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Tethered Souls #1
Tethered Souls
They lurk in the shadows of my cell, haunting me at the darkest hour. For many years, I have lived by the sword, filled with hatred for the creatures of the night that have overtaken my homeland… until I am captured and placed in a cell with four of them. Now my enemies are my sole companions, and working together may be the only way we survive. But these monsters are less interested in escape than they are in breaking me down in the most sinful of ways. And the longer we are together, the more I wonder if I can ever, truly leave them behind. It seems my life is now tethered to the very monsters I swore to destroy. Tethered Souls is the first in a Gay Harem series following the same characters. It is a dark fantasy, spicy, and filled with creatures that will make your skin crawl and your heart race…
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2023
131 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Zelda Knight
105 books104 followersZelda Knight is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy romance, a British Fantasy Award-winning, and NAACP Image Award-nominated editor, as well as a diverse bookseller. She’s also the publisher and editor-in-chief of Aurelia Leo, an independent Nebula Award-nominated press. Zelda co-edited Dominion: An Anthology of Speculative Fiction from Africa and the African Diaspora (Aurelia Leo, 2020), which has received critical acclaim, and Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction (Tordotcom, 2022). Keep in touch on social media @AuthorZKnight. Or, visit her website authorzknight.com. You can also email z@authorzknight.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 26, 2023
Okay I'll admit I don't understand shit at first but then it picks up, I quite enjoy it,
I just wished it wasn't sex focused and more on their relationship and individuality but still the plot was interesting enough, each character has their own personality, unlike any other stories which include so many main characters but they don't know what to do with them, and I couldn't differentiate them but their individuality shining through in this, especially clem, and Kiar.
I just wished it wasn't sex focused and more on their relationship and individuality but still the plot was interesting enough, each character has their own personality, unlike any other stories which include so many main characters but they don't know what to do with them, and I couldn't differentiate them but their individuality shining through in this, especially clem, and Kiar.
September 27, 2023
Not a bad start to a new series. Batu Sun finds himself tethered to the spirits of creatures that we usually find repulsive (mothman, naga, batbeast, and spider lord). Somehow the authors make these sexy. This story has a post-apocalyptic feel to it as the humans are fighting the ‘nocs’ for control of their world (for lack of a better word).
Batu Sun spends a lot of his time flip flopping between smashing his new harem and feeling guilty about it and wanting to break the bond. This did get kind of tedious for me, but not enough for me to drop any stars.
There are scenes of torture, but luckily after that they mention that it happened in passing. I would also say his first intimate encounter with Clem would count as dub-con. So if either of the above aren’t your thing maybe steer clear.
I am intrigued where this series goes, especially when Batu Sun meets Hadi.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Batu Sun spends a lot of his time flip flopping between smashing his new harem and feeling guilty about it and wanting to break the bond. This did get kind of tedious for me, but not enough for me to drop any stars.
There are scenes of torture, but luckily after that they mention that it happened in passing. I would also say his first intimate encounter with Clem would count as dub-con. So if either of the above aren’t your thing maybe steer clear.
I am intrigued where this series goes, especially when Batu Sun meets Hadi.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2023
This was a fun and delightful first book to a new series! This harem, monster-human, enemies to lovers book was fantastic! Sun is a human warrior who has been captured and is being held prisoner and in his cell is 3 nocturnal monsters, Clem, Kiar, Bracken and Hadi. Sun is being worked as a slave by the nocs that captured him (not his cell mates), and is being tortured. I don’t want to go into any more details because you should read the story and experience the journey as it unfolds. But the world building is amazing, the plot is interesting and intriguing and the sex scenes are spicy! The creatures are based on nocturnal creatures of our world with twists, and at first I was like uh how are the authors gonna make a moth, snake, bat or spider sexy? Well, I still don’t know how the authors did it, but bravo! The book moved very nicely, not too slow that you are bored but not so fast that you feel it is sprinting to the end. Sun struggles so much with being a prisoner and being tethered to the very creatures he hates. He is not only at war with the nocs but himself. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this journey and the road we are taking. The writing was so well done.
October 18, 2023
This was very interesting story. The world building was unique. Learning more insight into the "Nocs" and how they came to be would have added to the story.
