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The Binding Chronicles #2
Tormented
One choice. One bite. Two fates rest in the balance.
After the harrowing events with the People of the Night, Luna and Sebastian deal with the aftermath of his decision. In a land full of vampires, finding happiness has never been more challenging.
Their troubles are far from over. When Queen Marguerite summons the pair back to Castle Sanguis to participate in a deadly tournament, nothing goes as it should. Luna and Sebastian make their way through the tournament, uncovering hidden motives behind the queen’s request for their participation. The queen’s game is not just a competition, but a test of their loyalty to the crown.
As Luna and Sebastian navigate treacherous alliances, dangerous foes, and deadly threats, they must rely on their wits and love for each other to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
The cost of failure is death.
This is the second book in The Binding Chronicles and should be read after Tethered.
NOTE: This series is upper YA/NA and has moderate steam. There are some instances of violence, language, and mature situations. Recommended for ages sixteen and up.
After the harrowing events with the People of the Night, Luna and Sebastian deal with the aftermath of his decision. In a land full of vampires, finding happiness has never been more challenging.
Their troubles are far from over. When Queen Marguerite summons the pair back to Castle Sanguis to participate in a deadly tournament, nothing goes as it should. Luna and Sebastian make their way through the tournament, uncovering hidden motives behind the queen’s request for their participation. The queen’s game is not just a competition, but a test of their loyalty to the crown.
As Luna and Sebastian navigate treacherous alliances, dangerous foes, and deadly threats, they must rely on their wits and love for each other to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
The cost of failure is death.
This is the second book in The Binding Chronicles and should be read after Tethered.
NOTE: This series is upper YA/NA and has moderate steam. There are some instances of violence, language, and mature situations. Recommended for ages sixteen and up.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2023
About the author
Elayna R. Gallea
28 books959 followersElayna Gallea lives in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada with her husband and two kids. They have dogs and cats and enjoy touring their beautiful province whenever they can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 424 reviews
July 4, 2023
my only complain is that I get it.. she does research, she collects “data”, experiments, more research. I GET IT 😭
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 23, 2024I was waiting for this book, but it did not deliver. Reasons I`m DNFing it:
- I am tired of reading how smart, logical and what a scholar Luna is every three paragraphs. Yes, I get it, she is smart, I don`t have to be reminded about it every hundred words.
- Luna is described as logical, but she is not acting like one in certain situations.
- Let`s talk about Bastian, who, from a mighty, powerful and feared Prince of Darkness in first book is becoming a mopping random dude in this book. I get it, he is suffering because his beloved is suffering, but all he does is look at her with sad eyes and is not even able to tell a truth he knows - Luna has to come by herself to conclusions. Also, this `tell her the truth` is happening in 3 or 4 chapters and I didn`t enjoy that.
I liked the first book; the pace was good, there actually were events that happened, the chemistry between the characters was on point. I don`t know if Tormented is structured as a transitional book in the trilogy (aka second book syndrome), but I am not enjoying the story, the character development or the vibe.
- I am tired of reading how smart, logical and what a scholar Luna is every three paragraphs. Yes, I get it, she is smart, I don`t have to be reminded about it every hundred words.
- Luna is described as logical, but she is not acting like one in certain situations.
- Let`s talk about Bastian, who, from a mighty, powerful and feared Prince of Darkness in first book is becoming a mopping random dude in this book. I get it, he is suffering because his beloved is suffering, but all he does is look at her with sad eyes and is not even able to tell a truth he knows - Luna has to come by herself to conclusions. Also, this `tell her the truth` is happening in 3 or 4 chapters and I didn`t enjoy that.
I liked the first book; the pace was good, there actually were events that happened, the chemistry between the characters was on point. I don`t know if Tormented is structured as a transitional book in the trilogy (aka second book syndrome), but I am not enjoying the story, the character development or the vibe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
✨ ARC review ✨
i received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
i loved getting to experience more of sebastian and luna’s world and seeing the love they have for each other grow! there were a couple times the story seemed a little rushed but other than that it still kept me on my toes and i cannot wait for the third book!
i received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
i loved getting to experience more of sebastian and luna’s world and seeing the love they have for each other grow! there were a couple times the story seemed a little rushed but other than that it still kept me on my toes and i cannot wait for the third book!
April 28, 2024
It was very repetitive. If I had to read “for research purposes” one more time 😆
March 15, 2024
If I ever read “kiss and kiss and kiss” again it will be too soon. I’d rather trip and die, die, die.
The story is nice, I just found it predictable and the use of palilogias was too much. It felt unrefined…? It just wasn’t for me.
The story is nice, I just found it predictable and the use of palilogias was too much. It felt unrefined…? It just wasn’t for me.
June 4, 2023
I thank the author for giving me an opportunity to read eARC.
To be honest, I was worried about Sebastian and Luna because of Tethered ending! However, Tormented presents an exceptional and captivating world-building that unravels a dark prophecy threatening the existence of both humans and vampires.
The story picks up right where book 1 left off, with Sebastian and Luna facing the consequences of his actions, which puts them in perilous situations at every turn. The Evil Queen demands their participation in deadly tournaments to prove Sebastian's loyalty, with each contest being more dangerous than the last, culminating in a fight-to-the-death game.
In addition to the thrilling action, Seb and Luna's relationship becomes more intense and passionate, with Luna's witty remarks and Seb's caring and patient nature towards his wife being particularly endearing. The romance is delivered in a toe-curling manner, with some sweet moments that had me giggling.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, with the suspense keeping me guessing until the very end. The cliffhanger truly impressed me, as it was much better than Tethered.
For anyone interested in a charming human/vampire, arranged marriage, and slow burn romance, I highly recommend this trilogy. The last installment is set to launch in late 2023.
To be honest, I was worried about Sebastian and Luna because of Tethered ending! However, Tormented presents an exceptional and captivating world-building that unravels a dark prophecy threatening the existence of both humans and vampires.
The story picks up right where book 1 left off, with Sebastian and Luna facing the consequences of his actions, which puts them in perilous situations at every turn. The Evil Queen demands their participation in deadly tournaments to prove Sebastian's loyalty, with each contest being more dangerous than the last, culminating in a fight-to-the-death game.
In addition to the thrilling action, Seb and Luna's relationship becomes more intense and passionate, with Luna's witty remarks and Seb's caring and patient nature towards his wife being particularly endearing. The romance is delivered in a toe-curling manner, with some sweet moments that had me giggling.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, with the suspense keeping me guessing until the very end. The cliffhanger truly impressed me, as it was much better than Tethered.
For anyone interested in a charming human/vampire, arranged marriage, and slow burn romance, I highly recommend this trilogy. The last installment is set to launch in late 2023.
January 19, 2024
It's good, but lacking all steaminess (0 spice). Sometimes the author's descriptor words repeat as well but I am really enjoying the plot. I like the premise of the series a lot, I've not read anything similar.
December 20, 2023
Not bad as per se, but to a point is getting a bit tedious and repetitive.
June 12, 2023
I was so excited to receive an e-ARC of this book from the author, and it did not disappoint! I just love Luna and Sebastian. Luna continues to grow and come into her own. She is so strong as she learns what it's like being a vampire. That strength shows through when Luna & Sebastian go through the Queen's 3 trails. I'm excited to see what happens in Treasured! The wait will be torture!
Thank you so much for allowing me to be an ARC reader again for you! I still love that my e-ARC says that it was made especially for me! 🖤
Thank you so much for allowing me to be an ARC reader again for you! I still love that my e-ARC says that it was made especially for me! 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2023
Tormented is the second book in the binding chronicles. I had the opportunity to beta read this book. I absolutely loved the first book, Tethered, and this book did not disappoint. The author does an incredible job of painting a vivid picture of all that Luna has to face in this book. The book kept me hooked until the very end and I can’t wait for the next in the series! The characters are well-developed and complex, and the relationships between them are beautifully portrayed. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the first book as well as anyone who enjoys captivating vampire romance reads.
September 14, 2023
Wow this book was incredible! I loved every part of it! I loved how we continue to see the characters evolve throughout book two. I’m very curious to see where book three is about to go! I cannot wait to dive in!
March 11, 2023
I NEED THIS NOW 💳💳💥💥💳💳
March 16, 2023
INJECT THIS TO MY EYEBALLS PLEASE!
June 28, 2024
just not my cup of tea, i guess 🫢
June 14, 2023
First, I would like to think the author for an ARC(advanced reader copy) of this book for an honest review. I have received ARC copies of both book one and two.
And the suspense keep building!
This is book two in the trilogy and the story has blossomed.
We pick up where we left off in book 1. Luna and Sebastian’s relationship deepens and their bond and tether start to make more sense.
The queen mother is crazy and down right evil and we get to see even more of that persona in this book. Trials that will push the couple in the name of the queen as well as a twist in the beginning of the book keep you turning the pages.
