Beck Michaels

Bonded Fate

Ashlee

I am at a loss for words! My mind is blown and this was even better than the first! Forever screaming into the void over that ending! I am so happy to see Bonded Fate out in the world now, so we can all scream and flail together.

Beck Michaels really delivered in this sequel, and everything I loved about the first book was there, tenfold. 

Dyna has really come into her character arc throughout this book. One of my issues with her in the first was her stubborn naivety and innocence. Of course, I realized that was a feature and not a flaw, and it only makes her progression in this book sweeter to see. Dyna has been exposed to the realities of the world beyond her home and is more cautious, hardened, and certainly not as trusting. I really appreciated that aspect of her arc, because you can really see how much the events of the previous book (and this one!) have been molding her actions and personality.

I loved Cassiel in this book, probably even more than I loved him in the first one! He struggles a lot in this book, over his bond with Dyna and what that means for their futures and how others will regard them. Honestly, I found that so thoughtful and refreshing, rather than accept it unquestioningly, these characters truly try to consider the meaning and value behind it, as well as how it could influence their decisions. Cassiel is still broody, but he’s also so genuinely caring and compassionate, I feel like he’s going to be a true force to be reckoned with in future books. Watch out y’all.

That said, the romance and the angst in this book is SO rewarding! I was on the edge of my seat multiple times. You know that “Now Kiss!” meme? Yeah, that was me 😅 Also, get ready for the return of our all-time favorite, the THERE’S ONLY ONE BED TROPE. *woot woot*

The other characters in this really pull their weight as well. Beck Michaels does a great job of keeping us invested in the stories of her supporting characters, to the point that you forget they’re supporting characters at all. We learn a lot more about Lucenna (I was not ready for that twist!) and I am dying to see where her story goes next. I just want to give Zev a warm hug and see him happy, it hurts so much knowing how much pain he’s in and how much self loathing he experiences. I really need to see his cinnamon roll side shine and see him happy. I loved Rawn in this and am so glad he was there with us throughout this wild ride!

I am also SO intrigued by Von and Yavi. I have some serious theories there about their role in the story and prophecy, as well as the role of other characters we meet briefly (those Azure Guard members, eh eh!?🤔).

Needless to say, I loved this sequel and can say that it’s hands down, rooted this series as a favorite and one you can bet I’ll be continuing to devour. Thank you so much to Beck Michaels for sending me an early copy for review!

Aundreya Rich

"From the moment I caught you out of the sky, my life changed, the world is full of things I hate and do not need, but you... I need you." 

Wow! what a rollercoaster.

Bonded Fate follows Dyna and her guardians as they venture into new territories, find more of her guardians who are fated to be a part of the prophecy, and feelings development... friendships and a bit more romance.

Read if you love:
- Lord of the Rings or worlds full of magical creatures of every variety 
(elves, witches, wolves, angels, demons and more!)
-missions and side missions to complete on their journey (think the Witcher)
-enemies to lovers that you just want to yell "CAN YOU JUST KISS ALREADY?!?!?!?!"
-Riddles... yes if this book was a bridge I wouldn't of crossed it 😂
-character development and growth
-high fantasy series that will have many

What I was missing:
I think overall it was a great book. I think I just enjoyed some characters' story and narrative more than others, therefore some areas dragged a bit for me or felt unnecessary.

I would have loved a bit more romance growth, although that doesn't affect my rating I just love a slow build romance but with purpose and hidden moments to hang on to as my wanton heart is tortured. I think heavy romance lovers will devour this series.

Rating:
Story-⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (there were so many new characters I LOVED!!!!)
genre- high fantasy YA/NA fantasy
Steam- At this point I'll settle with more hand grazing....

Song: Half Way Home by Pines

Leah | @LeahsLittlePleasures

If you’re looking for a new epic YA fantasy adventure series, The Guardians of the Maiden series is where it’s at!!

This story has mages and magic, shapeshifters, celestials, shadow demons, fae, elves, a prophecy, guardians, myths about pirates & hidden treasure, a fated-mates / enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance, a chosen one trope, multiple POVs, and an epic quest! 😍

And the newest installment, Bonded Fate, is just as lush and whimsical and majestic with LOTR and HP vibes! We get to see lots of character development, new areas of the world, a little bit of quest progress, and potential new guardians start entering the fray!! I really enjoyed it and felt hungover after I finished 😥 I just love the world so much.

• This Installment Has •
— A quest and rebellion
— A prophecy and a foretelling
— Fae lands, revelry, and a mysterious seer
— A treacherous enemy and evil plot
— An elf, a celestial, and a werewolf
— Mages, sorceresses & magic
— Guardian, Chosen One, One Room/Bed Tropes
— Character-driven plot
— Slow burn romance
— Action filled adventure with quiet moments in between

CW: phobias (the dark and entrapment), night terrors, enslavement, thoughts of suicide

Remember, this fantasy series will have 7 books altogether, so we've still got a lot of story left! Thank you to Beck for my advanced e-copy!

Bonded Fate

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