A Crown of Iron & Silver

Soulbound, Book 3

By: Hailey Turner

Narrated by: Gary Furlong

Length: 10 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

Never promise a life that isn’t yours to give.

New York City is decked out for the holidays, and Special Agent Patrick Collins is looking forward to a reunion with his old team when he gets assigned a new case. A human child is missing, and the changeling left in her place causes a prominent witch family to demand justice from the fae.

Meanwhile, continued harassment from the New York City god pack forces Jonothon de Vere to formally establish his own with Patrick. Doing so will mean a civil war within the werecreature community - a war they risk losing from the start without alliances. Making bargains with the fae is never wise, but Patrick and Jono have nothing to lose when a fae lord comes asking for their help.

The Summer Lady has been kidnapped from the Seelie Court, and if they can find her, Patrick and Jono will cement an alliance with the fae. But the clues to her disappearance are found in Tír na nÓg, and the Otherworld has never been kind to mortals.

Venturing past the veil, Patrick and Jono risk losing territory, time, and their very lives while searching for answers. Because the Queen of Air and Darkness knows they are coming - and the ruler of the Unseelie Court has an offer for them they can’t possibly refuse.

A Crown of Iron & Silver is a 107k word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot and a HFN ending. It is a direct sequel to All Souls Near & Nigh. Reading the prior books in the series would be helpful in enjoying this one.

©2019 Hailey Turner (P)2019 Hailey Turner

A good story

Okay, there was a lot here that I liked but, TBH, the story was quite repetitive and overlong at times. If I had been reading it, there had been some skimming. And yes, there was a lot of action, and that's part of the problem. Too much action, but not really a lot happening.

Add to that that there is a LOT of new characters and gods. Too many, to my taste. I felt as if I had to have a doctorate in Mythology to follow them.

And, personally I’m SO done with Ethan. I’m hoping in the next books there will be another bad guy :/

The constant recaps from previous books didn't help, either. This is a common mistake I keep seeing in series. And I really wish authors would stop doing that. You don't begin a series by book three, do you?

On the positive side, I really liked how the characters keep growing, Particularly Jono, who is becoming a great alpha. I also liked how Patrick was aware of becoming a better (and happier) person because of Jono.

All in all, an entertaining read.

Now, Gary Furlong... Gary Furlong I loved. He's such a fantastic narrator! A truly marvel ♥

8 out of 10

I love the books and hopefully there are more to come I just wish there was a different narrator

Not the best in the series...

There are things I love about this series and things I definitely don't. We've made it to book three. Patrick is not angry and alone anymore; he's got friends, a pack, a soul-bonded boyfriend and his teenage dragon ward. Work is stressful and brings back his old team from his time in the Mage Corp.

Here's where it gets bogged down with WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE AND PROBLEMS. There is just SO MUCH going on that the author really didn't flesh out any of it. There is the residual trauma they are all dealing with from books one and two. She doesn't label it but it's clearly some form of PTSD. Wade is struggling to regain a sense of normal teenage life after his horrible experience last book. There is the ongoing drama of the God Packs and whether or not Jono will step up and challenge the NY God Pack alphas. Random things happen in that storyline. Other packs crawl out of the woodwork and want to pledge to Jono. Then there is the usual shenanigans with Lucien and his crowd, and another link to the insane father (I forget his name). We have barely scratched the surface.

Here's where the book really goes off into the ditch. A major secret is revealed about one of Pat's former Spec Ops teammates and Patrick does not handle it well. For like most of the book. It seems way too childish to go on for as long as it does. The premise of the story is that a human child of a prominent witch family has been switched with a fae child. That turns into such a convoluted mess and lead us into the biggest problem: the author drowns the reader in a tremendous amount of folklore with a million different people and places that they are traveling to, and ALL of these are in Gaelic(?). I realize I sound like the typical dumb American, but holy moly, I was lost for half the book! I never seemed to know who was who, were they Seelie or Unseelie, were they some sort of monster, are we in Ireland now? maybe Underhill (also known as like two other things)...wait, is that giant shooting lighting out of his eye? It was all just too much to follow. I slowed the audio speed down quite a bit and still am not really clear on what all was happening. It got to a point where I didn't care. Too many long, unfamiliar yet similar names of people and places, too much detail in the never-ending battles. Throughout through we see Jono a lot more, and I really like his strength and where his character is going. Unfortunately, what I consider the most vital part (the ongoing pack stuff and romance) is glossed over as almost an afterthought. I know there is another book, but still.

Furlong is not one of my favorite narrators. He is great about giving some distinctive voices to the characters (love his Jono!), and he acts out the action well. However, any reading in between the dialog is done in a rapid monotone. It is hard to follow and gets boring, especially when much of the ridiculously detailed mythology is read in this deadpan voice. Some of his voices sound the same, too, which gets confusing.

Not sure if I will listen to or read the next book. I kind if want to keep going but the audio is frustrating. We'll see. My guess is that if you (like me) have made it this far, you are invested in these people, but maybe it would be less confusing to read it instead. I love a long story, but this could have used some edits. On to book four I guess.

Such an adventure!

I adore these two! The adventures they get into are intense. This author manages to be so descriptive that you can literally see every word. So amazing! The narration is on point. Loved every second!!

I Loved Every Paranormal Moment! 💖🐺💖

Celtic Irish/ Welsh Pantheon

I absolutely fell in love with the first book in the Spellbound Series because it featured my favorite pantheon, The Greek.

Book #2 kept me in its thrall with the mystery surrounding Patrick's soul debt to Persephone and now dealing with a new case involving Santa Muerta. Encased in all of this are the problems still going on with the NYC Godpack, Jono, a pending vampire war over territory, and Patrick's never ending "daddy issues." Oh, and there may or may not be a fire-breathing fledgling who needs a family.

Book #3!!! Holy Celtic/ Irish/ Welsh Deities, Batman! Do not blink or you baby may be swapped for a changeling by the fae. This triggering an avalanche of paranormal assertiveness, creepy creatures, rival deities, secrets, half-truths, riddles, and trickery, like you could NEVER have imagined!

There is so much going on in this book, I read it, AND listened to the 🎧Audible version. I was captivated by the genius that is Hailey Turner. She goes above and beyond to stay as true to the history, and legends of these Pantheons, and it is evident in the countless details that weave this story on your soul like an ancient tapestry. The colors, sounds/ cadence/ dialog, character facets, and subplots all work together in a beautiful, majestic, and often dark way so your only option is to fall in love with the story.

I cannot express enough what this series has meant to me so far, but Fenrir be praised I am loving every paranormal moment! This family reunion of Gods, Goddesses, and Monsters makes this old Crone's heart very happy!

You are a true wizard, worthy of your craft, Hailey Turner! Goddess Bless!

As for the Audible version, Gary Furlong does an amazing job with accents, pronunciation of the names and of the phrases used. He has made Jono so stinkin' hot in my mind's eye, it's a wonder my skull candy buds haven't incinerated.

***sigh... So much more I could say, but I will close with this- paranormal goodness, sMMexy times, action, mystery, ongoing character arcs, a thrill ride you will take more than once! Change your name to Nike (name the pantheon - make me proud) and, "JUST DO IT!"

5+ fan-freakin-tastic-stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


I received a complimentary audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!🐺

Making Deals With The Fae

A Crown of Iron & Silver is the third book in the Soulbound series. This is not a standalone book and the first two books need to be read in order to understand this book fully.

One of the things I love so much about the Soulbound series is seeing old myths and legends reimagined within the context of the contemporary world. In this third book, Patrick is thrust into the world of the fae and must navigate their courts while attempting to solve his own investigative cases for the New York City branch of the Supernatural Operations Agency. As if this is not enough, Patrick and Jonothon must deal with the rival werewolf god pack that would like nothing more than to see Patrick and Jono dead and gone.

I was enthralled with this book and how intricate the plot was without ever losing focus. Patrick and Jono literally traveled the world and beyond, but all the while their purpose for their journey was never forgotten. I love all the different dynamics there are to the plots and subplots, including the developing relationship between Patrick and Jono as they fall in love without admitting it to each other, and raising a young dragon fledgling within their own small pack.

This was a wonderful addition to the series and I highly recommend it.

Fantastic narrator!

I've listened to the first three Soulbound books, and Gary Furlong is excellent. He switches between American, Irish and Scottish accents as needed, and also did a Latino accent and more. His pronunciations of the difficult Celtic words were great, and the different tones of voice that he gives each character are so distinct I knew who was speaking before he even read "so and so said." The snark he gives Patrick skillfully inserts the intended humor into the heavier moments. Love it!

5*

I have LOVED this series from the beginning. Hearing Jono, though hmmm. I like Patrick but I just Love Jono. Now with Wade added to the pack, listening to him mumble around a mouthful of food is simply delightful. Or "Not a kid" Love that Not kid.

Exhausting, repetitive and confusing

DNF 75%

Deciding when to stopping reading this book was a struggle. I know i was nearly done and i could have finished but I just couldn't subject my self anymore to not being entertained for this long. It was a real shame realizing it was time to fold because the last few books in the series made me never want this series to end. This book changed my mind, i definitely can want this series to end now.

This story like the last book has virtually no romance or Erotic scenes. There is a out of place Erotic scene in the beginning that oh most identically mirrors its odd placement in the 2nd book. Once again it felt plugged in just to remind the readers that the main characters are gay because after that scene, all that is never really seen again. If that scene was taken out of both books, I would easily forget there are gay characters. Which is sorta problematic writing if this is the only way an author knows how to remind us with a oddly placed Erotic scene at the beginning of the last 2 books.
Another oddly placed Erotic scene happen like 65% into the book that just didn't feel natural. It occurs suddenly, over quickly and after a moment of physical trauma, again it felt plugged when there is absolutely no romance or build up to get me to care about it.

This book is literally named after what is supposed to be powering the romantic plot. The 2 main characters being soulbound is really forgettable. I feel like it was a good excuse to help enhance a romantic relationship during the first book but 2 books later its hardly a plot point other then another weak reminder of 2 gay characters that in itself is forgettable without the Erotic scene during the start of each book. Now its not really a romantic plot device but just a power up.



I felt like the pacing was off this time too. Too many characters are making appearances and being introduced too quickly. It was a struggle keeping track of everyone this time around as too many tried to take screen time. Only after 60% through the book i feel like i could finally keep track. I think a reread is needed to follow along, which i wish wasnt necessary since that wouldn't be needed if the pacing was better.

The story this time also didn't feel as strong because significantly through the book it was becoming difficult to understand the conflict and it started feeling more nonsensical. It was harder to follow and this wasn't helped with the pacing.

The ongoing conflict regarding territory sorta became the side story this time. It'd be mentioned periodically which i wish was focused on more then what it was. The confusing new over arcing story regarding baby kidnapping from other realms that can split into several realms that can be only accessed by the Faye blah blah blah took priority instead.
I had trouble focusing this time as I just felt that something was off this time regarding the writing to get me better invested on what the heck was going on.

Also some of drama felt sorta heavy handed and unbelievable. Like, i can only take 'the 2 main characters get seperated in some wacky way and are trying to find eachother' mini plot point so many times. This happened a lot in this series and by now I'm getting tired of it. ALSO i can only take this whole 'lets use Patrick as a bargaining chip' so many times. Why is this plot device used in every freaking conflict like he is some sort of currency. This makes no sense why this keeps happening and starting to make me lose respect for this guy on how often he sells his body to resolve a conflict. I mean he can't possibly be that valuable due to how often its discussed that he's damaged.

