Thank you for this earc. Fantasy romance is my favorite genre and this story had a lot of the aspects that I enjoy of this genre. It had unknown heir, political intrigue, banter and slow burn. It had an unlikeable fmc which i typically enjoy reading but not in this story. Unfortunately, it was a little hard to get into. I just fell like it didnt come together in a cohesive way.

3.75/5. Releases 5/27/25.

The Vibes:

—enemies to lovers (no for real)

—dragons

—Celtic-inspired fantasy

—grrrrrl power

Heat Index: 6.5/10

The Basics:

The secret heir to a matriarchal ruling family that has since been taken over by men, Aemyra seizes the moment to take over—and claim a dragon. But staking her claim is one thing; making it a reality is another, especially when she's forced to behind enemy lines and get much closer to her enemy, Prince Fiorean, than she ever imagined.

The Review:

Oh, I'm torn on this one.

To be clear: I was compelled and into this story pretty much the entire time (the ending dragged a bit until it didn't) and I'm definitely going to read the next book. The place we left on left me wanting more, and that in itself is an accomplishment.

I liked a world inspired by Celtic history and mythology, and I liked the idea of a matriarchy. I will confess! I liked the idea of a matriarchy more when I thought the matriarchy was actually in power and not being opposed by patriarchal leaders and religious figures, but. That's just me.

And I guess that's where one of my biggest critiques comes from—I'd love to read a fantasy romance where... it's not even that sexism doesn't exist, I guess. I'm thinking a world wherein it's a given that the rulers are queens, the heirs are princesses, and it's just kind of accepted. The matriarchy is the system, it has been the system, and it's not the story.

The question of whether or not Aemyra can ascend to the throne and defeat the patriarchy in multiple forms (principally the current ruling family and the True Religion, a cult that is pretty much Catholicism and has come onto the scene to supersede goddess-worship) is the story here. Or most of the story. And while I'm not saying I don't get it, and while I'm not saying that's a bad thing, it is... a thing I've seen a lot of in every form of media as of late.

Aemyra is a Capital G Grrrrrl Power heroine, and while sometimes the feminism hits the mark and makes me go "fuck yeah get it", sometimes... it was soapbox-y. Aemyra, headstrong and assertive and tough and good at fighting and not comfortable in pretty dresses, is clearly meant to be The Right Kind of Woman. The feminine women who've been subjugated by the patriarchy are The Wrong Kind of Women, even when they're allowed a degree of pity. I mean, for the most part they just don't have voices, which I found very frustrating.

Women like Aemyra and [spoiler and like, it's debatable]: Good.

Women who wear pretty dresses and get pregnant and raise babies: Sad or bad.

I'm very of the mind that feminism isn't one kind of thing, and in this book, it kinda felt like it was one kind of thing. Except... Aemyra does some real dumb shit. She's not perfect. She's arrogant, she's naive, she shoots before she thinks, she can be rather narrow-minded. And when the story recognizes that while allowing her to grow, it's good. It just needs to kind of reassure me a little more that it's fully aware that Aemyra is, in fact, wrong about some things, right about others, and in way over her head. Because that's the case.

There's also a subtle through-line of Aemyra, despite being the rightful female heir to a matriarchy and surface-level strong, is still being dominated and manipulated by men who appear to support her cause. Like I said, there really aren't many women with actual roles on the page aside from Aemyra (we need to fix that in the next book). It's a sausage fest, overall, and in this book that felt kind of intentional...? Aemyra needs more women in her life, and she needs more women who KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

Aemyra's sort of... girlbossitude at points made it difficult for me to like her. I mean, she was never boring. But I was honestly more intrigued by snakey (or is he?) Prince Fiorean. What can I say? I like a manipulative strategist. I mean, I'd be lying if I said that part of my engagement in the next book isn't really just "I WANT MORE FIOREAN".

Now, on to the romance. It's a bit slow slow slow bOOM FAST FAST FAST. Aemyra and Fiorean are true enemies to lovers. Not "oh I don't like you :(". Like, try to kill each other fairly early on in the book enemies. And when their story takes the turn it does, I was ABOUT IT. Because they do have chemistry, and I did appreciate that Fiorean is kinda like... a morally ambiguous pretty boy.

That said, because that turn happens about halfway through the book, the romance itself has to hurry up and go in order for the book's ending (which I was into, though I'm gonna need McBride to follow through on what felt like another "Aemyra needs to grow up and get the complexities happening here" moment). The chemistry is there, the pacing could use some work.

