I've read quite a few paranormal shifter books, so I'm pretty versed on all of the average storylines by this point. Guardian's Bond is the first I've read in a long time that offers a refreshing twist to the genre. Rhenna Morgan has built a rich and detailed world with magic, fated mates, and shifters with companion animals that are gifted to them by the Keeper.

In this fantastical world, there are four houses that categorize the Volán clan's people: seer, warrior, healer, and sorcerer. Each house is assigned a leader called the primo who serves the high priest and acts as a mentor. Once they are deemed ready, everyone who is part of these ancient families will go on a soul quest in the Otherworld. The purpose of this emotionally draining experience is to test each individual in order to judge their strengths and weaknesses. This will allow them to accept the specialized gifts and companion animal that's tailor fit by the Keeper. Rather than a physical challenge, this is If they chose no deny, they will hold no magic or power, and become a companionless human called a singura. If this is the path they choose, they will never be able to recognize their mate through their aura as others of their clan can. And they will not live to the typical average age of 175, but a normal human lifespan.

Eerikki "Priest" Rahandras is the Volán's high priest but his day job is a highly sought after tattoo artist. The intricate designs that he creates are composed of ancient symbols infused with magical protection against those who would do them harm. His duties for the clan are extensive, and the weight of his responsibilities lies heavy on his shoulders.

Ever since his brother betrayed their people in a murderous power struggle, their numbers have been wiped out. He barely managed to put a stop to the powerful sorcerer, but in doing so, his brother's darkness was transferred and has been trapped inside of him for decades. It's a constant internal battle with him that he is determined to master. Despite the many years of hardship, he still remains a man who wants to do the right and honorable thing.

Shortly into the book, Priest is struck with that powerful rush of endorphins and laser focus that tells him his long-awaited mate has entered his shop. This is your typical protective/possessive alpha mate reaction that you find in most shifter books. However, what I found really refreshing was the fact that the female in their clan does not have the same power of recognition. So while there is some paranormal insta-love going on here, it's only one-sided. Priest must prove himself to her in order to earn her trust and affection. This was such an invigorating spin on the connection that so many shifter books have. As Kateri has been raised by her father outside of the Volán's ways, she's even more in the dark than most females of the clan. But Priest's determination for his mate to be at his side and marked as his mate is relentless.

Kateri is a very disciplined woman, who likes order and predictability. Impulses and passion don't factor into her decisions...yet. Just because she doesn't acknowledge her innate passion doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. Stifled her whole life by her father, it's going to take her time to identify and accept her true nature AND her fate before she's called to her soul quest.

This was a decent introduction to the series, and I'm intrigued enough to continue with future installments. My reason for giving it a middle grade rating is due to the fact that there was a lack of engagement on my part for Kateri and Priest's emotional connection. Their physical connection was very present, but I feel like there was more emphasis on that than the true core of their relationship. As a lot of first books in a paranormal series go, the world building and character development of the entire group took precedence. This tends to cause a disconnect with the main couple, but they were interesting to read about after getting accustomed to the excess information. I also felt as if the confrontation at the end was a bit of a let down and pretty short, though I'm sure that was only a taste of what's to come in the future.

If you're looking for a paranormal romance with elements that are unique to others in the genre with plenty of potential, pick up Guardian's Bond. I have my eye on Alek's book in particular, and will be stalking for future news.

Oh. My. Holy. PNR!!!! I can't you guys. I'm so excited about this one that the words are actually stuck. I've found my new PNR obsession. I honestly haven't felt this way about a new series in a very long time (this doesn't count the 2nd, 3rd, etc. installments of series I'd already been involved in).

Normally when reading a shifter PNR, it's pretty specific as to the type of shifter the story will revolve around. Although this book specifically revolves around a panther shifter, you will meet and fall in love with MANY different shifters and magically beings. Not 5 clans, but 1. Where everyone has a purpose, a need and a cause. OMG....this is amaaaaaaazing!!!!!

Priest is the ultimate. Think of it as the highest ranking leader of all species. Why? Because he was chosen. He carries a little bit of everyone's magic and is the ultimate warrior. But there's an issue. His brother became greedy many years ago, killing and destroying clan families (so much more to this, just summarizing). Now it appears that although Priest thought he killed his brother long ago, he's very much so alive and back at his old ways. Priest's duty to protect has become even more dire now that he's met his mate. And nothing will get in his way.

