I really enjoyed the first book, but I found this second installment much tougher to get through. Some of the characters made choices that felt confusing and a bit out of character, which pulled me out of the story. The pacing was also slower, yet large jumps in time would happen without much context, which made it hard to stay engaged. I’m still curious to see where the series goes, but this one was definitely a bit of a struggle for me.

Sophie Williamson’s The Binding Mark offers a captivating dive into a world of magic and intrigue, featuring Sadie Sadler, a formidable witch and daughter of a powerful magical clan. Her tumultuous relationship with Gabriel—her probable soulmate—is central to the narrative, as she continuously attempts to distance herself from him.

Williamson’s writing style is engaging, and the intricate plot development keeps the story moving with purpose. The expansion of the magical world to include London adds an exciting new dimension, introducing fresh characters and scenarios that enrich the storyline. The plot delves into ancient grudges with a juicy and compelling narrative, which adds depth to the magical conflicts at play.

Lavinia, an intensely powerful and delightfully petty character, stands out as a force to be reckoned with. Her drive and cunning are well-crafted, though I found myself wishing for more background on her motivations and past. Additionally, a secondary storyline featuring the weakened Bren and rival Nikki provides a welcome contrast to the courtroom drama, further exploring the Mannith connection. Their dynamic is intriguing and adds a layer of complexity to the story.

Overall, The Binding Mark is a thoroughly enjoyable read with a richly developed world and a plot full of twists and turns. Fans of magical fantasy will appreciate the detailed storytelling and the promise of more to come in future installments.

Thank you, NetGalley & Storm Publishing, for approving my ARC of this book.

I read book 1 last year and couldn't wait to get into book 2, we pick up straight after where book 1 ends with Sadie back in London after leaving her family and soul mate Gabriel after the events of book 1.

She's contacted by a powerful witch who is the head of the London Coven with an offer she can't really afford to turn down.

Along with the drama inside the courtroom and in her personal life along, witches, enemies to lovers, twists, and the addition of vampires.

I like how we got Brendans chapters to show us what was happening back home.

excellent book. was so excited to receive this ARC. it became one of my top favorite reads. cannot wait to read more from this author.

I was sucked in immediately. It made me think of A Discovery of Witches but more dark and brooding. I didn't realize it was a sequel. I'm looking forward to the first book.

I adored the first book so I was excited to jump back into this urban fantasy world.

I loved it! Badass fmc, who not only is a powerful witch but also a lawyer! Off the charts tension, touch her and die vibes from the mmc, witchcraft a plenty and just a great combination of fantasy plot and romance.

I will definitely check out more from this author.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Sophie Williamson

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

“The Binding Mark” is book 2 in a wonderful series written by Sophie Williamson.

It is a romantasy combined with thriller aspects to keep the reader thoroughly engaged. It includes a strong FMC and tension that is off the charts.

It is clear that there is room for a book 3, “The Binding Mark” will leave reader wanting more.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to review this one.

Sadie Sadler is a powerful witch, who is the daughter of a magical clan in the north and likely the soulmate of her family's enemy (Gabriel Thorber). Back in London, she is propositioned by Lavinia Morven to join her London coven or have to return back home. She must be bound by a lien, which she isn't thrilled about. Gabriel has found a way to form an alliance with her family. She now has no choice but to work against her family/Gabriel and confront him in court again.
Sequel to The Twisted Mark.

I loved The Twisted Mark, but I just thought this one was okay

I enjoyed the book but found a few parts a bit unbelievable. Lavinia’s defeat was too quick and too easy. I think it could have been stretched out a little bit longer to show exactly how she is. Overall, it was a good sequel and I enjoy reading about Brendan and Nikki’s blossoming Love story. Thank you Netgalley for this arc copy and I look forward to reading more books from this author.

I had a tough time connecting with the characters and their motivations. Some of this was the fact I agreed to read this book, not realizing it was the second in a series. I might go back to read the first, but probably not anytime soon. I give it 2.5/5 stars.

I have to say I am sorry I didn't read the first book in this series as I think I may have enjoyed this one more if I had. Unfortunately I couldn't get into this one and have not finished reading it. I am looking for the first book in the series and if I find it will read that first and then come back to this one. So there could be a proper review on the horizon soon.

Thank you NetGalley and Strom Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

ChatGPT
"The Binding Mark," a riveting sequel, delves deeper into Sadie Sadler's magical world. As a powerful witch from the dominant northern clan, her complicated connection with the alluring half-demon, Gabriel Thornber, takes center stage. When a binding lien from the London Coven disrupts her tranquility, the story unfolds with intricate witch drama and conflicting alliances. The sequel explores the consequences of a forbidden romance and a family deal struck with Gabriel. As Sadie confronts a dangerous new ally, readers are drawn into a captivating narrative of magic, desire, and the struggle against entwining forces. A must-read sequel for fans craving more from this enchanting universe.

