Five gifts, three elements, and two bonds at my disposal, yet I find myself chained to a table in my father’s clutches. Unfortunately, he’s not the only nightmare here that’s ready to take a piece out of me. As enemies make themselves known and unexpected allies join the fight, I’m left standing at multiple crossroads. I laid a path for my men and my family to follow so they could find me. But I never would have guessed that a path was being laid for me to find myself. When the past sheds some light on which way to go, I can’t help but wonder, what new secrets will I have to keep? Which ones can I let be known? Elementra knows. Past, present, and future. She’ll show me.
Welcome back to the realm of Elementra where you'll find, magic, shifters, possessive/overly protective men, bonds, secrets, and so much more! Gift from the Nexus is a full-length reverse harem Romantasy novel and book 3 of the ongoing series, so expect a cliffhanger of some degree. It may have triggers for some as it has intense, flashback and real time mental and physical abuse to our FMC (not from our MMC’s), violence, delicious angst, steamy situations, gritty language, and other adult situations. Please read content warning in the book. Intended for ages 18+.
Willa Rae is a debut indie author trying to bring the magical and nonmagical, wild, crazy, and questionable stories she creates in her mind to you. Her list of WIP’s is a mile long which fuels her coffee, reading, and fictional men addiction.
So stay tuned and join Willa on her journey as she explores her life as a romance author!
The author set up the h with a very traumatic life but doesn't seem to want to deal with a character that is in fact traumatized. In the book 1 and 2 the h would have panic attacks. She didn't have one panic attack in this book. She doesn't seem to have any sort of problem with intimacy with her Nexus men. Yet her only experience with intimacy before them was being violent raped over and over again. So, the only type of sex she knew was by being repeatedly being beaten, tortured and raped yet is just fine with intimacy. I mean no hang-ups what-so-ever. No problem with any position. No problem with being bound, tied, spanked. Seriously?! NOPE!! I definitely don't buy this. The h doesn't see a therapist, talk to a counselor. In fact not once was a mental health professional even mentioned.
It's like the author wanted the trauma to have something to write about but now wants a character that is heathly and trauma free.
I saw more and more similarities between J. Bree's series "The Bonds That Tie" and this one, especially with the men in the harem.
-Draken vs Gage both shift into a dragon, both are the playful, joyful, friendly character and the youngest man in the harem. -Tillman vs Gryphon: both lead tactical team/EF, both can listen into other people's thoughts, both are massively built. -Caspian vs Nox: Both had a traumatic experience. Both have powers in darkness aka shadows. Both are the scholars of the group; both are originally distrustful of the h and the last to bond. -Constance vs North: Both are leaders in their world/community, both lookout for the group. Both are uber controlling. Both are the oldest member of the group.
I think they might be the same age as their counterpart. They definitely are the same in terms of who is oldest, 2nd oldest, youngest etc.
There is a big hint at the end that no one should actually need since it was already pretty obvious.
Great 3rd book. I might spoil it for some but I’m gonna say it anyways. I’m really glad she wasn’t in the bad guys hands for to long. There was a ton of torture just to inflict pain, but throughout it all, Willow kept a calm head, played down her powers and strength which I think was exactly what she needed in order to break free. Donald her rapist husband that she was sold too from her dad now has invisible powers, her dad’s power was also explained, and it explained so much. He gets high from people’s pain, hers especially powers his for weeks at a time. Truly, it was heart breaking to read but she needed information, and information she got. Cece, her friend that taught her by her special tree growing up, is talking her through it all through her memoria stone. It’s still not explained who Cece is, but Lykan her blood brother knows who he is even if he chose to have his memory removed. Willow saw the event where her mother and nexus was found when he was just a boy, and CeCe was there to take care of him. I thought maybe Cece was in her mother’s nexus, but if that was the case he would have died too. I want it to be Gastors other Guardian, since he disappeared. But no one has brought up this characters name nor does Willow ever say his name Cece to Gastor. When Jamie (Oakley’s nexus member, who is also Willows Perfecta anima-sister bond) walked away from them all when he heard his printer dinging that some heavy news was going to be brought to light but it was the best kind of news. She’s got a brother and it’s no wonder they always felt comfortable around each other. Each book shies more n more away from the academy and more towards her saving the realm because she is Elementra’s favourite. She has her own Sight gift, she has all 4 elements, earth, wind, water and fire, then each of the guys secret special ability, Corentine’s blinding bright, Caspian’s shadows, Draken’s dragon shifting, and Tillmans mind transference, along with Oakley’s element of finding people if their taken, along with Gastors as well, I think it has to do with knowledge. She’s got powers upon powers and seems to adjust really quickly having them and using them with ease. Now that they all bonded, thank god, as it feels like it took forever, they are all better prepared to protect people. The relief she felt when her father Franklin died after she killed him, I felt it too. What he put her through growing up, was really hard to read, all her flashbacks, including the current torture she was put through the 20% of the book