4.4 (7 ratings)

Umbral Bonds: Soul Series Book 1

Name: Umbral Bonds: Soul Series Book 1
Rating: 4.4 (7 reviews)
Author: Penny Cuento
ISBN: B0D86F8L8C

by Penny Cuento

ghosts

About this book

Esmeralda lives a life defined by poverty and the company of the spectral. Her only constant companion is Izumi, a best friend who has been dead for a decade. By night, Esmeralda wanders the cemetery, acting as a reluctant medium for the restless dead. It is a lonely, haunting existence, but it is the only way to keep the encroaching darkness of her own nightmares at bay.

The fragile equilibrium of her life shatters when she is pulled into a dangerous underworld of forbidden magic and blood-soaked conspiracies. Esmeralda quickly discovers that her necromantic abilities were not a random gift, but something stolen—and the original owners are coming to reclaim what is theirs. As she navigates a world of ancient, powerful families, she finds herself drawn into a high-stakes, slow-burn romance that threatens to consume her entirely.

Blending the eerie atmosphere of a historical ghost story with the grit of modern dark fantasy, this tale is a gripping journey of betrayal and resilience. Fans of paranormal romance will be hooked by the intense chemistry and the mystery of a protagonist forced to fight for her soul. Will Esmeralda uncover the truth before the shadows claim her, or is she destined to join the ghosts she tries so hard to save?

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0D86F8L8C

Reader Reviews

A page turner

March 2, 2026

Love this book as the author takes us into the world of magical powers, which we discover along with the protagonist. Couldn't put it down, so went right to Book 2. )

Dark and sexy with fun twists!

August 5, 2024

This book left me wanting to know more about this magical world and how it all fits together! Necromancers, best friends, betrayal and strong bonds - I’m rooting for Esmer and Izumi! This first books sets up an entire world I can’t wait to read more about. )

Mediocre

November 14, 2025

Umbral Bonds just wasn't for me. Normally I would have DNFd but there wasn't anything else I wanted to read more. I'm confused about so many choices that were made by Esmer (which honestly seems like an odd nickname for Emeralda). Jumping right into bed with Matt after he supposedly SAd you while you were drugged but it felt good so that was OK? Teleporting out with Izumi to fight the bad guy and get it over with while untrained and having to be rescued multiple times already? The bad guy...

Read this book!

February 26, 2026

I loved the sensual details, character arcs, and the wonderfully dark vibes of this book. Oh! And her descriptions of food! Cuentos had me hungry to read more (and also actually hungry.) If you love dark paranormal, grab Umbral Bonds and prepare to be wrapped up in Esmeralda's tendrils. )

Spicy dark fantasy

August 26, 2024

Enjoyable from start to finish! Can't wait to read the next adventure with Esmer and friends! )