A supernatural apocalypse is coming. To prevent it, I’ll have to stop hiding in the shadows.I may be an elemental mage, but I prefer the quiet life. My occult bookshop barely pays the bills, but it keeps me out of the limelight.Unfortunately, things in the supernatural community aren’t so quiet. When a New York banker is found murdered — with an ancient symbol carved into his chest — the Magic … carved into his chest — the Magic Council wants me to investigate.
But I won’t be solving the murder alone. Tensions between gods and demons are heating up, so the Council gives me a partner: a powerful and frustratingly sexy fae.
And as if that weren’t enough of a distraction, now someone’s trying to kill me…
Bound by Sorcery is a fast-paced urban fantasy adventure featuring a kick-ass heroine, a hot hero, mystery, and lots of magic. Fans of C.N. Crawford, Ella Summers and Linsey Hall will likely enjoy this series.
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I received an ARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review, but all thoughts and opinions are mine!
Pretty easy to read, didn’t have any problem there.
I can say I was somewhat surprised I hadn’t read the preview or anything about this book. It is more a supernatural mystery than a romance- fantasy one. I am sure that as soon as you read it, if you have already, came into your mind the Fantastic Beasts.
The world that the story was set though not uncommon it was nicely presented. The whole book was a mystery story, in the end you will find a little bit of romance and an introduction to a new aspect of the world that by this point you’ ll have already meet.
Delightful to read. I would suggest reinforcing the mystical atmosphere, because now it is just light delightful not shocking and breathtaking.
About the cover, it doesn’t bother me but I have seen similar ones. I think that in my profile there is a book with a similar cover that I have already review. I am rather aware of that saying that advises not to judge a book by its cover, but for me, though it matters less than the actual content of the book, it is what catches the eye of the reader at first.
I will continue with the next book and I am waiting to see something that will blow my mind and not another nice story, but again breathtaking one.
Bound by Sorcery, The half-goddess chronicles book 1
Naomi and Alexandra own an occult bookshop that is losing business to another shop. The only way to get an influx of money is for Alexandra to go work for the magic counsel. What journey will she go through to find out about herself?
This is an awesome read that takes twists and turns to grip you into the story.
Love it. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy for my review.
Nicely written start to a promising series.
Little bit too fast occasionally where I feel a little bit more could be explained though it’s still an easy read.
Looking forward to seeing what Alex and Kagan get up to in the next book.
Antara Mann
I absolutely loved this book! I found it hard to put down. Everything about this book was great! I can’t wait to read more in this series. I loved the world and the characters. The writing was great and I like the relationships.
This book has wonderful characters and a great storyline. I find it to be a good fit along the lines fo Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series. If you enjoyed those books, you’ll enjoy this book. Very good!
ONE WILD AND INTENSE RIDE!!!
One gigantic collision with fate! Scenes, characters, location and details are so realistic I had no trouble interpreting each scenario as they play out right before my eyes. Twixt and twined and put through the wringer as we witness all the trials and tribulations. You get drawn into this world so deep everything else ceases to exist. Twists and turns abound with a legion of surprising circumstances that make for one thrilling experience. A churning eddy of inadvertent mishaps and a slew of surprising events launch your emotions into play with every color on the spectrum. Antara brings this baby together beautifully with a delicious storyline and gripping plot. The characters are genuine, original and believable with such depth and individuality it’s easy to relate. Amazing job Antara, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Bound by Sorcery is my first book by Ms. Mann and I was definitely not dissappointed! The storyline was fast-paced and original, filled with magic and mayhem, twists and turns, danger, adventure and hints of romance to come. The characters were well-developed and engaging. I can’t wait to read more to see where Alex’s story goes!
3.5
‘Bound By Sorcery’ book one in Antara Mann’s urban fantasy The Half-Goddess Chronicles series.
Alexandra Shaw is an Elemental Mage or that’s what she has everyone believing she is. Only her mentor and her know that there is more to her, she has other powers that an Elemental Mage’s don’t possess. All her life she’s been told to be carful who she trusts and never let anyone more powerful know about her extra abilities. But when a mysterious ritualistic killing happens and Alex is brought on as an independent investigator to help solve it. Who or what she is, is going to be revealed.
