ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for this ARC!

Heist, magic, and dragons makes for a fun combo and something I had high hopes for. This one missed the mark for me. The writing style leaned heavier into YA territory than I expected.

There are 5 POVs in this book and it jumps between all of them often.

Three of them form a group reminiscent of Six of Crows - to the point I kept getting distracted. I don't mind pinning - gotta love a slow burn, but some of it came off a bit cringy/repetitive.

I wanted more focus on the storyline and world building.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I didn’t realize this book had already been published, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment one bit. It starts off strong and keeps a fast pace throughout—there was never a dull moment! While the world-building isn’t super deep, it still delivers on all the fantasy essentials: witches, dragon shifters, forbidden romance, and a dash of spice. What more could a fantasy-loving reader ask for? I also loved the multiple POVs and the sense of adventure woven through the story. A fun, fast-paced fantasy escape!

Just finished Unbound by Brittany Gossin and here are my thoughts!! My real score is more a 3.5 than a 3.

This one had everything I love in a fantasy—magic, danger, a high-stakes quest, and a cast of characters with clashing motives that made the whole thing feel so intense and layered.

Keagan is on a mission to find the Crimson Shard to save his family, while Princess Avalon is fighting for her kingdom’s future. They team up (reluctantly, of course), but they’re not the only ones chasing the shard… enter the Syndicate, a shady crime group who’s just as desperate to get their hands on it. Everyone wants the same prize, but for totally different reasons—and that tension? Chef’s kiss.

The story plays out like a grand adventure, full of secrets, betrayals, and magical challenges that test the characters constantly. I really enjoyed the different POVs—it gave me insight into each character’s motivations and made the story feel even more immersive.

The romance was a bit insta-love for me personally, but honestly? It still worked and gave the story some softer moments I appreciated.

My one personal struggle was the third-person narrative—it’s just not my favorite style and sometimes made it harder for me to fully connect emotionally. BUT if you enjoy third-person fantasy, I think you’ll absolutely love how this is written.

Overall, this is a solid, exciting read with a rich world and high-stakes action. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who’s into magical quests, morally grey enemies, and fantasy that keeps you on your toes!

✨Magic
✨Morally grey vibes
✨Different paths, one prize
✨Fast-paced fantasy with heart

Unbound had some promise. I loved everything to do with the dragons, the blight was an interesting issue to overcome. But the overall pacing of the book felt too fast. And it was also very “insta love” between the main characters, Keagan and Avalon aka River. And then their falling action was so… abrupt. It felt very forced. Like the author forced their break up.

The trio felt unnecessary. I liked the aspect of the blood witches, but again, Rowena’s transition from hating everything to do with the blood witches to becoming their leader happened SO FAST. Like one second she’s clinging to life and the next second she’s suddenly stabbed someone in the back and is now their leader. I don’t know. I just felt like this just wasn’t my read. I enjoyed some aspects of it but to summarize, it all felt rushed. I know it’s the first in a series so hopefully the pacing is better with the next book.

Great world building and good character development (and differentiation!). Loved all the mix of magic, shifters and politics. Some good twists at the end, you sort of saw them coming, but leaves you with questions for book 2 on what's going to happen next. Spice is medium, but since it was a bit of a slow burn, hoping for more in the next book! Only thing that held it back for me was that the trio of thieves felt too close to Six of Crows - the dynamic and personalities was just a bit too familiar - especially for the first half of the book. There is a bit of development as you get to know them and they hold their own - but it just didn't feel as original as the rest of the book to start.

I really liked the premise, but the writing style really isn't for me.

Since this book is now released, I hope that it is heavily edited compared to the ARC-copy. For example, sometimes things happened twice. There is a fighting scene in which there is some description of the scene, then “the witches attacked” then some more description and then again, “the witches attacked”, but there wasn’t any sign that they’d paused or stopped their attacked between these two.
This kind of thing happened several times. I backtracked myself a lot to make sure I hadn't missed anything, that this really did happen twice or we went from here to there without travelling. Another example was when two characters where having a conversation outside their house, and suddenly they were are at the wall, but it was never indicated that they were travelling there.