The plot was engaging, the characters were well written. Clem was great. Each character had a level of depth to them. It's definitely worth reading if you're into monsters, enemies-to-lovers, and a host of other genres.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot was engaging, the characters were well written. Clem was great. Each character had a level of depth to them. It's definitely worth reading if you're into monsters, enemies-to-lovers, and a host of other genres.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2023
3,5 not bad at all, hoping book 2 will deliver
December 2, 2025
Basic story. Don't expect much. The premise is awesome. The book itself falls very short. There's barely any descriptions of characters. Had no idea the mothman had 4 arms until I saw a picture on the authors fb. It's mentioned later on 75%+ through.
The info dump at the beginning almost made me drop it too. There was no gradual. We were dumped with 7 characters+ and a massive world. Badly executed.
The continuous s3x in public in a high security prison, without washing, barely minimum prep and Sun has no issues is so off putting. It's laughable and gross af.
Sun never seems to really have any issues with nocs. Even after being tortured to almost death and brought back.
The fact his fellow humans turned on him after Altan witnessed him having s3x in the open with the nocs...wouldn't his 'friends' assume the worst and that he was being r4ped? Especially when they know he was being tortured to death?
The flight to the forest...what? I thought he wanted to be with humans? And...after finishing the book...what's so great about Sun? He was a dull character. Who never washed.
The info dump at the beginning almost made me drop it too. There was no gradual. We were dumped with 7 characters+ and a massive world. Badly executed.
The continuous s3x in public in a high security prison, without washing, barely minimum prep and Sun has no issues is so off putting. It's laughable and gross af.
Sun never seems to really have any issues with nocs. Even after being tortured to almost death and brought back.
The fact his fellow humans turned on him after Altan witnessed him having s3x in the open with the nocs...wouldn't his 'friends' assume the worst and that he was being r4ped? Especially when they know he was being tortured to death?
The flight to the forest...what? I thought he wanted to be with humans? And...after finishing the book...what's so great about Sun? He was a dull character. Who never washed.
October 1, 2023
Loved the unique world building in this. Sun on the cover of this book is chef's kiss, yummmy and beautiful cover! Loved the different mix of asian influences in this book (from names to locations to attire), since it's still very rare to see asian MCs.
This is a different take on other monster fking books since it involves more "uncommon" creatures we don't read much about like a spider king, naga, batbeast, and mothian. Though a bit of a slow to medium burn, the smut comes in earlier than the burn, which helps heal Sun after he's been tortured, and in turn helps Clem, Kiar, and Bracken get more solifiied forms. Hadi, being the former noc king, is still incorporeal but can at least whisper messages into Sun's ear.
I had a soft spot for Atlan, and was hoping he'd be part of the harem too, but since he has the wrong idea about Sun, not sure that misunderstanding will go away.
Eagerly awaiting Book 2! I'm as conflicted as Sun with his allegiance to the humans and his now growing feelings for his monster harem. Doesn't seem like the spider king would allow Sun to go back to the humans, and doesn't seem like he'd stop the wars between the humans vs nocs, so not sure how it'll pan out.
This does NOT end on a cliffhanger, but ahhhhh I need book 2!
This is a different take on other monster fking books since it involves more "uncommon" creatures we don't read much about like a spider king, naga, batbeast, and mothian. Though a bit of a slow to medium burn, the smut comes in earlier than the burn, which helps heal Sun after he's been tortured, and in turn helps Clem, Kiar, and Bracken get more solifiied forms. Hadi, being the former noc king, is still incorporeal but can at least whisper messages into Sun's ear.
I had a soft spot for Atlan, and was hoping he'd be part of the harem too, but since he has the wrong idea about Sun, not sure that misunderstanding will go away.
Eagerly awaiting Book 2! I'm as conflicted as Sun with his allegiance to the humans and his now growing feelings for his monster harem. Doesn't seem like the spider king would allow Sun to go back to the humans, and doesn't seem like he'd stop the wars between the humans vs nocs, so not sure how it'll pan out.
This does NOT end on a cliffhanger, but ahhhhh I need book 2!
September 27, 2023
I wasn’t sure about this book in the beginning however, as things progressed, I was captivated by this unusual world.
Batu Sun and his harem of creatures was something alright. I had so many questions but not enough answers. The suspense is built up perfectly; giving a few hints but nothing substantial.