Kateri has just been blindsided. Her parents were brutally murdered and now her grandmother has told her stories about her family, even showing her the impossible, yet she's still having issues believing what's she's seeing. Add in the fact that the grandmother has taken her and her brother to meet some man that's supposed to help them find the person who killed her parents and she's a little out of sorts. Once she meets this man (Priest), it becomes very clear that her life was going to be changing. But can she handle it?

YOU GUYS!!!!! This story! These characters! These creatures! THIS STORY!!!!! Words...I have non. I don't want to give anything away. I want you guys to read it the same way I read it. Blind. Enjoying each and every page for what it's worth. Something new. Something exciting. AHHHHHH!!!! Ok, I'll say this...The magic is magical. The shifters are beautiful. The people are loving. The dream scene is probably one of the best ones I've read. The intimate scenes are even "more" than you can imagine. And if I can't get my hands on the next installment before summer, I might go crazy.

Reviewed by Chris

As the High Priest of his clan, Priest has some of all the gifts his people control. After a showdown with his brother, he is left with a darkness that threatens to consume him. Struggling to rebuild his clan, the last thing on his mind is finding his mate. However, the moment he comes face to face with Kateri he recognizes her for what she is and he will do anything to make her his.

Katy grew up without knowledge of her birth right. After the brutal death of her parents she learns of the mystical world that exists and is hers to one day accept or deny. She was raised to always take the path with the most logic. The decisions she has made for her life were compelled by not her own longing but that that had been forced upon her. Now she is faced with a decision to accept Priest as her mate as well as the magic that could be hers.

I loved these characters so much! Priest is the perfect protective hero of not only his heroine but of his people. Even as he worries that his darkness will consume him he yields to the light that he finds with Katy. Katy had no reason to trust in this new world she had just learned of. It makes no sense even if she has seen it with her own eyes. Learning to accept it demanded acceptance of who and what she was and I enjoyed the journey she traveled to find her truth.

This was a well written, fast paced read that has a little different slant on most shifter books I’ve read in the past. I enjoyed the world building as the author laid out layer upon layer of foundation for not only this story but for further books in this series. The characters are fully developed and secondary characters added to the overall depth of the story without stealing from the hero and heroine. The ending is a happy for now with a set up for the next couple.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by Netgalley and Carina Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
No apparent triggers

***5 Stars***

Rhenna Morgan doing up a new series? A PNR series and has a character named Priest?
Ummm...Yes. Please. *making grabby hands* Hand it over. Now. (Mind you now was when the series was announced many moons ago but I needed to make a point)
Soooo I may have followed *cough* stalked *cough* a certain site closely for it to become available and quickly clicked on that baby when it did. And though I did have to wait a bit before diving, I was not disappointed. Guardian’s Bond is a lush, vibrant, smexy, sensual start to a and all kinds of intriguing start to a new series with a bunch of characters I want more of, even the baddie.

Priest. Yup, I’d totally worship at the altar that is Priest. No questions asked. No shame. Total kowtow and be absolutely at peace with the decision. The man is the kind of Alpha AF that is calming while causing you to anticipate more, even when that more is not something you cannot put into words, but know you simply want more of. He’s kind, compassionate and has a sensuality that radiates off him without effort.

Kateri. The funny thing about Kateri is that while she did frustrate me, I totally got where she was coming from. I understood why she held back because I would more than likely do the same, at least on some level. But outside of her hesitation about certain things, she’s intelligent, fierce and sassy. She’s also protective of those she calls her own and gives as good as she gets.

Priest and Kateri’s journey is that perfect blend of insta and slow burn that has you loving how the intensity builds between them as they get to know each other, but wanting one of the to desperately pull the trigger so all that nummy sexual tension can be released because you know it will be explosive...and OMG it was. Seriously, don’t bother with panties...just don’t...and have B.O.B nearby and ready to go. The angst was low, but the push/pull was real and with all going on around them I definitely didn’t mind at all and loved where they were at in the end.