It's also so clearly inspired by six of crows, which is one of my favorite books, but it's just not hitting the same. The characters, the plot and the world are all underdeveloped. Keagan was the only one who I cared a little about, but the rest I felt absolutely nothing towards. For the plot, it was so sped up, like they end up in high stakes situations and then instantly they’re out if it. In like 10 scentences they manage to get themselves locked in trap powered by magic, disable it and make their way out again. And this happens too many times, they’re just always fine. Over and over again it’s building up to a climax where you’re clearly supposed to wonder how the hell they’re gonna get out of that, but you don’t even have time to finish the thought before they’re out of it.

I genuinely went into this book with high expectations, I really wanted to like it.
Because I read an ARC-copy I will keep this at two stars for the hopes of a lot of editing happened before publishing, but had this been a book I'd bought I'd have rated it 1 or more likely not even finished it.

Unbound is a fun and engaging read. The plot is interesting, and holds your attention.
I felt the world-building to be a bit lacking, however.

The characters were fun, and definitely have protentional. Keagan was by far the most developed character and the only one I really felt a connection too. The magic system was a typical blood magic. I did not find the heist trope to be a main focus point, it was more focused on the journey, and not so much a heist really.

Overall, it fell a bit short for me to be enamored with it, but i did enjoy it all the same. I think the YA writing style held it back. It seemed a bit....basic, maybe. I would have loved some more depth to most of the characters, and the world itself.

I am interested to see how the story and characters progress with the story in the next book.

Three to three and a half stars.
The beginning was very confusing due to an information overload in the first few chapters, but as it progressed the storyline picked up nicely.

I was hooked from the beginning!!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brittany Gossin for the ARC.

Unbound is a gripping start to the Dragonflight series, blending classic fantasy elements with a fresh multi-POV structure. It took me a few chapters to fully settle into the world, but once the characters' stories began to weave together, I was hooked.

We follow five key characters—Avalon, Keagan, Rowena, Malcolm, and Zedlock—each on a personal mission tied to the powerful Crimson Shard. The stakes are high: a dying race, forbidden magic, and shifting political allegiances. The world-building is detailed and rich, tricky to get into ant first and the pacing starts slow, it builds to a rewarding climax.

If you’re into (sexy) dragon shifters, blood witches, rebellions, and unlikely alliances, this series opener delivers with solid intrigue and emotional payoff.

Spice level: 2/5
Rating: 4/5

I recently finished Unbound by Brittany Gossin, and I’ve got to say, it was a solid read that kept me hooked for the most part. It’s a fantasy novel with a mix of romance, adventure, and some cool world-building, and I enjoyed diving into it. Here’s my take, with the good and the not-so-good, from one book lover to another.
Pros:
• Engaging Story and Characters: The plot pulled me in right away. It’s got this epic vibe with a strong female lead who’s flawed but super relatable. I loved how she grows throughout the story—it felt real, like she was figuring herself out as much as I was. The side characters, especially the witty best friend, added a lot of heart and humor.
• Vivid World-Building: Gossin does a great job painting the world of Unbound. The settings, from lush forests to gritty towns, felt alive, and I could picture them clearly. The magic system was intriguing, too, though I’ll get to that in a sec.
• Romantic Tension: The romance was a highlight for me. It’s slow-burn, which I’m a sucker for, and the chemistry between the main characters had me rooting for them. There’s just enough spice to keep it interesting without overpowering the story.
• Pacing (Mostly): For the most part, the book moves at a good clip. The action scenes were exciting, and I didn’t find myself skimming too often, which is always a win.
Cons:
• Magic System Needs More Clarity: While I liked the magic, it felt a bit vague at times. I wanted more explanation about how it worked or its limits. There were moments where I was like, “Wait, how did that happen?” A little more detail would’ve made it easier to follow.
• Some Predictable Moments: There were a few plot twists I saw coming from a mile away. It didn’t ruin the book, but I wished for a couple more surprises to keep me on my toes.
• Pacing Hiccups: The middle dragged a tiny bit for me. There’s a section where the story focuses heavily on the romance, and while I liked it, I felt like it slowed down the main plot. I kept wanting to get back to the bigger adventure.
Overall, Unbound is a really enjoyable read that’s perfect if you’re into fantasy with a strong dose of romance and a kickass heroine. It’s not flawless—the magic system could use more polish, and a few parts felt predictable—but it’s got heart, great characters, and a world I’d love to revisit. I’m definitely curious about what Gossin writes next! Four stars from me, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a good fantasy adventure with some swoony moments.

