I... liked it. The jury is definitely out on this book, between those who loved it and those who hated it, but I fall pretty squarely in the middle.

First of all, though, totally not a bi fantasy. Yes, at least one of the main characters was bi, but when you think of a bi fantasy, you think of a main character falling in love with a woman as a main plot point. Huntress and Ash by Malinda Lo are lesbian fantasies. Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst is a bi? lesbian? fantasy. This was just a fantasy where it was okay to be gay. That's a good thing, but it is also false advertising to call it a bi fantasy.

That said, though, it was enjoyable. The world building was excellent, the plot was engaging, I had to put the book down a time or two because I was frustrated with the choices the characters were making, which is always a sign that I'm invested. I'll certainly read the sequels.

One small frustration, though - and I'm sure this is intentional - the book is arranged in two separate storylines - alternating chapters - but starts with a scene that ties the two storylines together. The ending of the book felt abrupt to me because it never got back to actually explaining all the events that led up to the original scene. But given it is intended to be a trilogy, I expect this will be rectified in future volumes.

Overall, I would recommend this book to people who like high fantasy.

I enjoyed this book and will recommend it for purchase in our library. YA readers will enjoy this action-packed fantasy novel with just enough romance thrown in to keep things interesting. Time travel, powers, royal intrigue, and two women separated by years and distance all come together for a great story! Recommended.

While I'm not really sure I cared about the whole angel aspect of the story, or the jumping from one persons story to the other in different time periods, I still really liked the book. I can't wait to see what the next one brings.

"In these dark times, not even the light of the Sun Queen is as powerful as the light waiting inside our deepest hearts, if only we have the courage to look for it."

I don't know why - but when I first found this book on Goodreads, read the description and saw the cover, I knew I had been waiting for this book my whole life. No expectations or anything. It did not disappoint. This book is truly epic. You can tell Claire Legrand has been working on it for thirteen years because every little detail weaves throughout the story effortlessly.

The story begins with an enticing prologue - a great hook. I found myself referring back to it while reading the book. The perspectives alternate between the two main characters, Eliana and Rielle, whose lives are separated by thousands of years. Normally, with alternating perspectives, I find myself gravitating to one character's story over the other. Not with Furyborn. I was equally invested in both of their stories and tore through the pages to find out what happened next.

I love how each chapter begins with a quote from a book, journal, prophecy, or a person in the fantasy world. Each quote is written beautifully and relates to the responding chapter in some way.

I will say, I don't feel like this book is for teenagers. There is quite a bit of adult content and I wouldn't recommend it to any teens I know. It definitely feels more like an adult fantasy book, not that that's a bad thing I just think it's good to be aware of before beginning

Do yourself a favor and buy this book NOW! Don't wait! Rielle needs to pass her seven trials to show that she can control her abilities. I liked the 2 different points of view from the 2 characters separated by thousand years. It can be a bit confusing but it is an amazing read!

I love love love this novel. I was slightly concerned by the sheer size of it. But the author takes such care with world,character building that I finished this rather quickly. And now I'm sad that I did. All in all a fantastic joyride of a novel.

A beautifully written story cooked with adventure, love, tragedy, and wonder. I loved every moment and can't wait to read what's next!

Loved it! Great story, great characters...my library will definitely be getting a copy. The students are going to be waiting in line for it.

This story has all the elements of a great YA fantasy novel, a prince, a wolf, magic and two queens who are BADASS! There is love, sex, romance and friendship and I loved it!

Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo will love this addition to the YA fantasy scene --- FURYBORN takes what is well-loved about the genre -- the political intrigue, the rag-tag crew, the righteous mission and impending chaos -- and mixes it with modern elements of feminism, and dark and deliberate sensuality in a way that seems flawless and endlessly fun.
FURYBORN is a tale told between thousands of years. It is a tale of two women, both strong-willed and decisive women with their own agency. Claire Legrand begins FURYBORN in blood and chaos: Blood Queen Rielle gives birth to her daughter just in time to hide her away from Corien, a danger to both her and the world as she knows it. As the story continues, the chapter switch from Rielle and her journey to becoming the much-feared Blood Queen, and that of another strong woman, Eliana. Eliana is known as the “Dread of Orline”, and makes her living as a high-ranking bounty hunter for the Emperor. Switching between the past and the present, Legrand is masterful in creating a pace that keeps the viewer tied to both women’s stories, even as they begin to intertwine. Aside from the never-ending suspense and chaos of both women’s worlds, there is also quite a bit of desire and wanting, and the relationships both Rielle and Eliana form with others throughout the book are interesting and unique. For those looking for LGBTQIA+ representation, you will find it in both Rielle and Eliana, who make their bisexuality a point of much of their romantic endeavors. More than that, Rielle and Eliana are more than their sexuality -- a much appreciated perspective in the world of YA fantasy. As a pansexual, the casual way in which sexuality is handled throughout FURYBORN made for a more interesting and inclusive story -- I never felt like it was added for representation alone, or explained away in a nice and neat bow. It is complicated and I loved and appreciated that.
Overall, FURYBORN is a read-alike for any reader that has loved Celaena Sardothien’s early exploits as an assassin in the Throne of Glass series, as well as the legion of those that have loved the Darkling throughout the Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. There is a definite dark desire between Queen Rielle and her angel companion, Corien, that is worth reading the book alone. For those looking for fantasy full of decisive female agency, look no further than FURYBORN. I cannot wait for the next book!