This book just had so many repeat plot devices that it became tired, frustrating and exhausting to read.

This book was a confusing mess and luckily it was forgettable enough to get it off my mind to pretend the series ended on book 2 and wasn't spoiled by this bad experience.

A Crown of Iron & Silver

This is the third book in this series and each book raises the stake this is one of my favourite series I love the different pantheon this Author truly knows how to bring them too life . This time around our favorite God pack has to deal with the various fae court's and of course this being case fae nothing is what it seems and there are deals to be made . Some with deadly consequences if not met shocking secrets are found out and a battle will be waged but it's also the pack's first Christmas together find out if everyone get what they wish for (Wade ) or is there more in store for our God pack .

amazing

wow.. this was amazing.. the story of course i knew was amazing... the narrator did an awesome job with these characters.. he was sexy and fun.. the narrator was wonderful and did an amazing job with who these characters are :)

AMAZING!

I absolutely loved this third book/audiobook in the Soulbound series. It is AMAZING and I would give it TEN stars if I could. The characters are wonderfully complex and the plot is intricate with plenty of twists and surprises to keep the reader/listener enthralled. The story is full of action and adventure, secrets and half-truths, subterfuge and double-crosses, hurt and betrayal. There is also plenty of love, friendship, and devotion, and some very steamy intimate scenes between Patrick and Jono. I loved it and I can't wait for the next book. (Please write fast.^^) Although this story can be enjoyed by itself (and is the best one so far), you won't understand everything going on if you haven't read or listened to the first two books.

The narration by Gary Furlong is beyond words. His delivery really brings the characters and story to life. I don't think I would ever enjoy the story as much by reading it myself, as I would stumble over (or skip) the names that he seems to pronounce with grace and ease.

I received a review copy of this audiobook through LesCourt Author Services and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

🎧 LesCourt Reviewer 🎧

A Crown of Iron & Silver by Hailey Turner ( Soulbound Book 3) Wow this series just keep getting better. I loved this PNR Story. The characters will keep you entertained from beginning to end. This story was well written With a lot of action.
The Narrator Gary Furlong did a fantastic job bringing these characters and story to life.

this series keeps getting better

so complex and gripping. definately not a stand alone. loved the story line and the character development. Wade is my spirit animal.
wonderful narration as always.

Great series

A well written story with and interesting  concept.  The characters are likeable and the narration is very good.

Fav series of all time

Totally in love with this series of books. The world that Hailey turner has created is wonderful and magical. The developing relationship between Patrick and Jono is beautiful. So great that a m/m couple are the main focus of the books. Used to think nothing could top the magical world of Harry Potter but now soulbound is my new favourite!

Another great story

Another book knocked out the ballpark, love this narrator it took awhile for me to get into his style as it was different to many others I have listened to. And now I love it..

I LOVE THESE

Seriously enjoying these SO MUCH wow I've never really been into this genre but these books are so captivating and intense. There's a lot going on so you really have to pay attention but wow FANTASTIC

Fantastic

Fantastic narration, I especially loved Jono's English accent so good. The story is compelling and I thought the narrator did an amazing job with all the Celtic words. Highly recommend

A great series and one of my favorite couples!!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3+
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 4.5

More twists and turns as Jono and Patrick are forced to make their move to save a friend's fiance and establish their pack and their power.

With more danger, thanks to the local god pack, Jono’s life is threatened again and Pat and Jono’s bond is strengthened.

I felt this book was less tense than the previous two but helped solidify the series progress. Betrayal and hardship lie ahead but Pat and Jono are stronger together than they ever were apart. I can't wait for more of these two and am so ready for the next installment.

Fantastic narration too! Gary is a master at elevating Pat and Jono and adding fear to the devastating dangers these characters face.

A great series and one of my favorite couples!!!

Thanks for reading!