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!

SCREAMING. CRYING. THROWING UP.

I ate this ish up. Magic and dragons and female rage? SIGN ME THE F UP.

I did think our FMC was a bit naive for a 26 year old who was secretly schooled to be a queen and healer but I get that she was in an extremely high pressure, stressful situation behind enemy lines. Honestly, I’d have fallen for that charm and pretty face too I think. I’m still like WTF. I did not see that twist ending coming so I guess I can’t blame my girl.

Don’t even get me started on the patriarchy barfing Chosen and their crusade against women. I mean, could this be more on point?! They took it farther than I expected in this book but I was zero percent surprised by their actions, women have been enduring this type of treatment for centuries. To see women however just meek and following was sending me into rage aneurisms.

I still just have so many feelings. I’m going to be thinking of this one for a long, long time. I was completely absorbed and now distraught I have to wait to see what happens next.

I felt actual stress reading this book. The religious aspects had me putting the book down and taking deep breaths. I could just feel my blood pressure rise with the appearance of certain characters. I cannot wait for a certain someone to bite it.

As for Aemyra, she does some dumb shit. After reading a few other reviews, there's a consensus there, but I lean toward that being a good thing in terms of story and character development. She's rash, she makes mistakes and gets cocky. This is part of being human. She's known she's royalty her whole life, but hasn't really been involved in real world applications of diplomacy and battle strategy, so she's bound to overlook things and act spontaneous.

I do wish there was more expansion on the world building. The separate clans are explained briefly in passing so it's difficult to really get into the world itself, but I had little issue following the politics.

The pacing is also choppy for about the first half; you're more or less thrown right into the middle of everything. The second half really picks up and gets back into the groove though.

A solid fast paced romantasy with flawed characters, traditional Scottish Gaelic vibes, and badass dragons.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ -A promising spark that hasn’t yet become a flame

Going into this book, I was buzzing with anticipation. The premise promised a searing blend of magic, power, rebellion, and irresistible tension between enemies. A fire-wielding blacksmith vying for the throne of a fractured realm? Sign me up. And while there were flickers of brilliance that kept me turning the pages, the execution didn’t fully match the epic feel I was hoping for.

The setting is undeniably intriguing—rich with Celtic influence and ancient legacy, complete with a kingdom weighed down by religious tyranny and unraveling traditions. There's an undercurrent of something bold and fierce here, especially in the dynamic between a decaying patriarchy and a heroine set on reclaiming the power of women and magic. Still, the delivery felt uneven at times. I often found myself wishing for clearer foundations. Certain elements of the world—especially the spiritual bonds and magic hierarchy—seemed to leap ahead before I had a chance to settle into them.

Aemyra, our heroine, is all fire and fury, and though her passion is undeniable, her choices often left me more puzzled than inspired. Her determination is admirable, but I struggled to see her as a future queen—at least not yet. Meanwhile, Fiorean plays the perfect foil with just enough mystery and sharp edges to make things interesting, though I didn’t feel like I fully understood his inner world or convictions by the end.

Now, about the romance... it definitely simmers, but never quite reaches the boil. The attraction is there, but the emotional arc felt undercooked. I love tension and forced alliances as much as anyone, but the transition from animosity to affection didn’t fully land for me—it felt more like flipping a switch than a slow burn.

That said, dragons always earn bonus points. The lore surrounding them, and their connection to the throne, adds an exciting layer, and I hope future installments dive even deeper into that mystical bond and the other magical creatures hinted at in passing.

All in all, while this one didn’t quite soar, it did light a spark. There’s something here—something that could really shine in book two with more refinement. I’m definitely intrigued enough to keep reading, especially to see how Aemyra’s growth unfolds and how this magical, volatile world evolves.

If you're into fantasy with rebellious women, slow-building power plays, and a touch of heat (romantic and elemental), this is worth a try—just manage your expectations and enjoy the ride for what it is: the beginning of a journey, not yet the destination.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine | Delacorte Press for sharing this digital copy of one of the most anticipated fantasies of the year in exchange for my honest thoughts—I truly appreciated it!

"A Fate Forged in Fire" by Hazel McBride is an enthralling and immersive fantasy novel that takes readers on an epic journey filled with magic, danger, and romance. The story follows Elara, a young woman with hidden magical abilities, as she becomes embroiled in a rebellion against a tyrannical empire.

McBride's writing is evocative and richly descriptive, bringing the world of Aeridor to life with vivid imagery and intricate details. The plot is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. Elara is a compelling protagonist, and her growth throughout the story is both inspiring and believable.

As Elara embraces her powers and joins the rebellion, she forms alliances with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique skills and motivations. Among them is Kaelen, a skilled warrior with a mysterious past, who becomes both her confidant and her love interest. Their relationship is complex and emotionally charged, adding depth and intensity to the story.

One of the strengths of "A Fate Forged in Fire" is its exploration of themes such as freedom, sacrifice, and the corrupting influence of power. McBride delves into the moral complexities of war and rebellion, forcing readers to question the true cost of victory.

Overall, "A Fate Forged in Fire" is a captivating and unforgettable fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of authors like Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo. It's a sweeping tale of magic, adventure, and romance that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

A Fate Forged in Fire was hard to get into. Took me until about 40% to really become immersed in the story. One thing I did truly love was the enemies to lovers. It’s probably my favorite trope and I enjoyed how well it was done here. I will be giving A Fate Forged in Fire another chance down the road.