ARC REVIEW ✨
A big thank you to Netgalley and Brittany Gossin for this arc💕

Wow, this was so refreshing and bingeable! A really fun concept that combines all of our favorites: blood witches, dragon shifters, found family and a lot of tension🔥

The characters had a lot of banter and I especially really loved Keagan’s chapters🥰 the only thing that didn’t make this a 5⭐️ book was the pacing, i feel like it moved a bit too quickly in some parts of the book.
Overall a very fun read and I will definitely pick up the next book once it releases!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Witches🔮
Dragon shifters🐉
Found family ❤️
Forbidden romance❤️‍🔥

This is pretty much everything I adore in a book—Dragon shifters, a trio of thieves (including a Blood Witch), and a runaway Princess. It’s a chaotic, ragtag crew that gets into all kinds of trouble, and I'm here for it!

A deadly blight is threatening the Dragon shifters, a ruthless king needs to be brought down, and a massive payout on the line. Everyone has their own reason for chasing the Crimson Shard, a legendary stone able to grant you immense power. But what will it cost to find it... and who will get there first?

This story was a blast from start to finish! Each character stood out in their own way, and I loved their banter and group dynamic. The multiple points of view really enhanced the narrative for me. The worldbuilding is rich and full of promise. I was especially drawn to the Blood Witch’s magic; it’s dark, unique, and I can't wait to see more of it. The ending hit surprisingly hard, and I’m crossing my fingers that we get the band back together in book two!

THE CLIFFHANGER?????? I’m still not over it. Brittany Gossin’s Unbound is a fast-paced, high-stakes fantasy adventure that completely took me by surprise—in the best way possible. This book is an addictive blend of dragons, forbidden magic, royal rebellion, and morally gray criminals on a collision course for power, survival, and possibly redemption.

Set in the gritty, lawless city of Vicerona and the looming threat of the North, Unbound introduces readers to a cast of vibrant characters, each with their own tangled motivations and dangerous secrets. Keagan, the Dragon shifter trying to save his kind from a deadly plague, is a deeply sympathetic hero with everything to lose. Princess Avalon is fierce and determined, refusing to be anyone’s pawn. And then there's the criminal trio—Malcolm, Rowena, and Zedock—who bring just the right amount of chaos, charm, and unpredictability.

All paths lead to the Crimson Shard, a mysterious artifact that may be the key to salvation—or destruction. The pacing never lets up, and just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s going, boom—that ending hits like a gut punch.

Gossin has crafted a world that feels both richly imagined and raw with tension. The mix of political intrigue, magic, and morally complex characters makes Unbound a refreshing and thrilling take on the fantasy genre. I need book two immediately, because that ending? Cruel. Brilliant. Unforgettable.

Highly recommend for fans of character-driven fantasy with epic stakes and a plot that never slows down.

Definitely a 4.5 read

From the moment I opened this book, I was hooked. With a fresh and thrilling magic system, heart-racing action, and a world bursting with adventure and tension you can taste, it’s impossible to put down. That cliffhanger? Pure torture— in the best way. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment drops.

The chemistry between the MMC and FMC is electric, and the side characters’ arcs are just as compelling. I found myself caring about every single one of them.

And yes, for those wondering: there is spice, and it’s glorious. I mean, who can resist a dragon shifter daddy? Exactly.

I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for this honest review

"Eyes to the sky, Wings in the clouds"

This book was a lot of fun going into it somewhat blindly. It wasn't my first book with a dragon shifter, but my first book featuring a heist! We followed 5 different points of view: Keagon, Avalon, Malcolm, Zedock, and Rowena. I thoroughly enjoyed learning each character's back story and following the journey through all of their eyes. Keagon is our infamous dragon shifter, while Avalon is the Princess of Vicerona. Meanwhile, Rowena, Malcolm, and Zedock are members of a crime syndicate searching for the Blood Witch shard. Their paths end up crossing, and the plot thickens and gets a bit wild from there.

