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Code Bound
Not yet published
Expected 31 Jul 26698 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 31, 2026
About the author
Kendra Moreno
76 books820 followersKendra Moreno is secretly a spy but when she’s not dealing in secrets and espionage, you can find her writing her latest adventure. She lives in Texas where the summer days will make you melt, and southern charm comes free with every meal. She’s a recovering Road Rager (kind of) and slowly overcoming her Star Wars addiction (nope!), and she definitely didn’t pass on her addiction to her son (she did). She has one hellhound named Mayhem who got tired of guarding the Gates of Hell and now guards her home against monsters. She’s a geek, a mother, a scuba diver, a tyrannosaurus rex, and a wordsmith who sometimes switches out her pen for a sword.
If you see Kendra on the streets, don’t worry: you can distract her with talks about Kylo Ren or Loki.
#LokiLives #BringBackBenSolo
To learn more about Kendra Moreno, you can visit her website, kendramorenoauthor.com, or joing her Facebook group, Kendra's World of Wonder.
If you see Kendra on the streets, don’t worry: you can distract her with talks about Kylo Ren or Loki.
#LokiLives #BringBackBenSolo
To learn more about Kendra Moreno, you can visit her website, kendramorenoauthor.com, or joing her Facebook group, Kendra's World of Wonder.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 7, 2026
Prepare to be sick of me with how much I’m about to be talking about this book for the foreseeable future. I’m going to be like Oprah handing out this book as a recommendation! I am fully aware we’re only halfway through the year but I’m standing 10 toes down that this will still be my top read of 2026 by the end of the year..because what do you mean this is a LitRPG, and as someone who’s video game credentials consist of super Mario and animal crossing, this book has me in an absolute chokehold!
There wasn’t a single dull moment in this dark dystopian, why choose, LitRPG, the banter, Vespers guild of men that she collects along the way that includes a sometimes bone headed, but sensitive Locke (a formerly enslaved man servant), Cipher who’s currently lacking body, but he does give her XP just for breathing so he’s useful, Havoc the broody warden legend, Stryker the one who’s currently hunting her (verdict still unclear whether he just wants her life force or to take her to pound town..probably both), and then Steve, yeah considering he’s just an orbit a rings with hundreds of eyes with a great sense of fashion despite the lack of body, I’d consider him more the team mascot. Then we have the queen Svetlana destroyer of worlds, slicer of heads, aka her sassy, make men grovel at her feet, feminine empowerment praying mantis familiar. So in other words every single character was interesting and unique.
In Dross life is hard, breathers choose to die on the streets, food is basically non-existent, and it’s pretty much uninhabitable, while the wealthy and powerful live in the Luxe, giving them scraps, but at least Vesper has her bestie Vox. That is until they deceive the wrong gang leader and have no choice but to enter the Harrow. The Luxe’s form of entertainment and promise to a better life. In order to get into the Luxe you must survive the deadly Harrow and level up. Only when the gate opens for them to escape into the Harrow they are torn apart and Vesper gets pulled through alone, not only does she lose her self proclaimed sister, but the price to enter the Harrow is her soul.
I truly cannot do this book justice with any review I write so I will just tell you again that this was my top read of the year, and it also pulled me out of a horrible reading slump. For my millennial book besties I can guarantee you’ll appreciate the funny Titanic, Wolf of Wallstreet, as well as many other nostalgic and absurdly funny references. The absolute feminine rage, and an FMC who is not only a true badass, but doesn’t make poor/dumb decisions. Fun quests, challenges, and minor boss battles that will have you feeling like you’re living within this unique, and creative world. Kendra had me laughing over mosquitoes..literal evil incarnate bugs. I can guarantee you’ll be glued to every single page of this book!
Thank you so much to Kendra Moreno for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review. Now how much XP do I need for book 2?!
There wasn’t a single dull moment in this dark dystopian, why choose, LitRPG, the banter, Vespers guild of men that she collects along the way that includes a sometimes bone headed, but sensitive Locke (a formerly enslaved man servant), Cipher who’s currently lacking body, but he does give her XP just for breathing so he’s useful, Havoc the broody warden legend, Stryker the one who’s currently hunting her (verdict still unclear whether he just wants her life force or to take her to pound town..probably both), and then Steve, yeah considering he’s just an orbit a rings with hundreds of eyes with a great sense of fashion despite the lack of body, I’d consider him more the team mascot. Then we have the queen Svetlana destroyer of worlds, slicer of heads, aka her sassy, make men grovel at her feet, feminine empowerment praying mantis familiar. So in other words every single character was interesting and unique.
