Bound Beauty

Wylder Tales, #3

by

Jennifer Silverwood

Overflowing with magic, cursed power, witches, shapeshifters, demons, old gods, passion, loyalty, sacrifice, and love.

Bound Beauty is the third novel in author Jennifer Silverwood’s Wylder Tales series, dark, seductive stories of magic, cursed power, witches, shapeshifters, ghosts, demons, ancient gods, passion, loyalty, sacrifice, and love in its many forms: a fantastical reimagining of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. In this story, Vynasha’s tale comes full circle as she returns to Bitterhelm to finish what was always meant to be. 

Vynasha, determined to protect her nephew, Wyll, her brother, Ceddrych, and the other young ones she’s come to love, has studied the magicks of Soraya and Thea, hoping to gain the knowledge and strength needed to oppose the forces of Bitterhelm. While it goes against the grain, she perseveres with Soraya’s teachings and is helplessly drawn by her desire for Balos, whom she knew as Ferox back in Bitterhelm. The stress she is under is palpable throughout the story as the danger mounts, and she is thrust back into Grendel’s world and forced to confront what is truth and what are lies. I loved how the tables eventually turned, but I felt the enormous cost to Vynasha’s very nature. 

The author’s world-building and storytelling are atmospheric and cinematic; the setting is so vivid I felt as if I were in the moment with each narrator. The magic system relies on runes and physical manipulation that feels ancient, with its true power still largely hidden. 

The story is dark and tragic and without the ending most often presented in Beauty and the Beast retellings, making those other tales seem insipid by comparison. But if you’re down for a story full of strong women, shaped by tragic experiences and powerful emotions, this is definitely the version for you. I recommend reading the series for the most enjoyment and the clearest understanding of the action and motives. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.