura feels more and more like a convenient pet than a dragon but I love how defined the other characters are.

[D.A. Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I thought the first book was a masterclass in clean, fast-paced fantasy, this second installment raises the bar in every possible way. It’s sharper, bolder, and somehow even more emotionally satisfying—an absolute gem of a sequel that deepens the world, expands the stakes, and delivers even more of what I came for: heart, strategy, and breathtaking momentum.

What stood out most to me was the addition of new POV characters. Rather than slowing things down, their perspectives added a welcome layer of richness and nuance—like extra layers of generous icing on an already perfectly baked cake. Each thread was distinct, purposeful, and tied beautifully into the larger story. The political maneuvers got more intense, the conflicts hit harder, and the world just felt bigger in the best possible way.

Honestly, this felt like a “lite” version of Game of Thrones—without the unnecessary sexual content but still filled with calculated moves, secret alliances, and characters who walk razor-thin lines between survival and sacrifice. Add to that the action-sleek flavor of Assassin’s Creed and the emotional weight and nobility of Dragonheart (yes, the one with Dennis Quaid and Sean Connery—not the strange sequels), and you’ve got something truly special. I cannot recommend this series enough. I’ve already cleared my schedule for Book 3.

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crazy prediction for book three that I’m pretty sure won’t happen: Avaya and Axis scheme together to kill Axis’s paranoid, power-hungry dad, which ends with Axis as king. They marry with a lot of pomp, and then while feelings of celebration are still high, he gets tragically killed by an “assassin,” leaving Avaya the throne all to herself, only she then is locked in a power struggle with Blaise, not as sickly and incompetent as previously thought, but ruthlessly ambitious.

Ha! That’d be awesome. Anyway. This was an interesting follow-up to the first book, with hints of things to come (obviously the magic is going to get restored at some point, for example, and SOMEONE is going to get poisoned). I didn’t love the angst between Siler, Zephan, and Semra, not just because I dislike love triangles, but because whenever it boiled over they were usually running or fighting for their lives or something, and it just wasn’t the time to get all angsty and argumentative. Like, bigger things were happening than all of their feelings. I also don’t like so much modern slang in my fantasy books, but that’s a personal preference, not a criticism. Overall I liked it, though it felt like it took a while to get through the main body of the story.

[Ashley Hobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

good sequel!

Ex-assassin Semra may have taken down the dragonlord and his army but she can’t shake the voice in her head or the suspicions from the people around the royal family. While battling rogue assassins and the feelings of inadequacies, she is desperate to leave with her dragon to find them the space they need.

When the princess is kidnapped, Semra accepts the mission to save her - final penance to the royal family before disappearing for good.

Will she be able to survive the mission alongside the prince and also survive the neighbouring king’s rage and paranoia in a war that is engulfing 2 kingdoms?

Loved this sequel. It definitely hasn’t tried to sugar coat the difficulty of breaking thru indoctrination and trauma and the insecurity of trying to shake off people’s judgement of your past. You do really feel for Semra. I wish there was more mention of the dragon though! On to the next book!

Favourite quotes include:
“There is good in the world, and even the darkest of souls can see it,” Semra said. “It’s so rare, it must be permitted to shine.”

“I think you are remarkable… brilliant… and stunningly beautiful. You do have a good heart. And I won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.”

[Kaytie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this after the first book and was not disappointed.

Here's what went well, the banter between the characters is amazing! The friendship and found family vibes are off the charts, and I loved Monac as a new character. He fit so perfectly. The characters are well thought out and believable, and the story is twisty and intense. The tension between Zephan and Semra is great, and there is a ton of action that kept things moving forward at a solid pace.
The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 like the first book is because Semra becomes super repetitive with her inner monolog, and the constant recap of book 1 events was getting old. I like a good recap sometimes if there was a key element the author wants to make sure you didn't miss but a two page recap of the same events more than once in the book was unnecessary and slowed down the plot just when it was building, and some of Semra's thoughts seemed whiny and out of character.
Even with those few deterrents, this was an awesome read, and I'm fully invested in this series! It is quickly becoming a favorite fantasy read.

[Laura Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you all I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read this book! The twists and changes the plot went through with the characters had me stressed out in the best way.