This is very much a first in series where there is a lot of world building information being doled out, but it’s done in such a way that it didn’t feel like a full on information dump, it’s more of a learn as you go situation. This does keep the pace of the story at moderate one, but I never felt as if it dragged. I actually liked it because I could absorb all the little details without feeling overwhelmed and found the world simple, yet plausible and intriguing. The characters are all distinct and well written, and I have made it known that certain ones are not to come to harm *BSEG*. And with how things were left at the end of the book, not only with the whole baddie sitch, but that little tease of what’s to come next, I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!

What a good paranormal romance with a splendid plot. Priest is such an intriguing character with such a torment to live with. But along comes his beautiful mate, Kateri. She is smart and loving. Simply a rocking good story. Enjoyed

Guardian’s Bond by Rhenna Morgan is the 1st book in her new Ancient Ink paranormal romance series. Since I love Rhenna Morgan’s stories, I looked forward to reading this new series. Guardian’s Bond turned out to be an exciting, intense, and sexy start.

Priest is a panther shifter, and the leader of his clan. He is the High Priest who goes to the otherworld to help new members meet the Keeper, and as they go through their soul quest (find their companion and shift). Priest has lived much of his life in darkness, having lost his family to his evil brother, whom he thought was dead; but despite the darkness for him and his cat, Priest is still a good guy, who takes care of his pack. When he has just about given up on finding a mate, he meets a powerful young girl, who has no idea about what she truly is.

Kateri (Katy) arrives at Priest’s tattoo parlor, with her brother Alek and Naomi (Nana), and both her and her brother will learn everything there is to know. They have both been sheltered from their mother and father, who never told them about their heritage. When she meets Priest, Katy can feel the bond between her and Priest, but her fears of the unknown will make her difficult to deal with, and distrustful of Priest. But the pull of the mating bond will in time change everything, and she will slowly open herself to Priest.
Priest first has to train both ALek and Katy how to fight and be ready for their soul quest. Kateri wants to know everything, as she has always been about learning, knowing the facts and finding the reality of what she thought was just fairytales.

What follows is an exciting adventure that will bring them all in danger, especially when the evil brother returns to try to control the pack and kill Priest. What I loved was seeing Katy get through her soul quest, and find a companion that is equal to Priest’s Black Panther; her new found powers will also be instrumental in saving them against such powerful evil.

The romance between Priest and Katy was very steamy, with some very graphic sex scenes. Morgan has created a great group of secondary characters, such as Tate, Jade, Alek, Naomi, whom I hope we will get future books on. I do not want to give spoilers, but I will say that Guardian’s Bond was an exciting, fun and sexy story that was very well written by Rhenna Morgan. If you love Paranormal romance, scorching couple, great secondary characters and excellent story line, I suggest you start this series.

Guardian's Bond is the start of a new series by Rhenna Morgan featuring a sexy, commanding high priest and his ever so skittish mate. It brings a world rich with magic and custom as good against the evil greed of one man who refuses to stay dead.
Let's start with what's wonderful with this story. Priest. Priest is magnificent. He's commanding, confident and dedicated. He's high priest of his clan and he takes his role seriously. The depth of his caring and nurturing for his people is boundless. He is indefatigable in his commitment to bringing the clan together, training them, protecting them, and helping them thrive. Aside from that, his patience is immense, especially when it comes to dealing with his mate, Kateri. There were times when I wished he'd pushed a little harder and was a little less patient with Kateri. His gentle teasing, his directed nudging and his tenderness is only surpassed by his sexiness and his passion. That man will melt your Kindle with his hotness. If nothing else, read this story to get to know Priest. You'll fall for him as much as I have.
For the first half of the book, I did not like Kateri. At. All. She was held back by her logic and her fear. Yes, she was curious and inquisitive, but she was also filled with so much fear that she was afraid to take a chance at what life and Priest had to offer her. She held back her own chances of happiness and love. That frustrated the ever-loving heck out of me and I wanted her to get the eff over herself. She was the reason I didn't enjoy a large part of the book and I kept wanting to put it down. She tried my patience sorely. I could tell she had fire and passion within her, if only she had the courage to let go and take hold of what fate had in store for her. Not just a mate in Priest but a wholeness she never had. When she finally accepted who she was and embraced her potential, she was magnificent. And the book got a heck of a lot better.
I enjoyed the world building around the Volan and their culture and magic. Ms Morgan has build a rich world filled with potential. I also loved the way she handled how the male Volan recognises his mate, and what had to be done in order to court and woo said mate. I like the way this story ended with a glimpse into the pair for the next story in the series. It was tinged with hope and a little bit of humor. The tone it set was perfect. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Guardian's Bond is the first book in a new paranormal romance series by Rhenna Morgan. I've read the Haven Brotherhood series this author and have come to appreciate her alpha males and strong female leads.