I can’t wait for the next installment! (Due out late 2023)
Vampires
Blood
Death
YA slow burn
Forced proximity
Arranged marriage
And the suspense keep building!
This is book two in the trilogy and the story has blossomed.
We pick up where we left off in book 1. Luna and Sebastian’s relationship deepens and their bond and tether start to make more sense.
The queen mother is crazy and down right evil and we get to see even more of that persona in this book. Trials that will push the couple in the name of the queen as well as a twist in the beginning of the book keep you turning the pages.
I can’t wait for the next installment! (Due out late 2023)
Vampires
Blood
Death
YA slow burn
Forced proximity
Arranged marriage
April 21, 2024
Pretty decent sequel, seemed a little rushed in some chapters and the amount of times she mentions that she likes to research was a bit much but overall pretty good story
April 23, 2024
I loved the love story and I enjoyed this read and I can't wait to read book 3
December 22, 2024
Love all the ‘research’ in this book!
January 22, 2024
I really am enjoying where the plot is going with this series. I like the world building. One thing that keeps me from giving these books 5 stars is the repetitive writing. The author uses the same phrases often throughout the book and it takes me out of it. Other than that, it has the perfect amount of romance and plot. The world is interesting and so are the characters.
October 1, 2024
1.5
Slightly better than the first book but I feel like still no storylines were further explained or solved in the second book???
Also if I read the word “research” one more time…
I’m reading the third book only because I want to see if any story lines get even remotely resolved.
Slightly better than the first book but I feel like still no storylines were further explained or solved in the second book???
Also if I read the word “research” one more time…
I’m reading the third book only because I want to see if any story lines get even remotely resolved.
July 24, 2023
Honestly, I loved the first book. I was super excited to see where this book would go and how Luna and Sebastians relationship would grow. Instead, I got a mish mash of cliches and some mildly poor pacing. Cryptic prophecy, some death games designed by an evil Queen, and what felt like a relatively rushed ending.
The one thing that is always done well is their relationship. Sebastian is the definition of a book boyfriend, and he would move mountains for her. Luna would do the same for him. They're both adorable.
Also, the absolute SHEER amount of times that Luna tries to go over something "scholarly" or in the eyes of "research" was awful. It was way past redundant, it was annoying. I get it, she likes research. I don't need a reminder every other chapter.
That being said, I almost feel this could've been shorter? At a little over 400 pages, the beginning was actually well paced. I blazed through the first 100 pages like cake. The next ~250 pages were almost a chore to get through. The last bit was OK at best.
That being said, I'm no quitter so I will undoubtedly be reading the last book when it comes out.
The one thing that is always done well is their relationship. Sebastian is the definition of a book boyfriend, and he would move mountains for her. Luna would do the same for him. They're both adorable.
Also, the absolute SHEER amount of times that Luna tries to go over something "scholarly" or in the eyes of "research" was awful. It was way past redundant, it was annoying. I get it, she likes research. I don't need a reminder every other chapter.
That being said, I almost feel this could've been shorter? At a little over 400 pages, the beginning was actually well paced. I blazed through the first 100 pages like cake. The next ~250 pages were almost a chore to get through. The last bit was OK at best.
That being said, I'm no quitter so I will undoubtedly be reading the last book when it comes out.
September 25, 2023
This was a disappointment. I enjoyed the first book enough to read this one, but the writing was worse. I really enjoyed the premise and feel it had a lot of potential. However, the story was slow and the actual tournament got very little time or detail. Luna was pretty insufferable, as she continually reminded us how she is a scientist/ academic/ bookworm. Her using science and “testing hypotheses” had me rolling my eyes. There was so much repetition that I felt the author didn’t trust that the reader could remember basic facts or handle a more complex plot. It was very predictable and read like a juvenile fantasy. I do like the Queen as a villain, but find her inconsistent and therefore less menacing than she could be.
June 10, 2023
I was on the edge of my seat for the last 10% of this book which is quite a feat when you're 35,000 feat in the air in a middle seat on an airplane. I caught myself talking to the characters a few times, and too myself internally more than a few times. I cannot wait to see where these well developed beloved characters end up, and I hope a few meet a fiercely painful an ugly demise!!!
May 29, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I had the privilege of reading an Advanced Review Copy of Tormented (The Binding Chronicles #2)
I have to say, it was a ride and Tormented is the perfect title for it!