But again—I'm invested. I have my critiques, but I really did like Fiorean and Aemyra's interactions. And I like the base here. I just think it needs some work to steer away from "grrl boss Dragon Show Lite". It can get there, though! I see the vision.

That said, I do also feel the need to say: There is a really intense sexual assault scene here. It's not gratuitous, and it's not more graphic than it needs to be, BUT I do hope we get some followup there.

The Sex:

There isn't a LOT of sex in this, but what we get is good. Especially the second scene. Want some blood play in your books? WELL. Check this shit out.

I also really liked the fact that Aemyra's bisexuality is right there on the page, and that she actually often has a preference for women. Bi people are not usually 50/50! What a concept!

This was a bit rocky, but entertaining, and the bones are there. I just hope that the second book expands and improves upon what's good here, and goes through with the risks it needs to take in order to really set itself apart from the crowded fantasy romance/dragons landscape.

Thanks to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars ⭐️ I received this book before it releases on May 27th from NetGalley as an eARC. Thank you so much NetGalley, Ballantine Publishing, and Hazel McBride. This book was fantastic!
This Celtic-inspired fantasy with a touch of romance is part of a duology and seriously exceeded my expectations! This was truly Celtic-inspired and used all the verbiage necessary to bring the culture to life. Aemyra is not your typical fiery FMC she really is strong and fierce, but also has a touch of a soft side that makes her fit to be a queen. Our morally gray MMC, Fiorean, has two sides to him that I think readers will enjoy.
The book had a slow start but definitely picked up around 20%. I was hooked and entertained consistently. The minimal spice was a great touch but not overpowering or cringy in my opinion. The story line and plot was well thought out. The political and religious concepts incorporated made more realistic and not just about the fantasy of dragons and the romance.
I give this 4.5 starts because I feel as if something was missing, possibly the amount of time Aemyra spent in the castle? Maybe the small role her twin brother played? Maybe that the twist at the end was very expected? Maybe I wanted the dragons to be more involved? I also don’t like how Aemyra experienced something very traumatic then had a moment soon after that you would think not happen after experiencing the trauma she endured. So definitely check your TWs before reading.
Some tropes I loved!:
- fake marriage
- forced proximity
- one bed
- morally gray MMC
- lost queen
- dragon riders

Overall this was a great time to read and cannot wait for the next book to come out!

A Fate Forged in Fire (Bonded to Beasts #1) by Hazel McBride

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.

Rating: ****
Feels: Admiration, Bravery, Joy, Surprise
Style: Fantasy, Adult Fantasy, Romantasy, Dragons, Enemies to Lovers, Fantasy Romance
First published May 27, 2025 by Delacorte Press : 416 pages, Kindle

This book was a very intense fun read. I suggest reading the trigger warnings as there are some scenes which really pull you in. The writing was vivid, imagination catching and fantasy inducing. Soo much feminine rage it was glorious. I loved how they incorporated in the bonding of the spirit animals to the magic users in this series. Its not just about dragons (although of course dragons are my favorite.) This is true enemies to lovers in the most glorious of ways as in I don't even know if they really are lovers it was that intense !! The family dynamics made me want to stab people many many times in the book. Talk about overbearing parents, and Aemrya just keeps collecting drama and trauma as she goes. The strength she has is magnificent to see as the story progresses and I can not wait to see what she does with what life has given her.

Favorite quote: "So how can I be fire? If the only thing that makes me burn ... is you."

This book has:
Stabby FMC
Morally Grey MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Love
Hidden Identity
Touch her and Die
Forced Proximity
Rebellion
Unique Magic System
Political Intrigue
One Bed
Dragons
Open Door Spice
** Check Trigger Warnings

3.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Ballantine, and Hazel McBride for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book but I was left wanting more throughout the story. When it comes to romantasy, there needs to be a good balance with both the fantasy and romance aspects. I felt like the book was great in the romance with the enemies to lovers slow burn that was happening but when it came to the fantasy aspects I felt it was lacking. I would have liked more world building, dragon information, history, politics, etc.

While it was a relatively quick read I felt like the pacing was consistently off. I wanted to speed up some areas that felt too slow and also slow down some areas that were too fast. I couldn't get into a set grove when reading this book.

It was interesting to see the parallels between the True Religion, patriarchal uprising and current religions/cultural beliefs today and compare it with what is supposed to be a matriarchal society in the book. It's an important aspect to this book and it sheds light on current political and religious beliefs in the world that are meant to create systems of power imbalances. I felt that the MFC's journey shares a strong message to women and it was an aspect of the book that I truly enjoyed.

Overall, this book is a 3.5 since I really did enjoy some aspects of the book, I just wish there was a little more.

This was a quick read with a slow burn enemies to lovers trope. I would've liked more of an expansive take on the world building and history of previous wars. The reader is very quickly introduced to all the main characters and the setting. Hierarchical instability is adequately covered and set up the coming events in the book well but in-depth details are a little glossed over.

The premise behind a Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel Mcbride is well used. It's a variation of 'lost princess fights for the crown'. She is, of course, the strongest magic wielder but still must remain hidden. The beginning reminded me of Quicksilver a little but the plotline takes it's own course from there. Anyone could name a few books with a similar premise but here's what I liked about this one: Matriarchal sovereign with a fight against obvious patriarchy, dragons and dragon riders, bi main character and a fight for religious control and women's rights.

The obvious parallels between christianity and the True Religion in this book will turn some readers off. Mcbride takes a mixture of Gaelic heritage, mythic and religious elements expressing them in a medieval magical world where different stakes and fantasy cultures are at play. The injection of real religious practice, finessed to fit this fictional story was well done.

*** Potential Spoilers Follow ***

The characters were also well shaped but as a middle aged woman myself I would've preferred Aemyra to be more mature and less naive. Parts of the plot were so simplistic they had me eye rolling. It makes Aemyra seem stupid and no one wants a stupid female hero. I kept hoping for Game of Thrones similarities but being romantasy most of the book just wasn't that dark. There is an assault near the end that will be triggering for some and should be skipped if you're sensitive. Fiorean being gentle with Aemyra despite all the bitterness made no sense either. Fiorean's family guard kills Aemyra's adoptive mother in front of her then suddenly Aemyra is concerned with missing his "breithday". I could not eye roll long enough to suit this ridiculous relationship.

“I will admit that I often prefer the company of women, but tonight I’ll make an exception.”

There is spice later in the book but frankly I just wasn't into it by then. All in all I wanted more from this book, more romance, more battles, more dragons just more in general. In short I wanted the whole book to be more like the last few chapters were.

Born to rule as the first Queen in over 100 years, Aemyra has to fight for her throne. Alongside her brother and father, she must avenge the deaths of those she loved. But, when she’s captured, she makes an odd connection and bond with her greatest enemy - Prince Fiorean.

I admit that this book took me a minute to get into it and I am not quite sure I understand all the language and definitions (would love a definition page). But, I did get sucked into the characters halfway through and their plights - even if the world is still unclear to me. This is the first of a duology so I am excited for the next as it ends on a cliffhanger.

I really loved this start to a new romantasy duology. The main character, Aemyra, is such a badass and a new favorite female lead for me! I was hooked on her from the start. She’s strong, clever, and honestly just so cool to root for. While romantasy can start to feel repetitive, I felt like this world Hazel McBride created felt fresh, and I really liked the Celtic-inspired touches without it being too over-explained or overwhelming.

Another favorite thing for me with this book is that this is the real enemies-to-love trope that I look for and not the kind of enemies that are very clearly liking each other but grumpy about it. There were moments I wasn’t even sure if I wanted Aemyra and Fiorean to end up together because the tension and animosity were that intense. But somehow, the author made it all work, and then kept flipping the story in new directions that totally kept me guessing. I was never bored, and I was constantly surprised.

The ending definitely left me wanting more in the best way. I need the second book ASAP because I am not done with this world or these characters!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the eARC!

I am woman, hear me roar :P

Sorry, the burn-the-world mentality just isn't it. Aemyra is a poster child fire-breathing queen bee with a smirk for every occasion and a tendency to speak for all women (No woman has ever liked this! Women despise X behaviors!). I had some sympathy, because ew oppression and if she grows up being told she’s a long-awaited queen, it's probably gonna go to her head. At one point, she's subjected to a humiliating ritual, and realizes that the women she's despised for going along with Covenanter expectations (be passive, be submissive, etc) must do so to survive this and more. But then, in the next scene, Aemyra’s back to gleefully mocking them as pitiful and having no strength. Not to mention, some of these women are scared/grieving mothers? Nope. No more sympathy from me.

In honor of Aemyra, I'll speak for everyone who's not myself and say, if you want a bi heroine who prides herself on being a walking manifesto, Celtic-inspired world with mistakes made on both sides, and enemies to lovers who enjoy all kinds of knife play, this brew might be for you.

P.S. Pronunciation guide is in the back!

