This books follows Aemyra, the true queen of Tir Teine. It begins with her in disguise living amongst her people. The society is matriarchal and worships goddesses, which I found so nice to read. The rulers are supposed to be women but several generations ago, daughters stopped being born to the royal family so it was decreed that the firstborn son would become king. The royal family also bonds to dragons, of which there are now only 3 male dragons left in the world. Aemyra is waiting for the sign to fight for and retake the kingdom that is rightfully hers. There is also a newer religion attempting to take over the country, called the True Religion, which resembles many religions we know. It is a patriarchal religion/society and wants to overthrow the worship of the goddesses. And they are vile in their attempts to do so.
Overall, I enjoyed the storyline. I did find myself confused at times as it felt like some explanations were missing or Amara went from feeling one way to another seemingly without much reason. I also found it to be pretty predictable, which isn’t necessarily a negative thing.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an eARC of this upcoming book.

I found the book a promising first installment in an upcoming series. Its strengths, including the magic system, the world-building, and the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, made the book enjoyable.

However, there were some notable areas that I struggled to overlook. The pacing and structure of the story felt lacking at times; some sections dragged on while others concentrated heavily on the romantic storyline. While I recognize this is a romantic fantasy, I was searching for a better balance between the two in the writing and throughout the plot.

Overall, I found the book to be an enjoyable read. This first installment has laid a foundation for the series, and I will likely continue with it and read the upcoming books.

"For the little girls who were told to put their fire out. Burn them all to the fucking ground." The dedication sets the tone for this book and it does not let up from here. I love it when a story/author drop you right into the action while simultaneously giving me seamless world building and lore, and this author delivered.

The vibes of this book are heavy on the fuck the patriarchy energy, feminine rage, and super anti organized Western religion, all of which I am 5 million % here for. The FMC's scathing critiques of the oppressive religious group (cult) in her kingdom are so applicable to my own real world critiques of hypocritical evangelicals that at times I felt like I was in my own head. I found it vindicating to enjoy an FMC with such similar thoughts and views as me on that topic in particular. I also loved that this FMC (and thus, author) are putting their hate for the patriarchy proudly on display and damn the consequences. Men are the absolute worst and they truly hate powerful women of any sort!

The plot was fast paced with no boring filler sections. Certain plot points gave me visceral reactions and some scenes had me reeling. The characters are complex - frustrating, but relatable and lovable all the same.

I was not expecting the ending we got, which was refreshing! I'm glad we didn't get the ending I thought I was predicting, because the ending we got is going to make a for an extremely interesting sequel. I feel like there are so many different directions this story could take and I can't wait to see what happens next!

A Fate Forged in Fire is filled with magic, politics, and religion. Aemyra is a strong FMC, but she has plenty of flaws. Frustrating at times for her pigheadedness, her heart for her people and dedication to her beliefs truly shine throughout the story. The interplay between religion and magic is interesting and provides several catalysts to twist the story. The magic system was fascinating, and the dragons! The dragons scenes were probably my favorites.

My only qualm with this book was that it felt like two stories: the fighting and politics at the beginning and end and then a romance drama in the middle. Yes, the two parts made sense, but I think I would’ve preferred them in separate books. The pacing was much slower in the middle, and the deep dive in the Covenanters’s oppressive religion was interesting but so different.

All in all, A Fate Forged in Fire was an enthralling read with a doozy of a cliffhanger of an ending.

✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: A Fate Forged In Fire

After years of hiding her true heritage, the time has come to take her rightful place as Queen of Tìr Teine. But nothing goes according to plan. Outmaneuvered, Aemyra can do nothing but accept her new circumstance while forming her own plans.

Tropes:
⚔️Enemies to lovers
🩶Morally grey MCs
🙌Feminine rage
💫Celtic mythology
🏰Political intrigue
🐉Dragon bonds
🔥Slow burn 🌶️

Aemyra’s got a claim to the throne and a fiery heart to match. Her passion for her people and those she loves burns brightly but missteps leave her at the whims of those who seek to control her and the women of the kingdom. Despite her iron will, she can’t help but feel a deepening connection to the enemy. With so much at stake and the kingdom on the brink of inevitable war, will Aemyra fulfill the destiny that’s just out of reach?

The author has created a compelling cast of multi-dimensional characters that are dedicated to doing what they think is right for the kingdom—but at what cost? This book gave me the best Game of Thrones vibes infused with Celtic mythology! I am here to embrace the Matriarchy 🙌.

