A debut high-stakes fantasy romance trilogy set against a once-in-a-generation duel to the death between rival witches and dragon riders as they battle to control the source of all magic in their kingdoms.
Romantasy is a genre I rarely reach for, but that’s about to change. If you’re new to the genre and have been looking for a place to start, this is your moment. It’s also a testament to trusting your favourite authors – when Emily Stone switches genres and teams up with her best friend Katie Ellis-Brown, you’re in safe hands. The qualities you love in her writing absolutely carry through and are further enhanced by a second voice, making this a stunning debut in the fantasy arena for them both.
The pacing in Blood Bound is excellent. Many fantasy-focused novels build towards a final battle or clash of powers, but the journey there can sometimes fall flat. Not here. The chapters leading up to the promised duel are packed with revelations, fast-paced sequences, slow-burn romance, and plenty of twists. There’s more than enough to keep readers invested from the first page to the last.
Stone and Ellis – Brown’s writing is impressively flexible. One moment you’re immersed in a tender ballroom dance scene, and a few chapters later there’s a golden pear, severed fingers, and some surprisingly grisly moments. The tonal shifts work – and they’re part of the fun.
This book will appeal to fans of Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and Quicksilver. I haven’t read those yet (though they’re now firmly on my list), so I can’t compare directly, but I can say that the “love letter to fantasy” the authors set out to write truly feels like one. While there are echoes of modern Romantasy staples, the book also taps into the spirit of childhood favourites, the magic of Terry Pratchett and the rich character-building of Philip Pullman, elevated for an adult Romantasy audience.
My hopes for book two and beyond? Simply put: more. Without spoiling anything, I’d love to see certain characters’ powers and skills developed further. Keighley, our go-to fantasy reviewer, will also be reading this one soon, so we’ll be able to offer two perspectives: one from a relative newcomer to the genre (me) and one from someone fully steeped in it.
About the Book
You cannot forfeit
Once in a generation witches and dragon riders must fight for control over the source of all magic
You cannot run
The heirs of their kingdoms, Princess Astrid and Prince Zryan, will clash in a deadly competition where the only rule is survival
You duel or you die
But when the future of their people, their lands and their lives are at stake, both will do anything to win…
About The Authors
Ellis Hunter is the pen name for Katie Ellis-Brown and Becky Hunter, two friends who wanted to write about two friends. Katie Ellis-Brown is an Irish British writer and editor who lives in Cornwall with her husband, daughter, and two familiars (black cats). Becky Hunter is a Bristol-based author, book publicist, and romance reader who is currently ruled by her two rescue ponies. They met while working in publishing and bonded over their shared obsession with fantasy. Blood Bound is a love letter to the genre and their debut novel.
Purchase the Book
This book can be purchased (pre-ordered) from our online or physical store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box.
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