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The Baine Chronicles #2
Bound by Magic
With the silver murders solved and her training as a mage underway, Sunaya figured her life would get easier. But between the Chief Mage's packed schedule and the grunt work demanded of her as an apprentice mage, magic lessons are few and far between. Worse, her apprenticeship leaves little time for her job as an Enforcer, and without bounties Sunaya’s money pouch is drying up -- fast.
Even so, when Shiftertown Inspector Boon Lakin asks for Sunaya’s help digging deeper into the murder of a fellow Enforcer, Sunaya has no trouble making room in her life to help him. The trail leads them to a series of crimes victimizing shifters for the entertainment of vicious humans. Sunaya and her friends race to identify the perpetrators and free the survivors, and the stakes are heightened when she discovers one of the victims has a connection to her. But if Sunaya is not careful, she may end up a very dead shifter herself...
Even so, when Shiftertown Inspector Boon Lakin asks for Sunaya’s help digging deeper into the murder of a fellow Enforcer, Sunaya has no trouble making room in her life to help him. The trail leads them to a series of crimes victimizing shifters for the entertainment of vicious humans. Sunaya and her friends race to identify the perpetrators and free the survivors, and the stakes are heightened when she discovers one of the victims has a connection to her. But if Sunaya is not careful, she may end up a very dead shifter herself...
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2016
619 people are currently reading
1041 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
July 12, 2017
Bound by Magic (The Baine Chronicles #2) by Jasmine Walt continues this awesome series. In this book, shifters are going missing. She is also starting her apprenticeship with the Chef Mage. She also comes close to death, again. It gets very exciting....lots of fun, suspense filled, wonderful read!
March 5, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I Guess I'm Shipping The Wrong Ship*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The second book in the series Sunaya ‘Naya’ Baine (24), a shifter-mage hybrid; a black panther and a licensed Enforcer, is struggling to keep who is has always been now that she has to learn to control her magic. Always finding mages like they have their wands up their asses, and a need for justice, she must find a way to deal with her new situation. Especially with her growing attraction to Iannis ar’Sannin, the Chief Mage who wasn’t just the ruler of Solantha – he governed the entire state of Canalo and was one of the most powerful mages in the Federation of Northia. Overall, I like it. I did. It was better than book one as I felt Naya had grown a tiny bit. She even thanked Iannis for saving her life. And it was about time she thanked him. I do, however, kinda ship - I know kill me, I'm too M/M obsessed - Fenris, the brown wolf shifter with Iannis........... Fuck me. Though I do like the build-up between Naya and Iannis.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Urban Fantasy (M/F)
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Iannis ar’Sannin.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 3 (weak) stars.
March 14, 2016
Omfg. Really? Realllllllyyyy?
Ugh, I'm so annoyed.
The first book in this series I thought was a little slow, but I really liked the characters and the world the author had created- it was setting the stage to what I thought was going to be a pretty good series.
However, Bound by Magic has me convinced that's not going to happen.
We pick up one month later from where we ended in book one. Sunaya is still training as the apprentice to the Chief Mage and learning how to use her magic. Between training and working when she can for the Enforcers Guild she is now working for the Mage's Guild as well, and bitches about it through the whole book.
Okay, here's my first issue with this sequel....
It's practically book one written all over again.
Seriously.
The plot is pretty much the same. Nothing happens. Sunaya runs around town working a case (pretty much the exact same case again) missing shifters, a drug making them go crazy, and trying to find out info about the mysterious "bad guy" the Benefactor. She drives to Com's shop, talks to him and Noria, goes talk to Lakin, goes to the Enforcers Guild to get more info, talks to more people, then goes to the Palace. . . rinse and repeat the next day. And all of it getting increasingly boring as the story went on.
Excuse me while I take a nap.
I even skimmed a paragraph or two here and there.
Absolutely nothing happened to advance the plot or story.
The (only) thing that held my interest was the Chief Mage Iannis and we hardly seen him. His scenes with Sunaya were my favorite, the few there were. The power and mystery surrounding him and the fact he knows Sunaya's real father really kept me interested in the story. And yet we got NOT ONE mention of who her father is or anything relating to Iannis. His and Sunaya's relationship didn't progress at all. Which frickin' sucks. At this point the possibility of Iannis and Sunaya together is the only thing keeping me (maybe) continuing this series.
Another thing that pissed me off to high heaven is Sunaya being a complete idiot in this one. I think all the magic lessons have fried her brain because she acted like she didn't even have one. She would find out something REALLY REALLY REALLY important and just forget to mention it to anyone, like it was no big deal, which of course could've prevented a lot of shit.
