Favorite quote(s):

“A woman’s purpose can be found in having children. However, a woman is so much more than just a mother. She is an individual with her own passions and desires far beyond those of her husband. Just because we possess a womb doesn’t mean that we don’t also have a brain.”

“In that moment, she decided that she would be happy to remain up here with her dragon, lost among the watercolor clouds, just a girl and a beathach who had finally found each other after years of searching for something more.”

“I don't usually make a habit of pulling a weapon on someone unless I plan on following through with the threat.”


Review:

This book had a great setting and so many incredible descriptions. I did like the characters, but there were times I got annoyed with Aemyra and her attitude towards other women, especially at the beginning. Still, I did like her determination throughout the story. Though I understand her attitude was because of knowing that things could change, and that they were not standing up to the misogyny and harmful things happening. I loved Fiorean, but I wanted more of an enemies-to-lovers vibe between him and Aemyra; their relationship was too easily resolved with marriage. But their banter, tension, and sparks were incredible! It just shouldn't have been a quick marriage to fix some issues, though. I was just hoping for more conflict on that front. The touches of LGBT representation were also nice. The political and religious things, and how they were a big thing throughout the book, were another thing I loved. I adored the magic, like fire, and especially the dragons in this, so much. And not to mention the bonds with magical creatures, which was a nice addition to the story. I adored the Celtic inspiration and how it made the story what it was. Overall, I enjoyed this book, its world and characters, and I can't wait for more after that ending.

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

3.5 Stars

Overall, I did like the direction the story was going in but I struggled with both the writing style and the choices our FMC made. It can be hard to follow the writing at times but being in third person perspective does help with this and making things digestible.

Ok wow, I really enjoyed this one! While it started out a little slow, the plot was engaged and its a true enemies to lovers with a bangerrrr of a cliffhanger at the end. Like the twists, the betrayals, and the undeniable connection between our two main characters... dang, I am officially invested and ready for book 2!

Thank you NetGalley for this arc.

I’m sad to say that this took me longer to read than I was expecting. And not because it wasn’t a solid book. Life has been tragically cruel so it took me longer than expected to read and rate.

A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride
This book started off with a bang. I personally love when a book starts off with momentum. There was minimal time spent building up to the overarching conflict for the novel. The pacing of the book was perfect for me. I started the book one night and when I went to pick it back up the next night I ended up staying up until I finished reading it. Aemyra is a wonderfully complex character who is self-aware enough to be able to own up to her mistakes (which is delightful to see). I loved the Scottish/Gaelic influence in the book. My only complaint there is that I wish the glossary had been in the front of the book instead of at the end. I didn’t realize it was there until I had finished the book. Otherwise, I honestly loved everything about this book. The misogyny felt a little too much like “is this show about us?” but that’s more of a complaint about the real world and not about the book. I love Aemyra’s spitfire attitude as she fought against the extremely misogynist powers that ruled over the country. Happy Pride month to my favorite bisexual queen, Aemyra 🌈

I tell people that if you want a book with an FMC that has the vibes of the blacksmith Kate from ‘A Knight’s Tale’ then this might be the book for you.

This review will absolutely be full of spoilers—

That ending has me so mad but like in a good way. There was just something in my gut as Aemyra & Fiorean getting closer that I just couldn’t trust. I wanted so so bad for all his poetic words to be true and I’m such a hopeless sap that I hope they’ll have redemption because how does this man go from “who did this to my wife?” To being that cold and calculated at the end. I am going to do my best to be patient and wait for book two but I’m already desperate.

I love all the Scottish influenced that Hazel wrote throughout. And who doesn’t love dragons?

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House - Ballantine, Delacorte Press for sending me the eARC.

2.5 rounded up to 3.

The premise of this book sounded great. Go and read the blurb, sounds so intriguing, right? A secret heir comes to reclaim her throne, coup/rebellion, dragons and magic! However, I felt like this book didn’t quite deliver on the parts that I found most interesting, or, they were executed poorly. The writing to me comes off as YA even though I think this is supposed to be an adult book. The pace fluctuates and there doesn’t seem to be a payoff for the lull.

Something that really put me off was that this book attempts to be feminist but falls short. It is at times very on the nose or ham-fisted. It also has a very obvious anti-religious slant. Now, don’t get me wrong, as an anti-religious feminist, I should have loved this, but it needed more nuance and at other times missed the mark completely. Examples where I feel like the feminism doesn’t live up to my expectations are how the FMC treated other people, especially women, and during the lack of consent in the romance. Not to mention during the romance the banter was not doing it for me. Also, there were times when the dialogue didn’t make sense to me, not because of the words, but because of the flow of the dialogue. There would be times I had to check if I had skipped a line or a page, but no, the flow is just way off.

