Reviews with content warning for War - Direbound: A Dark Romantasy

Amazing debut novel! I waited a few days after finishing this book to let it all sink in, and honestly? I’m still OBSESSED! From start to finish, it had me hooked, but that plot twist? I thought I knew where it was going, and then *BAM* there was a moment that completely shocked the heck out of me! I love when a book keeps me guessing and this one delivered in the best way. The writing, the pacing, the tension (especially between two of the character, IYKYK), the way everything came together....was just so freaking amazing! If you haven’t read this yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up immediately! I cannot wait for the rest of the series! And hey, if the author ever needs another beta reader… I am totally available! Just saying, lol!

I received a free copy of this book as an ARC reader and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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kaylokay_'s review

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

Thank you to Sable Sorenson and Book Funnel for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!

I cannot express how excited I am to see where this series goes. I hate to dilute it by calling it “Fourth Wing but with Direwolves and better editing,” but I’ll get into that. According to their website, Sable Sorenson is the pen name of two friends who are romantasy readers and it shows. Not because Direbound is derivative, but because I feel like it was clearly written by someone who is an avid reader of romantasy and thought, “I feel like I can make this enhance this.” While I was reading Direbound I genuinely felt like Sorenson was including tropes and plot devices and we all know and love but that are sometimes are executed poorly, and then took special care to make sure that they wouldn’t fall into the same traps.

The world building was thorough and prominent for those that like a heavier fantasy element in their romantasy but doesn’t feel like over explaining. I ate up the magic system and its paralleled relationship to the wolf pack mentality. weaves seamlessly into the story in a way that propels the narrative. The deadly trials have genuine stakes and felt genuinely brutal and unforgiving. Action scenes genuinely felt cinematic to me.

And speaking of tropes. Like I said one of the ways I can describe this is as Fourth Wing but with direwolves instead of dragons and much more tightly edited. I think in terms of stakes Fourth Wing and Direbound are on par with each other but Direbound just blew me away from start to finish in a way that Fourth Wing didn’t until the end. All your favorite tropes are there: deadly trials/war games, mate bonds, a love triangle, only one bed, “who did this to you?,” and and ancient rivalry between two mythical creatures. This could easily get overwhelming and feel like pandering but it just…didn’t. It all felt so natural and entertaining while still having a rich political storyline. Nuggets of that storyline are present throughout and big reveals are surprising but feel earned.

Direbound also handles it more serious subject matter with care, with respect to family/sibling dynamic, caretaker woes, and toxic relationships - all in a way that just worked so well for me.

Idk man. I need book 2 out STAT. Expeditiously. Keep it coming.

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pagesofshannon's review

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was SO good! The writing style is beautiful and has the perfect about of description. I felt immersed in world. The main characters were excellent and I really enjoyed the side characters as well. The FMC is fierce and is determined to find a way, no matter what. I was able to predict a bit of the plot, but the way it was written fleshed the idea out more than I was expecting. I will be waiting on baited breath for the second book. This book will definitely be in my top reads for the year.

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slothmomma0812's review

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated

5.0

Direbound is hands down the best Fantasy Romance of 2025!

I had the privilege of receiving an ARC copy of Direbound, this is my honest review.

A must read for anyone who loves:

🐺Temperamental bonds between humans and Direwolves

🩸Vampires (Siphons) blamed for the war that has been ongoing for hundreds of years.

🔥Twists that you won’t see coming and will leave you speechless!

Sorensen weaves a gripping tale that proves family is about loyalty, love and the pack that chooses you and that you cannot always trust or believe what someone says just because they claim to love you. Add in some epic world building, found family vibes, an emotional rollercoaster and breathtaking action makes this a book you will not be able to put down once you begin.

Summary of Plot

Children are being abducted by Nabbers working with the Siphons—vampire-like creatures that use their incredible speed and blood magic to instill fear. When Meryn Cooper’s sister is taken by the Nabbers she goes on a perilous quest to rescue her sister. In an unexpected turn of events, Meryn joins the army, with the never ending war between Nocturna and Asterona joining the army is her best chance at getting closer to where her sister has been taken.

But Fate isn’t kind to Meryn when it is announced that all new recruits will be required to take part in the Bonding Trials, for the chance at Bonding with a Direwolf and becoming one of the king’s elite Bonded. To find and save her sister Meryn Cooper must first survive the Bonded Trails, despite her disdain. Anassa, a powerful Direwolf, chooses to bond with Meryn despite Meryn’s feelings. Meryn has the potential for a powerful alliance with Anassa, if she can only learn to trust and listen to the Direwolf. Trust, loyalty and pack bond are tested repeatedly as she encounters treacherous foes. Meryn must discern friend from enemy in a world where nothing is as it seems. Will she be in time to save her sister or will the Siphons drain her before Meryn can save her?

Themes

Direbound weaves themes of self-discovery, courage, loyalty, and trust throughout. Meryn's journey is one of self-discovery, as she wrestles with the unforeseen challenges that fate throws upon her path. Her resolve is representative of the courage that drives her going against overwhelming odds, loyalty emerges as the binding force, both in her quest to save her sister and her newfound role.

Characters

At the heart of the story is Meryn Cooper, a young woman who has had a difficult life having to care for her mentally ill mother and younger sister, but those relationships are her driving core. There is nothing Meryn won’t do to save her sister and bring her home to their mother. Her character evolves significantly, as the challenges she faces demand she make difficult choices, and if she chooses wrong lives will be lost.

Alongside Meryn every step of the way is her Direwolf, Anassa, and her pack of Rawbonds, especially the twins who quickly become her best friends.

Conclusion

Direbound is a story that will captivate fans of fantasy and adventure, with a sprinkling of romance too. A thrilling read that leaves a lasting impression and will have readers going back for more! This book is a worthy addition to any bookshelf.

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hbigham97's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Just finished reading the unedited ARC edition of this book. It's like Fourth Wing meets Throne of Glass and you won't want to put it down! It was amazing and kept me guessing from start to finish. It has lots of BookToks favorite tropes: secret royalty, vampires, Wolves, bonded pairs, fated mates, "who did this to you", forced proximity, found family, and hidden powers. Definitely had some spice and some slowburn on the side.

Meryn Cooper is just another human. But after her sister is kidnapped, she will stop at nothing to get her back. So, she plans to sets off to go to the frontlines of the war between evil vampires and the Direwolves and their bonded who protect humanity. Meryn ends up with no choice but to remain at the castle after accidentally bonding a direwolf. From there, she has to fight for her survival by passing multiple tests to become one of Bonded elite. The Crown Prince vows to help her find her sister, but the castle is hiding secrets of its own. All the while, the fierce Alpha Stark and his direwolf seem to have it out for her.

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