Guardian's Bond takes a different and new approach to shapeshifter stories. Here the beast is not another form of the human but a companion. Both human and animal are separate entities, sharing both forms. I really love this concept.

Volan are the people gifted with special abilities and a companion once they reach a certain age and are pulled into their Soul Quest. It is up to them to decide whether they accept their heritage or not. Kateri's father hid his from her and her brother so when their parents are killed she is pulled into a world of magic and has to learn fast what it means to be Volan.

Priest is the High Priest of his clan. When he lays eyes on Kateri something inside him slips into place, like a puzzle piece that was missing. The mate bond, however, needs to be accepted by the female and Kateri's upbringing works against him.

***"You’re my mate. Nothing ranks higher for me than winning you and I won’t quit until you accept me.”***

While living as a Volan means relying on gut feeling and instinct it's the exact opposite of how the young scientist was raised and used to live her life. It is hard for her to disconnect her mind, and acceptance of all things Volan and especially her mate comes slowly. Rhenna Morgan gives us a smart, spirited and beautiful heroine who is more cautious than suspicious. The more I got to know Katy the more I liked her and ultimately I loved her.

***“There is no peace in being who others want us to be, and no greater injustice to ourselves."  - The Keeper***

Priest's brother has caused a lot of grief and despair. Draven killed Kateri's parents and that is only the tip of the iceberg of atrocities committed by him. He robbed the clan leaders of their magic with the intent to take over leadership and killed them. Priest managed to get the magic back but with it came a darkness that now lives within him. And that darkness is so deliciously dirty and sexy. I loved Priest.

***“I need you safe, Kateri. Of all the people my brother could use against me, you’re the ultimate weapon. You have no idea how far I’d go to keep you safe."***

He is commanding, dominant but has a tender, sweet side about him like all of Rhenna Morgan's heroes. He is fiercely protective and a little troubled. But there is also a playful side about him that was a counterpoint to his darker thoughts. And sweet mother of Jesus, that man can talk dirty!

Their connection grew continually and I really loved that - while the attraction was insta (it's the nature of a mate bond, duh!) they took the time to get to know each other. I also loved their interaction when they shifted into the body of their companions.

***She opened her mouth and let out an angry huff. Not quite a hiss, but close enough his panther bristled. Seriously cute. So much so, his chuckle slipped out before he could check it.
“Keep acting like that and I’ll let my panther out. I guarantee he’d give your kitten’s sass a run for her money.”
Pairing an indelicate snort with another snap of her tail, she pushed to her feet and padded toward the clearing, her chin lifted with the same universal defiance of pissed off females everywhere. Oh, yeah. Totally cute. And chock full of attitude, to boot.***

Like with all complex paranormal/urban fantasy novels the first in a series always needs a whole lot of world building. In the beginning I'm usually a little confused because you are bombarded with a new vocabulary and a whole lot of explanations. This is definitely the case in Guardian's Bond and made for a little slower beginning but once the story picked up I was completely immersed in it. I really loved spending time in this world.

Don't let my 4 stars fool you - this is a strong introduction into a new universe that has a whole lot of sexiness, enough action, a delectable hero and an independent, sweet heroine. If it hadn't been for the slow start it would definitely have been a full 5 stars.

So I suppose now I need to practice some patience until I can read more of the Volan people and this wonderful set of characters. If all of of this appeals to you and you love PNR give this a whirl!

