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The Shackles That Hold Us

The Magi Accounts, Book 2

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The Shackles That Hold Us

By: Michele Notaro
Narrated by: CJ Storm
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Summary

As if crushin’ on a shifter wasn’t bad enough, I had to go and date one. A mage and a shifter walk into a bar. No, that’s the whole joke.

Magi and shifters don’t mix, and yet I find myself in a relationship with Cosmo, a lion shifter. And on top of that, Cosmo, and all his pride members, consider my brothers and I a part of their pride. Three magi in a shifter pride. Who would’ve ever thought?

Navigating our connection while trying to figure out what’s going on in the world isn’t easy. Trusting that Cosmo means forever when he says it? Even harder. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned since meeting the Ono-Nais, it’s that taking a risk with my heart will be worth it to be a part of their lives.

The Shackles That Hold Us is a 113K novel and the second audiobook in the MM urban fantasy series, The Magi Accounts. It’s recommended to listen to the series in order because it has an ongoing storyline, but there is no cliffhanger.

*Intended for adults only. Please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this novel.*

©2022 Michele Notaro (P)2022 Michele Notaro Fantasy Magic Romance Fiction Magic Users Wizardry Heartfelt Paranormal Shifter
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The Shackles that Hold Us is the second book in The Magi Accounts series, a paranormal series set in a world that closely resembles our world – except with magic and political upheaval. In a world where prejudices run deep and wide, mages have been enslaved by humans and forced to fight in their wars. I adore this series, but it deals with some heavy themes and there is definitely angst and violence. I deeply adore the characters from spunky Mads to his beautiful and fierce lion shifter boyfriend Cosmo. I love the intricacies of the relationships – especially with how Mads is trying to find a new normal with balancing his relationships between Cosmo and Jude. Also, I’m so rooting for Jude to find love – I see it being setup in this book and I can’t wait to see how that plays out later in other books.

This series needs to be read in order, but it is so worth it to start from the very beginning. I love the world building and character growth, and I’m so invested in these characters getting their justice and happy ever endings. I’m also really curious to see how the mysterious witch development plays out.

The audiobook was narrated by CJ Storm who does a wonderful job of voicing all the characters. The performance was gripping and he does a fantastic job of transporting the reader right into the thick of the action. I thought the audiobook production was well done.

Gripping Story

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I‘m hooked on reading the series and the audiobook just brings it to life perfectly. The world and character building are spot on and have kept me gripped and wanting to know more. There’s shifters, magi and humans - and a whole lot of prejudice. There’s suspense, excitement and in some places heartbreak. CJ Storm brings the characters and story to life wonderfully (in a different way than reading it myself does) and fits perfectly with the characters for me.

Overall I just loved it!

Another great book in the series

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Listener received this title free

Michele Notaro pens another amazing paranormal urban fantasy novel set in her “Magi Accounts” series, and I am loving everything about this series, from her wonderful writing style, the fabulous characters and storylines she created, as well as the world building and the perfectly cast narrator who brings it all to life from the pages to your ears. I highly recommend starting with the first book, “The Scars That Bind Us”, which lays down the foundation for the series and you meet the key characters and get to know the world they live in. I adore the lead characters, the Magi Mads, his connected dyad Jude and Cosmo the alpha lion shifter and pack leader, the members of his pack are all fabulous, as is Logan, another Magi. Cosmo and Mads’ are growing closer and Cosmo wants him to move in with the pack, and Jude and Logan are also welcome to live there. But Mads is reluctant to give up his apartment because it would be difficult to get another if things did not work out with Cosmo. Magi are at the bottom of the hierarchy and few are accepting of them, and they have limited rights in their world so most humans look down on them, despite that they are the ones who fight the monsters and weapon against them is their magic. Mads and Jude work on Cosmo’s team to fight the taragorian and preventing them from entering their world, they work well together but now they are facing more problems, black magic and witches who are trying to make a power play in the most evil way possible, feeding their life source off of others. The team is hard at work fighting that and staying away from the evil within their own department who has it out for Jude and Mads. Please tell me that evil man, Anderson, gets what he deserves soon. This action packed cleverly plotted story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt emotions and fabulous romance. Michele Notaro, thank you for another amazing story and the wild and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fantastic narration, CJ Storm is a versatile voice artist, and he continues his amazing portrayal of these characters and does so with a complete understanding of who these characters are, gives each a voice that fits each of their personas perfectly. He handles the witty dialogue with ease, changes character roles seamlessly, never missing a beat. His character voices have been consistent throughout the series and you could hear how much heart he puts into his performance as he captures all the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance, making you feel every single one. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen.

More Magi Greatness! Amazing Story & Listen🎧

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I loved this book. I am really enjoying the series. The continuous storyline is very interesting and the narration is good, although at a few places I would swear another accent comes out of the narrator. :) Each book reveals more about the background of Mateo and Cosmo as well as Jude and the rest of Cosmo's pride. There is plenty of action along with some romantic moments. Although I have read the books in print, I am enjoying them even more in audio.

Great book!

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Listener received this title free

Since this is a series whose content builds on each other, I recommend starting with Volume 1 "The Scars that Bind Us".
I love the world building that author Michele Notaro has created here, as well as the different characters. The writing style is wonderful, easy-going and I was in the story very quickly.
There are several plot lines and a fanastic urban fantasy world with many different creatures. This time the main characters are Mads and Cosmo, both of whom I really liked from the start. Cosmo is very patient, while Mads is breaking down his reticence.
The story left me with a roller coaster of emotions. There are dark moments, in between I could laugh at times and then there are lighter moments. The listener learns more about witch magic this time as the team works to fight the Taragorians and keep the evil away. But that's not so easy.
The story is exciting, action-packed and there is a wonderful romance to take a breather.

I've only known the narrator, C.J. Storm, since this series, but he does an absolutely fantastic job. He has a very pleasant voice, he portrays each character appropriately and convincingly. I am impressed with his performance and it was an absolute pleasure to listen to this audiobook.

Great addtion to the series

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