Blood Bound
A debut high-stakes fantasy romance trilogy set against a once-in-a-generation duel to the death between rival witches and dragon riders as they battle to control the source of all magic in their kingdoms. Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, the Throne of Glass series, and Red Queen.
You duel or you die.
Astrid has always known she is destined to die. She is the last Nachstern witch and heir to the Queendom of Arturea, cursed by a centuries-old covenant to duel the heir to the Kingdom of Vatra for the source of all magic: the Heart. And now Astrid’s time is up. She is heading into enemy territory to face Prince Zryan, the most powerful dragon rider in eons, with only her familiar, her potions, and her wits to aid her. She is going to die, and any chance her queendom has of curing the Blight that’s ravaging the lands and killing her people will die with her.
Meanwhile, deep in dragon country, Skylar and her travelling troupe arrive in Vatra’s capital, ready to profit off the legions of spectators swarming to the city ahead of the duel. She despises the royals and all they stand for, especially as the King’s guard murdered her mother. But when her best friend disappears, suspected to have been taken in the conscription, her search takes her closer to the royals than she ever could have imagined.
As the duel looms over the kingdom, Skylar and Astrid’s fates intertwine. They must battle a growing rebellion, their inner demons, and ultimately, those they love most, to determine if together they will save—or doom—their world.
The deluxe limited edition of Blood Bound features stenciled edges, a reversible hardcover jacket with foil effects, custom illustrated endpapers, and a foil-stamped case! This stunning, collectible hardcover edition is available only on the first printing.
Favorite Quotes
"May the dragons deem you worthy." (Featured on the art print)
"She will decide for herself what she will and won’t do."
"When you smile like that, you could bring me and my entire kingdom to its knees."
"Remember the fire within you."
What was in the box?
The first novel in the Cursed Covenant series, Blood Bound, became the featured novel in the volume one box and will continue as more books in the series are released!
Readers unwrapped a gorgeous collection of items, including a hooded blanket featuring a custom black cat pattern, a dragon's egg and dragon, a vintage book-shaped candle, a wolf and crescent moon-shaped hair pin, and a custom designed witch's grimoire wallet!
After featuring The Four Winds series over the past several years, this is the second fantasy book series that we're featuring in multiple boxes over the duration of their release!
Discussion Questions
Chatting about books is what we do! Have you joined our Facebook group yet? Find like-minded readers who love books as much as you do and join in the conversation! All book lovers are welcome!
1. The novel opens with Astrid believing her death is inevitable. How did this shape your emotional connection to her as a protagonist? Did it make you feel more tension or less?
2. Dragons and dragon riders hold immense power and prestige. Did the novel make you view them as protectors, oppressors, or something in between?
3. Which would you rather be—witch or dragon rider?
4. Which of the reveals or twists during the story surprised you the most?
5. The ending sets the stage for a larger conflict. What questions are you most eager to see answered in the next book?
Ellis Hunter
Ellis Hunter is the pen name for Katie Ellis-Brown and Becky Hunter, two friends who wanted to write about two friends. They met while working in publishing and bonded over their shared obsession with fantasy. Their debut Blood Bound was featured in the Cursed Covenant Volume 1 box in April 2026.
