Thank you to Netgally and St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

TOGETHER WE BURN by Isabel Ibañez is a Young Adult Fantasy novel set in a world inspired by bullfighting in historic Spain. When I learned that one of my favorite authors was writing a fantasy novel inspired by my favorite area of Spain, I couldn’t wait to read it. I knew I’d love it.

I was right, I loved it. The novel is well-paced, action-packed, and full of heart. Before I gush some more, here’s a quick summary.

The story centers on Zarela Zalvidar (coolest initials ever!), an eighteen-year-old young woman who has recently lost her mother in a tragic accident. She performs Flamenco dancing in her mother’s place to help keep her family’s dragon-fighting arena in Hispalia successful. Zarela’s father is the most famous Dragonador in Hispalia. Picture bullfighting but instead with dragons. People come from miles away to see him in the arena. Their family may be broken, but they are surviving.

At one of their biggest performances ever, tragedy strikes again, and this time it’s even worse. Zarela’s father is badly injured, more people die, and the governing body that manages the business of dragon-fighting, the Gremio de Dragonadores, retaliates by putting the Zalivdar arena and home, La Giralda, at risk of being taken away for good.

Determined to do whatever it takes to save her ancestral home, Zarela decides to train as a Dragonador. The problem is, there aren’t any available to help her train, with one huge, prickly exception: Arturo. He’s a very grumpy ex-Dragonador who works capturing dragons. When Zarela offers him the rest of her family’s money to train her, at first he doesn’t agree. Thanks to Zarela’s stubbornness and determination, she convinces him to help. As they learn more about each other, a spark develops between them, a spark that could either be the best thing that ever happened to them, or one that could lead them on a crash course to heartbreak and failure.

I could go on and on about everything I liked, but I’ll try to focus on the highlights.

Ms. Ibañez made so many unexpected creative choices that came together brilliantly in this novel. One example is taking the risk of writing an unlikeable-at-first character in Arturo. You wonder why he’s like that, and what could possibly coax him out of his foul mood. There’s a pay-off, my friends, and I didn’t see it coming.

It was great to see Zarela’s beliefs evolve during the novel. She starts out with such a negative attitude about dragons, even though they are the source of her family’s survival. Over the course of the story, this belief is called into question, culminating in a fantastic way to combine the various cultural aspects of Hispalia.

The romance was a mutual loathing to lovers slow burn… and then ignition! It was at times frustrating as it should be, swoon-worthy as all good romances are, and everything I love to see in that trope. I found it believable because it wasn’t smooth, but once each of the characters had an emotional breakthrough, together their mutual attraction burned.

How did I get this far without mentioning the fantastic supporting cast? My favorite was Lola, Zarela’s servant/friend who is loyal, fun, and flirty. She’s the friend who will fight by your side, even when it looks as if all is lost. There are many more, and they are all painted beautifully in prose, as if with an artist’s brush.

One of the twists in this story seemed a little too telegraphed for me. That said, when it arrived, it was nerve-wracking to watch Zarela endure what she endures. The other big twist completely surprised me. Clues had been planted, but I totally didn’t pull them together to spoil this big reveal, and I’m glad.

TOGETHER WE BURN is a fast-paced, imaginative ride with a sizzling romance, mysterious tragedies, and a main character I enjoyed cheering for. I highly recommend it.

I went in here blind. All I knew was the concept, of *dragonadors* instead of matadors. I got interested enough to start it earlier than I planned, but my interest waned while reading despite it being quick and easy.

I found the world building lacking, I wanted to learn more about the fictional city this was set in but we don’t get much info outside the dragon rings. The characterization was shallow, characters change their views and there should be anything to support that change for it to make sense but there wasn’t. Many aspects of this book was sudden and felt plain rushed, the romance and the ending especially. Looking back on the concept, I was surprised with the very basic plot that had the usual conveniences you’d find in a story like this; everything was very predictable.

I was conflicted in rating this because despite those drawbacks I still had a little fun. I just wished for a more complex and developed execution of what was a unique concept. Those who like dragons might have fun in reading this too.

I went in here blind. All I knew was the concept, of *dragonadors* instead of matadors. I got interested enough to start it earlier than I planned, but my interest waned while reading despite it being quick and easy.

I found the world building lacking, I wanted to learn more about the fictional city this was set in but we don’t get much info outside the dragon rings. The characterization was shallow, characters change their views and there should be anything to support that change for it to make sense but there wasn’t. Many aspects of this book was sudden and felt plain rushed, the romance and the ending especially. Looking back on the concept, I was surprised with the very basic plot that had the usual conveniences you’d find in a story like this; everything was very predictable.

