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Unbound: Dragonflight
What binds a Dragon shifter, a Princess seeking salvation in the North, and a desperate crime syndicate?
Welcome to Vicerona, a hub of debauchery ruled by crime lords, where Dragon shifters are imprisoned for crossing the wall, and Blood Witches threaten from the North.
Keagan Ragnor faces a dire a plague ravaging Dragon shifters. To save his family, he must brave the perilous journey across the wall to secure the elusive Crimson Shard.
Princess Avalon Tremaine refuses to accept her fate of an unwanted marriage. With the Crimson Shard as her only hope, she must defy her destiny.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Thorpe, Rowena Blackridge, and Zedock Cannon—a trio of audacious criminals—embark on their most daring venture the pursuit of the elusive Crimson Shard, a gamble that could erase their debts or seal their doom.
Who will reach the shard first and at what cost?
Welcome to Vicerona, a hub of debauchery ruled by crime lords, where Dragon shifters are imprisoned for crossing the wall, and Blood Witches threaten from the North.
Keagan Ragnor faces a dire a plague ravaging Dragon shifters. To save his family, he must brave the perilous journey across the wall to secure the elusive Crimson Shard.
Princess Avalon Tremaine refuses to accept her fate of an unwanted marriage. With the Crimson Shard as her only hope, she must defy her destiny.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Thorpe, Rowena Blackridge, and Zedock Cannon—a trio of audacious criminals—embark on their most daring venture the pursuit of the elusive Crimson Shard, a gamble that could erase their debts or seal their doom.
Who will reach the shard first and at what cost?
- GenresFantasy
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2025
95 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Gossin
5books167followersAuthor
Mother of 3
English teacher
Romantasy reader
Fae trapped in a mortal body
Mother of 3
English teacher
Romantasy reader
Fae trapped in a mortal body
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 7, 2025
3.5 �
“I think you are trying to do what is right. There are not a lot of people, humans especially, who will do what is right or for the good of their people� all their people.�
i actually had a really fun time reading this book. we follow five povs: Keagan, Avalon, Rowena, Malcolm and Zedock. each of these characters are after the crimson shard for it’s magical properties, although their motives for wanting it are different. Keagan is a dragon shifter, Avalon is the princess of Vicerona and Rowena, Malcom and Zedock are part of a crime syndicate. i liked all the characters but Malcolm took a while for me to warm up to, he’s a bit of an ass for the majority of the book. i never felt overwhelmed by the multiple povs, which was nice. they were all very distinct and felt necessary.
“Life before him and life with him felt like two completely separate books in the story of her life, and while the former was closed, she wanted the latter to stay open forever.�
the romances were kind of insta love, especially Keagan and Avalon but when i tell you i got so invested in their relationship by the end anyway.. i fear i need the next book cause the way this left off is criminal!! i also enjoyed the heist aspect and i want more of Rowena in her blood witch role cause she’s more of an enigma to me right now. Keagan’s whole storyline with his family and the other dragons was a punch in the chest for real. i do think the world building could’ve used some more depth though and i felt like things didn’t have a moment to settle. im just curious to see where the story will go from here on out, there’s a lot of potential honestly.
� many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing Co-Op for the arc, all opinions are my own.
“I think you are trying to do what is right. There are not a lot of people, humans especially, who will do what is right or for the good of their people� all their people.�
i actually had a really fun time reading this book. we follow five povs: Keagan, Avalon, Rowena, Malcolm and Zedock. each of these characters are after the crimson shard for it’s magical properties, although their motives for wanting it are different. Keagan is a dragon shifter, Avalon is the princess of Vicerona and Rowena, Malcom and Zedock are part of a crime syndicate. i liked all the characters but Malcolm took a while for me to warm up to, he’s a bit of an ass for the majority of the book. i never felt overwhelmed by the multiple povs, which was nice. they were all very distinct and felt necessary.
“Life before him and life with him felt like two completely separate books in the story of her life, and while the former was closed, she wanted the latter to stay open forever.�
the romances were kind of insta love, especially Keagan and Avalon but when i tell you i got so invested in their relationship by the end anyway.. i fear i need the next book cause the way this left off is criminal!! i also enjoyed the heist aspect and i want more of Rowena in her blood witch role cause she’s more of an enigma to me right now. Keagan’s whole storyline with his family and the other dragons was a punch in the chest for real. i do think the world building could’ve used some more depth though and i felt like things didn’t have a moment to settle. im just curious to see where the story will go from here on out, there’s a lot of potential honestly.
� many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing Co-Op for the arc, all opinions are my own.
April 7, 2025
Unbound brings together a compelling mix of magic, heists, and high-stakes adventure, but unfortunately, it didn't quite meet my expectations. The premise is exciting: a group of thieves, including a blood witch, is on the hunt for the elusive Crimson Shard, while Princess Avalon and dragon shifter Keagan seek it for the salvation of their people. There's potential for a gripping story here, but I found the execution fell a bit short.
The dual narrative structure was an interesting choice, giving us multiple perspectives on the quest for the Shard. While I appreciated the diversity of characters, I found myself more engaged with the storyline of Avalon and Keagan than with the thieves. Their journey felt more personal and emotionally driven, particularly as they battled the plague affecting the dragon shifters. However, I felt the thieves� motivations—especially the dynamics between Malcolm, Rowena, and Zedock—weren't as well fleshed out, making it harder to connect with their quest.
One of the main issues I had with the book was its resemblance to other fantasy works, particularly Six of Crows. The city of Vicerona felt very much like Ketterdam, and the criminal elements of the story were a bit too familiar. For me, this lack of originality took away from the excitement I was hoping to feel.
In terms of world-building, I found that Unbound didn’t delve deeply enough into the setting to make it feel fully immersive. While there’s magic, intrigue, and political scheming, I felt the world lacked the depth necessary to truly bring the stakes to life. The motivations behind the characters' actions, particularly the thieves, didn’t always feel fully developed, leaving some plot points feeling predictable and simplistic.
That said, the book does have its strengths. The pacing is quick, and the action is engaging. The stakes are high, and there’s a sense of urgency that drives the plot forward, especially with the looming threat of the plague. I also appreciated the diverse cast of characters, and while I wasn’t as emotionally invested in every storyline, I can see how readers who enjoy a large ensemble cast might enjoy this aspect.
Overall, Unbound has potential, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While the characters, world, and plot have their moments, the predictability and lack of depth in certain areas made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. However, fans of fast-paced fantasy with heists, magic, and dragon shifters might still find it an enjoyable read.
If you enjoy:
- Heist-style adventures with a large cast
- Dragon shifters and magic
- Fast-paced fantasy with political intrigue
...Unbound might be right up your alley.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for review.
The dual narrative structure was an interesting choice, giving us multiple perspectives on the quest for the Shard. While I appreciated the diversity of characters, I found myself more engaged with the storyline of Avalon and Keagan than with the thieves. Their journey felt more personal and emotionally driven, particularly as they battled the plague affecting the dragon shifters. However, I felt the thieves� motivations—especially the dynamics between Malcolm, Rowena, and Zedock—weren't as well fleshed out, making it harder to connect with their quest.
One of the main issues I had with the book was its resemblance to other fantasy works, particularly Six of Crows. The city of Vicerona felt very much like Ketterdam, and the criminal elements of the story were a bit too familiar. For me, this lack of originality took away from the excitement I was hoping to feel.
In terms of world-building, I found that Unbound didn’t delve deeply enough into the setting to make it feel fully immersive. While there’s magic, intrigue, and political scheming, I felt the world lacked the depth necessary to truly bring the stakes to life. The motivations behind the characters' actions, particularly the thieves, didn’t always feel fully developed, leaving some plot points feeling predictable and simplistic.
That said, the book does have its strengths. The pacing is quick, and the action is engaging. The stakes are high, and there’s a sense of urgency that drives the plot forward, especially with the looming threat of the plague. I also appreciated the diverse cast of characters, and while I wasn’t as emotionally invested in every storyline, I can see how readers who enjoy a large ensemble cast might enjoy this aspect.
