Bound in Inked Flame

Of Crows and Thorns Saga, Book 1

By: Ava Larksen

Narrated by: Shiloh James, Kieran Regan

When I signed myself away in marriage, I should have read the fine print. Ink fades—blood binds.

I'm a prisoner, trapped behind gilded gates, my freedom traded for safety. Magic pulses beneath my skin, wild and forbidden. In our world of ruling Houses, wielding such power means death. One slip, one spark—everyone I love dies.

As a princess of the Great House, I should have been untouchable. But in a cruel twist of fate, a ruthless family of enforcers claims the right to choose any bride. Now I'm to marry the infuriating Graysen Crowther. Our loathing is legendary, but with only a wall between us each night, hatred burns into something far more treacherous. One touch and I might lose something far worse than my life—my traitorous heart.

As my control fractures and betrayal tightens its noose, my only chance at survival lies in escaping to seek the monster who holds the truth about my magic. Yet when a bargained kiss unleashes an unbreakable bond, dark suspicion whispers through my bones that I'm caught in a blood-soaked web.

For in this deadly game of power, where trust is a luxury I can't afford, Graysen moves like someone who's been playing long before I knew there was a game.

And his secret might prove more lethal than any forbidden magic.

Bound in Inked Flame is the first book in the Of Crows and Thorns Saga, an epic dark romantasy. Perfect for those who crave plot-heavy, character-driven sagas drenched in atmosphere and rich world-building—where dark mysteries unravel alongside a slow-burn romance and heart-wrenching choices that threaten to destroy everything. Please note this book ends on a cliffhanger.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

©2026 Ava Larksen (P)2026 Podium Audio

Dark! Morally Grey! Twisted! Intense! Loved this one!

Bound in Inked Flame by Ava Larksen. This book had me hooked from the start with the dark and magical back story with all its twist and turns you don’t see coming! To the heat and intense chemistry between Nell and Grayson it is beyond swoon worthy. This book had so much story and so much passion and fire! I loved every second of it. Leaving you on an intense cliff hanger I cannot wait to see what comes next.

Just wow💥💥

This book was absolutely amazing. I could not put it down. Way to go Ava your story was absolutely perfect.

fantastic

I loved everything about this book! The narrator for Graysen was absolutely perfect..definitely worth it!

wow

Love the story. amazing characters. can't wait to listen to book 2 & see where the story leads. ❤️❤️❤️

Fun ride

It’s quite predictable, but I enjoyed the ride to get there. The constant action kept me active in my listening. The banter was fun and overall a good time. Not the best plot, not the best characters, but the fact that I couldn’t stop listening is why I gave it 5. The VAs did well. ACOTAR feels