Bookseller Reviews
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Blood Bound completely hooked me —what a ride!!
The world and characters quickly pulled me in, and I loved how the tension built as the plot unfolded. There’s a great mix of intrigue, emotion, and high-s... READ MORE
A fresh perspective on fantasy romance!
This book had everything I love in a fantasy romance, but also offered a really refreshing new focus to the genre. While there was romance in the book that... READ MORE
The new IT GIRL in Romantasy!!!!
If I could describe this book is 5 words it words it would be: a bombastic, hairdragging, plane-plumtting experience. think this is going to be in my top ... READ MORE
YES!!!
This book has me on edge from the very start. I am a sucker for a book with multiple POVs and when those POVs are of two strong independent women? Sign me ... READ MORE
What just happened?????
So I have just finished Blood Bound, or should I say that it finished me... I don't even have words to describe what happened at the end of this book, but ... READ MORE
Everything I wanted and more
Grumpy familiars, big dragons, bonded pairs, friends, found family, sizzle and spice, villains…flip these on their head and you have Blood Bound. I loved t... READ MORE
An Absolute Powerhouse!!
This is the next big Romantasy series! The book has everything fans of the genre will love, with perfectly crafted twists on beloved tropes in new and exci... READ MORE
Synopsis
A jaw-dropping, heart-pounding fantasy romance set against a once-in-a-generation duel to the death between witches and dragon riders for the source of all magic. It’s witches versus dragons… CHOOSE A SIDE!
‘If you love a fast-paced, dual POV fantasy romance with danger, a deadly competition, witches, dragons, magical animal familiars, duels to the death, politics, forbidden love and an incredible found family, then you need to pick this one up!’
‘The twists had my eyebrows on another planet!’
YOU CANNOT FORFEIT. YOU CANNOT RUN. YOU DUEL OR YOU DIE.
Astrid has always known she is destined to die. She is the last Nachstern witch and heir to the Queendom of Arturea, cursed to duel her rival from the Kingdom of Vatra for the source of all magic. She only has her familiar, her potions and her wits to aid her; her opponent, Prince Zryan, has a massive Hel-damned dragon. She's going to die, and the chance to cure the Blight ravaging her queendom will die with her.
Deep in dragon country, blade-juggler Skylar is searching for her best friend, who she fears has been taken in the king's conscription of those with Blooded powers. She despises the royals, but the path to find him may just take her closer to them – and the witches – than she would like…
As the duel looms, Skylar and Astrid's fates intertwine, forcing them to choose between loyalty and survival in a world where every decision could lead to ruin.
Readers love BLOOD BOUND:
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Six stars, no notes. Absolute perfection”
“I loved everything about this beautiful love story, though it’s not the one you think it’s going to be…”
“The found family and friendship in this story need to be studied. They are gold standard beautiful”
“Now THIS is how you do fantasy. And that ending – I am not ok!”
“Dragons, witches, magic, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension…what’s not to love?! It delivers all the tropes you could want, but in a way that feels fresh and genuinely fun”
“Zryan is the perfect MMC and love interest. There, I’ve said it”
“WOW. What a debut. When I finished it, I literally screamed at that cliffhanger. I loved this book so much”
Ellis Hunter's book 'Blood Bound' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2026-05-11.
Publisher information
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- ISBN: 9780008787165
- Number of pages: 496
- Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 21 mm
- Weight: 270g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allThe Next Big Series! A Must Read!
“Blood Bound,” is Ellis Hunter’s debut fantasy novel. Ellis Hunter is the pen name for co-authors Becky Hunter and Katie Ellis. This book is a wonderful de... READ MORE
2026's Biggest Romantasy - trust me
Thank you Ellis Hunter for an early copy for review!
5⭐️| OUT May 7th 2026
It took me nearly 3 weeks to gather my thoughts for this review because I ... READ MORE
awesome
It took me a while to get into this book and I dont know why. Once I did, I couldn't put it down and the twists at end is making me want the next book out ... READ MORE
An ode to female friendship
This booked had me hooked from the beginning. There’s so much mystery and intrigue, and two very interesting FMCs. There was a twist quite early on that ma... READ MORE
Bingeable with Strong FMCs, Dragons and Familiars
Blood Bound is a debut novel set in two countries who are at odds to each other due to a blood feud which requires the heirs of Vatra and Arthurea to batt... READ MORE
An incredible fantasy romance
*I received an ARC via Netgalley*
Dare I say this is THE fantasy romance of 2026?