I’m dying to know what his bonded are hiding from him and how he fits into the big picture. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding Hadi because his time hasn’t come yet, but I’m curious to see how things progress.
A good start and I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what’s in store for Batu Sun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Batu Sun and his harem of creatures was something alright. I had so many questions but not enough answers. The suspense is built up perfectly; giving a few hints but nothing substantial.
I’m dying to know what his bonded are hiding from him and how he fits into the big picture. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding Hadi because his time hasn’t come yet, but I’m curious to see how things progress.
A good start and I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what’s in store for Batu Sun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I was completely fascinated from the very start. Great world building. I found this world enthralling and, though I've never been one for cliffhangers, am so happy this is part one of a trilogy because I definitely need more! I loved the characters. Sun is a strong and skilled warrior- captured and enslaved from the page we meet him- by the nocs- nocturnal invaders the humans are at war against. Clem, Kiar, Bracken, and Hadi were also in Sun's cell, and though he could hear small sounds from them, he could not see them. Clem was my favorite. I don't want to give to much away, because figuring things out was half the fun. A fantastic start to a unique new series! I can't wait for the next book! 5 stars.
May 8, 2024
This book had very cool ideas, but it did lack a bit in the development department. The genres in this book are an interesting mash up of historical Japanese samurai vibes mixed with dystopian monster romance. So kudos for the cool mix mash. Now, the actual execution of the plot left somethings so be desired for me. There is little back story on how the Noc's originated. The book just needed more details in general for both the humans and the Noc's. I also felt like the story moved at a vary slow pace (the whole book takes place in the prison), and it got a little bit repetitive in places. Overall, it was an interesting read. I might try book two to see if it gets more fleshed out, I am intrigued and want to see where book two will lead.
October 11, 2025
Fast Paced enemies to lovers monster MM+ romance
I wasn’t expecting to find such a good monster romance randomly. I loved the character dynamics. They’re all different personalities that both conflicts and complements each other, and although there’s definitely morally grey aspects and a bit of dubcon, the character seem to generally care about each other. The spice and relationship progression was paced well alongside the POW captivity plot and I’m interested to see how the protagonists role with his human friends and empirical responsibilities progresses. There’s lots of conflicting emotions that make it an exciting read. Overall, an enjoyable forced-proximity poly MM enemies to lovers romance with action, spice, and intrigue.
I wasn’t expecting to find such a good monster romance randomly. I loved the character dynamics. They’re all different personalities that both conflicts and complements each other, and although there’s definitely morally grey aspects and a bit of dubcon, the character seem to generally care about each other. The spice and relationship progression was paced well alongside the POW captivity plot and I’m interested to see how the protagonists role with his human friends and empirical responsibilities progresses. There’s lots of conflicting emotions that make it an exciting read. Overall, an enjoyable forced-proximity poly MM enemies to lovers romance with action, spice, and intrigue.
October 17, 2023
Well, monsters and... was this supposed to be romance? There were definitely erotic pieces interwoven with a bit of torture or captivity. It seemed more like addiction and kind of questionable consent due to power imbalances... After all, Sun is mightily outnumbered, though the spirits all seem to magically fall for "something" special yet undefined about him. Which may simply be addiction all around! Breathing is addictive like that! Interested to see where we go from here.
December 17, 2023
Absolutely a fantastic read!! I couldn’t put it down. Literal enemies to lovers, hatred to understanding, jealousy, and an amazing storyline. This book has it all. Sun is the best of the best of all human warriors. He is captured in battle and stuck in a cell with the monsters he hates but is unable to see or fight them. We follow him being degraded and tortured by the enemy, while the shadows in his cell help sooth and heal him when otherwise he would be dead.
The character development is extremely interesting to watch as things god from utter distrust and hatred to a mutual dependency and and attachment.
I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
The character development is extremely interesting to watch as things god from utter distrust and hatred to a mutual dependency and and attachment.
