I find myself conflicted with this book, but let's get started.

Furyborn is a fantasy/ 1/2 dystopian novel told in the perspectives of two girls. Rielle is a young woman living among the court of Celdaria, a land of magic with legends of angels. She is in love with her childhood friend, the prince Audric. All her life she has been able to use all seven element without a casting object, which is unheard of. Her father and teacher have kept her powers a secret, but when assassins attack the prince, Rielle comes to his defense and is discovered.

Eliana is an assassin living hundreds of years after the fall of Celdaria and the end of the Blood Queen's reign. After the death of her father and hostile take over of her country by the Emporer's army, she must do terrible things to help her family survive. When young girls begin vanishing, she is given a job that sends her on an adventure she never expected or wanted.

Because of a prophecy spoken long ago, it is said that two queens will be born that will change the fate of the world. The Blood Queen and the Sun Queen. One will have the power to destroy the world. The other will have the power to save it. Both Rielle and Eliana are connected through time, but how?

I enjoyed this book. The pacing made it hard for me to put down. I was incredibly invested in Eliana's story and just wanted to see if she would succeed. The magic system is very interesting. It hasn't been explained fully yet, but there are hints that the next books in the series will go into more depth. The ever growing cast of characters is engaging, though some personality switches are just downright concerning (Rielle's father and Simon, hello).

I also loved how atmospheric this novel was. I could truly get a sense of the layout and settings through the descriptions. Tension between the warring countries and factions is well handled. I struggled rating this book, because most of it's elements I really enjoyed.

My problems with the book stem from its structure. I normally have no problem with dual perspective or multiple perspective novels. In fact, I rather enjoy them, because I love getting a fuller story from diverse perspectives. Normally with multiple POVs, there's one story that ties the points of view together. With Furyborn every time the perspective shifted, I had to pull my head completely out of one story and into another with a completely different look and feel. Had the sections been longer, this might not have been a problem, because I know that the stories will eventually converge, but with the fast pace I found myself feeling as if I had reading whiplash.

This was compounded by the fact that I found Eliana by far the most compelling narrative. I understand that Rielle's POV is interesting too, but in comparison, her story seemed boring and even a chore to read. The further I got in the novel and the faster the pace went, the more annoyed that I got when I had to stop reading about Eliana and start reading about Rielle's magic tasks again. I think Rielle will become a more interesting character. I even suspect that Eliana's perspective might be a bit flat without Rielle's to back it up. I appreciate what one story gives to the other, but it was still really annoying to switch back and forth.

Also, while I was glad that there was a healthy exploration of sexuality in this book, I wasn't prepared for it in any way. I felt like the characters just sort of fell into graphic sex scenes that didn't mash up well with the atmosphere. Perhaps that is my fault as a reader though.

That said, I will definitely pick up the next book when it comes out. I will be recommending that my library purchase this.

4/5 stars

I received this ARC for a honest review.

I am so impressed with this book. I loved the intertwining of two character's stories and then connecting them. I can't wait to see where the second book takes us and how Rielle's story continues.

The book wasn't too violent or dark which I appreciated. It isn't for all ages but it didn't have moments where I cringed like some of them I do. Definitely recommend giving it a try!

I really appreciated the opportunity to read this book before it was released. I keep hearing about it on social media and being a huge fantasy reader I couldn't wait to start once I got approved. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the book. From the start I was confused, a lot of information is provided right in the opening pages with little context. I actually reread the opening chapter twice trying to keep everything straight. The next chapter jumps back in time to when Rielle is a young girl, before she becomes queen. I'm sad to say I didn't make it much further, this was a DNF for me, something I'm relucatnt to do, especially on ARCs.
Aside from the confusing time jumps, I couldn't get into the plot. The writing wasn't doing it for me and knowing that Rielle turns dark took the surprise out of it for me.
I do think my students will read this book, we have voracious fantasy readers.

This book engaged me from the very beginning. Once I started I couldn't stop. Rielle and Eliana are connected by a prophecy. The story goes back and forth between the two weaving a tale that encompasses both of them together and apart. Tons of action. I want to read more about what Simon went through! Book ends wide open ready for the next one which I can't wait for. I received an ARC at no charge for which I voluntarily provided an honest review.

I don't even know if I have the words to describe how much I loved this book! It was one of my most anticipated reads of 2018, and when I got the notification from NetGalley that I was approved to read an arc I was over the moon and immediately stopped what I was doing to start reading!

This book started off with a bang in the prologue, which shows Queen Rielle giving birth, sending her child away to protect her, and then fighting an angel. From there, we go three years into her past to see the events that lead up to that intense scene, and let me just say that it was basically heart stopping action from beginning to end! I don't know the last time I actually yelled at a book before, but I was screaming and my hear was pounding throughout the entire book!

We switch perspectives between Rielle and a badass assassin/thief named Eliana. Based on the synopsis for the book, you know that one of them is the Sun Queen and one is the Blood Queen, but you don't know how the two characters relate to each other until closer to the end of the book.

The characters were amazing and both women were strong and independent, and really didn't take crap from anyone. If I had to choose a favorite perspective, I would go with Rielle, mainly because from her perspective we can see how the world became the way it is.

I cannot wait to read the second one to see what happens to both characters! Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy so I can reread it over and over again!

Review also posted on: www.meltingpages.wordpress.com

the description of this book had me hooked...two girls...a thousand years apart and yet connected....how? why? I had to find out. I like that the author went back and forth for each chapter between these 2 girls and gave subtle hints as to their connection. I love that each woman have different abilities and that they learn more about them as the book progresses. I cant wait to read the next book in this series.

If there ever was an amazing book that you wanted everyone to know about - it would be this one. The writing style, the action, the adventure, the mystery, the romance .... EVERYTHING is perfect. It flows perfectly with the element of anticipation looming over every single chapter. I can NOT wait for more from this author and I will put this in the hands of every single YA reader that comes in to my library!

It was a bit hard to get through, but the changes of narration helped. I was excited for a BI main character and more fantasy. Some of the backstories were complicated for me. I found myself backtracking, trying to understand who was who or what had happened. That's a high fantasy problem in itself. I would recommend this. It's nicely written and very adventurous.

I was so excited to read this from NetGalley, and unfortunately I was way let down while reading. The prologue seemed to have nothing to do with the description of the book I had just read, and I had to check repeatedly that I was reading the right title. I was immediately thrown into a world I knew nothing about and was constantly confused as to what was going on. Then I realized I actually didn't care. The chapters alternate perspectives between Rielle and Eliana, and I found neither one of their characters sympathetic or compelling. I was frequently disgusted by their choices and behavior and found very little to like in either one of them, which ultimately killed any desire I had to continue reading their stories.

4.5 stars

This was an interesting book, with complex characters and a clearly intricate world.

However, a lot of the world building was left murky to promote the mystery aspect of the story.

Also the rigid back and forth between viewpoints and timelines made it a bit difficult to immerse oneself in the story. It was a bit like reading 2 books a once, a chapter of one followed by a chapter of the other.

I am definitely curious to see where the author is going with this and will likely read the sequels.

Cautiously recommended to those who like intricate storylines and morally ambiguous "heroines."

I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Yay, this book was so fun! It follows two girls, Rielle (side note, I kept seeing John Edwards' mistress when I read her name) and Eliana, in two different times and worlds. What they have in common is the legends of the Sun Queen and the Blood Queen, and enemies waiting for them. Rielle is the classic YA tempestuous heroine, with a secret love and too much power/magic to make those around her feel comfortable. Eliana is the Dread of Orline, a paid thief and assassin who learned her skills from her mother. Rielle's country tells horror stories of the angels before they were beaten and kept behind a Gate, and Eliana's city is one in the Empire, an unstoppable force with mind-controlled soldiers.

This book kept me up late, and I had a fantastic time losing sleep. While Rielle and Eliana are a little bit cliche (this is YA fantasy after all), the plot and the world-building is original, and the surrounding cast of characters (for the most part) are well-fleshed-out and people I cared about. Definitely would recommend this to fans of Sarah J. Maas and Sabaa Tahir.

Claire Legrand has created a magical world full of danger, excitement, and redemption in "Furyborn (The Empirium Trilogy)". When I first started reading, I could not help but compare it to other similar worlds and characters created by Leigh Bardugo, Victoria Aveyard, and Kendare Blake; however, after a few chapters I became thoroughly engrossed in the entwined fates of Rielle and Eliana. Legrand has managed to describe a world that is unique and can stand on its own besides these other great books. The writing style is perfect for the story, filled with exact details that enhance and scaffold the character development and their relationships. The alternating chapters, switching between Rielle and Eliana, make this book impossible to put down. You cannot simply "stop at the next chapter" since each chapter ends in suspense and you have to at least read the next page. Anyone who is a fan of strong female characters, accompanied by handsome and loyal partners, determined to change their fate as they fight against an overpowering evil in a magical kingdom, will find in "Furyborn" a new favorite. I cannot wait to read what happens next in the trilogy!

If you’re a fan of Sarah J Maas, you will be a fan of Furyborn too. This book was two amazing stories in one. I loved the Two strong, independent women that were the main characters of the story.

Two women come to terms with their destinies in this young adult epic fantasy novel. Review time!

So Claire Legrand’s Furyborn completely blew me away. I devoured this book in a 24 hour period. It’s about two powerful young women, Rielle and Eliana, coming to terms with themselves and their circumstances. Each chapter seamlessly alternates between their very different perspectives. Honestly, it should be a hot mess – the constant hopping between time periods, characters, and mythology. And yet, the novel’s charm is the ability to immerse yourself into each story equally. If you enjoy magic, bad ass women, and political intrigue, you will most likely enjoy this story.