I liked the world and the political intrigue. I wish there was less “Aemyra rushes in” and more “Aemyra uses her brain.” She felt like such a flat character and was pretty obnoxious.
I am rounding up the rating mostly because the world building isn’t terrible and the use and respect of Gaelic language and Scottish culture is commendable.

Who it may be for: enemies to lovers; arranged marriage; dragon bonds; someone looking for a fast paced romantasy; If you like Avatar The Last Airbender magic

Who it may not be for: people who struggle with on page SA; anyone who wants a standalone book, this is part 1 of 10 book series (She says that it will be standalone duologies within a 10 book world); People who like more nuance in their books, like, everywhere.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC.

You can find my review on Goodreads and Storygraph, here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7453717370
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/a98ebcf3-2945-4176-aecb-15fe0174fd9b

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC of my newest fantasy obsession!

“A Fate Forged in Fire” is SUCH a powerful and emotional read, it’s all about finding your strength when everything feels like it’s burning down. Hazel McBride gives us epic fantasy vibes plus heart, friendship, and serious main character energy. If you love getting totally hooked on magical stories with intense emotion and fierce characters, this one will totally stay with you.

I don't think this book was quite for me, HOWEVER I can absolutely see other readers loving it. I might even revisit it again in a few months.

I love a ragey, fiery FMC and Aemyra is definitely that. There's just something about an FMC that will burn everything around her, ya know? I also love when main characters are flawed. While it might make they more difficult to relate to for some readers, I feel it's more realistic and makes their development and story much more inspiring.

The use of Scottish Gaelic was really interesting! I wasn't expecting it as I went in blind, but I love when books are based on mythology that I am not familiar with. What a beautiful way to experience our own world through these lovely romantasy worlds!

Like always, I highly recommend that readers check the content warnings and authors note. This is your reminder that there is no shame in thinking a book would be manageable for you and still needing to take your time or put it down after intense scenes.

Look Forward To:
Political Intrigue
Slow Burn
Enemies to Lovers
Dragons!
Bisexual Rep
Feminine Rage
Scottish mythology
Morally Grey



Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️:4.75/5
🌶️: 2.75/5

I expected a romance-heavy book with some dragon lore, but I got SO much more. This book exceeding every expectation I had.

I was impressed by the political structure and court intrigue of this book. There was a moment where I had to check and make sure this was a fantasy romance, because there is so much political intrigue in the first half that I didn't even notice the slowly blooming romance. And I mean that in the best way.

My interest in this book was almost entirely driven by the plot. The romance was a secondary (but delightful) element. I felt that the transition from enemies to lovers happened a little quickly despite the romance being a rather slow burn, but by the end I understood why things happened the way they did.

The dragon magic and lore was really interesting and I loved that the bond was slightly different from other dragon-bond books. I do hope to get more in the next book!

If you like court politics, feminism, progressive religious views, true smiles to lovers, dragon bonds, and knife play - you will eat this up!

I think that it just was not for me. I was excited to read it at first, but I soon lost interest. It has a great concept, but it didn't pan out for me.

I loved this! What an exciting debut! I loved the dragons, the world building, the political intrigue, and the pacing. Can’t wait for the next one!

This was a pretty solid first book to a series. I enjoyed the world building, the magic system and bonding to mystical creatures, and the main conflict. Our story takes place in a kingdom that was once a matriarchy ruled by queens with people who worshipped the goddesses. A new religion sunk its claws in the royal family and manipulated a mad king creating a patriarchal society. The new priests are particularly cruel to women. Our FMC, Aemyra, is the rightful heir by the old laws. Her father kept her hidden to protect her, but the time has finally come for her to claim her throne and guide her people back to the old ways.

Aemyra is definitely a FMC that could light the world on fire; she is powerful. She actually starts off a little too angry for me. I struggled to connect with her at first. It took time to understand why she was so mad. Her experiences in this book added fuel to her flames, and I was just as angry by the end. I hoped her training would have made her a bit more clever. I think her emotions cloud her judgment at times. She’s flawed but has potential for a lot of growth over the series.

The relationship the leaders have with the bonded dragons feels pretty unique. The dragons don’t speak into the minds of humans, but the humans and dragons can share desires and feelings. This makes the dragons feel a bit more feral. The dragons seem more like those in Game of Thrones than Fourth Wing to me. After reading a few books with the internal dialogue of the mystical bonded creatures, I thought this was an interesting take.