I gave this book 3 stars because I enjoyed the plot, the first 40% of the book, and I LOVED Keagon and his family. I honestly wanted to learn more about the dragons than the royalty! Unfortunately, there were a few things that missed the mark with me, and I think some aspects of the book got lost after the real journey started.

I was not expecting the 'intsa-love' story between Avalon and Keagon. I feel like they briefly spoke to one another before having feelings towards one another, and at not one point in this book do I feel like they were ever able to get to know each other... yet they love one another? It felt somewhat unrealistic to me, especially the very first spicy scene. Another issue I had with this book was the general pacing of it. Some moments were extremely crucial (in my eyes) to the plot or characters... that we just bounced over within a few lines. For the sake of spoilers, most of these moments happen in the last 20% of the book. It all just felt very crammed to keep up with how fast-paced this book was, and I would've enjoyed it a lot more with a more full-fledged outline with more details and world-building. I think pulling out certain tropes or ideas would really benefit this book and rather expand on smaller ideas already on the page!

Overall, this book would be perfect for a younger audience (minus the spicy scenes) to delve into the fantasy world! Although I believe we didn't reach the real depth of the world-building, it makes it easier for someone to understand the world right away. It has a lot of potential, and I am curious to see what direction the author goes in for the following books. It was not directly up my alley, but if you enjoy a fast-paced book that is easy to fall into the world, this book is most likely the perfect one to pick up!

♡ Thank you to Netgalley, Brittany Gossin, and the publisher for the arc; all opinions are my own ♡

I absolutely devoured this novel! It was utterly addicting and the writing was great! The storytelling and world building was rich and vivid. The vibes were the most thrilling and exciting blend. With a steampunk aesthetic, Treasure Planet meets Six of Crows and Peaky Blinders, with a sprinkle of Stardust. It was dark and gritty, action-packed, and wrought with intrique. Add in some Dragon Shifters, and I was hooked!

I adored Keagan and Avalon. The tension, their chemistry, and the passion they held for one another was fabulous! And the yearning! I also loved the banter in all of 'The Syndicates' POV's.

Rowena's backstory and the lore of the Blood Witches were a big highlight for me. I didn't really like Malcolm's character. I think there will be time in the next book for more of a redemption for him, but instead of coming across as suave, he was very rude and dislikable, so it wasn't very fun being in his head for his POV's.

This novel is described as a heist book, and although our trio of trained thieves certainly gave off crime lord aesthetics, and had superb skills, I wish there had been more planning and a more exciting lead up to the heist itself. There was a lot of time spent travelling - which I enjoyed every second of - however, the heist itself was over quickly and didn't have much planning behind it.

I also wish we could have gotten more backstory from Princess Avalons POV of how Dragonflight fell into the state it's in and her fathers impact as a ruler. The author did a really good job with all the lore and backstory in this, but something felt missing here. I would have liked to know the King a little better.

I was a little disappointed in the ending, too, if I'm honest. Which is so sad as I loved every aspect of this book otherwise. It felt quite rushed, and some of the events felt too easily overcome in my opinion. But the book as a whole was absolutely amazing, and I loved every second until the last 40 or so pages, where I felt it lacked impact. I didn't expect the twist at the end, but I wish there had been more motivation for the character other than doing what they did for 'power'. I think there's a lot to unwrap with the ending, and it needed more time to sit before the book ended.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this!

*I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) for free in exchange for an honest review*

This was great! I loved the multiple POVs, each character had a distinct voice. The romances were insta love but I really enjoyed them and I was invested in them. I always love a good heist too!

First dragon shifter book for me and while I loved most of the vibes it just didn't hit. The writing style while very descriptive verged on too much detail. Every interaction you knew everything. There was very little subtext. It made the story flow awkwardly and the constant dialogue tags just unfortunately weren't for me. It's unfortunately a pet peeve of mine. But if it isn't for you there were interesting characters and it was a straightforward fantasy read.
Thanks Netgalley and the publishing house for the arc.

The cliffhanger and how the story ended with one of our main couples and the twist really did not see it coming. A princess, a dragon shifter, and a band of thieves all going after the same item leads to some fast-paced action and twist and turns that just blindside you. I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to where the main characters go from here and how to come back from the current issues surrounding them.