Let me start by saying that I love the cover of this book. Whoever handles the cover art for Sourcebooks Fire always knows what they're doing.

Furyborn starts off strong and I was hooked on the prologue, dying to find out what happened next. I mean a queen who is hated by her people for killing her husband giving birth to her child then the healer that's helping her is possessed by an evil angel dude and jumps off the balcony to his death? The queen giving her newborn to the healer's son so he can take her to safety just before she's killed in a showdown with the evil angel dude? The possibility that the child and newborn won't make it to safety? Tell me more!

But the story doesn't go that way. It's told in dual perspectives between Rielle (the future queen in the prologue) and Eliana - who is 1000 years in the future. It goes back to two years before the events of the prologue then jumps to Eliana's part of the story. Independently maybe I could have enjoyed Rielle and Eliana's respective stories. Maybe this series could have been made a generational saga or something where the first book was devoted to Rielle and the events leading up to the prologue and then the next book could pick up with Eliana - the child of Rielle who made it 1000 years into the future; but with their stories together this book lost me.

I liked the premise of Rielle and Eliana being badass female characters but their personalities missed the mark for me and I found them hard to like, although I liked Rielle slightly better than Eliana. Plus, for a YA their attention focused on sex a lot - which for me being nearly 26 didn't bother me but it should be labeled for older teens maybe?

Overall this is not a book for me. The story dragged at times and I found myself wondering why I was torturing myself trying to force myself to read it. 500 pages felt a lot more like 1000 by the time I was done.

I think Claire Legrand's Furyborn is going to be one of the biggest YA fantasy books of the summer. It's full of magic, strong-willed young women, and nearly impossible challenges for each of them to overcome. The two main characters are connected to each other (and no spoilers!), but each of them live over a thousand years apart. For me, the idea behind this series is exciting, but I found that the execution of it is a little overwhelming. Connecting two characters across a span of a thousand years brings together two completely different stories told in alternating chapters.

Legend has it that two queens will possess extraordinary power. The Blood Queen will bring catastrophe and destruction to her reign; the Sun Queen will bring light and and salvation to her reign. Rielle, the prophesied powerful queen of a thousand years ago, is merely a legend to the bounty hunter Eliana. However, Eliana knows that she possesses extraordinary powers and struggles to keep her powers a secret from everyone else.

The things I loved most about this and hope will be explored more in the future books are the magic system and the history of what happened between Rielle and Eliana. I thought the initial world-building of the magic system and country engaging; I just wanted more! Rielle and Eliana are fairly well-developed, though sometimes I felt that their voices sounded too similar and had to remember which chapter I was reading (but considering their connection, I shouldn't have been so thrown off by this!). The secondary characters really added to this story. I loved Simon and Ludivine the most, and loved the twists and connections they brought to the story.

Overall, this is an ambitious fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of Sarah J. Maas and Erika Johansen! I gave it four stars for the pacing and the scope, but it's almost a little too much. I think maybe this could have worked better if two books of the trilogy focused each Rielle and Eliana separately and the final book bringing their stories together, because this novel felt like a very long and divided set-up for the rest of the series.

This book has a lot to offer. A strong start where the reader is given preconceived notions about who the evil Queen Rielle is, only to have them quickly questioned as we are introduced to a younger Rielle, one who loves the man she will later kill, who is sweet, energetic, idealistic and naive and far from evil and we follow her story to find out how she got from the sweet girl to the evil Queen. Then we have Eliana, a girl who fights for the empire but joins up with the rebels for a dangerous mission and follow Eliana as she discovers what she is and the fact that magic truly isn't gone from the world.

I must say, I enjoyed Rielle's story much more than Eliana's. While I wanted to root for Eliana, I couldn't figure if she was a bad guy who was learning the error of her ways and reforming upon meeting the rebels, or maybe a good girl at heart who got trapped in a bad situation in order to help her family. Her backstory felt shaky, which made her actions, interactions, and relationships seem mildly contrived at times and I felt that the only thing I could be certain about her was that she would kill for her little brother. However, even with that negative, I did enjoy the story and look forward to the sequels

This book is by far one of the best releases of 2018. It took me awhile to get addicted to the book. I was fully addicted about 20% in the book. The dual perspectives/time periods is just amazing. The perspective of Rielle will reveal something about Elaina’s world and the other way around. It keeps the book super exciting and keeps you on your toes. Don’t even get me started on the romance. I love it!! Simon is amazing and I cannot wait to find out more about their relationship. It is just such a unique and different book. It still keeps the whole kingdom/kings and Queens YA readers love but the author puts her own spin on it. The whole religion is fascinating. I could keep going on and on about this book. I am typing all of this after the high of finishing it. Anyway, it is beyond amazing. It will be one of my favorites forever. I cannot wait for the next.