Overall, Unbound has potential, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While the characters, world, and plot have their moments, the predictability and lack of depth in certain areas made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. However, fans of fast-paced fantasy with heists, magic, and dragon shifters might still find it an enjoyable read.
If you enjoy:
- Heist-style adventures with a large cast
- Dragon shifters and magic
- Fast-paced fantasy with political intrigue
...Unbound might be right up your alley.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for review.
January 15, 2025
Perfection on paper!
This book is outstanding. I was lucky enough to read this as an alpha reader and was completely blown away even by the end of the first draft.
Unbound has 5 main characters we follow, and in some cases, that can cause confusion, but not here. Gossin's ability to create unique characters makes each and every one of these points of views add value to the overall plot. Their character arcs intertwine and really create a complex and compelling fantasy adventure. The world building does not disappoint! I love the description of cliffside deserts, bustling cityscapes, cute small town villages, and steampunk aerial travel. I have been so excited for this release because now I finally get to tell the world how phenomenal this book is!
Bravo Brittany Gossin 👏
This book is about to take the world by storm!!!
This book is outstanding. I was lucky enough to read this as an alpha reader and was completely blown away even by the end of the first draft.
Unbound has 5 main characters we follow, and in some cases, that can cause confusion, but not here. Gossin's ability to create unique characters makes each and every one of these points of views add value to the overall plot. Their character arcs intertwine and really create a complex and compelling fantasy adventure. The world building does not disappoint! I love the description of cliffside deserts, bustling cityscapes, cute small town villages, and steampunk aerial travel. I have been so excited for this release because now I finally get to tell the world how phenomenal this book is!
Bravo Brittany Gossin 👏
This book is about to take the world by storm!!!
March 7, 2025
I have finished reading my ARC copy of Unbound written by Brittany Gossin.
Unbound is the first book in the dragonflight series.
This story is a great read. It has a lot of great fantasy elements that I love and it's really unique. We got dragonshifters, a princess, thieves and witches. All are after the shard, but all with different reasons. This brings them all on the path of adventure, with unforeseen dangers on the way.
"Eyes to the sky. Wings in the clouds."
It's written in a way that makes it really easy to read. It's full of action, steam and a world thats dangerous. Its surpresses the one group and fears the other, but will there be possibilities, or is change impossible?
"I see you. You hide in the shadows, but I still see you. There is no darkness black enough to hide you from me."
I love how the story builds and how we see the story unfold from the perspective of different characters. They are written vividly and I emphasized with them. I felt their love, their joy, their sadness and their hatred.
The story is about power, about friendship, loyalty, about (dis)trust, about betrayal and about finding common ground. About finding allies, about giving in to the truth and taking risks for a better world.
This is story has some plots you can see coming, but there are also plots that really surprised me en got me all exciting. The end.. I did not see coming and I'm really looking forward to the next book.
I definitely recommend this book and I give it four stars.
Unbound is the first book in the dragonflight series.
This story is a great read. It has a lot of great fantasy elements that I love and it's really unique. We got dragonshifters, a princess, thieves and witches. All are after the shard, but all with different reasons. This brings them all on the path of adventure, with unforeseen dangers on the way.
"Eyes to the sky. Wings in the clouds."
It's written in a way that makes it really easy to read. It's full of action, steam and a world thats dangerous. Its surpresses the one group and fears the other, but will there be possibilities, or is change impossible?
"I see you. You hide in the shadows, but I still see you. There is no darkness black enough to hide you from me."
I love how the story builds and how we see the story unfold from the perspective of different characters. They are written vividly and I emphasized with them. I felt their love, their joy, their sadness and their hatred.
The story is about power, about friendship, loyalty, about (dis)trust, about betrayal and about finding common ground. About finding allies, about giving in to the truth and taking risks for a better world.
This is story has some plots you can see coming, but there are also plots that really surprised me en got me all exciting. The end.. I did not see coming and I'm really looking forward to the next book.
I definitely recommend this book and I give it four stars.
April 2, 2025
Fuckkkkkkkk
I didn’t even make it 25% through this arc before I was off buying a limited hardback from the author for $70 😂
I don’t even care! Take my money!
I need the second book now
It’s like Six of Crows + plus dragon shifters + carrion MMC (banter and looks but a dragon) + and imagine Dorian’s personality but a short blonde chick as the FMC
I’m still reeling from all the twists and the battle scenes.
This book is gonna screw with your emotions
I didn’t even make it 25% through this arc before I was off buying a limited hardback from the author for $70 😂
I don’t even care! Take my money!
I need the second book now
It’s like Six of Crows + plus dragon shifters + carrion MMC (banter and looks but a dragon) + and imagine Dorian’s personality but a short blonde chick as the FMC
I’m still reeling from all the twists and the battle scenes.
This book is gonna screw with your emotions
March 6, 2025
Such an enjoyable, fun read. It was fast-paced, action packed, and easily consumable with steampunk-esque Six of Crows vibes. Throw in a dragon shifter, a princess in hiding, and a syndicate group on a mission for a powerful shard and you have an entertaining & thrilling adventure. I really enjoyed the fight scenes, banter, and romance. The multi-POVs were captivating and there was always something to look forward to after each POV. I’m excited for the next book!
January 21, 2025
Rating 4/5 ⭐️
Spice 3/5 🌶�
“If you let the ghosts of your past control your present, you’ll never reach your future.�
Unbound by Brittany Gossin is book 1 in the Dragonflight series and it did not disappoint!
I am still silently sobbing over here in the corner processing the emotional trauma this just put me through 😭 but for real though I need the next book ASAP!
This does have multiple POV’s but it adds to the development of the plot and the world as a whole. You need them all to help you see the bigger picture. We meet Avalon (a sheltered princess), Keegan (a dragon trying to save his family), Malcolm (a class clown thief), Rowena (a traumatized blood witch), and Zedoc (a hulking loyal friend). All going after the same thing and each with their own reason.
Brittany does an amazing job building this world, setting the scene, and developing these characters that you just can’t help but get lost in it. I cannot even choose who my favorite is but Rowena has my ❤️. I thought she had the most character development and I cannot wait to see her continue to grow and flourish! I really really hope Malcom gets his own book in the series 🤞🏻
This book really has it all. A stabby FMC, dragons, witches, oppressive government, found family, protective MMC, and comedic relief.
Spice 3/5 🌶�
“If you let the ghosts of your past control your present, you’ll never reach your future.�
Unbound by Brittany Gossin is book 1 in the Dragonflight series and it did not disappoint!
I am still silently sobbing over here in the corner processing the emotional trauma this just put me through 😭 but for real though I need the next book ASAP!
This does have multiple POV’s but it adds to the development of the plot and the world as a whole. You need them all to help you see the bigger picture. We meet Avalon (a sheltered princess), Keegan (a dragon trying to save his family), Malcolm (a class clown thief), Rowena (a traumatized blood witch), and Zedoc (a hulking loyal friend). All going after the same thing and each with their own reason.
Brittany does an amazing job building this world, setting the scene, and developing these characters that you just can’t help but get lost in it. I cannot even choose who my favorite is but Rowena has my ❤️. I thought she had the most character development and I cannot wait to see her continue to grow and flourish! I really really hope Malcom gets his own book in the series 🤞🏻
This book really has it all. A stabby FMC, dragons, witches, oppressive government, found family, protective MMC, and comedic relief.
March 31, 2025
This books flirts the line between 4.5 and 5 stars but ultimately it kept my attention and had a good mix of everything. Excited for book 2!!!
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Genre: romantasy
Plot: slow burn romance with a fantasy core of blood witches and dragon shifters
Emotion: 🧡/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶�
Summary: set in a world of disease, oppression, and a tyrant king, a Crimson Shard holding ultimate power could right all the wrongs. But in the wrong hands, it could doom them all. Follow the journey of a fleeing princess, suppressed dragon shifter, and syndicate trio of thieves as they push to be the first to steal the Shard from the notoriously dangerous Blood Witches!
