If you like
-enemies to lovers
-chimeras, dragons, and phoenixes
-magic system strengthened by being bound to dragons
-hidden royal
-arranged marriage
-strong female character
-matriarch ruling
This book could be for you
Trigger warnings
-patriarch and religion taking over
-forced medical procedures
-death of children
-war
-murder
-female mutilation

Thank you to Delacorte Press for this ARC.

The premise of A Fate Forged in Fire had me from the get-go: Celtic-inspired fantasy romance with dragons and a hidden heir? Let’s go! 😍🔥 Unfortunately, this one was a mixed bag for me; I loved parts of it and found others frustrating. 😬

🔥 What did you love the most?
The dragons and the magical bonding system were hands down the best parts of this book. I genuinely wish the author had spent more time on these elements; they felt fresh, interesting, and full of potential. 😍

🔥 What to expect:
🗣️ Celtic terminology & worldbuilding
🗡️ Enemies to lovers romance
🐉 Dragon bonds
💍 Forbidden romance tropes

🔥 Steam level: Open-door with moderate detail

🔥 How was the romance?
This is where the book lost me. The FMC is supposed to be strong and powerful, but she treats other women (who are in the same exact situation) like garbage. 🙄 That hypocrisy was hard to get past. And the MMC? He barely got any real development, which made their connection feel flat. 😕

🔥 Do you recommend this book?
This is a tough one. I can definitely see a lot of fantasy romance lovers enjoying this book, especially those who are drawn to dragons and magic-heavy plots. 💗 But I personally needed a more consistent, self-aware heroine and a deeper emotional connection between the leads. Maybe Book 2 will deliver on the promise. 🐉🤞

🔥 Mood: 🐲 Fiery | 🗡️ Intense | 😬 Emotionally uneven

🔥 Read if you like:
🐉 Dragons and magical bonds
🖤 Anti-heroine leads (even messy ones)
💥 High-stakes enemies-to-lovers romance
📚 Fantasy with a touch of spice

"A Fate Forged in Fire" is a compelling story that requires a degree of patience with its protagonist. Aemyra, the FMC, initially comes across as strikingly immature. However, as the story unfolds, a nuanced understanding emerges: her immaturity isn't merely a character flaw, but a direct consequence of her upbringing and the profound lack of preparation for the weighty role she is destined to inherit. Related, the family dynamics, particularly between Aemyra and her father, form a fascinating core of the narrative. Aemyra's father is an exiled prince. The shadow of his past failed coup looms large, and his current endeavor to lead a second rebellion, ostensibly "for her," adds layers of complexity to their relationship.

The romance subplot, an enemies-to-lovers trope, offers a familiar yet engaging arc with a bittersweet twist. However, the character of Fiorean, Aemyra's romantic interest, feels underdeveloped. He serves his purpose within the plot, but a deeper exploration of his motivations, background, and inner world would have enriched the romantic dynamic and the overall narrative considerably.

In all, the book could have done with significantly more of that deeper exploration. There's a missed opportunity to fully immerse the reader in the intricacies of Aemyra's journey with her army and her learning of courtly ways. Instead of witnessing her strategic growth and political maneuvering, the narrative leans more towards impulsive actions and suggestive banter. Expanding on the political landscape, the cultural nuances, and the broader implications of the coup would have provided a richer, more immersive experience, allowing the reader to truly grasp the stakes and the world Aemyra is fighting for.

Thank you Hazel McBride and Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own

This book was ‘okay’. I know I have a bunch of negative thoughts on the book, but I’m still giving it a 3 star rating. Once I finally sat myself down to read, it took me less than a day to finish. There was plenty of action and I didn’t predict every twist and turn (some, but not all). Not a bad book, but I had been hoping for more.

It took me a bit to get into the story as there were a bunch of new words/terms being introduced early on (see below for my thoughts on that). I’m all for complex world building but most of what we were given didn’t seem all that relevant as the story went on.

I wasn’t able to really connect with any of the characters and the FMC annoyed me. She was arrogant and condescending to other women, but condemned her enemies/men for having those same traits/actions/opinions. She was supposed to be super powerful and fierce, yet when it came down to it, she caved and didn’t fight back tooth and nail. The connection between the FMC and MMC felt forced and almost like it just ‘happened’. As for being “enemies to lovers”? The hate felt childish and immature and they both “fell” way too easily.

The pronunciation guide was nice, but I would’ve also liked a glossary. With there being unfamiliar words sprinkled throughout the book, especially early on, it would have been nice to just look up what they meant - yeah, you eventually figure it out with context clues but it continually took me out of the story to have to stop and think “what does this word mean?”.

2.89
I was very lost in the beginning because it jumped right into the story with Gaelic words and meanings. I wish the glossary was placed in the beginning and I wish understood what all the Clans meant and that there was more backstory. At first I liked the FMC because she was feisty but then it turned into arrogance and she started to irritate me with all of her choices. The romance in her seemed forced because as soon as she found out it wasn’t the MMC that killed her family she immediately almost through herself at him. It started to get very fake and I didn’t feel myself loving them together. The ending just further proved that it didn’t seem right either. The FMC was kind of hypocritical especially when she found out what the wives go through. One minute she feels for them and sees them as abused and the next she calls them weak and pathetic which is just so mean. There was definitely strong feminist support in this book that was represented well at certain points but I think it became overwhelming and felt like that was the only main part of the story.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC💕

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the story line and character relationships, but I found the world building/power structure/religion a little hard to follow at times. I enjoyed the "queen hidden in plain sight" and the romance plots.

This book is great for readers who love Romantasy and also readers who are always looking for books with new perspectives. I love that this book takes inspiration from Celtic mythology/history. Please read content and trigger warnings before beginning the book.

Fire magic and dragons!

Aemyra was hiding in plain sight of the enemy’s castle working as a blacksmith using her fire magic while her father planned how Aemyra would bond with the current king’s dragon after his death and take the throne. But her father’s plan fails when politics and religion cause problems in Tìr Teine.

I really liked the premise of A Fate Forged In Fire where a queen has to take the throne that has been denied her but I struggled to read the story. I didn’t like Aemyra and Prince Fiorean because in a romantic fantasy you have to want them to succeed in the quest.

I wanted more but not every book fits every reader.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Holy moley this was AMAZING!
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!!!
5/5 stars.
Throne of Glass vibes with a unique magic system.
Enemies to lovers- yes. Marriage of convenience- yes. Dragons- yes. Chosen one- yes. Magical powers- yes. So so so much YES. I loved every part of this story. The characters were written so well- they we're only good or only bad, they had depth and feelings and hopes and desires. You really got to see the grays of war meaning you got to see things from different perspectives. I also liked that this book was messy- what I mean by that is the MC makes mistakes and there are repercussions instead of everything going exactly as planned and no one dying at all in a war and everyone lives happily ever after. If that is what you're looking for then probably look elsewhere, BUT if you're looking for a real and raw and feminine story with an imperfect MC who is just doing her best, then this is for you. This book truly celebrates femininity, shows the disgusting side of the patriarchy while maintaining that some men are still decent human beings. And....the ending of the book...OMG...I'm not going to give any spoilers, but let me just say that I CANNOT WAIT for the next book. I will be checking the author's socials every 5 minutes waiting for an update. Just kidding. (Kind of.)

This book is very action-packed and plot-driven. Since it jumps into the action right away, there is a lack of foundation in terms of caring for the FMC or even understanding the world. It's a kind of go with the flow read and don't question anything. It's hard to really care about or root for the FMC and her family's uprising when you don't really know them or the background very well. The dragon bonding is not really explained either. It feels superficial when reading since it is primarily action with no rhyme or reason.

A true natural progression of enemies to lovers. It's evident that this book was thoroughly researched. The world-building and pacing were excellent. The feminine rage and burn it all down emotions were fantastic. I'm excited to see what happens next!

-Fantasy Romance
-Enemies to Lovers
-Hidden Heir
-Slow Burn
-Sassy FMC
-Political Intrigue
-"My Wife"

This was not for me, but I could definitely see fans of A Fate Inked in Blood, Fourth Wing, or A Court of Wings and Ruin enjoying it.

This is generally an easy read, with minimal world building that needs to be understood (magic from goddesses, bonding with animals, evil outside church crusaders from the handmaid's tale). The plot line felt straight out of a YA fantasy novel, with a lot of coming of age type aspects and a character that acts rashly, without thinking, and without diplomacy or strategy, so I was shocking to discover that the main character was 26. However, it is definitely an adult book, with lots of swearing, violence, and sex scenes.

Unfortunately, one of my big pet peeves was present here, which is when a character is fighting hard to be a ruler but repeatedly acts like a very poor leader. Our FMC is brash, running off without thinking, unable to keep herself from insulting those in power and constantly turning to violence to resolve every issue. As a queen, those traits would make her an unstable tyrant. She lacks any diplomatic skills and is more akin to a sullen teenager than a head of state, despite having years to prepare herself.

And don't get me started on the (harmful) stereotype of a bisexual character who makes sexual innuendo towards everyone who walks, or the very one-dimensional evil characters. Even the romance made no sense to me (also, is that her cousin? I feel like they are cousins. What does "clan member" mean in this context?), though I am sure that the enemies-to-lovers trope lovers will enjoy the literal knife-to-the-throat scenes complete with jokes about knife play.

Anyway. I absolutely think this will find its audience and I actually would be surprised if it weren't quite popular. It just was not for me.

A Fate Forged in Fire will be your next romantasy obsession if you love the tropes included and you aren’t going to feel overdone with them! This is a true enemies to lovers romance, a lost heir reclaiming her throne, strong badass FMC, and dragon bonding type of story! The celtic influences into the world building also make the story very interesting!

I really enjoyed my time with this one! I thought Aemyra was a fun FMC to follow. Sure she could be stubborn, and very prideful, but she was also smart, courageous ans ultimately regardless of whether or not she is Queen, she just wants the best for her people! She not only has to fight the ruling family who is also part of her clan, but she has to deal with a very religious and misogynistic group who basically control the country. Aemyra finds herself being forced into an arranged marriage with Fiorean, one of the crown princes.

This book has a lot of elements going for it - very descriptive world, House of the Dragon vibes with 2 royal lines fighting for the crown, dragons, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, a bit of a uncovering for a murder mystery subplot and lots of politics! I found the book to be pretty fast paced and I honestly flew thru this one rather quickly. The ending was absolutely insane and I love how things were left between Fiorean and Amerya! Just makes things even more exciting and urgent for book 2!

Thank you so much Hazel McBride, Penguin Random House, and Random House for the eARC of A Fate Forged in Fire. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I feel like I just took a ride on the back of a dragon and am now trying to catch my breath! A Fate Forged in Fire is perfect for readers who are looking for a romantasy that features feminine rage, intense political scheming, spice, and shocking twists. It’s also perfect for readers who are looking for something a bit darker than your average romantic fantasy.

I think a lot of readers will really connect with FMC, Aemyra. She’s strong, unapologetically herself, angry, and has a mind for political maneuvering. She’s also soft towards the people she loves, but can be ruthless towards those who threaten her. Aemyra isn’t the stereotypical “fragile and tiny” FMC we see so often in romantic fantasy and it was honestly refreshing to read about a more intense female lead.

Oh, and that ending! I’m going to need to go back and read a few scenes again in order to figure out how we got here because my mind is blown. I absolutely cannot wait to see how the events in the next installment will play out.

*Disclaimer: A few scenes in the book may be difficult for some readers. Please check the trigger warnings on this one before you begin reading.

In the pages, you will find:

🐉Dragons
🤫Hidden identities
👑Royalty
💪A strong FMC
☠️”Touch her and ☠️ vibes
🪢Complicated family dynamics
🌈Bisexual representation
🌶️Spice
🤯Shocking twists
📖An ending that will leave you breathless!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of A Fate Forged in Fire in exchange for my honest review.

Tìr Teine, once a matriarchal land, has weakened under the rule of ineffectual kings controlled by an oppressive, anti-magic religion. Our FMC, born to rule and blessed with fire, emerges from hiding to claim her throne after the king’s death—only to be ensnared in a web of courtly intrigue. Her greatest rival is our MMC, a powerful fire-wielder and loyalist to the corrupt regime. As political tensions rise, the two form a reluctant alliance that turns into a dangerous romance, forcing our FMC to confront the depth of the kingdom's corruption and the cost of reclaiming her power.