The world building is a fantastic continuation of Tethered, we get to know a little more about it, with still more to come. Elayna R Gallea does an amazing job of creating a vivid and immersive world where the characters face off against so much, but most of all the increasingly paranoid evil Queen Marguerite. The romance between Luna and Sebastian is a beautiful part of the book, and it provides those needed breathers from the constant tension in the storyline, evolving and growing with the characters themselves. The action is intense and left me in the edge of my seat throughout most of the book. I yelled at Luna’s smart mouth more than I usually would and even at Sebastian’s lack of control, that kept putting them both at even more risk. Overall, I absolutely loved reading Tormented and I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a smart mouthed scientist book nerd FMC that is turning into a badass and a dark grey MMC with the softest of hearts.
(Yes, Luna is amazing and Sebastian owns my heart 🤷🏻♀️ he can bite me anytime 😂 )
I had the privilege of reading an Advanced Review Copy of Tormented (The Binding Chronicles #2)
I have to say, it was a ride and Tormented is the perfect title for it!
The world building is a fantastic continuation of Tethered, we get to know a little more about it, with still more to come. Elayna R Gallea does an amazing job of creating a vivid and immersive world where the characters face off against so much, but most of all the increasingly paranoid evil Queen Marguerite. The romance between Luna and Sebastian is a beautiful part of the book, and it provides those needed breathers from the constant tension in the storyline, evolving and growing with the characters themselves. The action is intense and left me in the edge of my seat throughout most of the book. I yelled at Luna’s smart mouth more than I usually would and even at Sebastian’s lack of control, that kept putting them both at even more risk. Overall, I absolutely loved reading Tormented and I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a smart mouthed scientist book nerd FMC that is turning into a badass and a dark grey MMC with the softest of hearts.
(Yes, Luna is amazing and Sebastian owns my heart 🤷🏻♀️ he can bite me anytime 😂 )
February 20, 2024
If the Queen hadn't fallwn to hwr paranoia and just let Sebastián live in peace with the wife she chose for him, she wouldn't have two very angry and teathered vampires coming for her. The love Sebastián has for his wife is unparalleled. Luna did annoy me a little when she was debating becoming a vampire. I felt once again that Luna was only thinking of herself and not Sebastián. I did see some character growth with her when she finally realized how dumb and selfish she was, being. These books are low on the spice level, but I found it to be just enough. The tension and tournament kept me more than entertained.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
While I do like the series, it felt very YA. I also felt like I was constantly reminded of Luna’s intelligence and role as a a scientist which became a bit tiresome. There were a few details that felt repetitive to the point that I started skimming a lot towards the end of the book. While I really liked the first book, this one didn't quite measure up for me.
What I really like, though, is that Sebastian will do absolutely anything for Luna. I’m planning to give Of Earth and Flame a try since it’s set in the same world and same time as Tethered, but I’m unsure if I'll continue with the rest of this series.
What I really like, though, is that Sebastian will do absolutely anything for Luna. I’m planning to give Of Earth and Flame a try since it’s set in the same world and same time as Tethered, but I’m unsure if I'll continue with the rest of this series.
July 24, 2023
Sebastian is always the book boyfriend
As always Elayna has left me wanting more! I love Luna and Sebastian so much! I cannot wait for book 3. This book did a really good job at having them grow as a couple and having them fall even more in love. This has been a spectacular read! Thank you again Elayna for another wonderful book!
As always Elayna has left me wanting more! I love Luna and Sebastian so much! I cannot wait for book 3. This book did a really good job at having them grow as a couple and having them fall even more in love. This has been a spectacular read! Thank you again Elayna for another wonderful book!
May 28, 2024
After my recent 1 star, I've come to better appreciate the writing Gallea is capable of. I also liked the developments in book 2 much more than the first book. The only thing that bothers me, even a little bit, is the obvious meaning of the prophesy and that the main characters have difficulty figuring it out. Lol. Especially since Luna is so good at the riddles during the tournament.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2024
The World building ist strong, the chemistry on Fire! Ne ehrlich, ich liebs, wenn Autor:innen die Handlung nicht aus unnötigen Konflikten aus der Liebesbeziehung ziehen und das Paar trennen und für das große happy End wieder zusammen setzen. Richtiger ick, hier funktioniert die Spannung durch zB politische Konflikte, 1A, weiter so. Auf zum letzten Band!
December 22, 2024
This book felt quite slow paced after the first one but still I enjoyed it alot. The ending was promising of a smashing finale ! Sebastian was jaw dropping as usual. I really loved Lina’s development in this but at this point she is coming strong as a nerd with all her ‘research’ 🤦🏽♀️
“I love you so much, you dark, dangerous prince, that it hurts”
“I love you so much, you dark, dangerous prince, that it hurts”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 424 reviews