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Bound Trilogy #3
Sworn
Not every fairy tale ends with “happily ever after.”
The plan was simple: Find Ulric, the lost king of Tyrea, then return him to Luid to reclaim his throne from the tyrant who stole it. But though Aren, Rowan, and Nox accomplished the first part of their task, the rest is proving to be more complicated than any of them imagined.
Severn won’t give up his throne without a fight. Worse, it seems Ulric did not fare as well during his years in captivity as he’s led everyone to believe—and Rowan may not have escaped unscathed, either.
If Nox doesn’t find a cure for the king’s mysterious ailment, Aren will be forced to challenge Severn for the crown. It’s a battle Aren has little hope of winning. And if he does, it will cost him the love and the freedom he’s fought so hard to gain.
The plan was simple: Find Ulric, the lost king of Tyrea, then return him to Luid to reclaim his throne from the tyrant who stole it. But though Aren, Rowan, and Nox accomplished the first part of their task, the rest is proving to be more complicated than any of them imagined.
Severn won’t give up his throne without a fight. Worse, it seems Ulric did not fare as well during his years in captivity as he’s led everyone to believe—and Rowan may not have escaped unscathed, either.
If Nox doesn’t find a cure for the king’s mysterious ailment, Aren will be forced to challenge Severn for the crown. It’s a battle Aren has little hope of winning. And if he does, it will cost him the love and the freedom he’s fought so hard to gain.
592 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 19, 2016
*SPOILERS*
I have to say I was disappointed with how the story ended. I had been hoping for a much more satisfying end romantically between Rowan and Aren, but they'd been apart, shielding themselves from each other because of the impossibility of the future that I wasn't feeling much by the time Aren proposed.
I had also thought the king's response at the end with Rowan and the rest of the characters was a bit unrealistic. He had been beastly to everyone up to the very end and he suddenly turns ultra sweet.
I have to say I was disappointed with how the story ended. I had been hoping for a much more satisfying end romantically between Rowan and Aren, but they'd been apart, shielding themselves from each other because of the impossibility of the future that I wasn't feeling much by the time Aren proposed.
I had also thought the king's response at the end with Rowan and the rest of the characters was a bit unrealistic. He had been beastly to everyone up to the very end and he suddenly turns ultra sweet.
January 19, 2016
5 +++++ Brilliant Stars!
This has become my all time favorite series! What a perfect ending to a truly terrific series! I don't know how I'm going to review something I loved so very much but I will try my best. The writing from the very first line is just incredible. Telling the story from Rowan, Aren and Nox's POV's really added to my understanding and appreciation of these characters. I felt like I was inside the story with the wonderfully vivid descriptions. This last book in this series surpassed my expectations which were high due to how much I enjoyed the first two books. I enjoyed every minute of this book. I laughed and I actually cried at one point which I don't know if I've ever done while reading a book before. I had such a hard time with reading this as I wanted to read it in one sitting but the thought of leaving these characters and their world behind was really hard. I've felt this before but I have never been so attached to every character including the secondary characters as I was in this series. They made this series something special. I even adored the magical creatures, Florizel and Ruby in this story and I worried over their endings as I was reading. Who wouldn't want the best possible ending for a winged horse & her reluctant dragon friend? The world, story and unique magic within this story made it a page turner but it was the amazingly well developed and complex characters that won my heart and kept a part of it after I read the last line. I would & will be recommending this series to everyone I know who loves beautifully told stories that are impossible to put down. If you love fantasy books and haven't read this series yet you are really missing out! Kate Sparkes is such talented writer and I will be reading anything and everything she writes in the future and you should too!
*Thank you to the author for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review*
This has become my all time favorite series! What a perfect ending to a truly terrific series! I don't know how I'm going to review something I loved so very much but I will try my best. The writing from the very first line is just incredible. Telling the story from Rowan, Aren and Nox's POV's really added to my understanding and appreciation of these characters. I felt like I was inside the story with the wonderfully vivid descriptions. This last book in this series surpassed my expectations which were high due to how much I enjoyed the first two books. I enjoyed every minute of this book. I laughed and I actually cried at one point which I don't know if I've ever done while reading a book before. I had such a hard time with reading this as I wanted to read it in one sitting but the thought of leaving these characters and their world behind was really hard. I've felt this before but I have never been so attached to every character including the secondary characters as I was in this series. They made this series something special. I even adored the magical creatures, Florizel and Ruby in this story and I worried over their endings as I was reading. Who wouldn't want the best possible ending for a winged horse & her reluctant dragon friend? The world, story and unique magic within this story made it a page turner but it was the amazingly well developed and complex characters that won my heart and kept a part of it after I read the last line. I would & will be recommending this series to everyone I know who loves beautifully told stories that are impossible to put down. If you love fantasy books and haven't read this series yet you are really missing out! Kate Sparkes is such talented writer and I will be reading anything and everything she writes in the future and you should too!
*Thank you to the author for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review*
May 31, 2016
So, I briefly thought my true rating for this book (having received an advance copy) would be 4 1/2 stars. However, my rating for the series is a definite 5+ stars. I love this series and honestly feel like I "know" these characters. I have come to realize that this is a unique experience after reading a series and, even though I'm an avid reader and have enjoyed so many books and series, I know that I will not always walk away feeling that I've met "people." For some reason -- mostly great character development on all levels -- I feel connected to not only Aren & Rowen, but also to the many other multi-faceted characters in this series. But my feelings after finishing Sworn are bittersweet. Each character feels alive and real and someone with whom I would love to sit down and converse and learn more about. Therefore, the unexpectedly tragic moment for one of the supporting characters really hurt. I know this is how life is and certainly war. I do not want to give any spoilers but I will say to be prepared for some real-life sadness but also for moments of peaceful happiness and hope and ultimately faithfulness and love. I truly hope to hear more from Kate Sparkes about these characters and this world. For now, I will miss them and think about them for a while. Yeah...this one definitely did deserve those 5 stars. (Again, I should note that although there are implied sexual encounters, I would still rate this series PG.)
I thought I would mention that there is another series with characters that I LOVED and related to in much the same way. It is written by Veronica Rossi and is called Under The Never Sky. I don't know why (as it is not really a similar setting), but I think if you loved Veronica Rossi's series and characters, you will also love the Bound series by Kate Sparkes.
***I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought I would mention that there is another series with characters that I LOVED and related to in much the same way. It is written by Veronica Rossi and is called Under The Never Sky. I don't know why (as it is not really a similar setting), but I think if you loved Veronica Rossi's series and characters, you will also love the Bound series by Kate Sparkes.
***I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2016
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** This book dragged and I had such a hard time getting through it, which is the reason for only two stars. It finally picked up at the last 20% of the book but not enough to make me give it a better rating. When I first read Bound I was so excited for this series but Torn and Sworn were both a huge let down. The majority of this book seemed to lack direction. I disliked Nox's POV and I couldn't believe how little of Rowan we got. I'm glad this changed at the end but I almost gave up before I got there. Arin was not who I wanted him to be. He professed his love for Row and in the previous two book, sacrificed everything for her life TWICE, but you wouldn't have believed it from the book. Even when we read from his POV he didn't seem to have much of an internal struggle about it. And it was quite off-putting. In fact, I started to question his sincerity in the first two books. Rowan's struggle seemed real. She couldn't just ignore her feelings for him because now he was off limits. I didn't get that from him at all. Even in the end when he proposed to her he told her that their marriage might not be want to pictured. And I took that to mean he will have to have other wives so he can have heirs which in unacceptable to me. I like my happy endings and this didn't accomplish that.
This installment offered little action (until the end battle), little magic (everyone was running low), and little romance. This is why I could only give it 2 stars.
This installment offered little action (until the end battle), little magic (everyone was running low), and little romance. This is why I could only give it 2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2016
I'm giving 4 stars, because, besides being a great reading, i think it was a little bit draggy the whole story! But I really love the way, Kate Sparkes makes us feel connected to the characters and the story. It flows so easy and also delightful to read. Rowan and Aren are a brave couple! I love the way, that nothing holds them back. They're always trying to find a way to help each other, free Tyrea, from the evil Severn and find their own happy ending! I also think, that Nox is a surprising character! She had a sad and violent past, so isn't possible to don't understand her harsh attitudes, towards everyone. But i like the way, she starts to change and accept that things can change and for better. Each character has their own problem to deal and solve it, and i love the way, is created a bound between them! Even the dragon Ruby, becomes an ally! It was amazing! But i do believe, more will come. I feel that Aren and Rowan will have more adventure on their lives!
January 28, 2016
Although I'm feeling a little melancholy about this series coming to an end, I'm also thinking Sworn is a satisfying ending to an enchanting, thrilling journey and I'm hoping this author returns to this world for future projects.
One of my favorite aspects of this trilogy is the character development, with each character a separate individual having their own backstories, personalities, mannerisms, and goals. It's always a pleasure to read a book in which the author has created three-dimensional characters that seem to take on a life of their own.
I know some readers don't enjoy rotating POVs, in this case, Rowan, Aren, and Nox, but I'm usually a fan because of the broader scope it gives a story. One of my favorite characters, Florizel, had some exciting moments and I was surprised to see a softer, gentler side to Ruby - you can never tell with dragons.
This book was full of adventure, magic (literally), and suspense with both heart-wrenching and heroic moments and I'd recommend this series to fantasy fans and readers who like to immerse themselves in a book that transports them to another world.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite aspects of this trilogy is the character development, with each character a separate individual having their own backstories, personalities, mannerisms, and goals. It's always a pleasure to read a book in which the author has created three-dimensional characters that seem to take on a life of their own.
I know some readers don't enjoy rotating POVs, in this case, Rowan, Aren, and Nox, but I'm usually a fan because of the broader scope it gives a story. One of my favorite characters, Florizel, had some exciting moments and I was surprised to see a softer, gentler side to Ruby - you can never tell with dragons.
This book was full of adventure, magic (literally), and suspense with both heart-wrenching and heroic moments and I'd recommend this series to fantasy fans and readers who like to immerse themselves in a book that transports them to another world.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2016
It has taken me a while to finally write the review this book deserves. First and foremost I really enjoyed it! It was a bit slow going for me in the beginning because I was only able to read a couple chapters a day but by the middle it hurt my heart to put down. I love how Nox developed and blossomed in this book; it really did her character justice and since Torn (the second in this trilogy) she had quickly become my favorite character.
Kate Sparkes is amazing at world building. Even though throughout the entire trilogy we were taken to a lot of different places I never felt lost. She sets the foundation for scenery and allows imagination to do the rest.
This was honestly a really great ending to the series even if not every character had a happy one. I was happy with Rowan's choice in the end, the final battle, that Ruby was included, and that the majority of the characters I grew to love so much got an outcome without loose ends.
Kate Sparkes is amazing at world building. Even though throughout the entire trilogy we were taken to a lot of different places I never felt lost. She sets the foundation for scenery and allows imagination to do the rest.
This was honestly a really great ending to the series even if not every character had a happy one. I was happy with Rowan's choice in the end, the final battle, that Ruby was included, and that the majority of the characters I grew to love so much got an outcome without loose ends.
April 4, 2016
After reading the first two installments of the Bound trilogy I was hooked! So I have waited with bated breath for this final book. Sadly, I was disappointed. Although the story flowed I felt they spent too much time getting from one place to another I was ready for the battle to just get started already. I enjoyed all the characters and how they developed especially Nox. However, what really killed it for me was our beloved Rowan from Book 1. I really had high hopes for her I personally thought by Book 3 Rowan should have been this sorceress really coming into her own, instead she was still this unsure, fragile weakling even though she kind of redeemed herself during the battle with Severn I thought she would have evolved more. Combined with the lackluster ending, this series went out with a whimper instead of a bang.
January 10, 2016
This book was my favourite out of the trilogy. You don't have to read the other 2 to follow the story. But it does help you understand so much more about what is going on.
The story is told by Rowen, Aren and Nox.
Which is good because you are getting different views on what is going on.
Romance, love, hate, sadness, action, dragons, flying horses, everything that a good book calls for.
I really hate to say goodbye to them, I hope Kate will continue to tell their stories.
If you like to read YA fantasy, I truly believe you will like this book.
The story is told by Rowen, Aren and Nox.
Which is good because you are getting different views on what is going on.
Romance, love, hate, sadness, action, dragons, flying horses, everything that a good book calls for.
I really hate to say goodbye to them, I hope Kate will continue to tell their stories.
If you like to read YA fantasy, I truly believe you will like this book.
April 21, 2018
I loved this series. I'm happy discovered it and read it. If you like magic, dragons, mermaids, flying horses this is a series for you. The charters are very well-developed and relatable. I liked most the main characters, Rowan, Aren, Nix, and Kel. I wasn't very fond of Ulric for most of the book and of course I dispised the villain, Severn. But I'm glad how it all ended and turned out and glad I stuck it out and finished these books.
February 5, 2016
Great ending
Great ending to an amazing trilogy. Was sad to see it end, but loved the journey! Looking forward to whatever comes next!
Great ending to an amazing trilogy. Was sad to see it end, but loved the journey! Looking forward to whatever comes next!
July 23, 2016
Quite a disappointment--this series got worse with each subsequent book
October 16, 2019
This is really a review of the whole Bound Trilogy. The number of stars (5 for all three) makes it clear that I liked the series. I must say though that I would have preferred a different ending. What makes them somewhat unique is that the stories were conscious of themselves. This was a fairy tale and it noticed that it didn't in all ways follow the pattern that fairy tales were supposed to. In some ways I wish that it had been less like a fairy tale. In fact there is a little too much of good girl falls in love with dark male and tries to improve him. A bad message, I think.
I liked the character development that's permitted by the streams being in the first person. I did find that I felt knowledgeable about the characters. They were quite well developed. The tennis between the magic and non-magic in the two countries worked well. Despite some reviewers finding parts of the books slow, it passed my exercycle test with flying colours. The test is how fast it makes my exercycling seem to go.
Ye, I highly recommend giving it a try.
I liked the character development that's permitted by the streams being in the first person. I did find that I felt knowledgeable about the characters. They were quite well developed. The tennis between the magic and non-magic in the two countries worked well. Despite some reviewers finding parts of the books slow, it passed my exercycle test with flying colours. The test is how fast it makes my exercycling seem to go.
Ye, I highly recommend giving it a try.
October 23, 2017
ok... I read all three books in the trilogy. I first want to say this is a 4 star instead of 5 star for one major reason, the beginning. I struggled with getting into this third book of the series. It did not grasp my attention and kept repeating a bunch of stuff that had happened in the other two books. I understand that there is a reason for this, but it did not interest me.
Next there may be SPOLIERS- CONCIDER YOURSELF WARNED***
The ending, I was crying... bawling! the major reason was Kel and Nox. This tore me up. I have to hand it to the author for the great job on describing the battle and the last 150 pages o so... I could not turn away. This is now one of my favorite trilogies. Well done!
Next there may be SPOLIERS- CONCIDER YOURSELF WARNED***
The ending, I was crying... bawling! the major reason was Kel and Nox. This tore me up. I have to hand it to the author for the great job on describing the battle and the last 150 pages o so... I could not turn away. This is now one of my favorite trilogies. Well done!
June 8, 2017
Series ender you'll stay up to finish!
Aren and Rowan have already been through so much together. Faced more battles than anyone should ever see. They've used magic and almost been destroyed by magic. And their troubles still don't have an ending. Even some of their allies and families have done their best to tear them apart. All while battling an evil king.... Who just happens to be Aren's brother.
It's a fast paced, well crafted story. If you're a paranormal reading fan, I highly recommend this book and the entire trilogy. You won't be disappointed.
Aren and Rowan have already been through so much together. Faced more battles than anyone should ever see. They've used magic and almost been destroyed by magic. And their troubles still don't have an ending. Even some of their allies and families have done their best to tear them apart. All while battling an evil king.... Who just happens to be Aren's brother.
It's a fast paced, well crafted story. If you're a paranormal reading fan, I highly recommend this book and the entire trilogy. You won't be disappointed.
May 8, 2017
This book was nothing less than absolutely amazing! I laughed, I cried, I loved this book! The characters are so amazing throughout this entire series and never lose any momentum! This book was crafted beautifully, gracefully paced and amazing to read! There were some parts that weren't for the faint of heart, but all in all this book series is my #1 favorite of all time! I now own them all digitally and in paperback!
September 13, 2021
Wow.
I'm sad to end this journey with Rowan, Aren and Nox. Kate Sparkes created a wonderful world of magic and fascinating characters, and I'll miss it.
I have to say that this last book was darker than the other two. But it definitely led to a climatic and exciting ending with the stakes raised and the futures of the characters unknown.
It had a bittersweet ending, although I do appreciate these types of endings because they're refreshing from the standard 'happily ever afters.'
I'm sad to end this journey with Rowan, Aren and Nox. Kate Sparkes created a wonderful world of magic and fascinating characters, and I'll miss it.
I have to say that this last book was darker than the other two. But it definitely led to a climatic and exciting ending with the stakes raised and the futures of the characters unknown.
It had a bittersweet ending, although I do appreciate these types of endings because they're refreshing from the standard 'happily ever afters.'
July 16, 2017
Still too expensive IMO. And I regretted buying it for the first few chapters as the h just seemed to be getting dumber than her ultra innocent (if dumb) mistakes from the first books. BUT, she did recover. In the end, the book wasn't great, but it was ok.
Oh, and I LOVED the glimpse we got of Ruby's baby... she was so cute! Ruby's pretty good too. 'Wash your face' ;)
Oh, and I LOVED the glimpse we got of Ruby's baby... she was so cute! Ruby's pretty good too. 'Wash your face' ;)
June 27, 2018
Horrible ending! I mean i loved the book but cant accept Kels death, which means Again Nox has to suffer the loss of her most loved ones after her miserable life she deserved to be with Kel. As for Aren & Rowan, No Kids? Really? Which means either she'll be his queen among Others or she'll be his mistress, both unfair really.
June 27, 2018
Horrible ending! I mean i loved the book but cant accept Kels death, which means Again Nox has to suffer the loss of her most loved ones after her miserable life she deserved to be with Kel. As for Aren & Rowan, No Kids? Really? Which means either she'll be his queen among Others or she'll be his mistress, both unfair really.
June 21, 2017
A hard ending
This last book was much harder for me. It reminded me a lot of Mocking Jay the 3rd book in the hunger games. It has war and death. It isn't sunshine and romance. I enjoyed the trilogy, but this book was harder to get through and to the happily ever after.part.
This last book was much harder for me. It reminded me a lot of Mocking Jay the 3rd book in the hunger games. It has war and death. It isn't sunshine and romance. I enjoyed the trilogy, but this book was harder to get through and to the happily ever after.part.
January 22, 2018
Sworn ( Bound Trilogy book 3)
Fantastic trilogy. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a little bit of magic, with suspense, and love affair! All in one book !Enjoy the books, as I did!!
Fantastic trilogy. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a little bit of magic, with suspense, and love affair! All in one book !Enjoy the books, as I did!!
August 6, 2018
I love the series is amazing lots of magic good and bad and how we can choose their future and Not be stuck with what is made of them or you can always choose and not be forced to do something that you really don’t want ....amazing
February 3, 2019
Would have been a lot better if it was shorter (first half of the book is boring at times), but overall it's an ok conclusion to a solid series. Really liked the main couple, but the best part was obviously a quirky dragon and a talking horse ;)
July 8, 2020
Love love LOVE
Read the series FAST! Enjoyed the sinister side to characters, the action, and the suspense. If you are looking to get away from life with a magical action tale this one is for you!
Read the series FAST! Enjoyed the sinister side to characters, the action, and the suspense. If you are looking to get away from life with a magical action tale this one is for you!
May 9, 2017
Review
I was hesitant to read this last book based on some other reviews. However, I am glad I did. It was a fitting conclusion and well placed. I enjoyed it very much.
I was hesitant to read this last book based on some other reviews. However, I am glad I did. It was a fitting conclusion and well placed. I enjoyed it very much.
June 9, 2017
Absolutely fascinating. I have been so intrigued by this book that I was able to finish it so quickly. My absolute favourite series so far. Really did a good job with this one 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️👋🏻👌💋💋💋
August 1, 2017
Probably my least favorite of the 3 -- too many changes in the end that just didn't add up, almost like she ran out of time and just neatly tied a bow on things without it being realistic
December 20, 2019
The ending wrapped everything up but was anti-climactic
May 12, 2024
Awesome book! I really enjoyed the entire series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews