DNF’d at 30%. This one just wasn’t for me. Every single name is “unique” and difficult to pronounce. I found the FMC insufferable. There’s weird family ties to the love interest and I felt confused about the plot basically the whole time.

I really appreciated the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Finishing this book left me with more questions and a lot of anxiety. I cannot wait for the second book.

It took a good bit to really dig into the plot, but as the first in a fantasy series, I expect that. I found myself loving the Celtic inspiration and while I could never pronounce these cities or names myself, I loved the way it added to the world building and understanding of the territories.

This book was full of feminine rage, plot twists and shocking betrayals. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was thrown for a loop. Seeing Ameyra grow into a strong influential woman looking to serve her people was a strong point throughout this book. I surely hope we see more growth and independence in the next.

I also have to give a moment of awe for the “my wife” moments. I was a little bit hesitant of Fiorean but watching his character develop and the romance blossom between he and Aemyra was my favorite part of this story. Once the love plot hit, I found it hit hard and I loved every minute of it.

Fiorean’s dirty mouth would have me thanking him for whatever he sent my way.

The first installment in this high-fantasy series introduces readers to a richly built world brimming with hidden dragons, deadly trials, and forbidden bloodlines. The author's commitment to deep lore and expansive world-building is impressive—but it comes at a cost. The pacing drags, especially in the first half, weighed down by exposition and detailed descriptions that occasionally sap momentum from the plot.

Our protagonist, a young woman caught between duty and destiny, is intended to be complex but often comes across as frustrating and inconsistent. Her decision-making may test the patience of some readers, and while character flaws can be a strength, here they feel more like a narrative stumbling block.

Romance simmers on the back burner as a subplot, but it’s underdeveloped and lacks emotional payoff. Readers hoping for a compelling romantic arc may feel underwhelmed.

The book shines most in its tension-filled battles and trials, which offer real stakes and thrilling moments. The hidden dragons and hints of greater powers lurking beneath the surface promise more excitement in future volumes.

Overall, this debut sets the stage for an epic saga but may not be for everyone. Those who appreciate slower-burn narratives and intricate world-building may find something to love, but others might wish it moved just a little faster—and had a more likable lead.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Unfortunately, I ended up DNFing this book at 29%. I was really excited to get into this book after hearing someone talk about it, but upon starting I,t and trying to get into it. I was quite confused. There were excessive amounts of info dumping at the beginning that just weren't making sense to me. Another problem I had was the main character. I was quite excited to read her story from the synopsis, but when reading, I found her to be quite immature and just wasn't enjoying her that much. Overall, this book just wasn't for me, but everyone should still check it out and see for themselves! Thank you again to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

This was so good. I loved the plot and characters. It was paced perfectly. I didn't wanna put it down and was on the edge of my seat

4⭐️

A Fate Forged in Fire is the first book in a Celtic inspired fantasy duology with elemental magic, dragons, and other mythical creatures (that I’m hoping play a bigger part in the next book!), and lots of strong feminine energy. Erisocia has a history of being led by goddess blessed queens, but without a female heir to the throne in the past century, the slimy “True Religion” has infiltrated the royal houses, preaching that women are the inferior sex, magic is the work of demons, and they must all submit to their Savior, yada yada yada. Then Aemyra enters the chat to bring her country back to the greatness it once was, with Prince Fiorean both hindering and helping her along the way. And say it with me now, FUCK 👏🏻 THE 👏🏻 PATRIARCHY 👏🏻


This book had a very slow start and leaned heavily into world-building — which I usually love – but somehow I still felt lost about their world at the end. There is an entire map that is very detailed, and I’m the first to say that I love maps and refer back to them often, but 90% of it isn’t mentioned at all in the book. Maybe they’ll be important places and landmarks in the next book? Only time will tell.

That said, the FMC was headstrong and relentless, never cowering from a fight. A true hater of oppressive men and I love to see it. The enemies-to-lovers arc is intense (in the best way). Like, very true enemies in the beginning, I wasn’t sure if the love was ever going to play out well. I also really enjoyed the authentic Celtic influences woven throughout, and the pronunciation guide was superrrr helpful because Scottish Gaelic is one hell of a language that I do not understand – although I wish it had been at the beginning instead of the end! I screenshotted it and saved it to my phone for easy access though because I was referring to it every single chapter. I saw the cliffhanger coming but it still definitely has me looking forward to the next book, because without risking giving too much away, what the actual fuck, Fiorean?!

Thank you to Random House Publishing – Ballantine, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Okay, who doesn't like a good dragon series? I sure do. After forged in fire is the first book in a new series. Its a enemies to lovers , war novel about a queen who struggles to become who she was born to be. While she slowly falls for the wrong man

Unique magic and world-building. A dragon romantasy that will alight you.

The tropes aren’t enough to share the explosive ride that is Fate Forged in Fire. Regardless of my knowledge, it didn't prepare me for the book. I was on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what would happen next, and even when I suspected it, it hit me from another direction AGAIN.

My highlight besides Aemyra and the fight for a matriarchy was, of course, Aemyra and Fiorean. I knew they were going to be a beautiful symphony, and I wasn’t disappointed

The way the plot unfolded made my heart race, and I thought I might pass out.

The only question you’ll have after you finish is when is book 2?

(Just kidding, you’re going to have SO MANY MORE QUESTIONS)

This was a fantastic fantasy story with great characters and a well-driven plot. I'd be very interested in more from this author, she has a lot to offer!

3.5 stars
A fate forged in fire is a scottish/gaelic fantasy following the daughter of a blacksmith who is born to be the next queen. Aemyra’s sassy independent attitude made me instantly like her and her spitfire energy. But her quick temper and rash decision making definitely gets her into trouble on more than occasion. The political intrigue and story set up took quite a while to build. I struggled in beginning to continue but knew some cool elements were being set up. Midway through, the plot started picking up and the pieces started to fit together. I do feel like the world building could be explained a little more thoroughly, specifically the other nearby lands and their relationship. There was a lot of name dropping without much explanation and the reader was kind of expected to know about the lands already. It made not really understand much of the battles later in story. The surprise element at the end was pretty predictable. But the Covenant’s ruthless actions despite being so “ holy” were shocking and contributed to the political chaos.
I think some specific world building things could be fleshed out alittle more but I enjoyed the writing and where the plot was heading.

4 stars

This gave me major House of the Dragon vibes. After the king dies, the FMC pursues her rightful claim to the throne, but two brothers stand in her way: one is the unstable, drunken male heir, and the other is the cunning fighter with a bit of Aemond energy.
I really enjoyed the addition of the two opposing religions—one matriarchal and one deeply misogynistic—which added another layer to the battle for succession.
I do think the book had a few pacing issues, especially in the beginning, and the FMC could be frustrating at times. She definitely will be an FMC that people will either hate or love.
I did see the ending coming, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. I’m excited to see how the story wraps up in book two.
so glad it’s a duology! We definitely need more of those in romantasy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with this e-ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for providing a DRC for review.

This one didn’t grab me as much as some other romantasies I’ve read lately, but I appreciated the timely commentary on True Religion and patriarchy. Think this one will be a hit with Fourth Wing fans!

Matriarchal society ✔️
Overrun by the patriarchy ✔️
FMC fighting to take it back ✔️
Dragons ✔️

This one is not an easy read, friends. It's dark. Thankfully, the author does share content warnings up front. It's angry. But Aemyra's world is but a dark reflection of the real world. It's brutal. Worth the read, but not an easy one.

"We have come to remove your festering carcass from the throne and restore the rightful line of succession. You sought to take what was never yours."

I made it to 44% before I decided to stop. Unfortunately this wasn’t doing it for me.

I haven’t really seen anyone saying this but hello this had way too many similarities to TOG to be an accident. Names were either the same or similar. Even locations were similar.

Then there’s the ??romance??? I’ll be honest I was incredibly confused by the family tree of the royal family. But I’m mostly sure the fmc and mmc are related? Potentially cousins if I get the family tree correct. So I’m immediately questioning this relationship. And the way they have no chemistry, despite the fact that the enemies to lovers trope was def forced on us.

Lastly, this is driven by the fmc making questionable decisions every other page. And then saying “well I’m the queen so I’ll do as I please”. Girl queen of what you can’t just declare you’re a queen and it be so. Birthright or no, she’s done nothing at all to to be a queen. Besides making horrid decisions and throwing tantrums. She is selfish, judgmental, and childish (as far as I read).

The bones of this story are there but I think it needed a bit more reworking.

I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

I devoured this book in one day. The story started out a little bit slow, but it was necessary to set the tone and explain the reasoning behind the secret that was being kept. However, once the stage was set, the story took off! I do not believe that I have read an enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies story written in this fashion before. The buildup, the political conflict, the romance, the unexpected spice, and the betrayal were palpable.