I was conflicted in rating this because despite those drawbacks I still had a little fun. I just wished for a more complex and developed execution of what was a unique concept. Those who like dragons might have fun in reading this too.

I liked the pacing in this book. A lot of times fantasy books are so vast and large and you can get lost in the world building and it takes away from the characters and plot but I found this to be a more accessible read. I also think dragons never get any space in books anymore so I loved that addition.

I did think that it was easy to guess certain things that were going to happen in the book, which took away from the ending so a little less foreshadowing and obvious clues might benefit the book. Still, Zarela is an MC that I love to root for. She’s resilient and determined and has a solid backbone, while still being thoughtful. I love enemies to lovers so this was my sweet spot though I did think that Arturo was a little off putting at times. It’s fine to be enemies but sometimes it didn’t seem like he had a reason to be rude? So he could have done with some more fleshing out in the beginning but overall, this was a fun quick read and I would read another from this author.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books.

I loved this story of a spoiled flamenco dancer who must take on the family's mantle of dragonfighting to save her family name.

At the beginning of the book I didn't really like Zarela but as it went on I really liked her grit and determination.

Arturo is one of the characters I usually despise. Mean and weirdly mysterious for no reason, but Zarela kinda brought it on herself with her demands.

It's a very slow burn romance with fantastic world building, a murder mystery, and...dragons!

Such a unique and interesting concept, but the execution just never quite managed to draw me in.

And I think it's because of how basic the story feels. It's very surface level with too many predictable conveniences.

This is great storytelling if you are wanting something that is quick and easy, but I was personally hoping for a little more depth. A little more visible world-building, a little more complex characterisation, and a little more action-packed plot. I mean, all the basics are there, it just would have been nice to experience a more developed execution.

So overall, not a bad book by any means. It's just not one I loved, unfortunately.

This story is a spin on Spanish bullfighting but with dragons. It was pretty well paced, though I wanted more dragons! I wanted to know more about them, maybe to see cute baby ones or watch them just be their awesome selves. There's a lot of tragedy in this, death and destruction and a plot to take down Zarela's family business, but the slow burn romance and cute friendship did help to balance it out somewhat.

I liked Zarela and how strong she was. Her mother died and she carried on dancing and helping her father. When something horrible happens to her arena and her father is injured, Zarela does whatever it takes to keep things running and bring back the patrons. She's stubborn and loyal and I really enjoyed watching her push Arturo's buttons. Their relationship takes a while to come together, but they have plenty of chemistry and fun moments.

The mystery of who/what was behind the arena attacks seemed pretty clear to me, but it was still entertaining watching Zarela figure it out. The ending had a part that I felt was sort of unnecessary, but still a good wrap up for the book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the copy

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez, in exchange for a sincere and unbiased review.

Having read and LOVED author Isabel Ibañez's debut novel Woven In Moonlight, I was beyond ecstatic to be approved for an advance e-book copy of her latest YA fantasy novel. Together We Burn is 100% swoony AND action packed! Isabel's writing is beautiful, full of mouth watering local food descriptions, adventure, heroes and sooooo much heart.

Eighteen year old Zarela Zalvidar is our leading lady, haunted by a tragedy that occured in her ancestral home and an arena that showcases Dragon fighting and the traditional and the seductive art of Flamenco dancing. People from all over come to see Zarela dance and her father, one of the most famous Dragonadors in Hispalia, Disaster strikes during a celebratory show, and in the aftermath of the bloodbath, Zarela must figure out how to save the only home she's ever known.

A flamenco dancer who must become a dragon hunter to save her family legacy.

Zarela, with her determination and passion, seeks out the most talented dragon hunter in the land, snarky, but swoon worthy Arturo Díaz de Montserrat, to help her train to slay dragons and carry on her family's legacy as famous Dragonadoras.

I devoured this book, and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to discover the mystery of who was responsible for the tragedies that Zarela's family experienced and what would happen between Zarela and the moody Arturo.
LOVED the way the pieces came together and am totally satisfied in the explosive ending. Hope you all enjoy this fiery and electric story as much as I did! Happy reading!

This is the most unique dragon story I have read and the ending was perfect!!! I love how the character interact and the story flow is nice. The descriptions throughout the book thoroughly immerse the reader into the world and it kept me hooked. I finished it in one day I couldn't put my phone down.
There is some romance with an enemy to lovers vibe. The MC and lover interest bicker throughout the story and it is hilarious!
I love how the story is set in an alternate Mexico where they fight dragon instead of bulls. And the twist at the end was so sad. I couldn't believe it!
This book is a definite must read and has me wanting to read more by the author.

I really wanted to enjoy this because DRAGONS, and I did for awhile. But I think I was missing more explanation of the dragon fighting process and culture, and I felt like I kept getting pieces of that information only at oddly convenient moments.

And the Big Reveal and ending just wasn’t it for me.

Hopefully since this was an ARC, some of these things will be cleaned up for the final product

Isabel Ibañez once again thrills us with an enchanting story. I had the privilege of receiving an advanced reading copy of “Together We Burn” but have already pre-ordered the physical copy. I absolutely need to add this to my collection. Taking place in the beautiful faraway land of Hispalia, “Together We Burn” tells the tale of the talented and determined Zarela Zalvidar, and her quest to protect her family name. With romance, mystery and action, the book plays a beautiful tribute to the traditions and magic of Spain. It was an absolute pleasure to read. Reminiscent of childhood fairytales, it brought back a little bit of magic into my life.

Concluding: Ibañez truly can do no wrong!

Together We Burn was a really fun read. Ibañez has a clear and engaging voice and knows how to pace a story really well. While I wasn't immediately captured, once I was into the story, I was hooked and ready at least 70% of it in one day.

I really appreciated the world that the author built in Hispalia. It obviously borrows from Hispanic/Spanish culture, but it certainly has its own flair. The dragons, however, felt incidental for most of the story...to the point that I don't understand why a dragon glossary was included... The romance was fairly well done; nothing to quibble about, but not one of my OTPs.

The main drawback for me was the "twist" villain/ending which was both so cliched I saw it coming but also so poorly foreshadowed it didn't emotionally land for me. I wish that that had been done with more grace, but it didn't ruin the novel for me. I suspect that perhaps I'll be one of the few who find the twist distasteful, as seems to be the case iwth a lot of YA and me.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend this for teens looking for an engaging fantasy with a solid romance subplot.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

I finished this book in 2 days so I guess that says a lot. But if need I say more, I thoroughly enjoyed this coming-of-age fantasy. It starts off with a bang and while the middle lags a bit, I still enjoyed the interactions between the characters especially Zarela and Arturo. Their relationship had a gradual, but realistic progression and fans of enemies-to-lovers will adore Arturo.

My favorite part, besides the romance, was the flamenco dances. I thought that was a cool aspect and loved reading the dancing scenes, picturing the beautiful dresses, and following the rhythm. The author did a great job of painting a stellar picture of the scenes.

If I had a critique, it would be the ending. Unfortunately, I don't love endings that get wrapped up in a pretty bow and with the way this story began, I expected a major crescendo at the end, but felt it underwhelming.

This isn't the type of fantasy boggled down by centuries of backstory, endless communities, and wide-ranging characters, so if you're a fan of fast-paced fantasies with enemies-to-lovers romance and dragon-lovers, then you should try this for your next adventure.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Together We Burn reminded me of Disney. Mostly because violence is always chosen in the very beginning of the movies. Meaning there's always a dramatic death of a parent. This one event tragically shapes how the main character grows up. So, yeah, watching her mother die from the fire of a dragon would be pretty tragic for Zarela. Or anyone really.

Does this make her hate dragons? Nope, not really. She's actually pretty fascinated by them but still is hesitant since they are dangerous creatures. At eighteen years old, she is a talented flamenco dancer. Well, she was (and still is) but the day her father gets injured is the day she decides she wants to train to become a Dragonador.

Enter her trainer, Arturo. Now he's a fine specimen and I loved their bantering. Their chemistry was on fire and hard to contain. I wouldn't necessarily say things moved fast between them because he did hold her at arm's length for a while. After the first kiss, though, I don't think he could keep his hands off of her. It's just that, he really needed to tell a deep dark secret before things moved any further between them.

Then there's the villain. Ugh. Super gross and don't want to think about it anymore. Not a fan of what happened but he deserved all the karma that came his way. Seriously, he was gross and needed to go.

In the end, I definitely enjoyed the heck out of this book. I loved the world, the characters, the drama, and even the dragons. Everything flowed quite well together and I'm happy with how things ended. If this ever became a movie, I would watch it.