In A Fate Forged In Fire, the author weaves a suspenseful, plot-driven tale of opposing religions, political intrigue, and a blazing slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance. The jaw-dropping ending had me poised to toss my e-reader across the room. Beware, Hazel is not responsible for your therapy bills! I cannot wait for the next installment in this planned duology!

Huge thanks to the author, Random House Publishing Group, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

"Aemyra had been forged in fire, but a queen would rise from the ashes."
"So how can I be fire? If the only thing that makes me burn... is you."

This book felt like House of the Dragon meets Fourth Wing and it was super fun. I had problems with the pacing at times and the romance felt like it hit out of nowhere, but the ending has me desperate to read the next book in the duology. I highly recommend this if you love fast-paced romantasy!

It took me until about half way through the book to engage with the story. The story has a strong female protagonist and addresses issues of abandonment, rape, misogyny, and betrayal. I disliked the use of the “True Religion” and the “Chosen” as the villains of this story. There were elements of this story I really enjoyed but I am unlikely to read additional stories from this author.

Book contains aggressive violence towards women and explicit intimate scenes.

I definitely think this could be the perfect book for fans of romantasy that feature elements like the chosen one, slow burn enemies to lovers, a plethora of magical creatures (including dragons), political intrigue, betrayals, and uncertain alliances. I'm not so sure that reader is me. On the surface this book seemed to check off a lot of boxes in terms of what draws me to epic fantasy romances, but by the end of it I felt largely... indifferent. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. There were times I struggled to keep reading and times I couldn't put it down.

Starting off with what I enjoyed about the book: I loved the bisexual representation in the FMC, Ameyra. Even in 2025 I feel like we still need LGBTQIA+ characters normalized in trad published fiction. I enjoyed the overall magic system and bonding with a wide variety of creatures even though the most coveted beings were obviously dragons. I'd also challenge anyone who claims reading isn't political to maintain that stance after reading this book. The parallels to current events weren't subtle and I loved that. In A Fate Forged in Fire we have a matriarchal society that's been threatened by misogynistic zealots who purport a women's only purpose is to freely give her womb to her husband and otherwise remain silent. The FMC staunchly opposes that and is fighting against that which, for me, was the saving grace for this book. When the real world is in such a volatile state this was a perfect escape to exist in a space where women fight back for awhile.

That said, I did find a lot of this book predictable and, at times, frustrating. In more contemporary fiction it doesn't bother me as much that they tend to follow the same recipe as all those that have come before. They're comforting in their familiarity. In fantasy, however, I like to see a book build off that familiar foundation and take me on a journey that still feels wholly unique. I didn't quite find that in A Fate Forged in Fire, aside from the heavy parallels to current affairs mentioned above. I'd never go as far as to say the narrative of this book felt like a direct copy of others, but it didn't have the surprise factors that make a book go from a mostly enjoyable one time read to something I've obsess over and reread for years to come. For the majority of the book I knew what was coming before it happened on page. At some points the similarities to comparative works (certain names and attributes, especially) raised a brow. Again, this book still felt different in it's own right... just not different enough for my liking. It's also worth noting that while I understand without conflict and setbacks a book would end after a few chapters, in this case it felt as if the majority of the setbacks leading up to the climax were due to the FMC's arrogance without much evidence to justify that demeanor, thus leading to impulsivity and situations where her abilities couldn't match her claims. Then, suddenly, towards the end of the book she's victorious left and right with nothing to explain the change (such as training throughout the book, etc). For me, it kind of felt like we were told she's the best and expected to accept she's the best without being given enough examples to fully believe it.

Overall I think A Fate Forged in Fire will appeal to a lot of readers who make a home inside this genre and appreciate predictability and similarity in the fantasies they read. For me, it was enjoyable for the most part but not a book I think I'd want to read twice. That said, I'm endlessly appreciative that the publisher reached out and offered me an ARC of this book. Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read early. I'll add in links to my reviews posted on other platforms once they're live after release day.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the advance reader copy of this book.

I was excited to read this book, but I ended up DNF-ing it after 55%.
The start is slow, but I wanted to see the FMC claiming her throne so I kept reading.
Unfortunately this is not what I expected and it did not get better.
I think this is the only book where I do not want the enemies to become lovers.

A Fate Forged in Fire— and a Queen Born from the Ashes

| epic fantasy | high fantasy | netgalley | arc | enemies to lovers | arranged marriage | chosen one | hidden identity | dragons | bonded with animals | magic | magic vs religion | spicy | trauma | trigger warnings | third person POV | Gaelic | deep lore | world building | legend | touch her and dxe | badxss FMC | banter | fate | blacksmith | elemental magic | court politics | oppression | women | tension | choice | action packed | cliff hanger |

Do I recommend this book? Absolutely. Unputdownable.
Is it spicy? Just enough to make the tension simmer— and it’s delicious.

