Bound by Magic

Full Review

I went into Bound by Magic with high expectations after devouring Elena Nightshade's previous series, and I'm delighted to say she's outdone herself with this first installment in her new "Infernal Bonds" series. From the moment witch Selene accidentally binds herself to demon prince Kairos in a desperate attempt to save her sister, I was completely hooked by their chemistry and the fascinating world Nightshade has created.

Let's start with the worldbuilding, which is truly exceptional. Nightshade's vision of modern-day Boston with a hidden supernatural community feels both fresh and familiar. The witch covens with their different magical specialties and the complex hierarchy of the nine demon realms are meticulously crafted. I particularly loved the magical system based on intention and emotion rather than rigid rules—it allows for creative spell work that serves the plot without feeling like a convenient solution to every problem.

The forced proximity trope is executed brilliantly here. The magical bond that prevents Selene and Kairos from being more than fifty feet apart creates delicious tension that builds naturally throughout the story. Their gradual shift from contempt to curiosity to attraction feels earned, with plenty of sharp dialogue and heated exchanges along the way. And when they finally give in to their attraction around the two-thirds mark? Let's just say you might want to keep a fan handy—Nightshade doesn't hold back on the steamy scenes, and they're beautifully written with both emotional depth and physical intensity.

Selene is a compelling protagonist with a perfect balance of strength and vulnerability. Her dedication to her craft, her fierce protection of her younger sister, and her principles make her easy to root for, even when her stubbornness creates complications. Kairos undergoes perhaps the more significant character development, starting as the seemingly heartless demon prince before layers of complexity are gradually revealed. His struggle between his demonic nature and his growing feelings for Selene creates genuine conflict that drives much of the story's emotional resonance.

The supporting cast is equally strong, particularly Selene's witchy best friend Ivy and Kairos's enigmatic demon advisor Malachi (who I'm desperately hoping gets his own book). The antagonists are suitably threatening, though I did feel the "big bad" revealed in the final act could have been foreshadowed more effectively earlier in the story.

If I have one critique, it's that the middle section of the book drags slightly as Selene and Kairos research ways to break their bond. A few of these scenes feel repetitive and could have been condensed without losing important character development. However, the pace picks up dramatically for the final third, culminating in a magical confrontation that had me on the edge of my seat.

The romance itself strikes the perfect balance between emotional connection and physical attraction. While this is definitely a "spicy" read with several explicit scenes, they all serve the character development and emotional arc. The intimate moments between Selene and Kairos reveal vulnerabilities and shifts in their relationship that dialogue alone couldn't accomplish.

The ending offers enough resolution to feel satisfying while clearly setting up the sequel. I'm already counting down the days until the next book, especially after that epilogue twist that I absolutely did not see coming!

Overall, Bound by Magic is a captivating fantasy romance that delivers memorable characters, a fascinating magical world, and a love story that will leave you breathless. Highly recommended for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and anyone who loves their fantasy with a heavy dose of steam.