Aether Bound: A Laguna Beach Contemporary Portal Fantasy Adventure

Megan Haskell

May 2022 · The Rise of Lilith Book 1 · Trabuco Ridge Press

About this ebook

Book Excellence Award Finalist and Readers' Favorite 5-Star Winner!

Aether Bound is the perfect book for fans of American Gods meets Mayfair Witches meets Coyote Ugly, with meddling ancient gods, elemental magic, beachy cocktails, and a slow-burn romance to swoon over.

“...a vivid mythological setting that uses the gods to explore the concept of higher emotions such as love, family, and friendship.” ~Liz Konkel for Readers’ Favorite

"A thrilling ride with action, unique demon magic, and characters so real they leap from the page! I couldn't put it down!" ~ Alisha Klapheke, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Kingdoms of Lore Series

***

Hello, my name is Lil, and I can see the demon on your shoulder.

I spent years hiding my magical abilities, avoiding the whispers and sideways glances from former friends and suspicious strangers. They didn’t believe what they couldn’t see, and they couldn’t see the spirits among us. I was alone, except for my brother, Ezra.

Luckily, I found my calling as a bartender in Laguna Beach, California, land of sunshine, sand, and surf. The Trident Bar is my home away from home, where I can admire the nerdy-hot yet sweet lead singer of the house band from a distance while I mix up some cocktail magic. For the first time, I can honestly say life is good. 

That is, until things go sideways.

A woman nearly drowns. Ezra is missing. Demons are climbing from the ocean depths. An old lady gives me a magic napkin. And I’m the only one who can see what’s really going on.

The question is, can I harness the elemental magic in my blood to stop it and bring Ezra home, before the primordial god of the ocean claims his due?

***

If you like your adventures shaken, not stirred, with a pinch of magic, a twist of myth, and a dash of mayhem, you’ll love this new contemporary paranormal fantasy series by Megan Haskell.

Ratings and reviews

This was such an enjoyable read and I really liked that the magic element comes from legends, lore, and mythology. I loved the references to the more lesser-known gods (to me anyway) and was very thankful to have been reading this on my Kindle so I could quickly look them up. That was kinda half the fun - I was learning some ancient history along with reading a really good fantasy book. Also I appreciated several of the pop culture references throughout - question though, are authors not allowed to call out Chris Hemsworth by name? hahaha this is the 3rd or 4th book I've read with a reference to his Thor character and I'm starting to wonder if there is a royalty on using his non-Marvel name 😅 I think you'd really enjoy this book - takes place near the beach/in the ocean, there are very good dogs and such a sweet male interest along with a strong female heroine - it's just overall a fun read.

I got an advance copy for an honest review. I have read and enjoyed other books by this author and was excited to check this out. Lil can see demons, something she keeps hidden from everyone except her brother. She is estranged from the rest of her family and keeps herself from being close to anyone due to her abilities and the fear that she will not be accepted. When her brother disappears during an unusual storm, she has to learn to use and embrace these abilities if she has any hope of getting him back. I liked the characters. Lil, her brother and friends were interesting and felt like people you could meet at a beach side bar. I thought the story was unusual and it was a quick read. I felt the pacing was very good. I honestly can't wait to see where this series goes. The story had magic, a little myth, friendship and family ties. Even a little romance to sweeten the deal. I look forward to see more Lil and her friends and what adventures await them all.

Seeing demons on people's shoulders not nothing compared to the problems our main MS Lil has to content with. I like her. She's strong, compassionate and devoted to her brother. She has other "gifts" she uses daily or at least while she is working. Action, with just a hit of a budding romance (hopefully to her anchor to the land.) The book ends with a HFN vibe. So if you like the story line (and I know you will) you can continue. If not (and I don't think you won't like this wonderful story) you can leave without feeling like there is a cliffhanger . There is more adventure and trouble for Lil . I like her friends. They are solid and willing to help even when she thinks they shouldn't because they may get hurt. The story line, world building are excellent. I love the world picture in the book. You can see and feel what each person is going through. Can't wait for the next adventure. I was given this book as an ARC through Bookfunnel with no obligation for my honest review.

About the author

Escape with me into myth, magic, and mayhem.

I’ve been a fantasy reader for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved joining extraordinary adventures in the written word, imagining myself alongside heroic men and women, fighters and warriors who strive to improve the world, or at least kill the bad guy. Ensconced in the safety of my bedroom, I explored strange lands with dangerous creatures. It was an addiction I was happy to accommodate, especially when my mom wanted me to do my chores.

I was often grounded from reading.

As I grew older, I wanted to tell my own stories, to give others the same joy I found in the pages of books. It was inevitable that I would start writing, and that my preferred genre would be fantasy. What else could I possibly write?

Okay, okay, sci-fi too.

But now it’s my joy to bring new fantasy adventures to life, to give you, dear reader, a safe escape from your daily reality.

Join me, and let’s fight some bad guys together.

I am the award-winning author of The Sanyare Chronicles, and Co-Founder of The Author Wheel, a website dedicated to helping writers keep their stories rolling.