1
of
1
Unbound (Confluence Academy Book 1)
The overnight TikTok romantasy sensation for fans of Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy!
Series: Confluence Academy
Brief Description
Elemental powers, deadly trials, found family, political tension, and the most chaotic ancient water dragon... I'm obsessed ????? 'Like Divergent, Harry Potter, Zodiac Academy, and Maze Runner rolled into one. I literally cannot wait for the second book' ????? 'This book deserves to go as viral...
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2500
$2799
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY
Found a better price? Request a price match
Unbound (Confluence Academy Book 1)
$2500
$2799
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Latest News
TV Show Review on: Carrie
Liam's Review Carrie 26’Carrie has been on my radar for a while now, probably my...
The Struggle of Working Somewhere That Sells Beautiful Books
The problem is…I work in the cutest little (I said what I said) bookshop and...
New Releases to add to your TBR this week (12th October)
There's new dark romance from one of our favourites, the brand new US edition of...
Recent Releases I Would Add to My Classroom Library
Lizzy is rounding up a bunch of the recent children's releases that she thinks would...
Anthony Byrt visits Book Hero
We were lucky enough to hear from author Anthony Byrt as he was going to...
See moreElemental magic, a military academy, deadly trials, forbidden romance, and a sarcastic shape-shifting ancient water dragon - this new edition of overnight romantasy sensation Unbound, book one of the Confluence Academy series, includes never-before-seen bonus material.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Elemental powers, deadly trials, found family, political tension, and the most chaotic ancient water dragon... I'm obsessed ?????
'Like Divergent, Harry Potter, Zodiac Academy, and Maze Runner rolled into one. I literally cannot wait for the second book' ?????
'This book deserves to go as viral as Fourth Wing! I loved it. The characters, the plot... the yearning!!!' ?????
???? A delicious slow burn romance as dangerous as the magic? Check.
???? A final line readers are saying will haunt you for weeks? Double check.
???? An ending that will leave you desperate for book 2? Absolutely.
Discover the overnight romantasy sensation. Welcome to Confluence Academy...
---
Nineteen-year-old Nessa Thorne expects death when she volunteers for the Empire's selection. Instead, she's thrust into Confluence Academy, where students harness elemental magic and bond powerful beasts, from wolves to ancient dragons.
Students are branded by affinity: water, air, earth, or fire. But Nessa's mark is different. A silver spiral - the mark of an unbound. It's a power so dangerous her kind were hunted to extinction centuries ago - or so the Empire claims.
To survive, she must hide what she is in a castle where alliances are forged in blood and students kill each other freely for advantage. Nessa's greatest threat may be the only other volunteer, Raith Hollow, a powerful fire affinity with a scorching gaze that follows her every move and secrets that could topple kingdoms.
Forbidden desires become impossible to ignore, enemies approach from beyond the castle walls, and something evil has found its way inside - stalking the midnight corridors, hiding in plain sight.
Nessa must choose: embrace her terrible potential, or watch everything she's fought for burn.
Because at Confluence Academy, students leave as weapons... or they don't leave at all.
The story continues in Unveiled (Confluence Academy Book 2) - available to pre-order now!
NEW PAPERBACK EDITION INCLUDES AN EXCLUSIVE, NEVER-SEEN-BEFORE BONUS CHAPTER FROM RAITH'S POV! *
---
Readers are obsessed with Nessa, Raith & Typhon:
'Imagine if Fourth Wing and Harry Potter had a book baby in THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE! The amount of banter, action, and smut between Nessa and Raith was perfect' ?????
'The world building, found family, magical animal companions and slow-burn love angst is sooo good! I cannot recommend this book enough!' ?????
