Beck Michaels

Bonded Fate: the Guardians of the Maiden #2

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!

JOINED BY BLOOD. BOUND BY DESTINY. 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 new found 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.

Bonded Fate: the Guardians of the Maiden #2

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