Like forgetting important details about her and Lakin's case...
I winced. "I kind of forgot about the counterfeit stuff after we watched all those shifters nearly kill each other yesterday," I admitted.
How Sunaya solves any cases being so absent minded is beyond me.
Of course that wasn't the only time either.
When that cliffhanger happened? It was so frickin' predictable. Sunaya finds out EARLY ON in the story from her cousin that the resistance is planning something bad for Iannis when he leaves for his conference, which he is leaving any day now. She thinks to herself, I need to tell him.... and yet she never does. It never once crosses her mind. SHE FORGETS. Like she forgets to brush her teeth or forgets she left a frickin jacket at work. She. Just. Forgets.
How do you forget to tell the man you have feelings for that he's about to be killed/kidnapped/seriously hurt?!
She's even in front of him and is so drunk on her lust for him that she thinks to herself,
I had a feeling there was something I was supposed to be telling him, something important, but my brain was too overwhelmed to tell me what.
....... But the words, whatever they had been, dried on my tongue, and I swallowed. "Thank you," I said quietly, looking away. I jumped to my feet, releasing his hand as I did so. "I have to go now. Goodnight."
And then when she finally thinks to warn him... it's too late.
Smh.
At this point I'm not sure if I'll continue the series when book three comes out, it's still up in the air. Yeah the writing is good but the actual plot sucks, I needed something to keep me on the edge of my seat. Give me some suspense or plot twists, or drama or action or romance or SOMETHING. That's all I need.... something, but I just didn't get it with this installment.
Ugh, I'm so annoyed.
The first book in this series I thought was a little slow, but I really liked the characters and the world the author had created- it was setting the stage to what I thought was going to be a pretty good series.
However, Bound by Magic has me convinced that's not going to happen.
We pick up one month later from where we ended in book one. Sunaya is still training as the apprentice to the Chief Mage and learning how to use her magic. Between training and working when she can for the Enforcers Guild she is now working for the Mage's Guild as well, and bitches about it through the whole book.
Okay, here's my first issue with this sequel....
It's practically book one written all over again.
Seriously.
The plot is pretty much the same. Nothing happens. Sunaya runs around town working a case (pretty much the exact same case again) missing shifters, a drug making them go crazy, and trying to find out info about the mysterious "bad guy" the Benefactor. She drives to Com's shop, talks to him and Noria, goes talk to Lakin, goes to the Enforcers Guild to get more info, talks to more people, then goes to the Palace. . . rinse and repeat the next day. And all of it getting increasingly boring as the story went on.
Excuse me while I take a nap.
I even skimmed a paragraph or two here and there.
Absolutely nothing happened to advance the plot or story.
The (only) thing that held my interest was the Chief Mage Iannis and we hardly seen him. His scenes with Sunaya were my favorite, the few there were. The power and mystery surrounding him and the fact he knows Sunaya's real father really kept me interested in the story. And yet we got NOT ONE mention of who her father is or anything relating to Iannis. His and Sunaya's relationship didn't progress at all. Which frickin' sucks. At this point the possibility of Iannis and Sunaya together is the only thing keeping me (maybe) continuing this series.
Another thing that pissed me off to high heaven is Sunaya being a complete idiot in this one. I think all the magic lessons have fried her brain because she acted like she didn't even have one. She would find out something REALLY REALLY REALLY important and just forget to mention it to anyone, like it was no big deal, which of course could've prevented a lot of shit.
Like forgetting important details about her and Lakin's case...
I winced. "I kind of forgot about the counterfeit stuff after we watched all those shifters nearly kill each other yesterday," I admitted.
How Sunaya solves any cases being so absent minded is beyond me.
Of course that wasn't the only time either.
When that cliffhanger happened? It was so frickin' predictable. Sunaya finds out EARLY ON in the story from her cousin that the resistance is planning something bad for Iannis when he leaves for his conference, which he is leaving any day now. She thinks to herself, I need to tell him.... and yet she never does. It never once crosses her mind. SHE FORGETS. Like she forgets to brush her teeth or forgets she left a frickin jacket at work. She. Just. Forgets.
How do you forget to tell the man you have feelings for that he's about to be killed/kidnapped/seriously hurt?!
She's even in front of him and is so drunk on her lust for him that she thinks to herself,
I had a feeling there was something I was supposed to be telling him, something important, but my brain was too overwhelmed to tell me what.
....... But the words, whatever they had been, dried on my tongue, and I swallowed. "Thank you," I said quietly, looking away. I jumped to my feet, releasing his hand as I did so. "I have to go now. Goodnight."