A new to me author.
An excellent start to a series from the beginning you a thrown into a world full of magic, mystery, twist and turns, magical objects, secrecy and adventure. The storyline flowed well, it was fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat.
Alex is a kicka** heroine, with unknown powers and talents. She may not be able to use her powers as she is always suppressing them, but trusting her instincts is just what she uses along with her fighting skills. Working alongside shifters and a powerful Fae can’t be easy when she is the only female and the guys are considering trying to be the one in charge. But Alex does it and keeps kicking butt.
Kagan is a hot, mysterious, powerful specimen of a hero. He may seem a but arrogant when he is first introduced in the book, but he will win your heart over in no time. Especially with his magic constantly caressing.
Brendan and Carlos both deserve mentions and recognition, but for different reasons.
Carlos the Vegetarian Tiger (I know right ) he may be a power tiger but he’s personality was welcoming, he never tried to be dominate and control everyone. He was cool, calm and friendly.
Brendan on the other hand irritated me, he was the one that begged for Alex to help out and then as soon as she gives any opinions or says something he didn’t like he would snap at her. Brendan just irked me and I’m hoping that he’s attitude and demeanor change in the upcoming books. As I can understand he was under a lot of stress with this book but it seemed as only Alex was the recipient of his bad attitude.
Recently I decided to reread Bound By Sorcery. I remembered enjoying it but had never reviewed the book. The prologue gave me the same feeling (dej́a vu here) of wtf, are you sure you want to read this? Seriously, is this Demonology 101? But even if the story itself is much less evil and gruesome, the prologue, for once, is actually useful.
Alex and her friend Naomi run a wiccan tourist trap with working potions. It is not really utilizing Alex’s talents, but we have all been there, right? Stuck in a fun but dead-end job, out-competed by a lower-priced chain store down the way. Moreover, the proprietor is sexy, personable, but gives off an odouer du evil. He hosts an after-hours talk which makes me realize why his shop is performing better (it is a pseudo-club, social meeting place, bookstore, and coffee shop rolled in with the magic….sounds B&N-ish).
The first time around I don’t think I concentrated upon the political background, because I am seeing things I missed before. What I really like is the sexual tension between Alex and her ex-boyfriend, Brendan. She is angry after he just Ghosted her for 8 months, and suddenly he calls with a —-ooohhh—— lucrative job! Unfortunately, she cannot treat him as just another professional even as she is led to a crime scene (mentioned in the prologue). Now I realize the politics: Brendan works for an agency that maintains order to keep the Demons and Gods from killing each other. Not to mention other supernaturals. The Council has a treaty that stipulates Thou Shalt Not Kill….as long as the demon hunter groups disband and stay that way. It looks like the Order of demon hunters has been involved in this killing. Everyone is horrified.
Brendan is obviously the typical TV Detective: focused, dedicated, and ignorant of a social life. When grilling a hot supermodel he completely ignores her advances. She is an amazing npc, too. I don’t know how anyone with a poor memory like mine can keep a diary and even have a clue later what is on the pages. Just saying.
There are other characters, too. Carlos the Tiger shifter vegetarian is…hopefully going to have a better development in the next novel. He was background after an initial, interesting description. Hagan the new boyfriend strangely gave me absolutely no pitter patters, and I felt no real attraction along with Alex. She has such a chip on her shoulders about her poverty and lower class, despite her obvious elemental and other powers she must keep secret, that I find no sympathy. She only sees the glass half full, and I don’t see why anyone would find her attractive right now.
The murder mystery is the theme around which the characters revolve, and it is done well. You will be surprised as to whom is running the evil show in the background, but be prepared for the supervillain’s diatribe on all of his plot.
I am so relieved to read a PNR that is not focused on teenagers, coming-of-age, and all that. All the cool concepts right now seem to be focused towards younger readers. Sometimes you want a main character who has a job and some experience already. Finally!