Bound by Fate's Forgotten

by Kathryn Alexandria

“In every ending, you are standing. Bloodied and broken. But you are alone, as the world burns to ash behind you.”

Vera Thorne was meant to wield the Aether. But now, consumed by guilt and severed from the force that once made her unstoppable, Vera is left hollow, unable to reach it. She journeys to Arcane, the only place that may hold the answers she seeks. Time is running out, and a single choice looms. Vera must finally decide what kind of world she’s willing to save and what she must unleash to do it.



While Vera struggles to reclaim what she's lost, Aklys finds herself traveling with the Bain, yet unable to outrun the power writhing within her. When Aklys risks her life to save another, she is propelled down a path of revelation and retribution, all the while uncovering a dangerous truth—one which alters the foundation of her world and everyone in it. A truth the Aetherborne desperately needs to hear.
 
The only question is, will Aklys reach Vera before it’s too late?

ebook

First published September 30, 2026

Reviews

[Kayla Ankney]

This is my second ARC I have had the privilege of reading from this author and when I say it was just as amazing as the first if not better I truly mean it! The first graced you with the characters and immersed you into its breath taking world building but the second one, the second dove deep into the connections and the emotions. Touching on topics of grief and loss in more ways than one. The heart ache that leaves you entirely breathless and shattered, moments written so vividly, so poetically- making you gasp as if you are a part of the pain and suffering with the characters. The different relationships of characters, love so consuming it brings you to your knees, found family that dulls the ache and fills the voids. The epic stories that wove so beautifully together it left me screaming at some parts. This book takes all those opened ended questions and dots and connects them beautifully but don’t let that fool you this literary genius is also the queen of cliff hangers and leaves your jaw hanging open! Back to back infinity reads! Absolutely stunning!!! Highly recommend anything she writes!

[Candy]

5 ⭐ ARC Review 'Bound By Fate's Forgotten'

Aetherborne Chronicles - Book Two

“In every ending, you are standing. Bloodied and broken. But you are alone, as the world burns to ash behind you.”

💫𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈

🔥 Epic Slow-Burn & Yearning
💀 Touch Her and ☠️ Vibes
✨ Hidden Powers & Unique Abilities
💨 Elemental Magic
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found Family vs. Blood Family
👯 Dual POV
👑 Rebellion Against Tyranny

I cannot express the brilliant talent by author Kathryn Alexandria. Her writing style and world building within this story and the entire series is absolutely fantastic!! The character development and backstory, the duel POV, I really could not get enough of this amazing page turner. Once again I'm left going wtf with the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers, like could she devastate me more lol, yes she can!
Once this ARC dropped in my account I literally devoured it in one sitting that day. Since the first book I have been waiting for this second installment and I'm utterly blown away once again.
Two incredibly beautiful and strong women are our two main FMC's in this story, Aklys and Vera, who we have seen so much growth and development from the beginning. I love the back and forth following both their journeys. Different sides of the world but very much souly connected by fate. To have two separate interconnected journeys and still have me hooked, just goes to show how incredible the world building is and this authors writing to keep me hooked!
The plot twists are incredible and some are very devastating and broke my heart but what an amazing storyline.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible series. I can't wait for the next one as I know without a doubt it will be a masterpiece!!

💫ℬ𝓁𝓊𝓇𝒷

Vera Thorne was meant to wield the Aether. But now, consumed by guilt and severed from the force that once made her unstoppable, Vera is left hollow, unable to reach it. She journeys to Arcane, the only place that may hold the answers she seeks. Time is running out, and a single choice looms. Vera must finally decide what kind of world she’s willing to save and what she must unleash to do it.

While Vera struggles to reclaim what she's lost, Aklys finds herself traveling with the Bain, yet unable to outrun the power writhing within her. When Aklys risks her life to save another, she is propelled down a path of revelation and retribution, all the while uncovering a dangerous truth—one which alters the foundation of her world and everyone in it. A truth the Aetherborne desperately needs to hear.

The only question is, will Aklys reach Vera before it’s too late?

#darkfantasy #fantasy #bookreview #bookrecommendations #BookTok

[Julia | BookTok]

HOLY CLIFF HANGER
(I get it I love a cliff hanger in theory until I’m the one HANGING OFF THR CLIFF GIRL 😂)

Can she do it again? Will the sequel match the first? The answer is YES YES YES! Indie author Kathryn Alexandria has restored my faith in romantasy. The characters are so developed I have afflictions for all of them minor or not. I very much enjoyed getting to see more from Aklys in this book!
This is a romantasy series that is dual pov. But the pov isn’t the FMC and MMC, like it isn’t the two love interest which is so often the case. It is 10x better it is two bad ass female leads who are saving the gods damned world of course! Both are so unique and different to characters I’ve read and whilst this is a fantastical world with magic the characters feel relatable. Because they are struggling the same way we do! It grounds them and makes it an enjoyable read because you can better relate and connect with the stories.
I read the first book(also ARC thank you for that girl) and was so enthralled I couldn’t wait for the next! And here we are, it was worth the wait and then some!
Knowing the characters more and having the world building having being established I got to just be in it in this book you know? Just enjoy. And I liked the romance, how it was done. Not too much but you know it’s there and boy is it good! I love the trope for Vera and Ryker they have my whole ❤️. And Kate while I am still made about the contents of chapter 25… and all the reminders of it throughout 😭😭😭 I forgive you because it shaped the story but we better get to see some justice and revenge on book three for my sake 😂
Amazing amazing work as always can’t wait for book three!

10 stars!

[Courtney Demczuk]

This book was phenomenal!! It had me hooked from the very beginning just like the first one. Love that it picked up right where we left off and didn’t waste any time jumping into the action. The author did an amazing job with the world building and character development. Really puts your emotions through the wringer in the best way. There were plenty of answered questions but still enough mystery to leave you completely hooked and desperate for book 3. One of the best series so far that I’ve read in a long time!

[Gabrielle Perna]

This was a solid second book, but boy did it drag. I reallllly love these characters they are soooo well written but it is truly a high fantasy book and there is so much building that is constantly needed to keep up with the plot. It also ended in a cliffhanger which is quite possibly one of my biggest pet peeves. I feel like we could have seen what decision was made at the end and then end it there with you know who walking through the light BUTTTT we must wait. I love Aklys and Vera, they are so well written and I truly feel like they compliment each other as FMCs, I cannot wait until they team up together. I am VERY curious as to who this new man is in Aklys's life, he is very very curious and I wonder who he is to her and why he keeps calling her that nickname. We definitely had some development within the love story between Vera and Ryker which I VERY much enjoy because I love them together and I feel like with all the information Ryker kept from Vera she did not do the typical FMC bullshit where she freaks out on him and them ices him out FOREVER. I really enjoy this series and I am absolutely frothing at the mouth for the next book!!

Thank you Kathryn Alexandria for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaycie overbey]

I am utterly speechless!! This book was so amazing! It has literally everything I want from a fantasy series. I love the duel pov, the characters, and all of their development throughout the series. The yearning and romance that we get throughout is so good. Still absolutely devastated by some events throughout this story! I cannot recommend this book and series enough! I’m in love with this story, the world, and all these characters so much. Kathryn does such an amazing job keeping you on the edge of your seat in EVERY chapter!!! I cannot wait to see how the rest of this story unfolds!! Absolutely a 6 star series for me!

[Stevie Faye]

Aklys and Vera finally meet!!!! Definitely not the meeting I had imagined for them, but it was epic none the less. Alexandria does even more world building in book two, where we finally get to know who the real bad guy is. She does a wonderful job of including romance into her books without the smut, and still maintains a captivating storyline.

Then of course, she breaks all of our souls with that cliffhanger.

[Tashia]

I might have fallen in love with this world/characters in book one but I am OBSESSED with book two!! One thing I genuinely enjoy about this series is how descriptive the writing is without being too much/boring. The growth from our girls, Vera and Aklys, is def there which we love to see from our FMC’s. There were a few chapters that absolutely wrecked me, so emotionally I needed to take a lil break. Besides that, I literally couldn’t put this book down!! This is a no spice romantasy but we still have romance! I beg of you to give this series a chance because it will not disappoint. 🫶

[Jennifer]

Book 2 in the Aetherborne Chronicles

I had so much I wanted to say about this book, but most of all I want to say THANK YOU to Kathryn Alexandria for letting me be a part of the Street Team!

I loved book one so much and it was a great privilege to get to be one of the advanced readers for book 2.

I don't think I can adequately portray in this review how EXCEPTIONAL this book is! The deep lore, world-building, character-building and storytelling wove together to become my whole universe while I was reading it.

What I loved:

The complex and interesting world she built:

• Seven elements
• A unique creation story
• Detailed accounts by "historians"
• Poetry written by historical figures

The development of two very different FMC'S:

Both had difficult upbringings, but the personalities they manifested as a result were not at all alike. They developed completely different types of strength through their adversity.

Consequences take time:

• no insta-forgiveness for failure or abandonment

• grief is not brief and quickly healed from

• The female main characters have inherited great power, but they don't know how to handle it. They aren't instant-heroes, they react differently from one another to their own terror and guilt.

• Both main characters lose their abilities intermittently and have to figure out the next step without them

How I felt:

*Emotionally Harrowed! This book became my whole personality. I was so deeply invested in every scene that I had to stop and make myself breathe.

There are some very heavy things happening here in book two and I was at once in a hurry to feel the resolution and afraid to go on to the next scene.

I was anxiously noting what percentage of the book I had completed and was mostly shocked by how much had happened so early in the book. Then, of course, for the last 10% of the book I was in fear of the end coming too quickly.

*Impressed by the details. I loved how one character developed their own style of fashion to mark a change in their ability to choose their path.

I loved how the loss of a certain character made me simultaneously grieve and acknowledge that it was going to be better for a different character.

I was impressed by how nuanced even the side characters are. Nobody is simple and easy to pin.

⚠️What you may want to know-

-It is dark, not wholesome or sweet

-It is "closed door" with out-of-wedlock sex implied between multiple characters

-There is swearing

-There is a gay character introduced in this volume. The character does not have any romantic storyline.

If you have read Born of Shadow and Flame, you already know how much you need Book 2, but if you haven't, now is the perfect time to start!

[Karter Cook]

I already loved Born of Shadow and Flame, but Bound by Fate’s Forgotten somehow took everything I loved about book one and made me even MORE invested in this world. Being back with Aklys and Vera felt like coming home… except Kathryn apparently decided home should be emotionally devastating 😂

One of my favorite things about this series continues to be the dual POV between two incredibly different FMCs. Aklys and Vera are on completely separate journeys, dealing with their own grief, guilt, power, relationships, and choices, but you can still feel how intertwined their stories are. I loved getting to see how much they’ve both grown while still allowing them to be messy, complicated, and figuring out exactly who they want to become

And the world building!! Because somehow we’re two books in and Kathryn is STILL peeling back layers of this world. The lore, the elemental magic, the history, the side characters, the relationships, the found family… there is so much happening, but it all feels intentional. And I was especially happy to get more Aklys this time around because GIRL. I needed it

The romance is still very much a slow burn simmering in the background, but the yearning and tension?? Delicious. Vera and Ryker have me seated, and I will apparently continue accepting crumbs as long as Kathryn keeps feeding them to me 😂

But the emotional damage in this one??? RUDE. There were moments that genuinely hurt, moments that had me questioning everything, and then that ending came along and absolutely finished the job. I knew better after book one than to trust Kathryn with a cliffhanger and yet HERE I AM AGAIN

Five stars for the characters, the magic, the yearning, the women carrying the weight of the world, and the emotional devastation. I need book three immediately because you simply cannot leave me like this 😭

Thank you so much to Kathryn Alexandria for the ARC and for letting me return to the Aetherborne Chronicles. Safe to say, I am fully invested in wherever this series takes us next ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Anni]

Wooooooooooow couldn’t put it down. It was SO good. Genuinely a very good second book without the “filler”-feeling you sometimes certainly get.

The characters arc of Aklys? Perfection! She is coming into her own strength, the concept of her resilience and the matter of her power fighting off the enemy because of it? Loved it! Her grief and slow healing process was very well captured and what I really appreciated was that it wasn’t linear and it takes time to heal the wounds. The characters are so *real*, I suffered with her, especially at the book by 39%😭 and the concept of her mind walking and the land of the forgotten? It was written so thoughtful and chapeau to the writer ⭐️

Vera is a fighter. But also so scared. She acts strong but inside she is lost and grieving and her arc was also very nicely done. BUT I struggled a little bit with her redemption arc, sometimes her storyline made no sense for me. Like when Ryker (❤️) is insured and she only checks by him after 3 days after taking care of him before ?Why? And the whole marriage thing in the end with the prince- girl- i get why you think you are torn between doing everything right but I would have loved to see more worry and connection and her thoughts towards Ryker and her love for him, it came in a little short for my taste. And her annoyience with her sister and her “best friend” ? Come on, give it a rest.

The story is very fast paced, I could not put it down. But it matches the story and I could not decide which story I liked more because of the double POV. But my tendency is towards Aklys because it had more word building and I like her character so much. She is the real bad-ass princess 👑
The cliff hanger in the end ? 🫯

Can’t wait to continue !!!!!! ❤️

[Alex Winsor]

I knew @kate.co_author would nail it but I didn’t realize how hard. I’m absolutely honored to be on her street team and read this arc. It took me long than anticipated because I had to pause because I had an unexpected passing of someone I loved in my family. Because of that I stepped away for a little bit. I finally came back to finish this book because I don’t like to miss deadline I made promises on. BUT, little did I know this timing would be perfect. This book sends you on an emotional rollercoaster but also it helped heal me seeing the grief in this book have to be carried throughout and walked through. I absolutely could talk about this book forever but honestly you just need to read it yourself plus, I’d hate myself if I gave away any of the plot.

Kate does such an amazing job creating books that you feel like you’re on the book with the characters and feel what they feel.

Both of these FMC’s journeys are so unique and have their own distinct feels as you watch them navigate a life neither ever expected to live. You want to cry for them with their losses, cheer them on for their wins, and hope they grow and find a path that save them and the world. I was always holding my breath. I absolutely loved everything about it and how they grew as characters themselves. From where they started in book one to now is insane character growth done in the best way possible.

I will never stop recommending these books to everyone so they can enjoy them as much as I have and will continue to do as they keep getting released.

[kizziisreads]

First of all, what was that ending?!?! How could you just leave it right there! That's so unfair!!

Thank you to Kathryn Alexandria for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This truly picks up right where it left off. You literally fall back into the immersion. I had to do a quick recap before I started this, but wow. I love the world that Kathryn has built in the Aetherborne Chronicles. I love the different POV of the FMCs. I love the tension. I love the heartbreak that is thrust upon me.

If you've read it, I assume you know the part I'm talk of; for those that haven't, you will not be prepared. My whole heart was ripped from my chest. I literally gasped, and scared my husband & son. Explained it to them, and then proceeded to stare at the page for like 5 minutes.

BbFF follows the grief, and fear & anxiety, and turmoil of our girls. What it means to forgive, and that things are not always what they seem. I need book 3 like...yesterday!

👑🌟
Sept 20th - Sept 26th, 2027

#arcreview #arcread #bookreview #bookstagram #aetherbornechronicles

[Jayne-Marie Nova]

I really enjoyed this one! I think I actually liked it even more than the first book. The character development was probably my favorite part, especially getting to see more growth from Vera and Aklys individually. I’m a character driven reader, so I loved that the story gave them room to develop while still moving the larger plot forward. The romance and yearning were also really well done without taking away from the fantasy or worldbuilding. I also loved getting more of the world in this book without it ever feeling overwhelming or taking me out of the story.

Overall, this was a really strong second book and it definitely kept me invested in the series. Oh and the cliffhanger??!!! Absolutely rude 😂 I’m SAT!

Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful series! I can’t wait to see what comes next ☺️

[McKenzie Dempsey Dawe]

Review of advance copy received from Author
Kathryn delivers another knockout installment to her first series. There are so many beautiful quotes sprinkled among poignant moments in this story. This author is not afraid to speak on grief and to show it so raw and write it so beautifully.
I continue to be impressed by Kathryn's ability to show character and relationship growth, especially for her two FMCs. I find myself cheering for both equally in a way that I haven't done for a series in a long time.
There might have been a couple moments of confusion on my end, but after all I've read from her I'm chalking it up to the author knowing what she's doing when she's sprinkling clues and building her world. For a debut series, this is stellar.

[Christy Clowes]

Born of Shadow and Flame was my first dive into Fantasy and now I am hooked! (At least to this series/author!). The second book is a continuation of Aklys’ and Vera’s personal growth while on their respective journeys. We get deeper character development of these strong (badass) females and discover how all the characters are interconnected.
I love how the short vignettes at the start of each chapter provided more insight and depth into the world building. I was fully immersed in this book and couldn’t put it down. It had lots of plot twists and had me second guessing everything I thought to be true. I can’t wait for the third book to read the conclusion!

[Jenna Robinson]

✨ARC Review✨

This book hurt my heart in the best possible way. Vera and Aklys both had me completely invested, and seeing them struggle with guilt, power, sacrifice, and everything they’re willing to lose for the people they love was SO emotional.
Kathryn writes in such a beautiful way, that I can feel every moment of their journeys, and the revelations had me completely hooked. The stakes felt higher, the emotions deeper, and by the end, I was left sitting here wondering how I’m supposed to recover from this 🥹🖤

Book 1 was amazing, and this is just another incredible addition to this series that continues to completely steal pieces of my heart.

[Emily Baum-Blake]

OMG!!! This book had me all over the place emotionally and I loved it. I could not put this down (except for when I had to at one point in the middle because I was sobbing and needed a break…no joke) and every single chapter ends in a way that just pulls you right into the next one. I was reading way later than I meant to more than once.

And the ending!?! What a cliffhanger. Honestly I love this story and the character so much. I'm already thinking about the next book!

So glad I got to be an ARC reader for this!

[Ashley Roberson]

I enjoyed this book SO much, Bound by Fate’s Forgotten. This is the second book in the series, the first book is Born of Shadow and Flame, and I was completely DEEP in this world! The first book was amazing, but somehow this one was even better! 👏🏽

I’m such a sucker for an epic fantasy, and the dual POVs from the FMCs?! YES PLEASE. I loved getting both of their perspectives and watching their stories unfold and how they’re connected! 🖤✨

If you love immersive fantasy worlds, powerful FMCs, magic, secrets, and a story that pulls you all the way in, add this one to your radar! 👀📖

[Wyatt Creed Reads]

I absolutely LOVED Book 2 Aetherborne Chronicles delivers on every level. (ARC REVIEW ebook given by the author)

It’s a story about loss, struggle and forgiveness especially when that person is yourself. However it is also out two absolutely powerhouse women learning to trust in their own strengths, in themselves, to become the people they deserve to be.

Vera and Akyls are the heart of this story and while they both have trials and troubles and love in Ryker and Garrick. There stories while intertwined could not be more different. Both have to learn how to forgive and overcome the worse kind of pain but to also trust in those around them and themselves to be exactly who they are. Every new thing introduced in this book for both Vera and Akyls I loved, familiars? New abilities sign me up.

The magic and world only get more detail and depth in this book and I’m here for it the twists and turns were just elite and I was not expecting the direction it took AT all. It was phenomenally written and I can wait to continue the story in book 3 the final entry.

Also one final thing, HOLY CLIFF HANGER, like please why do I feel like I am watching series 1 finale from the early 2000s your going to do that to me and make me wait for a whole book 3?! I’m not ok so just prepare yourself for that one!

Book 1 great, book 2 PHENOMENAL. Go catch up you won’t regret it.

[Sarah M]

Can a sequel top its predecessor? Yes it definitely can!

Katheryn has done it again. Kept me up wayyyy too late, throwing plot twists, and curve balls that kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m a sucker for a good fantasy world. I love gods and mythology and this book was full of it. The banter is perfect and I love the FMCs with all my heart.

Get ready for a wild ride! And it’s not over yet.

Thank you for letting me ARC read and I look forward to book 3! (I’m anxiously awaiting.)

[Amanda Barke]

This book… I just finished and there’s just so much to say. This book will have you crying, smiling, on the edge of your seat and just completely enthralled. Not your typical fantasy as there are two stories, two FMCs and one overall story that it leads to. There are twists and turns, with the ones you love dying and then adding new mysterious characters who we need more from! Can’t wait for book 3!

[Amanda S]

The ending is this book though!!

I really enjoyed getting to continue to follow Vera and Aklys journey. A top pick of the year for me and I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the romantasy world. There is no spice so if you are looking for something like that, this may not be the book for you. I love my spicey romances, but sometimes enjoy the quieter more emotional bonds between the characters.

[Sam Castellanos]

This book was PHENOMENAL. I felt every emotion going through this book.
Aklys has been my fave since page one but Vera’s character growth really gripped me in this second book.
I find a lot of times in series book two kind of lulls, but this one absolutely doesn’t. I was kicking my feet, laughing, crying, throwing it across the room.
Perfection, no notes.

[Ally Power]

OH MY GOSH. This book is everything that I hoped it would be and more. My heart is BROKEN but, like a glutton for punishment, I absolutely cannot wait until I can get my hands on Book 3. I want to spoil everything and talk about all the juicy details but I don’t want to ruin this journey for anyone. But holy smokes. This book is FANTASTIC

[Lieskas.library]

This was sooooo good, even better than the first one. I thought it was a little too long so that’s why it’s not 5⭐️ but the story? The world building? The connection between all the characters??!!! I just don’t know how she pull this off but she did it in a fantastic way!

I was not expecting so much world building but you really get to see the whole world and their rulers in this book so have the world map ready at all times.

Also prepare to cry profusely (multiple times) throughout this book because some characters don’t make it to book 3 💀

Overall very excited to read book 3!

[Travis Thompson]

This book has everything you want - adventure, twists & turns, hidden powers, slow burn, dual POV, and a rebellion. Left me on a cliffhanger and can't wait to get book #3!

[Renee Oquinn]

Well the fate of the world hangs in the balance. The tension continues in book two and finally we see some major character meet its what I have been waiting on. I also have soooo many questions for starters how could you leave me hanging like that in the end 😆. Absolutely enjoyed this second installment and the character growth and looking forward to the next.