Series: Confluence Academy
View all-
Unbound (Confluence Academy Book 1)
Elemental powers, deadly trials, found family, political tension, and the most chaotic ancient water dragon... I'm obsessed ????? 'Like Divergent, Harry Potter, Zodiac Academy, and Maze Runner rolled into one. I literally cannot wait for the second book' ????? 'This book deserves to go as viral as Fourth Wing! I loved it. The characters, the plot... the yearning!!!' ????? ????...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Pre-order
Unveiled (Confluence Academy Book 2)
Pre-order Unveiled - book two in the Confluence Academy series - now! Nessa Thorne survived her first year at Confluence Academy—barely. With an ancient water dragon tethered to her soul and rumours of her power spreading beyond the academy walls, she's no longer just an offering fighting to stay alive. She's a threat. As a second-year student, new responsibilities await,...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableOut 21 Feb 2027Pre-order
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781035441518
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 06 November 2025
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Mountain Leopard Press
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 592
About the Author
USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts bestselling author Penelope Bloom is taking her first flight into romantasy - and yes, there are dragons. After years of contemporary romance, she's temporarily trading meet-cutes for magical academies and coffee shops for castles that reek of blood. She promises the banter is just as sharp, but now it comes with deadly consequences.
?Fun fact: 'Penelope Bloom' started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the family dog, Penelope -never meant to be anything serious. But then the books took off, and the name stuck. Behind the scenes, Penelope Bloom is actually a husband-and-wife team. He handles the writing; she edits, helps with brainstorming, and runs the reader-facing side of things (like social media and messages). So if you've chatted with 'Penelope' online, you've likely been talking to her - with the author chiming in whenever needed. Together, they've built the voice readers know and love.?Today, they're living the dream in Colorado with their two daughters and three furry co-authors (who offer questionable writing advice but excellent moral support). When not crafting happily-ever-afters or dodging deadline dragons, you'll find them hiking mountain trails, conquering walls at the local climbing gym, or hunting down the perfect pizza slice.Also by Penelope Bloom
View all-
Pre-order
Unveiled (Confluence Academy Book 2)
Pre-order Unveiled - book two in the Confluence Academy series - now! Nessa Thorne survived her first year at Confluence Academy—barely. With an ancient water dragon tethered to her soul and rumours of her power spreading beyond the academy walls, she's no longer just an offering fighting to stay alive. She's a threat. As a second-year student, new responsibilities await,...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableOut 21 Feb 2027Pre-order
More from Sci-Fi & Fantasy
View all-
New ReleaseOther Worlds Than These
I wanted to go back to Mid-World, which was always the Territories by another name - Stephen King This is Stephen King and Peter Straub's epic and unforgettable finale to the Talisman Trilogy (including the novels The Talisman and Black House) and a wrapping up of the fate of the worlds in King's iconic, fiercely beloved Dark Tower epic. It...Paperback$3299Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Sixth Nik
Daniel Kraus, 2026 Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Angel Down and soon-to-be-a-film Whalefall, returns with The Sixth Nik, a galaxy spanning, genre-blending scifi literary horror, for fans of Ursula K Le Guin and the Alien franchise. Deep into space, far past the triworld outposts, beyond range of the lethal trollbot internet, soars The Sickness: a ship woven from biomatter and capable...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseMassif
Caught me a mountain Rode it to the stars It's business as usual for Ship Leader Parnell Shi-Sawahla and the crew of the corvette Sassafras. Ride a Massif to a new system, fight the enemy, repeat. For more than two hundred years, humans have been hitching rides on these sentient, starfaring mountain ranges, colonising planets and exporting an on-again, off-again...Paperback$3299Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseHe Who Fights With Monsters: Adventurer
He Who Fights With Monsters: Adventurer Book Two in Shirtaloon's wildly popular LitRPG series. The path from retail middle management to interdimensional wizard adventurer wasn't easy, but Jason Asano is settling into his new life. Now, a contest draws young elites to the city of Greenstone, competing for a grand prize. Jason must gather a band of companions if he...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseScion
‘Scion’ is an electrifying sci-fi thriller that follows a contract killer tasked with protecting a scientist from assassination, only to find himself in the crosshairs. My name’s Azure. I kill rich idiots for a living. All completely legal, of course, even if it does still make the old-fashioned crowd a bit uncomfortable. Once the ultra-wealthy realised they had a way...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, the SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of The Martian, offers a gripping new adventure in hard science fiction. With endorsement from notable figures such as Barack Obama and a slew of five-star reviews, this novel promises a thrilling and intellectually stimulating journey. Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut, finds himself on a...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