Blog URL will go live closer to release date

So, what did I like about it?
Rhenna Morgan is a new-to-me author. I found her writing style very easy to read, her plot intelligent and engaging throughout and the pace perfect. I loved the way Ms Morgan built her world and the way she gave us that information, weaving it beautifully into this intriguing story without hindering the pace; the clans she created in her new shifter race, their mythology, her interpretation on the shifter genre and the balance and symbiotic relationship she created between the Voláns and their and companion animals. A welcome breath of fresh air in a crowded genre.

I loved our main romantic couple. Eeikki Rahandras (aka Priest) is our alpha male; he’s a powerful magic wielding shape-shifting High Priest of his clan and in charge of guiding and protecting them, I loved his dominant but caring nature. Kateri Falsen (aka Katy) is an intelligent blonde beauty with a logical scientific mind who has been sheltered from her heritage but is forced to begin a journey of self discovery after her parents are brutally murdered, I loved her resilience and gumption. In fact, I felt that all of the characters in this book were so well written that I was able to connect effortlessly, even the clan members that only briefly appeared captured my interest.

Ok, so if you’ve read my reviews before, you’ll know that I do love passionate, titillating paranormal romance stories, yes there is sex in this story, some quite explicit stuff actually but it’s the sexual tension and anticipation that Ms Morgan built between Priest and Katy that I loved the most. It felt natural, perfectly paced, there was just the right balance of banter, burning passionate words and heated touches. When we finally got to the first fantastically written sex scene; I was breathless. Ms Morgan had built the anticipation perfectly, my emotional connection to her characters complete.

This book had me gripped; I loved the new twists Ms Morgan gave her shifters’ world, the tension she built as the threat of the darkness and the mysteries of the murders crept ever closer, how the anticipation grew between Priest and Katy and the emotional rollercoaster of facing your true self – warts and all.

So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
No not really.

Now, Guardian's Bond is the first book in a new series. They are not stand alone tales, so yes I think this book got us off to a great start; it answered enough questions to satisfy the main mysteries and the romance aspect between Priest and Katy but left enough to solve in the ensuing books to make you want to keep reading; a good way to end the first book in a new series without life or death scenario cliffhangers.

So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really enjoyed this breathtaking paranormal romance.

Guardian's Bond had everything that I look for in a 5 star book; intelligent writing style that’s easy to read, main characters with depth of personality that I can like (or love to hate) and believe in, depth of character in the supporting cast, believable background story/setting (even when there’s magic and the supernatural involved) and a balanced mix of relationship – platonic or romance - scenes to scenes with action. I look forward to reading Elise and Tate's story in book 2. *hint*hint*

Due to the sexual content– it’s definitely steamy – and the graphic violence, I’d recommend this book to adults who are fans of relationship and romance stories with a good amount of fire and passion.

Great start to a new series by Rhenna Morgan, a refreshingly unique, sexy paranormal series. Priest a powerful shifter and Kateri a beautiful woman fated to be his mate. These characters are engaging and along with the amazing storyline made for a fabulous start to The Ancient series and I look forward to reading more

Love this author so much! Great world building! Loved the premise and the mythology behind the characters. I need more of this one right away please!!

Ooookay..

So absolute possessiveness and the need to protect. This book is all about that.

The guy sees her and needs her and so he also knows the dangers that lurk around

Just the cover alone tells you that this book is going to be a very sensual read, and it definitely delivered on that promise! The chemistry between the two main characters was flying off the pages from the second they meet (which is unsurprising, given their connection), and the author does a great job of letting their relationship build. The tension makes it all the better in the end. A great new world to explore, courtesy of Rhenna Morgan!

Kateri's parents are dead, her grandmother turns into a hawk on occasion, and her status as a single woman is now forever in the past. Meeting Priest, known as Eerikki to his people, has changed her life irrevocably, and Katy isn't sure it bothers her all that much. She is instantly connected to Priest, and his panther companion. Now she must come to terms with the fact that not only is she mated to the High Priest of her people but she is also something not quite human. She is a Volan and a rare one at that, and her place in her new world is about to be threatened. Between Katy and Priest, they must work together to defeat an enemy long though dead.