I had high hopes for this, and it exceeded them. This is an unputdo... READ MORE
What a debut!!
From the first sentence to the very end this book had me locked in. It well and truly lived up to the hype!
It's like they took so many of my favourite... READ MORE
Fantastic
Fantastic!
This book nearly broke me at one point. Whilst I wanted to know how things worked out, I didn't want it to end. Speaking of endings, good gri... READ MORE
You want to smash your fantasy debut? This is how you do it.
A huge thank you to Harper Voyager and Ellis Hunter for sending me a proof copy of Blood Bound to read and review. I. Am. OBSESSED. You want to smash your ... READ MORE
Excellent Once It Got Going
I really enjoyed this book - it has dragons and magic and everything you could possibly need - but I would urge readers to stick with it. The start was a c... READ MORE
“You duel or you die”
“You duel or you die”
• Found Family
• Familiars
• Slow Burn
• Rivals to Lovers
• Trials & Training
• Witches & Dragon Riders
• Royalty
“‘... READ MORE
Excellent fantasy twists!
Thank you Atria for the e-ARC of Blood Bound! I love a female friendship storyline, and of course I’m a fantasy junky! This book brings in just the right a... READ MORE
Your new epic romantasy
An epic friendship storyline, multiple enemies-to….
An excellent debut
4.5 stars rounded up.Plot spoilers for the first few chapters below…I am so grateful to have received an eARC of this book from HarperCollins UK, Harper Fi... READ MORE
If you love Sabrina the teenage witch…
4.5 stars what a ride!
Initial impressions of this book were really good. The first couple of chapters definitely drew me in straight away but at first ... READ MORE
the perfect take of fated mates
Now THIS is the Fated Mates trope I’ve been longing for! I had the best time reading this one, the plot kept me guessing throughout and did not go where I ... READ MORE
Perfect Debut!
You duel or you die...Astrid has been raised knowing that as the last heir to the Queendom of Arturea, she will be forced to duel with the heir of the King... READ MORE
Action adventure and friendships you need to read about
First, thank you to netgalley and Ellis Hunter for this ARC.
When a book makes me physically take a break from reading it because the chapter has me sob... READ MORE
Action-packed fantasy, featuring dragons, magic and animal companions.
Blood Bound is an action-packed first book of a fantasy series, featuring dragons, magic and animal companions.
The dual POV follows two strong female ... READ MORE
This book was absolutely fantastic!!!
I genuinely could not read it fast enough and every time I had to put it down I kept thinking about it. The premise felt so interesting and original, the k... READ MORE
Fantasy
Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager for this eCopy to review.
Ellis Hunter delivers a gripping, high‑stakes romantasy filled with deadly magic, dragon... READ MORE
obsessed
MIND BLOWING..Where do I begin? Take everything you think you love about your favourite tropes and spin them in a way the is modern, empowering and thought... READ MORE
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A stunning debut!
4.5/5
ARC Review
If I had time to read this in one go, I would have!
Throughout the book, we follow two POVs, Skylar and Astrid, and I loved both ... READ MORE
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Fantastic
Please read this so we can emotionally suffer together ?If you’re looking for a book that will emotionally ruin you, stomp on your heart, and leave you spe... READ MORE
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A great read for fans of Sarah J Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and Phillip Pullman
I really enjoyed this book however found the choice of using third person present tense to be an unusual one. I found it broke the immersion quite often an... READ MORE
great fantasy adventure
Chef's kiss perfection, thank you please hand me the next book already! I am fully on board this female empowerment ride, with dragons, freaking amazing fa... READ MORE
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A great fantasy romance read!
I absolutely ate this up! It was easy to read through, there was world building, romance, action and magic.
Their magic system is fun to read about. Yo... READ MORE
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Poor
1:5- 2 stars.
I ordered this via post which was a mistake. Had I picked this up in the shop it would have gone back on the shelf. Writing in third person p... READ MORE
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A very enjoyable read
Adult fantasy. This book was such an enjoyable read.
There’s action and humour from the start. Surprises to be revealed. Dragons and cats, big and espe... READ MORE
Review
A brilliant start to a new fantasy series that leans into many fantasy tropes but with a fresh take which works so well. We have dragons and their royal ri... READ MORE
An intriguing romantasy filled with witches, dragons, tensions, reveals, and a fresh take on existing tropes.
An intriguing romantasy filled with witches, dragons, tensions, reveals, and a fresh take on existing tropes.
As soon as I heard about Blood Bound I kne... READ MORE
Your next fantasy obsession
Thank you to Ellis Hunter and Harper Collins for this ARC!This was SO good! I devoured it in a day.Dragons, magic, political intrigue, romance, betrayal a... READ MORE
Amazing new fantasy
Wow, I think this could be my top read of 2026! An amazing new fantasy with magic, witches, familiars and dragons. Wonderfully immersive world building wit... READ MORE
great book!
I had this book ordered before receiving my NetGalley addition and I will most definitely be keeping it a reading again. Loved the book! At first I was a l... READ MORE
“You duel or you die”
This has been one of my most anticipated reads all year and wow it did not let me down!! Blood Bound had all of my favourite elements of a fantasy book, fo... READ MORE
I’m calling it now: Book of the Year.
Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6 STARS)I have not read a book like this in a very long time. One that had me on the edge of my seat, smiling, crying... READ MORE
An incredible debut!!!
Blood Bound is a deadly competition following Astrid, the last Nachstern witch, who is cursed to duel dragon riding Prince Zryan for control of the world’s... READ MORE
breathtakingly good ?✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (6 Stars)I don’t even know where to start with this one because WOW… this book absolutely owned me from start to finish. A genuine 6 star read... READ MORE
A rollercoaster!
Blood Bound is the definition of "don't let them know your next move", and I loved it.
First of all, I loved the setting and the plot. Initially, the st... READ MORE
Next big romantasy series - trust me!
This book was SO good, I can completely understand why everyone is so hyped about it. It's got all of the elements you could want in a classic fantasy stor... READ MORE
Debut Fantasy with Strong Female Friendships!
✨5 stars✨This was a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy debut. I loved the emphasis on the female friendship that developed between Astrid and Skylar and I was en... READ MORE
HOLY SMOKES 6 STARS
how has my most anticipated read of the year FROM DEBUT AUTHORS ended up exceeding expectations like this????
you think you know what’s happening. you d... READ MORE
A breathtaking fantasy debut
This was, without question, the best book I have read in a long time. I genuinely cannot remember the last time a book made me feel this way. Please do you... READ MORE
Dragons, witches, magic, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension…what’s not to love?!
Astrid, the last Nachstern witch and heir to Arturea, has been raised with the certainty that she must one day duel Prince Zryan of Vatra for the source of... READ MORE
Witches | Magic Wielders | familiars | Dragons and a duel to the death
This story feels different right off the bat, we're following two FMC's. One is feisty, quick to react, trodden on by those in power and has faced injustic... READ MORE
Your new fantasy obsession with the best female friendship!
Blood Bound is the next big fantasy obsession that you didn’t see coming ! This is a story of friendship, resilience, compassion and hope, beautifully writ... READ MORE
Loved it!
I love a good book like any other bookworm, but sometimes a book grips me, and I find myself needing to talk to someone about it. Here are some of the mess... READ MORE
Amazing read
I was so intrigued by the book as soon as I had read the blurb. I really didn't want to stop reading the book as soon as I had started the first chapter. I... READ MORE
Loved it
I really enjoyed this book, 5 stars.
We follow Astrid and Skylar as Astrid prepares to fight in a duel. Every so many years the 2 nations/countries have a... READ MORE
The next big romantasy
This book was absolutely fantastic! I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype I had built up in my head, but it completely blew me away
YES
THIS IS HOW FANTASY IS DONE!!The character and world building was STUNNINGLY done. I LOVED the FMCs. I need book 2!
A new friendship to pull you through the ages
First, thank you to netgalley and Ellis Hunter for this ARC.
When a book makes me physically take a break from reading it because the chapter has me sob... READ MORE
The next big romantasy!
I had such a book hangover from my last read and nothing could get me out of the slump…until Blood Bound! I loved everything about this, the dual perspecti... READ MORE
loved it!!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the free eARC- this review is 100% my honest thoughts and views. I have now received my Waterstones exclusive copy - gorgeous! 2... READ MORE
4.5
This was an amazing debut, and I think this series will be a great addition to the fantasy genre. The world building takes inspiration from well known basi... READ MORE
amazing fantasy book
Love love love. So rarely these days does fantasy surprise you but this one did.Dragons Animal familiars Enemies to loversEnemies to friendsFated mates The... READ MORE
Your new fantasy obsession!
This book is literally everything I was looking for in a romantasy! It has a fantastic twist on fated mates and I was so thoroughly engrossed in this book ... READ MORE
Amazing romantasy with a focus on friendship
Blood Bound was one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you and then suddenly you’re completely invested in the world and the characters.The worldbuil... READ MORE
Your next fantasy obsession
WHAT A DEBUT!!!!
This was such an exciting ARC to receive - witches, dragons, familiars, interesting magic… right up my street ✨
I connected with bot... READ MORE
Absolutely amazing
What i loved the most in this book you will ask? Besides Bastet my personal favourite i loved the fact that both authors have written this book about the f... READ MORE
Dragon riders and witches with talking familiars!! Need I say more?
I consider myself incredibly lucky for having been able to read this book early and thank the authors for writing this story with this amazing friendship b... READ MORE
A brilliant debut ~ 4.25✨
A high-stakes fantasy for readers who enjoy - ✨Strong female friendships?Duel to the ☠️✨Witches x Dragon Riders?Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass & Quicksilver⭑... READ MORE
Fantastic
Very intriguing read! Thank you so much for the arc! Great plot, that makes the book difficult to put down. And THAT ending??? When is the next book???!!!!... READ MORE
Unpredictable, addictive, and full of yearning
Blood Bound was such a brilliant surprise.
From the very beginning, I was completely hooked, mostly because I genuinely could not work out how these ch... READ MORE
Your new fantasy obsession
This book is the reason we need more than just 5 stars, because 5 isn’t nearly enough to convey how much I loved it!
The pacing was perfect, the world-b... READ MORE
5
Wow. I feel like I genuinely cannot say much without spoiling anything because reveals and twists begin almost immediately and keep coming. It was fast-pac... READ MORE
Strong debut fantasy
4.5 stars
Blood Bound is an incredibly strong debut romantasy novel full of all our favourite tropes and characters. I was immediately gripped by the s... READ MORE
epic romantasy!
this book was epic! a huge thank you to harpervoyager UK for this e-arc!
this book was epic from the start and i never knew where we were going next! fr... READ MORE
This Book is going to be EVERYWHERE This Summer!
This is a great book and I think it's going to be everywhere in the coming months. It ticks SO MANY boxes, I think romantasy fans are going to eat it up an... READ MORE
This one's for all the girls' girls, who love fantasy!
4.5⭐️
A triumphant debut for all the fantasy-loving girls’ girls out there. While the story contains elements and tropes already popular in the genre, i... READ MORE
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LOVED THIS. PERFECT PACY FANTASY
Woaaaaah. I did not expect that ending!!Okay this was a brilliant book for so many reasons...? The plot which is essentially witches versus dragons in a co... READ MORE
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what a debut!
What the smokes!!! What a debut to start a trilogy with. Wow just wow.I literally have no notes - this book is simply divine. It takes our usual romantasy... READ MORE
Absolutely incredible. My top read of the year so far
Holy heck was this book incredible. It is one of those books that draws you in and makes it hard to put down. One of those books you just keep thinking abo... READ MORE
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Get ready for our new fantasy obsession!
One source of magic, one peace treaty, only one heir can live.Astrid, the heir to the witch kingdom, is travelling to her death. She is to duel the blooded... READ MORE
Must read for fantasy lovers!
Book Review: Blood Bound by Ellis HunterSeries: The Cursed Covenant, Book 1Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)The Verdict:Blood Bound is exactly what I want when I pick ... READ MORE
a love letter to the genre
I absolutely needed this book. What an absolute rollercoaster! Fourth Wing meets Nevernight meets The Thirteen and I am here for every second. Magic and kn... READ MORE
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A must read for dragon and magic lovers!
This book has so much. Has soul bound animals for the witches. Mates exist but are rare. Dragon riders who got through trials to find their dragons on a is... READ MORE
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one of my favourite reads of 2026
Blood Bound by @ellishunterauthor ♥️. This book deserves all the hype!! The plot is what drew me in initially - a once in a generation duel between the Dra... READ MORE
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