broke my heart. She’s so kind, caring, loving when she never had a parental figure in her life to show her that, Cece had removed the memories of them from her so she didn’t remember that person either growing up. It was the perfect time for her to kill him after he dropped a truth bomb on her. Well it was her “grandfather”, the grand Summan Master. No names were released, but they had a feeling maybe he was related to one of the blood families that fought to be the ruler before Corentines grandmothers nexus won. We also learned how special Willows blood is, alongside her mother and her grandmother. Willow is able to free the Keeper, the Vampire lord from being tethered to the Summan Master, breaking the silver cord the Summan master wrapped around his neck binding the keeper to the Summan Master. It’s also learned that Caspians torturer when he was 15 and taken, tried to have the Keeper perform a mating bind on him but it wouldn’t take, which Caspian never thought about and had forgotten amongst the many other torture he went through but he remembered after mating with Willow. The Keeper recognized him, and Willow threw us a curveball! Her visions aren’t prevalent to us anymore so the reader gets surprised along with her men when things come to pass, but Draken is the keepers Son! Say WHAT! Dreicer the keeper, doesn’t immediately recognize him until Willow tells him. She saw the memory where they Summan master left a female for him to bond with but he couldn’t help the Summan master have more control over the people he loves so he let her go. Turns out, she was pregnant, with Draken. Who we learned in the first book how he was found wandering by a farmer who took him in, he was a toddler and after he got to preteens, he was the beating bag of the farmer. Beating him black and blue when he got drunk, which is how his gift came out in a blaze of glory, lighting the hay he was suppose to bring to market and sell but Draken panicked and grew into a dragon. Which took off and ate the drunken douche farmer. That’s when the guys found him. Crazy. I feel like the story we were told how Willows mom getting re captured because she saved a kid, that’s gonna be one of her guys too. There’s all these Easter eggs in each book and this one ties them all together. I re read the first 2 books before reading this one, this review will allow me to read the next one without re reading the first 2 books, when 5th comes out in Dec.
Have tissues ready when you read this book! Gah it was just so good, i couldn’t put it down! I think i need to start calling willa the queen of cliffhangers 🙈😂. This series just gets better and better. Bring on book 4!
There is nothing new or super unique here, yet I devoured all three books in a matter of days, so I guess you could say I'm hooked.
Reading some reviews about the first book, I noticed some complaints about the writing. I wouldn't say it's perfect, but not everyone can write beautifully structured prose. Where this truly author shines is digging deep into character and exploring how the past continues to shape character long after you've moved on.
I still find Willow very likeable. She can act childish at times with the clapping and being carried around like a toddler, but then I remind myself how she grew up love-starved and touch-deprived, and who could really blame her for a little regressing? She's one of the more empathetic characters I've come across, always willing to look at things from another's POV. I love that she's compassionate and can factor in when somebody's bad choices are motivated by desperation. But she's no doormat. She has just the right amount of ruthlessness when it comes to those who can't be redeemed. She does have a tendency to play martyr, but only when no other options present themselves. I also like how she keeps collecting family. I saw the Lyker thing coming a mile away, but I was glad when it was revealed. Hope to see more of them bonding in future books. All in all her growth remained consistent. It was satisfying to see her stand up to the men who terrified her at the beginning of the series, and even better to see her prevail over them.
Plotwise, there was steady momentum. We learned that the rebels and the cult from Willow's past were one and the same, and that their number one objective was to get her back. On a personal level, Willow continued her magical education, dealt with terrifying visions she couldn't talk about, planned for surviving these upcoming incidents and solidified her bonds with her Nexus. The pacing was fast, but never so fast that she neglected her relationship with Oakly or Gaster.
The worldbuilding showed a marked improvement. The author did a good job of working in details about the realms, the history of Elementra, the politics, the portals, and The Mastery without it feeling like clunky exposition. The magic system is interesting, if a little unsophisticated. Willow is incredibly over-powered, so that there's no question of a doubt whether she can defeat anyone she's up against. But at least each level-up was introduced slowly with time for her to practice.
By the end of the third book, the romantic storyline was locked in, but the journey to get there was often frustrating. It felt like I waited forever for Willow and Caspian to complete their bond. It seemed like every time he and Willow were having a moment, Draken would swoop in and steal her away, and every time I turned a page and saw that the next POV would be Draken's or Tillman's, I wanted to scream, knowing thee would be no progress on the Caspian front. Note to authors: when your slow burn makes me resent the other characters, it's too damn slow. Still, each relationship found ways to be meaningful on its own as well as through the overall group.
Any author can pluck a few traumatic events from thin air and call it a tragic backstory. I appreciated how this author went to lengths to show how their painful pasts still effected and influenced their present-day behavior.