This is a multiPOV plot with predominately 3 storylines:
(1) Dragon shifters: this was probably my favorite storyline. The dragon shifters background / heritage was fascinating to learn. My only negatives about the MMC are his (1) appearance and (2) lack of knowledge at times. His dragon skills make him extremely perceptive but was really out of touch on what the world has to offer - not surprising given his oppression - but it made him a little less desirable.
(2) The princess: she’s a badass, knows how to fight, is intelligent, and her purpose is admirable. There’s not much to not like about her. Her background is typical for a princess whose father cares more about power/succession rather than the wants and wellbeing of his daughter. She did have me fuming at times.
(3) The syndicate: I didn’t really care about for most of the book, and often found myself disappointed when their POV chapters were up. Not that their storyline was bad, it just was my least favorite comparably. I will say, the syndicate had strong Six of Crows vibes but with vulgarity which I appreciated.
Takeaway: if you liked Six of Crows but wish it had more 🌶� romance - give this a try. If you’re in your dragon era and really want a book heavy on the dragon side, this might not be the book for you. Dragon shifters are a component of the book but due to their oppression it’s not a huge component (not comparable to Fourth Wing). This is multi-POV following 2 to 3 storylines that don’t always overlap so if you get overwhelmed by multiple concurrent plots, be warned, but also still give it a try - it’s not overly complex to follow.
Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for the digital ARC!
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Genre: romantasy
Plot: slow burn romance with a fantasy core of blood witches and dragon shifters
Emotion: 🧡/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶�
Summary: set in a world of disease, oppression, and a tyrant king, a Crimson Shard holding ultimate power could right all the wrongs. But in the wrong hands, it could doom them all. Follow the journey of a fleeing princess, suppressed dragon shifter, and syndicate trio of thieves as they push to be the first to steal the Shard from the notoriously dangerous Blood Witches!
This is a multiPOV plot with predominately 3 storylines:
(1) Dragon shifters: this was probably my favorite storyline. The dragon shifters background / heritage was fascinating to learn. My only negatives about the MMC are his (1) appearance and (2) lack of knowledge at times. His dragon skills make him extremely perceptive but was really out of touch on what the world has to offer - not surprising given his oppression - but it made him a little less desirable.
(2) The princess: she’s a badass, knows how to fight, is intelligent, and her purpose is admirable. There’s not much to not like about her. Her background is typical for a princess whose father cares more about power/succession rather than the wants and wellbeing of his daughter. She did have me fuming at times.
(3) The syndicate: I didn’t really care about for most of the book, and often found myself disappointed when their POV chapters were up. Not that their storyline was bad, it just was my least favorite comparably. I will say, the syndicate had strong Six of Crows vibes but with vulgarity which I appreciated.
Takeaway: if you liked Six of Crows but wish it had more 🌶� romance - give this a try. If you’re in your dragon era and really want a book heavy on the dragon side, this might not be the book for you. Dragon shifters are a component of the book but due to their oppression it’s not a huge component (not comparable to Fourth Wing). This is multi-POV following 2 to 3 storylines that don’t always overlap so if you get overwhelmed by multiple concurrent plots, be warned, but also still give it a try - it’s not overly complex to follow.
Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for the digital ARC!
March 9, 2025
Loved this book�
Dragon, blood witches�
An journey/adventure with ups and downs�
It was the perfect combo�
Dragon, blood witches�
An journey/adventure with ups and downs�
It was the perfect combo�
April 7, 2025
Unbound by Brittany Gossin offers an immersive and captivating journey into a beautifully crafted fantasy world. One of the standout features of this book is its exceptional world-building. Gossin has created a rich, complex universe where magic, myth, and adventure collide, drawing readers into a setting that feels both fresh and fully realized. From the first page, it's clear that the author has put considerable effort into creating a world that feels alive and vibrant, with unique elements that set it apart from other fantasy novels.
Another aspect that I particularly appreciated was the shifting perspectives between characters. Each character brings their own voice and perspective to the story, offering deeper insight into their motivations and struggles. This technique not only keeps the narrative dynamic but also allows readers to connect with different characters in meaningful ways, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.
The fantasy elements in Unbound are both fun and inventive. Gossin introduces some new concepts that add a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the plot. Whether it’s the use of magic, the creatures that inhabit this world, or the twists that emerge as the story unfolds, there’s always something fresh to discover. The magical aspects of the book are particularly enjoyable, with enough intrigue to keep you hooked and curious about what will come next.
Overall, Unbound is a highly enjoyable read for fans of fantasy. With its strong world-building, engaging multiple perspectives, and exciting magical elements, it stands out in the genre. If you enjoy immersive, imaginative fantasy with a touch of mystery and adventure, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Another aspect that I particularly appreciated was the shifting perspectives between characters. Each character brings their own voice and perspective to the story, offering deeper insight into their motivations and struggles. This technique not only keeps the narrative dynamic but also allows readers to connect with different characters in meaningful ways, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.
The fantasy elements in Unbound are both fun and inventive. Gossin introduces some new concepts that add a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the plot. Whether it’s the use of magic, the creatures that inhabit this world, or the twists that emerge as the story unfolds, there’s always something fresh to discover. The magical aspects of the book are particularly enjoyable, with enough intrigue to keep you hooked and curious about what will come next.
Overall, Unbound is a highly enjoyable read for fans of fantasy. With its strong world-building, engaging multiple perspectives, and exciting magical elements, it stands out in the genre. If you enjoy immersive, imaginative fantasy with a touch of mystery and adventure, this book is definitely worth picking up.
April 10, 2025
UNBOUND 🐉
Ok so two things. 1. the MAP IS STUNNING 2. Is there a second book because that ENDING, I NEED TO KNOW.
Multiple POV, blood witches, dragon shifters, kings/queens rulers what’s not to love? Quite a bit of world building and tricky to understand what’s going on at the beginning with the multiple POV, but very quickly you do understand as the twists start happening very early.
Bring in Avalon FMC a princess and her father is forcing her into a marriage she doesn’t want. Then we have Keagan is MMC dragon shifter on Dragonflight. He needs to get medicine for a disease, ‘the blight� which is effecting all dragon shifters. However dragon shifters aren’t allowed outside of Dragonflight or over the wall. As per the kings orders, they’ve been forced to live in exile and gradually become extinct. Keagan has had enough and ventures to Vicerona to find medicine in the hopes he doesn’t get caught.
Then we have the thieves, The Syndicate - Zedlock, Rosalie, Rowena and Malcolm. Rowena is an integral character in the story and love the development throughout.
Keagan and Avalon’s stories both start separately with multiple POV’s then they both bump into each other in Vicerona in the undercity under no pretences.
Avalon is going to go find the crystal that’s needed to make the medicine Keagen needs however it’s within blood witch territory and that’s when the journey begins.
The tension, spice & world building had me fully immersed into the story and I can’t wait to see where Avalon and Keagan’s journey continues.
Things I LOVED
🐉 ONE BED
⚔️ STABBY FMC
🐉 DRAGONSHIFTER MMC
⚔️ SHORT CHAPTERS
🐉 ENEMIES TO LOVERS
⚔️ BLOOD WITCHES
🐉 QUESTS & ADVENTURE
⚔️ SPICE 🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much Victory Editing and Brittany Gossin for the ARC.
Ok so two things. 1. the MAP IS STUNNING 2. Is there a second book because that ENDING, I NEED TO KNOW.
Multiple POV, blood witches, dragon shifters, kings/queens rulers what’s not to love? Quite a bit of world building and tricky to understand what’s going on at the beginning with the multiple POV, but very quickly you do understand as the twists start happening very early.