The main female character seemed to be this meek little thing during the first few sentences, but once the author let her loose, oo we... You saw that she was nothing to play with. She was tough and bullheaded, made bad decisions, was loyal and strong, and loved fiercely. This character has so many layers to her, and I loved it.

The best part is that there are dragons, and we get to tag along in a short dragon rebellion of sorts, which was a fun scope. I wish we had more from the dragons in this book, as of right now, they have no vocal language, so there were parts where I would have enjoyed that perspective. This book was a lot of fun, and the ending allows the second book to start hot.

I look forward to returning to this world in the second installment of the adventurous novel.

Thank you, Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Delacorte Press, and Hazel McBride for the ARC of A Fate Forged In Fire.

dnf at 28%

unfortunately, I am struggling with this one and I don’t want to put myself in a slump so I’m going to dnf. It took me a while to really get into the story and I still feel like I am not fully immersed. However, if you can’t put me into this world in well over 100 pages, I don’t know what to tell ya.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the main characters. Aemyra was childish and judgy from what I read. I felt like she gave off mean girl energy instead of this empowering woman figure. The male main character didn’t really have a personality, so I honestly don’t have much to say about him.

I found myself confused many times in the first 10% with what was really going on and I wasn’t a fan of that. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I did not give this a rating on Goodreads since I did not finish it.

This book had such a great concept, but it was not executed to its full potential.

Issues:
Plot- while I truly appreciate a fast paced plot, this one was too fast paced and to the detriment of the characters. Too much included therefore making the whole thing feel very rushed. Slowing things down would have helped tremendously to build both the world and tension. Also, the plot was driven forward almost exclusively by the FMC making poor decisions and her constantly saying (along the lines of) “I can’t believe I fell for that” or “I didn’t see that coming.” In one scene she said it twice in 2 pages. A character making mistakes is reasonable but this was ridiculous and felt so forced in order to move the plot along or to force certain scenes to occur. STRONG House of the Dragon similarities, very very strong.

Characters- When I finished, I realized I didn’t actually care about any of the characters. And more importantly, I don’t think a single relationship between ANY of the characters felt meaningful. All relationships felt super one dimensional and lacked any emotion. I think a lot of this was because most of the writing was being used for plot instead of character building. The FMC and MMC were not overly likable, but really no one was. Exception for FMC’s little brother, I think I liked him the best.

FMC/MMC relationship- I did not believe their relationship at all. My biggest issue was the author described them as having the same hair color and eye color. It was so creepy! And I am pretty sure they are related?!
The whole time all I could think about was how they probably looked like siblings. They had no chemistry was just all around kind of awkward. I would love to see another love interest in the next book, but I saw somewhere it’s a duology, so probably no time for that.

Animals- I have been waiting for ages for a book to have a world where the citizens have bonded animals/familiars and I finally get it here, only for us to meet a total of like 4 animals. The dragons we meet are barely in it.

Religion- the religious aspect could have been interesting, but it felt way too on the nose. Some subtlety would have gone a long way in building tension on the religious issues.


The set up and world has the potential to be an incredibly complex and dynamic 4 book series. If it is a duology, that would maybe explain why it felt so rushed. The end was not overly surprising. I will likely read book 2 to see what happens, even though I think I already know what that will be.

ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for an honest review.

This Celtic-inspired fantasy tells the story of Aemyra, a blacksmith blessed with magical power over fire, in a community that still clings to an ancient matriarchal structure built on magic. However, their recent line of failing kings, along with the increasing presence of the new anti-magic (and anti-women) True Religion, has forced their society into decline. Aemyra has stayed in hiding this long, but she seeks to finally use her power to claim the throne and lead her people; while fighting her attraction to the current heir, Prince Fiorean. I found the writing, plot, worldbuilding, and characters of the story somewhat underwhelming, and frequently became irritated with Aemyra and her irrational decisions and reactions.

This is more of a true 2.5/5 for me.

I really struggled to get through the beginning, really started to like the middle, and was sorely disappointed at the end. I like the aspect of a strong female queen reclaiming her throne, but there were so many questionable decisions she made that had me scratching my head and the romance just felt clumsy.

Overall a great concept, but not the best execution in my opinion.

Thank you to Delacourte and NetGalley for the arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

I need hazel to step outside. I just want to talk. LOL. All jokes aside, i truly loved this! Once I started, I hated stopping. It was gripping and engrossing. It was wonderful. I loved the romance, the plot. I loved the female rage. I loved the history and Scottish roots. It was such a fun read and I can’t wait for the next book!