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this ARC opportunity. This is an honest and voluntary review.

First, a big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Hazel McBride’s novel “A Fate Forged in Fire" – “To become the first queen in centuries, a powerfully blessed blacksmith must use her wits and fire magic to overthrow the corrupt powers ruling her kingdom—while also fighting her growing desire for one of her dragon-riding adversaries—in the first book of a sizzling Celtic-inspired fantasy romance duology.”

A Fate Forged in Fire is a romantasy that blends Celtic mythology, elemental magic, and dragons with themes of feminism, political intrigue, and enemies-to-lovers romance.

At the heart of the story is Aemyra, a fire-wielding FMC who is as strong and gritty as she is vulnerable and raw. Hidden away since birth to protect her from the patriarchal regime that has usurped her family’s throne, Aemyra is determined to reclaim her rightful place as queen of Tir Teine, a kingdom weakened by the oppressive True Religion. This group not only demonizes magic but also enforces a suffocating doctrine that reduces women to subservient roles.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Aemyra and Fiorean is, without question, one of the book’s strengths. Their animosity is palpable, with knife-to-throat tension and mutual attempts to outwit each other. As their relationship evolves, the chemistry between them is undeniable, marked by subtle glances, razor-sharp banter, and moments of vulnerability that feel earned. Fiorean’s journey from antagonist to reluctant ally is just as compelling as Aemyra’s, and their connection is as much about respect and growth as it is about romantic tension.

The world-building is immersive, weaving Celtic-inspired elements, Gaelic phrases, and a matriarchal kingdom into a backdrop of religious and political turmoil. While the abundance of details—clans, royalty, elemental magic systems— which can feel bit dense, they add depth to a narrative that feels both fantastical and relevant. Themes of female empowerment and rebellion against systemic oppression resonate throughout the story, making it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Whether you read this for the dragons, the feminist themes, or the enemies-to-lovers trope done to perfection, this book delivers it all. It’s engaging and emotional—a must-read for romantasy fans and fans of House of the Dragon.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me to read this ARC through NetGalley.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Full of magic, suspense, and drama. It was interesting enough that I wanted to find out what happened in the end, but it was rather disappointing so I don't know if I will continue on with the series.

2 stars.
I wanted to love this SO much. This type of fantasy novel sounded right up my alley and I've been reaching out more into traditional fantasy following ACOTAR/TOG. This just isn't for me.
I didn't love the main character for the predominance of the story. She's childish and arrogant but with no real character development? I don't feel like she really grows throughout, which is really hard. I am a huge fan of fiery/ragey FMC's, but I need something to level them even the slightest. I struggled alot with the choices she made, which just didn't feel consistent.
Overall, this just felt really all over the place. I struggled with the word building, which didn't feel as immersive as you truly need fantasy to be.

A Fate Forged in Fire is a breathtaking, emotionally charged fantasy that sets the standard for character-driven storytelling. At the heart of this inferno is Aemyra—resilient, obstinate, strong-willed, courageous, and every inch a queen.

From the first page, Aemyra commands attention. She is not simply a heroine; she is a force of nature. In a world that constantly tries to bend her, she refuses to break. Her journey through betrayal, war, and inner turmoil is a masterclass in character evolution. Every setback she faces only tempers her spirit, like steel in flame.

What sets this novel apart is how it balances sweeping world-building with Aemyra’s intimate struggles and triumphs. Her courage isn’t performative—it’s raw, painful, and real. She doesn’t strive to be likable; she strives to lead, to protect, to rise—and in doing so, she earns our admiration tenfold.

A Fate Forged in Fire is more than just a fantasy novel. It’s a tribute to the power of perseverance and the indomitable will of a woman who knows her worth. Aemyra isn’t waiting to be saved—she’s too busy saving a kingdom.

If you’re looking for a queen worth following into battle, Aemyra will be etched in your heart long after the final page.

I thoroughly enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers romantasy duology, brimming with magic, dragons, and fire wielders. It is an epic and captivating tale that draws readers in and leaves them breathless.

Tir Teine has grown weak after a long succession of ineffectual kings. Under the sway of the True Religion, an oppressive faction spreading anti-magic doctrines, the region suffers. Aemyra, born to rule and blessed with fire, has lived in hiding to protect her life, awaiting the death of the current King so she can bond with his dragon, ascend the throne, and safeguard her people. However, when the King dies and her plan unravels, she must confront her greatest rival, Prince Fiorean. Amid the engulfing the court, they are compelled to form an uneasy and perilous alliance to claim the throne.

Although it begins somewhat slowly, the story builds momentum and delivers an exhilarating experience.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Honestly I spent majority of this book confused. I liked that the FMC acknowledged her faults and wasn’t some unbeatable character. She failed spectacularly this book.

I hate how as soon as I started liking the other MC?¿ it all got flipped. I have no idea where the next book could go and I have no idea what happened at the end? But I’m intrigued to find out what happens next.

I liked the magic system and the battle between the two religious sides. It felt like a weird cult mix with the Savior people things? Some of the scenes were VERY graphic in regards to their beliefs and what they tried to do the FMC.

PS dragons are always a win