In Dross life is hard, breathers choose to die on the streets, food is basically non-existent, and it’s pretty much uninhabitable, while the wealthy and powerful live in the Luxe, giving them scraps, but at least Vesper has her bestie Vox. That is until they deceive the wrong gang leader and have no choice but to enter the Harrow. The Luxe’s form of entertainment and promise to a better life. In order to get into the Luxe you must survive the deadly Harrow and level up. Only when the gate opens for them to escape into the Harrow they are torn apart and Vesper gets pulled through alone, not only does she lose her self proclaimed sister, but the price to enter the Harrow is her soul.
I truly cannot do this book justice with any review I write so I will just tell you again that this was my top read of the year, and it also pulled me out of a horrible reading slump. For my millennial book besties I can guarantee you’ll appreciate the funny Titanic, Wolf of Wallstreet, as well as many other nostalgic and absurdly funny references. The absolute feminine rage, and an FMC who is not only a true badass, but doesn’t make poor/dumb decisions. Fun quests, challenges, and minor boss battles that will have you feeling like you’re living within this unique, and creative world. Kendra had me laughing over mosquitoes..literal evil incarnate bugs. I can guarantee you’ll be glued to every single page of this book!
Thank you so much to Kendra Moreno for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review. Now how much XP do I need for book 2?!
June 12, 2026
This book was EVERYTHING I love! Why choose, dark fantasy, dystopian and LitRPG progression!!! I won’t lie I was nervous when I heard it had all that in it just bc it’s a lot to put in one book but it was done SO WELL! Loved the characters and the world and it was fun but also dark and unhinged! Svetlana the praying mantis is EVERYTHING (reminds me of Princess Donut in DCC) definitely recommend checking this out when it’s out!
July 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I have a confession to make… I never thought I’d be a LitRPG girlie. Like, ever. The idea of game mechanics being woven into a story was something I was very unsure about. But here we are, and I am happily eating my words because Code Bound was SO much fun.
This book took everything I love about reading and mixed it with something completely new for me. The world building was wild, immersive, and incredibly creative. I loved getting lost in the details and exploring the different worlds, game bosses and creatures in the story.
The banter in this book was hilarious and even though I loved Vesper, Locke, Cipher and the whole crew... The one who's taking home my "favorite character award" is definitely Svetlana, aka the Slicers of Heads, prey mantis side character. She absolutely stole the show.
Then you add in a steamy why choose romance, game play visuals, and the kind of chaotic, whimsical atmosphere that gave me Alice in Wonderland vibes at times... IT ABSOLUTELY WORKED. It was strange, unique, and completely different from what I usually pick up, but that’s exactly what made it such a fun experience.
I went into this book thinking, “This probably isn’t going to be my thing,” and I left thinking, “Okay… I need more LitRPG in my life.” Kendra Moreno created something imaginative, entertaining, and surprisingly addictive, and I’m officially converted.
I have a confession to make… I never thought I’d be a LitRPG girlie. Like, ever. The idea of game mechanics being woven into a story was something I was very unsure about. But here we are, and I am happily eating my words because Code Bound was SO much fun.
This book took everything I love about reading and mixed it with something completely new for me. The world building was wild, immersive, and incredibly creative. I loved getting lost in the details and exploring the different worlds, game bosses and creatures in the story.
The banter in this book was hilarious and even though I loved Vesper, Locke, Cipher and the whole crew... The one who's taking home my "favorite character award" is definitely Svetlana, aka the Slicers of Heads, prey mantis side character. She absolutely stole the show.
Then you add in a steamy why choose romance, game play visuals, and the kind of chaotic, whimsical atmosphere that gave me Alice in Wonderland vibes at times... IT ABSOLUTELY WORKED. It was strange, unique, and completely different from what I usually pick up, but that’s exactly what made it such a fun experience.
I went into this book thinking, “This probably isn’t going to be my thing,” and I left thinking, “Okay… I need more LitRPG in my life.” Kendra Moreno created something imaginative, entertaining, and surprisingly addictive, and I’m officially converted.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Code Bound absolutely blew me away! I went into this one expecting to love it because Kendra Moreno has never let me down, but she somehow surpassed every expectation I had. Set in a dystopian future where humanity survives within massive rings known as the Cradle, the story follows Vesper as she enters the Harrow, a brutal, game-like system in which the only way to climb the ranks and escape a life of poverty is to fight, level up, and survive. I was completely hooked from the start and spent the next three days glued to my Kindle, despite having a million other things I was supposed to be doing. Every time I told myself I'd read just one more chapter, I somehow ended up reading five. The most shocking thing might be that this book is over 700 pages, and yet it absolutely flew by!
One of my favorite things was how perfectly it captured the feeling of playing an RPG video game while delivering an immersive dystopian story. As someone who grew up spending countless hours playing RPGs, there was something incredibly nostalgic about watching Vesper level up, gain abilities, and navigate the Harrow. The game mechanics were easy to follow, the progression system was fun and engaging, and I loved discovering new skills, stats, and surprises alongside the characters. Even readers who don't typically pick up LitRPGs could easily enjoy this one, especially if they already love fantasy, dystopian, or sci-fi stories.
The worldbuilding was stellar! The Cradle felt fully realized, and Moreno does an incredible job of making the setting feel both immersive and unsettling. I loved learning about the different tiers of society and seeing just how brutal life could be for those trapped at the bottom. At the same time, there are still so many mysteries surrounding how this world came to be, which left me desperate to uncover more in the future.
I also loved exploring the Harrow alongside Vesper. Each new area felt distinct, with its own challenges, dangers, and surprises that kept the story feeling fresh and exciting. No matter where the characters went, there was always something new to discover or survive. On top of that, Moreno sprinkled in plenty of pop culture references from the '90s and early 2000s. While most of them flew right over the characters' heads, they had me grinning from ear to ear thanks to the nostalgia factor.
Vesper was hands down one of my favorite FMCs in a long time. She's an absolute badass, tough, resourceful, and willing to do whatever it takes to survive, but she never loses the compassion that makes her so easy to love. In a world that constantly demands she put herself first, she still wants to help people, believes there is good in others, and tries to do what she feels is right, even when there are no easy answers. She doesn't always make the perfect choice, but that's what makes her feel so real. Even when she stumbles, her heart is always in the right place, and that had me fully invested in her journey the whole way through.
The side characters completely stole the show. Cipher brought so much humor to the story, and the banter between him, Vesper, and Locke were easily some of my favorite parts of the book. Svetlana, her animal familiar, was absolute chaos in the best possible way and had me laughing out loud multiple times. Stevie, the Ophanim, was another standout, and honestly, I would happily read an entire book focused on him. As for the men, Locke definitely owns my heart at the moment. Havoc feels like a character who is going to grow on me more as he emerges from his grumpy shell, and while I'm still undecided about Stryker, I have a feeling Moreno is going to make me love him whether I want to or not.
What I appreciated most about the romance is that even though this is a why choose series, the relationships aren't the main focus right now. The story takes its time developing those connections, giving us a true slow burn while prioritizing the larger plot, worldbuilding, and character development. Nothing felt rushed or forced, and I'm excited to see where all of these relationships go next.
And then there was that ending! Moreno absolutely ripped my heart out and left me desperate for the next book. The wait for the sequel is going to be pure torture.
If you love RPG video games, dystopian worlds, LitRPGs, found family, slow-burn why choose romance, unforgettable side characters, and stories that completely consume your life while you're reading them, Code Bound needs to be on your TBR immediately.
One of my favorite things was how perfectly it captured the feeling of playing an RPG video game while delivering an immersive dystopian story. As someone who grew up spending countless hours playing RPGs, there was something incredibly nostalgic about watching Vesper level up, gain abilities, and navigate the Harrow. The game mechanics were easy to follow, the progression system was fun and engaging, and I loved discovering new skills, stats, and surprises alongside the characters. Even readers who don't typically pick up LitRPGs could easily enjoy this one, especially if they already love fantasy, dystopian, or sci-fi stories.
The worldbuilding was stellar! The Cradle felt fully realized, and Moreno does an incredible job of making the setting feel both immersive and unsettling. I loved learning about the different tiers of society and seeing just how brutal life could be for those trapped at the bottom. At the same time, there are still so many mysteries surrounding how this world came to be, which left me desperate to uncover more in the future.
