"Firebird" by Juliette Cross is an engaging romantasy filled with action and intrigue. The blend of Roman history and fantasy elements is what initially drew me to the book, and it delivered on creating a vivid and immersive setting. However, I found myself wishing the story focused more on the adventure and fantasy aspects, as the romantic elements became somewhat repetitive as the plot progressed.
The main characters are well-written and fully developed, and the chemistry between the love interests is very steamy. For readers who enjoy a higher level of steam in their romantasy, this book will likely be a hit.
That said, it’s worth noting the significant power imbalance between the protagonists, which could be uncomfortable or triggering for some readers. If that dynamic doesn’t align with your preferences, you may want to approach this book with caution or skip it altogether.
Although this story wasn't for me, fans of the genre will love this book.
Thank you to NetGallery and Bramble for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was insanely good. I could not put it down, the ending was soo perfect but I also need to know more!!

First thanks to NetGalley for the gifted arc this book was perfection. Firebird by Juliette Cross is an absolute gem of a romantasy that I devoured in just a couple of days. Set in a stunning world inspired by Ancient Rome, complete with dragon shifters and fascinating magic, this book delivered everything I could have hoped for—and more.

The unique setting was rich and immersive, and the plot was fast-paced and thrilling, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The romance? Utter perfection. The chemistry between the characters was electric, and the FMC was everything I love in a heroine: strong, relatable, and deeply compelling.

What truly set Firebird apart for me was the lush, ancient Roman-inspired backdrop. It added a depth and grandeur to the story that elevated the whole experience. I was so obsessed with this book that I immediately preordered the stunning special edition with sprayed edges—it’s just that good.

If you’re a fan of romantasy, Firebird is an absolute must-read. Juliette Cross has crafted a tale that’s equal parts magical, romantic, and unputdownable. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one—go preorder it now!

Overall 3.5 Stars

The world that Juliette built is AMAZING; the concept, the time frame, the ground work for political machinations. Omg and the hot AF dragon shifters. This book felt like it was going to be made my literary soul. Unfortunately, the 2nd half of the book let me down a little. I felt like the ground work laid in the front half was leading to more complex problems and resolutions - but then I feel like it just became a possessive MMC saving the damsel in distress and burning the world, and his carefully laid plans, to ash. I also really struggled with the use of quim and cunny in this book. I wanted to love and obsess over this - especially because I love and am obsessed with the author. But this was touch of a let down for me.

Juliette Cross has crafted an immaculate romantasy novel, it is absolutely a story that pulled me in from the beginning and I was unable to put it down. The characters, the story, the world, the plot. AHH! It was amazing.

While I enjoyed this novel and thought it had an interesting premise and was generally a fine romantasy, I couldn’t put my finger on why I wasn’t thoroughly enamored with it. I thought it was generally fine. It had a cool premise, interesting plot lines, the world building was unique, but I finally figured out what rang hollow: character development. There is none. Our characters don’t really grow or develop, they remain essentially the same, they just fall in love with each other. Additionally, despite the fact that we do get some really good back stories for both, I still found their characters underdeveloped.

This is such an interesting premise, but for me it fell flat.

Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f historical fantasy romance
-fated mates vibes
-forbidden romance
-forced proximity
-dragons
-it's always been you

A romantasy based on the Roman empire, I was so intrigued. Such an immersive world with interesting world building. Excited to see where this goes with the other sisters.

“Firebird” is definitely different to the authors previous work, however when reading you definitely still feel like you’re reading a Juliette Cross book despite the differences.

I love how the book integrates not only the legend of Medusa amongst the times of the Roman Empire but also weaves dragons beautifully into the story blending themes of wars, death, magic and survival across a beautiful romance story.

Malina and Julian come from different worlds, countries at war they are bound to hate and fight against one another and yet they are pulled together by an invisible thread of lust and undeniable chemistry so when they find each other for the second time on the battle field Julian knows he must protect her at all costs despite the trouble he may receive for it.

Julian is cold hearted (cold blooded 😄) unyielding and feared amongst all his followers, of course except for Malina who is brave, stubborn, ethical and empathetic. The two couldn’t be any different so of course they are fated.

I loved reading this story and watching it unfold, there is so much magic and beauty in these pages if you are a vivid imagery reader you will have a great time seeing a world be created into life before your eyes.

The cover is absolutely what drew me in the artwork and stenciled edges are stunning and the inside of the book lived up to that.

Thank you to Tor Publishing and Juliette Cross for the EARC.

Publish date : April 8th 2025

Whether it’s fantasy, cozy paranormal, or even contemporary romance, when you pick up a Juliette Cross novel you’re in for an excellent story.

“Firebird” was phenomenal. Readers of all genres will find themselves in Cross’ grasp right from the prologue. The spin of Medusa paired with the fantastical dragon shifters and mystical sorcery is a dynamic combination that sizzles the imagination.

I especially loved that while this story, this setting, these characters, and heck, even the vibes are very clearly different from Cross’ recent works, you can still hear her “voice” from the very start. The “Firebird” world is dark and daunting if you’re not part of Caesar’s patricians and senators, or of even dragonkind. However, Malina is a strong, sassy, independent woman reminiscent of all the brave and badass women of the Savoie family. Julian is an intimidating presence but never toward his treasure, and his dragon’s monologue very much reminds this reader of beloved Alpha from Wolf Gone Wild.

I loved it, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

A romantasy with dragons and a possessive MMC? IM IN!

This isn't the first book I've read by this author, and as usual, I'm totally hooked on her writing. I loved the romance and the dragons. The ending really got me, and it sets up the next book perfectly. It's definitely my new obsession, and I can't wait for my friends to read it so I can finally talk to them about it!

Holy.
I love Juliette Cross’ paranormal romance series so I was intrigued by Firebird. I had no idea what to expect and I can honestly say it blew me away.
The story follows a dancer named Malina, set in Ancient Rome under a dictator, the story takes homage from the Roman regime. Although the historical aspect has been altered to fit the story, I throughly enjoyed Cross’ spin on the Holy Roman Empire. Not to mention how she beautifully integrated dragons into the world.
The chemistry between Malina and our MMC Julian was undeniable. Their paths are thrust together when Malina is captured on the battlefield by Julian’s legion. As nephew to Caesar the horrific dictator, he is a lethal and coldhearted warrior- to everyone EXCEPT MALINA.
Romantasy is a tough genre to hit lately, I feel like the market is very over-saturated but I can honestly say this book has my whole heart. At no point in the story did I feel a lull or get bored it was engaging from start to finish! If you like Roman history, dragons, romance, fated mates and an overall well paced story, definitely give Firebird a try. Not to mention the first print run of this book is GORGEOUS LIKE OMG.

Ancient Rome setting makes this feel like a historical romantasy but with a strong female main character

I flew through this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Malina was a dancer who met the handsome but dangerous Julian at one of her shows. They are instantly taken with one another. He gifts her a valuable coin and then disappears.

Years later Malina is taken prisoner by Julian’s Roman army and is put up for auction. Julian rescues her and makes her his slave. Julian is a dragon shifter that serves at the right hand of his evil uncle.

Julian starts to fall for Malina and wants her to help him take down his uncle.

There were a lot of tense moments and the plot was interesting, The chemistry between the two MC’s was🔥
The book was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat!

I have been a huge fan of Juliette Cross for years. So although I love her latest and most popular work, I have been patiently waiting for her to return to the world of dragons that she writes so well.
This was a fantastic read and slightly nostalgic for me as well.
Very well written and original take on dragon shifters on Roman times. It will be an easy one to sell instore!

Malina, a Dacian dancer, finds herself attracting the attention of a high ranking Roman conqueror, Julian. When fate brings them together years after their first meeting, things start getting interesting. Firebird brings a fantasy element to historical Ancient Rome. While the overall world building felt a little lackluster, the overall story has promise and I’m looking forward to (hopefully) the next in the series!

Firebird by Juliette Cross is an exciting and steamy fantasy romance that captures the reader's attention from the start. The story follows a fierce and independent heroine who becomes entangled with a mysterious and captivating love interest. Cross masterfully blends elements of fantasy, romance, and action, creating a world full of supernatural beings, high stakes, and sizzling chemistry. The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps the reader hooked with its mix of intrigue and passion. Firebird is a thrilling read for fans of fantasy romance looking for a fast-paced, captivating story with emotional depth.