Furyborn grabbed me from the first page and kept me eagerly turning the pages. I loved the world build,omg and will definitely be following up with other books in the series. Thank you NetGalley for my arc copy

This book is magical- it's the perfect mix of high fantasy, epic tale, mythology and rom com/bff movie that definitely leaves you wanting more! I'm usually not a fan of books with alternating timelines, but this one was easy to follow and brilliantly wove in the mythology and cast. Highly recommend and cannot wait for books two and three.

***5 EPIC STARS***

***Full review includes character cards by Kate Trish

PLOT

I was initially drawn to Furyborn when I heard it features two queens 1,000 years apart that are somehow connected…curious about the format of writing & just how exactly the author pulls it off, I knew I had to pick this one up. As fate would have it, I was asked to join a buddy read & thought to myself ahhh well this is just Kismet! It’s been 2 weeks since I finished this book & I can’t get it out of my head, it was that awesome! my review/rating is based on my enjoyment of the story, characters, and world-building. Were there some flaws? sure. Will I be continuing on with this trilogy? ABSOFRIGGINLUTELY! <3

Told in multiple POVS’ we get introduced to both Queen Rielle & Eliana as they live out what has been prophesied without their knowledge. In what has to be one of the BEST Prologues I’ve ever read, we get a blast from Rielle’s past as her journey comes to an end (not a spoiler, Rielle lived 1,000 years ago & Eliana is present day) & also serves as the jumping board for many theories.

Before Rielle became Queen, she lived with her father who served the royal family. Rielle is very powerful & her abilities are a source of great concern for her father who keeps her indoors as much as possible. With the help of Tal a Firebrand (I kid you not this guy gives off Hunger Games Haymitch vibes later on in the book ), Rielle trains to control her abilities. However, Rielle isn't one to be controlled & has taken a interest in horse races on the low (not betting on them, she full out has a alias as a rider). It's actually something she shares in common with the crown Prince Audric & during one of their races, Rielle thwarts an attempt to kill Prince Audric led by men in disguise. In doing so, Rielle exposes her abilities to wield more than one elemental magic. In a land filled with Windsingers, Earth Shakers, Firebrands, Metal Masters, & Sun Spinners...those who posses magic in their blood can only wield one type. However, there is a prophecy the people of Celdaria know well...

"Two Queens will rise. They will carry the power of the seven. They will carry your fate in their hands. Two Queens will rise"

Rielle's exposure brings focus to the prophecy which also speaks of the return of humankind's #1 enemy, the angels. Angels have been kept away from mankind ever since the Gate was built to keep them out. Although it is just a prophecy, the kingdom is forced to take it seriously & so Rielle must go through the Seven Trials. These trials are designed by the heads of each elemental magic & the purpose is to see whether Rielle is the prophesied Sun Queen (or Blood Queen)...

Via alternating chapters. 1,000 years in the future we follow Eliana aka the "Dread Of Orline" who is really just trying to keep herself & her family alive. Eliana works for the Emperor by finding & bringing back anyone who is against him, especially any rebels from Red Crown. Skilled with her weapons Arabeth, Whistler, Tempest, Nox, and Tuora there really is no stopping her. She has fully flipped the switch on her humanity by capturing innocents in exchange for a safe home & coin to eat. Eliana's present day world is one without magic, the time & seven trials of Queen Rielle are just fairy tales. This all changes when her mother is kidnapped and her whole world is turned upside down. Her hunt for those who abducted her mother along with many of the young females in the area, place her on a crash course with Rebel Captain Simon. Nothing is as it seems in the Empire & Simon carries many pieces of the puzzle...

CHARACTERS

Rielle Dardenne & Eliana Ferracora are the main protagonists in this dual POV story & although their stories take place 1,000 years apart, their lives run parallel pulling off the whole "fates aligned" vibe really well. Both Rielle & Eliana are rebels at ♥️ & they both are also able to manipulate the seven elements. It took some warming up to Eliana but I soon realized it was all a part of her character's personal growth. Since I spoke so much of these two in my 411 portion up above, this section will focus more on the MOST amazing side characters you're going to want to meet...

