The third book in The Last Binding trilogy brings the conclusion to the trilogy that all the fans have hoped for. I was crestfallen when I did not get approved for an eARC, but did a very happy happy dance when I was approved for the audiobook ARC last week.

I admit, I was sceptical about this third book in the series. Would all the unanswered questions from the previous books be answered? Would Jack find his HEA that was slightly hinted at in the second book? Would the last pieces of the Last Contract be found? Well, I am not going to spoil the story, I am going to smile like the Cheshire Cat and say: Ms Marske, you’ve done an excellent job!

The audiobook was so well-narrated, I could immerse myself in the story and find out the answers to the above questions without once correcting the narrator’s pronunciation. Not that I am an expert, but some words tend to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up when mispronounced. So, kudos to Josh Dylan and the recording team for making this the first audiobook in a very long time that I enjoyed from the first sentence to the last.

I am curious to see what Freya Marske is writing next. Meanwhile I am going to find out which other books Josh Dylan has narrated, because I might have found a new favourite voice to listen to.

A Power Unbound es un estupendo final para una trilogía de fantasía histórica cuyos personajes han conseguido hacerse un hueco en nuestros corazones.


Freya Marske tenía antes sí un difícil reto con el cierre de una historia que había tenido ya dos volúmenes muy apreciados por el público, y además decidió hacerlo con un personaje que no era precisamente el más querido. Pues la jugada le ha salido redonda, ya que utilizando el esquema que tanto éxito le ha dado de mezclar las intrigas mágicas con las escenas de sexo homosexual, nos ofrece un final perfecto para la serie.

En esta ocasión la relación sobre la que girará el argumento es la de Lord Hawthorn y Alan Ross, a quien por supuesto ya conocimos en las entregas anteriores. De orígenes sociales tan distantes como podamos imaginar, es curioso ver cómo el ineludible desequilibrio entre sus posiciones consigue ir acercándolos contra todo pronóstico. No es casualidad que uno de los trabajos extra de Ross, además de periodista y ladrón ocasional sea escritor de literatura pornográfica y que uno de sus mayores valedores sea el Lord. La autora jugará con este conocimiento delegado de las perversiones sexuales de uno de los miembros del binomio para las escenas más subidas de tono de toda la trilogía, que no es que estuviera falta de dos rombos.

Apasionante también es el desarrollo de los acontecimientos mientras buscan la pieza perdida del Último Contrato, la relación con el mundo feérico que da sentido a las capacidades mágicas de los ingleses. El Concilio, sus enemigos irreconciliables, siempre parecen estar un paso por delante y ven más cerca que nunca su objetivo de requisar toda la magia para que esté en las manos de un hombre fuerte que pueda disponer de ella.

La versión que yo he disfrutado es el audiolibro narrado por Josh Dylan que desarrolla una labor impecable durante las más de 16 horas de libro. Me gusta especialmente cómo varía su registro para dar un tono más engolado a su voz cuando los miembros de la más alta sociedad inglesa se tiran sus pullas envueltas en terciopelo. También saber ser picante cuando ha de serlo y en este libro esta parte tiene gran relevancia.

No puedo dejar de recomendar tanto este libro como la trilogía completa, un delicioso ejemplo de “fantasía costumbrista” con romance y magia. Maravilloso.

A Power Unbound wrapped up this series reasonably well with all the characters from previous book having significant feature, a team working together and the newer character Alan, alongside Lord Hawthorne. The 'last contract' plot continued with magic both dull and vibrant in different characters. The plot overall lacked a full sense of feeling entertained and engaged for me, which didn't finish this installment on the high I wanted. The intimacy between the two MCs didn't really float my boat and I found a similar tone in book, unlike book one which really was congruent with the characters, story and connection.

I have found these books pacey and book three had that feeling too. Overall, I've liked the characters in these books but sometimes the plot hasn't pulled me along with the kind of traction I prefer.

I listened to audio and the narration was solid.

Thank you to Tor for the early review copy.

A Power Unbound by Freya Marske is an enthralling and spellbinding conclusion to The Last Binding trilogy, set in an alternative Edwardian England where secrets, magic, and unexpected alliances take centre stage. As the final instalment in this captivating series, it pulls out all the stops, delivering a story that's equal parts steamy romance, intricate mystery, and heart-pounding fantasy.

I thoroughly enjoyed the audio narration of "A Power Unbound" by Josh Dylan, whose performance added an extra layer of enchantment to the story. His voice brought the characters to life, and his skillful delivery allowed me to immerse myself in the world created by Freya Marske. However, I did find the narration a tad slow at times, but the flexibility of being able to adjust the playback speed allowed me to find the perfect rhythm for my listening pleasure. Josh Dylan's narration complemented the story beautifully and enhanced my overall enjoyment of this captivating tale.

At the heart of the story is Jack Alston, Lord Hawthorn, who yearns for a quiet, safe life but is reluctantly drawn back into the world of magic after the threat of a dangerous ritual puts every magician in Britain at risk. Jack's complex character, marked by the loss of his twin sister and his renunciation of magic, adds depth to the narrative as he becomes enmeshed in a thrilling adventure.

The world-building in A Power Unbound is nothing short of exceptional. Marske's alternative Edwardian England is a magical puzzle-box that readers will delight in exploring. The London townhouse, with all its enchanting and enigmatic qualities, serves as a vibrant backdrop to the story's events.

One of the standout elements of the novel is the dynamic between Jack and Alan Ross, a writer and thief. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of emotions, with passion, conflict, and undeniable chemistry. Alan is the embodiment of what Jack despises, making their interactions all the more compelling. This tension adds depth to the character-driven narrative and keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.

As the plot unfolds, the stakes rise, and the story takes a dark and dramatic turn. With murder, magic, and romance entwined in a web of secrets, A Power Unbound keeps readers on the edge of their seats, never quite sure what to expect next. The climactic events that unfold on Jack's family estate bring the series to a breathtaking and unexpected conclusion.

Freya Marske's writing is both lyrical and evocative, bringing the world and characters to life in vivid detail. Her storytelling prowess shines brightly in this final chapter, making it a captivating and unforgettable read.

In conclusion, A Power Unbound is a mesmerising five-star conclusion to The Last Binding trilogy. Freya Marske has woven a tale filled with magic, mystery, and romance that will leave readers thoroughly satisfied and craving for more. This book is a must-read for fans of the series and an enticing invitation for those new to Marske's enchanting world.

an absolutely amazing conclusion to the last binding series! i loved being back with all the characters and being able to explore jack's past and his relationship with alan. the writing is so poetic, marske is able to use unique. original ways of conveying emotions and creating wonderful images that truly had me happily lost in this world. my favourite part of this series is the magic system still, cleverly simplistic.
fun, adventurous, bitter and passionate.