The Shackles That Hold Us

The Magi Accounts, Book 2

De: Michele Notaro

Narrado por: CJ Storm

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

CJ Storm gives another excellent performance

This is not a standalone. The Shackles That Holds Us picks up about a month after the events of A Kiss to Revive Me book 1.5. Cosmo and Mads are growing closer and closer and watching Mads continue to lower his guard is great. Cosmo has the patience of a saint and it was great to have a dual POV book. Especially at the difficult times. This book has a lot of light moments between our MCs but there is also a LOT of heavy. The story, while moving along nicely, is dark and there are several potentially triggering issues so be forewarned. We learn more about witch magic and we see more of the underground movement. This book (and the entire series) is incredible. I’m all in my feels but hard to say without giving away spoilers. As always with this series, please be mindful of the triggers. CJ Storm is able to deliver the action, the comedy and the steamy moments equally well. I have been very impressed with his performance throughout this series. I reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.

Love it

I absolutely love this series. So when it came out on Audio i had to jump on it. The story is fascinating and so engaging. You feel yourself being pulled into the story. The narrator did a good job with the story. I had some trouble with the voice for Cos it just sounded off and weird to me. Otherwise he did a great job with the story.

This series is emotional and action packed

I love this series and if you haven't started it, you're really missing out. This does need to be listened to in order but Mads, Cos, Jude, and the others are amazing characters. Mads and Jude have an awfully rough time of it being mages but I love how resilient they are. Cos and the other shifters are just beautiful people who create a safe space and accept them into their family. The story is incredibly well done and the world building is one of the best I've ever come across. These characters are going to stay with me long after I'm finished!

CJ Storm really hits his stride with this one. I felt he did a decent job in the first but his narration seems pretty on point here. He does a great job with character voices in my opinion and they definitely grew on me. I kind of liked how Logan sounds similar to Mads considering how Mads and Jude adopted him as their younger brother.

Enjoyable!

This series is entertaining, Michele Notaro does a great job with world building and making the audience feel all the emotions. Madeo and Cosmo in this installment continue to be cute together. The case or mystery their solving is fascinating. I continue to find the world the author builds to be engaging. I can’t wait for the next installment! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.

Loving this series

This was so good. It is not a stand-a-lone. Also, be warned, there is on page torture. Poor Mads & Jude are taken back to the compound and Anderson has a week to punish (insert torture here) them. It's horrible and I can't wait for Anderson to die a bloody death. So, we have Cos & Mads are slowly working on their relationship and Mads starting to believe that Cos really wants him. He is so scared that if something happens to their relationship, Cos will throw them all away. Cos also has been asking him to move in & he doesn't want to because again if they break up then they would be without a home. We find out what the witches are up to & they are just batshit crazy. It's heartbreaking the lengths they will go to, to get power. I can't wait for more.

Fantastic!

This is the second book in the Magi Accounts series by Michele Notaro and it was just as good as the first! Wow, this series is truly one of a kind and keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat the entire way through! CJ Storm does a nice job narrating!

Love This

I love this series but I had to break out the tissues for this one. There are so many heartbreaking events and revelations in this one. It's still worth reading and I can't wait to get to the next stories. Now add in the great narration in the audiobook by C. J. Storm and this is even better.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

Love this series!

The Shackles That Hold Us is Book 2 in The Magi Accounts series and needs to be enjoyed in order as it's an ongoing storyline. This is an intense heart wrenching urban fantasy story with some sweet found family moments with the Ono-Nai pride. This book could be triggering for some. I just have to say I'm glad Cosmo did what he did. Jude and Madeo didn't deserve any of that. I love the connection Jude and Madeo have and the connection that's growing between Madeo and Cos. I love how the pack work hard and play hard together. They care for each other and take care of their own, whatever is needed. I look forward to see where the story with go. I'm really enjoying this series and recommend it. 
Narrator CJ Storm does an amazing job in bringing these wonderful characters to life. He is a joy to listen to and continues to be a favorite. 

Intense and emotional

I love this series so much! So happy to get back to these characters and this world. Though there are so many emotions and some seriously gut wrenching moments that made me want to scream or cry. These characters get out through the wringer and I know they will have more to deal with. But I love the found family and the mates. I want so much more of these characters and their stories. I want to hug some and punch others. I couldn’t get enough of this and was so sad each time I had to hit pause. I looked forward to when I got to get back to the story and could see what would happen next. I can’t wait to see these relationships depend even more. And the narrator makes this story even better. This is a must listen to series though get ready for some tears and intense moments.

Prick hole and an unfettered southern accent

First things first- I LOVE this series. It’s an intricately woven, beautifully crafted world. But:
1) nobody says prickhole. NOBODY. So why do you make everyone say it? It’s there’s generational cursing, it should be something unfamiliar, so we know they’re cursing, but not overusing some weird insult we all, as a people, don’t use, like “frank trodders” or “God’s bloomin onion”. Neither of which are you allowed to use. Those are mine. lol
2) I enjoy a good ol’ southern accent every once in a while- I’m from Georgia, so I’m surrounded by them. But it’s not what you want in an audio novel listened to millions, especially ESL, if they can understand that “mahls” means “miles”, etc. I love his voice and intonation, but he’s too green for this. Especially since he can’t let his accent take a backseat. I spent two years convincing my vocal coach I didn’t need him, bc I could speak in American standard, and that his efforts were better used on that jersey girl who couldn’t say “you’re welcome” without telegraphing where she’s from.
Long story short— great novel, and great “aspiring” narrator.