Title: Bonded Fate

Author: Beck Michaels

Pub. Date: August 3, 2021

Pages: 554

Pub: Pluma Press

Genre: YA Fantasy

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Goodreads

The stakes are higher, new questions will surface, and more blood will spill in the thrilling sequel of the Guardians of the Maiden fantasy series.

Reeling from Cassiel’s confession, Dyna struggles to understand what the Blood Bond means for them both, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of a newfound enemy. When reuniting with a familiar sorceress, she realizes the only way to defeat Tarn is to find her Guardians—all of them.

Cassiel never meant to tie himself to a human, especially one that inexplicably draws him. But then the bond develops a startling change, and it puts into question everything he thought he knew.

Zev straddles the line between human and wolf, unsure if his dark thoughts truly belong to the Madness. It’s growing stronger, determined to take over—and he may just let it.

The journey to get the answers they each need will test them all. But what Dyna doesn’t know is that it comes with a price, and it may cost more than she bargained for.

This will be a spoiler free review. I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. If you want to check out my spoiler free review for Divine Blood – you can click – here. I can’t wait for my copies of Bonded Fate to show up, because this book leaves you desperate for the next one.

I’ll be honest, it took me a bit to get into this book. I remembered the majority of what happened in Divine Blood and I was really anticipating this book, but it started off a bit slow. And then it slowly builds until about the halfway mark and things just start happening. So much happens, it’s a whirlwind and I was breezing through it desperate to know what happens next.

Legit I’m just sitting here, trying to put thoughts into words, and I keep coming back to just one long exhaled “fuck” because wtf am I supposed to do now? After that ending? The emotional turmoil? The questions? The absolute heartbreak I felt multiple times in the span of mere pages?

I don’t even know if I could tell you what happened in the rest of the book leading up to the ending, because the ending has fully eclipsed everything. It is currently occupying all available space in my brain as I spiral.

Fuck.

Let’s see if I can put thoughts into words, other than “fucking go read this book”.

I loved the characters in this book – Zev needs hugs. So many hugs. He needs someone to cradle him in their arms and run their hand over his hair to soothe him. While everyone had their share of plights, hardships and trauma in this book – Zev is so lost. It hurts my soul that he’s hurting so much.

But then there’s that scene towards the end with Cassiel – fuck me. My heart broke. Actually, I guess that’s a two part heartbreak. He’s dealing with some internal shit as well, and he messes up so many times. But it’s part of the reason I love him so much. For someone who thinks he knows everything, he’s so utterly clueless, and it’s equally endearing and aggravating. Honestly, I don’t know how Dyna deals with him.

Beck just said, “Hold my drink and watch me rip out my readers hearts”.

As for Dyna – I loved that we really get to see her grow and evolve. She’s not quite as reckless, and she decides to take her protection into her own hands. She never wants to be helpless again, and that’s incredibly strong. She takes it upon herself to get stronger. She still strives to see the good in people, she’s inquisitive and doesn’t hesitate when situations seem unfair or dire. She just jumps in – again, she’s kind of stupid brave, but it works. She’s capable, but also knows that she can rely on those around her. Also, the exploration of her magic – I really can’t wait to see what comes next.

As for Rawn and Lucenna – Rawn is still a bit of a mystery and Lucenna is a really interesting addition. While I really enjoy Rawn’s calmer demeanor and levelheadedness, we still don’t know much about him. He’s the quiet one of the group, and I like that about him. Lucenna on the other hand is his antithesis and quite fun. She’s a badass, dangerous and on the run. And she can put people in their places – she’s great.

Then you have the other POV’s in this book and I loved it. I actually really like Von as a character – his plight speaks to me. He’s another one who could benefit from a hug. I’m really hoping he makes it to the end with a happily ever after. That man is hurting, and I think Beck is going to rip my heart out when it comes to him. Idk if we’re supposed to like him, or feel for him, but I do. He’s suck between a rock and a dick for a master.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. While it was a slow start, it paved the way for an explosive second half and things are well and truly underway. This world just comes to life in your mind, you feel for the characters, and you’re left with wanting more.