The writing started a bit off, but otherwise, this was very interesting, and I'd like to read more. I'm interested in seeing more Welsh lore in fantasy.

I could not get into the writing style of this one and as a result did not finish it. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book, I will offer a midling review on account of my not finishing it.

I really love books about shapeshifters! Blood-Bound had such a different take on the shapeshifter story, with the Welsh culture and LGBT representation it was really enjoyable.

I liked this book, usually I love a gentle romance but this book was steamy!
I liked the plot and I thought the characters were well developed in a well built world. But for me I can't get past like for this book. I felt like i was missing something but i cant quite put my finger on it. I will still look out for more from this author though.

Note: this book comes with a trigger warning for sexually explicit, rough sex/willing partners, reference to tickling as coercion, graphic violence, talk of depression, suicidal ideation and past attempt, panic attack, ableist language as self-ID, allusion to rape, blood letting and exchange, reference to self harm. If these things disturb or offend you, please stop reading now.

I was intrigued enough by the write-ups and other reviews I’d read about Kaelan Rhywiol's Blood-Bound to read it. Heavily based in Welch mythology, the world-building is superb. Ultimately it combines this rich mythology with erotic romance, a mystery involving a serial killer of non-humans, and crises of identity and connection. Though the sexual acts were sometimes rather graphic and involved rough sex (albeit with willing partners), the acts are the culmination of loving consensual relationships and result from tenderness and connection. 

Rhywiol describes sexual identities that many cisgender and cissexual people may be unaware of. If you, as I did, need a reference, go to this website. For example, the heroine, Rhian is demisexual, giving her a unique perspective, one I’ve never read before. Her inability to desire another person without being in a loving relationship colors her world view and her relationships, creating a tension between her and people she may or may not desire. Rhywiol includes other queer and gender-fluid characters in their circle of friends and support network across the queer spectrum, from ace (the subtitle of the book refers to this ace as well as “ace” in terms of  being an expert at something) and biromantic Rhian to bi Kai. Polyamory is also present and influences the often-fraught relationship between Rhian and Kai, her estranged husband whom she hasn't seen for three-hundred years. 

The characters and their relationships were intriguing. The book was action-packed with the serial killer story laid over the romance. At times, I wished during the segue scenes after the action scenes, the relationships were delved into more deeply and with more emotional complexity. At well-under 300 pages, Rhywiol had ample room to follow these rabbit holes.

I loved that the main character is asexual and grey-aromantic and that she was a god's hunter. But that is all that I liked about this book, the writing annoyed me, the MC's personality annoyed me and the plot didn't grip me at all. A pity, because the book was quite promising.

I received this book from Netgalley. Let me just start off by saying, DAMN! Rhywiol knows how to grab a reader by the scruff and shake them GOOD!

Usually it takes a few pages for me to get into a book, no matter how well-written. But there was something about Rhywiol's voice (and don't hit me with a stick if I use a new-agey word) that was so very, very authentic. What do I mean by that? I mean it felt like this story was being told just for ME. There was an intimacy about the book that made it very easy for me to jump right into the story and I was invested in Rhian's future within pages of starting. I don't know how other readers feel about fantasy, but I want to be TRANSPORTED to another world-- different world: I want to escape, in other words. I personally read sci fi and fantasy to keep my brain flexible. Good sci fi and fantasy should challenge your perceptions and make you view things in a way you never could have imagined.

Blood-Bound transported me and I didn't want to leave Rhian's world (not that I wanted to face the dangers she does, thank you very much!)

The pace of the novel is fast without ever being confusing and this story is unlike anything I've ever read. And--something you don't expect in fantasy all the time--Rhywiol's humor is funny and dry and I found myself snickering often at the internal commentary.

Rhian isn't the only character I loved, I was also crazy about Kai. I also loved the world-building. The author does an excellent job of leaving you with questions but not leaving you with a cliffhanger. MORE! MORE! What can I say? I can't think of anything I didn't like--except having to WAIT for more! This book was an all-around winner for me and I'm grateful to Netgalley to try a new author.

great book! i love paranormal and this was so interesting. the story is full of surprises and intrigue. i thoroughly enjoyed it!

My review has been posted to Goodreads.

Review has also been tweeted as usual.

Thank you! :c)

The copy I received comes with a content warning. I imagine it's going to be there when it's released. Usually I write the content warnings of books because it's "Oh surprise...there's THAT in this book."



But the warning is: sexually explicit, rough sex/willing partners, reference to tickling as coercion, graphic violence, talk of depression, suicidal ideation and past attempt, panic attack, ableist language as self-ID, allusion to rape, blood letting and exchange, reference to self harm.





The graphic violence starts the story. But it's a good read for a first person POV. I don't usually read many first persons. But this one works. If you are fine with what is in the content warning then I'd recommend. Definitely not a child's read.

I received this book as an ARC thanks to Net Galley and Nine Star Press!
Blood-Bound is the story of Rhian a shapeshifter that serves a God. In her Service, she is separated from one of the only beings whom she has ever felt any Love hence desire for. Kai. Rhian is presented as being Ace and demisexual and her thoughts and struggles that she faced because of this were amazingly insightful and informative. She was also very funny and her inner monologue was a delight to hear. Kai's inner monologue of love for Rhian, his own sexuality, and everything that he is living was heartwarming and beautiful! I also loved the chapter titles so clever!
Once again Nine star Press delivers a winner! I have yet to be in any way disappointed by a book of theirs yet! And even though urban fantasy is rarely my cup of tea this book pulled me in and wouldn't let go!

Warning the story drops you straight in the deep end but once you get to grips with it, it’s easy to follow and enjoyable. Rhian or Risk as she prefers reluctantly takes a job thanks to her master the sneaky dark god. Which is fine except her husband is around and she’s not allowed to touch. I like how the story bounces between the two of them. Favourite character would be Kai, his stubbornness and perseverance are astounding. Lynn and Arawn good too. Could’ve done with a bit more assassin. Contains welsh shifters, vampires, pixies, death, romance angst, strong language and violence.