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Compelling Fates Saga #3
A Bond so Fierce and Fragile
Torture. Darkness. Loss.
That’s what the Fae king has planned to break her.
But Elessia is prepared to fight.
She is ready to fight her way out of the king’s claws, fight to save Havlands from rebels and Fae alike, and above all, fight to return to the one she loves.
But in the end, it’s her own life she might need to fight for the most, and even though her mate will do anything, including rip the entire world to shreds, to keep her safe, there is nowhere to hide when the gods themselves are after you.
That’s what the Fae king has planned to break her.
But Elessia is prepared to fight.
She is ready to fight her way out of the king’s claws, fight to save Havlands from rebels and Fae alike, and above all, fight to return to the one she loves.
But in the end, it’s her own life she might need to fight for the most, and even though her mate will do anything, including rip the entire world to shreds, to keep her safe, there is nowhere to hide when the gods themselves are after you.
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2025
1617 people are currently reading
10789 people want to read
About the author
Sophia St. Germain
6 books479 followersSophia St. Germain has always loved reading fantasy and romance. She writes romantasy and is a big fan of found family, enemies to lovers, strong but flawed FMCs, and morally gray MMCs.
Originally from Sweden, Sophia moved to the US in 2019 but has also lived in France, Norway, and Belgium. She uses influences from her travels and the different cultures she's experienced in her books and characters.
Sophia works in tech by day and writes and reads romantasy by night (and, let's be honest, very early mornings).
Originally from Sweden, Sophia moved to the US in 2019 but has also lived in France, Norway, and Belgium. She uses influences from her travels and the different cultures she's experienced in her books and characters.
Sophia works in tech by day and writes and reads romantasy by night (and, let's be honest, very early mornings).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
August 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ The wait for the 4th and final book may destroy me after reading that ending 😩
June 12, 2025
Just to cancel out Jagoda’s review of 1 star when the book isn’t even out?! Even someone with an ARC would have left a review. The first two books were great, I devoured them within days and can’t wait for the next! This is the author’s livelihood someone is messing with, wish them all the best with the next release
July 23, 2025
”𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝. 𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙢𝙚.”
A Bond So Fierce and Fragile by Sophia St. Germain
5⭐️ | 3🌶️
-fae, shifters, humans
-multi POV
-unique magic
-prophecies
-touch her and 💀
-trauma & healing
-war & political intrigue
This book was beautiful, heartbreaking, devastating, and healing all at once.
We’re picking up right where we left off and are tossed into a whirlwind of trauma and high-emotions in the midst of a looming war.
“𝙒𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚’𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣.”
The way I’ve grown so attached to these characters makes this such an impactful story. In book 2, I wasn’t entirely convinced I’d like Frelina’s character but by book 3 I think I was more interested in her POV chapters than anyone else haha.
Lessia really rises above and endures everything that gets tossed at her without letting it break her gentle spirit. And Merrick…that male, that snarly, broody, intimidating male can do no wrong.
“𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙄 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚—𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡—𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
And Loche, and Raine, and Amalise and all the others.. I just love them 🥹🫶🏻😭.
I’m still spiraling after that last 10% and I can’t make sense of my emotions but I NEED book 4 in my hands in order to recover. And I know she’s writing another series in the same world and I’m DYING for more clues.
“𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚?”
“𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛*𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨, 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙚?”
Thank you so much, Sophia, for the advanced copy! Being a part of this journey since book 1 has been an absolute thrill ride.
A Bond So Fierce and Fragile by Sophia St. Germain
5⭐️ | 3🌶️
-fae, shifters, humans
-multi POV
-unique magic
-prophecies
-touch her and 💀
-trauma & healing
-war & political intrigue
This book was beautiful, heartbreaking, devastating, and healing all at once.
We’re picking up right where we left off and are tossed into a whirlwind of trauma and high-emotions in the midst of a looming war.
“𝙒𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚’𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣.”
The way I’ve grown so attached to these characters makes this such an impactful story. In book 2, I wasn’t entirely convinced I’d like Frelina’s character but by book 3 I think I was more interested in her POV chapters than anyone else haha.
Lessia really rises above and endures everything that gets tossed at her without letting it break her gentle spirit. And Merrick…that male, that snarly, broody, intimidating male can do no wrong.
“𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙄 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚—𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡—𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
And Loche, and Raine, and Amalise and all the others.. I just love them 🥹🫶🏻😭.
I’m still spiraling after that last 10% and I can’t make sense of my emotions but I NEED book 4 in my hands in order to recover. And I know she’s writing another series in the same world and I’m DYING for more clues.
“𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚?”
“𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛*𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨, 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙚?”
Thank you so much, Sophia, for the advanced copy! Being a part of this journey since book 1 has been an absolute thrill ride.
July 14, 2025
The level of crying I did for this book...I've got a headache. The ending was beautiful
September 4, 2025
Comme le tome 4 de la saga d’Auren avec les side romances qui commencent 🩷
July 15, 2025
Full transparency, as always - Yes, I am Sophia’s friend/PA/alpha reader. Despite all that, I will always review honestly.
This book was everything I wanted, and everything I didn’t know I needed.
It took all of the best parts of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly & A Promise so Bold and Broken, mixed them together, and then added some lagniappe (a little something extra) for good measure.
There are 4 POVs in this one, and while that might typically edge on too many for me - I get irritated when I’m pulled out of a part of the story I’m really invested in - I never once felt frustrated by them. They all flowed very well from one to the other, and Sophia chose the right moments to make the switches.
I will warn you that the tone of this book is darker than the first two. It has a lot more trauma and war. I personally like those high stakes and darker tones in my books, but I would completely understand it not being right for every person.
As for the romance(s):
Sophia definitely upped the spice in this one (I’d give it 3🌶️ on my scale), and also added more relationships for you to become invested in… or shocked by.
The last few chapters had me sobbing multiple times and I’m not one who cries easily.
And that ending?! Let’s just say I was texting Sophia some shocked expletives and leave it at that. 😆
All in all, this was my favorite book of the series so far, by far.
At this point it feels certain this series will dethrone all others - apart from TOG - as my top favorite romantic fantasy series ever.
This book was everything I wanted, and everything I didn’t know I needed.
It took all of the best parts of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly & A Promise so Bold and Broken, mixed them together, and then added some lagniappe (a little something extra) for good measure.
There are 4 POVs in this one, and while that might typically edge on too many for me - I get irritated when I’m pulled out of a part of the story I’m really invested in - I never once felt frustrated by them. They all flowed very well from one to the other, and Sophia chose the right moments to make the switches.
I will warn you that the tone of this book is darker than the first two. It has a lot more trauma and war. I personally like those high stakes and darker tones in my books, but I would completely understand it not being right for every person.
As for the romance(s):
Sophia definitely upped the spice in this one (I’d give it 3🌶️ on my scale), and also added more relationships for you to become invested in… or shocked by.
The last few chapters had me sobbing multiple times and I’m not one who cries easily.
And that ending?! Let’s just say I was texting Sophia some shocked expletives and leave it at that. 😆
All in all, this was my favorite book of the series so far, by far.
At this point it feels certain this series will dethrone all others - apart from TOG - as my top favorite romantic fantasy series ever.
August 22, 2025
A rare DNF for me in over 2 years and over 200 hundred books, most of which are romantasy.
The characters, world and creation that the author has made was interesting, I was invested. As I read through the book, a small irritation started growing on me: the authors choice of sentence structure.
I am very aware this is a very petty and stupid reason not to finish a book, but I was so baffled by the author's strange decision to utilise sentence breaks in an attempt to slow down or dramatize the work. It completely choked the life out of the narrative. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, take a hard look at chapter 14 - 17. She uses this syntax choice of three sentence breaks to illustrate her point EIGHTEEN times in the span of three chapters. Actual. Fucking. Madness.