Boyfriend ranking: 1. Caspian - always. It took forever for them to get there, but it was oh so satisfying once it happened. We' were given a few hints about the woman who hurt him, but I never expected it to go that dark. It was so hard seeing it through the eyes of a fifteen year old boy who had no idea what was happening or why. Not only do I love him best, but I love him for Willow. Their story is beautiful to me in how he's endured much of the same things and instinctively knows what she needs most at any given time, and when to challenge her to be upfront. 2. Corentin - I ached for him so much. These books beautifully illustrate how he became the reserved control freak we meet at the beginning. Subconsciously, he believes that he could've rescued Caspian faster, prevented his aunt from being killed, and stopped his uncle from dying, if only he was there when they needed him. He wasn't there because he magic was out of control and destructive, and he lost control of it because of the fear and helplessness he was feeling. It's easy to see how he would draw a straight line between emotion and tragedy, and would spend his life learning how to regulate his feelings. Or at least trying to. I really like and connect with his character. 3. Draken - Here I was, being thoroughly annoyed with him for being a shallow and possessive attention whore who doesn't even understand how annoying it is for him to use "little wanderer" in every third sentence. And then he had to go and flip the script on me! There's a scene where he describes how everyone whispered and looked at him like a monster after he emerged as a dragon. And he goes on to explain how he created this persona of always being over-the-top friendly and happy go lucky so that nobody would be afraid of him. And I just wanted to hug him and cover him with a soft blanket and apologize to him for having mean thoughts. I'd still be happy to never hear "little wanderer" again, though. What's up with that? She doesn't even wander. 4. Tillman - he's warm, he's thoughtful, he designs cute clothing. It's not you, Tillman, it's me.
DNF 54%. Book one was great, book two was meh, and book three is just simply boring. I rarely RARELY quit, and, unfortunately, it was one of these instances.
Well at least this wasn’t a bad cliffhanger :/ but it was a cliffhanger nonetheless 😔. Even though the chapters are long, I never feel like I’m taking too long to get to the next one. The author does a really good job of keeping you entertained all throughout the book, even in the “low points” … if you can even call them that because something is always happening or there’s always a new piece of key information you get…like the damn ending 😒 I’m glad Caspian’s character is finally developed enough to be ready to bond with Willow after all he’s been through. Also, Draken’s father being revealed in this book was suuucchhh a shock to me, idk if it’s just me but I wasn’t looking for that all.
I think this may be top 3 in fantasy series for me maybe even taking the number 2 spot behind FBAA 🤭 can’t wait to continue this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had trouble continuing reading 2/3 of the way through the book, the pace was slow and I thought I wasn't going to finish the book. But finally after that point, the action started again and the ending was really exciting. To be continued!
Willow and her guys have grown, as well as the size of Willow’s family. Bonds popping up all over the place. I was glad to see some of my predictions come true.
This one ends on a blatant cliffhanger… like right in the middle of a conversation. I hate those.
See my notes, highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy reading.
Disclaimer: I’m going to review it without spoilers at the top, then create a line and anything below that line will be spoilers. Do with that what you will.
This book is EXACTLY what I’ve been hoping for this series. I could sense the potential in books 1 and 2, but they both fell sorta flat. But this book? Exactly what I needed. There are still some irritations but they pale in comparison to the rest of the book.
What I liked: - Right from the start, this book was different than the others. Chapter 1 was insanely powerful and emotional and instantly hooked me. - The pacing of this book was consistently great. There’s SO much that happens, but I never got a sense of being rushed. - Many of my questions were answered in this book + soooooo many plot twists and surprises. - Additional new characters that you can’t help but enjoy. - New gifts and shifters - The amount of wholesome content is astounding in this one. I was constantly tearing up. - This series does found families sooooo well. And Willow just collecting people like they’re pets 😂 - THE ENDING!?!? Holy. Shit.
What I didn’t like: - Such a little thing but people always give her healing potions as if she doesn’t have a pocket dimension with ones stored in them herself. - There’s a lot of weeping in this book. Not bad but sometimes it’s happening during high-intensity moments and it gives off the “women can’t help themselves from being emotional” vibes kinda vs taking situations seriously. - I’d really love a map for this book. I struggle to visualize things and I can’t help but be confused about this realm.
SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT ————————————————————
What I liked: - Chapter 1. Up until this point, I really didn’t care for Corentin but holy hell was this an intense and emotional chapter. Starting the chapter with a flashback for when Caspian got kidnapped was ingenious and the scene was intense. Them screaming for each other left me with chills. Then going into the men losing their minds, Corentin blaming himself, and him losing control of his powers. Just everything about this first chapter roped me in. - I typically hate meek/insecure FMCs and candidly haven’t loved Willow for this very reason. With that said, her admitting that she herself (regardless of the men) finds herself ugly with her scars was raw, vulnerable, and powerful. It showcased how insecurities aren’t about other people but instead about how you view yourself. It’s how insecurities should be handled vs just constant validation and then they’re just magically happy and healed. - The emphasis on Corentin’s new MALE assistant had me laughing. It was such an intentional emphasis and I love Willow’s possessiveness, so it made it all the better. I also loved that you got a little view into why the assistant was chosen. - Willow’s mom knowing her own outcomes and yet still voluntarily getting captured, raped, etc was intense. - The flashback vision of her being inside CC and seeing her mom and her Nexus and watching them have to leave Lyker was so heartwrenching 😭 and the storyline of her having an actual family member and not just found family is nice. - I love that the men are starting to deflect to Willow more and giving her the respect she deserves. She makes last-minute changes to the Forbidden Forest plan and they just lean into it. She makes them go to Lyker to tell him that he’s her brother. She sentences her father to death the way she deems necessary. Homegirl is finally taking