In Hexbound, the second book in the Dark Arts series by Bec McMaster, the reader is taken to Victorian London, encompassing Sorcery, Demons, Orders, Councils, and an Ascension. A small disclaimer: I have not read the first book Shadowbound, so I did feel a little misplaced throughout the story, as not too much is rehashed. Currently Sorcery is condoned by the Queen, as it furthers her goals. However, not everyone is content to let Sorcery slide, with an anti-sorcery movement in the making. 
 The plot revolves around three half-brothers, who all have the same father (the Prime). But due to a prophecy surrounding the brothers, the Prime, and three magical relics, the brothers have had little if any contact with one another. The characters are all engaging. Their backgrounds are thought out and as the story unfolds it is easy to see why the characters are the way they are but it is also great to see them grow. 
 With the focus of Hexbound on Grave Arts sorcerer Adrian Bishop, who belongs to an elite group of five known as Scicarii assassins. Their only job is to protect the Order and then the Prime. Only with Adrian's father stepping down as the Prime, his objective seems to shift. With the Chalice safely hidden away in Adrian's safe, no one can breach his wards. That is until Verity Hastings. Can Adrian retrieve the relic or will he have to engage his thief? 
 I recommend this book to those who enjoy a Victorian paranormal romance. I look forward to reading Sebastian and Cleo's story. I voluntarily reviewed Hexbound as an advanced copy from the author.