I cannot EVER read another book where the author uses sentence structure like:
She would never have to hide in fear again.
He would make sure of it.
He would ensure she was safe.
She was his heart.
This is okay to put together Sophia!!!!! Please!!!!
This goes on for PAGES occasionally. Just pages and pages and pages of it. I just wanted to throw myself off into the aether and drown in my literature sorrows. I've chewed through JRR Tolkien describing trees for pages and pages and pages and I somehow persevered. This has conquered me, I could not survive the madness. I was sitting in the bath, screaming at the page, "No! What are you doing!! You're ruining it!!"
I could not even imagine finishing a book.
I skipped to the end.
And left with a bad taste in my mouth.
One I would never recover from.
You see how that doesn't work?
I'm so sorry, Sophia, but this needed edits. Heavily. A heavy handed person to say, it's okay to use commas and make your sentences befriend one another. I'm not a perfect writer, and I'm not a smart reader. I'm just someone who couldn't continue hearing the same rhythm of reading in her head for the foreseeable future. I just couldn't do it for hours on end
FORGIVE ME
The characters, world and creation that the author has made was interesting, I was invested. As I read through the book, a small irritation started growing on me: the authors choice of sentence structure.
I am very aware this is a very petty and stupid reason not to finish a book, but I was so baffled by the author's strange decision to utilise sentence breaks in an attempt to slow down or dramatize the work. It completely choked the life out of the narrative. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, take a hard look at chapter 14 - 17. She uses this syntax choice of three sentence breaks to illustrate her point EIGHTEEN times in the span of three chapters. Actual. Fucking. Madness.
I cannot EVER read another book where the author uses sentence structure like:
She would never have to hide in fear again.
He would make sure of it.
He would ensure she was safe.
She was his heart.
This is okay to put together Sophia!!!!! Please!!!!
This goes on for PAGES occasionally. Just pages and pages and pages of it. I just wanted to throw myself off into the aether and drown in my literature sorrows. I've chewed through JRR Tolkien describing trees for pages and pages and pages and I somehow persevered. This has conquered me, I could not survive the madness. I was sitting in the bath, screaming at the page, "No! What are you doing!! You're ruining it!!"
I could not even imagine finishing a book.
I skipped to the end.
And left with a bad taste in my mouth.
One I would never recover from.
You see how that doesn't work?
I'm so sorry, Sophia, but this needed edits. Heavily. A heavy handed person to say, it's okay to use commas and make your sentences befriend one another. I'm not a perfect writer, and I'm not a smart reader. I'm just someone who couldn't continue hearing the same rhythm of reading in her head for the foreseeable future. I just couldn't do it for hours on end
FORGIVE ME
August 6, 2025
Where to start? I can’t decide if I want to scream or cry. I may have done both during the last three chapters. I’m still wavering between both and it’s been hours.
I’m once again suffering from a Sophia induced book hangover, mourning the loss of these characters after finishing one of her books. The second half was harrowing, and I know I’m prone to exaggeration… but in this, I’m not. It’s brutal. Big girl/guy panties required. The first two books of this series were suspiciously similar torture - I get it now. She has a style. I should have seen this coming. Well, it’s too late now. I’m all in, no turning back.
I have fallen so deeply in love with about 8 different characters, and I’m invested in every single one. Did I mention nobody is truly safe?? t’s screaming TOG vibes, where everyone’s relationships, sanity, health and well-being are up for grabs. There’s plenty of love, suspense, selflessness, humor and kindness to even it out, but I’m still teetering towards damaged at the end of it. Call me a glutton for punishment: Can’t wait for the next and final installment in December!
This series is one that I will HIGHLY recommend to anyone that asks for a book recommendation and possibly many people that don’t.
Thank you Sophia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. What a gift.
I’m once again suffering from a Sophia induced book hangover, mourning the loss of these characters after finishing one of her books. The second half was harrowing, and I know I’m prone to exaggeration… but in this, I’m not. It’s brutal. Big girl/guy panties required. The first two books of this series were suspiciously similar torture - I get it now. She has a style. I should have seen this coming. Well, it’s too late now. I’m all in, no turning back.
I have fallen so deeply in love with about 8 different characters, and I’m invested in every single one. Did I mention nobody is truly safe?? t’s screaming TOG vibes, where everyone’s relationships, sanity, health and well-being are up for grabs. There’s plenty of love, suspense, selflessness, humor and kindness to even it out, but I’m still teetering towards damaged at the end of it. Call me a glutton for punishment: Can’t wait for the next and final installment in December!
This series is one that I will HIGHLY recommend to anyone that asks for a book recommendation and possibly many people that don’t.
Thank you Sophia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. What a gift.
July 8, 2025
never thought there would be a day I read a book that gave me major throne of glass vibes🫰🏽🫰🏽
July 5, 2025
Is it considered stalking if you constantly check the authors page to see if there are any sneak peaks or book updates - no didn’t think so - impatiently waiting for book 3 <3
August 22, 2025
"Do you want me to tell you no one—mate or not—has loved anyone the way I love you? That I would laugh as the world fell apart as long as you stood by my side? That even if I could only have one fucking night—one night pretending you’re mine—I’d take it?"
This was such a great continuation of the series, picking up right where the second book left off.
Alessia is facing and dealing the prophecy with Loche, Merrick and her friends at her side. They are fighting the rebels Rioner and the fae and things are looking bleak for them at times.
Not only do I love Lessia and Merrick, but Loche and all the other side characters really help to make this book amazing. I was tearing up a couple of times throughout this book, and that ending.. what a cliff hanger! I definitely need the next book NOW.
This was such a great continuation of the series, picking up right where the second book left off.
Alessia is facing and dealing the prophecy with Loche, Merrick and her friends at her side. They are fighting the rebels Rioner and the fae and things are looking bleak for them at times.
Not only do I love Lessia and Merrick, but Loche and all the other side characters really help to make this book amazing. I was tearing up a couple of times throughout this book, and that ending.. what a cliff hanger! I definitely need the next book NOW.
August 20, 2025
Oh my...
A Bond So Fierce and Fragile picks up very quickly after A Promise So Bold and Broken left us, which thank goodness given how crazed Merrick was going after losing Lessia. For this book, the tears started in chapter one! And while they paused a few times throughout this story, I don't think I've cried this much throughout a book!
Merrick starts to understand the stakes that Lessia found out about during A Promise So Bold and Broken regarding her future and King Rioner, and I love his optimism despite being the grumpy Fae protector. He absolutely refuses that this outcome is the only way, and he will do whatever it takes to keep Lessia in his life. I also loved getting his POV during several chapters in this story. The whole series thus far has been from Lessia's POV, and so getting some of his thoughts was so necessary to see how devoted he is to her. Plus, our group is separated for quite a bit of the story, so also getting Loche and Frelina's POVs were nice touches.
Oh little Frelina! She comes off as very sheltered, but she wants to be fierce like her older sister Lessia. I'm so glad that we see Frelina looking up to Lessia, especially since Lessia seemed sure that Frelina would just hate her. She wants so much from her life, even though she thinks her life is very likely to be cut short. But she grabs hold of some chemistry with Raine and runs with it! Despite Raine having lost his mate and Frelina maybe having someone else in her future...
And poor Loche! I was fully on the Loche-is-an-idiot train after A Promise So Bold and Broken. But seeing that he truly loves his country and wants to do what is best for the most amount of people, even if it means betraying the one woman he loves more than anything and knows that he ruined any chance he might have with her. Even then, seeing his pining for her and watching her lovey-dovey eyes to Merrick throughout this story was hard. But! We just might get a little bit of a love story for him in the next book! There are definitely hints that he has a love like the one shared by Lessia and Merrick.