I devoured this book in under 24 hours— I couldn’t focus on anything else. Once the plot took hold, it owned me.

A Fate Forged in Fire is everything I want in epic fantasy: rich world-building, intense emotion, high-stakes magic, layered mythology, and a heroine who absolutely refuses to be broken. Hazel McBride doesn’t just tell a story— she crafts it, tempers it, wields it like the blacksmith at the center of this tale.

This is not a light read. The world is vast and deeply rooted in Scottish Gaelic, with terms and legends woven in unapologetically— a feature that makes the story feel real, but also challenging for readers unfamiliar with high fantasy. You won’t be spoon-fed explanations. You’ll be immersed— pushed into the fire with the heroine, forced to rise with her or burn alongside her.

If you love fantasy shaped by myth, forged in pain, and burning with raw emotional truth, you’ll be hooked. This book has teeth. It has depth. And it hurts— in all the right ways. McBride doesn’t shy away from showing darkness. There’s trauma. Oppression. Violence. And still, so much power. So much heart.

This book made me feel.
I cried. I gasped. I raged. I laughed through gritted teeth.
I felt the FMC’s fury, her longing, her unbidden vulnerability.
I felt seen. I felt changed.

As a bisexual woman and a lover of fierce heroines, I was absolutely swept away. I haven’t had a fantasy crawl under my skin and live there like this in a long, long time. And that ending? A cliffhanger with a vengeance. Desperation as an adjective couldn't come close to defining how badly I want the next book.

Hazel McBride has cemented herself as a fantasy powerhouse.

Every chapter ends with a bang, and the whole story feels like a rising war drum.
Five stars for Hazel McBride. Every single one earned in blood, fire, and fate.

Happy Reading, Friends xx

4 stars. I feel like I owe this book an apology. I tried to read it a few weeks ago and just was not feeling it. So I put it down, thinking that was that. But I had a lot going on personally at the time, which can always cloud your reading preferences. So after hearing a friend, whose bookish opinions I 100% trust, absolutely rave about A Fate Forged in Fire, I figured that I owed this book another chance. And honestly, I'm glad that I gave it one. The things that bugged me on my first attempt still bugged me: it's a bit tropey, I struggled a little with the writing in some bits (that said, I also read an unedited proof which undoubtedly contributed to that), and I was still VERY frustrated with both Aemyra and Fiorean as characters. I still think Fiorean kind of had no personality and Aemyra was annoyingly impetuous, brash, and full of bravado. But by the end, I was definitely rooting for Aemyra, and if that meant also rooting for Fiorean, well, ok, fine, he can come along, too. Especially if he brings his dragon. But in reading the entire book, I realized that there were a lot of things that I actually really ended up enjoying. First of all the dragons. I don't know how many times I have to say this, but if a book has dragons, or some other magical creature, I am on board. Yes, the events with the dragons were a little predictable, but I don't care. Gimme all the dragons. I also loved that not only was Aemyra a bisexual character, she was also a hard core feminist. And the major theme of the book was taking down the patriarchy, and that is 100% a theme I can get behind. And finally, I actually really liked the plot. Again, some of the book felt tropey and was predictable, but the plot itself was actually super enjoyable and action packed and propelling. Did I know how this book was going to end? Pretty much. I've been reading a lot of romantasy and the ending is one I've definitely seen in other books. Did it do enough for me to want to read book 2? I actually think so! And to be honest, more so than other romantasy reads I've read lately. And no one is more surprised about that than I am. If you're someone that reads nothing but fantasy/ romantasy, A Fate Forged In Fire may not feel super original, but it will still likely be very entertaining. And if you're someone that's new to the genre, then I really think A Fate Forged in Fire is an excellent romantasy to start with. All in all, I actually did end up enjoying this one and I'm really glad that I decided to pick it up and give it another chance. Thanks so much to McBride, Delacorte/ Dell, and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I did unfortunately DNF this book. It was strictly due to the fact that the story and writing style just didn’t suit my taste, and that’s no knock to the author at all. I know many will absolutely adore this book, but it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Random House for this opportunity!

