Reviewed by: Sue Eaton

TITLE: The Magic That Binds

SERIES: Haelan #1

AUTHOR: AJ Sherwood                      

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 411 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 13, 2023

BLURB:

All Dag Gates wants is a place to call home. (And to practice magic freely.)

All Stefan Bjorne wants is peace in his adoptive country. (And less paperwork.)

All Mikkel Vinters wants is both of them. (No, really, he could do wedding bells.)

So why, pray tell, is half the magical community set on denying them all their wishes?

Urban fantasy anyone?, slow burn, Mikkel is dying its so slow, pray for him, age gap, millionaire CEO is loose with no limits, cinnamon roll protection squad assemble!, polyamory at its best, Dag wants to eat all the things, all, magic, healing, childhood trauma, who’s chasing who is the question, Dag’s shy, Stefan’s a little insecure, thankfully Mikkel is neither, there is far too much food in this book, short but mighty, rules are established, Mikkel’s type in men is sexy and dangerous, it hasn’t killed him yet, accidental husband acquisition, magical bindings, shenanigans shall now commence

REVIEW:

AJ Sherwood has created another wonderful magical world.  I love the mix of modern day with a feudal caste of magic.  The world is divided into regions and all those with magic are categorized and tested.  If you fail the tests you are placed on the list and banned from using your magic, with severe penalties if you are caught.

Dag failed his test at 16 but his innate magic can heal people and not only heal minor wounds but carry out miraculous healing over the most complex injuries.  He has been wandering the country always staying one step ahead of the law, but he continues to heal usually the poorest in society who are grateful for the help and ask no questions.  He has no place to call home and often is hungry as he can’t afford to keep up with his voracious appetite the magic forces on him.  His moral compass won’t let him turn away from someone in need.  Thus, he finds himself before the highest Maegen Galdere in Novo Scotia and his life takes a very unexpected turn.

Bjorne has so much on his plate as second in command in Novo Scotia and the highest Maegan.  He finds a treasure in Dag, a healer, unfairly placed on the list and left to flounder and in his eyes the greatest crime of all, depriving the world of a unique and substantial healing power.   He will battle everyone and anyone to get the recognition that Dag deserves and have him removed from the list.  Which is easy to accomplish within Novo Scotia but substantially more difficult for the rest of the world.

Mikkel is a successful businessman who is looking to expand into Novo Scotia and is making himself indispensable bringing specialty foods to the castle.  Turns out he finds more than he bargains for, but he is used to getting what he wants, using his charm and good looks to full effect.

Three very unlikely men, but when their paths cross and they get to know each other, it is apparent that sparks are flying.  Confusion reigns at the beginning, where they are attracted to each other, with them all doubting who they are attracted to, should one give way so the other two can be together.  I cheered when they finally that a relationship didn’t make sense unless all three were together.  They make a beautiful throuple, each bringing something unique to the relationship.  Dag doesn’t feel he contributes much but in reality; he is the glue that makes the relationship work.

There are a lot of twists and turns in this book.  Petty jealousy and that bureaucratic rigidity refusing to change and accept that an error occurred placing Dag on the list and the unwillingness to overturn their mistake.  The conviction of all three men to fight not only for their right to be together but to right the grievous wrong done to Dag, no matter what.

Whilst this book isn’t as humorous as previous AJ Sherwood books, there are so many little bits that made me smile and I loved the new magical world that has been created.

RATING:

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