I will say my head hurt at the end of this story! Both from crying and from ALL that happened! We learn a bit more about why exactly Merrick is nicknamed The Death Whisperer, and he pushes his power probably beyond what he is supposed to do all for Lessia. I NEED MORE!
Some favorite quotes:
One day. One fvcking day without her and he was losing his mind.
His to save. His to protect. His to love.
"He'll rip this world apart if that's what it takes."
"Careful, regent. I'm plotting how I'm going to k!ll everyone who's ever hvrt her, and you're high on that list."
"I wish it wasn't her. But... it's all we have now. I fvcked up so bad. And while I owe it to her to save her, I also owe Ellow to do everything I can to save it. I already let her get away, and... I gave her the damned stone. We have nothing left now."
"If you d!e on that ship I will come to the afterlife and haunt you for fvcking ever, and then we can talk about poss3ssive."
It was still there. As frail and fragile as before.
"I don't care what she wants. I don't want to live in a world where she doesn't exist."
But just because she was broken... it didn't mean she was useless.
She was something new. Something forged in pain. Something born out of guilt. Something bound by love. Because every broken piece that remained now was just that... Bound by love.
Instead, he folded her broken body against his broken heart and held her there.
Frelina wanted that kind of pain--the kind she'd read about in books--that only love for another could bring. Frelina wanted it all. All the feelings. All the joy. All the sadness. All the love. All the hurt.
"Perhaps we only get endings. But let's make that ending one for the fvcking books, shall we?"
He didn't have any hope of finding what she had. And even if he did, he didn't want it. Because that meant he would risk feeling like this again.
"You and me."
She didn't need to sacrifice herself for a world that had done nothing but hvrt her.
Merrick promised himself he'd give her everything she wished for. He'd give her all of it. If not in this lifetime, then the next. And he'd start with time.
"You appear to be the only one in need of saving, Mr. Brooding Overprotective Soldier Man." "If you're the one doing it, I'll put myself in harm's way every day."
"My little fighter like her man on his knees before her. Likes to see him serve her like the goddess she is."
"I love you with all the broken pieces I have." "You're not broken, Lessia."
"It's never nothing to carry pain because you're relieving another."
He didn't rush her in the mornings anymore. He kissed her whenever he got a chance. Whispered words into her ear that he'd usually save for when they were alone, ignoring Raine's quips about them being mushy. Touched her everywhere he could. Made jokes that weren't particularly funny but that made her laugh all the same because of his studious expression. He was giving her what she'd wished for: time, love, friendship, acceptance. And he was clearly trying to give her the one thing she knew he couldn't... a future. (Merrick being so soft for her!)
Merrick and Lessia... They were respect, they were fight, they were hope, they were... love.
"Their bond is a fierce and fragile one."
"Merrick, no! You'll k!ll all of us." "Do you think I give one sh!t?"
He would always, always be there to light the way for her.
If you love a romantasy story with war (and everything that comes with it, including a raging Death Whisperer), Gods and curses, fated mates, female rage, friends to "use me to forget" to..., loss and heartbreak and healing together, new relationships, grumpy sea wyverns, spice (including an intense mirror scene), she tattoos him with her hopes and dreams, and he will burn the world (and anyone in it) for her, you NEED to read A Bond So Fierce and Fragile!
I received an advanced review copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
A Bond So Fierce and Fragile picks up very quickly after A Promise So Bold and Broken left us, which thank goodness given how crazed Merrick was going after losing Lessia. For this book, the tears started in chapter one! And while they paused a few times throughout this story, I don't think I've cried this much throughout a book!
Merrick starts to understand the stakes that Lessia found out about during A Promise So Bold and Broken regarding her future and King Rioner, and I love his optimism despite being the grumpy Fae protector. He absolutely refuses that this outcome is the only way, and he will do whatever it takes to keep Lessia in his life. I also loved getting his POV during several chapters in this story. The whole series thus far has been from Lessia's POV, and so getting some of his thoughts was so necessary to see how devoted he is to her. Plus, our group is separated for quite a bit of the story, so also getting Loche and Frelina's POVs were nice touches.
Oh little Frelina! She comes off as very sheltered, but she wants to be fierce like her older sister Lessia. I'm so glad that we see Frelina looking up to Lessia, especially since Lessia seemed sure that Frelina would just hate her. She wants so much from her life, even though she thinks her life is very likely to be cut short. But she grabs hold of some chemistry with Raine and runs with it! Despite Raine having lost his mate and Frelina maybe having someone else in her future...
And poor Loche! I was fully on the Loche-is-an-idiot train after A Promise So Bold and Broken. But seeing that he truly loves his country and wants to do what is best for the most amount of people, even if it means betraying the one woman he loves more than anything and knows that he ruined any chance he might have with her. Even then, seeing his pining for her and watching her lovey-dovey eyes to Merrick throughout this story was hard. But! We just might get a little bit of a love story for him in the next book! There are definitely hints that he has a love like the one shared by Lessia and Merrick.
I will say my head hurt at the end of this story! Both from crying and from ALL that happened! We learn a bit more about why exactly Merrick is nicknamed The Death Whisperer, and he pushes his power probably beyond what he is supposed to do all for Lessia. I NEED MORE!
Some favorite quotes:
One day. One fvcking day without her and he was losing his mind.
His to save. His to protect. His to love.
"He'll rip this world apart if that's what it takes."
"Careful, regent. I'm plotting how I'm going to k!ll everyone who's ever hvrt her, and you're high on that list."
"I wish it wasn't her. But... it's all we have now. I fvcked up so bad. And while I owe it to her to save her, I also owe Ellow to do everything I can to save it. I already let her get away, and... I gave her the damned stone. We have nothing left now."
"If you d!e on that ship I will come to the afterlife and haunt you for fvcking ever, and then we can talk about poss3ssive."
It was still there. As frail and fragile as before.
"I don't care what she wants. I don't want to live in a world where she doesn't exist."
But just because she was broken... it didn't mean she was useless.
She was something new. Something forged in pain. Something born out of guilt. Something bound by love. Because every broken piece that remained now was just that... Bound by love.
Instead, he folded her broken body against his broken heart and held her there.
Frelina wanted that kind of pain--the kind she'd read about in books--that only love for another could bring. Frelina wanted it all. All the feelings. All the joy. All the sadness. All the love. All the hurt.
"Perhaps we only get endings. But let's make that ending one for the fvcking books, shall we?"
He didn't have any hope of finding what she had. And even if he did, he didn't want it. Because that meant he would risk feeling like this again.
"You and me."
She didn't need to sacrifice herself for a world that had done nothing but hvrt her.
Merrick promised himself he'd give her everything she wished for. He'd give her all of it. If not in this lifetime, then the next. And he'd start with time.
"You appear to be the only one in need of saving, Mr. Brooding Overprotective Soldier Man." "If you're the one doing it, I'll put myself in harm's way every day."
"My little fighter like her man on his knees before her. Likes to see him serve her like the goddess she is."
"I love you with all the broken pieces I have." "You're not broken, Lessia."
"It's never nothing to carry pain because you're relieving another."
He didn't rush her in the mornings anymore. He kissed her whenever he got a chance. Whispered words into her ear that he'd usually save for when they were alone, ignoring Raine's quips about them being mushy. Touched her everywhere he could. Made jokes that weren't particularly funny but that made her laugh all the same because of his studious expression. He was giving her what she'd wished for: time, love, friendship, acceptance. And he was clearly trying to give her the one thing she knew he couldn't... a future. (Merrick being so soft for her!)
Merrick and Lessia... They were respect, they were fight, they were hope, they were... love.
"Their bond is a fierce and fragile one."
