I will read anything with dragons on the cover and add flames and I am completely in! Read this in 2 days because I was so sucked into the world

I don’t even know where to start. Maybe with the fantastic world-building, the sizzling relationship, or perhaps the badass female main character? Seriously, everything about this book was amazing.

Let me begin with the relationship. This book is a rare gem in the enemies-to-lovers genre because it actually features true enemies. I’m talking about holding a knife to each other's throats and promising to kill one another. The progression from enemies to lovers was phenomenal; it felt natural and wasn’t abrupt. There was no insta-lust or insta-love, which was incredibly refreshing.

The female main character, Aemyra, is the definition of a badass. She’s aware she is the rightful queen and makes sure everyone knows it—#Goals! I loved her quick-witted comebacks… they had me laughing out loud. On the flip side, her vulnerability also stood out. Aemyra was raw in a way that I wish more main characters could be.

And then there’s the male main character, Fiorean. Wow. I went through all the emotional stages while reading about him. I hated him, then I liked him, then I hated him again, only to sort of love him (after that ending, I can’t be too sure). I swear, this book gave me whiplash! He was amazing, and I loved how he treated Aemyra. He wasn’t overly possessive; instead, he genuinely cared for her and wanted her to be herself. He embodies the idea “I wouldn’t burn the world down for you; I’d hand you the matches.”

That cliffhanger was brutal… I refuse to accept that I have to wait 1-2 years before I get to read the next book.

From the very first page of A Fate Forged in Fire, I knew I was in for an unforgettable ride. A dedication that instantly sparked intrigue, an intense, complicated heroine, and a world rich in magic and dragons—this was a story I was bound to fall in love with. And, without a doubt, I did.

This book blends political intrigue, deep-seated family drama, and an all-consuming romance that had me hooked from the start. Aemyra, the fierce, stabby, angry, and unapologetically vengeful protagonist, is a force to be reckoned with. Her journey, battling against not only external enemies but her own internal struggles—particularly as a bisexual woman navigating a deeply patriarchal world—is emotionally resonant and relatable. The tension she feels, caught between the desire to be both assertive and compassionate, was something I felt deeply as a reader.

The romance between Aemyra and Fiorean adds layers to an already intense narrative. Fiorean, with his broody, self-loathing yet undeniably magnetic charm, is the perfect foil to Aemyra's fiery nature. Their chemistry sizzles, and the push-pull dynamic between them—laden with sexual tension and fraught with conflicting desires—was one of the most compelling aspects of the story. The complexity of their relationship, coupled with Aemyra’s fight for autonomy and self-acceptance, was both heartbreaking and cathartic.

The world-building, while a bit slow to unfold, is well worth the investment. Once the foundations are laid, the intricacies of the magic system, the role of dragons, and the social hierarchies that shape the characters’ lives take center stage. The story becomes a thrilling tapestry of power, politics, and magic. But what really gripped me was the intense emotional undercurrent that ran through the narrative—each choice and betrayal weighed with such gravity that I found myself constantly second-guessing what might come next.

And that betrayal. Oh, that betrayal. I won’t spoil it, but suffice it to say, it’s one of those twists that lingers in your mind long after you've finished the book. It had me lying awake thinking about it, haunted by its implications. I cannot wait to see how this shocking turn of events plays out in the sequel. It’s a testament to the author’s storytelling that a single plot twist can leave such a lasting impact.

Ultimately, A Fate Forged in Fire is a stunning blend of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. It’s perfect for fans of Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon, as well as those who love complex, morally gray characters like Aelin Galathynius from Throne of Glass. The depth of the world-building, the richness of the characters, and the raw, unflinching exploration of identity and power make this one of the best books I've read this year.

I can only hope that the sequel picks up where this book left off and delivers even more twists, turns, and heart-pounding moments. Highly recommended. 5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC! I really enjoyed this book.

The world was filled with Celtic mythology, dragons, and very interesting social hierarchies that are fun to follow. The tension between the the two MCs was very fun to follow but didn’t take away from the rest of the political plot, which I think has been difficult for a lot of romantasy books to do recently. They were a good of example of true “enemies to lovers”, where you can really feel the FMC’s internal struggle in differentiating her feelings towards the MC versus what she is already used to.

It was very well balanced and kept me captivated the whole way through for both the politics and the romance.

Will definitely be reading the next book!

I tried to power through because I loved the premise of the book, but I found the female main character insufferable and it really took away from the story for me.

What a ride!! This was such a fun read. Though our protagonist is young, she has so much spirit! This book had me hooked so fast, and it followed through. I am already eagerly awaiting the sequel! This would be amazing for fans of House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones, and other books that include scheming for the throne, dragon-riding, and a brash but hardy female protagonist!

A Fate Forged in Fire is a spellbinding romantasy that masterfully blends Celtic mythology, elemental magic, and dragons with themes of feminism, political intrigue, and enemies-to-lovers romance. I predict this will become a standout series for all lovers of fantasy.

