Review--Flamebound by Tessa Adams

After Xandra’s run in with the Arcadian Council of Witches—where she was almost killed and her boyfriend, Declan, was almost framed for it—her plan is to lay low and figure out why its members would torment the people they are supposed to protect. Declan, temperamental and protective warlock that he is, doesn’t feel so reticent. As Xandra discovers, there may be no stopping his single-minded pursuit of revenge...

When a council member is murdered in a fashion that screams dark magic, Declan claims someone else beat him to it. Xandra isn’t sure she believes him, and to make matters worse, the Council seems convinced that she's the guilty one. But then an explosion rocks her family home and kills her sister, and Xandra realizes someone is hoping to pull the Council and her family into a war--a war she and Declan may not be able to win...

It seems like ages ago since I last read Tess Adams' Soulbound, but in reality it was only earlier this year, diving into Flamebound proved a tad difficult at first, but I was quickly rolling with the story that takes place just a few weeks after the events from last time.

Xandra and Declan are trying to get used to their soulbound status. It's a bit of struggle, but the two continue to make it work. In the meantime, they also work at their relationship. Declan is definitely an alpha male variety. He can seem to be a bit controlling at times and not letting Xandra do what she wants to do. Though in part, that's because she usually wants to do something that's a tiny bit dangerous. Such as finding a missing child.

Xandra gets roped into looking for a child who was kidnapped from her friend Nick's neighborhood. She is able to psychically connect with the child, but cannot get much from her on where's she is at. So there's still a bit of mystery to solve here. Plus the Council is out to get her it seems. After already having learned some pretty dark secrets about them, it's easy to say she and the Council aren't amicable. And when Council members begin to show up brutally murdered, she and Declan become the number one suspects.

I was really quite surprised with this one! The mystery elements were done superbly, for never once did I suspect our bad guy! Kudos to Tessa for that! And upon reading the cover description, I was on my toes nearly the entire time waiting to see which sister would bite the dust. And even still when it happened it became a shock. Nothing can prepare you for that kind of shock, even knowing about it before you read the book!

The action was well paced in this one! Xandra goes from problem to problem as they all pile up on her. It was a very adventurous kind of story, as you never knew what would happen next! And this Council! They are completely diabolical! They didn't play as big of a role as I had expected, but I think that might come in the next book. Or just continue to be an underlying problem for Xandra, but in no way is the business with the Council finished!

There was a good deal amount of romance! More than I initially thought would happen. Mostly in the beginning with quite a few lovin scenes! Then the relationship continues to grow and gets a lot more depth to it. We see Xandra and Declan struggle through quite a lot, and not just with the outside problems, but with little issues that are popping up in their lives. The two definitely make a great couple!

Overall Flamebound was a great read! I truly loved every moment of it, I was dying to see what would happen next and I never wanted to stop reading it! I am very much looking forward to seeing what other adventures and chaos will be thrown Xandra and Declan's way! This is one urban fantasy series not to be missed! Here there be magic and witches and wizards and warlocks! 


Overall Rating 5/5 stars