Reviews with content warning for Injury/Injury detail - A Power Unbound

I was really excited to read Jack’s story but found it hard to stan him and Alan, which made this book a less-gripping read than the first two. I understood why it had to be the person in Alan’s role to advance the social commentary the author wanted to weave in (and think the kink elements woven in are a clear way to explore those dynamics with some heat) but he and Jack always *felt* half a step off from one another even if the plain meaning of the words didn’t reflect it. Somehow, there managed to be a lack of chemistry between two thoroughly fictional people who worked well in theory. I have yet to put my finger on why, exactly, but it is what stopped me from giving this book a full five stars.

Anyway, this is not a book you can step into without reading the first two so, um, don’t. Know that it is bloodier than the first two but delivers a satisfying resolution across the board . . . which makes it worth reading even if it’s not as easy to gobble up as the first two. I’m looking forward to reading what Marske takes on next.

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abitbetterbooks's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

Is this… the best book I’ve ever read?????

Take this with a grain of salt due to recency bias as I don’t think anything could actually ever top A Marvellous Light for me BUT I did love how perfect a conclusion this story was, especially with the way it brought together all three story lines. The small call backs and the way this story flowed out perfectly from the paths already carved by the previous two made it a completely masterful novel.

A Restless Truth was a great book, but I missed Robin and Edwin. Having the entire gang together and watching this ragtag queer crew (Adelaide Morrissey is an asexual icon IMO) band together made this story electric in a way I missed in ART.

I really think Jack and Alan were the absolute perfect combo to complete the Last Binding trilogy. The chemistry was off the charts incredible, and I loved how they were such perfect foils for each other, highlighting both of their strengths, weaknesses, and growth. And in that growth, realize how much they truly complement each other and need the other to balance them, and match them.

Alan’s life is defined by what he would sacrifice and give to take care of his family; Jack’s is defined by the sister he couldn’t save. Alan has spent so long caring for others he can’t imagine letting go and being cared for; Jack has been selfish and has had everything he wanted handed to him, yet he wants nothing more than to be able to protect those few he actually does care about. While not the most important element of the story compared to the heart-racing plot, this thematic undercurrent supports the heart of the novel.

There are SO many good twists, turns, reveals, and secrets in this story I feel the need to reread it again immediately. The intense “Oh shit!” moments I thought would happen at the end of the book started happening at 40% in and my mind was blown at where the story could possibly go from there. Despite this, I never felt lost or like I had no idea what was going on since the groundwork has been impeccably laid. I want to spend 15 minutes in Freya Marske’s mind just to bask in all these incredible ideas.

Last but not least, Alan and Jack’a sexual escapades are among the best I’ve ever read. I have adored Marske’s sex scenes since day 1 because I find them so deeply informative to the characters and they tell us so much about the relationship dynamics, and APU exemplifies this in the extreme, while simultaneously being the absolute hottest filth you have ever read. I was listening in the car during the study scene (IYKYK) and I think my mouth was hanging open for the whole thing in delighted shock.

I’m afraid I won’t ever read another book quite like A Power Unbound, a title so chillingly perfect for this story I’m kind of in awe I didn’t see how good it was until after I finished it. But if Marske keeps publishing books, I really hope I do.

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sarahna's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious 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? No

4.5

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kal517's review

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adventurous emotional funny tense 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? Yes

4.5

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20sidedbi's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

Freya Marske’s spellbindingly lush, plot twisty (and satisfyingly steamy) conclusion to The Last Binding trilogy was an action packed, emotional rollercoaster of a read that I never wanted to end!

Continuing the high stakes, magic based escapades of A Restless Truth and A Marvellous Light, we follow Lord Hawthorn as he reluctantly joins Violet and Maud in their search for the final piece of The Last Contract. But the search, (which involves wading through a magically booby trapped house) proves fruitless and unfortunately for Hawthorn, the group need the expertise of magic repelling journalist (and sometimes thief) Alanzo “Alan” Rossi.

The argumentative Alan knows just how to get under Hawthorn’s aristocratic skin and the pair soon clash. What they didn’t plan on however, was the deep, infuriating (and utterly scorching) attraction that builds between them.

But when their enemies’ scheme to seize all of England’s magic (in a power grab that could spell the end of every magician in Britain) comes to a head at Hawthorn’s ancestral home— Hawthorn, Alan and their rag tag group of allies will go to any lengths to stop it… even if it means risking their lives (and magic) in the process.

I’d been eagerly anticipating this, ever since devouring the Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey deliciousness of the previous instalment, A Restless Truth last year. And I’m so very happy to report that it surpassed ALL of my expectations!

Blending lush, lyrical prose and beautifully descriptive world building, with magically plot twisty (high stakes) action and a spicy, enemies to lovers romance (that’s bound to set pulses racing)—Marske proves herself a master of her craft.

The seamlessness with which she weaves themes of privilege, power and class inequality without losing any of the sexy, cosy found family vibes had me thoroughly impressed. I do however think the pacing could’ve been a little slower at times—if only so I could properly process the many shocking revelations and action packed scenes we encounter (and there are quite a few.)

I really loved the character development (it’s one of my favourite aspects of Marske’s writing) and was especially happy with the depth and complexity we explore in Lord Hawthorn. Arrogant and selfish when first introduced in A Marvellous Light, I’d been fully prepared to hate him when he returned in A Restless Truth. Instead, I found myself endeared to his reluctant nature and eager for answers surrounding the mystery of his past (and refusal to use magic.) Thankfully we do get those answers, which I felt made Hawthorn a far more relatable and emotionally complex character.

Alan, our other protagonist (and rival/love interest of Hawthorn’s) was incredibly well written too. His home life and family dynamics, however brief really helped to understand his opposition to the upper classes and those born into privilege like Hawthorn, but who choose not to use it to enact change or help those less fortunate.

Overall, a thrilling and utterly compelling conclusion that murder mystery loving, Historical Fantasy Romance fans are bound to find satisfying.

Also, thanks to Blackcrow PR and Tor UK for the finished copy and my spot on the upcoming tour.

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ezwolf's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

The third book of The Last Binding is here and I can't believe it's been almost two years since I first read A Marvelous Light. I think the first book will always be my favorite, but this one lived up to its predecessors and was a nice ending to the trilogy.

Jack and Alan have an entertaining begrudging allies to lovers relationship, with so much more emotion than either of them thought would come of it. We learn more of Jack's backstory in this one and there's a line in the start of the book about "sets wanting to remain together" that was simply heart wrenching as we learned more about Jack and his sister.

This book shows off more of the sentient house hold/magician owned land and it was so fun to see that play out with Spinnet House. I loved the epilogue and have a lot of feelings about it that I'll keep to myself for the sake of remaining spoiler free!

Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!

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caseythereader's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

Thanks to Tordotcom Books for the free copy of this book.

- It was so wonderful to be back in the Last Binding world for one more time with A POWER UNBOUND. Given that this is the last book in a trilogy, I'll try not to get too much into plot, but this one had me on the edge of my seat.
- Jack and Alan are a fiery pair, and watching them break down their walls was a treat.
- I'll admit I didn't quite follow how all the magic worked in this one, but this found family is such a delight that it doesn't really matter, you just want to see them succeed.

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