OH. MY. GOD!!!! This book. I LITERALLY CANNOT with this book. The feisty FMC. The morally grey MMC. The magic. The banter. The nicknames. The tension. I DEVOURED the last 1/3 of this book. AND THAT ENDING!!! WTF!!!! I need my hands on book 2 immediately kthanksbye. 🔥

I devoured this book! I admit at first, I was a bit lost with the names and world building, but once I got into the flow of the story, I couldn't put it down. If you like enemies to lovers, morally grey mmc, dragons, political intrigue, feminine rage, magic, all with Scottish Mythology vibes, then pick this book up today. The plot was fantastic with characters you love, once you don't, and ones you suspect. Plus twists & turns, and betrayals, not to mention that heart wrenching ending!! Already can't wait for book 2.

Quick Thoughts Reviews


📖 what’s a letter that starts with W E D N E S D A or Y that describes your day so far? For me, it’s struggling, as in, struggling to figure out what to wear 🤣. I have changed my outfit three times & I’m about to go back for a fourth.


🌼 Broken Souls & Bones has a lot of potential on the romance front: forbidden attraction, betrayal, secrets. The fantasy parts, though, are a bit hard for me to follow. Still, if you’re in the mood for a solid introductory book with 🔥& a cliffie, you might want to read this one. 4 ⭐️, out 04/29. (Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.)

🌼 A Drop of Corruption (part of the Ana & Din series) is book 2 of a Sherlock Holmes re-telling with a whip-smart, mysteriously augmented Sherlock & a Watson who’s both part & not-part of it all. This series is fantastic, you all. The mystery & the character development are there; a perfect combo. 5 ⭐️, out now. (Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.)

🌼 A Fate Forged in Fire has a secret princess heroine with a temper, a marriage of convenience, & dragons! The vibes in this one skew a bit too dark for my taste, but this will make a super satisfying fantasy for someone! The tension between leads is a big part of their dynamic. 3.5 ⭐️, out 05/27. (Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.)

Overall this book was just ok for me. I felt like it had a lot of promise but it read more like a first draft to me. The basis of the plot was good but the pacing was off and jolting. There were several times I had to turn back pages to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. It also felt like a mad dash where I wanted more information and then it drug on when I was ready for it to get moving.

It seems a lot of people didn’t love the characters but I didn’t mind them. I did think they read somewhat young for the ages they are supposed to be but I am hoping we’ll get a little more growth in the sequel.

The romance was also rushed and the enemies did not enemy long enough. And then it felt awkward when they went back to enemies at the end. It seemed very predictable for Fiorean to be the double agent and actually think it would have been more interesting for him to have stuck by Aemyra’s side even if he wasn’t able to turn the tide of the battle into her favor.

I really did like the dragons and the magic system in this book. I wish we would have explored the other magical creatures more throughout the book to understand that part of the magic system more.

Overall I’ll probably finish the series but I won’t say it’s something I’m just itching for.

I made it 40% in and just couldn’t continue so I DNFed. It had all the potential to be a phenomenal book, but fell so short for me personally. I just felt really bored reading it and I could not get into it. I wanted to love this book. I’m sorry I didn’t, but I do hope a lot of other people love it.

I read this as an ARC through NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing and Hazel McBride

I don’t know this is a miss for me. I don’t like rating unreleased books bad ratings. But the beginning is a detailed scene about a woman giving birth and I had a hard time getting into it after that. Just felt slow and I couldn’t keep myself interested in it.

I think the world building is wonderful, it’s a bi-sexual FMC. Lots of political intrigue!

I also think I didn't find the FMC likable. She's very arrogant.

Overall though I think this is a solid fantasy book. I think if someone loves a complicated world and heavy on the political intrigue they will absolutely adore this.

Gave this a soft DNF. The story was not gripping me. It may just be me, but thinking this might be better in an audio book form. Will revisit this book at a later time.

I had low expectations going into this due to some of the negative reviews, but I ended up really liking it! The pronunciation guide at the back of the book was really helpful too. I wish more books included this.
Aemyra has been living in disguise as a blacksmith until the time is right to make herself known and fight for her people. Things do not go according to plan and she ends up in the clutches of an enemy dragon rider prince named Fiorean.
Aemyra is bold and brash and desperate to fight for the women who are being mistreated by the priest-like figures. There were a few times where I thought she gave in a little too easily despite how stubborn her character is supposed to be though.
The beginning of the book was a little slow, but it really picked up and OMG the end (😡😭). I will definitely be continuing the series to find out where their story ends up.

Subjects to note: enemies to lovers, forced marriage, betrayal, dragon riders, religious persecution, death of loved ones, war

Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House Publishers for the advanced readers copy! I received this book for free in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.