"Merrick, no! You'll k!ll all of us." "Do you think I give one sh!t?"
He would always, always be there to light the way for her.
If you love a romantasy story with war (and everything that comes with it, including a raging Death Whisperer), Gods and curses, fated mates, female rage, friends to "use me to forget" to..., loss and heartbreak and healing together, new relationships, grumpy sea wyverns, spice (including an intense mirror scene), she tattoos him with her hopes and dreams, and he will burn the world (and anyone in it) for her, you NEED to read A Bond So Fierce and Fragile!
I received an advanced review copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
This series continues to wow me! Book 3 did not disappoint at all and I’m forever obsessed with this series.
Book 3 starts out immediately jumping into the aftermath of the events at the end of book 2 and man was it a rollercoaster full of emotions and trauma and heartbreak (in the best way) - I love when a book makes me feel and get so attached to the characters!
The character development and the relationships are absolutely beautiful. Lessia is such a strong and resilient FMC - I adore her. I can’t say much about the relationships since this is book 3 but trust me these men are exactly what I like in my fantasy books.
There are added POVs this book and while 4 POVs may seem like a lot it worked perfectly and really got me attached to other characters more.
I’m reeling from the ending and cannot wait for book 4!
Thank you so much to Sophia and team for the arc copy!
Book 3 starts out immediately jumping into the aftermath of the events at the end of book 2 and man was it a rollercoaster full of emotions and trauma and heartbreak (in the best way) - I love when a book makes me feel and get so attached to the characters!
The character development and the relationships are absolutely beautiful. Lessia is such a strong and resilient FMC - I adore her. I can’t say much about the relationships since this is book 3 but trust me these men are exactly what I like in my fantasy books.
There are added POVs this book and while 4 POVs may seem like a lot it worked perfectly and really got me attached to other characters more.
I’m reeling from the ending and cannot wait for book 4!
Thank you so much to Sophia and team for the arc copy!
July 18, 2025
✨A Bond So Fierce and Fragile✨
Author: Sophia St. Germain
Release: August 20
Series: Compelling Fates Saga (book 3 out of 4)
Holy freaking cow. My whole heart!! This book was so emotional. So heart wrenching. So stinking precious and perfect and Sophia, you are just such a phenomenal writer. You wring out these beautiful emotions and I found myself connected deeply to every single character in these pages even those I hadn’t known well before this third book.
Book three in this series is full of our found family, insane reveals, and the highest of stakes. We follow 4 POVs and are immediately brought back into the story right where we left off at the ending of book two and holy smokes, the action and ache begin right off the starting line. But Sophia navigates all these hard things with such grace and dignity. The romance is… I don’t even have a word because I have already used them all: perfect, phenomenal, delicious, precious, heartwarming. These pages included some of the most heartfelt and compassionate relationships that were established and blooming. I’m just so happy and I NEED BOOK FOUR. I am so stoked for December.
Tropes you may find in ABSFAF are wyverns, multi romances, fated mates, mind speak, comfort/wound care, fae and humans, unique magics, increased world and character building, “use me”, 🔥 the world for her, touch her and 💀, “eyes on me”, medium-high spice, hidden identities, prophecies and plot twists, and an ending that had me on the edge of my seat and in tears (happy and sad!).
If y’all haven’t started this series, you must do so. Begin with A Tongue So Sweet and Deadly. Books 1&2 are out right now!
Author: Sophia St. Germain
Release: August 20
Series: Compelling Fates Saga (book 3 out of 4)
Holy freaking cow. My whole heart!! This book was so emotional. So heart wrenching. So stinking precious and perfect and Sophia, you are just such a phenomenal writer. You wring out these beautiful emotions and I found myself connected deeply to every single character in these pages even those I hadn’t known well before this third book.
Book three in this series is full of our found family, insane reveals, and the highest of stakes. We follow 4 POVs and are immediately brought back into the story right where we left off at the ending of book two and holy smokes, the action and ache begin right off the starting line. But Sophia navigates all these hard things with such grace and dignity. The romance is… I don’t even have a word because I have already used them all: perfect, phenomenal, delicious, precious, heartwarming. These pages included some of the most heartfelt and compassionate relationships that were established and blooming. I’m just so happy and I NEED BOOK FOUR. I am so stoked for December.
Tropes you may find in ABSFAF are wyverns, multi romances, fated mates, mind speak, comfort/wound care, fae and humans, unique magics, increased world and character building, “use me”, 🔥 the world for her, touch her and 💀, “eyes on me”, medium-high spice, hidden identities, prophecies and plot twists, and an ending that had me on the edge of my seat and in tears (happy and sad!).
If y’all haven’t started this series, you must do so. Begin with A Tongue So Sweet and Deadly. Books 1&2 are out right now!
July 22, 2025
✨ARC READ✨
There are books that entertain you. There are books that linger. And then there are books that take you apart in quiet, devastating ways and somehow piece you back together. A Bond So Fierce and Fragile is the kind that leaves you hollow and full all at once.
Sophia St. Germain doesn’t just write fantasy. She writes hearts breaking and healing in real time—wrapped in magic, yes, but rooted in truths you don’t expect to find in the middle of a war-torn kingdom.
By the time you arrive at the third book, you already carry so much weight from the first two: the curses, the shattered vows, the relentless push and pull between destiny and choice. And yet somehow, A Bond So Fierce and Fragile reaches even deeper.
Because in this book, we don’t just see what love and loyalty can endure—we see what they become when everything else falls away.
And at the center of it all is “hi.”
It sounds small. It is small—just a word. But anyone who read A Promise So Bold and Broken knows that when Merrick said “hi” to Elissia, it wasn’t just a greeting. It was a door opening. It was the breath-before-the-leap. It was someone who never saw themselves as worthy taking a first step toward something gentle, and honest, and terrifying in its vulnerability.
That “hi” carried so much unsaid. And in A Bond So Fierce and Fragile, you feel the aftershocks of that moment again and again. You realize that everything they built—every moment of hope, every inch of trust—started there. A single word spoken like a prayer.
This book is not afraid to hurt you. It’s not afraid to look directly at fear, at grief, at the ache of loving someone when the world is determined to pull you apart. But what makes it gut-wrenching is how tender it is in the wreckage. How St. Germain lets the quiet moments speak loudest. How she makes space for softness in the middle of chaos.
And maybe most of all—how she teaches you, through Merrick and Elissia, that even after loss, after battle, after heartbreak—love does not unravel. It bends. It fractures. But it stays. Sometimes all it takes is one word. One moment of bravery. One “hi.”
If you’ve come this far with the series, this book will undo you—in the best way. It is fierce. It is fragile. It is unforgettable.
If I could rate this 10 stars, I would.
There are books that entertain you. There are books that linger. And then there are books that take you apart in quiet, devastating ways and somehow piece you back together. A Bond So Fierce and Fragile is the kind that leaves you hollow and full all at once.
Sophia St. Germain doesn’t just write fantasy. She writes hearts breaking and healing in real time—wrapped in magic, yes, but rooted in truths you don’t expect to find in the middle of a war-torn kingdom.
By the time you arrive at the third book, you already carry so much weight from the first two: the curses, the shattered vows, the relentless push and pull between destiny and choice. And yet somehow, A Bond So Fierce and Fragile reaches even deeper.
Because in this book, we don’t just see what love and loyalty can endure—we see what they become when everything else falls away.
And at the center of it all is “hi.”
It sounds small. It is small—just a word. But anyone who read A Promise So Bold and Broken knows that when Merrick said “hi” to Elissia, it wasn’t just a greeting. It was a door opening. It was the breath-before-the-leap. It was someone who never saw themselves as worthy taking a first step toward something gentle, and honest, and terrifying in its vulnerability.