action. - Her making all of them cum at her commend was fucking hot. And her shooting out purple lava while she’s orgasming? Epic. - I love Dyce. He’s so sweet for a dad and giddy. While also being a super creepy shifter. - Draken Quote: So my personality isn’t completely fake. It’s definitely been exaggerated in order to fit in better, make people like me more, but I really do enjoy making people laugh, making my little wanderer blush, joking and making the guys uncomfortable from time to time. Now, though, if I don’t want to act a certain way, I don’t have to. // THIS. Authors never showcase this. The human complexity of being yourself but also sometimes pushing it even further just for the sake of people and masking your negative emotions that you should feel comfortable showing and allowed to show. And this being a trait that one of the MMC’s does vs women always just manipulating themselves was so refreshing. It always bothered me that Draken was this simple, happy guy because it felt forced and this validated that and allowed some additional character development. - Gaster introducing Willow & Oakley as his granddaughters 🥹 He’s such a wholesome additional and I just love him and his eagerness to love them. It’s such a soft love that most books don’t have. Plus I love him calling the guys “boys” or saying “child” - Caspian’s rape. Again, so many times this is only a female character thing, but this is very real for many men. It was such an intensely emotional scene and I’m glad it was showcased. - Willow waking up to water in her lungs and drowning was so intense. It was also nice to see that something wasn’t effortless for her for a moment since every other power came with a level of control. I love seeing her men panic too because it just shows how much they truly care and love her. - Her and Caspian being passed out in bed together and all you can see is his nose peaking out from her hair being sprawled everywhere was such a funny moment. - Keeper is Draken’s dad!? Was NOT expecting this (maybe I’m just slow?) and it was so good. Plus Keeper just instantly being devoted to him was so cute. I really hope we see more of Keeper in future books because I really am loving him. - Tanith being a dragon!? Like an actual dragon. I was expecting her to be a human/vampire and I was so confused by Keeper’s love of Draken’s mother while also having a “treasure” and this all came together and made sense. Also, her feeding off knowledge was a cool trait vs food. - All of their powers growing and how Willow just starts knowing stuff is pretty cool. You see more of sassy her in this book too. - HOLY. SHIT. The ending had me literally gasping. I loved Aurora’s mouthiness to her men and then she goes and says filia mea? CHILLS.
What I didn’t care for: - They’re in the middle of a major battle and they just stop to hug and weep? Like wtf. Like these women are powerful and it just seemed illogical. - Similar to the above, the damsel thing is getting old. Willow crumbles to the ground and sobs and can’t hold herself up when hearing bad news? She’s had a life FULL of trauma and you’re powerful. I know there’s a level of “she’s comfortable with her men and can break down” but it just seems off. I’d like more cold responses because she can dissociate and what not. That’s some real trauma responses. - The assumption that Lyker was Franklin’s kid vs her mom’s was really confusing and didn’t make a whole lot of sense. I don’t know why but it was just very disruptive and left me sorta scrambling. Especially when her mom had 200 YEARS with her Nexus. Like you didn’t think she was getting her freak on? - Quote: This charming little cottage appealed to Willow, though, despite its size. Other than the fact she knew her mom lived here, it’s small and cozy. Homely. She wouldn’t want to live somewhere like this permanently. She needs her space so she can have alone time when she wants it, so all of us sharing a room twenty-four seven would never work. // This logic just felt off. It felt like her men (I can’t remember whose chapter this was) were glomming their opinions on her. Everything about Willow is cozy. Yes, she loves material things like her bathroom and her clothes. But it just felt like they were trying to make her seem materialistic or something when I feel like Willow would love a small cottage. - I’d have liked to see more of a reaction to Caspian’s scars. - I mentioned it already but the real sizing confuses me. They can fly for 15 minutes and be to the castle? And they make it seem like the Central isn’t that large, meanwhile the castle is massive? Just a minute detail that doesn’t add up fully.
I’m close to giving this book 5 stars!! I just love this world created by the author so much! It’s only my second journey into the world of RH (reverse harem) and I didn’t think I could get on board with one female having multiple partners. It just seemed too kinky, but Willa is on point with the relationships she develops and the nexus group coupled with their true primary just makes sense and is so hot! 🥵
The beginning of book 3 has Willow in the hands of the rebel group called the mastery. She’s back in her tormentors hands and I have to say, it’s really hard to watch. Typically, I can be a skimmer when I read but with these books??! I’ve not wanted to miss a single phrase of what’s happening. But, with the torture the FMC endures in the first of the book, I found myself skimming over parts of it bc it’s so hard to watch. I am thankful that it didn’t last too long tho. I love how she comes into her power even more and breaks down the barrier keeping Oakley from tracking her and her men from rescuing her. It’s a bad ass scene!
Once they return from rescuing her, Corentin is eat up with guilt that he could have saved her so Willow senses his unease through the bond and she goes to him. Corentin is a control freak and she helps him learn to let go and they complete their bond. I love that Willow takes charge in this scene and she’s on top during the beginning of their love making, bonding scene. It just goes to show you the power she has over changing her nexus men to make them more complete. You wanna read to learn more! And towards the very end of the book Caspian FINALLY gets his shit worked out enough to complete their bond. I love that he challenges her to get out of her comfort zone during sex. It’s fucking hot!! Caspian is not my fav but I do love him (Draken is my fav!) But you learn more about Caspian’s torture and both he and Willow can relate to one another on that front. Love love love how the author develops the relationships in this book. I love how each of her men help her overcome a different part of her struggles. The love and devotion they all feel is just warm and snuggly. At the very end, you can tell something is off with Willow and you learn that she has to make them one completed unit by having sex with all of them at one time. You think that would be too kinky to endure but they each have their time with her and it’s not some weirdo scene. It’s warm and comforting. They are finally fully bonded and you can feel the love and support from all of the members of the nexus growing and glowing! Love it!!
