Bound in Inked Flame

Of Crows and Thorns Saga, Book 1

De: Ava Larksen

Narrado por: 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.

©2023 Ava Larksen (P)2026 Podium Audio

Absolutely love this story.

I read this book ‘way back when’ it was on Wattpad. It was the book that got me back into reading romantasy. It is one of the only books (the whole series) that I have reread many times. Highly recommend. I hope Varen and Tabitha get an audible book, as well. Thank you Ava. Such a great story.

fantastic

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

Kept me wanting more

Loved how captivating the story was but really disliked the over use of foul language. I can handle intermittent here & there use but every single conversation being laced almost made me stop listening…almost.

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.

Perfectly detailed scenes and characters

I almost passed on this book due to how long it is, which is a little over 32 hours if you didn’t notice, but decided to purchase it anyway. And I have no regrets.

I love how all of it takes place in our world! It allowed me to keep my focus on the story itself rather than trying to keep up with world building. Don’t get me wrong, I love fantasy books with well done world building, but I feel as though it would have taken away from the story when it comes to this particular book.

Our two main leads are written very well, and are very memorable characters, as are the supporting characters in the book. It isn’t redundant in regard to their inside dialog as to how they feel about each other. There isn’t the repetitious pining so to speak.

Magic, romance, fantasy and very well written story line.

Now onto the reason for four stars. There were parts that dragged on for far too long, and would have been just as impactful if they were shorter. If I had read this before listening I probably would have skimmed through these and as a result miss important details.

Definitely book shelf worthy, and I’m anticipating the next book in the series.