Unbound

Confluence Academy, Book 1

De: Penelope Bloom

Narrado por: Rachel Leblang, Anthony Palmini

Nineteen-year-old Nessa Thorne expects death when she volunteers for Empire's selection. Instead, she's thrust into Confluence Academy, where students harness elemental magic and bond powerful beasts—from wolves to ancient dragons—forging themselves into the Empire's most lethal weapons.

Students are branded by affinity: water, air, earth, or fire. But Nessa's mark is different. A silver spiral—the mark of an unbound. It's a power so dangerous her kind were hunted to extinction centuries ago—or so the Empire claims.

To survive, she must hide what she is in a castle that reeks of blood, where students kill each other for advantage, and failing to tether an elemental means death.

Nessa's greatest threat may be the only other volunteer—Raith Hollow, a powerful fire affinity whose scorching gaze follows her every move and whose secrets could topple kingdoms.

Alliances are forged in blood, enemies circle like vultures, and forbidden desires close in. Death once seemed like a release from her tragic past. Now it's not an option. She'll embrace her terrible potential or watch everything she's fought for burn.

At Confluence Academy, students leave as weapons... or they don't leave at all.

A delicious slow-burning romance as dangerous as the magic? Check. A final line that will haunt you for weeks? Double check. An ending that will leave you desperate for book two? Absolutely.

©2025 Penelope Bloom (P)2025 Podium Audio

Cross Between Fourth Wing and Potter

The story is a nice buffer as I wait for the next Fourth Wing. Entertaining and has some great moments. I almost shut it off many times because the narrator is excruciating. She sounds irritated all of the time and computerized. I don’t know if I can listen or read the next one of the narrators voice is still in my head.

great action and beginning of romance

love it. can't wait until next book. the main characters vibe great. good cliffhanger too.

Great Start!

Loved this story. Great narration, interesting characters, slow-burn romance. Can’t wait for the next book.

review

it was very similar to four wing but with less character development but overall very good

Masterpiece

This book is absolutely incredible! It’s so funny like laugh out loud funny, kicking my feet on the couch amazing! it’s a top-tier, amazing read. It’s for sure one of my top reads of the year.

I’ve seen other reviews (on Goodreads) criticizing the book for similarities to other romantic fantasy books, but I don’t think that’s fair. Authors are readers, and they’re inspired by works the same way we are. For me, this amazing book is a perfect blend of all my favorite romantic fantasy elements, wrapped up in one masterpiece.

Think of it like this: Zodiac Academy, Divergent, Fourth Wing, Trials, and then add whipped cream on top. That’s what Unbound is!

Her dragon is hilarious, and I love fantasy stories where the main character bonds with a magical being and they can communicate through their minds. I also love when the magical beings are their own unique characters.

Someone mentioned that there are even names used from Fourth Wing, but that’s not true. There’s only one name that is also in Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac, but again, this book is not stealing those stories. It might have been inspired by them, but it’s unique and wonderful in its own way.

I’m here for it, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If I could give it 100 stars, 🌟 I would!