The way Semra grew so much in this book is stunning, being able to watch her learn to accept herself and trust that her past doesn't define her, while also getting to watch her change the world. 10/10. I love the way we get to see her slowly let go and see herself and the world as others see it throughout the books.

Zephans lines had me dying of laughter at times and wanting to cry at others when shown the depth of his character. Somehow despite everything he's still at goofball at heart even in the most serious of situations. He sees right through Semra and the walls she tries to build and still chooses to stay by her side through all of it, and if that doesn't show how good of a guy he really is then I don't know what will.

I can't wait to watch the rest of their story unfold and see which paths the characters choose to take in the coming books!

[Rieka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as amazing as Dragon's kiss! This series has a special place in my heart and I love the journey it takes me on. The characters just continue so grow so much even with the internal battles they have with accepting their role in life whether that be a royal or a previous assassin. The most growth we continue to see is Semra's self acceptance journey. Accepting that others will accept her for who she wants and thrives to be and not who she was forced and raised to be under 'deadly' manipulation. Avaya and Axis are my least favorite duo in this story. I had a icky feeling not to trust her and now I know why......

If you read my previous review on Dragon's Kiss or have read it yourself then you know there are two men that I believe could be a love interest in this book. I wasn't ready to choose yet but even though the affection is still shown by both in their own ways in Broken Bonds I have chosen my pick. Still not ready to fully share my pick yet cause I don't want to give any spoilers but man am I ready for book 3 (Noble Claims) to be released!! This is a must read series!!!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for book 3!

(ARC Reader Review)

It's official - E. A. Winters is entering my top 10 favorites contemporary authors list. If you like clean (no swearing or seggsy stuff), action packed, fantasy adventures that tackle everything from dragons, assassins, slow-burn romance, to PTSD, then this is the series for you.
I couldn't put it down, especially at the end.

If you like series like Renegades or the Lunar Chronicles (by Marissa Meyer), Elantris or Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson), or The Inheritance Cycle (Christopher Paolini), then this series will be right up your alley.

In this book, our main lady Semra is trying to find her place in the world after everything she thought she knew was shattered and ruined. In her attempts at rebuilding herself and righting the evils around her, everything gets turned on its head. Semra questions everything, but mostly herself. This book tackles the concept of forgiveness, both of others and oneself, in a raw manner that tugs at the readers heart.
Overall, a thrilling read!

[Annmarie Ager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Blood and Flame Saga picks up right where the last book left off. The writing maintains its easy-to-read quality, allowing me to finish the book within a few hours. The storyline was enjoyable, although there were moments when I desperately wanted to slap some characters and scream at them. It was challenging for me not to get irritated and disappointed with certain characters' behaviors, but that emotional engagement is part of the joy of reading. Semra is a complex lead character, exhibiting both strength and vulnerability. While her inner struggles sometimes frustrate me, I can empathize with her character, and I hope to see some positive changes in the next book.

Overall, the book was excellent. Was it better than the first one? I'm not certain. It maintained the same level of quality, but I can't definitively say it surpassed the first. I was content with the overall story and character development. The only aspect that slightly disappointed me was the shift between characters, something that wasn't as prominent in the first book. Nevertheless, I'm very satisfied with my reading experience and look forward to the next installment.

Rating: 4 stars

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Bonds is an action packed sequel to Dragon’s Kiss! Starting a few months after the ending of the first book, we get to see how Semra is dealing with the aftermath of discovering everything she knew was a lie. I really appreciated how Winters focused on her struggle with the trauma of everything that happened in the first book. Many strong MC’s fall into the trap of having no emotional reactions at all, and I appreciated Semra’s very realistic struggles with her self identity and self worth.

The twist of the Raven’s identity was one I guessed early on. I’m not bothered when that happens- it just means the author did a great job with foreshadowing, which is a good thing! Avaya surprised me at the end- I wasn’t expecting her to do what she did with Zephan involved, but it makes sense. I have such a deep appreciation for her character, and I really hope Semra eventually sees that she and Avaya aren’t as different as they think. Both were raised to be soldiers in their own way, and both are masters at what they do. I think they’d be a great team if they ever worked together!