That “hi” carried so much unsaid. And in A Bond So Fierce and Fragile, you feel the aftershocks of that moment again and again. You realize that everything they built—every moment of hope, every inch of trust—started there. A single word spoken like a prayer.
This book is not afraid to hurt you. It’s not afraid to look directly at fear, at grief, at the ache of loving someone when the world is determined to pull you apart. But what makes it gut-wrenching is how tender it is in the wreckage. How St. Germain lets the quiet moments speak loudest. How she makes space for softness in the middle of chaos.
And maybe most of all—how she teaches you, through Merrick and Elissia, that even after loss, after battle, after heartbreak—love does not unravel. It bends. It fractures. But it stays. Sometimes all it takes is one word. One moment of bravery. One “hi.”
If you’ve come this far with the series, this book will undo you—in the best way. It is fierce. It is fragile. It is unforgettable.
If I could rate this 10 stars, I would.
July 22, 2025
✨A Fantasy Series That Owns My Soul ✨
Arc Read- I don’t even know where to begin because this book…this series…completely took over my heart. I’m still thinking about it long after I turned the last page. The relationship between Merrick and Lessia is nothing short of unforgettable. Their chemistry, their history, and those quiet “you and me” moments were absolutely everything even at the end. The tension, the tenderness, the aching pull between them, it was the kind of emotional storytelling that doesn’t just entertain you, it changes you.
What makes this story so powerful is that it’s not just about romance, though that part alone could carry the entire book. It’s also about survival, loyalty, sacrifice, and identity. You feel the stakes in every chapter. And then you have Sophia St. Germain’s writing, which is stunning in every way. Her words don’t just tell a story, they immerse you in it. She builds tension and emotion so naturally that I kept finding myself rereading passages just to feel them again.
The world itself is rich and fully realized, with a deep magical history that unfolds piece by piece. I loved how layered everything felt, never rushed or forced. And don’t even get me started on the other characters. Each one has their own voice and story, and the multi-POV format only deepened the emotional connection I felt. Whether it was a fierce protector, a broken warrior, or an ex-lover, I genuinely cared about what happened to all of them. Their choices mattered. Their pain was real.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this series has become a core memory for me. I laughed, I cried, I gasped out loud, and now I’m counting down the minutes until book four. Sophia St. Germain is a storytelling force, and I’ll read anything she writes. I’m in awe of how she’s managed to blend deep emotion, addictive fantasy, and unforgettable romance into something so incredibly special.
If you’re even thinking about reading this series, do yourself a favor and start now. You won’t regret it—and you won’t be the same after. 🖤
Arc Read- I don’t even know where to begin because this book…this series…completely took over my heart. I’m still thinking about it long after I turned the last page. The relationship between Merrick and Lessia is nothing short of unforgettable. Their chemistry, their history, and those quiet “you and me” moments were absolutely everything even at the end. The tension, the tenderness, the aching pull between them, it was the kind of emotional storytelling that doesn’t just entertain you, it changes you.
What makes this story so powerful is that it’s not just about romance, though that part alone could carry the entire book. It’s also about survival, loyalty, sacrifice, and identity. You feel the stakes in every chapter. And then you have Sophia St. Germain’s writing, which is stunning in every way. Her words don’t just tell a story, they immerse you in it. She builds tension and emotion so naturally that I kept finding myself rereading passages just to feel them again.
The world itself is rich and fully realized, with a deep magical history that unfolds piece by piece. I loved how layered everything felt, never rushed or forced. And don’t even get me started on the other characters. Each one has their own voice and story, and the multi-POV format only deepened the emotional connection I felt. Whether it was a fierce protector, a broken warrior, or an ex-lover, I genuinely cared about what happened to all of them. Their choices mattered. Their pain was real.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this series has become a core memory for me. I laughed, I cried, I gasped out loud, and now I’m counting down the minutes until book four. Sophia St. Germain is a storytelling force, and I’ll read anything she writes. I’m in awe of how she’s managed to blend deep emotion, addictive fantasy, and unforgettable romance into something so incredibly special.
If you’re even thinking about reading this series, do yourself a favor and start now. You won’t regret it—and you won’t be the same after. 🖤
August 17, 2025
The emotions this book pulled from me 😭
After not absolutely loving the last one I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this one but oh my gosh. When I tell you I freaking sobbed. You're constantly on edge waiting to see what's going to happen because you literally never know. The author does an amazing job of making sure everything feels so incredibly high stakes that you cannot put it down.
I'm absolutely dying for the final book because what is the author gonna put us through next 😭.
thank you to the author and r&r book tours for the gifted arc
After not absolutely loving the last one I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this one but oh my gosh. When I tell you I freaking sobbed. You're constantly on edge waiting to see what's going to happen because you literally never know. The author does an amazing job of making sure everything feels so incredibly high stakes that you cannot put it down.
I'm absolutely dying for the final book because what is the author gonna put us through next 😭.
thank you to the author and r&r book tours for the gifted arc
July 28, 2025
If you haven’t picked this series up yet…you need to. This book was much darker than the first two, and I loved the multiple POVs, emotional damage, and constant action!!
The number of emotions I felt reading this should be studied. The ending left my heart in shattered pieces, and I was outright sobbing in the car as my husband drove us home from vacation while I was reading.
Lessia goes through it in this book and I love how strong and kind she is despite everything! She just wants her loved ones to be ok. Meanwhile Merrick would end even his closest friends just to make her more comfortable and I’m here for that kind of dedicated energy!!
Frelina’s POV was everything I didn’t know I needed, and I am FERAL for more.
The found family in this is just so good, I love this group so much! And sea wyverns??? Yes please.
The plot, magic system, characters, spice….this series has it all, and does it all very well! The last book is coming out by the end of this year so PLEASE go read these!!!
The number of emotions I felt reading this should be studied. The ending left my heart in shattered pieces, and I was outright sobbing in the car as my husband drove us home from vacation while I was reading.
Lessia goes through it in this book and I love how strong and kind she is despite everything! She just wants her loved ones to be ok. Meanwhile Merrick would end even his closest friends just to make her more comfortable and I’m here for that kind of dedicated energy!!
Frelina’s POV was everything I didn’t know I needed, and I am FERAL for more.
The found family in this is just so good, I love this group so much! And sea wyverns??? Yes please.
The plot, magic system, characters, spice….this series has it all, and does it all very well! The last book is coming out by the end of this year so PLEASE go read these!!!
July 29, 2025
The 3rd book in a series has so many emotions. I'm really enjoying this series, and im sad there is only one more book to come. Told through multiple povs with a few smitty scenes this book will keep you turning pages!
July 16, 2025
I read this book in four hours but needed a day to decompress and collect my thoughts. Firstly, thank you to Sophia for letting me be part of your ARC team again, it’s truly an honour.
My eyes are absolutely burning with how much crying I did during this book. It was gut wrenching, soul destroying and I have done a lot of staring into space since finishing this. The ending was absolutely beautiful though and will keep my heart in check while we wait for the next.
A Bond so Fierce and Fragile gives us a few extra POV’s and a deeper look into our favourite side characters. The Loche and Frelina POV’s were an amazing addition to the story. We get more backstory on all of our characters and we truly get to feel the inner turmoil in all of them. Merrick once again shows us how fierce and loyal he is with his love for Lessia. He supports her through every choice, even when he hates that choice.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read this. There was not one singular page that I wasn’t 100% invested in. I cried, I laughed and I may have almost thrown my kindle. I have not felt this way about a book since I read Kingdom of Ash all those years ago. Truly incredible from start to finish.
“Perhaps we only get endings. But let’s make that ending one for the f*ing books, shall we?”