Bring in Avalon FMC a princess and her father is forcing her into a marriage she doesn’t want. Then we have Keagan is MMC dragon shifter on Dragonflight. He needs to get medicine for a disease, ‘the blight� which is effecting all dragon shifters. However dragon shifters aren’t allowed outside of Dragonflight or over the wall. As per the kings orders, they’ve been forced to live in exile and gradually become extinct. Keagan has had enough and ventures to Vicerona to find medicine in the hopes he doesn’t get caught.
Then we have the thieves, The Syndicate - Zedlock, Rosalie, Rowena and Malcolm. Rowena is an integral character in the story and love the development throughout.
Keagan and Avalon’s stories both start separately with multiple POV’s then they both bump into each other in Vicerona in the undercity under no pretences.
Avalon is going to go find the crystal that’s needed to make the medicine Keagen needs however it’s within blood witch territory and that’s when the journey begins.
The tension, spice & world building had me fully immersed into the story and I can’t wait to see where Avalon and Keagan’s journey continues.
Things I LOVED
🐉 ONE BED
⚔️ STABBY FMC
🐉 DRAGONSHIFTER MMC
⚔️ SHORT CHAPTERS
🐉 ENEMIES TO LOVERS
⚔️ BLOOD WITCHES
🐉 QUESTS & ADVENTURE
⚔️ SPICE 🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much Victory Editing and Brittany Gossin for the ARC.
April 1, 2025
Unbound was a super fun adventure! We follow 5 main characters - a gang of thieves, a princess, and a dragon shifter, who are all after a relic known as the Crimson Shard. This relic will give its user the power to accomplish anything they want. Each of our characters has different motivations for seeking out the shard.
With our gang of thieves we have a story of friendship and the princess and dragon shifter give us a nice romance. The romance was a bit instalovey but I really enjoyed it, Keagan and Avalon’s chapters were my favorite!
The book was fairly short and full of action and didn’t slow down at any point! I really enjoyed this story from start to finish. I can’t wait to revisit this world for book 2!
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy to review.
With our gang of thieves we have a story of friendship and the princess and dragon shifter give us a nice romance. The romance was a bit instalovey but I really enjoyed it, Keagan and Avalon’s chapters were my favorite!
The book was fairly short and full of action and didn’t slow down at any point! I really enjoyed this story from start to finish. I can’t wait to revisit this world for book 2!
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy to review.
March 14, 2025
Another great read from Brittany! This story was easy to read and had so many amazing elements. Each of the characters, whose perspectives we get through the multiple pov, was well-written. They each played an important part in the plot and really aided in the unraveling of the story.
This is a fairly quick paced read that you can easily get immersed in, and it has elements that make it feel like a cozy fantasy with lots of emotions! The steampunk vibes were a great and unexpected addition. I'm looking forward to book 2 to see what adventure Brittany takes us on!
This is a fairly quick paced read that you can easily get immersed in, and it has elements that make it feel like a cozy fantasy with lots of emotions! The steampunk vibes were a great and unexpected addition. I'm looking forward to book 2 to see what adventure Brittany takes us on!
January 19, 2025
This book was a FUN time!! From the first chapter, meeting each character Keagan, Avalon, Malcom, Rowena, and Zedock, having multiple POV’s, you’re absolutely captivated! Each character won a little piece of my heart! You can’t help to laugh and giggle at the banter! There’s never a dull moment in this book, it’s an adventure that each character goes through and I’m here for it!! The cliffhanger I was left on�. I am already excited and ready for the next book!
February 13, 2025
I honestly really enjoyed this book. It had just enough spice and action in it. The story was good and easy to follow. There were some things that happened that I didn’t see coming which is always fun. The slow burn was working. I am excited and hope I am able to read the next one. When the ebook comes out on Feb. 15-16 for ONLY .99 I encourage you to buy it so you can enjoy Ava and Keagan’s story as I did!!
February 23, 2025
This book was such a fun read. Keagan and Avalon make such a great pairing on their quest for the shard and the Syndicate adds a level of complexity to the intense world that Gossin has created.
One of my fave things from the book was the airship scenes that felt so much like the movie “Treasure Planet� from when I was a kid. I love the steampunk aesthetic of some of the scenes which adds a bit of a futuristic twist to a traditional fantasy world.
The twists of the book and the climax had me at the edge of my seat worrying about the characters.
I can’t wait to see what will happen next!
One of my fave things from the book was the airship scenes that felt so much like the movie “Treasure Planet� from when I was a kid. I love the steampunk aesthetic of some of the scenes which adds a bit of a futuristic twist to a traditional fantasy world.
The twists of the book and the climax had me at the edge of my seat worrying about the characters.
I can’t wait to see what will happen next!
March 9, 2025
What do you get when you put a princess who doesn’t want an arranged marriage, a dragon shifter trying to save his people, and a small syndicate group all going after the same thing? You get an action packed, super fun read! I loved the multiple POVs which gave us all different view points without becoming confusing. The cliffhanger left me super pissed off! I might have to give a dragon shifter a good shake! I can’t wait for book 2 to get here!
January 29, 2025
it took me a minute to get into this book but after the first 20% i was hooked!
a blight broke out amongst the dragon people and the only way to save them is to obtain the shard containing blood witch magic. but it’s not that easy. with battles and journeys to obtain it this has it all!
a blight broke out amongst the dragon people and the only way to save them is to obtain the shard containing blood witch magic. but it’s not that easy. with battles and journeys to obtain it this has it all!
April 8, 2025
THE CLIFFHANGER?????? This book was so good! I thought it was a refreshing take on Fantasy and left me wanting more! The ending crushed me. That is all.
February 2, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book... fast paced and action packed with oh so much steam... multiple POV was a little hard to follow at times but got there eventually.. I loved the relationship growing between River and Keagan and the ending broke my heart into little pieces..
March 28, 2025
Title: Unbound (Dragonflight Book 1)
Author: Brittany Gossin
Genre: Fantasy/Romantasy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Brittany Gossin for giving me an ARC of your book Unbound! This review is my own honest opinion.
This was a great first book in the series, with so many wonderful fantasy elements that readers love! There is a princess that gets betrothed against her will that is a badass in her own right, dragonshifters, blood witches, magic and betrayal, and a group of thieves. There are twists and turns, forbidden love, humor, secret identities, adventure and action.
The main characters are well written and the reader is able to see the story unfold from each different perspective. You will celebrate their successes, feel their fears and hatred, and feel the warm and fuzzies as they fall in love. The story is paced quickly and kept me drawn in with every page turned. Gossin is a great world builder describing each scene wonderfully so I felt like I was walking through a quaint small town or soaring in the sky on a steampunk ship.
I can’t wait to see where this series heads next!
Author: Brittany Gossin
Genre: Fantasy/Romantasy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Brittany Gossin for giving me an ARC of your book Unbound! This review is my own honest opinion.
This was a great first book in the series, with so many wonderful fantasy elements that readers love! There is a princess that gets betrothed against her will that is a badass in her own right, dragonshifters, blood witches, magic and betrayal, and a group of thieves. There are twists and turns, forbidden love, humor, secret identities, adventure and action.
The main characters are well written and the reader is able to see the story unfold from each different perspective. You will celebrate their successes, feel their fears and hatred, and feel the warm and fuzzies as they fall in love. The story is paced quickly and kept me drawn in with every page turned. Gossin is a great world builder describing each scene wonderfully so I felt like I was walking through a quaint small town or soaring in the sky on a steampunk ship.
I can’t wait to see where this series heads next!
April 6, 2025
Thank you to Brittany Gossin, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel!
Although I devoured this book pretty quickly and overall enjoyed it, I have to admit that I don't think this book was quite ready for publication. While it's a fun read in general, it had a lot of glaring issues that I struggled to overlook.
Let's talk about the characters. We've got Keagen, a dragon shifter, who seeks out a magical object called the Crimson Shard to save his people from a disease that's killing them. Avalon is a sheltered princess who's encouraged by her mentor and father figure to pursue the Shard to help save the suffering people her real father, the king, ignores. Then, we've got a crew of thieves—Rowena, Zedock, and Malcolm—who seek the Crimson Shard to erase their debts.
Malcolm is perhaps the least likeable character I have ever encountered in my entire life. I found him to be slimy and selfish, and he was never redeemed in my eyes at any point. Now, maybe I'm going to sound like the friend who's too woke, but Zedock being a black male character who's apparently "known for" being stupid and violent is very questionable, in my opinion. Finally, the male characters were constantly looking at the female characters' hips and backsides. It was really distracting and kind of creepy to have that mentioned several times; it made me feel like those characters were weirdos instead of attractive or desirable.
I really wish this book had expanded on its worldbuilding, because I think it had the potential to be really interesting. However, the way it was done made it seem as though the author wasn't really sure what time period she wanted this book to be set in. First, the characters decide to travel somewhere by boat; okay, pretty standard for a fantasy novel. Then, they discuss boarding an aeroship once they reach their destination; pretty cool and not something I typically see! But wait, then the other characters are talking about traveling using an...automobile? But then they settle on using horses instead? I think this could work just fine if any of it was further elaborated on, but it wasn't.
Now, one of the main things that stood out to me from the very start is that this book seems to take bits and pieces from other books and games.
For example, the thieving crew and heist feels very, very much like Six of Crows, with the city of Vicerona sounding almost exactly like Ketterdam. Malcolm and Zedock come from a place called Kerizan, which sounds shockingly like Keramzin to me, a place also from the Grishaverse.
But that's not at all. I immediately noticed a lot of names and places from World of Warcraft. For example, this series is called Dragonflight, which is the name of a recent WoW expansion. But it also has a city called Undercity (just like WoW) and a place called Alestraza, which is shockingly similar to the World of Warcraft character named Alexstrasza—who just happens to be a dragon and a main character in Dragonflight. While we're talking about game references, the author also seemed to nab the word Dovahkiin from Skyrim/The Elder Scrolls, which means Dragonborn in that world. These could just be coincidental, I suppose, but they seemed way too specific to be, in my opinion.
I really struggle to understand why this book is marketed as slow burn, because that could not be farther from the truth. Within 2-3 days of meeting, these characters were supposedly "in love." Meanwhile, two other characters randomly "decided to be together" without actually having that conversation on screen, despite the fact that one half of that relationship was romantically interested in someone else for years. But all of the sudden, they want to be with this other person? And we don't even get to see a discussion about it?
What bothered me the absolute most about this book, though, is the very obvious lack of editing. There were so many dangling modifiers, inconsistencies, punctuation issues, and insanely unrealistic dialogue.
The unrealistic dialogue was the biggest issue to me. The characters didn't really use contractions in their speech, which comes off as extremely stilted and unnatural. Then, there were bits of dialogue like, "Stay here. No matter what you hear, keep everyone here." See how unrealistic that sounds, with here/hear being repeated that many times in just two sentences?
This book was absolutely filled with inconsistencies. There was one paragraph that contained both "cannot" and "can not" almost back to back in the same context. There was a place called Toezan, but there was one instance just a couple of pages apart where it was spelled both "Toezan" and "Tozeon."
Listen, I promise I really did enjoy this book overall, though I don't think I would continue the series. But I believe it could have really benefited from several rounds of intensive editing to resolve all of the above issues. These are problems I would expect in a fanfiction or story posted online, but certainly not in a published novel.
After some debate, I rated this book 2 stars out of 5. I would have given it 3, but I found myself thinking about and noticing all of the errors and issues more than the actual plot and events of the book.
I post other reviews + bookish and lifestyle content on my blog, :)
Although I devoured this book pretty quickly and overall enjoyed it, I have to admit that I don't think this book was quite ready for publication. While it's a fun read in general, it had a lot of glaring issues that I struggled to overlook.
Let's talk about the characters. We've got Keagen, a dragon shifter, who seeks out a magical object called the Crimson Shard to save his people from a disease that's killing them. Avalon is a sheltered princess who's encouraged by her mentor and father figure to pursue the Shard to help save the suffering people her real father, the king, ignores. Then, we've got a crew of thieves—Rowena, Zedock, and Malcolm—who seek the Crimson Shard to erase their debts.
Malcolm is perhaps the least likeable character I have ever encountered in my entire life. I found him to be slimy and selfish, and he was never redeemed in my eyes at any point. Now, maybe I'm going to sound like the friend who's too woke, but Zedock being a black male character who's apparently "known for" being stupid and violent is very questionable, in my opinion. Finally, the male characters were constantly looking at the female characters' hips and backsides. It was really distracting and kind of creepy to have that mentioned several times; it made me feel like those characters were weirdos instead of attractive or desirable.
I really wish this book had expanded on its worldbuilding, because I think it had the potential to be really interesting. However, the way it was done made it seem as though the author wasn't really sure what time period she wanted this book to be set in. First, the characters decide to travel somewhere by boat; okay, pretty standard for a fantasy novel. Then, they discuss boarding an aeroship once they reach their destination; pretty cool and not something I typically see! But wait, then the other characters are talking about traveling using an...automobile? But then they settle on using horses instead? I think this could work just fine if any of it was further elaborated on, but it wasn't.
Now, one of the main things that stood out to me from the very start is that this book seems to take bits and pieces from other books and games.
For example, the thieving crew and heist feels very, very much like Six of Crows, with the city of Vicerona sounding almost exactly like Ketterdam. Malcolm and Zedock come from a place called Kerizan, which sounds shockingly like Keramzin to me, a place also from the Grishaverse.
But that's not at all. I immediately noticed a lot of names and places from World of Warcraft. For example, this series is called Dragonflight, which is the name of a recent WoW expansion. But it also has a city called Undercity (just like WoW) and a place called Alestraza, which is shockingly similar to the World of Warcraft character named Alexstrasza—who just happens to be a dragon and a main character in Dragonflight. While we're talking about game references, the author also seemed to nab the word Dovahkiin from Skyrim/The Elder Scrolls, which means Dragonborn in that world. These could just be coincidental, I suppose, but they seemed way too specific to be, in my opinion.
I really struggle to understand why this book is marketed as slow burn, because that could not be farther from the truth. Within 2-3 days of meeting, these characters were supposedly "in love." Meanwhile, two other characters randomly "decided to be together" without actually having that conversation on screen, despite the fact that one half of that relationship was romantically interested in someone else for years. But all of the sudden, they want to be with this other person? And we don't even get to see a discussion about it?
What bothered me the absolute most about this book, though, is the very obvious lack of editing. There were so many dangling modifiers, inconsistencies, punctuation issues, and insanely unrealistic dialogue.
The unrealistic dialogue was the biggest issue to me. The characters didn't really use contractions in their speech, which comes off as extremely stilted and unnatural. Then, there were bits of dialogue like, "Stay here. No matter what you hear, keep everyone here." See how unrealistic that sounds, with here/hear being repeated that many times in just two sentences?
This book was absolutely filled with inconsistencies. There was one paragraph that contained both "cannot" and "can not" almost back to back in the same context. There was a place called Toezan, but there was one instance just a couple of pages apart where it was spelled both "Toezan" and "Tozeon."
Listen, I promise I really did enjoy this book overall, though I don't think I would continue the series. But I believe it could have really benefited from several rounds of intensive editing to resolve all of the above issues. These are problems I would expect in a fanfiction or story posted online, but certainly not in a published novel.
After some debate, I rated this book 2 stars out of 5. I would have given it 3, but I found myself thinking about and noticing all of the errors and issues more than the actual plot and events of the book.
I post other reviews + bookish and lifestyle content on my blog, :)
January 18, 2025
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3—but even that feels generous.
I picked up this book for two reasons: to support an indie author and because the author is a high school English teacher. Naturally, I assumed her writing would be strong. Unfortunately, I was wrong.
The prose was overly wordy, as if the author was trying to paint a picture using every color on the palette. Instead of flowing organically, the writing felt forced and cluttered. Additionally, the repetitive use of the characters� names made it seem like the author didn’t trust the reader to follow along. And whenever a word in the characters' "dragon language" was used, the author felt the need to remind us—repeatedly—that it was not the common tongue. Once or twice, sure. Every single time? Exhausting.
Now let’s talk about the first intimate encounter between River/Avalon (the FMC) and Keagan (the MMC). To put it bluntly, it made no sense. Her very first time—with no foreplay, from a man who is explicitly described as “well endowed”—results in an orgasm and zero discomfort? That’s not just unrealistic; it’s absurd. Oh, and “his cock leaking with desire�? Hard pass. Straight to jail.
The insta-love was another huge issue. Five days. That’s all it took for these two to fall hopelessly in love. Keagan, a 32-year-old attractive, well endowed (it didn't seem he had a particularly hard time sleeping with women), and intelligent dragon shifter is head over heels in less than a week? While I could maybe understand River’s feelings—given her sheltered life as a princess—it was still a stretch.
Rowena’s storyline was equally baffling.
The writing itself lacked polish, especially in terms of word choice. Words like valiantly and languidly were overused to the point of distraction. I kept thinking about those high school and middle school teachers who had us use a thesaurus and yet it seems it was forgotten.
The spicy scenes were another letdown. They were short, repetitive, and uninspired. For the first time ever, I found myself wishing for fade-to-black moments just so I could rely on my own imagination.
On top of that, the male characters constantly staring at the women’s backsides and the FMC ogling Keagan’s dick print while he was dancing or even sleeping felt outright perverse. It happened so frequently that I couldn’t help but feel the author was projecting her own... interests into the story. Instead of feeling sensual, it was uncomfortable and off-putting.
It also felt like the author was trying to cram in as many popular tropes as possible—insta-love, one bed, royalty in disguise, a chosen one, hidden power, etc.—without fully developing any of them. The result was a scattered and trope-heavy story that lacked depth.
Pacing was yet another issue. The story often felt rushed, with certain elements (like the medallion) introduced and then not used to its fullest potential. The inclusion of automobiles, aero ships, and revolvers in this fantasy realm also felt out of place, as if the world building lacked cohesion. To top it off, the ending was abrupt and unsatisfying.
This book had potential, but it desperately needed the guidance of a skilled editor instead of “alpha readers� (as credited in the acknowledgments). While I enjoyed Keagan as a character, he wasn’t enough to save the story. I won’t be continuing with the series.
I picked up this book for two reasons: to support an indie author and because the author is a high school English teacher. Naturally, I assumed her writing would be strong. Unfortunately, I was wrong.
The prose was overly wordy, as if the author was trying to paint a picture using every color on the palette. Instead of flowing organically, the writing felt forced and cluttered. Additionally, the repetitive use of the characters� names made it seem like the author didn’t trust the reader to follow along. And whenever a word in the characters' "dragon language" was used, the author felt the need to remind us—repeatedly—that it was not the common tongue. Once or twice, sure. Every single time? Exhausting.
Now let’s talk about the first intimate encounter between River/Avalon (the FMC) and Keagan (the MMC). To put it bluntly, it made no sense. Her very first time—with no foreplay, from a man who is explicitly described as “well endowed”—results in an orgasm and zero discomfort? That’s not just unrealistic; it’s absurd. Oh, and “his cock leaking with desire�? Hard pass. Straight to jail.
The insta-love was another huge issue. Five days. That’s all it took for these two to fall hopelessly in love. Keagan, a 32-year-old attractive, well endowed (it didn't seem he had a particularly hard time sleeping with women), and intelligent dragon shifter is head over heels in less than a week? While I could maybe understand River’s feelings—given her sheltered life as a princess—it was still a stretch.
Rowena’s storyline was equally baffling.
The writing itself lacked polish, especially in terms of word choice. Words like valiantly and languidly were overused to the point of distraction. I kept thinking about those high school and middle school teachers who had us use a thesaurus and yet it seems it was forgotten.
The spicy scenes were another letdown. They were short, repetitive, and uninspired. For the first time ever, I found myself wishing for fade-to-black moments just so I could rely on my own imagination.
On top of that, the male characters constantly staring at the women’s backsides and the FMC ogling Keagan’s dick print while he was dancing or even sleeping felt outright perverse. It happened so frequently that I couldn’t help but feel the author was projecting her own... interests into the story. Instead of feeling sensual, it was uncomfortable and off-putting.
It also felt like the author was trying to cram in as many popular tropes as possible—insta-love, one bed, royalty in disguise, a chosen one, hidden power, etc.—without fully developing any of them. The result was a scattered and trope-heavy story that lacked depth.
Pacing was yet another issue. The story often felt rushed, with certain elements (like the medallion) introduced and then not used to its fullest potential. The inclusion of automobiles, aero ships, and revolvers in this fantasy realm also felt out of place, as if the world building lacked cohesion. To top it off, the ending was abrupt and unsatisfying.
This book had potential, but it desperately needed the guidance of a skilled editor instead of “alpha readers� (as credited in the acknowledgments). While I enjoyed Keagan as a character, he wasn’t enough to save the story. I won’t be continuing with the series.
April 13, 2025
"Eyes to the sky, Wings in the clouds"
This book was a lot of fun going into it somewhat blindly. It wasn't my first book with a dragon shifter, but my first book featuring a heist! We followed 5 different points of view: Keagon, Avalon, Malcolm, Zedock, and Rowena. I thoroughly enjoyed learning each character's back story and following the journey through all of their eyes. Keagon is our infamous dragon shifter, while Avalon is the Princess of Vicerona, and right off the bat, I knew they would be a pair. Meanwhile, Rowena, Malcolm, and Zedock are members of a crime syndicate searching for the Blood Witch shard. Their paths end up crossing, and the plot thickens and gets a bit wild from there.
I gave this book 3 stars because I enjoyed the plot, the first 40% of the book, and I LOVED Keagon and his family. Unfortunately, there were a few things that missed the mark with me, and I think some aspects of the book got lost after the real journey started.
I was not expecting the 'intsa-love' story between Avalon and Keagon. I feel like they briefly spoke to one another before having feelings towards one another, and at not one point in this book do I feel like they were ever able to get to know each other... yet they love one another? It felt somewhat unrealistic to me, especially the very first spicy scene. Another issue I had with this book was the general pacing of it. Some moments were extremely crucial (in my eyes) to the plot or characters... that we just bounced over within a few lines. It all just felt very crammed to keep up with how fast-paced this book was, and I would've enjoyed it a lot more with a more full-fledged outline with more details and world-building. I think pulling out certain tropes or ideas would really benefit this book and rather expand on smaller ideas already on the page!
Overall, this book would be perfect for a younger audience (minus the spicy scenes) to delve into the fantasy world! It has a lot of potential and I am curious to see what direction the author goes in for the following books. It was not directly up my alley, but if you enjoy a fast-paced book that is easy to fall into the world, this book is most likely the perfect one to pick up!
� Thank you to Netgalley, Brittany Gossin, and the publisher for the arc; all opinions are my own �
This book was a lot of fun going into it somewhat blindly. It wasn't my first book with a dragon shifter, but my first book featuring a heist! We followed 5 different points of view: Keagon, Avalon, Malcolm, Zedock, and Rowena. I thoroughly enjoyed learning each character's back story and following the journey through all of their eyes. Keagon is our infamous dragon shifter, while Avalon is the Princess of Vicerona, and right off the bat, I knew they would be a pair. Meanwhile, Rowena, Malcolm, and Zedock are members of a crime syndicate searching for the Blood Witch shard. Their paths end up crossing, and the plot thickens and gets a bit wild from there.
I gave this book 3 stars because I enjoyed the plot, the first 40% of the book, and I LOVED Keagon and his family. Unfortunately, there were a few things that missed the mark with me, and I think some aspects of the book got lost after the real journey started.