The plot continues to advance and Willow learns more about her mother and that she has a blood brother. Lyker!! I knew we would hear more about him but I totally didn’t predict that he would share the same mom as Willow. You learn that even though Willow’s mom must endure part of her life with Willow’s piece of trash dad, she also gets 200 years with a completed nexus. Lyker is the child from the Nexus! But he has him memories taken from him and only gets them back with Willow. I love this part of the book so much. They break down a ward that’s around a special place Lyker found but he doesn’t know why. They discover a hideaway mean just for Lyker and Willow to find. It’s a cottage and a greenhouse. They find pictures of their family and it’s just so precious. You need to read it to find out all the deets to this heartwarming scene.
So, the plot continues to thicken and Willow starts learning about a new character named Keeper that’s in the forbidden forest. We know he’s going to have some answers for the overall plot but we don’t know how. As they learn how they’re going to get into the forest, Willow learns that Keeper is a vampire with ties to another realm but the details are vague. We also watch as he is given a “gift” from the summons master (the supreme bad guy of the rebels) and it’s a woman. She must keep a bag over her head and keeps wants nothing to do with her at first. The bag over her head thing is a bit strange but I reckon it’s just to keep her from growing closer to Keeper. Keeper and the woman with the bag over her head are secluded away in keeper’s home but eventually grow closer and they start having intimate moments together. When keeper realizes that this woman is wanted by the mastery, he acknowledges that he cannot keep her and he helps her escape. We never learn her name or her identity.
We also figure out that the summons master has bound keeper to him with a silver leash that will behead him if he tries to remove it. As Willow dream walks with another new character, she finds that Keeper has a bonded love that’s been kept in a cave for hundreds of years, Tanith. Willow dream walks with Tanith and Tanith helps Willow figure out how to remove the silver leash from keeper. As they actually begin to infiltrate the forbidden forest, you learn that Willow knows how to free him and they find their way to tanith’s cave. But of course the mastery shows up and there’s a brawl but thankfully no one is hurt and they manage to rescue both Tanith and Keeper from the forest.
During the infiltration of the forest, we discover that Draken is actually Keeper’s son!!!! Wtf? Totally didn’t see that one coming. It’s confusing at first bc Tanith is his bonded. Oh and btw, she’s a full blooded dragon. Tanith is his bonded but it doesn’t really explain the bond yet. And it makes you wonder if Tanith isn’t Drakens mom. But, I’m fairly confident that the woman who was a gift for keeper with the bag over her head that he becomes intimate with is actually Drakens mom. It doesn’t go into detail in this book but it eludes to the fact that the woman he loves and has sex with but helps her escape will actually be Drakens mom. And as you already know, Drakens mom is an addict and he loses her when he’s like 4 years old. It makes sense that she would be a prostitute and an addict unfortunately bc after keeper sends her out of his cabin, even tho it doesn’t tell you what happens, you can imagine that it would have been a hard life for her after leaving keeper. And since they had sex, it would make sense for Draken to be the child of that coupling. Anyway, that’s a bit of guess work that I’m sure the author will solidify in the coming books.
Well, it’s December 14 and I’m done with books 1-3!! Can’t wait for book 4 to come out in TWO days!! At the very end of the book, you meet willows mother in law, Corentin and Caspian’s mom. She calls Willow filla mea and basically the book ends asking what that means. The character in Willows memories has called her that from the beginning of book one. But even though Willow has been getting part of her memories back piece by piece due to the memory stone gifted to her in book one, you don’t know the identity of the person who helped her throughout her whole life. That person has coached her and taught her magic all throughout her life and bits and pieces of her memory have come back to Willow through the gift of the stone. Soooo… the author wants us to think that maybe her future mother in law was CC all along? (The character guiding her memories??) maybe??? I am hoping we find out more on this in book 4!! Omg, I can’t wait!! 🙌♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is absolutely amazing!!! I read all three books that are out in 3 days! The writing, the story telling, the romance are all right up my alley.
This part is a recap for me for when book 4 comes out because these books are really long to reread but ya never know.
Willow is the female main character who is 26 years old. She was brought to Elementra by Gaster who is she has a guardian bond with. Her mates are Corentin (light bender, air magic, headmaster, likes to be in control, blames himself for Caspian being taken) Caspian (brother to Corentin, shadow walker, water magic, dark aura, burn the world down for fmc) Tillman (mind reader and communicator, earth magic, cousin to Corentin and Caspian, his mother died while saving Caspian when they were younger, he has a calming personality, leader of the elemental forces) Draken (dragon shifter, high energy, fire magic, father is Keeper who is the king of vampires who was taken by the mastery to put runes on their followers) Keeper has a dragon named Tannith who they saved when battling the mastery. The leader Summun something is the leader of the mastery is also Willow’s grandfather. Willows father Franklin was killed in the prison. Franklin tortured Willow and abused her since she was a child. He sold her to Donald who was her husband. Donald is alive. Willow has a brother named Lyker who is the alpha of a wolf pack and they saved their primary Aria. He shares a mother with Willow. Oakley has a sister bond with Willow, she is also has a tracker ability and has her own nexus with Ry and Jamie etc. Willow has the seer gift meaning she can see the future but can’t tell anyone. She adopted her nexus’s abilities and enhanced them. At the end of this book, she meets the queen Aurora who is Corentin and Caspian’s mother and is about to learn what filia mia means which is the voice in her head who guided her when she was tortured and growing up called her. That voice is named CC. We don’t know who it is to Willow. She also has a memoria stone which locked her memories and gives her snippets of information at random points. Gaster is really old and he has the ability to read auras. Willow can kinda track and read auras like her other bonds. Codi is a sleeper who can put people to sleep and he has a bond with a guy who the rest of the nexus is taken by the mastery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Unfortunately this was a DNF 67% for me. The main character just cries too much. It seemed every other second she’s crying over something. She’s too ‘woe is me’ for me to deal with. Suddenly she finds out she has a brother and she’s curled over crying. She gets a vision and she’s curled over crying. Absolutely any little thing to upset her and she’s crying. I understand she’s been through a lot but I don’t want to read about a character who cries over every little thing. It gets repetitive and super annoying.
It also felt like the author just came out of the blue with random things to keep the story line going. Gave me soap opera vibes.
What was the point in her having a brother? It came out of nowhere and felt like it was only introduced because the story had a lull. Also, the author never revealed the dad’s response to her saying she had a brother. Anticlimactic.
Also, I hate how she gained everyone’s powers. I wish the author would have just let her develop as herself with the sight. She didn’t need the other powers to be a bada**. It also made the other characters seem pointless. She doesn’t need a tracker anymore. What’s the point to seeing people’s auras when she never uses it. It’s like she was just collecting powers to try and make her seem awesome but it backfired.
I am not a fan of her necklace either. I feel like the author uses it as a crutch when the main character can’t do something. Her necklace heats up and suddenly she can do it now because she learned it in a forest while growing up but it was blocked from her. Or, she doesn’t know something and suddenly she’s that person reliving their entire life. It felt like a bunch of filler as well as the author trying to fill plot holes.
Overall, I’m sad that I’m not sticking around to see her final bond but the only thing I feel I’ll be missing is a bunch of crying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved how the story continues to focus inward, even as the external stakes remain sky-high. Watching Willow rediscover herself — through trauma, memory, and magic — was one of the most impactful arcs so far. I really appreciated that her strength isn’t shown as invulnerability, but as resilience, rage, and clarity earned through pain. I also loved how her relationship with the guys evolved, there’s more emotional honesty, connection, and vulnerability between them now. More and more secrets are coming to light, but with every answer, new questions emerge — and I can’t wait to keep reading and uncover how everything began. That cliffhanger was brutal, but I just know the next book will reveal even more truths.
Writing/Plot: The writing continues to be intense, blending emotional depth with high-stakes fantasy. The pacing hits a perfect balance — tight and suspenseful where it needs to be, but also allowing space for introspective, character-driven moments. The plot is rich with twists and reveals, and the slow unraveling of layered truths creates a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience. Characters: Willow faces brutal, raw challenges —both physical and emotional — and comes out stronger, though not unscathed. The guys continue to evolve, each one revealing new depths, loyalties, and cracks in their armor. The emotional stakes rise as their bond grows more complex and essential. Relationships: The relationships are intimate and utterly compelling, with every interaction carrying real emotional weight. A deeper sense of unity and found family begins to take shape. The push and pull between longing and fear, vulnerability and survival, makes the romantic and emotional dynamics especially satisfying. At last, they all begin to let go, and you can truly feel the fierce protection and possessiveness they hold for one another. Worldbuilding: The worldbuilding keeps getting better. The settings—especially the new locations introduced during the rescue and escape—are atmospheric and haunting in the best way. Everything feels like it’s building toward something greater, ancient, and possibly world-altering.
I LOVED this so much! We got so many answers! And yes, we have plenty more questions, but I finally feel like I have less questions than answers 😂
🚨 SPOILERS!! 🚨
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I’m so happy Willow has finally bonded with all of her men. The damaged, unhinged ones are always my favorite and Cas is no different. I swear he held out the longest but loves the hardest! ❤️
Omg freaking Keeper! I would have neverrrrrr expected a plot twist like that but I am so here for it! And I love how he has just fallen right into his new role with ease while still respecting the boundaries Draken has! I seriously couldn’t be happier for Draken and even though he’s not sure how he feels about it yet I just know it’s a great thing! 🥰🥰🥰
Willow just continues to show the Mastery what a force she is and it just keeps getting better! We’ve learned so much in this book and some of it was so are for her to hear but she continues to take everything in stride.
As I was nearing the end I kept thinking that things were so calm and maybe, just maybe, we wouldn’t end on a cliffhanger. Of course I was wrong BUT this is probably the most gentle cliff I’ve ever been shoved off of 😂
For some reason I thought this would be the last book but I was wrong and there are two more coming. I hate that I have to wait but I’m also so glad it’s not over because it wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet! I can’t wait to find out what happens next for Willow and her ever-growing family!
I like this series, I do. Def not a favorite. I feel like the idea was completely jacked from another series I read, down to the shadows Caspian has. I won’t say which one, but no lie even the feelings coming down the bonds and the way the bonds are described is exactly the same. Still, love the magic system and the world this is set in. Each book has WAY too many pages of filler though. These books so far could easily have been shaved down to maybe 300-350 pages. The pool scene lasted 19 pages and could’ve been done in maybe 6-7. Way too much repetition. I’ll just say… how many times can these guys tell her how amazing and strong and capable she is?? I’d be over it after the first 50 times. I’ve had intense relationships and that calms down after a few months. We already understand they’re obsessed with her. Would be nice to read more of the actual plot is all. 🤷🏼♀️ People complained about the way the author uses certain words in reviews I’ve read. First of all, mannequin CAN be spelled manikin. Also, I like that some words are more urban style than straight up perfect English. Strangely for me lol. Reads more like a story a friend wrote though and I “kinda” like that. Honestly I do like this series but the length and the constant repetition had me speed reading and skipping parts and I NEVER do that. I gave 4 stars because I really do love the magic and “gifts” the characters have and I’m curious to see how this will progress.
This whole series has been **Chef's Kiss**, but this book went from a 4* read to a 5* read at about 50% with a couple of excellent twists that I didn't see coming.
We pick up where book two left off, with Willow in the hands of her sadistic father. We also learn a lot about Willow's history, how her mother came to be with her father and more about Willow's family.
She also completes the bonds. After losing her to her father, Caspian is ready to solidify his bond with Willow, and it's a beautifully done scene.
This book doesn't end on a massive cliffhanger more of a question and promise for the future. This is book 3 of 5.
Frankly, while the book continues to find similarities to Bonds that Tie, I don't mind; it's not a word-for-word recreation. It differs pretty heavily, and this book takes a couple of massive turns that make it clear that the author can come up with her own plot points. While the similarities are what initially drew me to the series, I stayed for the characters and their journeys.
I have seen a lot of criticism of how the FMC's trauma was handled in previous books. As someone who has a history of CPTSD and has worked with other survivors of domestic, childhood, and sexual trauma, it is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis or even a collection of symptoms that I have seen manifest identically across the board. Some people are more resilient than others, and some must cultivate it through active recovery. It's mentioned several times that throughout her abuse, the FMC never stopped fighting. I have seen it manifest in surprising ways in women, and I loved that the FMC was resilient enough that she could move past her trauma quickly to form healthy bonds.
Gift from the Nexus is the third book in the Source of Elementra series and picks up in the aftermath of the brutal cliffhanger in the last book with Willa once again a prisoner of her father. This book sees a lot of secrets revealed and new knowledge gained, as well as new allies and enemies emerging.
Just as addictive as its predecessors this book has a rollercoaster of a story that just doesn’t stop from beginning to end. I absolutely loved reading this book and I was devestated when I got to the end and realised that there were no more pages to read leaving another cliffhanger with a load of questions that need answering (although I have some theories on that). I am already feeling the urge to re-read this series so far and I have just spent the last 3 days immersed in it, it’s just that good. I love the characters, both the main characters and the secondary characters, with the relationship between Willow and her girls possibly my favourite. I love watching them get in trouble without even having to do anything.
Overall, this was another brilliant book and I would 100% recommend giving it a read. Roll on December when the next book in the series will hopefully be released and I can continue on the journey with these characters.
This book imo was entirely too long. I got a little bored almost halfway through. Some of the things we saw from other POVs were rehashings of the very scenes we just saw and imo didn’t need the pov we were on to reiterate something.
The mystery surrounding Willow, I still can’t figure out. All the twists and turns are great, but really it doesn’t feel like a lot is going on with the antagonists. They show up in a timely manner almost it seems.
There are a ton of editing errors that can pass off really well as not being errors. Like words that are similar but different spelling being used, or a sentence that changed and doesn’t make sense because one word was left. Small errors but happening semi frequently enough to notice in 600 pages.
I love the guys though, I think their love for Willow really shines through. I really want to know who CC is, I want to know why the Sumermaster is so obsessed with Willow.
Toward the end though CC and Elemntra were silent, and I’m wondering why that is.
Naturally the end of this book was finally meeting the in laws. And it would have been nice if it wasn’t ended there. If it had ended before that meeting rather than trailing off like it did.
I have many questions I need answered. Hopefully they’ll come soon.
This was another absolutely perfect installment of Willow's story. You'd never believe that this is Willas first ever series. She beautifully blends so many emotions from pain to angst to humour and everything in between. The many threads are weaved together effortlessly. The relationships are a breath of fresh air. She proves that a romance book doesn't have to be full of relationship angst to be interesting and I am here for it!! Authors old and new should take note of this series and the many different relationships being built from romantic to familial to friendship and colleagues and how she uses only outside forces to maintain the suspense and angst whilst keeping all these positive relationships completely in tact. I am so obsessed with this series.
