“I would put your heart between my ribs and guard it like my own,” will be in my mind for a long, long time. I honestly freaked when I got approved to receive an arc of A Power Unbound. This book was an excellent finish to this wonderful trilogy, filled with magic and heists and characters from the two previous books (Robin and Edwin, my beloveds). The magic in this book is fascinating and unlike anything I’ve ever read, and Marske has such a beautiful way of structuring sentences. I’ll definitely miss these group of characters and stunning world-building!

A Power Unbound
A spicy, magical historical romp
by Freya Marske

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Sci-fi and fantasy, General Fiction (Adult) , Romance.

This has been a lighthearted, fun read, mixing magical families, with lands and homes that are almost sentient, with some subtle romance. Its got great characters, fun ones, serious ones and of course some good old fashioned purely bad ones. I loved Jack and Alan, two very diverse characters but the sensuality, wow....Of course the folk we've met before are here too, fighting for the good of magic, risking dangers at every turn. The bad characters here really will stop at nothing to get the power the perceive as their due.
It brings together the events of the previous novels, wrapping the story up in a very dramatic finale.

Stars: Five, I really enjoyed this, though at times had to mentally re-track on who was who and where they belonged in the story. It would have worked best for me to read the novels back-to-back, but that's because I read so much there have been lots of other fantasy reads between these.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

"Of the generations of magicians who had called Cheetham Hall home, there had never been anyone like Jack and Elsie Alston."

4.5 Stars

The concluding story to The Last Binding series and largely succeeds in wrapping up this fantasy tale swirling into a story of found families that is a delightful addition to the romance that is present in this book and the entire series.

With this story focusing on Jack and Alan, the readers are given the delight of following the humour, wit and dark emotions that set these character apart from their previous stories. The characters match each other wonderfully in scenes and it was exciting to delve into these characters deeper.

The majority of the story flowed nicely, building up the tension and planning of the story arc that had spanned this trilogy. I enjoyed that as a reader I felt the pull and chase of the plans and heists that were carried out throughout this story, keeping readers engaged as these plans developed and were acted out and their consequences. The only thing that causes the drop in half a star is due to sometimes feeling that actions and story elements were rushing too quickly; the building to the climax of 'The Last Contract' jumped around just a little too much for me.

Overall a fantasy trilogy that I will continue to recommended to other readers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for this eARC.

It is always bittersweet to read the final book in a series, especially one that I’ve loved every minute of and despite saying goodbye to beloved characters I relished the chance to enter the world Freya Markse has created one more time. Like Marske’s previous two novels, A Power Unbound focuses on a couple and this time it’s notorious Lord Hawthorn, Jack Alston and journalist Alan Ross who we met in the previous book, A Restless Truth. I was thrilled as their growing interest in each other in that book was so much fun to read.

A Power Unbound is a terrific sequel, linking every thread that Marske has woven throughout her books together to offer an incredibly satisfying conclusion. While Jack and Alan’s relationship is the romantic focus of the book, Edwin, Robin and Adelaide Morrissey from book one, A Marvellous Light, and Maude and Violet from book two, A Restless Truth, play a large role in this book. Marske has written a masterpiece of a sequel filled with danger at every turn, magical battles and a puzzle filled house that is hiding the final piece of the Last Contract.

I particularly liked the direction that Marske went with the plot of the Last Contract and how it tied elements together that I hadn’t realised were linked to it. I’m not going to say any more about the plot in this review for two reasons; a lot happens, and it’s one of those books where you’re best reading it for yourself! All I’ll say is that if you enjoyed the previous two offerings by Marske then you’re going to love everything about this one, save for it being the end of a brilliant trilogy.

While we say goodbye to The Last Binding universe with A Power Unbound we thankfully we won’t have to wait long for more books by the wonderful Freya Marske as she’s just signed a new book deal!

I do love a good conclusion to a trilogy and A Power Unbound certainly hit the mark!