P.P.S. Content warning in book - "Certain themes in this epic tale may be distressing to the reader, particularly those surrounding misogyny and sexism. More specifically, domestic violence, sexual harassment/assault, and attempted forced sterilization. The reader will experience grief, child loss, death, and graphic depictions of violence within these pages. Thankfully, dragons are less prone to viciousness than humans, and fire is not always destructive."

WOW!!!! When I tell you this book was GOOD I mean I need a MINUTE because what even comes after that?! I have so many emotions right now! All I can say is it’s a 5⭐️+ for me and I cannot wait until it’s out for sale 5/27/25 BECAUSE 😮😮😮 Sooo good!!!!! Can’t wait for more from @hazelmcbrideauthor

This one was not for me.

I liked the idea of the book, but the execution fell very flat. The pacing felt off and the story dragged in a lot of parts, the characters were extremely unlikable (which is not always an issue, but I hated it here).

The world building felt overly complicated and was very hard to follow. I didn’t mind the ending, but I wish the rest of the book worked for me.

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:

4.25/5⭐️
2/5🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Hazel McBride for sending me the e-copy of the ARC! I absolutely devoured this book and I’ll be thinking about the absolute heart wrenching cliffhanger until we get the next book..which isn’t coming soon enough!! If you love all things romantasy, enemies to lovers, dragons, dragon riders and political intrigue, do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR, you will not regret it!!

The only reason this doesn’t get 5 stars is that it took about 30-40% to really get into it but once that happened I couldn’t put it down.

𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺:

- 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴/𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘴
- 𝘣𝘪-𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘔𝘊
- 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤
- 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦
- 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 ….𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦?
- 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘭𝘴
- 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘴/𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, NetGalley and publishers.

A Fate Forged in Fire is a Celtic inspired romantasy set in a world where some have the ability to bond with magical creatures. If you’ve read Anne McCaffery’s Pern series, or Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar, something like that. There will be a sequel so the end does not wrap up the story. It’s romantasy so there’s spicy romance content and also war-related violence (including parental and child death, and violence against women). Our main character has waited her whole life to take the throne of her country and she knows it will be an expensive fight but she’s not prepared for what she’s going to pay. She ends up married to one of her enemies but as she gets to know him she learns that maybe she could love him. Unfortunately by the end of the book they are at odds again and have sworn to end each other.

I ended up going back and finishing the story after originally thinking I would DNF it. I should have just kept it as not giving feedback and not read the book. Overall this was not for me, I still could not get over the subtle incest mentions and could not figure out if the characters were third or fourth cousins. On top of that, the story felt very familiar and predictable.

Eventually, this was just not for me.

The writing style of this book was just not for me. I found it to be very harshly written. I was really hoping to enjoy this, it just wasn't the book for me. The overall story was fine, I just didn't enjoy reading it.

This book had me invested right from the start.

I super appreciate that our main character, Aemyra, is in her mid twenties and still learning and figuring things out and dealing with rage on top of it all. A young woman who thinks she's got it all figured out but is (rightfully) proven she's not quite there throughout the book.

I loved her relationships with her adopted family, with her brother, and with the new friends she makes through the book. I found it refreshing how things turned out with her former lover from the start of the book when she's reunited with them near the end. And I really enjoyed the exploration of her relationship with her dragon compared to that of another character with his, as brief as it may have been, to demonstrate the necessity of a deep bond.

I *knew* something was going to happen right at the end re: Fiorean, but I was still a bit taken aback by what exactly went down! I have my theories about why he did THAT, but alas, we will have to wait until book two to see if I am right!

Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

I feel like this had a lot of potential, but that something was missing. The wordbuilding was pretty decent, but the pacing was a little off for me. I think that the main character was interesting, but spent a lot of the time being a little hard to like?

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. DNF. I’m just not getting into it, so I won’t be finishing. Only rating because it makes me and reviewing so it doesn’t hurt my feedback ratio.

Hey so I’m upset about that ending because now I have to wait 2 years for the next one😭😭😭

This was a really great read, and I had such a fun time immersing myself in it! I avoided finishing it for two days because I wasn’t ready to leave Aemrya and her journey to queendom. I will say there are a lot of dark themes intertwined in the story, so sensitive readers should heed the trigger warnings. Overall, I thought it was well-written, pretty fast moving, and the plot was thoroughly enjoyable. The ending twist was giving Celaena & Chaol in Crown of Midnight (iykyk).

This book was so uneven. The heroine was all over the place. Full of rage but when she finds a place to direct that rage, she’s like “nah”.
I had a hard time getting into this story and without a character I could root for, it was not for me.