Dire Bound

I LOVED THIS BOOK! It catched me from the first to the last chapter even though some things in the plot were pretty obvious. It is written so good, the world builds itself up during the book and it‘s so easy to get into the story. I don‘t want to spoil anything from the story but there are trials and wolves, a war, politics and spice. The book reminded me of Fourth Wing, Powerless, The Serpent and The Wings of Night - but it still felt as something new. I can‘t believe that the book was written by two fantasy reader friends and that this is their debut! I‘m so excited for part two of this series

O – M – G. What did I just read?! This was an absolute legendary read and easily a highlight of my year. I literally couldn’t stop reading – the story pulls you in from the very first pages and refuses to let go. I can barely put my excitement into words. The characters, the tension, the constant suspense, the plot… everything about this book just worked for me. It kept me hooked from start to finish with fabulous twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. Just an amazing story all around. If you loved the vibes of Fourth Wing, you’ll probably love this too. For me it felt like Fourth Wing x Hunger Games and I was 100% here for it! Jaw-droppingly AMAZING. Infinity stars from me. I can already tell this will be one of my — if not the — top reads of 2026. I highly recommend giving this one a try… and now I absolutely cannot wait for book 2.

Direbound is a breathtaking triumph in fantasy! From the first page, I was immersed in danger, intrigue, and heart-stopping romance. Follow Meryn Cooper, an unlikely heroine on a desperate quest to save her kidnapped sister through the perilous Bonding Trials. Meryn starts as a scrappy underdog, her fierce determination inspiring and relatable. The brutal training regime and precarious alliances raise the stakes as she navigates her journey. The author blends the tension of *The Hunger Games* with the immersive world-building of *Fourth Wing*. What truly sets Direbound apart is its emotional complexity. Meryn’s bond with her feral direwolf mirrors her complicated feelings for crown prince Killian Valtiere and instructor Stark Therion, creating an electric love triangle filled with twists that keep you guessing. The world-building is phenomenal, layered with dark secrets and political intrigue. Every chapter reveals new adventures and surprises, especially regarding Meryn's past and her ties to the ruling queens. Packed with fierce characters, sharp banter, and emotional depth, Direbound is a must-read for dark romantasy fans. It’s a rollercoaster of emotion and adventure that’s quickly become one of my favorites of the year. Dive in—you won’t regret it!

I absolutely love this book. I read this book before it was traditionally published. The story is soo cool. The setting breathtaking. If you love Tairn and Andarna (Fourth Wing), you will also love Anassa. It is a Fourth Wing with dire wolves. But it is still unique on its own. Highly recommendable. Can not wait to read the second book. I am also soo excited that it will be coming out in German as well.