I really liked the first book in this series, but The Binding Mark fell flat. It wasn't exciting, it was missing the tension and relationship building in the first book, and the setting felt flat and boring.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC In exchange for an honest review!

When I saw that the sequel was out, I knew that I needed to read it right away! The Binding Mark by Sophie Williamson is the second book in the Witch Trials series, an amazing and innovative blend of fantasy and legal drama. The story revolves around Sadie, who belongs to a powerful witch family. She is also a practicing lawyer. One day, she gets an invitation from Lavinia Morven, the head of the London coven. What does she want? Is Lavinia a powerful ally or a terrifying foe?

Here is a lovely excerpt from Chapter 1:

"After growing up in Mannith, a place saturated with magic and wonder, the gritty anonymity and realness of London is always half like coming up for air and half like the sun passing behind a cloud.
I've been back here for a matter of hours, but it's already been a long, emotionally draining day. Hell, it's been a long, emotionally draining summer."

Overall, The Binding Mark is an amazing adult fantasy that will appeal to fans of Law and Order or the Charmed TV show. One highlight of this book is how innovative this series is. When I read the first book, I was blown away by how the author managed to seamlessly merge two separate genres into one and do both justice. I knew at that point that I would read anything that she wrote in the future.

Another highlight of this book is the romance. Without spoiling anything, because you definitely need to read the first book in the series first, this book has an excellent romance that you need to read to believe. In this book, the romance develops even further, especially when some wrenches are thrown in. I could not help rooting for the main couple though. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of adult fantasy in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book, which is available now!

One of my favorite fantasy reads of the year! The world busking was phenomenal and the writing was beautiful. The Binding Mark had one of my favorite FMC ever written.

I did enjoy it but it felt like a pretty solid part was missing from the book and it was super confusing at time( secon book syndrome pretty much)???
But it is definitely worth a shot
Thank you netgalley for the arc

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the witch trials series and felt i enjoyed it even more than the first book.
The world building and character development was really good and the plot was easy to follow and kept you wanting to keep turning the pages and I enjoyed reading the relationship between Sadie and Gabriel. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

The Binding Mark is the second book in the Witch Trials series by Sophie Williamson. Picking up immediately after the first book, the story follows Sadie as she returns to London and processes everything that happened in her home town only a few months ago. If I'm remembering correctly, the first book only has Sadie's perspective. The Binding Mark adds the perspective of her older brother, Brendan, which I think is a nice addition because of how the first book ended. I like that we also get to see other members of Sadie's family do what they do. There are smaller glimpses of their magic in The Twisted Mark, but not like what we see in this book.

I gave this book 4 stars because I found that I didn't like Sadie as much as I did in the first one. There are reasons for why she acts the way she does, but it still doesn't justify her attitude sometimes. I think the biggest thing that bothered me was her struggle with Gabe. As the story went on, I just got more irritated with it. Things work out in the end, which I really liked, but Sadie really bugged me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sophie Williamson for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Binding Mark by Sophie Williamson
Witch Trials #2

I came into this book with high expectations. I had hopes that Sadie and Gabriel would find a way to move forward without too much trouble and that the Thornber and Sadler groups would forge an alliance that would benefit the couple. Instead of the strong magical smart being that Sadie was in book one I found Sadie the miffed, rather juvenile, gullible, quick to make decisions, person that I wanted to sit down and talk to. Gabriel didn’t get a lot of time on the page but did come across stronger, wiser, and more in tune with the real world than Sadie did. I think that if they were not fated mates they would not be my first pick for one another.

The storyline dealt with wicked witch Lavinia with a coven that she wants Sadie to join. It requires a lien and after Sadie’s experience with a lien, was surprised she jumped on that bandwagon so quickly but not surprised by the repercussions. There were vampires, a court case or two, hiccoughs in the relationship between Gabriel and Sadie, situations I found mind boggling and unbelievable, and a conclusion that did wrap up some things but leave the door open for a potential romance between Sadie’s brother Brendan and Gabriel’s right hand person Nikki. There are at least three potential sources of conflict I have identified that could be issues in book three.

So, my takeaway from reading this book is that book one was better. Book two was okay but didn’t pack the punch that book one had and wasn’t intense, believable, and easy to follow. I was disappointed in Sadie and many of the choices she made. I might try reading book depending on the synopsis when I read it. This is a book I think will appeal most to New Adult readers who enjoy this genre

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2-3 Stars