There were a few jarring transitions and places where I wish I had more detail. However, this does make for a fast, pretty high-action read. The couple’s relationship is also fast-paced. It is a true enemies-to-lovers. Aemyra hates the MMC and almost ends his life. I felt the switch to lovers happened a bit too suddenly, but I am wondering if that was intentional. I think I need to read the next book to really comment on their relationship.

This book is unpredictable. I cannot fully understand all the decisions and motives of the enemy which frustrated me, but it also made their actions impossible to predict. The ending was a pretty good cliff hanger that is making want answers to a lot of questions.

Give this book a try if you are looking for the following:
- Feminine Rage
- Enemies-to-Lovers
- Dragons
- Elemental Magic
- 3 Person POV

I advise readers with triggers to read the content warnings page/author’s note. The attempted forced sterilization was a very emotional scene.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Groups - Ballantine for letting me an ARC reader!

This book is a wonderful fantasy novel that plunges readers into a world brimming with magic, conflict, and compelling characters. McBride excels at crafting a vibrant world, rich with its own unique lore and intricate political landscapes. The action sequences are well-described and exciting, which keeps the pace brisk (maybe the part I love most!), while the magical elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, feeling both powerful and authentic. The characters are well-developed, each facing their own trials and contributing to the unfolding drama.

This book is a great start for anyone interested in epic fantasy with a focus on prophecy, destiny, and a fight against overwhelming odds. It's a journey filled with danger, courage, and the forging of new alliances. A Fate Forged In Fire is definitely worth picking up!

I really was fascinated by the Celtic inspired mythology and loved how so many of my favorite romantasy tropes were included. I just did not feel any tension between the two characters. I felt like they had no chemistry and it felt very forced. I think this book had a lot of potential and will definitely appeal to many fantasy romance readers, but unfortunately for me it was a little bit of a miss.

What a rollercoaster ride of book! I loved the Celtic inspiration and the depth of the world building overall. The struggle for the throne and succession is intense, and the magic system is really fascinating. I really liked the way the bonding with the dragons worked in this story.
The characters are great as well, though I find Aemyra to be rather naive overall. Unfortunately I think that has to do with how she was brought up and left her unprepared for her mission.
The romance is unfortunately where this book falls a little short of a 5 star read for me. It felt a little sudden, and I would have liked to have a little more development to it. However, I enjoyed their enemies to lovers vibes overall.
The ending of the book felt epic and has me feeling all sorts of things. Mainly, I need the next book asap.

Dragons! Magic! Fast paced! Oh…did I mention dragons? House of Dragon vibes, minus the incest. I do feel like the world building was kinda rushed in the beginning, but eventually it evened out. Overall I enjoyed this book. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!

𝐀 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐜𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 | 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 | ⭐⭐⭐
~ 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒔 #𝟏

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.

This was a really heavy novel because of the religious trauma that was slowly bring imposed but also from the fact that everything was really fast paced and nothing was clearly explained.

The world-building . . . as unique it was, it wasn't easy. The explanation was barely there and it feels like we're missing a book before this. I felt very disappointed by this because Celtic Mythology is my favourite and this didn't do justice.

The romance wasn't sitting with me well. For the first time in a while, I didn't feel like the MMC was the love interest because the romance was barely there. The treatment was wholly unexpected.

There was so much potential but it was poorly executed. While I'm excited for the next book, I'm hoping it's different than this one.

I enjoyed this book to an extent. There were some parts that I had some problems with, but I still enjoyed it for the most part. I’m happy I was able to receive an arc of this book and I will definitely pick up the second book (which just got a title reveal!).

What a roller coaster! This is the kind of fantasy story I enjoy. Dragons, magic, and a FMC who is fiery in personality and ability. This story made me think of House of the Dragon. To me, Aemyra is similar to Rhaenyra, especially given the situation Aemyra is in. I'm glad that this is a slow-burn romance; with the events that played out, I don't think I would've liked a romance to quickly develop between Fiorean and Aemyra. Even when things started happening, I was a little miffed, but there were things that Aemyra didn't know. I think I would've liked to have Fiorean's third person POV, at least for some of the book. But from a narrative angle, I can see why Aemyra's is the only one. The one gripe I can think of is Aemrya's recklessness and impulsiveness. But that could also make things more interesting in the story, yet a little annoying. I'm looking forward to seeing how this wraps up in the next book.