Hazel McBride weaves a captivating tale of political intrigue, forbidden magic, and slow-burning romance in A Fate Forged in Fire. Set in the fractured territory of Tìr Teine, Aemyra’s journey from exiled heir to reluctant ally with her sworn adversary, Prince Fiorean, is packed with tension and twists. McBride’s worldbuilding shines as she explores the complexities of court politics, the oppressive influence of the True Religion, and the mystical bond between dragons and their riders. The dynamic between Aemyra and Fiorean crackles with fiery chemistry, adding emotional depth to the high-stakes plot.

When I was reading this it reminded me a bit of House of Dragon - not realizing that this author wrote GOT fanfiction. Either way, it was reminiscent in a good way.

There's religious fanaticism, dragons, a broody/scarred MMC, a MFC with daddy issues, and court politicking. I didn't feel there was a lull in the storyline at all, regardless of how much was going on.

The ending has me very eager for the 2nd book.

What a rollercoaster.
It was such a mix of emotions since the beginning, idk how I’m still standing.
It was a bit hard coming to the book. To understand and completely emerge myself in this world building. Especially cause of the writing and then trying to understand who is who, and what is what.
I started to fully emerge myself in it about 20% in. When I got the ropes of it and also the pace started picking up. And once it starred IT DIDNT STOP! It happed so much in this book that was like reading 2 in 1. Also the reason I’m curious to where the second book is going to take us. I think it could have a little less going on and bit a little better constructed on the plot.
The characters are a bit hard to describe tbh. In one chapter I felt various emotions towards 1 ou more characters.
The fmc is brave, is temperamental, is witty, and human who makes mistakes, especially in this new court life. And the author really portrays her as such! Which is kinda relatable. At the same time frustrating.
The mmc is another all together!! I went to hate to love to hate.. what a range 😭😂
I’m still rellinf from the end!
Definitely super curious about the next book and how’s it gonna be since the first one had so much.

3 out of 5 stars because the plot seems to have been used 1,000 times before. Same plot, same character battles, same romantasy theme written over and over again. Nothing really new and everything expected, I don't want to start yet another series to read all the same things again. Sorry, Hazel McBride, if I'm being too rough, but we need something new. ♥️

idk how a book can technically have everything i want in a romantasy but still b so fucking irritating. like adult fmc? acts like she’s 17. enemies to lovers but it’s not slave x master? dry asf! (tbh may b bc fmc makes the decisions of a 12 year old boy playing swords with sticks in his backyard) bi fmc and neither mcs are virgins? dialogue was cringe and tbh the sex was boring.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
5⭐️

Spoilers will be stated later, spoiler free for now. I DEVOURED this book. I couldn’t remember what it was about between my request for a copy and starting it so I went in totally blind. Although not explicitly stated, this definitely takes place in this world’s equivalent of Scotland and holds true to phrases and ways of speaking, names, and lore. Beyond that, this has:

•A bad ass FMC
•Unique magic system
•Hidden powers
•Enemies to lovers*
•Dragons
•Some delightful banter
•Perfect amount of spice

I can’t stand a whiny FMC. Or at the very least not one that doesn’t show any signs of change through the story. Not only is Aemyra a bad ass from beginning to end, she has such great growth throughout. I was prepared to give this book a 5 star rating even at just after the 50% mark. I can’t wait for more of this story.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Although I gave this 5 stars, I was absolutely fuming at the plot twist at the end. The story is still amazing but I had such hopes that Aemyra and Fiorean were made for each other. I am so disappointed in him but have high hopes for his redemption later.

*Enemies to lovers. To enemies again.

I mean, if there's one thing this book has going for it, it's dragons. Especially around this time. Dragons are in high demand. The leads however, didn't quite capture my interest wholly. You have your typical broody MMC, and I honestly didn't care for the FMC. But what may not be for me may still be enjoyed by others, so give this book a chance!

I enjoyed this book but I did not love the FMC. She really doesn't seem to be mature enough to be 26, much less a queen. She has lots of rage and
makes questionable decisions for someone who wants to lead. It was fast paced and I did want to know more. Honestly, I'm more taken with the morally gray MMC. I'm not sure if I like him or not but he seems to have more layers than our FMC. I'm interested to see what Book 2 brings.

