Umbral Bonds
Book 1 of Penny Cuento's Soul Series:
Some souls don't want peace. Some secrets should stay buried.
Esmeralda's life is a wreck. Dead-end job. Broken heater. Bills she can't pay. The only bright spot? Her best friend Izumi. Small problem. Izumi's been dead for ten years.
Every night, Esmer drags herself to the cemetery to commune with the dead, hoping to help lost souls move on before they claw their way out of the shadows. It's the only thing keeping the nightmares at bay. But when a chance encounter drags her into a hidden world of secret magical clubs, ancient conspiracies, and powerful families who deal in blood and souls, she realizes her powers aren't random. They were stolen. And someone wants them back.
Can she protect Izumi and uncover the truth before the shadows consume them both?
Find out in Umbral Bonds, a gritty dark fantasy featuring a necromancer who'd rather be left alone and a slow-burn romance with stakes higher than death.
Grab your copy to dive into the darkness today!
Tropes
💀 Hidden Magical World
🥀 Slow Burn Romance
🖤 Found Family
🕷️ Who Can You Trust?
⚰️ Reluctant Hero
🌑 Powers She Can't Control
🗝️ Secret Societies
Micro-Tropes
Gruff exterior soft interior
Protective best friend
I hate everyone except you
Introduction to a magical elite
Forced to attend a fancy party
Sarcastic protagonist
Walking green flag hero
Dangerous romance
WHAT Readers SAY:
Amazon Review:
This book left me wanting to know more about this magical world and how it all fits together! Necromancers, best friends, betrayal and strong bonds - I’m rooting for Esmer and Izumi! This first books sets up an entire world I can’t wait to read more about.
Amazon Review:
I loved the sensual details, character arcs, and the wonderfully dark vibes of this book. Oh! And her descriptions of food! Cuentos had me hungry to read more (and also actually hungry.) If you love dark paranormal, grab Umbral Bonds and prepare to be wrapped up in Esmeralda's tendrils.
Amazon Review
Love this book as the author takes us into the world of magical powers, which we discover along with the protagonist. Couldn't put it down, so went right to Book 2.