I also loved exploring the Harrow alongside Vesper. Each new area felt distinct, with its own challenges, dangers, and surprises that kept the story feeling fresh and exciting. No matter where the characters went, there was always something new to discover or survive. On top of that, Moreno sprinkled in plenty of pop culture references from the '90s and early 2000s. While most of them flew right over the characters' heads, they had me grinning from ear to ear thanks to the nostalgia factor.
Vesper was hands down one of my favorite FMCs in a long time. She's an absolute badass, tough, resourceful, and willing to do whatever it takes to survive, but she never loses the compassion that makes her so easy to love. In a world that constantly demands she put herself first, she still wants to help people, believes there is good in others, and tries to do what she feels is right, even when there are no easy answers. She doesn't always make the perfect choice, but that's what makes her feel so real. Even when she stumbles, her heart is always in the right place, and that had me fully invested in her journey the whole way through.
The side characters completely stole the show. Cipher brought so much humor to the story, and the banter between him, Vesper, and Locke were easily some of my favorite parts of the book. Svetlana, her animal familiar, was absolute chaos in the best possible way and had me laughing out loud multiple times. Stevie, the Ophanim, was another standout, and honestly, I would happily read an entire book focused on him. As for the men, Locke definitely owns my heart at the moment. Havoc feels like a character who is going to grow on me more as he emerges from his grumpy shell, and while I'm still undecided about Stryker, I have a feeling Moreno is going to make me love him whether I want to or not.
What I appreciated most about the romance is that even though this is a why choose series, the relationships aren't the main focus right now. The story takes its time developing those connections, giving us a true slow burn while prioritizing the larger plot, worldbuilding, and character development. Nothing felt rushed or forced, and I'm excited to see where all of these relationships go next.
And then there was that ending! Moreno absolutely ripped my heart out and left me desperate for the next book. The wait for the sequel is going to be pure torture.
If you love RPG video games, dystopian worlds, LitRPGs, found family, slow-burn why choose romance, unforgettable side characters, and stories that completely consume your life while you're reading them, Code Bound needs to be on your TBR immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my god this book was absolutely insane in the BEST way possible and I need the second one immediately because that ending has me in a complete chokehold.
This book instantly throws you straight into a brutal dystopian world where survival comes at the cost of your humanity, and I was completely hooked. The atmosphere was so vivid and gritty that I could practically feel the suffocating heaviness of Dross through the pages. Everything about this world feels sharp, dangerous, and hopeless.
The Harrow itself was one of the coolest and most horrifying concepts I’ve read in a long time. It’s not just about surviving monsters or fights, it’s about what the system slowly turns people into. Every choice, every level gained, every sacrifice feels heavy, and the psychological side of the story was honestly just as intense as the action.
And Vesper? OMG I absolutely love her. She’s angry, determined, flawed, and willing to do whatever it takes to survive, and she is so strong. It has been a while since I have read a book with a strong FMC in a while and Vesper is exactly what I needed!
The pacing was unreal. Every chapter ended with me saying “just one more” until suddenly I’d read most of the book in one sitting, and I would have finished it had I not needed sleep haha. The twists kept coming, the stakes kept rising, and the deeper you get into the tiers and the truth behind the Ascendants, the more addictive the story becomes. There’s this constant feeling that something much darker is happening beneath the surface, and I NEED answers.
Also, that ending??? Absolutely criminal. I finished the last page and just sat there staring into space because there is no way it can end like THAT. I need book two right now.
If you love dystopian with deadly games, brutal survival, addictive world-building, and high stakes, Code Bound is 100% worth the read.
Oh my god this book was absolutely insane in the BEST way possible and I need the second one immediately because that ending has me in a complete chokehold.
This book instantly throws you straight into a brutal dystopian world where survival comes at the cost of your humanity, and I was completely hooked. The atmosphere was so vivid and gritty that I could practically feel the suffocating heaviness of Dross through the pages. Everything about this world feels sharp, dangerous, and hopeless.
The Harrow itself was one of the coolest and most horrifying concepts I’ve read in a long time. It’s not just about surviving monsters or fights, it’s about what the system slowly turns people into. Every choice, every level gained, every sacrifice feels heavy, and the psychological side of the story was honestly just as intense as the action.
And Vesper? OMG I absolutely love her. She’s angry, determined, flawed, and willing to do whatever it takes to survive, and she is so strong. It has been a while since I have read a book with a strong FMC in a while and Vesper is exactly what I needed!
The pacing was unreal. Every chapter ended with me saying “just one more” until suddenly I’d read most of the book in one sitting, and I would have finished it had I not needed sleep haha. The twists kept coming, the stakes kept rising, and the deeper you get into the tiers and the truth behind the Ascendants, the more addictive the story becomes. There’s this constant feeling that something much darker is happening beneath the surface, and I NEED answers.
Also, that ending??? Absolutely criminal. I finished the last page and just sat there staring into space because there is no way it can end like THAT. I need book two right now.
If you love dystopian with deadly games, brutal survival, addictive world-building, and high stakes, Code Bound is 100% worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OH MY GOODNESS! WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?!?!
Kendra Moreno, you did your big one with this one. I fell in love with every one of Kendra’s books but Code Bound is just different. This story is hands down my favorite book I’ve read this year. This book takes you on a journey and it’s fast-paced the whole way through. This book needs to be adapted into a movie or TV show! I wish I could read it over and over again for the first time. It was so good!!!!
The plot of this story was so entertaining and so refreshing because I’ve never read anything like this. When this book was announced, I honestly had no idea what to expect but now all I can say is I am obsessed. The missions, the bosses, and honestly everything that was going on had me in a chokehold. Some of this stories aspects really related to today’s society and I truly felt that.
Vesper is our FMC and let’s be so real, she’s a baddie. Her character is so strong and so fierce. She will do anything and everything to survive. She is so sick of the cruel world and the ones in power so the Harrow is the only way up. I think Vesper is my new favorite character! Also, I am obsessed with her familiar Svetlana. She had me dying.
Our MMC’s definitely had me feeling mixed emotions. Locke is my baby. I knew from the very moment we met him that I was going to love his character. He has been through it before the Harrow. I loved the connection between him and Vesper. Cipher has me so intrigued and I really can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for him. He honestly had me cackling multiple times. Havoc and Stryker both have me interested but also wary. I can’t wait to see what Kendra has in store for them all.
The cliffhanger didn’t surprise me but it does make me so anxious for the next one! I need more and I can’t wait for book two to come out! Code Bound is truly my favorite read of the year! I need you all to check it out because I highly recommend it!
Kendra Moreno, you did your big one with this one. I fell in love with every one of Kendra’s books but Code Bound is just different. This story is hands down my favorite book I’ve read this year. This book takes you on a journey and it’s fast-paced the whole way through. This book needs to be adapted into a movie or TV show! I wish I could read it over and over again for the first time. It was so good!!!!
The plot of this story was so entertaining and so refreshing because I’ve never read anything like this. When this book was announced, I honestly had no idea what to expect but now all I can say is I am obsessed. The missions, the bosses, and honestly everything that was going on had me in a chokehold. Some of this stories aspects really related to today’s society and I truly felt that.
Vesper is our FMC and let’s be so real, she’s a baddie. Her character is so strong and so fierce. She will do anything and everything to survive. She is so sick of the cruel world and the ones in power so the Harrow is the only way up. I think Vesper is my new favorite character! Also, I am obsessed with her familiar Svetlana. She had me dying.
Our MMC’s definitely had me feeling mixed emotions. Locke is my baby. I knew from the very moment we met him that I was going to love his character. He has been through it before the Harrow. I loved the connection between him and Vesper. Cipher has me so intrigued and I really can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for him. He honestly had me cackling multiple times. Havoc and Stryker both have me interested but also wary. I can’t wait to see what Kendra has in store for them all.
The cliffhanger didn’t surprise me but it does make me so anxious for the next one! I need more and I can’t wait for book two to come out! Code Bound is truly my favorite read of the year! I need you all to check it out because I highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my gosh this book is everything to me!!! Thank you to Kendra for the ARC.
I had no idea that a dystopian litRPG book would change my life, but here we are.