And then when she finally thinks to warn him... it's too late.
Smh.
At this point I'm not sure if I'll continue the series when book three comes out, it's still up in the air. Yeah the writing is good but the actual plot sucks, I needed something to keep me on the edge of my seat. Give me some suspense or plot twists, or drama or action or romance or SOMETHING. That's all I need.... something, but I just didn't get it with this installment.
November 14, 2022
Bound by Magic is book two in The Baine Chronicles by Jasmine Walt. It’s filled with suspense, excitement, and wonderful characters.
We continue our story with Sunaya who is sucked into an investigation. Shifters have gone missing and the overall ARC continues to build as well. Sunaya has kept her magic hidden until now and so, she must embrace and develop it. She’s got to find a way to deal with her new situation; especially with her growing attraction to the Chief Mage Iannis ar’Sannin.
We get to see Sunaya grow as a character and in her knowledge of Magic. I really like our lead Sunaya. Even with all the new stuff coming at her she doesn’t lose herself. She finds a way to deal with it all, stay true to herself, and grow.
The world-building and secondary characters continue to add to the story and world. It’s developing well. The story does end on a cliffhanger, but the series is complete, so you can dive into the next book.
Bound by Magic is full of action, adventure, and mystery. I very much enjoyed this novel and the continuation of the story. I did bing this series and it felt great to be sucked into a good Urban Fantasy series.
Rated: 4 Stars
We continue our story with Sunaya who is sucked into an investigation. Shifters have gone missing and the overall ARC continues to build as well. Sunaya has kept her magic hidden until now and so, she must embrace and develop it. She’s got to find a way to deal with her new situation; especially with her growing attraction to the Chief Mage Iannis ar’Sannin.
We get to see Sunaya grow as a character and in her knowledge of Magic. I really like our lead Sunaya. Even with all the new stuff coming at her she doesn’t lose herself. She finds a way to deal with it all, stay true to herself, and grow.
The world-building and secondary characters continue to add to the story and world. It’s developing well. The story does end on a cliffhanger, but the series is complete, so you can dive into the next book.
Bound by Magic is full of action, adventure, and mystery. I very much enjoyed this novel and the continuation of the story. I did bing this series and it felt great to be sucked into a good Urban Fantasy series.
Rated: 4 Stars
March 10, 2016
**** 4 Cranky Stars ****
Full disclosure: I didn't read the first book in this series and I probably should have to get a more detailed experience.
In saying that, I could follow and the author did a good job of giving reminders and prompts on who was who and what was important.
Bound by Magic centers on Sunaya who is half shifter and half mage.
Her heritage brings baggage - serious baggage. She is an outsider to both sides of her lineage; an object of suspicion.
The apprentice to the Chief Mage and an enforcer (a type of police-officer-come-bounty-hunter), Naya is as tough as nails, but having difficulty balancing both of her dual roles.
An outstanding case from the past, shifters going missing, and dubious practices come to light, Naya finds herself in the midst of a mystery where the two sides of her nature may, in fact, be a boon and not a bane.
Fast paced and action packed, Walt has built an interesting world that is not too dissimilar to the one we are in, but different enough to be intriguing.
It's a little bit steam-punk, a little bit paranormal, and human enough to keep you turning pages.
With a special thanks to THE Book Club.
March 14, 2016
Spoilers May Follow:
I had SUCH high hopes for Bound by Magic, but it just didn't deliver. Sure, this was a great way to pass time, but there was too much wrong with the book to thoroughly enjoy it. I think most of the issues in the book can be chalked up to lazy story writing.
Naya is supposed to be a strong, competent enforcer, but she just isn't. She's forgetful and downright stupid to the point where she endangers the lives of others. Firstly, she wants to enter an underground fighting ring without backup, endangering her own life and the lives of the people she may have had to fight. Quite frankly, it's stupid, and above all, she was warned that it was dangerous to go alone. But she still did it.
Throughout the novel, Naya is given warnings that the convention Iannis is to attend is going to be attacked (or something of the sort), but she still wishes to keep the information to herself. In fact, it's not necessarily a keep the information to herself type of thing, but rather a she's so forgetful, she'd lose her arm if it wasn't attached to her type of thing. Really. She's that forgetful. I mean, she forgets things minutes after she's told them, which is insane, because she's supposed to be an Enforcer, which is like a detective. Why isn't she taking notes if her memory is that incompetent? Again, lives are put in danger due to her incompetence.
So, it's mostly lazy story writing. The author needed to create a plot, and she did so by making the character incompetent, and the story unfolded in a disastrous manner due to it.
The reason this received three stars is due to the immense potential of the series. However, I highly suggest that Ms. Walt choose better Beta readers and editors. Whoever she has revising her work is almost as incompetent as her protagonist.
3 frustrating stars.
I had SUCH high hopes for Bound by Magic, but it just didn't deliver. Sure, this was a great way to pass time, but there was too much wrong with the book to thoroughly enjoy it. I think most of the issues in the book can be chalked up to lazy story writing.
Naya is supposed to be a strong, competent enforcer, but she just isn't. She's forgetful and downright stupid to the point where she endangers the lives of others. Firstly, she wants to enter an underground fighting ring without backup, endangering her own life and the lives of the people she may have had to fight. Quite frankly, it's stupid, and above all, she was warned that it was dangerous to go alone. But she still did it.
Throughout the novel, Naya is given warnings that the convention Iannis is to attend is going to be attacked (or something of the sort), but she still wishes to keep the information to herself. In fact, it's not necessarily a keep the information to herself type of thing, but rather a she's so forgetful, she'd lose her arm if it wasn't attached to her type of thing. Really. She's that forgetful. I mean, she forgets things minutes after she's told them, which is insane, because she's supposed to be an Enforcer, which is like a detective. Why isn't she taking notes if her memory is that incompetent? Again, lives are put in danger due to her incompetence.
So, it's mostly lazy story writing. The author needed to create a plot, and she did so by making the character incompetent, and the story unfolded in a disastrous manner due to it.
The reason this received three stars is due to the immense potential of the series. However, I highly suggest that Ms. Walt choose better Beta readers and editors. Whoever she has revising her work is almost as incompetent as her protagonist.
3 frustrating stars.
March 1, 2016
I received an ARC of this book via The Book Club in return for an honest review.
This is the second book in the series I have read and eagerly awaited its publication. I was not disappointed. Sunaya is now an apprentice mage juggling her lessons under with the Chief Mage and responsibilities of an apprentice with working as an Enforcer to help pay the bills.
Sunaya is drawn into an investigation of missing shifters, one of who is her cousin. Why are young shifters suddenly disappearing and what is the link between the disappearances and the bank loans? She is also working alongside the Chief Mage to thwart the actions of the Benefactor. A well written fantasy novel full of action and adventure and the possibility of romance perhaps even a romantic triangle.
At the end of the book I am still left hanging with questions unanswered which has certainly wheted my appetite for book three. Who is the Benefactor? What are Iannis and Fenris hiding? Who is Sunaya's father? What more adventures/investigations are in store for Sunaya. The list goes on.
I eagerly await book three.
This is the second book in the series I have read and eagerly awaited its publication. I was not disappointed. Sunaya is now an apprentice mage juggling her lessons under with the Chief Mage and responsibilities of an apprentice with working as an Enforcer to help pay the bills.
Sunaya is drawn into an investigation of missing shifters, one of who is her cousin. Why are young shifters suddenly disappearing and what is the link between the disappearances and the bank loans? She is also working alongside the Chief Mage to thwart the actions of the Benefactor. A well written fantasy novel full of action and adventure and the possibility of romance perhaps even a romantic triangle.
At the end of the book I am still left hanging with questions unanswered which has certainly wheted my appetite for book three. Who is the Benefactor? What are Iannis and Fenris hiding? Who is Sunaya's father? What more adventures/investigations are in store for Sunaya. The list goes on.
I eagerly await book three.
February 4, 2016
I did a beta read on this and found it very interesting and had so much to give.
the book is about a shifter who is also a mage. something that seems so unique as the species don't seem to mix much.
the main character is tough as nails and a gifted bounty hunter. it was a shock seeing that this chatacter was so versatile and strong.
the author has a way of making you feel like you are part of the world and part of thr characters very life
the book is about a shifter who is also a mage. something that seems so unique as the species don't seem to mix much.
the main character is tough as nails and a gifted bounty hunter. it was a shock seeing that this chatacter was so versatile and strong.
the author has a way of making you feel like you are part of the world and part of thr characters very life
February 20, 2016
3.5 stars
Jasmine Walt's series is definitely getting better as it goes on, I liked this second book even more.
It's a very rich and quite peculiar (in a good way!) world that the author has created! Really unique. I liked how she moved the story on and how the characters are developing.
Sunaya has a lot going for her she's funky, strong and multi dimensional, very easy to like.
Thanks to the author and TBC for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Jasmine Walt's series is definitely getting better as it goes on, I liked this second book even more.
It's a very rich and quite peculiar (in a good way!) world that the author has created! Really unique. I liked how she moved the story on and how the characters are developing.
Sunaya has a lot going for her she's funky, strong and multi dimensional, very easy to like.
Thanks to the author and TBC for an ARC in return for an honest review.
March 13, 2016
Great! But so short! I want more! Cant wait for the next one....
August 31, 2020
I'm totally digging this series.
February 25, 2017
This series continues to hold my attention and has actually exceeded my expectations. Had the main protagonist been a little more palatable and the writing contained a little less angst, I might have increased my rating to 3.5 stars.
January 4, 2018
Not impressed!
I was not impressed at all with this one. First of all, our girl knew the entire book about a threat to her Mage at the conference by the resistance and something this big just kept slipping her mind every time they got together. I spent most of this book internally yelling at her for being an idiot. Then not telling him about any of her investigations. Well really just not sharing anything with anyone, instead choosing to rush in with no backup or no one knowing where she is. Yeah, this girl was a total idiot this whole book and I was far from impressed. Spoiler ahead: So at the end she gets taken down going back to the bar to find out when the next Shifter Royale was taking place. Very stupid especially after arresting so many people involved, but it could have been avoided if they had gotten the free tickets offered at the event they did attend. At the time I was thinking go grab tickets so you know when the next one will be and you can bring reinforcements, but not one of these brilliant investigators thought of that. Much easier to come back into enemy territory alone. Yeah this one was so disappointing on pretty much every level. Our girl is starving because she is too proud to stay in the castle? She's always in danger, but better not to stay protected behind wards. I am betting this bites her on the butt soon. Sorry, but this heroine is an idiot. I'm not impressed.
I was not impressed at all with this one. First of all, our girl knew the entire book about a threat to her Mage at the conference by the resistance and something this big just kept slipping her mind every time they got together. I spent most of this book internally yelling at her for being an idiot. Then not telling him about any of her investigations. Well really just not sharing anything with anyone, instead choosing to rush in with no backup or no one knowing where she is. Yeah, this girl was a total idiot this whole book and I was far from impressed. Spoiler ahead: So at the end she gets taken down going back to the bar to find out when the next Shifter Royale was taking place. Very stupid especially after arresting so many people involved, but it could have been avoided if they had gotten the free tickets offered at the event they did attend. At the time I was thinking go grab tickets so you know when the next one will be and you can bring reinforcements, but not one of these brilliant investigators thought of that. Much easier to come back into enemy territory alone. Yeah this one was so disappointing on pretty much every level. Our girl is starving because she is too proud to stay in the castle? She's always in danger, but better not to stay protected behind wards. I am betting this bites her on the butt soon. Sorry, but this heroine is an idiot. I'm not impressed.
March 16, 2016
Jasmine Walt succeed to draw us again into the magical world she created in the second book of the Baine Chronicles, Bound by Magic. We meet Sunaya again where she is frustrated with her lack of finances and feeling out of touch with her shifter community. When the chance come to help solving the murder of a fellow enforcer, she uncovers more than she could foreseen. Would she come unscathed out of this predicament to live and fight another day? Thank you for keeping me entranced and wanting for more. Five star from me and thank you Jasmine and TBC for the chance to read it.
February 22, 2016
Thank you to Jasmine Walt and TBC for the ARC and my chance to review. I did not get to read the first book in the series but it did not distract me from the story. I really enjoyed reading Bound by Magic and could picture many of the scenes in my head. A well written fantasy novel and I look forward to the next book in the series. I think I just have to lay my hands on the first one though. A great read that I would recommend to all fantasy lovers.
February 29, 2016
I received this as an arc from Jasmine herself in exchange for an honest review.
With her silver murders solved and her training as a mage underway. Sunaya figured her life would get easier.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
Absolutely amazing read.
I loved the story and the characters.
Sunaya will always be my favourite character.
I do hope there is more to come.
I love this series.
This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book.
Definitely worth more than 5 *.
With her silver murders solved and her training as a mage underway. Sunaya figured her life would get easier.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
Absolutely amazing read.
I loved the story and the characters.
Sunaya will always be my favourite character.
I do hope there is more to come.
I love this series.
This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book.
Definitely worth more than 5 *.
March 16, 2016
Kick ass strong female character I enjoyed this book a lot and I'm looking forward to the next one! I did have a bit of a problem with Naya keeping some things to herself when she should have shared them I hope this doesn't become a continuing problem. I also would love to get a more in depth on the characters and more info on the mages. I feel like it revolves a lot around solving one crime when I want a bit more world building just because I find it really interesting. Overall great read!
February 24, 2016
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review and I can say hand in heart i loved this book as much as the first although it could be read as a stand alone. I'm desperately awaiting the third book now to see how Sunayas life changes and she comes to terms with her feelings Iannis and the fact she is a shifter, mage hybrid.
January 20, 2020
So far, this is one of the best takes on the magical races I've encountered. I cant wait to see what happens for the rest of it.
March 9, 2021
From a 5 star in the first book to a 3.5 in this... There was a plot, but the Main Character kept having tantrums... Making this a far cry from me comparing it to Kate Daniels in the first read.
I would have liked a little more Iannis and Fenris time.... It was Minly Sunaya running around complaining to anyone who would listen about Iannis, and the information she was privvy to... And never getting round to Mentioning it to Iannis... was a bit far fetched...
Still i will carry on as i do like Iannis Alot and there is a decent plot unfolding under Sunayas "Me show"
I would have liked a little more Iannis and Fenris time.... It was Minly Sunaya running around complaining to anyone who would listen about Iannis, and the information she was privvy to... And never getting round to Mentioning it to Iannis... was a bit far fetched...
Still i will carry on as i do like Iannis Alot and there is a decent plot unfolding under Sunayas "Me show"
July 6, 2016
This is like a 4.79 for me. I want to give it a solid 5 stars but I'm such an impatient person, I found myself skimming to all the parts with either Sunaya and Iannis or Sunaya and the core bits of the investigation she was doing. Don't worry! I read it again because the fourth book isn't out, yet (I kinda read it all and then had to stop, think about what to do with my life, then read back to all the things I skimmed).
While entertaining and awesome, this really felt more like a filler to the bigger plan at hand. You know, the episodes with really cute or cool sub-stories that have something to do with the main plot, but not REALLY? It's all about Iannis and Sunaya, you know? So her side story of an epic plot line of evil proportions was good, but in the end, it's all about romance or the main plot for me, and the main plot mainly revolves around what Iannis really is and what Sunaya will make of herself in the big scheme of things (the rebellion, the horrid current rulers, the judgments an fears, I could go on).
Needless to say, this was a very good read. AMAZING if my fangirl self can come out to say. I liked the detective work we had to go through, and I figured it out when they visited the bank and officiated my assumptions. It was a good one! Sunaya was as stubborn and impatient as ever but she is slowly learning to curb her hit-first-question-later mentality, and we can appreciate that type of development in a character. I liked the way things were going with her other friends and people. Noria and Com took a bit of a backseat this time but they were still welcomed on the pages. If I had to point out a bad thing, it'd be the way it ended. Once again, she was in a rough situation because of her rashness, and Iannis had to come and save her. Again. I love being rescued as much as the next girl, but damn, it rang with the first book's ending just a little too much for me. Doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the massive save, though. It was awesome. XD
This is a definite recommended read, but if you're impatient like me, I won't lie: you could skip this and not miss anything majorly crucial, though you would miss Iannis/Sunaya time, and that, my friend, is something that I couldn't miss.
While entertaining and awesome, this really felt more like a filler to the bigger plan at hand. You know, the episodes with really cute or cool sub-stories that have something to do with the main plot, but not REALLY? It's all about Iannis and Sunaya, you know? So her side story of an epic plot line of evil proportions was good, but in the end, it's all about romance or the main plot for me, and the main plot mainly revolves around what Iannis really is and what Sunaya will make of herself in the big scheme of things (the rebellion, the horrid current rulers, the judgments an fears, I could go on).
Needless to say, this was a very good read. AMAZING if my fangirl self can come out to say. I liked the detective work we had to go through, and I figured it out when they visited the bank and officiated my assumptions. It was a good one! Sunaya was as stubborn and impatient as ever but she is slowly learning to curb her hit-first-question-later mentality, and we can appreciate that type of development in a character. I liked the way things were going with her other friends and people. Noria and Com took a bit of a backseat this time but they were still welcomed on the pages. If I had to point out a bad thing, it'd be the way it ended. Once again, she was in a rough situation because of her rashness, and Iannis had to come and save her. Again. I love being rescued as much as the next girl, but damn, it rang with the first book's ending just a little too much for me. Doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the massive save, though. It was awesome. XD
This is a definite recommended read, but if you're impatient like me, I won't lie: you could skip this and not miss anything majorly crucial, though you would miss Iannis/Sunaya time, and that, my friend, is something that I couldn't miss.
May 30, 2016
Whilst I still enjoyed this book, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. I felt that it dragged a bit in places and wasn't as action packed, even though the book was shorter than the first the story just felt that it was missing something to keep me entertained. There also weren't as many scenes between Naya & Iannis, which I missed or as much of Fenris, who I definitely think is a great character and has a great story to tell. I did enjoy though that Boon Lakin had a presence in this book and even though I'm shipping Naya & Iannis as a couple, I liked the flirtation between Boon & Naya.
I'm giving this book 4 stars as even though I'm still enjoying the series, I felt that this story was rushed and didn't hold the same capture for me as the first one did. There was not as much interaction between any of the characters and some of the characters who played important & entertaining parts in the first book only had very small appearances in this one. I feel that Jasmine has lost a bit of the pizzazz that was evident in the first book and I'm not sure if she decided to cut back or was made to cut back and cut scenes out but I do hope that she comes back in the rest of the series as it has a great story line and some interesting character potential. Nevertheless I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I'm giving this book 4 stars as even though I'm still enjoying the series, I felt that this story was rushed and didn't hold the same capture for me as the first one did. There was not as much interaction between any of the characters and some of the characters who played important & entertaining parts in the first book only had very small appearances in this one. I feel that Jasmine has lost a bit of the pizzazz that was evident in the first book and I'm not sure if she decided to cut back or was made to cut back and cut scenes out but I do hope that she comes back in the rest of the series as it has a great story line and some interesting character potential. Nevertheless I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
March 10, 2016
Mage and Shifter. Steampunk and fantasy. Wonderful book.
This second book in the Baine Chronicles finds Sunaya now the unlikely apprentice to Iannis. Her workload has now doubled as she must now find time for lessons, grunt work for other mages and still find paying Enforcer jobs so that she can eat and keep a roof over her head.
Her new status as a shifter and a mage apprentice has made her new enemies and earned her the distrust of the very people she wants to protect. Her heart is still in the right place and her instincts are still spot on as she manages to get involved in several important and dangerous issues plaguing the shifter community. New friends and old enemies abound as Sunaya races to solve the mystery before time runs out.
Jasmine Walt wrote a solid second novel in this series and my biggest qualms with it is the semi cliff hanger it ends on. However the arcs in the book are completed and the cliff hanger is more of a teaser for the next novel. Her characters are complex and real, or as real as animal shifting mages can be. As a reader I am drawn into this world which defies categorizing with elements from so many genres successfully woven together to create a world like no other.
This second book in the Baine Chronicles finds Sunaya now the unlikely apprentice to Iannis. Her workload has now doubled as she must now find time for lessons, grunt work for other mages and still find paying Enforcer jobs so that she can eat and keep a roof over her head.
Her new status as a shifter and a mage apprentice has made her new enemies and earned her the distrust of the very people she wants to protect. Her heart is still in the right place and her instincts are still spot on as she manages to get involved in several important and dangerous issues plaguing the shifter community. New friends and old enemies abound as Sunaya races to solve the mystery before time runs out.
Jasmine Walt wrote a solid second novel in this series and my biggest qualms with it is the semi cliff hanger it ends on. However the arcs in the book are completed and the cliff hanger is more of a teaser for the next novel. Her characters are complex and real, or as real as animal shifting mages can be. As a reader I am drawn into this world which defies categorizing with elements from so many genres successfully woven together to create a world like no other.
February 25, 2016
Thanks to the author providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review, I was able to read this book before it came out. Boy, I am so glad I could! The characters continue to be intriguing, the premise is very interesting and the action is excellent. I can't wait to see where this series leads. The only thing that bothered me a little was how Sunaya kept forgetting to tell Iannis important information. However, this was only a minor annoyance. And, to those whose who don't like cliffhangers, this one ends in a huge one. This author is one to watch because I believe she is going places. Pick up this book, and of course the first one, so you, too, can say you read her when she first starting publishing. I am really looking forward to more of this series! Highly recommend! This exact review will also be posted on Amazon.
March 11, 2016
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In the second installment of the Baine Chronicles Sunaya is dealing with everything that happened in the first book and coming to terms with the way her life is now. I was happy to see the secondary characters in the first book play a larger role. They were all so fascinating but never really developed. Sunaya grows a lot in this book, which was much needed as she was wicked immature in the first book. Sunaya still had her moments where her ego and immaturity force her to do something stupid (that I want to slap her) but she had definitely grown a lot.
It does end on a huge cliffhanger though.
This book had all the aspects of a good fantasy novel: action, adversity, interesting characters, and good world building. I would definitely recommended it.
In the second installment of the Baine Chronicles Sunaya is dealing with everything that happened in the first book and coming to terms with the way her life is now. I was happy to see the secondary characters in the first book play a larger role. They were all so fascinating but never really developed. Sunaya grows a lot in this book, which was much needed as she was wicked immature in the first book. Sunaya still had her moments where her ego and immaturity force her to do something stupid (that I want to slap her) but she had definitely grown a lot.
It does end on a huge cliffhanger though.
This book had all the aspects of a good fantasy novel: action, adversity, interesting characters, and good world building. I would definitely recommended it.
July 6, 2016
Initial thoughts: I wish I would have started this series after its completion. Ugh. I'm so mad this has another cliffhanger!! -1 star for that.
Luckily the cliffhanger in this installment is not as harsh in comparison to the 1st book. The cliffhanger in Bound by Magic #2 allows the immediate mystery driving the plot be resolved. It also shows some character growth. The h isn't as self absorbed with her priorities as she was in book 2. At one point in the story she actually shows some gratitude & accepts a compromise. That's not to say she doesn't make emotionally rash decisions. I suspect that's just part of her shifter nature. I would recommend this series to anyone who isn't resolutely against cliffhangers & id interested in a "light" UF that's not overly complicated with (some) romance & (some) political intrigue.
4 stars
Luckily the cliffhanger in this installment is not as harsh in comparison to the 1st book. The cliffhanger in Bound by Magic #2 allows the immediate mystery driving the plot be resolved. It also shows some character growth. The h isn't as self absorbed with her priorities as she was in book 2. At one point in the story she actually shows some gratitude & accepts a compromise. That's not to say she doesn't make emotionally rash decisions. I suspect that's just part of her shifter nature. I would recommend this series to anyone who isn't resolutely against cliffhangers & id interested in a "light" UF that's not overly complicated with (some) romance & (some) political intrigue.
4 stars
February 13, 2016
I got to read an ARC copy of Bound by Magic and the word to describe this read is magical! Sunaya is a head strong, know what she wants type of woman. An independent often times funny/sarcasm female who solves the case with the help of her friends. You get to indulge your imagination in a fast paced story involving mages, shifter and humans. Along the way you get a glimpse of some undercurrent feelings of a butterflies in the stomach budding romance- which I hope gets explored in the next book between Sunaya and the Chief Mage. I highly recommend reading this book. I can't wait for book 3 Hunted by Magic! Jasmine Walt is a great author. She writes in such a way that the words just flow freely from one page to another. And that in itself is a gem.
February 20, 2016
Another great addition to what is becoming a series to watch. Magic, mayhem, and mischief surround the main character and her friends in this adventurous story. I loved the plot line that paralleled from the first book. We're getting closer and closer to solving the mystery of the benefactor. I'm excited to see where the series goes and I'm really excited to see what happens next with the way things ended.
The characters were great and it was nice to see Sunyana grow in someways. The tension between her and Iannis is still thick and enjoyable to see play out.
Overall, pretty similar to the first book. I like where the story's headed and the characters as well. Here's to hoping the author works fast on the next book!
The characters were great and it was nice to see Sunyana grow in someways. The tension between her and Iannis is still thick and enjoyable to see play out.
Overall, pretty similar to the first book. I like where the story's headed and the characters as well. Here's to hoping the author works fast on the next book!
February 15, 2016
This book was given to me as an ARC by Jasmine Walt/ Rebecca Hamilton in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What a tremendous follow up to book one of this series. Exciting and completely riveting the only time I stopped reading it was to go to sleep. The action flows from page one and the underlying romantic tensions are there to keep you guessing how that is going to pan out. I normally dislike any form of cliff hanger but I can accept this as there was a complete story in there as well. Really looking forward to book three of this series . Highly recommended read .
What a tremendous follow up to book one of this series. Exciting and completely riveting the only time I stopped reading it was to go to sleep. The action flows from page one and the underlying romantic tensions are there to keep you guessing how that is going to pan out. I normally dislike any form of cliff hanger but I can accept this as there was a complete story in there as well. Really looking forward to book three of this series . Highly recommended read .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2018
Bound by Magic begins with Sunaya having to help out a shifter solve some murders in shiftertown. Things aren't really going according to plan, and she isn't getting all of the training she really needs from the chief mage since he's so busy. So, she does her best to help out this shifter and solve the issue.
This book was okay. I liked it, but I really felt like something was missing, and sort of like the story just sort of dragged on and went back and forth on certain issues. Other than that I do like it, and I look forward to more.
This book was okay. I liked it, but I really felt like something was missing, and sort of like the story just sort of dragged on and went back and forth on certain issues. Other than that I do like it, and I look forward to more.
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