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A Bond of Storms and Stitches
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26Join Millia and Alroth as they accidentally bond, hone their magic skills, spawn a mystical animal guardian, and go on an epic quest to save six mages from a mysterious murder plot.
War is brewing in the Lakes. The ambitious Grist Father Glimar adds sparks to the tinder that’s been building for centuries. What kind of sparks? Murdering six innocent Handmaids. And since Handmaids are members of the Grist, who would question his accusation that foreign mercenaries are to blame?
Millia wants to be a handmaid more than anything. With her father’s abdication fast approaching, all she has to look forward to is a marriage and excruciating binding ritual with a cruel lordling. But if she can convince Father Glimar to let her ascend to Handmaid status, she’ll never have to worry about marriage prospects again.
Alroth is desperate to move his hamlet inside safe town walls before war breaks over them. But the only way to get the necessary coin is to take a job that will haunt him for the rest of his kill the Handmaids. When Alroth manages to trap Millia alone, no one can blame him for taking the chance to bind himself a mage.
Could Millia be Alroth’s key to saving both his hamlet and the Handmaids?
Could Alroth be Millia’s key to escaping both betrothal and Grist?
A Bond of Storms and Stitches is a historical fantasy romance Seven Brides for Seven Brothers riff perfect for fans of Milla Vane and Grace Draven.
War is brewing in the Lakes. The ambitious Grist Father Glimar adds sparks to the tinder that’s been building for centuries. What kind of sparks? Murdering six innocent Handmaids. And since Handmaids are members of the Grist, who would question his accusation that foreign mercenaries are to blame?
Millia wants to be a handmaid more than anything. With her father’s abdication fast approaching, all she has to look forward to is a marriage and excruciating binding ritual with a cruel lordling. But if she can convince Father Glimar to let her ascend to Handmaid status, she’ll never have to worry about marriage prospects again.
Alroth is desperate to move his hamlet inside safe town walls before war breaks over them. But the only way to get the necessary coin is to take a job that will haunt him for the rest of his kill the Handmaids. When Alroth manages to trap Millia alone, no one can blame him for taking the chance to bind himself a mage.
Could Millia be Alroth’s key to saving both his hamlet and the Handmaids?
Could Alroth be Millia’s key to escaping both betrothal and Grist?
A Bond of Storms and Stitches is a historical fantasy romance Seven Brides for Seven Brothers riff perfect for fans of Milla Vane and Grace Draven.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 21, 2026
2 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth F. Shearly
11 books2 followersElizabeth F. Shearly writes science fiction and fantasy romance, from flash fiction to novels and everything in between. She holds a B.Sc. in physics, and you'll find plenty of science in her science fiction, though the fiction always takes precedence! No matter what she writes about—spaceships or magic, walking cities or medieval castles—romance always finds a way to blossom, whether as the main plot or as a background story.
When she’s not watching characters play-act in her head, you can find her relaxing on the couch with her two cats, playing a video game or knitting a sweater.
Join the monthly newsletter to get the FREE flash fiction collection Keep the Good Parts, at https://join.elizabethshearly.ca
Visit Elizabeth's website for the details on her books: www.elizabethshearly.ca
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When she’s not watching characters play-act in her head, you can find her relaxing on the couch with her two cats, playing a video game or knitting a sweater.
Join the monthly newsletter to get the FREE flash fiction collection Keep the Good Parts, at https://join.elizabethshearly.ca
Visit Elizabeth's website for the details on her books: www.elizabethshearly.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stitchnscri...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/elizabet...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ElizabethFShe...
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Bond of Storms and Stitches is a richly layered fantasy that leans heavily into character, magic, and emotional consequence rather than nonstop action, and it does so beautifully.
At the heart of the story are Mellia and Alroth, whose bond anchors the narrative as political intrigue and powerful magic swirl around them. Mellia’s journey of self-discovery is compelling and thoughtfully written, while Alroth’s protective nature adds both tension and emotional grounding. Their dynamic feels earned, evolving naturally as they’re tested by loyalty, sacrifice, and the weight of their choices.
One of this book’s greatest strengths is its world-building. Shearly crafts a vivid setting inspired by North American and Ice Age flora and fauna, creating a landscape that feels both unique and immersive. The magic system and political structures are intricate and well thought out, rewarding readers who enjoy paying close attention to the details.
Emotionally, the story carries real weight. Themes of trust, sacrifice, and the cost of power are woven throughout, giving the narrative depth beyond the surface-level fantasy elements. This is a book that wants you to feel as much as you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At the heart of the story are Mellia and Alroth, whose bond anchors the narrative as political intrigue and powerful magic swirl around them. Mellia’s journey of self-discovery is compelling and thoughtfully written, while Alroth’s protective nature adds both tension and emotional grounding. Their dynamic feels earned, evolving naturally as they’re tested by loyalty, sacrifice, and the weight of their choices.
One of this book’s greatest strengths is its world-building. Shearly crafts a vivid setting inspired by North American and Ice Age flora and fauna, creating a landscape that feels both unique and immersive. The magic system and political structures are intricate and well thought out, rewarding readers who enjoy paying close attention to the details.
Emotionally, the story carries real weight. Themes of trust, sacrifice, and the cost of power are woven throughout, giving the narrative depth beyond the surface-level fantasy elements. This is a book that wants you to feel as much as you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
A Bond of Storms and Stitches is a darkly enchanting start to the Syphon Bound series, steeped in tension, power, and quiet emotional ache. Elizabeth F. Shearly weaves a world where magic feels sharp and costly, and bonds are forged through survival as much as choice.
The atmosphere is thick with storm energy—both literal and emotional. The magic system is intriguing and visceral, and I loved how the act of binding carries weight, consequence, and intimacy. The characters feel raw and guarded, shaped by what they’ve endured, and the relationships develop with a slow, aching pull rather than instant trust.
The pacing is deliberate, allowing the world and emotions to unfold naturally, though there were moments where I wished certain scenes had lingered longer. Even so, the tension never fully releases, leaving you with that delicious sense of unease that makes a first book in a series so compelling.
The atmosphere is thick with storm energy—both literal and emotional. The magic system is intriguing and visceral, and I loved how the act of binding carries weight, consequence, and intimacy. The characters feel raw and guarded, shaped by what they’ve endured, and the relationships develop with a slow, aching pull rather than instant trust.
The pacing is deliberate, allowing the world and emotions to unfold naturally, though there were moments where I wished certain scenes had lingered longer. Even so, the tension never fully releases, leaving you with that delicious sense of unease that makes a first book in a series so compelling.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a unique magic system, and A Bond of Storm and Stitches does not disappoint. I really enjoyed the romance and tension in this book; it wasn’t overdone or overly angsty, and it felt earned and real. While this was a quick read for me, it was by no means fast-paced. The story allows for slower, more meaningful scenes and prioritises the characters’ emotions over constant action, which I appreciated. If you’re after a more emotional fantasy read with a grounded romance, this could be for you. Keep in mind there are some darker themes present, so it’s always worth checking the content warnings if that’s something you want to avoid.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews