As debates around the lines between fantasy and romantasy become increasingly fraught, A Fate Forged in Fire is an interesting case as it blends classic fantasy elements, a flawed heroine, folklore, religion, and a toxic romance. It's simultaneously stressful and sexy, frustrating and fascinating—but in a way that kept me turning the pages.

While the plot beats and twists follow classic fantasy storytelling tropes, making it so that certain reveals throughout are easy to guess if you're an avid reader, the story is well-done, setting up a world on the verge of a war driven by zealotry, the clash of a matriarchal versus patriarchal worldview, and the fear of those with gifts from the gods. The main character, Aemyra, is deeply flawed—reckless, too trusting, and often short=sighted—but in a way that should set her up for incredible character growth as the series continues. However, it can be hard as a reader to want to invest in her journey because she often makes decisions that will have you going, "Don't do it, girl"—but of course, she does it anyway.

While this book lays a lot of groundwork for what seems to be an epic story and exciting series, this first one can be difficult to get through—in addition to Aemyra being a frustrating herone, the dialogue is sometimes cliché or cringey. But, I'm interested to see where Hazel McBride takes this series, what exactly she's going to do with Florian, Aemyra's duplicitous love interest, and how she plans to develop Aemyra as a main character. The series has promise, that's for sure—and I hope it delivers.

This one was a challenging read for me. Possibly just not a good fit for me personally.

This seems very Targaryen-inspired in a lot of ways *ahem* and includes dragons and other bonded creatures, magic, a matriarchal society with goddesses, and a fight for the crown. Lots of reveals and some sickening betrayal. It had all the right elements, and there were some really good moments, but overall it didn’t connect for me.

I found most of the characters to be unlikable or just a little off in their behavior or felt like we hardly got to know them at all in the case of most side characters. The romance felt rushed. I’m as feminist as they come, but the matriarchy aspect felt like serving us the point with a sledgehammer.

I really do feel like this had great bones but just needs a little more time spent on character development in the next one.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-arc opportunity!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, & Hazel McBride for this e-ARC!

★ ★ ★ ★

This book kept me fully engrossed and thoroughly entertained from start to finish!
The beginning did hold a learning curve due to the amount of Scottish Gaelic names/terminology used. I love that the author wanted to keep a lot in the U.S. translation, but I was heavily using the reference guide for a good chunk of this read.
I loved (most of) the characters & was so excited to have a new dragon book! The romance was everything I didn’t know I needed. It was written so tastefully, and it also served as respite from all the politics, family drama, and world building we get in this book.
Towards the end I could feel my emotional attachment to both the FMC & MMC growing, and then, like all good fantasy books… I was devastated. wrecked. crushed. I have questions. I need the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review. I got the EARC and also received the physical arc from a giveaway on Instagram.

I want to say I started out really loving this book. We had a bad ass, strong willed FMC and it was shaping up to be an awesome story.
The main thing I didn’t like was the lack of nuance in the world building. A lot of the world building was just spit out in inner monologue or in non sequitur conversation.
Also, it seemed like every trope from every romantasy ever was forced into this book.

All together it was a decent read, but not my favorite.

This was not for me. I didn’t finish this book, so I really can’t say if it was well done or not. I got about a quarter of the way through before I decided to stop.

The premise of a matriarchy striving to regain control from a patriarchy that had ousted it was interesting. The fire magic and world was fine (what I saw of it). But I did not care for the characters or writing style and it took me MONTHS to drag myself through just 25%. I think this was just not for me.


I received an arc of this through NetGalley—thank you NetGalley and Delacorte for the opportunity!

I really enjoyed this one !! It was so hard to put down once I got sucked into the story. There was a lot of politics and word building and a some romantasy elements later on. I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series plays out. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a new enemies to lovers romantasy.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Netgalley for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

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