Remy Ferracora aka Eliana's little brother who loves to bake & read books was after my <3! he loves Fantasy & everyone he comes across is drawn to him like honey...I LOVE REMY! :)

“What is this child, who knows so much of the world?” Her expression turned tender. “Oh, sweet one. You are a dreamer, a teller of tales. I see that now. You ache for magic, and for all those golden giants of the past.” Remy flushed with pleasure. “Before the invasion,” he said eagerly, “people stole books from the temples, so they wouldn’t be destroyed. I buy them whenever I can and read them all.”

Audric the Lightbringer aka Rielle's love interest aka the Crown Prince but it wasn't always this way. Audric, Rielle, and Ludivine have been friends since they were children and have such a beautiful realtionship that at times gave me Polyamory vibes #jussayin Audric also happens to be a Sun Spinner and can wield the power of the sun with his sword Illuminor.

Ludivine aka Lu is BFF's with Rielle & she also happens to be Audric's cousin/betrothed...yea as we all know, the royal families loved to keep it all in the family. Lu comes from a noble family with a great army that would be beneficial for the Kingdom. I LOVE Lu! she's everything a BFF should be <3

Simon half angel/half human is shrouded in secrecy & adamant on making sure he has his eye on Eliana at all times. Simon has been through a lot & he didn't ask for any of it! he is broken & I want nothing more than to see him get his happy ending *FINGERS CROSSED*

Corien I'm still unsure how I feel about this character, he's pretty angry & manipulative. I can only assume we'll get to know his intentions in the next book & I am hella curious!

Navi aka the Princess of Astavar & genuinely one of those people who radiates goodness. Simon is on a mission to get Navi back to her kingdom which to date has remained free from the Emperor's rule. Navi LOVES her people & they in turn love her! she embraces Eliana & treats her like a sister.

Zahra aka The Wraith!!!! <3 <3 <3 I only know of one other wraith I LOVE to pieces & ever since Inej walked out of my life, there's been this hole! *SOBS* Whelp, she's not Inej but Zahra is just as awesome! she's a protector through & through making sure the refugees that have escaped the clutches of the Emperor are safe. There were some theories on Zahra's true identity in our buddy read & I'm stoked to see more of her!

WRITING & FINAL THOUGHTS

Thoughts I have a plenty! In Furyborn we get two EPIC MC's and their seperate yet forever linked stories. Fast paced with never a dull moment, it was easy to follow the 1,000 year jump between each chapter. The world is so well fleshed out that the stark differences in the land & it's people is sobering when you're in Eliana's timeline. A ton has happened since Rielle's rule & magic has been done away with by order of the Emperor. As I was reading, I found myself really enjoying Rielle's chapters & that was probably my love of everything magical at work but I also got invested in the movement taking place in present time. These characters are heavily flawed & morally ambiguous with tons of growth along the way. We get our dose of hot & steamy sexual tension but perhaps what really got me handing out an applause was the discussion of contraceptives! we don't get enough of this let alone in a Fantasy book Both MC's are Bi-sexual, they express interest in the same sex & are attracted to other women. Neither of them is romantically paired off with the same sex & yet that doesn't take away from their sexuality. I found myself really appreciating the subtle messages Legrand weaved into Furyborn. If you're looking for a Feminist kick a** Fantasy with characters you won't forget, this is one you're not going to want to miss! <3 <3 <3

*Quotes taken from ARC provided by the publisher may be subject to change by publication date

BUDDY READ WITH THESE AMAZING BOOKWORMS:
MELANIE
AMY
JULIE
JULES
ALEXIS
DESTINY
LOURDES

*HUGE thanks to Sourcebooks Fire and Claire Legrand for the early review copy in exchange for my honest opinion

4.5 stars.

High fantasy meets epic adventure, with a side of feel-good buddy comedy thrown in.

Having read way too much urban fantasy of late, it was a delight and, in a way, almost a relief to delve into Legrand's sweeping high fantasy novel, Furyborn.

There's nothing truly new here thematically, but Legrand puts a fresh spin on common fantasy tropes, masterfully balancing palace intrigue with action. In Rielle and Eliana, the author has given us two complex, deeply flawed but exceptionally likable heroines, and has twined their stories together beautifully, despite the fact that they take place (sort of) more than 1,000 years apart.

I was initially skeptical of the basis for the story's magic and its villains (angels are one of my least favorite fantasy creatures), but Legrand has crafted them into formidable and delightfully awful villains in a way that suits the story perfectly.

Solid world building, outstanding character depth, and far better pacing than you find in most high fantasy or neo-high fantasy.

The closest comparison I can draw is to the first two books in the Throne of Glass series (which has since jumped the proverbial shark but at the outset, was incredibly good). Eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

Wow!! I didn't want it to end...I'm already craving the sequel and this hasn't even been published yet! The writing, the plot twists, the characters....all were stunning and so fun to read. It reminded me of my feelings while reading anything by Sarah J. Maas. Get ready! This is going to be an amazing series.