My eyes are absolutely burning with how much crying I did during this book. It was gut wrenching, soul destroying and I have done a lot of staring into space since finishing this. The ending was absolutely beautiful though and will keep my heart in check while we wait for the next.
A Bond so Fierce and Fragile gives us a few extra POV’s and a deeper look into our favourite side characters. The Loche and Frelina POV’s were an amazing addition to the story. We get more backstory on all of our characters and we truly get to feel the inner turmoil in all of them. Merrick once again shows us how fierce and loyal he is with his love for Lessia. He supports her through every choice, even when he hates that choice.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read this. There was not one singular page that I wasn’t 100% invested in. I cried, I laughed and I may have almost thrown my kindle. I have not felt this way about a book since I read Kingdom of Ash all those years ago. Truly incredible from start to finish.
“Perhaps we only get endings. But let’s make that ending one for the f*ing books, shall we?”
July 16, 2025
I was so insanely blessed to receive an ARC of 'A Bond so Fierce and Fragile.' I finished the first two of this series just a few weeks ago and had immediately fallen in love. This book only made me fall even deeper.
The first two books in this series followed along Elessia in a single POV, whereas in this 3rd book in the series we are finally able to see Merrick's POV as well as Frelina's and Loche's. Throughout the book, I found myself finding even deeper connections of not only the new POV's but the other side characters. We get to watch as each of these characters begin to more fully develop, face their own trials and fears, and find their own ways of coping as they face the upcoming conflict.
There's so much love and pain mixed into this book, its so hard to define half the time why you are crying. Because yes, there are so many tears. As of right now, this series by Sophia St. Germain is easily becoming a new favorite over ToG which is probably the most wild thing I could say. But this book was so beautifully written that brought out even more complexities in our characters that constantly left you on your seat and rooting for each of them.
I just have one disclaimer... Do Not... I repeat.. Do. Not. Read the final 20% of 'A Bond so Fierce and Fragile' while at work or around others that you don't want to see you cry. The concern my coworkers had for me at times was both hilarious and alarming.
Also the last sentence of this book has me absolutely screaming for the next. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to survive until I'm able to dive back into this series.
The first two books in this series followed along Elessia in a single POV, whereas in this 3rd book in the series we are finally able to see Merrick's POV as well as Frelina's and Loche's. Throughout the book, I found myself finding even deeper connections of not only the new POV's but the other side characters. We get to watch as each of these characters begin to more fully develop, face their own trials and fears, and find their own ways of coping as they face the upcoming conflict.
There's so much love and pain mixed into this book, its so hard to define half the time why you are crying. Because yes, there are so many tears. As of right now, this series by Sophia St. Germain is easily becoming a new favorite over ToG which is probably the most wild thing I could say. But this book was so beautifully written that brought out even more complexities in our characters that constantly left you on your seat and rooting for each of them.
I just have one disclaimer... Do Not... I repeat.. Do. Not. Read the final 20% of 'A Bond so Fierce and Fragile' while at work or around others that you don't want to see you cry. The concern my coworkers had for me at times was both hilarious and alarming.
Also the last sentence of this book has me absolutely screaming for the next. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to survive until I'm able to dive back into this series.
August 18, 2025
Well what a 3rd book, my God.
From the jump we are just thrown into some traumatic ass shit lol. I literally teared up twice and had to put my book down multiple times from being overwhelmed in the first 7 chapters 😅 and I knew then it was going to be a 5 star read for me lol
I LOVED that we got 4 different POV’s in this one and I do think it added to the story as we got to know what the characters were doing when they were separated. I also had been waiitttingg for Loche’s POV, but my God I was not expecting for that shit to also be devastating😭 I feel like all of the characters were going THROUGH it in this book and truly as they should have because so much awful things were happening.
As for the plot, it had me super engaged the entire time. I love when we get into the battle strategy part of a series and love seeing how things start to come together. There was only maybe 1 time I felt like things felt a little slow, but then they picked back up again quick. And as for the spice 👀 we get plenty of it in this one y’all
With the way things ended I am very interested to see what happens in the fourth and final book but I cannot wait !
From the jump we are just thrown into some traumatic ass shit lol. I literally teared up twice and had to put my book down multiple times from being overwhelmed in the first 7 chapters 😅 and I knew then it was going to be a 5 star read for me lol
I LOVED that we got 4 different POV’s in this one and I do think it added to the story as we got to know what the characters were doing when they were separated. I also had been waiitttingg for Loche’s POV, but my God I was not expecting for that shit to also be devastating😭 I feel like all of the characters were going THROUGH it in this book and truly as they should have because so much awful things were happening.
As for the plot, it had me super engaged the entire time. I love when we get into the battle strategy part of a series and love seeing how things start to come together. There was only maybe 1 time I felt like things felt a little slow, but then they picked back up again quick. And as for the spice 👀 we get plenty of it in this one y’all
With the way things ended I am very interested to see what happens in the fourth and final book but I cannot wait !
August 30, 2025
This was action packed and filled with so much character development! I absolutely loved that not only do we get Lessia's and Merrick's POVs, but we also got Frelina's and Loche's! It gave it such a rounded story and really let us see things from all sides!
We got to see much more of the Siphon Twins, Raine, and the very intriguing sisters, plus many other characters! I love Sophia's writing so much in the way she weaves everything together.
Oh and the spice scenes... whew! I'll say two words for one of them: MIRROR SCENE.
We also got some sassy sea wyverns (though I need so much more of them- I'm hopeful for the next book!!)
And the ending... SHOOK. SHOCKED. WHAT THE HECK. The wait for book 4 is going to be interminable.
There were also a few eye raising details in here that I'm very intrigued to see if pan out. And especially since there's going to be a new series set in this world announced soon!!
This is such a wonderful series that everyone should read!
Read if you love:
-Fae and shifters
-Prophecies
-Heartbreak
-Sea Wyverns
-Fated Mates
-Multi POV
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 7/19/25, Release date: 8/20/25
We got to see much more of the Siphon Twins, Raine, and the very intriguing sisters, plus many other characters! I love Sophia's writing so much in the way she weaves everything together.
Oh and the spice scenes... whew! I'll say two words for one of them: MIRROR SCENE.
We also got some sassy sea wyverns (though I need so much more of them- I'm hopeful for the next book!!)
And the ending... SHOOK. SHOCKED. WHAT THE HECK. The wait for book 4 is going to be interminable.
There were also a few eye raising details in here that I'm very intrigued to see if pan out. And especially since there's going to be a new series set in this world announced soon!!
This is such a wonderful series that everyone should read!
Read if you love:
-Fae and shifters
-Prophecies
-Heartbreak
-Sea Wyverns
-Fated Mates
-Multi POV
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 7/19/25, Release date: 8/20/25
July 17, 2025
NO SPOILERS
If I’m being so honest I have absolutely no idea where to start with how much I truly adore this book as well as the series so far. This was astounding for many reasons to me and I am beyond grateful to have been part of the ARC reader team!!
POVs
Throughout this book we get an addition of multiple different POVs which comes to 4 total. For me I don’t always care for as many perspectives as it can get incredibly complicated, messy, or boring. However all of these while yes in the moment I wanted more of the previous chapters I was so easily swept into the new perspective each time and made for an incredible experience that wasn’t difficult to stay involved in whatsoever.
Characters
With this book multiple new characters pop up or are introduced at many points in the book and I can’t think of even one that I wasn’t able to empthatize/relate to or come to truly love and care for. All of the main characters as well as many side characters are very well written to the point I can understand and feel some of my own struggles and thoughts in them. They all felt so real and multifaceted that I could easily see myself loving so many of them and feel very deeply for them as well.