I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
October 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I typically like Sienna Sway and love the Mismatched Prince series, so I was excited to see a new series coming out by her (and Zelda Knight). This book had monsters, enemies-to-lovers, harem romance, and so much spice! It was a shorter book too, super fast paced, so it read very quick. I look forward to the next book in the series. (Just a tiny tid-bit extra: I was positively OBSESSED with Clem, and I can't wait for more of his moth-y cuteness in the next book!).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2023
Bitter Enemies to Reluctant Lovers
Batu Sun is the famed noc slayer, but he was taken as a prisoner of war in the latest battle. In his dungeon cell, four noc ghosts haunt him, Mothian Clem, Naga Kair, giant batman Bracken and the shadowy, barely present Hadi. What these ghosts want and how they go about getting it makes for a fascinating and intricately woven tale of battle, lust and apparent betrayal. I loved this unique story with its exotic feel and monstrous characters. The web they’re weaving is growing ever more tangled - I’m excited to read what’s next for these characters.
November 23, 2023
🍍 Read for the 2023 Weaponized Bingo of Pineapple-y Doom™ (WBoPD™) challenge at Weaponized Pineapples 🍍
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October 25, 2023
I'm thoroughly intrigued by the fantasy and warfare elements of this book, including the depictions of the various "nocs." However, while I developed a liking for the main human character, Sun, and the individual creatures he finds himself bound to, I had trouble feeling an emotional connection to anything that might eventually turn into a relationship. That being said, I look forward to the next book to see where this unlikely collection ends up next.
September 29, 2023
delicious
Warning this book does end with a cliffhanger.
But overall it’s so good and fresh that I haven’t read another interesting book in awhile. I get like an Asian vibe with this book because of the characters name. I can’t wait for part 2.
Warning this book does end with a cliffhanger.
But overall it’s so good and fresh that I haven’t read another interesting book in awhile. I get like an Asian vibe with this book because of the characters name. I can’t wait for part 2.
tbr-i-own
October 3, 2023I own this book & am guilty of reading the smut scenes & some of end lol. This is definitely different as we see monsters that we don't see much, in an asian setting no less. I am gonna binge this when the series is complete! I'm excited & hope it's good 🔥.
March 14, 2024
Mr wap
This was absolutely good!! I haven’t read a book this good in so long!!! There’s so many unwanted questions, where did these beings come from? Why won’t they leave ? How long have they been in control. What happened to the rest of the world .
This was absolutely good!! I haven’t read a book this good in so long!!! There’s so many unwanted questions, where did these beings come from? Why won’t they leave ? How long have they been in control. What happened to the rest of the world .
August 26, 2024
There wasnt any real "breaking" but I'm sure next book will have more master/pet elements. Was surprised how quickly Sun got with the monsters considering he's the top guy in the human army and known as the Noc Slayer. But his inner turmoil over it is well written.
September 28, 2023
Tethered Souls was an enemies to lovers with monsters loves and a harem entanglement. And I loved it!!!.
November 23, 2023
dnf @58%
Insta-lust and a character that's supposed to be being abused and rotting in a cell and doing high intensive manual labor... having sex right in his jail cell. Just like that.
Insta-lust and a character that's supposed to be being abused and rotting in a cell and doing high intensive manual labor... having sex right in his jail cell. Just like that.
July 6, 2024
DNF 51%
July 12, 2024
obsessed!
This is such a unique story! Truly I can’t get enough. These five keep such a delicate balance, how will it work in the long run??! So excited for more!
This is such a unique story! Truly I can’t get enough. These five keep such a delicate balance, how will it work in the long run??! So excited for more!
Read
August 17, 2024Love this
Couldn't find a book to get interested in anx then I stumbled across this!! It's a spicy monster loving , exciting ride. Can't wait to read book 2
Couldn't find a book to get interested in anx then I stumbled across this!! It's a spicy monster loving , exciting ride. Can't wait to read book 2
December 29, 2024
KINDLE UNLIMITED
Loved! I was hooked from the first page, and my interest never waned. The Noc verse Human harem aspect is interesting and hot.
Loved! I was hooked from the first page, and my interest never waned. The Noc verse Human harem aspect is interesting and hot.
dnf
January 23, 2025nope, that’s too strange for me
dnf at 35%
dnf at 35%
April 15, 2025
After a bit of a shaky beginning, this turned out to be an interesting and unique story. I’m still not sure how I feel about the forced attachment between Sun and the nocs, but I’m hoping that relationship softens as it further develops. I am interested to see what the next book brings.
February 11, 2024
This was something different. But I don’t know if I really like it. Like it’s interesting in its own way but I wasn’t really swallowed up by the story, so don’t know if I’ll go ahead and buy the next one in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews