Honest Book Review of Fury Bound
Author: Sable Sorenson
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After really enjoying Dire Bound, I was excited to jump into Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen. Thankfully, it didn’t suffer from second-book syndrome. It kept everything I liked about the first book while making the world feel even bigger.
One thing I really enjoy about this series is that it never forgets it’s a fantasy first. Yes, there’s romance, but the story doesn’t suddenly stop because two characters have feelings for each other. There’s plenty of action, political drama, dangerous magic, betrayals, and twists that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. If you’re looking for a fantasy romance with actual plot and strong world-building, this series is definitely worth picking up.
I also liked seeing the characters continue to grow. They make mistakes, they’re forced into impossible situations, and every choice seems to come with consequences. Nothing feels easy, which makes the story even more satisfying.
The only reason this wasn’t a five-star read for me comes down to the pacing. The middle slowed down just enough that I started wishing things would move along a little faster. It wasn’t enough to make me lose interest, but I definitely noticed it. Once the story picked back up, though, I flew through the rest of the book and was completely invested again.
If you loved Dire Bound, I think you’ll have a great time with Fury Bound. I’d especially recommend it if you’re a fan of epic fantasy romance, slow-burn romantasy, morally gray characters, and stories where the fantasy plot gets just as much attention as the romance.
At a Glance āØ
And if it’s been a while since you read the first book, I’d recommend checking out my Dire Bound recap before starting Fury Bound. It covers all the major characters, plot twists, and ending, so you don’t have to spend the first few chapters trying to remember who everyone is. (We’ve all been there.)
Overall, this was an easy 4-star fantasy romance for me. It expanded the world, kept me invested in the characters, and ended with me immediately wanting the next book. Honestly, that’s about all I can ask for in a sequel.
You've Been Warned.
Everything below contains major spoilers, plot twists, betrayals, and emotional damage.
There were so many moments in this book where I had to put my book down for a second.
Let’s start with Izabel.
I was convinced Meryn was the one about to die after Killian prepared that poisoned wine, so when Izabel drank it instead…I honestly didn’t see that coming. Her death hit harder than I expected, and it was one of those moments that reminded me nobody in this series is really safe.
Then there’s Phylax.
I did not have him suddenly switching sides and standing with Killian on my bingo card. That betrayal caught me completely off guard and made me question everyone else’s loyalties for the rest of the book.
One of my favorite reveals was learning that the opal necklace Meryn’s mother left her wasn’t just a sentimental keepsake. It turns out it’s one of the Goddess Tears, magical artifacts that can amplify her powers. Suddenly this little necklace we’ve known about since the beginning becomes one of the most important objects in the entire series.
The Siphons also weren’t at all what I expected.
When they requested a ceasefire and asked Meryn to meet the King of the Siphons named Lucian, I was preparing for another trap. Instead, we get one of the biggest reveals in the bookāher father has been alive this whole time. After being left for dead on the battlefield, he was turned into a Siphon and has been living among them ever since.
Honestly, I loved this twist because it completely changed everything we’d been told about the Siphons.
Then we finally arrive in their kingdom…and surprise! Humans and Siphons have actually been living together peacefully. After everything we’d heard about them in Dire Bound, it was a great reminder that history is usually written by whoever wins the war.
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Can we talk about Stark and Meryn for a second?
THEY. FINALLY. GET. TOGETHER.
After what felt like 8,000 pages of “almost,” lingering stares, and refusing to communicate because apparently that’s a hobby in fantasy books, the slow burn finally pays off. I was honestly cheering when it happened. It never felt forced or rushed because Sable Sorensen took the time to build their relationship over two books. The payoff was worth every frustrating “just kiss already” moment.
Another reveal I wasn’t expecting was Meryn discovering that Killian’s engagement bracelet wasn’t just an engagement bracelet. It’s actually a Thrall Bracelet, designed to suppress and control her powers. Looking back, there were definitely clues, but I still didn’t connect the dots until it was spelled out.
Lucian also became a much more interesting character in this book. He’s still ridiculously cocky, but finding out he’s carrying several Goddess Tears himself definitely raises the stakes. I have a feeling we’re only scratching the surface of what he’s capable of.
Getting another Goddess Tear wasn’t exactly easy either. The journey to the island and the tower that can only be accessed through the four wolf packs ended up being one of my favorite parts of the story. It felt like a proper fantasy quest instead of just another battle.
As for the Faceless Goddess…
I’m going to be honestāI wasn’t shocked when she betrayed Meryn. The second she started acting a little too helpful, I figured there had to be an ulterior motive. Sure enough, she was after the Tear of Destruction all along.
Venna absolutely broke my heart.
Losing her wolf and then being turned into a Siphon was such a cruel twist. But…am I the only one who thinks there might be something brewing between her and Lucian? Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I’d happily read an entire novella about those two because I feel like there’s a really interesting story there.
And then we get to the ending.
After spending two books waiting for Killian to get what was coming to him, Meryn finally kills him. I won’t lieāit was incredibly satisfying. His death also destroys the Thrall Bracelet, finally freeing Meryn from his control. For about five minutes I thought, “Okay…we won.”
Except we absolutely did not.
The biggest twist is learning that the seven Goddess Tears weren’t just powerful magical relics. They were actually keeping the dark god Nocturn imprisoned. By bringing the Tears together, Meryn unknowingly helps release something far more dangerous than Killian ever was.
Then we learn that Stark’s family has secretly been bound to Nocturn for generations, making everything even more complicated. It completely changes how you look at his role in the story and sets up what feels like an even bigger conflict for the next book.
Looking back, Killian was never the true villain. He was just the obstacle standing between Meryn and the real threat.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for Ruin Bound, because that ending left way too many questions unanswered.