Once I was able to get immersed into the world building (which I will say, took me a minute but thankfully there was a pronunciation guide) I was hooked. Aemyra is such a complex FMC, and I love that we get a new piece of who she is in each chapter. She is able to fight with the best of them, but she also feels very deeply. Her twin Adarian (who is a totally HOTTIE by the way), and her have a strong bond that has been built through hardship, and having to hide in plain sight.

But the true fun begins when it's time for her to step into the light and become the QUEEN that she has been training for her entire life. Without spoiling anything, you can look forward to DRAGONS, epic fighting scenes, hot STEAMY scenes between our FMC & MMC, and plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Trust me, you will be begging for the next book just like I am!!

A huge thank you to Random House Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I can hardly wait to see where this story goes next!

maybe 3.5. This book was a little slow to start for me, but once it got going a I had a good time. It hits all the good highlights of romantasy, dragons, magic systems, etc etc but doesn't super stand out in any way for me. Some of the writing was a little clunky at times, a few things felt shoe horned in. But overall its an enjoyable fun read. The MMC is broody and mysterious and the dragons are great, real moment for dragons right now. Nothing earth shattering but definitely a good time. recommend.

Great concepts and dragons always rock. I will be looking forward to see how this title pans out throughout the series.

I really liked this book! I loved the overall plot/setting, it was well described. The beginning of the plot really laid the foundation of Aemyra and her brother’s lives. I however wished that Aemyra didn’t forgive Fiorean so fast and easily. Make him sweat it out. To be so easily forgiven and then to betray Aemyra at the end. Gosh. It got me so pumped up and I am looking forward to the second book! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this!

Book Review: A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow—what an incredible start to a series! Hazel McBride has crafted a story that absolutely captivated me from beginning to end. I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it in one sitting!

The main character is a force to be reckoned with—a strong, determined woman who fights for the weak and champions the oppressed. Her character development throughout the book was phenomenal, and I loved watching her grow into her power.

The magic system was fresh and unique, and let’s not forget the dragons—because dragons are always amazing! This story had the perfect mix of action, heart, and fantasy, and I was completely here for this young woman’s journey to free her world from tyranny.

If you’re looking for a gripping, empowering fantasy with unforgettable characters and a rich, magical world, A Fate Forged in Fire is a must-read. I was honored to be an ARC reader, and I can’t wait for everyone to dive into this fantastic book when it releases on May 27.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

Omg 🫠 If you’re having House of the Dragon withdraws, this book is perfect for you! It has dragons, 2 warring sides of a family vying for the throne, head strong FMC, and stoic grump MMC. The story was a bit slow at first but once it got going it was GOING! I ended up finishing this in less than a day! Everything about it drew me in! The political scheming, dragon fights, and romance (enemies to lovers 🤗) And the cliff hanger at the end 🤯 diabolical!

A firey rebellious would be Queen in a tumultuous fantasy world. Emotions are all over the place. I unfortunately had disconnect with MFC with little patience for her decisions, motive, and personality.

3.5/5 stars because of the authors skill crafting a complex and clashing world, intricate plot, and gutting events.

I would not recommend to sensitive crowds due to violence toward women/children, sexual assault, nasty betrayal.

This is an honest review sponsored through NetGalley.

3.5/5 - A great concept with a good execution. I am always a sucker for books where there's a hidden heir waiting to claim their throne (and dragon!), and this one impressed with Aemyra also being a blacksmith, with the confidence and skill to back it up. The tension between her and Fiorean was a delight as well, and the twist at the end added even more to it - although it was a tad bit predictable. I absolutely love any good book with dragons, and this was one for that as well. My only issue was with Aemyra's personality at times, as she brought down other women quite frequently throughout the book and was a bit childish at times. However, the world building and political intrigue in the book was well executed. I'll be looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Right from the start, A Fate Forged in Fire had me hooked. The opening dedication piqued my curiosity, and I was instantly drawn into Aemyra’s world. She's fierce, complicated, and unapologetically vengeful. Add in dragons, magic, and political drama, and you have a highly recommended book.