I was not expecting the 'intsa-love' story between Avalon and Keagon. I feel like they briefly spoke to one another before having feelings towards one another, and at not one point in this book do I feel like they were ever able to get to know each other... yet they love one another? It felt somewhat unrealistic to me, especially the very first spicy scene. Another issue I had with this book was the general pacing of it. Some moments were extremely crucial (in my eyes) to the plot or characters... that we just bounced over within a few lines. It all just felt very crammed to keep up with how fast-paced this book was, and I would've enjoyed it a lot more with a more full-fledged outline with more details and world-building. I think pulling out certain tropes or ideas would really benefit this book and rather expand on smaller ideas already on the page!
Overall, this book would be perfect for a younger audience (minus the spicy scenes) to delve into the fantasy world! It has a lot of potential and I am curious to see what direction the author goes in for the following books. It was not directly up my alley, but if you enjoy a fast-paced book that is easy to fall into the world, this book is most likely the perfect one to pick up!
� Thank you to Netgalley, Brittany Gossin, and the publisher for the arc; all opinions are my own �
April 12, 2025
I absolutely devoured this novel! It was utterly addicting and the writing was great! The storytelling and world building was rich and vivid. The vibes were the most thrilling and exciting blend. With a steampunk aesthetic, Treasure Planet meets Six of Crows and Peaky Blinders, with a sprinkle of Stardust. It was dark and gritty, action-packed, and wrought with intrique. Add in some Dragon Shifters, and I was hooked!
I adored Keagan and Avalon. The tension, their chemistry, and the passion they held for one another was fabulous! And the yearning! I also loved the banter in all of 'The Syndicates' POV's.
Rowena's backstory and the lore of the Blood Witches were a big highlight for me. I didn't really like Malcolm's character. I think there will be time in the next book for more of a redemption for him, but instead of coming across as suave, he was very rude and dislikable, so it wasn't very fun being in his head for his POV's.
This novel is described as a heist book, and although our trio of trained thieves certainly gave off crime lord aesthetics, and had superb skills, I wish there had been more planning and a more exciting lead up to the heist itself. There was a lot of time spent travelling - which I enjoyed every second of - however, the heist itself was over quickly and didn't have much planning behind it.
I also wish we could have gotten more backstory from Princess Avalons POV of how Dragonflight fell into the state it's in and her fathers impact as a ruler. The author did a really good job with all the lore and backstory in this, but something felt missing here. I would have liked to know the King a little better.
I was a little disappointed in the ending, too, if I'm honest. Which is so sad as I loved every aspect of this book otherwise. It felt quite rushed, and some of the events felt too easily overcome in my opinion. But the book as a whole was absolutely amazing, and I loved every second until the last 40 or so pages, where I felt it lacked impact. I didn't expect the twist at the end, but I wish there had been more motivation for the character other than doing what they did for 'power'. I think there's a lot to unwrap with the ending, and it needed more time to sit before the book ended.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this!
*I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) for free in exchange for an honest review*
I adored Keagan and Avalon. The tension, their chemistry, and the passion they held for one another was fabulous! And the yearning! I also loved the banter in all of 'The Syndicates' POV's.
Rowena's backstory and the lore of the Blood Witches were a big highlight for me. I didn't really like Malcolm's character. I think there will be time in the next book for more of a redemption for him, but instead of coming across as suave, he was very rude and dislikable, so it wasn't very fun being in his head for his POV's.
This novel is described as a heist book, and although our trio of trained thieves certainly gave off crime lord aesthetics, and had superb skills, I wish there had been more planning and a more exciting lead up to the heist itself. There was a lot of time spent travelling - which I enjoyed every second of - however, the heist itself was over quickly and didn't have much planning behind it.
I also wish we could have gotten more backstory from Princess Avalons POV of how Dragonflight fell into the state it's in and her fathers impact as a ruler. The author did a really good job with all the lore and backstory in this, but something felt missing here. I would have liked to know the King a little better.
I was a little disappointed in the ending, too, if I'm honest. Which is so sad as I loved every aspect of this book otherwise. It felt quite rushed, and some of the events felt too easily overcome in my opinion. But the book as a whole was absolutely amazing, and I loved every second until the last 40 or so pages, where I felt it lacked impact. I didn't expect the twist at the end, but I wish there had been more motivation for the character other than doing what they did for 'power'. I think there's a lot to unwrap with the ending, and it needed more time to sit before the book ended.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this!
*I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) for free in exchange for an honest review*
March 21, 2025
"Eyes to the sky."
Wings in the clouds."
I was completely and utterly entranced by this book from beginning to end. This book has so many fun and unique elements that I could not get enough! If you have ever seen the movie Stardust this has a few elements that reminded me of it and I was absolutely tickled by those moments. This book is told through multiple POVs and is a master class in the best way to make that work as an author! There was not a single POV that I didn't look forward to and I enjoyed that it was not on an obvious rotation!
I am a plot girl through and through and this one had me hooked from start to finish. I will always love a good quest and the many twists and turns this one took had me kicking up my feet. The way all the paths continued to cross over one another until the pivotal moment was so much fun. I loved the different travel methods and the meeting of all the various characters along the way. Even seeing the world building and how each town handled itself lent to give the story that immersive feel.
The characters are my favorite but don’t ask me to name my top choice because I can’t � it’s Keagan.
A dragon shifter with a heart of gold and a touch her and ☠️ attitude? Yes please, all day everyday!
Avalon on the other hand is a dichotomy between her upbringing and father’s influence and her own wants and desires. The three members that made up the Syndicate are fantastic and such a rough and tumble back alley group with their own sense of right and wrong. It was fun to watch them work together in their group and the balancing acts they had to do with what they wanted versus how they had been taught to live their lives. Each person in this story comes from a different background but their similarities make them such unlikely allies. Each has been a prisoner in some capacity; either physically, emotionally, or by circumstances that made them unable to break free.
The ending took me through so many emotions in such a short period of time. I have so many questions now and cannot wait to see what happens next. What will be the backlash from the actions taken? What will happen between Avalon and Keagan? How will the Blood Witches move forward? What will the dragons do now?
Happy Reading!
Wings in the clouds."
I was completely and utterly entranced by this book from beginning to end. This book has so many fun and unique elements that I could not get enough! If you have ever seen the movie Stardust this has a few elements that reminded me of it and I was absolutely tickled by those moments. This book is told through multiple POVs and is a master class in the best way to make that work as an author! There was not a single POV that I didn't look forward to and I enjoyed that it was not on an obvious rotation!
I am a plot girl through and through and this one had me hooked from start to finish. I will always love a good quest and the many twists and turns this one took had me kicking up my feet. The way all the paths continued to cross over one another until the pivotal moment was so much fun. I loved the different travel methods and the meeting of all the various characters along the way. Even seeing the world building and how each town handled itself lent to give the story that immersive feel.
The characters are my favorite but don’t ask me to name my top choice because I can’t � it’s Keagan.
A dragon shifter with a heart of gold and a touch her and ☠️ attitude? Yes please, all day everyday!
Avalon on the other hand is a dichotomy between her upbringing and father’s influence and her own wants and desires. The three members that made up the Syndicate are fantastic and such a rough and tumble back alley group with their own sense of right and wrong. It was fun to watch them work together in their group and the balancing acts they had to do with what they wanted versus how they had been taught to live their lives. Each person in this story comes from a different background but their similarities make them such unlikely allies. Each has been a prisoner in some capacity; either physically, emotionally, or by circumstances that made them unable to break free.
The ending took me through so many emotions in such a short period of time. I have so many questions now and cannot wait to see what happens next. What will be the backlash from the actions taken? What will happen between Avalon and Keagan? How will the Blood Witches move forward? What will the dragons do now?
Happy Reading!
March 7, 2025
Looking for a fiery dark romantasy with Treasure Planet,dragons,and Six Of Crows vibes? Unbound by Brittany Gossin is a story about risks,betrayals, epic fight scenes,and surviving in a world where one wrong move will cost you dearly.🔥
The action-packed fighting scenes are well-executed,and very cool especially the flying pirate ships. I am truly amazed how real these scenes feel,and I have to say that Mrs.Gossin's writing is top-tier.👏
The diverse cast of characters throughout the story each gets their own chapters,and it is very easy to follow along on each of the many journeys they embark on.I was blown away by the amazing attention to detail especially with the group of thieves that definitely had Six Of Crows vibes.