The world was definitely intriguing, and although it was hard to grasp at times, I really enjoyed learning about the different houses of the Volan and the idea that they each had a companion animal meant for them. Not only does this animal live inside them, but they can become it at will. It was fun trying to guess what each character's animal was before it was announced - I didn't usually guess correctly! Kateri and Priest had a really interesting relationship, and I was glad the author didn't have them jump into bed right away. Instead Katy made him work for it, and he respected her wishes greatly. It was nice to read. The sexual elements of the book did get a bit too kinky for my tastes, but the author did it in a way that actually made their relationship much more appealing to the reader. It's hard to explain - guess you just have to read it to find out!

This is the second book I have read by Rhenna Morgan, and once again she has delighted me! I am excited to read the next book in this series.

Had a hard time getting into this story, for some reason the setting and characters didn't resonate with me but I would be willing to try again with another title as this seems to be a series

Title: Guardian's Bond
Author: Rhenna Morgan
Publisher: Carina Press
Series: Ancient Ink # 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Guardian's Bond" by Rhenna Morgan

My Thoughts....

What a interesting paranormal romance featuring Priest and Kateri in this shifter series. I will say it did take me a minute to get into this story but continuing to move on into the read the story picked up and I did enjoy the read. I really liked the main characters with them both so opposite in the beginning but when they finally came together what a romance with it all in the sexy steamy stuff that finally went on between the two. It was quite interesting to see how Kateri who was 'all about facts and tangible proof and where as Priest being about faith and trust' finally coming together.

The secondary characters also added entertainment and amusement to this intriguing fantasy read. There was a lots going on with this story as the readers will get a lots from the story of its histories and backgrounds that lead up to this time in the read.

What will happen as Priest who was betrayed by his brother wants to escape the curse that haunts him? Well to learn more of this story you will have to pick up this read to see how well this author brings it out so well to the reader. As the series moves on I am sure we will find out so much more as the plot continues.

I voluntarily read a copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I love Rhenna Morgan's books. This one was hard to get into at the beginning. It picked up pace as you go, Kateri learns that she belongs to a clan and meets her mate.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Book Length: Novel
Male Lead: Priest is a powerful shape-shifting High Priest of his clan. His animal companion is a Black Panther which matches his dark and sexy human side perfectly. He’s in charge of guiding and protecting his clan members through their soul quests.
Female Lead: Kateri is a blonde beauty that is fated to become Priest’s mate. She’s been sheltered from her heritage and begins a journey of understanding with the help of Priest after her parents are murdered.
Heat Level: Medium
Frequency of Sex (1-5): 3
Angst Level (1-5): 1
Standalone/Series/Cliffhanger: Standalone, but part of a new series.
Epilogue: No
HFN/HEA: HFN
Would I Recommend? Yes
My Review: I’m already a huge fan of Rhenna Morgan and I was excited to hear that she created a new series of alpha-males that involved the paranormal. I will say that this story was a bit of a slow burn for me. I know it takes some time to build worlds, backstories and histories in any series, so it’s understandable, but I would have liked more intensity throughout. The relationship between Priest and Kateri is sweet. He’s very protective of her and helps guide her towards her destiny with strength and love. I think it would have helped if we learned more about Priest’s past and his journey to become the High Priest. Maybe this will be revealed in future books, as the series definitely has room to grow and adversaries to defeat. Overall it’s an enjoyable read.
Disclosures: I voluntarily read a copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Priest Rahandras has lived with the darkness trapped inside himself for years. Betrayed by his own brother and forced to watch his clan’s brutal annihilation, the only thing Priest wants more than to escape the curse that haunts him—as both man and beast—is to rebuild.When I started reading I couldn't put it down I read the book i couldn't put it down.Rhenna is magnifysent writer.I cannot wait to read more of het books.Keep up the great work.

This was a refreshing take on shifters and I truly enjoyed the story. For the first half of the story I felt much like I assume Katy did...lost, confused and feeling as if something was missing to bring it all together can but as it progressed it all started clicking. Priest and Katy have an amazing connection that is more than just that instalove mate thing and their scenes together scorch the pages. This is a HFN set up, with what I’m assuming will be a plot continuation but focusing on two new lead characters.
This was an advanced reader copy provided by the author/ publisher in exchange for a honest review via Netgalley.