The preface took away some of my enjoyment as it reveals the connection between Rielle and Eliana. My hope is the preface is deleted from the final copy. Context clues within the story provides ample foreshadowing to their connection. Additionally, the antagonists needed more development. Despite those minor issues, I just fell in love with the characters and setting. I’m dying to get my hands on the next book in the series!

tl;dr An action-packed epic fantasy with two tenacious female characters.

This was a did not finish for me. It reminded me of Queen of the Tearling, but it wasn't as well executed. I think if we had started without the prologue, it might have been better for me, but going immediately backwards three years and already having a good idea of what's coming, even though you don't know how/why really killed it for me. This book will have many fans, but I will not be one of them.

Fans of Queen of the Tearling will enjoy this dual queen narrative.

I absolutely LOVED Furyborn. Being the first book in the trilogy we had to learn the world and meet the amazing cast of characters.
I really loved two timelines. One, the story never got boring because it kept switching from Rielle to Eliana and back. I did like Eliana and her story more then Rielle. Eliana is a strong character who made a life out of what she got.
I felt like Rielle didn't think about what she was doing most of the time and that what brought so much trouble in to her life.
Simon is my defiantly second favorite after Eliana. He is broken and strong at the same time. He cares the world on his shoulders but still stays strong for the people he cares about.
Overall, this book was amazing and I NEED TO KNOW where the story will take us.
I can't believe I have to wait over a year for the next one!

It has been a while since I came across a powerfully imaginative and intense fantasy story, and Furyborn surely delivered. From the first chapter, I found myself captivated and desperate for answers to all the questions that came to mind as I wove through page after page. Legrand truly does an amazing job in this riveting novel and I was extremely grateful to have had the chance to enjoy this book.

This book was unexpected. I read it in one day because it needed to be read. I was surprised at all turns. A truly unique book, with stories within stories.
Must read.

after my reread:
The book still holds up. The ending is delicious and unexpected and I can’t wait for the movie.

Review *NON SPOILERY REVIEW*

What an epic introduction to this sure-to-be fantastic trilogy.

Words cannot explain my never-ending love for a strong, willful and all around bada** leading lady. Well, lucky for me, we get MULTIPLE leading ladies in this dual POV story about power, fate, and the often blurry line between the definition of good and evil.

The prologue starts off running, throwing us into the story via a very memorable and dramatic opening scene. The action rarely slows from there, as we follow two young women's trials and journeys to save themselves and those around them. This story is incredibly fast paced, with many excellently written action sequences. There were also a LOT of near scrapes with certain characters that I found perhaps a *tiny* bit repetitive toward the end. More than once, I found myself wishing the story would slow down for just a tiny bit to add in some extra exposition and background, but then again, there were quite a few very natural and helpful dialogues between a variety of characters that showed the reader hidden connections and explanations.

When all of the running and battling and escaping and rescuing did slow down for a sec, we got a few pretty steamy sequences, especially between a certain MC and her forbidden handsome prince love, that I was TOTALLY here for. There is no hazy, half disguised description of sexy times that leaves you wondering 'did they just...?' Oh, no. Not in this house. They DID. And it was fantastic.

Even with the sometimes overwhelming pace of this novel, I thoroughly enjoyed this creatively imagined magical world and the complex connections between all of the characters (especially the two MCs). Many of the characters were very compelling, including almost all of the side characters and the plot itself has such fantastic promise for the future. I will absolutely be back for the next installment in the Empirium Trilogy.

I think the last time I was this excited about a fantasy novel, I'd just heard about Queen of the Tearling. Actually, it's not all that surprising that I was immediately drawn to this book the way I was drawn to that one. Magic, conspiracy, rebellions This book is fantastic and both its main characters are engaging, feisty and unique strong female leads. I'd struggle to choose a favourite between the two. The POV switches from chapter to chapter, keeping you on your toes.

The worlds, a thousand years apart, are both so different and well thought out. Rielle's is a world full of magic, with seven different elements. Rielle's secret is that she controls them all and when she is found out, she must undergo seven trials to prove that she is not a threat to the kingdom and the rightful Sun Queen. The trials are brilliant and had my heart in my mouth the whole time. I was excited to see each trial and how Rielle would overcome them. She's stubborn and reckless but you definitely root for her!

Eliana was tricky to love at first, a ruthless, unfeeling bounty hunter who will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of her family. She wields knives and jumps from impossible heights and is known as the 'Dread of Orline.' A name earned, that's for sure. But when women disappear into the night and several events lead to Eliana's whole world changing, she changes too. Her character development in the sequel is something I'm looking forward to and how much she's going to grow as a character.

Definitely five stars. Claire Legrand has made it onto my list of must buy and I cannot wait for more books in this series. Full in-depth review lives on Novel Darlings at Wordpress.