Rating: 3.5⭐️

Duskbound was a good book but frustrating to read as the potential for a great piece of fantasy adventure was there but never quite reached by the authors. 

The positive elements I found in Riftbourne were discarded or replaced by new characters and a less energetic version of the character from book one. 

The scrappy, independent character of Fia, passionate, determined and guarded, able to think for herself became a new kind of character here. One who instantly, in many “as told to” scenarios, discards the previous main character, falls into a deep love for a less well written character of Aether, in a short time period, and evolves into another personality.

Even with over 500 pages, this character development doesn’t seem to have a believable or realistic foundation or storyline. No in comparison with the first book. 

The magical system and its own powers explanations are the best aspects of the book.  Hinted at in Riftbourne, this story continues with the shadow realm and magical elements that are present throughout Fia’s character’s arc. 

This book again ends up on a cliffhanger note but, honestly, if you’re a well rounded fantasy or mystery reader, you can anticipate where it’s headed. 

I will finish this trilogy just to discover that Fia will get another main character in book three.  You never know. The relationship here with Aether absolutely has me disconnected from the plot. 

If you are a fan of the authors or engaged by the series arc, I’m recommending you continue reading. I will because I’m curious. 

Cover art and Map by Parker Lennox

Esprithean Trilogy:

Riftbourne #1

Duskbound #2

Buy link

        Duskbound (Esprithean Trilogy Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Fia Riftborne thought joining the Sidhe Guard was the hardest choice she’d ever make.

She was wrong.

Taken prisoner by the very shadows she was sworn to fight, Fia uncovers a devastating truth. The wraiths who brought destruction to the Isle’s western border aren’t monsters at all, but a race of people from a dying realm called the Kálfar, and they believe Fia’s growing powers are tied to their survival.

As war looms on two fronts, Fia must navigate a world of shadow magic and political upheaval. A disgraced Kálfar lord builds an army in the south while tensions within Sídhe reach a breaking point. And the Void that gave Fia her power is calling—but answering it means betraying everyone she left behind.

The Guard. Her friends. Laryk.

In a war where nothing is as it seems, choosing the wrong side could cost her everything, including the brooding commander whose darkness seems to recognize her own.

• Publication date: March 4, 2025
• Language: English
• Print length: 596 pages