After the fun of Violet and Maud’s ship-based shenanigans in A Restless Truth, it was good to be back on land with the whole gang back together. A Power Unbound provides a new central couple, Hawthorn and Ross, who have they’ve own unique dynamic compared to the other couples while still brining the spice. I particularly enjoyed delving into their backstories and the exploration of their class divide and power dynamic.

There’s also still plenty of magic and mystery, and I appreciated how all the narrative threads seamlessly converged for a gratifying conclusion. The unique magic system in these books has always been a favourite of mine and I loved how this book delved further into magical lore.

I’m only sad this is the last book in the trilogy. There’s so much more to this world that could be explored and I’d definitely read another book based in it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the characters in this series so much and I thought this was the perfect conclusion to the trilogy! I felt completely pulled back into the story and I absolutely flew through this book!
✨magic
✨threat to all magic
✨enemies to lovers
✨the whole gang from the previous two books
✨everyone’s grumpy

thanks netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review xo

5 stars, no notes, i love every single character of this little team so very, very much. i was very eagerly anticipating this one and it didn’t disappoint - our beloved pals from the earlier books returned and we got to learn more about hawthorn and ross’s interiorities and dynamic. and OH what a dynamic it was. the fact that these two had an honest to god kink negotiation while also managing to half talk around the details was hilarious and deeply important for me to be able to enjoy their specific dynamic, and it was done very well.

as for the overarching fantasy plot, i will admit i didn’t understand the intricacies, HOWEVER, i didn’t have to? it all came together in a very satisfying way. the plot was equally predictable (in the best way) and blindsiding, so it never felt boring or like anything was being done for shock value.

funny, hot, heart-wrenchingly tender… yeah. 5 stars, no notes, i love them all so very, very much.

Three books! I've waited three books to get Hawthorns POV and Marske absolutely did not disappoint. Marske brings her chaotic gays together for one last run at saving the last contract and, through it, the magic of England. Everything in this book felt heightened, the magic, the danger, the smut... and I couldn't put it down.

Jack Alston would quite happily be done with magic forever. After it killed his twin sister and then silenced him from ever talking about it, he doesn't believe anything good can come from it. Unfortunately, the threat of dangerous people finding the last contract means that he finds himself dragged back into that world, and into the midst of a group of people who he reluctantly likes... not that he would ever admit it. He's still as haughty and unapproachable as ever, but through his time with Maud, Violet, Robin, Edwin and Alan, he finds his walls being taken down, finds himself feeling things for people again, respect, kindness... possibly even love. His POV broke me in parts, especially the scenes that feature his sister, when we find out what really happened to her, and you slowly start to realise that the stony facade he shows may be just that.

Alan is only being polite to these people because of what he can get out of the deal, that's what he tells himself anyway. Lord Hawthorn and the rest, with their money and unearned power, are everything he hates, but he slowly finds himself starting to like them, respect them, after all who can refuse Maud Blyth when she sets her mind to being friends. When Lord Hawthorn finds out how Alan has been substituting his income something passes between the two that can't be taken back.

Though this is absolutely Hawthorn and Alan's book Marske still graces us with boat loads of scenes featuring all the characters we loved from the previous books. Robin and Edwin, Violet and Maud, even Adelaide Morrissey who gets lots more page time in this book and I adored her. The interactions between this lot, Adelaide almost being the mother and Hawthorn the reluctant father, made for some truly hilarious but also heartwarming scenes.

The mystery surrounding the last contract, what Hawthorns cousin and Edwin's brother want to do with it, was already built on in the first two books, something that allowed this one to be slightly more action packed and emotionally heightened. We know the stakes, we know whats at risk if they manage to get their hands on the last contract, but Marske still manages to grace us with new information, plot twists and characters that keep us on our toes, ensuring were never quite sure what will happen.

I mentioned that the romance in this one was heightened and boy was it. Marske seems to be trying to one up herself with the level of smut with each book and this one was the smuttiest by far. How she used the power differences between Hawthorn and Alan, allowing them to almost role play in their relationship together was incredibly hot and their scenes together were that scorching I'm surprised the bloody pages didn't set on fire. I loved the romance, I really did, but I think what I loved more was seeing this group of chaotic gays become, in some cases begrudgingly, a family. We get to see plenty of one on one interactions between our characters, as well as multiple scenes with them all working together and I loved the little intricacies & intimacies that Marske put in.

This series has become an all time favourite of mine and shows that romantic fantasy can be done exceptionally well, giving plenty of page time to both aspects without loosing out on either. Marske has created a bunch of characters that absolutely own my heart and a story that had my heart racing, both at the level of intimacy and the action packed and tension filled scenes. I'm so sad it's ended, but boy did it end spectacularly and I can't wait to pick up whatever Marske graces us with next.

A Power Unbound delivers a great ending to The Last Binding series.

I must confess I wasn't sure about the pairing of Hawthorne and Ross going into the book but I actually ended up really loving both these characters and the dynamic between them. They're both a little prickly (with good reasons) and absolutely rub each other the wrong way sometimes (pun not intended - that definitely was not a problem they had!) and should not work together, yet they absolutely did!

I also really enjoyed that we got to spend more time with the other 2 couples from the earlier books and think Marske did a great job of balancing Hawthorne and Ross' story and romance with the wider story arc and the other characters.

Did I entirely understand every single part of the magical plot they were trying to foil? Nope. But I enjoyed reading about these characters and their world too much to care.

Overall, a great romance and an excellent conclusion to this series!

What a way to finish the trilogy!

It had everything we’ve come to expect from this series. The magic system, so brilliantly introduced across the previous two books, was expanded further in this final instalment and I loved seeing where it went!

It was so great to see all the characters together. The only downside of this trilogy is that the two main characters that we grew to love in the first book were largely absent in the second, so to have all the characters together felt really special. It had almost a cross-over feel that added to the excitement of the story, and I loved catching up with all the characters and where they are now.

The real selling point of this book, though, is the romance. While the romantic yearning in book one, and the curiosity and journey of book two, were so so compelling, this book blew them out of the water. Tensions were high from the get go, and it’s easily the steamiest book of all three.

There is something so satisfying about a well-formed trilogy, and this final book tied everything together so well! It’s rare that I get invested in and complete a book series, so when I do I’m so glad I could get that pay-off from a brilliant series.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

The enthralling conclusion to The Last Binding trilogy.

I have been excited for this book ever since its announcement, and I was thrilled to receive a copy early to review! Both of the first two books have been solid 5 star reads for me, so I had high hopes for book 3 and it did not disappoint!

All our favourite characters from A Marvellous Light and A Restless Truth come together in this final instalment as they race to find a solution to The Last Contract before their enemies can use it to steal magic from all of Britain’s magicians.

The story was absolutely action packed, to the point where I actually thought I must be getting towards the end because events were ramping up so much, only to check and realise I was only about halfway through.

Overall this is an excellent end to a truly magical queer fantasy mystery trilogy. If any or all of those genres appeal to you, I would thoroughly encourage you to read The Last Binding trilogy.

Having loved the previous two titles in this trilogy, I couldn’t wait for the resolution, and I’m happy to say that Marske didn't disappoint.

As suspected, the narration focused on the romance between Lord Jack Hawthorn and Alan Ross, and the banter was as priceless as expected. We’re also thrown back into the ‘mystery / nefarious plot', something that was perhaps weaker in book 2 but back into force here. This and seeing all the players from the series back made it all the better. In all, an entertaining read.

My thanks to the author, Pan Macmillan, and NetGalley for providing an Advanced Reading Copy of A Power Unbound.

A Power Unbound by Freya Marske

Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the arc for an unbiased review.

This book is the last book of 'The Last Binding' trilogy. I felt it was a fitting conclusion to a wonderful set of books.

As with the previous two books, we have a couple as the main focus. In this instance, Lord Hawthorn (Jack) with Alan. The previous two books had the others flitting around the story of the couple that was being focused on, but as this is the conclusion, we have all 3 couples much more front and central.

A Power Unbound brings the humour, steamy scenes and magical adventure with shadowy adversaries that was present in the previous two books. We also had someone who was pretty distasteful in book one, we saw glimpses of in book two which made them more sympathetic. By book three, the growth is such, they are someone I could fully understand and cheer them on. The trilogy really pulls into the found family theme, with those who fall in love, but the depth of friendship that occurs as much a part of it all.

It will be difficult to say goodbye to everyone in this world, but I can't think of a more deserving send off. A worthy end.

5/5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was the last book in the Last Binding series. These are a magical, historical, lgbtqia+ books.

In this one we follow Lord Hawthorne who can do magic and Ross who cannot. A question I get asked a lot when recommending books “is there spice?” Eh. A little. There’s more as the story goes on but it’s not what some of y’all are wanting.

I really enjoyed this entire series. I’m not usually a historical fictional girlie but I guess if you throw in fantasy elements I eat them up!

Each book showcases different POVs but they still flow easily along with the plot. I thought it’d get confusing by Freya really pulled it off! I feel like the last book really did what it was meant to. I have no unanswered questions.


I highly highly recommend this series!

A Power Unbound is the final book in the Last Binding trilogy and wraps it up with a dramatic, high stakes, action-packed ending. The Last Binding trilogy is delightfully queer and focuses heavily on relationship building, both of the platonic and romantic varieties. Each book in the trilogy focuses on one couple from our team of misfits trying to save the magical world from power-hungry magicians. This book focuses on side characters from the last book, Alan and Jack, but fans of the first two needn't worry as we see plenty of Edwin, Robin, Maud and Violet. This final book really is the culmination of all the stories, bringing them all together.

There is a real inequality between poor, down on his luck Alan who is just trying to look after his family, and Jack, heir to a powerful magical family, that makes their relationship development an interesting one. We get a lot of backstory to both of them that made me quickly warm to them. My one warning is that this book felt to me like it had a lot of smut! There were certainly spicy scenes in the first two books, but it was a lot more prevalent in this book. Not really my usual taste, but I didn't feel like it took away from what is still an enticing fantasy story full of twists and I know plenty of other readers will relish in the spice! There is definitely a power dynamic in play, but it is shown in a healthy, tender, boundaried way.

Fans of the first two books will find this a satisfying ending to the trilogy, highly recommended.

A Power Unbound by Freya Marske ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

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This is the final book in The Last Binding trilogy, which included A Marvellous Light (5/5 stars) and A Restless Truth (3/5 stars). This trilogy follows a hidden magical Britain in Edwardian England, and a devious plot from some magicians to steal all the magic for themselves by resurrecting something called the last contract. It’s LGBTQ+, it’s historical, it’s magical - all great ingredients for a fun time!

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In the first book we followed Sir Robin (non-magical) who begins working in the Home Office of the civil service, not realising it’s the magical liaison office. He meets Edwin (magical) who is cranky, introverted and deeply untrusting. Slowly Robin and Edwin fell in love, in a time that wasn’t safe to be gay and in the midst of this magical chaos. This remains my favourite book of the series as it was so emotional and tender and special.

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The second book follows Robin’s sister Maud (also non-magical) as she joins a cruise ship to and from New York as part of the plot to stop the magical evil plan. She encounters Violet (magical), a new heiress who has spent time in America as an actress after fleeing magical England and her family. This book had less of the spark of the first book, becoming slightly farcical at time and much less tender - even as is followed Maud and Violet’s developing feelings.

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This last book follows the conclusion of the magical plot line whilst giving us two new POV characters: Lord Hawthorn (‘magical’), the grouchy side character from the first two books, and Alan Ross (‘non-magical), a journalist who got involved with Violet & Maud’s endeavours of the second book. Their love story is very different (the spice levels in these books get increasingly high as the series go on!) but surprisingly almost equally tender as Edwin & Robin’s.

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The magical plot was interesting and reached a surprising and clever ending. I thought it was a clever idea to have the different duo POVs for each book whilst the plot carried on, as it added a fresh take on a plot that wasn’t too complicated and prevented it from becoming sluggish. It also exposed the reader to different ways of existing in this slightly different England. However the progression of the relationship in the second and third books were slightly less expected than in the first one; it was a bit more sudden and less of a natural profession in many ways. The mixed POVs also possibly took away from the triumphant feel of the ending, as you were adjusting to new perspectives each time rather than following the story from beginning to end with the same emotions. And really, as much as I loved the chance to get to know other characters, I just missed Robin & Edwin!

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A great series with a fun, emotional and interesting setting! And beautiful LGBTQ+ rep!

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Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Freya Marske does it again! The Last Binding has proven itself to be one of my favourite series of all time and it’s final instalment goes out with a bang, and may be my favourite book out of the trilogy. I absolutely adore Markse’s distinctive mix of humour, a masterfully paced plot full of intrigue and twists and wonderfully romantic (and spicy!) queer romance.

A Power Unbound wraps up all the threads that have been steadily weaving together since the series began in an utterly satisfying and addicting manner. Jack and Alan had such a perfect cat and mouse dynamic I’m obsessed with, from the banter to the emotional and sexual vulnerability that’s slowly built between them, their romance has to be my favourite out of all the books. I loved seeing all the characters come together to solve the final tangles of the overarching plot, and couldn’t be happier with the way the series ended, although I’ll miss the characters dearly!

Every time I step back into Marske’s writing I have the sense of entering somewhere very familiar— her expert hands have crafted a world fully realised and accessible to all readers, and I truly can’t recommend this series enough. Needless to say, after her recent announcement, I’ll be picking up Swordcrossed at the earliest opportunity!

Thank you to Macmillan for providing me with a proof copy of this book.

This was such a satisfying ending to the Last Binding series and this series remains among my favourites.

I think there’s a danger in fantasy books when the romance plot is as prominent as they are in this series for the fantasy elements and plot lines to fall to the wayside a bit but that absolutely wasn’t the case here. The world building and magic system in this series are so well developed and remain consistent throughout the series and the overarching conflict that runs through the series really holds it’s own with the romance plot lines, they don’t feel like they’re fighting for dominance.

The way that the fantasy plot developed, came to a head, and was resolved in this book was so well done, Marske didn’t drop the ball on the fantasy plot in order to favour the romances and situating all of the characters within a happily ever after; although that’s not to say that they don’t end up happy.

As always, the chemistry in the romance was amazing and Hawthorn and Alan really came into their own as characters in this book.

An amazing finale to the series.

This was a solid conclusion to this trilogy and I really enjoy the dynamic setup between Jack & Alan that was previously set up in A Restless Truth. There was a lot going on in this book as a lot had to be accomplished and whilst some scenes felt a little crowded, overall I think it works for this book.

I still really love the worldbuilding in this series and find the magic systems (all of them) fascinating and am a little sad that this series is over because there are a lot of interesting characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

After absolutely shipping Ross and horny Lord Hawthorn in the last book, I couldn’t wait to read it! I mean dislike to lovers is simply the best, we can all agree.
I think the last book in a series, where every book has another MC, is the hardest to do because you want to have enough attention for the main couple, but also have to bring in all the other characters again. It was done so well here and I absolutely loved meeting the others again. I adore every single of these characters so much.
The story was gripping, the magic was magical and I think the ending was so well done and left me satisfied with how the events turned out (even though I tho k at one point our MCs just acted damn stupid).

I have to say even though I loved the romance between poor Mr. Ross and fancy rich boy Hawthorn I didn’t really feel the love a lot, which might be a me thing because I didn’t really enjoy the steamy scenes between these two. I’m just so over the no kissing trope, to me it feels so impersonal and emotionless, leaving me not really feeling the vibes turning from horny to romance.

All in all I think this was a perfect ending to a wonderful, magical story that will forever be one of my favourites!