Plot
I easily read this book in two sittings only because I had to put it down to function in our sad reality, but once I was able to pick it up again I was enraptured and immersed in this world. I was throughout the book able to be completely involved and not felt slow or muddy at all. Now I don’t know how many people can relate to having a a form of precognition while reading but I enjoyed every second and without spoiling anything you get some amazing plot twists and an ending that while reading I had partially guessed but even as it happened it still hit wonderfully as hard as if I’d had no clue to what would happen. Even in the end we get a turn of events that will give an amazing start for the next book but not absolutely crush our souls to wait for while still being heart wrenching. Almost in a kind gesture we get a jaw dropping cliffhanger that didnt brutally scar me emotionally and I truly appreciate that lol as many books aspire to tear my heart out. Now don’t get me wrong either though many things happen in that ending that had me sobbing and emotional but it resolved wonderfully that I will be just as eager to read the next book!
Overall
This book was amazing and engaging. Touching in ways that really resonated with me and powerful in others. Now I don’t like comparing works to others but if you’ve read throne of glass in the best ways I promise you will feel it come back. Throughout this whole series there have been small elements that are almost nostalgic to reading the series while still being completely separate and thrilling an experience. I will probably always and forever recommend this series and am so excited for future books by Sophia as well as her others seeing this is my introduction to her writing!
If I’m being so honest I have absolutely no idea where to start with how much I truly adore this book as well as the series so far. This was astounding for many reasons to me and I am beyond grateful to have been part of the ARC reader team!!
POVs
Throughout this book we get an addition of multiple different POVs which comes to 4 total. For me I don’t always care for as many perspectives as it can get incredibly complicated, messy, or boring. However all of these while yes in the moment I wanted more of the previous chapters I was so easily swept into the new perspective each time and made for an incredible experience that wasn’t difficult to stay involved in whatsoever.
Characters
With this book multiple new characters pop up or are introduced at many points in the book and I can’t think of even one that I wasn’t able to empthatize/relate to or come to truly love and care for. All of the main characters as well as many side characters are very well written to the point I can understand and feel some of my own struggles and thoughts in them. They all felt so real and multifaceted that I could easily see myself loving so many of them and feel very deeply for them as well.
Plot
I easily read this book in two sittings only because I had to put it down to function in our sad reality, but once I was able to pick it up again I was enraptured and immersed in this world. I was throughout the book able to be completely involved and not felt slow or muddy at all. Now I don’t know how many people can relate to having a a form of precognition while reading but I enjoyed every second and without spoiling anything you get some amazing plot twists and an ending that while reading I had partially guessed but even as it happened it still hit wonderfully as hard as if I’d had no clue to what would happen. Even in the end we get a turn of events that will give an amazing start for the next book but not absolutely crush our souls to wait for while still being heart wrenching. Almost in a kind gesture we get a jaw dropping cliffhanger that didnt brutally scar me emotionally and I truly appreciate that lol as many books aspire to tear my heart out. Now don’t get me wrong either though many things happen in that ending that had me sobbing and emotional but it resolved wonderfully that I will be just as eager to read the next book!
Overall
This book was amazing and engaging. Touching in ways that really resonated with me and powerful in others. Now I don’t like comparing works to others but if you’ve read throne of glass in the best ways I promise you will feel it come back. Throughout this whole series there have been small elements that are almost nostalgic to reading the series while still being completely separate and thrilling an experience. I will probably always and forever recommend this series and am so excited for future books by Sophia as well as her others seeing this is my introduction to her writing!
August 25, 2025
4.5 ✨
You know what I love? When you think that a particular book is your favourite in the series, but then the next one tops it! That was me with A Bond so Fierce and Fragile. Have you experienced similar?
The emotions that were explored and poured into the book were so powerful and raw. I felt like I was experiencing them alongside Merrick and Lessia. The way in which the author portrays grief, heart ache, and healing was beautifully written.
I don’t want to give much away, but book 3 starts off right where book 2 (A Promise so Bold and Broken), which was perfect after how that ended 🫣 Book 3 introduces new POVs, and I really loved the additional perspectives and character growth that the POVs brought to the book, and to the readers. I was able to connect more with a couple of the side characters, and it allows me to feel more invested in their journeys as well.
I loved the fast but consistent pace, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Both with the battles and some spice 🔥
Ydren has my heart 🥰
I’m so excited for the 4th and final book to be released at the end of the year, but I’ll also be sad to say goodbye to these incredible characters. If you’re into fantasy romances containing curses/prophecies, political intrigue, found family, mythical creatures, and ‘fck it’ moments, please check this series out.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion.
You know what I love? When you think that a particular book is your favourite in the series, but then the next one tops it! That was me with A Bond so Fierce and Fragile. Have you experienced similar?
The emotions that were explored and poured into the book were so powerful and raw. I felt like I was experiencing them alongside Merrick and Lessia. The way in which the author portrays grief, heart ache, and healing was beautifully written.
I don’t want to give much away, but book 3 starts off right where book 2 (A Promise so Bold and Broken), which was perfect after how that ended 🫣 Book 3 introduces new POVs, and I really loved the additional perspectives and character growth that the POVs brought to the book, and to the readers. I was able to connect more with a couple of the side characters, and it allows me to feel more invested in their journeys as well.
I loved the fast but consistent pace, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Both with the battles and some spice 🔥
Ydren has my heart 🥰
I’m so excited for the 4th and final book to be released at the end of the year, but I’ll also be sad to say goodbye to these incredible characters. If you’re into fantasy romances containing curses/prophecies, political intrigue, found family, mythical creatures, and ‘fck it’ moments, please check this series out.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion.
July 16, 2025
I started this series back in June, on a whim from a book recommendation tiktok. It seemed to be right up my alley and BOY WAS IT. As someone who read alot of fantasy romance, I believe that this series is very underrated.
I absolutely flew through the first two books and was so sad that I had to wait until August for the release of book 3. Then I found Sophia’s TikTok account and then found the link to apply for the ARC of the book.
I filled the form out, just to try. I didn’t think that I would actually get it- believing that only the influencers really get access to them. But to my surprise and delight I got the email saying that I would receive the eARC. I was ecstatic!! I was even more over the moon when the ARC came even sooner than the email had stated!
Okay so on the review of Book 3:
The book starts off strong- albeit rough (the good kind.) I had tears in my eyes before the 20% mark. I have grown so attached to the main characters of this story. Sophia does such a good job at making you really feel what Lessia or the others are feeling. And with that- I had the very pleasant surprise of growing to care for more than just Lessia/Merrick, since we had more POV’s added to the story.
Loche?!? For example. I definitely found myself liking and rooting for him ALOT more than I would have if we have not had a chance at a glimpse inside his head.
It would have been so easy to overlook him even as the story progresses had we not got his POV.
Actually because we did get it, I personally had my first real ‘I actually don’t know who’s better for her’ moment. Whereas with other series, I pick my guy and hold my loyalty strong. lol
I LOVE LOVE LOOVE Merrick though, I pegged him from his first appearance in book 1 as our guy. He is top tier book boyfriend material! Giving Slade Ravinger vibes girlies! The loud love and pride and support of his girl?! Ughhhh 😩 I just can’t
This was a heavy book for me- although that fact still did not stop me from blowing through the book in two days. But all the characters are really struggling..And you can FEEL it, especially the hopelessness, despair and the desire to try to find the solution to their problems. But for Lessia and Marrick- there was only one and I was heartbroken along with them. Crying real tears for them in my bed😭
This whole series has been worth 5 stars in my eyes. & This one is no different!!
I cannot wait for the 4th and final book releasing in December. While also sad to have to say goodbye to the characters.
But also to know that Sophia plans to expand on this world? I’m very very excited!
Thanks to Sophia for giving me the opportunity to read the eARC as well as giving me a series that has very quickly moved its way to my top 3 of all time! Keep up the good work!
I absolutely flew through the first two books and was so sad that I had to wait until August for the release of book 3. Then I found Sophia’s TikTok account and then found the link to apply for the ARC of the book.
I filled the form out, just to try. I didn’t think that I would actually get it- believing that only the influencers really get access to them. But to my surprise and delight I got the email saying that I would receive the eARC. I was ecstatic!! I was even more over the moon when the ARC came even sooner than the email had stated!
Okay so on the review of Book 3:
The book starts off strong- albeit rough (the good kind.) I had tears in my eyes before the 20% mark. I have grown so attached to the main characters of this story. Sophia does such a good job at making you really feel what Lessia or the others are feeling. And with that- I had the very pleasant surprise of growing to care for more than just Lessia/Merrick, since we had more POV’s added to the story.
Loche?!? For example. I definitely found myself liking and rooting for him ALOT more than I would have if we have not had a chance at a glimpse inside his head.
It would have been so easy to overlook him even as the story progresses had we not got his POV.
Actually because we did get it, I personally had my first real ‘I actually don’t know who’s better for her’ moment. Whereas with other series, I pick my guy and hold my loyalty strong. lol
I LOVE LOVE LOOVE Merrick though, I pegged him from his first appearance in book 1 as our guy. He is top tier book boyfriend material! Giving Slade Ravinger vibes girlies! The loud love and pride and support of his girl?! Ughhhh 😩 I just can’t
This was a heavy book for me- although that fact still did not stop me from blowing through the book in two days. But all the characters are really struggling..And you can FEEL it, especially the hopelessness, despair and the desire to try to find the solution to their problems. But for Lessia and Marrick- there was only one and I was heartbroken along with them. Crying real tears for them in my bed😭
This whole series has been worth 5 stars in my eyes. & This one is no different!!
I cannot wait for the 4th and final book releasing in December. While also sad to have to say goodbye to the characters.
But also to know that Sophia plans to expand on this world? I’m very very excited!
Thanks to Sophia for giving me the opportunity to read the eARC as well as giving me a series that has very quickly moved its way to my top 3 of all time! Keep up the good work!
August 18, 2025
EARLY RELEASE WHATTTTT?! 😱
You bunch of lucky ducks get to experience this beauty early!!! Available NOW!!!
Part 3 of the Compelling Fates Saga is now available to read at your leisure!
A 5⭐️ read moderately seasoned with tasteful spice 🌶️ and a gripping plot. It’s honestly my favourite read of the series so far!!
Elessia is the FMC we need. Merrick the man we want. Loche while isn’t the man of my dreams, he could be the man of yours 🤭 (hey personal tastes here alright!).
I live for political drama and dark themes and this book DELIVERS, ahem, unlike Amazon right now….
Do yourself a favour, grab some snacks, wiggle into your comfy chair, messy bun that hair and immerse yourself into this incredible world brought to you by the absolutely amazing Sophia St Germain.
You bunch of lucky ducks get to experience this beauty early!!! Available NOW!!!
Part 3 of the Compelling Fates Saga is now available to read at your leisure!
A 5⭐️ read moderately seasoned with tasteful spice 🌶️ and a gripping plot. It’s honestly my favourite read of the series so far!!
Elessia is the FMC we need. Merrick the man we want. Loche while isn’t the man of my dreams, he could be the man of yours 🤭 (hey personal tastes here alright!).
I live for political drama and dark themes and this book DELIVERS, ahem, unlike Amazon right now….
Do yourself a favour, grab some snacks, wiggle into your comfy chair, messy bun that hair and immerse yourself into this incredible world brought to you by the absolutely amazing Sophia St Germain.
August 18, 2025
All I can say is WOW! I think I love Merrick even more.
This picks up from where the last book left off. This time we get to really know Frelina a little better and her fears and OMG did Raine just find someone to ease his pain of losing his mate? Um.... Yes he did! Beware there are some heart wrenching scenes in this one with family read your trigger warnings and that is all I am going to say about that!
Merrick is the touch her and ( you know what) kind of mate and loves Lessia so much it makes you hurt! I love how the story plays out with these two. So many great scenes and you are rooting for their love each and every page. This series has been absolutely amazing and I cannot wait for the final installment.
This picks up from where the last book left off. This time we get to really know Frelina a little better and her fears and OMG did Raine just find someone to ease his pain of losing his mate? Um.... Yes he did! Beware there are some heart wrenching scenes in this one with family read your trigger warnings and that is all I am going to say about that!
Merrick is the touch her and ( you know what) kind of mate and loves Lessia so much it makes you hurt! I love how the story plays out with these two. So many great scenes and you are rooting for their love each and every page. This series has been absolutely amazing and I cannot wait for the final installment.
August 2, 2025
This book has everything!
It starts right after Leissa is taken away by the King. I was on the edge of my bed the whole time. We get to know more about her sister and explore her relationship ship with other warrior. Avoiding spoilers, this book finally brings a lot of lose ends together and also includes the battle.
We see Loche, Leissa and the brothers fighting alongside each other to face the threat from all three sides. We see an epic battle sequence with yearning, torture, death and fated mates. This series gets better with every book. I would definitely recommend it to hard core romantasy lovers.
It starts right after Leissa is taken away by the King. I was on the edge of my bed the whole time. We get to know more about her sister and explore her relationship ship with other warrior. Avoiding spoilers, this book finally brings a lot of lose ends together and also includes the battle.
We see Loche, Leissa and the brothers fighting alongside each other to face the threat from all three sides. We see an epic battle sequence with yearning, torture, death and fated mates. This series gets better with every book. I would definitely recommend it to hard core romantasy lovers.
August 15, 2025
THAT ENDING?! oh my goddddd I’m so so grateful to be on the ARC team for this amazing series I can’t wait to read book 4🥹
4.5 ⭐
“People like you and me don’t get happy endings, do we?”
“Perhaps we only get endings.”
“But let’s make that ending one for the fucking books, shall we?”
If you’re a fantasy reader you NEED to give this series a go!! I have loved being on the ARC team for the series but honestly think I will be reading them again in the future back to back for the full binge effect🤭
I loved the different character pov’s within this book, I really enjoyed exploring more of Raine & Frelina!! I can’t say everything I want to say here because I refuse to spoil this series for anyone it is sooo worth the read but this one had me going through the full works kicking my feet & giggling, sat on the edge of my seat & sobbing!!
I’m both excited & so nervous to see how the series concludes🫠
p.s. Merrick is up there with my fav fae MMC’s he just has the full dark, brooding, obsessed, burn the world to the ground for her vibes and I eat that up every time🤌🏻
Oh, and don’t let me forget the spice in this🥵🥵 did someone say mirrored room…👀
“Eyes on me when I fuck you” 😮💨😮💨
4.5 ⭐
“People like you and me don’t get happy endings, do we?”
“Perhaps we only get endings.”
“But let’s make that ending one for the fucking books, shall we?”
If you’re a fantasy reader you NEED to give this series a go!! I have loved being on the ARC team for the series but honestly think I will be reading them again in the future back to back for the full binge effect🤭
I loved the different character pov’s within this book, I really enjoyed exploring more of Raine & Frelina!! I can’t say everything I want to say here because I refuse to spoil this series for anyone it is sooo worth the read but this one had me going through the full works kicking my feet & giggling, sat on the edge of my seat & sobbing!!
I’m both excited & so nervous to see how the series concludes🫠
p.s. Merrick is up there with my fav fae MMC’s he just has the full dark, brooding, obsessed, burn the world to the ground for her vibes and I eat that up every time🤌🏻
Oh, and don’t let me forget the spice in this🥵🥵 did someone say mirrored room…👀
“Eyes on me when I fuck you” 😮💨😮💨
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