Picked this up for the beautiful cover, but I think this book is probably best read by reading the blurb and then going in blind.
Isabel's writing is wispy and her sentences string together so well that it the whole novel feels very magical in its own right.Remarkable characterization with sweet romance makes this book truly an amazing read.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC from NetGalley. The world and story is creatively and beautifully told. I love how Isabel Ibanez incorporates Hispanic culture and magic in her books to tell an amazing story filled with magic, adventure and romance.

A thrilling, action-packed story from Isabel, and honestly, when are her books NOT thrilling and captivating? A stunning world rich in color and texture, she's created a world that allows her readers to slip in effortlessly and long to never come out.

Beautiful!

<b><i>No fire, no heart. That's not a life I want. I'd rather face a dragon. </b></i>

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

This story had everything and left me wanting more! We have enemies to lovers, family above all, food and dragons!
Zarela Zalvidar is the daughter of legends. Her mother is famous and known worldwide for her flamenco dancing, while her father is a legendary Dragonador. When tragedy strikes on their 500th anniversary show, Zarela must do everything in her power to keep the arena for her family. She embodies a strong female character and proves countless times that she's willing to do anything to keep the arena, even if it means putting her life at risk. I enjoyed every second of this, especially seeing the familial relationships. Besides the romance that develops, an aspect I loved the most was seeing the nuance that dragon hunting faces, which is a reflection of bull-running. Zarela not only faces the Dragon Guild that threatens her family, but animal welfare activists who demonize and demand the dragon hunting to end. Our mc is being challenged left and right both physically and mentally. Zarela struggles to see different perspectives, but through Arturo (her love interest) she begins to understand the other side, while still embracing her family history.
Truly a magical world to enter which encompasses new levels of fantasy that highlights Spanish traditions, transforming them into something new.


✨✨✨
Favorite Quotes:
"Dragonfighting is living history, and it takes courage and grace and honor.'
'It also takes murder. You call it history, I call it archaic.'"

"'You must think me an idiot.'
'I don't think about you much at all.' 😂

"If I can't have more, then let me have less" 🥺

Together We Burn is a reluctant romance with dragons and dancing, and a bit of sabotage and mystery.
The central romance reminded me of the one in Pride and Prejudice. Both characters are attracted to one another, but both refuse to admit it to themselves. It's frustrating, in a way that builds tension instead of being annoying.
This book has been on my TBR since it was announced, and it lived up to expectations.


I received an advanced copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My strongest impression of Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez is that it really should have started at the halfway mark. The writing was good and the overall story was interesting but the plot progression and the unacceptable lack of dragons in the first half kept it from being anything more than a decent read.

The Plot
Zarela Zalvidar is the daughter of Hispalia's most famous Dragonador, basically a matador but for dragons. Her mother was killed by a dragon a year earlier and now a year later, during a dragon fight, their other dragons escape their cages and wreak havoc on the arena, killing a bunch of spectators and wounding Zarela's father. In order to save her home and arena and keep bringing in paying spectators while her father is injured she has to learn to fight dragons herself, which means employing the help of a grumpy, sullen, mysterious, and of course super hot dragonador trainer.

The Good
The writing was good; it was recognizably a YA novel, but a well-written YA novel. The world-building too, was nothing mind blowing but it was fine. I believed this ancient Spain-like country where dragons roamed and occasionally razed villages and cities.

The magic was cool, if not fully explored. People who do magic, called Magos, can store spells in cheap wands which anyone can buy and break apart to release the spell. I haven't seen that before and I enjoyed it.

Main character Zarela was also a pretty good protagonist. She wasn't necessarily likeable but she was interesting and that made the story more interesting as a whole. She was kind of dumb too, although that didn't really bother me like I know it does others. Some people are just dumb.

The Not-So-Good
Arturo. Ugh. The Dragonador trainer/eventual love interest (I'd tag that as a spoiler but come on, the second you meet him you know) is the absolute worst. He's so boring and just such a typical grumpy-mysterious-brooding man with a chip in his shoulder who has a secret he can't tell the heroine for reasons. He and Zarela had absolutely no sexual tension and while she couldn't stop obsessing over his hair and stuff he just genuinely seemed annoyed by her existence for most of the book. None of it was sexy.

I said earlier that the world building was decent, and it was, but I think the story itself could've taken place in a much more lush setting within the world the author built. We spend so much time indoors or in the dusty arena. I expected Zarela to be riding out into the countryside, hunting wild dragons but there is exactly one scene where she interacts with a dragon outside the arena. That was disappointing.

I'm not going to say anything about the ending except that it was too saccharine for my taste, even despite the fact that someone dies. Did not approve of the ending.

Overall, Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez was an okay YA romance/fantasy that could've been so much better.