The Strength of the Few
The highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023's most lauded and bestselling fantasy novels. The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am. But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore. I am no longer one. I won the...Paperback$2899Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Red Rising
The first book in the incredible New York Times bestselling series Darrow is a Helldiver, toiling beneath the surface of Mars. As a member of the Red caste, he performs grueling labor in the belief that his sacrifice will enable future generations to one day inhabit the surface of the Red Planet. The Reds are humankind's lowest caste, living in...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Crossroads of Ravens
THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS... Every legend has an origin - and Geralt of Rivia's begins here. In this brand-new chapter of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, follow Geralt in his earliest days as a Witcher, as he faces monsters and humans alike. Discover the untold stories and encounters that shaped the iconic character known today. Crossroads of Ravens brings readers into...Paperback$2899Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Wind and Truth
The long-awaited explosive climax to the first arc of the Number One New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive. Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson sees Dalinar Kholin challenge the evil god Odium to a contest of champions with the future of Roshar on the line. The Knights Radiant have only ten days to prepare, and the sudden ascension of the...Paperback$3100Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips late October -
The Ministry of Time
One of the 18 best novels of the year for the Sunday Times A book of the year for the New York Times, Guardian, Independent, Evening Standard, Spectator, Red, NPR, Vanity Fair, People, Slate, Advocate, Sydney Morning Herald, Globe and Mail, Den of Geek, Good Housekeeping, Goodreads, NetGalley and Smithsonian Magazine 'A sparkling delight' Observer 'Make room on your bookshelves...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Assassin’s Apprentice
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure in the rich and immersive world of the Six Duchies. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war, this gripping tale introduces readers to FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard whose existence threatens the stability of the crown. When the crown prince's secret...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Fran’s Top 10 Fantasy Reads
Dive into cozy worlds, or bewitching scams! Here are 10 titles of fantasy that Fran is in love with! Do you have...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Amelia's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
The Empyrean Wing & Claw Collection
With Threshing Day finally here, we thought we'd make it easy to find all the beautiful editions in the The Empyrean: Wing...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Romantasy reads that deserve more hype
For everyone who's read the Fourth Wings, the ACOTAR, even the Quicksilvers - if you're now looking for your next romantasy obsession,...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Have you tried... Dark Romantasy?
Dark Romantasy or Dark Fantasy Romance - it's a combination of everything you love about romantasy, with some extra morally grey characters,...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Lizzy's Favourite Standalone Fantasy and Romantasy Reads
For when you're in the mood for fantasy or romantasy but don't want to commit to a long epic series!View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Are you looking for a cozy romantasy read?
You're in luck. Here's a whole bunch of them ready to warm you up and sooth the soul. You should also check...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Shirl's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
10 Sci-Fi Novels that won both the Nebula and Hugo Awards
Discover ten of the greatest science fiction novels ever written each recognised with both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. These awards are...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Fantasy Special Editions we are lusting after
It's no secret that here at Book Hero we love a special edition - preferably one with sprayed edges, beautiful artwork, and...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Edd's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
2026 Hugo Award for Best Novel Finalists
Every year at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), members vote on the best Science Fiction or Fantasy works of the previous...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Edd's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Special Editions
With physical books making a comeback in recent years, there are more gorgeous special editions out there than ever before. Here’s a...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Lizzy's Cozy Fantasy Reads
Life can be cold and harsh, so why not escape into the comforting pages of a cozy fantasy novel for a while?...View the list
