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.

Firstly, a massive thank you to TeaLeavesandReads for letting me read the ARC of this book, it was a highly anticipated read for me!

Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter… where do I even begin? I had incredibly high expectations for this book, which honestly made me a little nervous to start it. So when Katy finished it first (and absolutely loved it) and passed it on to me, I waited until I had the time to really give it my full attention.

And wow, I’m so glad I did.

I follow the authors on social media, and seeing how genuinely surprised and grateful they are for the love this book is receiving just makes it even more special. The hype? Completely deserved. I truly think this will be one of the fantasy debuts of the year.

The story has a bit of everything: incredible world building, intrigue, emotion, and such loveable characters. Skylar and Astrid are so different, yet they compliment each other perfectly. I loved seeing their growth through the dual POV chapters, it added so much depth to their journeys.

I also really enjoyed the romance woven throughout the story, subtle, emotional, and well paced. And without giving anything away… I was genuinely shocked by how one of the romances I thought was definitely on the cards ended. That one caught me completely off guard.

There were definitely some oh my god moments… and more than a few tears. One chapter in particular was so beautifully written that if you don’t cry, I honestly don’t know how.

One of my favourite friendships (and there were many) was between Bastet and Kaida, I absolutely adored them, and they provided some light humour when the book got a bit darker. 

The book also explores some difficult and emotional themes, including mental health and bipolar disorder, and I thought these were handled with real care and sensitivity.

Overall, this is a fantastic debut from two incredibly talented authors. I am excited to see where Book 2 takes us after the epic ending of Blood Bound.

Dragons and witches? Truly an elite combination. 

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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