There's not one,but two couples that have fiery banter moments,and the romance targeted audience is definitely intended only for adults.🔥
The world building is absolutely incredible with vivid imagery,and I can definitely see this amazing story as a future blockbuster film. Mrs.Gossin is a very versatile writer that knows how to capture the readers attention.
My favorite characters are definitely Rowena & Avalon both are strong,and fierce woman that are not damsels in distress. Also I cannot say this because it is a spoiler, but I will say that once someone finds out a secret they become stronger, and start to embrace their true self.
Fans of dragon inspired romantasy's should definitely add this book immediately to their tbrs.
Tropes readers can expect to see in this story:
1.Forbidden romance & love triangle.
2.Mysterious & powerful witches
3.Treasure Planet vibes
4.Six Of Crows vibes
5.banter
6. Hidden powers & Secret identities.
Unbound by Brittany Gossin is available now on Amazon,and on the author's website.
Thank you Mrs.Gossin for the opportunity to read this amazing story. I truly had a lot of fun reading it,and I look forward to reading the sequel.🔥🐉
The action-packed fighting scenes are well-executed,and very cool especially the flying pirate ships. I am truly amazed how real these scenes feel,and I have to say that Mrs.Gossin's writing is top-tier.👏
The diverse cast of characters throughout the story each gets their own chapters,and it is very easy to follow along on each of the many journeys they embark on.I was blown away by the amazing attention to detail especially with the group of thieves that definitely had Six Of Crows vibes.
There's not one,but two couples that have fiery banter moments,and the romance targeted audience is definitely intended only for adults.🔥
The world building is absolutely incredible with vivid imagery,and I can definitely see this amazing story as a future blockbuster film. Mrs.Gossin is a very versatile writer that knows how to capture the readers attention.
My favorite characters are definitely Rowena & Avalon both are strong,and fierce woman that are not damsels in distress. Also I cannot say this because it is a spoiler, but I will say that once someone finds out a secret they become stronger, and start to embrace their true self.
Fans of dragon inspired romantasy's should definitely add this book immediately to their tbrs.
Tropes readers can expect to see in this story:
1.Forbidden romance & love triangle.
2.Mysterious & powerful witches
3.Treasure Planet vibes
4.Six Of Crows vibes
5.banter
6. Hidden powers & Secret identities.
Unbound by Brittany Gossin is available now on Amazon,and on the author's website.
Thank you Mrs.Gossin for the opportunity to read this amazing story. I truly had a lot of fun reading it,and I look forward to reading the sequel.🔥🐉
April 7, 2025
Though enjoyable, I found some aspects of this novel irritating to read.
The interactions of the Syndicate, particularly in chapter 1, were quite contrived. Malcolm feels almost like a stock character, but I see room for character growth in the next installment.
Avalon and Keagan are much more intriguing characters, although, they also lack a certain depth. Additionally, it would be impossible to ignore the very clear parallels between them and the protagonists of Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin. There are quite a few plot elements from Mahurin's novel visible in this story, as well as notable similarities to the Grishaverse novels. Not a bad thing, but worth saying.
The writing style starts very literal and has a very YA tone considering it is marketed as adult fiction. Many things are repeated or reiterated in multiple ways. For example, the sheer amount of prison metaphors used to describe Ava's life. I got it...she feels trapped - What else? I will admit this does improve as the story progresses and there are some fun moments - sky pirates for example. Once you hit about halfway things start to become much more engaging.
Despite all of the seemingly negative aspects I cannot pretend I didn't really enjoy the book. It does have great pacing and great action. I am curious to read the next installment (mostly because the Ava and Keagan plotline has been left criminally undone).
It is, what I would call, comfortable reading.
The interactions of the Syndicate, particularly in chapter 1, were quite contrived. Malcolm feels almost like a stock character, but I see room for character growth in the next installment.
Avalon and Keagan are much more intriguing characters, although, they also lack a certain depth. Additionally, it would be impossible to ignore the very clear parallels between them and the protagonists of Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin. There are quite a few plot elements from Mahurin's novel visible in this story, as well as notable similarities to the Grishaverse novels. Not a bad thing, but worth saying.
The writing style starts very literal and has a very YA tone considering it is marketed as adult fiction. Many things are repeated or reiterated in multiple ways. For example, the sheer amount of prison metaphors used to describe Ava's life. I got it...she feels trapped - What else? I will admit this does improve as the story progresses and there are some fun moments - sky pirates for example. Once you hit about halfway things start to become much more engaging.
Despite all of the seemingly negative aspects I cannot pretend I didn't really enjoy the book. It does have great pacing and great action. I am curious to read the next installment (mostly because the Ava and Keagan plotline has been left criminally undone).
It is, what I would call, comfortable reading.
March 31, 2025
I was so intrigued by the description that I find myself sorely disappointed in the result.
This heist-with-dragons book unfortunately lacks what makes books great - the build up...the tension...the camaraderie...and instead has insta-love, obvious villains, and characters and plot points of convenience.
The spoiled princess is without conflict. Her father, the king, does neglect her but she's in her early 20's now and states several times she has a father-figure in her life that cares a great deal about her. I know it's not the same, but seriously girl....get a grip. She's also terrible at any type of sneaking around, which absolutely drove me crazy (seriously, please stop joking about dragons when it could get your ally executed...and let's NOT start a drinking competition with a DRAGON that's a foot taller than you when you're on the run).
Every plot point just felt like a clear stepping stone for the characters to achieve their goal. There wasn't enough friction to make this seem like it was an actual challenge or difficult by any means. Everything just conveniently lines up.
Without the spice, this book would be great for pre-teens and young teens to dip their toes in to fantasy. I would have actually preferred no spice, as it felt like it was written purely to force Ava and Keagan together (insta-love). Unfortunately this book just missed all the marks for me.
This heist-with-dragons book unfortunately lacks what makes books great - the build up...the tension...the camaraderie...and instead has insta-love, obvious villains, and characters and plot points of convenience.
The spoiled princess is without conflict. Her father, the king, does neglect her but she's in her early 20's now and states several times she has a father-figure in her life that cares a great deal about her. I know it's not the same, but seriously girl....get a grip. She's also terrible at any type of sneaking around, which absolutely drove me crazy (seriously, please stop joking about dragons when it could get your ally executed...and let's NOT start a drinking competition with a DRAGON that's a foot taller than you when you're on the run).
Every plot point just felt like a clear stepping stone for the characters to achieve their goal. There wasn't enough friction to make this seem like it was an actual challenge or difficult by any means. Everything just conveniently lines up.
Without the spice, this book would be great for pre-teens and young teens to dip their toes in to fantasy. I would have actually preferred no spice, as it felt like it was written purely to force Ava and Keagan together (insta-love). Unfortunately this book just missed all the marks for me.
February 25, 2025
This story is told from multiple POVs, featuring a diverse group of characters, including a princess, a dragon shifter, and three thieves, one of whom is a blood witch. Each character is on a quest to find the same item, the Crimson Shard, but for different reasons. The plot splits into two distinct storylines: in one, the thieves are desperately seeking the Shard for their own personal gain, while in the other, a princess and a dragon shifter develop a slow-burn romance, all while searching for the Shard to stop a plague threatening dragon shifters. Throughout their journeys, these characters not only seek the Shard but to also explore who they truly are and what they mean to one another. I wasn't as invested in the thieves' storyline and found myself craving more of Keagan and Avalon's story. I really connected with these characters' enemies to lovers storyline and wanted to see more of their journey. I would have also loved more world-building to better understand where the characters are coming from and what drives their motivations. This was my first Gossin book, and I'm excited to read more in the future!
*Thank you to Brittany Gossin for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
*Thank you to Brittany Gossin for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
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