Firebird by Juliette Cross

-Dragon shifter
-Political intrigue
-Rome setting
-Caeser is in charge but is a dragon shifter tyrant
-He lets her ride his dragon (take that as you will)
-He is the general of the army
-Touch her and d!e

I LOVED this book. My first Juliette Cross book was The Wraith King and I devoured it! So when I saw this book in NetGalley I knew I had to try to get an ARC. Juliette had a way of giving us complex but easy to follow world building and it was so unique. The Rome setting was incredible. I mean what’s cooler than Roman warrior dragon shifters!? The political intrigue kept me hooked but the real star of the show is Malina and Julian. Malina is a strong FMC with incredible magic that is gifted to her by the gods. Julian is a general who meets Malina years prior and gifts her a gold coin. Their paths cross again years later and Julian is forced to keep Malina as a slave to keep her safe from all the corrupt dragon shifters in the empire. All I know is this book is going to blow up in 2025 and I can’t wait. I’m already desperate for book two!

I loved this book so much. Juliette Cross is soon becoming an author I love and hope to read more from her in the coming year. I enjoyed the romance of this book and also the dragons and the lore. The ending intrigues me and sets up a next novel really well.

This has to be one of my favorite fantasy novels to date. This book is full of political intrigue, magic and dragons, a badass FMC (Malina) and a soft hearted Roman general (Julianus). The pull between Malina and Julianus was palpable from their first meeting when Malina is dancing with her sisters. Julianus is one of my favorite MMCs because he’s honestly so caring and doesn’t want to be tasked with the burden that has been thrust upon him as the Roman general. I’ve always been drawn to more fantasy/romantasy books that are heavy on the politics and this one certainly hit that plot point for me. This book is just all around fantastic and I loved it so much I read it in just 48 hours!

If this book doesn’t take off once it’s released, I’ll genuinely be surprised.

Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for the eARC!!

I know 2 things:

1. This Romantasy is going to blow up when it comes out!
2. This one wasn’t for me!

This is a story about a witch blessed with emphatic magic to feel and control the emotions of others. She is captured by an infamous Roman general who is immediately captivated by her and makes her his body slave. In this world the Roman Empire is obviously corrupt and lots of people are actually dragons. The general (love interest) is keeping secrets and is probably not as evil as his reputation would have you believe.

I appreciated that the Malina wasn’t just a snarky stabby rinse and repeat FMC. She’s definitely snippy but I wouldn’t quite put her into the 100% insufferable category. Secondly I liked that the author picked Ancient Rome as her setting inspiration because finallyyyy the girlies get to have their romance empire moment. Nice!

Unfortunately at the end of the day I don’t think I was ever going to jive with a colonizer/slave master x slave romance. For this story to even remotely work it would have to be handled with such nuance. Firebird doesn’t have that. The power imbalance between them was so icky that I found myself closing my eyes in dread at scenes leading up to intimacy because I was like “no pleaseee don’t do anything until you both are actual equals.” That’s just not a pleasant way to experience romantic progression.

This issue was also exacerbated by the fact that the love interest Julianus is a dragon. The dragon within him often says things like “you are mine” “tell me you’re giving yourself to me” “my treasure” “say you are mine” etc. I understand these are romantasy cash lines but given the context, they were uncomfortable to read. I’ll also say that since this is a romance you know the love interest is going to be redeemed and has his reasons etc etc. but I just didn’t buy it. I don’t care why he conquered and murdered all her people, I care that he did it in the first place.

Let’s move on from the romance. Let’s talk about world building/ setting. This is a Romantasy pitched as From Blood & Ash meets House of the Dragon. Unfortunately the only similarity between Cross’s Roman inspired setting to George R.R. Martin’s Westeros (besides the existence of dragons) was gratuitous violence towards woman. I was hoping this story would have complex political maneuvering and characters with depth with that HOD comp.

I really wanted to love this one! Unfortunately not for me. Thank you bramble for the earc!