Aemyra is one of those characters who’s hard to forget. She’s tough as nails, but beneath all that, she’s battling a lot.

Then there’s Fiorean. The romance between him and Aemyra is explosive. He’s this brooding, tortured guy who brings out something different in her. Their chemistry is electric, and the back-and-forth tension between them—full of desire, guilt, and power—keeps you turning pages. It’s not just a romance; it’s about two people trying to find their way while dealing with everything from their pasts to their sense of self.

Thank you to the publisher for this arc. I was not able to predict a single thing that happened in this book, it kept me on my toes the whole time. I’ve also been needing a good true enemies to lovers read and this definitely delivered with some chapter 54 vibes as well. I do wish we learned a little bit more about the mmc because he was lacking depth but I imagine we’ll learn more about him in the sequel. And the cliffhanger ??? Ruthless. I also enjoyed the world building and Scottish influence. Knowing this will be a duology is perfect, I am very excited to see where this story goes.

Review will be posted publicly on https://fantasy-hive.co.uk and all social media sites in March, closer to book release date!


I love that so many things went wrong in this book. No, for real, hear me out.
Meet Aemyra, a trained blacksmith blessed with fire magic, who seeks to overthrow the corrupt regime ruling her kingdom and become the first queen in centuries. Aemyra was raised with her brother, hiding in plain sight of the castle with a loving foster family. Aemyra’s family were waiting for the day the king would die and Aemyra would have a chance to claim his dragon as her beathaichean and increase her fire-wielding powers. Her chance does eventually come, and while the plan is put into motion, it is not without cost for her followers.

This was a refreshing take, for me. Aemyra is neither stupid nor completely naïve, but what she and her advisors think are good ideas are not always correct, and she is not always the one to bear the cost of her mistakes. If you were secretly planning to overthrow the reigning monarchy with a smaller army, everything would need to go perfectly in order for you to succeed. And life rarely goes perfectly. Aemyra’s story is mostly dealing with the fall-out of complex plans gone awry because the enemy isn’t an idiot.

This book tells of the struggle of a goddess-worshiping culture whose society has been infiltrated and changed by the introduction of a patriarchal religion. You see this conflict not just through the violent clashes between the factions, but in the way the society fails to condemn certain attitudes and actions towards women as they have in the past. Some parts might be hard to read, not necessarily due to their graphic nature, but because Aemyra’s inner dialogue and circumstances might ring too true for some readers. There are deeper themes of family and childhood loyalty that are exposed for both of our lead characters, Aemyra and Fiorean, which enables Aemyra to widen her narrow perspective.

The dragon (beathaichean)- relationship was what kept me reading at first: will Aemyra claim a dragon? What will happen if she fails? And then the romance was what kept me turning pages for that want you/hate you forced-marriage-tenterhooks vibe. This novel tells a surprisingly complex story. There is the personal level, where we become sympathetic to the characters we know and watch them struggle and change, the societal and religious conflict, and the broader political and military conflict taking place. And we see it all through the filter of Aemyra. So, while what drew me to the book most was the romance, there is also a more nuanced social and political aspect to it.

Because of the violent heat between the lead characters, some traumatic scenes and the political overtones, I would recommend this book to fans of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker and the Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson. A solid 4-star review, with plenty more story to come. Released May 27, 2025.

I'm in my female rage era so this book really hit the spot for me.

Aemyra is a bit full of herself and tends to look down on others unnecessarily which did make me dislike her but also, why does she even need to be likable in the first place? In the real world and in the book, people want to put women in a specific box and make them act and talk a certain way or they're deemed unfit. Aemyra has no problem speaking her mind to any of those who insult her or the other women around her.

Reading a story with a matriarchal society was a breath of fresh air, especially considering the current climate in the US. I enjoy seeing women stand up for themselves and be strong against those attempting to oppress them.

The magic and dragons were woven beautifully into the story - and the ending, I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.

If you like political intrigue, slow burn, dragon bonding, female rage, elemental magic, and romantasy then I highly recommend this book.

And, as an end note: Burn it to the f*cking ground.