The ending of this third in the series makes me want more. That's good because I hate when a "trilogy" suddenly becomes a longer series. Normally, I would knock off a star for that and the 7 errors I found, but this is so long and enticing that it deserves all the stars. I read on her Facebook page that it may be five books. I hope she notes that on Amazon so people aren't disappointed. In these 600 + pages many mysteries are revealed and some answers too. I love how the side characters seem to have intermingled pasts and futures. The FMC is both strong and vulnerable and embraces her different powers and emotions. Her men and family are fascinating and well developed. The author has crafted an elegant world and a miserable enemy. I recommend and begrudgingly will wait for the next ones.
I’m only rating 4 stars and not 5 because I believe that the bonding of core and willow shouldn’t have happened the SAME DAY of the rescue!!!! Like, at least a couple of days after that big ol trauma! Welp, I understand the reasoning behind it though so I’m not that mad.
I HAVE A FEW THOUGHTS though!! 1. I don’t get why Lyker has not yet realize that Aria’s his primary. He’s the ONLY shifter, shouldn’t his wolf recognize his mate??? 2. I wish they used more of their gifts when it cones to combat. Like, All this time, Corentin can become invisible, and now so does Willow! They haven’t used it yet which I believe is such a great advantage to have! They all have OP powers so I can’t think they wouldn’t win!
Besides that, this book is sooo beautiful and I loved and devoured it! The revelations are all sooooo good and I am so happy for willow! Cant wait for the next part!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’ve never screamed so loud over the ending of a book
The amount of emotions I felt through this book does nothing compared to the ending. I literally waited for this book to come out by setting reminders and alarms. Book 1 and 2 are amazing. You get to see the beautifully broken girl grow into who she is truly to be but the road is bumpy and painful. I can’t get over this world and need so much more. I’m literally searching for the next book and the pain and anxiety I have because I know it will be awhile before I get my hands on it is unreal. I love Willa Rae. This is my new favorite series. Amazing work. I highly recommend reading all three because they are a work of art.
This one was a little better than the last. I thought I was gonna vomit with how sensitive and cry baby-ish Willow was. 😂 Learning more about Caspian broke my heart, 😞 but I’m glad he opened up to Willow.
I’m glad some pieces are starting to fall in line, although these info dumps happening at random ass times is annoying. But, I love that Keeper is like all for being daddy 😍 and that Lyker is her brother 🥹 those two additions were perfect in my opinion.
Confused AF about the filia miea at the end and how Aurora ties into it but I’m sure it’ll be something intricately tied together 🙄
Oh and Summum-Master can get bent right along with Donald. Super glad Bryce got his shit rocked and I hope Gish got burnt to a mother effn’ crisp like the bitch he is 😂👌🏽🤞🏾
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book picks up right if the end of book 2 where she was kidnapped by the Mastery, we get dropped straight into it. MY heart hurts for Willow in the first part of this book. She gets put through so much. I literally cannot wait for her to get revenge.
Willow’s growth through these books is awe aspiring, she has her guys to lean on as well as her new friends. She is learning to trust in those relationships instead of just holding it all in. Slowly they are all healing together.
This book has it all…. betrayal, found family, SPICE, action, secrets revealed with some huge plot twists and so much more. I devoured it in just over 24 hours I couldn’t get enough!
1st I have to tell y’all Willa Rae has become my most favorite author ever! She has you hooked from the get go. There’s so many twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. You will laugh, cry, get angry, frustrated, and fall in love with these characters and story over and over again. They have become a part of my family is how attached to them I have become. I homeschool and let my kids off for the day so I could read it all in a day. My emotions are still boiling over and I CAN’T WAIT for the next book!
Why???? Every book ends in a cliffhanger! I am not usually one to start a series unless it is completely finished but these were too fantastic to wait for. So I am anxiously waiting now for the last two books. This one does not disappoint. It had me on the edge absolutely devouring it in one day. This storyline, the strength of the characters and the hope… had me in tears, laughing, and steaming from the love scenes. One of the best writers out there! Editing is definitely getting better too!
Honestly loving the journey that Willa has sent Willow on. The sass is next level and the Primary girl gang is not one to be messed with. We're deeper into the Mastery and their reasons for all the shit they pull, while having some wins against them, it's definitely not over yet. We've got upgrades on upgrades for our Nexus and their Primary and more and more people are getting brought into their ever expanding family. I am so in this series, I can't wait to see where it ends up!
This series is going to be on my comfort reeds section. You know the series that you will no doubt read at least once a year to refresh you. It’s the closest series I have found to the bonds that tie. Why choose, four fates mates, multiple powers and obviously a shadow daddy. That alone ticks all the boxes for me. I’ve read one straight after the other and not been disappointed. The fourth was only released yesterday and I’ve already started it ❤️
If I didn't study latin in university, I'd be raging, but as it stands, filia mea is a term I know haha. Again, this needs a thorough edit for incorrect word usage and typos. Fills instead of feels, too instead of to, etc. I'm really enjoying this series. The characters are great, the relationships are developing further and characters are going through their own personal growth as well. The steam is great and I'm enjoying the action.
I noticed this book could use a *little* bit of editing, including where punctuation is concerned, but considering how long the book is, it's a very small percentage.
There's some dark moments that people should be cautious of it they have any triggers, so be sure to check the trigger warnings ahead of time!
Lots of things are revealed, more gifts are brought to light, and I'm jumping into book #4 immediately!