Vesper lives thousands of years in the future in Dross where survival is everything. Food is scarce and a moldy orange is like gold. The Luxe live with extravagant wealth and the only way to get from Dross into Luxe is to go through the Harrow. Not much is know about the Harrow other than people enter and never return. After a job turns bad in Dross, Vesper and her best friend Dox decide they have to try and enter the Harrow. They get separated and Vesper finds herself exchanging her soul to enter the Harrow alone. The Harrow is like a video game she gets transported into and there are many things from the abandoned planet earth as well as other deadly creatures.
I absolutely ate this up! There are so many twists and turns and I was on the edge of my seat. I love how this world was set up and all the characters are so unique and dynamic and I just want more of everyone. Vesper's goal is to reunite with her friend and make it through the Harrow together, but she has to first survive the Harrow and level up along the way.
There is some romance in this first installment but it is very much a slow burn. The series overall will be a why choose and this book Vesper has chemistry and attraction to different characters, but really only a romance with one. I can't wait to see who else she ends up with and how all the romance stories unfold since not everyone is friendly with one another.
I can't wait for the next book. I have been a Kendra Moreno fan for a while, but this is her best work yet and I am so excited about this series.
I had no idea that a dystopian litRPG book would change my life, but here we are.
Vesper lives thousands of years in the future in Dross where survival is everything. Food is scarce and a moldy orange is like gold. The Luxe live with extravagant wealth and the only way to get from Dross into Luxe is to go through the Harrow. Not much is know about the Harrow other than people enter and never return. After a job turns bad in Dross, Vesper and her best friend Dox decide they have to try and enter the Harrow. They get separated and Vesper finds herself exchanging her soul to enter the Harrow alone. The Harrow is like a video game she gets transported into and there are many things from the abandoned planet earth as well as other deadly creatures.
I absolutely ate this up! There are so many twists and turns and I was on the edge of my seat. I love how this world was set up and all the characters are so unique and dynamic and I just want more of everyone. Vesper's goal is to reunite with her friend and make it through the Harrow together, but she has to first survive the Harrow and level up along the way.
There is some romance in this first installment but it is very much a slow burn. The series overall will be a why choose and this book Vesper has chemistry and attraction to different characters, but really only a romance with one. I can't wait to see who else she ends up with and how all the romance stories unfold since not everyone is friendly with one another.
I can't wait for the next book. I have been a Kendra Moreno fan for a while, but this is her best work yet and I am so excited about this series.
July 9, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐∞ (If I could give it five million stars, I would!)
Code Bound is hands down one of the most unique RPG Lit books I've read. The concept is incredibly original, and Kendra Moreno absolutely nails the balance between immersive world-building, action, humour, and romance.
The world felt so vivid that I genuinely felt like I was right there alongside the characters. Every new reveal made the setting even more fascinating, and I loved discovering how everything worked.
The slow-burn, why choose romance is perfection. It's still anyone's guess who will end up in the harem, which made every interaction feel meaningful and kept me constantly second-guessing myself. I can't wait to see how those relationships develop.
And the humour! I laughed out loud so many times. The banter and comedic moments were perfectly timed, making the characters feel even more real and lovable.
Then came that ending... I genuinely did not see it coming. I just sat there staring at the page thinking, "What?!"
Now I'm desperately counting down until the next book because I need answers! If you're looking for an RPG Lit adventure with phenomenal world-building, a brilliantly paced slow-burn why choose romance, plenty of laughs, and a cliffhanger that will leave your jaw on the floor, Code Bound is an absolute must-read.
Five million stars wouldn't be enough
Code Bound is hands down one of the most unique RPG Lit books I've read. The concept is incredibly original, and Kendra Moreno absolutely nails the balance between immersive world-building, action, humour, and romance.
The world felt so vivid that I genuinely felt like I was right there alongside the characters. Every new reveal made the setting even more fascinating, and I loved discovering how everything worked.
The slow-burn, why choose romance is perfection. It's still anyone's guess who will end up in the harem, which made every interaction feel meaningful and kept me constantly second-guessing myself. I can't wait to see how those relationships develop.
And the humour! I laughed out loud so many times. The banter and comedic moments were perfectly timed, making the characters feel even more real and lovable.
Then came that ending... I genuinely did not see it coming. I just sat there staring at the page thinking, "What?!"
Now I'm desperately counting down until the next book because I need answers! If you're looking for an RPG Lit adventure with phenomenal world-building, a brilliantly paced slow-burn why choose romance, plenty of laughs, and a cliffhanger that will leave your jaw on the floor, Code Bound is an absolute must-read.
Five million stars wouldn't be enough
Review of advance copy received from Author
I HAVE NOT SHUT UP ABOUT THIS BOOK SINCE I FINISHED IT.
It was literally crafted in a lab for me. Dark fantasy? ✔️ Dystopian world? ✔️ LitRPG progression that had me addicted? ✔️ Why choose romance?? ✔️ ABSOLUTELY YES.
I was so scared it was trying to do too much because that is a STACKED combination... but somehow it absolutely ATE. Every single element worked together so perfectly, and I was hooked from the first page.
The characters had me emotionally attached way too fast, the world was insanely immersive, and the progression scratched every single itch in my brain. One minute I was giggling, the next I was staring at the page in complete shock, and then suddenly everyone was unhinged and making the most chaotic decisions imaginable. I LOVED EVERY SECOND.
This book is dark, addictive, chaotic, unhinged, and so ridiculously fun. The vibes were immaculate, the stakes were HIGH, and I genuinely did not want it to end.
If dark fantasy, dystopian survival, insane character dynamics, addictive progression, and why choose romance are your thing... THIS IS YOUR SIGN. Cancel your plans. Ignore your responsibilities. Read the book. Thank me later.
It was literally crafted in a lab for me. Dark fantasy? ✔️ Dystopian world? ✔️ LitRPG progression that had me addicted? ✔️ Why choose romance?? ✔️ ABSOLUTELY YES.
I was so scared it was trying to do too much because that is a STACKED combination... but somehow it absolutely ATE. Every single element worked together so perfectly, and I was hooked from the first page.
The characters had me emotionally attached way too fast, the world was insanely immersive, and the progression scratched every single itch in my brain. One minute I was giggling, the next I was staring at the page in complete shock, and then suddenly everyone was unhinged and making the most chaotic decisions imaginable. I LOVED EVERY SECOND.
This book is dark, addictive, chaotic, unhinged, and so ridiculously fun. The vibes were immaculate, the stakes were HIGH, and I genuinely did not want it to end.
If dark fantasy, dystopian survival, insane character dynamics, addictive progression, and why choose romance are your thing... THIS IS YOUR SIGN. Cancel your plans. Ignore your responsibilities. Read the book. Thank me later.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There are few books I’ve read twice let alone twice in a week. But this one I’m always considering a third read.
Of course all the LitRPG moments were fantastic. The banter. The tension. Every single supporting character. The heated moments. The battles. The puzzles.
But there were other darker moments that have lingered in my mind and are far louder. Vesper spends the entire book fighting against the senseless cruelty of the world, filled with a feminine rage that all women know. I sobbed over the injustice, a hopeless feeling that isn’t far from what I feel and see every day. Even with all the good in her heart, society and everyone around her tries to push back on that goodness and swat her in other directions.
But on the less deep (maybe?) side, I want more already. I want book 2. I want to see more of their little group’s dynamic. I want all the next times that kept getting hinted at. I know book one isn’t even out but I’m gnawing at the bars of my cage for book 2.
Of course all the LitRPG moments were fantastic. The banter. The tension. Every single supporting character. The heated moments. The battles. The puzzles.
But there were other darker moments that have lingered in my mind and are far louder. Vesper spends the entire book fighting against the senseless cruelty of the world, filled with a feminine rage that all women know. I sobbed over the injustice, a hopeless feeling that isn’t far from what I feel and see every day. Even with all the good in her heart, society and everyone around her tries to push back on that goodness and swat her in other directions.
But on the less deep (maybe?) side, I want more already. I want book 2. I want to see more of their little group’s dynamic. I want all the next times that kept getting hinted at. I know book one isn’t even out but I’m gnawing at the bars of my cage for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well this was a wild Ride!!
I have never read anything like this before and I enjoyed it so much. It took me a bit longer to finish because it’s a thickkk one but it takes you one wild rollercoaster of a ride for sure!!
I loved how different this was!
It’s surprising and you never know what will happen next and I loved that.
I’m still not sure I would call book 1 a why choose but it’s definitely setting us up for Vespers harem in the next one!!
It’s very low spice but once you get to it, its fits perfectly for the characters and worth the wait!!
This is mainly Vesper and Locke ((and Cypher)) and you get introduced to Havoc and Stryker as well!! I can’t wait to see where all of this goes!! I’m currently a Locke fan!!
Plus we have Vespers Bestie Dox you get introduced at the beginning and then you see her at the end for that lovely cliffhanger we are left with and I can’t wait to see how she will tie into the next book as well!!
Can’t wait for book 2
I have never read anything like this before and I enjoyed it so much. It took me a bit longer to finish because it’s a thickkk one but it takes you one wild rollercoaster of a ride for sure!!
I loved how different this was!
It’s surprising and you never know what will happen next and I loved that.
I’m still not sure I would call book 1 a why choose but it’s definitely setting us up for Vespers harem in the next one!!
It’s very low spice but once you get to it, its fits perfectly for the characters and worth the wait!!
This is mainly Vesper and Locke ((and Cypher)) and you get introduced to Havoc and Stryker as well!! I can’t wait to see where all of this goes!! I’m currently a Locke fan!!
Plus we have Vespers Bestie Dox you get introduced at the beginning and then you see her at the end for that lovely cliffhanger we are left with and I can’t wait to see how she will tie into the next book as well!!
Can’t wait for book 2
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was sucked into this gaming world that Kendra has created in Code Bound, Book 1 in the Rankbreaker series. It is unlike anything I have ever read and absolutely devoured it!
As a girl that grew up playing video games, my little gaming heart loved all of the touches back to games of fighting bosses, having an inventory to survive, leveling up your XP and so much more.
In this story we meet Vesper, living in a dystopian world doing anything to survive with her friend Dox. Until one day she is thrust into the Harrow Gate and in order to get to Luxe she will need to battle her way through to survive with some unlikely alliances.
I loved watching her relationship with Locke develop throughout the book as they work together to survive with the voice in her head, Cipher taunting him by talking to her. The joy I had meeting Svetlana, she is such a vibe and was so much fun as a familiar and I cannot wait to see their bond grow.
We meet Stryker who is powerful and has his eyes set only on Vesper and we also meet the grumpy Havoc who is the poster boy for the Harrow having played the game and lived there for so long who somewhat reluctantly decides to work with them all.
There were so many nods to movies and video games and I just ate it up. After that ending I cannot wait to see what happens next and how their relationships continue to develop in the series.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
As a girl that grew up playing video games, my little gaming heart loved all of the touches back to games of fighting bosses, having an inventory to survive, leveling up your XP and so much more.
In this story we meet Vesper, living in a dystopian world doing anything to survive with her friend Dox. Until one day she is thrust into the Harrow Gate and in order to get to Luxe she will need to battle her way through to survive with some unlikely alliances.
I loved watching her relationship with Locke develop throughout the book as they work together to survive with the voice in her head, Cipher taunting him by talking to her. The joy I had meeting Svetlana, she is such a vibe and was so much fun as a familiar and I cannot wait to see their bond grow.
We meet Stryker who is powerful and has his eyes set only on Vesper and we also meet the grumpy Havoc who is the poster boy for the Harrow having played the game and lived there for so long who somewhat reluctantly decides to work with them all.
There were so many nods to movies and video games and I just ate it up. After that ending I cannot wait to see what happens next and how their relationships continue to develop in the series.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so much damn fun! This was my first LitRPG story and I loved every page! It was refreshing and engaging. The characters were all unique and brought something different to the story. Even the sassy side characters were standouts!! I cannot wait to get more of this series and see where else The Harrow can take us!!
July 4, 2026
What a wild ride! This book was freaking amazing. The world building was top tier, the characters were amazing, and the slow burn/angst was addicting. I laughed, I got mad, I got teary-eyed, and I had to fan my face while blushing.
Kendra out-did herself with this book. I could not get enough and I need book 2 immediately because that cliffhanger!!!! Omg!!!
Kendra out-did herself with this book. I could not get enough and I need book 2 immediately because that cliffhanger!!!! Omg!!!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This took me for a spin. So much happens in this from the start all the way to the cliffhanger that it leaves off on! It was good, and will keep you hooked on what task they’ll have to complete next!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG I am SPEECHLESS! This book is so amazing! I just... Am going to have to collect my thoughts before I can write a review that is not a complete jumbled mess!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Detailed review to come but OMG I LOVED EVERY SECOND!
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