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

Some souls don’t want peace. Some secrets should stay buried.

Esmeralda's life is a wreck. Dead-end job. Broken heater. Bills she can't pay. The only bright spot? Her best friend Izumi. Small problem. Izumi's been dead for ten years.

Every night, Esmer drags herself to the cemetery to commune with the dead, hoping to help lost souls move on before they claw their way out of the shadows. It's the only thing keeping the nightmares at bay. But when a chance encounter drags her into a hidden world of secret magical clubs, ancient conspiracies, and powerful families who deal in blood and souls, she realizes her powers aren't random. They were stolen. And someone wants them back.

Can she protect Izumi and uncover the truth before the shadows consume them both?

Find out in Umbral Bonds, a gritty dark fantasy featuring a necromancer who'd rather be left alone and a slow-burn romance with stakes higher than death.

Grab your copy to dive into the darkness today!

The Soul Series is a new adult romantic dark fantasy series suitable for mature readers who love twists, swearing, cliffhangers, and a sprinkle of spice.

Readers are encouraged to check trigger warnings available on the author’s website.

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! )