While the story takes its time to gain momentum—truly finding its stride around the 30% mark—the payoff is well worth the wait. This novel distinguishes itself with a refreshingly original concept that sets it apart from the familiar patterns often seen in the fantasy romance genre. As the story unfolds, it builds steadily in both depth and intrigue, offering a rewarding and immersive reading experience.

For readers who feel tired of formulaic plots and predictable tropes, this book offers a compelling alternative. Its world-building, character dynamics, and inventive plot deliver a sense of novelty. Despite a slow start, the novel evolves into a captivating journey that feels both fresh and genuinely enjoyable. Highly recommended for those seeking something unique in their fantasy reads.

I genuinely enjoyed this book, and cannot wait to read more by Hazel McBride!

DNF at 8%
I am sincerely sorry for not finishing this book. But as some things are mentioned that I am opposed to, I was unable to continue it.
Some people find it very inhumane and offensive for being against it, so I’d rather not tell what exactly it is.
The writing was a bit off for me, too, if I might add.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Aemyra has remained hidden for her 26 years of life waiting for her chance to take the throne that is rightfully hers by rule of the goddess. But because..men..we get very game of thrones esque political moves, some I found to be predictable but still enjoyed this read. This magical world offers bonding with animals - think familiars - to enhance powers and there are only 3 dragons left in this world. I will definitely continue on in the series.

The story had a lot of potential dragons are in the brick of extinction, a girl fighting for her right to rule, evil forces taking over kingdoms and almost inmune to magic the enemies to lovers drama…

I enjoyed immensely see these characters battling and injuring each other for real. That is what I’m talking about when it comes to enemies to lovers trope. And the sex was explosive it learns towards a darker side so check for triggers.

But the world was not much explained the pacing was bad something happened at the beginning and nothing happened for a while until almost the end though the battle scenes that did happen were good I must admit I wish there has been more of this. The dragons in the story had much potential and it was just wasted.

In addition to the pace I was not much of a fan of both main characters Aemyra was too arrogant from the very first scene she rubbed me the wrong way 🥴 and then we had Fiorean he was just a puppet I could not believe how this guy let everyone pull his strings he was such a weak character even until the end.

I didn’t like the names in this story they were very frustrating the way they were written every time any name appeared I will just skipped my brain could not compute with those names. And lastly I don’t enjoy when the victims in books have to be kids why kids. Books can still have an impact without using kids as a bait in a story.

Loved the dragons and the FMC. Other than her dad, who I knew was going to be evil, the side characters aren’t that memorable. There was decent world building but the book moved incredibly slow

I don’t know whether I’m sad or glad I didn’t let myself sget wrapped up in all the hype for this book: sad because then I could’ve been on Team Hype but I’m kind of glad because I didn’t feel any pressure to love A Fate Forged in Fire once I started it. No pressure needed, because this book was so much fun I consumed it in an afternoon.

I’m not the hugest “dragon book” girl. I never have been. I was seduced first by the stunning cover and the awesome title, and then I felt compelled to request and read it by thoughts of a rightful queen hidden among the people working as a blacksmith, fire magic, a Celtic-inspired world, strong political fantasy themes (one of my favorite subgenres), a religious war between monotheism and polytheism, and what was hopefully a true enemies-to-lovers romantasy subplot.

Believe or not, I got all of that and more. The rightful queen is an awesome blacksmith and swordswoman who has a devoted and loving twin brother. She also has adopted parents and a little brother who mean the world to her. The political aspects of the plot are great, but the religious warfare aspects of the story start to get more terrifying the further into the story you go. The enemies-to-lovers romance? Let me assure you, these two are goals in those regards.

This book is savage in more than one way and runs at an almost breakneck pace from the very start. The dialogue is sharp and well-written, the characters are very intriguing, and the action scenes all leave more than enough blood on the ground and smoke in the air. It’s just so well done and I can’t wait for the sequel. 5⭐️


I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Review/Action-Adventure/Adult Fantasy/Fantasy/Romantasy/Political Fantasy/Spice Level 1