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 greatest strengths. Their animosity is palpable, with knife-to-throat tension and mutual attempts to outwit—and sometimes kill—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—can feel bit dense, they add depth to a narrative that feels both fantastical and deeply relevant. Themes of female empowerment and rebellion against systemic oppression resonate throughout the story, making it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Fast-paced and action-packed, the plot keeps you hooked from start to finish. The stakes rise continuously, culminating in a heart-wrenching cliffhanger that leaves you reeling and desperate for the sequel.

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, emotional, and utterly unputdownable—a must-read for romantasy fans. I highly recommend and will continue the series.

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

This book was a lot of fun to read with all the chaos and battles going on throughout it. The romance was slow, painful, and full of fire which matched these two very well.
You're deeply involved from the start with all the secrets that surround Aemyra. I was instantly drawn to the curiosity of her story. The more I found the more involved I wanted to be in the story. A LOT goes down in one book. I feel like some parts should have been stretched out so we could get a full picture.
For me this book should have been two books so that way the reader could get more. I really enjoyed this though and I can't wait to see where the author takes this story!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

The vibes of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones crossed with Fourth Wing and set in a fantasy version of Scotland. Combine that with amazing world building, a unique magic system, and a delicious slow burn with true enemies-to-lovers. And that ending, oh my gosh! The PERFECT betrayal, I am still in shock.

This book was an absolute delight and I cannot wait for the sequel!

(Please check content warnings before reading)

I was interested in this book from the description and knew I had to pick it up when I saw it again listed as releases this year I was interested in. This book did not disappoint.

If you love dragons, romance, and magic. This is the book for you. It had a nice twist with the heritage that was pulled into this, and honestly had me a little lost at times but it made it different. The main character has a feisty/ “fiery” attitude to her that I loved. This book does leave you on a cliff hanger and instantly wanting the next book. I definitely see this as a reread in the future.

This book was so intense.... Plot twist at every turn... It's barely the new year and I see this being one of my top reads of the year.

i love a good dragon-royalty-book!!! there were elements of this that feel repetitive but nevertheless i ate it up. thanks!!!

Thank you so much to the Author and NetGalley.

I truly believe this will be the next big Romantasy Book next to Fourth Wing.
Our FMC is Bi-master piece of what it is to have female rage and still learning to grow when given a bad hand at life. I fell in love with this story within the first Chapter. Heck first line in the story.
(Also Dragons that act like giant Cats!!)
Is this a Romantasy book you may have read before? Probably. Is this book going to be something you simp over, gain a new fire daddy and completely break and cry over ? Absolutely yes.
Highly, recommend this book. I hope you all read this, go completely mad and cry. That is my wish for everyone!

Honestly this book has everything I love in it. The tropes were chefs kiss. I will say the beginning was a bit slow but once the story picked up I was hooked.

3.5 stars,

*secret heir
*enemies to lovers
*romantasy
*dragons
*strong FMC (eventually)
*a group that attempts to use religion to control women

Let me first admit that I struggled with Aemyra (the MFC) - she was arrogant and whiny while also being completely inconsistent for much of the book, and this went on long enough that it grated on me (I also have some other major issues, but sharing those would feel too spoil-ery, so I’ll keep them to myself).

Once I hit the 65-70% point I was invested and enjoyed the story to the point where I will definitely read the second title.



Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the DRC

Hazel McBride’s A Fate Forged in Fire is a gripping fantasy tale that combines magic, danger, and heartfelt emotions. It’s a story of resilience, destiny, and the choices that define us, set in a vivid world filled with fire and intrigue.

The story follows Eira, a strong-willed protagonist bound by a prophecy she doesn’t fully understand. As she confronts both external threats and internal struggles, Eira’s journey becomes one of self-discovery and courage. McBride does a fantastic job of making her a relatable and inspiring character, with flaws and strengths that feel real.

The world-building is a highlight of the book, with detailed descriptions of fiery landscapes, magical forces, and ancient prophecies that immerse you in Eira’s world. The plot is fast-paced and packed with twists, but it also leaves room for emotional depth, exploring themes like sacrifice, love, and the power of choice.

Hazel McBride strikes a great balance between action and introspection, making this book a perfect fit for readers who love character-driven fantasy with high stakes and a touch of romance. It’s a memorable and satisfying read from start to finish.

Rating: 4.5/5

This book was super interesting. I enjoyed it but think it could’ve taken its time a little more with the story and character development. Some of the story, especially the strategy and battle, felt really rushed through.

I sadly could not finish this book. It was partially just personal, my interests in certain genres like this one have changed. But also the book was so wordy, filled with info very early on that I really struggled to follow characters and their relationships.

Holy moly.

First, I am truly honored and so grateful for this arc. This book was fantastic!! I’ve never highlighted a book more!

The FMC Aemyra was strong, but still made mistakes, kind and loving, but blood thirsty for revenge. The story also held a strong sense of feminism that truly made Aemyra a character I could connect to.

Now, the MMC Fiorean, what a ride! Moody, mysterious, tortured, stabby, handsome, scarred, would KILL for her, but then, THE END?!

ALSO, dragons!!!!!!! The bonds were beautiful and the magic system was very unique. I’m eager to get more of the magic in the next books, especially from the other magic wielders.

I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

Thank you to Net Galley and Delacorte Press for the ARC. This sounded interesting with a blacksmith protagonist but alas it was boring and lacked political intrigue.