Ooh, I’m a sucker for a good dragon story. And this one started out strong. Good story telling and an interesting plotline. Hazel McBride offered up an interesting tale that drew me in to Tir Teine. While I did feel as though she had a few plot holes or plot jumps that left out important details, I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt and hope to find answers as the series continues. The first book of her new series has me adding book #2 to my watch list as a TBR.

*I received an arc of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

🔥 5 stars? Nah. This book deserves a kingdom, a crown, and a fire-breathing dragon to shout its praises. 🔥

Guys, A Fate Forged in Fire isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. Hazel McBride crafted a Celtic-inspired world so vivid that you’ll feel the heat of Aemyra’s fire magic and practically smell the dragon smoke. The passion? The depth? The SCOTTISH ROOTS? Absolute perfection. It’s like fantasy romance leveled up and then set the bar on fire.

✨ The Plot:
This isn’t just fast-paced—it’s a dragon flying at you full speed while you try to dodge fiery twists. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out? NOPE. Plot twist out of nowhere. Hazel McBride plays 4D chess while we’re still trying to play checkers, and honestly, I loved every chaotic second.

🔥 The Romance:
This is REAL enemies-to-lovers. None of that cutesy banter—it’s full-on “I’m plotting your demise” hatred turned “I will burn the world for you” passion. Fiorean? I hated him. Like, frothing-at-the-mouth levels of hate. He’s arrogant, cold, and infuriatingly loyal to his awful family. But somehow… SOMEHOW… I fell for him. Hard. And just when I started shipping him and Aemyra? Hazel McBride snatched my soul and smashed it into pieces.

💀 The Ending:
Cliffhanger. Agony. Absolute despair. Imagine dangling off a cliff, barely holding on, while a dragon circles above. That’s where this book leaves you. I’m not okay. None of us will be okay. But the pain? It’s worth it.

This book put me in a reading slump while I was reading it. Nothing compares. Forget Fourth Wing—this book is hotter, messier, and way more addictive. If you love dragons, fire magic, court politics, and romance that will incinerate your soul, you need this book like you need oxygen.

Now go read it so we can all scream into the void together while we wait for book two. 🐉🔥

“A Fate Forged in Fire” by Hazel McBride is a fast-paced, fiery romance that sweeps you into a world of political intrigue, magic, and dragons. From the very first page, I was hooked! McBride knows how to keep the action coming, and the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Aemyra and Prince Fiorean is electric.

Readers are introduced to Aemyra, the rightful heir to the matriarchal throne. Aemyra is a protagonist you root for - flaws and all. She’s strong, determined, bratty at times, and skillful in her craft—but she’s not perfect. Her decision-making sometimes left me shaking my head. But isn’t that what makes a character human? Watching her grow and navigate the dangers of court life kept me turning pages late into the night (I mean, come on...a marriage of convenience?! Only one of my favorite types of tropes...)

The world-building here is rich and steeped in Celtic-inspired lore. I am living my dragon era and this book - with dragon riders, magic, and anti-magic villains - came in hot, while the political scheming is layered without being overwhelming (I was truly loathing some of Fiorean’s family members). Fans of “House of the Dragon" will recognize some nods to royal intrigue, but this story carves out its own space in the genre.

That said, the book isn’t without its imperfections. There were moments where Aemyra’s choices were so frustrating - I wanted to chuck my Kindle across the room. I would have loved even deeper dives into the relationships and magic system. But these are minor critiques in a story that delivers so much excitement, heart, and drama.

If you’re looking for a romantasy that’s high on stakes and packed with fiery chemistry, “A Fate Forged in Fire" deserves a spot on your shelf. After THAT ending, I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel to see where McBride takes Aemyra and Fiorean next!

[Thank you to NetGalley, Hazel McBride, and Random House Publishing for providing me with an eARC of “A Fate Forged in Fire”; I am providing a voluntary and honest review.]

Had hoped for more with this one, especially with the beautiful cover. Instead I found myself not very engaged with the plot and bored within a few chapters. Didn’t end up finishing.

Such a wild ride! I also love the title and cover for this book. Amazing. Right up my alley as well. I will certainly be buying a copy of the book once it comes out! Thank you for the early copy!

I’m going to be honest, this was a DNF for me. I tried to get into it but the plot seemed pretty complicated and convicted and all the names were tricky to keep track of. Had good potential but I just couldn’t get into it!

The beginning of this book started out really strong for me! I thought Aemyra was different, the story started out strong right away, it gave just enough information to understand the plot, characters, magic system, and world building while keeping you intrigued and excited to learn more. Once I started nearing the 50% mark is where things started to lose me. While I can appreciate Aemyra and Fiorean staying enemies to past that point and not succumbing to insta-love, I had a really hard time finding him attractive and rooting for their apparent relationship at all. I also struggled with Aemyra after a certain point because as the book progressed, i found a lack of development from her character. She was arrogant, entitled, and hypocritical (the way their people believe in women and goddesses and then the remarks she says about women of an opposing bloodline did not sit right.) There was also a scene that happened around the 50% mark that I do not believe was necessary and while the book provided trigger warnings, I really just could not find the motivation to want to pick it up again.

There are a lot of aspects that seem promising and I can tell people will really enjoy this story! I just don’t think it’s for me.

This book was a bit shallow for me. Not enough world building and not enough character depth. I suspect I'm a little older than the target audience, so likely I'm just not the right person for the book.

Thank you for the ARC. This is my first book under this author and my first ARC and I couldn't have asked for a better start. This book recharged my feminine rage and gave it meaning. This book really made me think and I'm still thinking about it to this day. Incredibly well written. Loved the conflict and anger and it represents how I feel as a women in this current day. This will be powerful when it comes out next year and will pick up a physical copy.

To preface, I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Ballantine Books and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this novel prior to the release date!!

Our female main lead, Aemyra, is every bit a Celtic bad-ass you want in your fiery redheads. She is a woman who cannot be tamed, and it was very fun to live vicariously through her. Her counterpart, Fiorean, brought an intensity to the field that made for a slow-burn I was reluctant to put down. The description of the world was exquisite, and it was very easy for me to get to know our characters. Some of them aren't the smartest of the bunch, but that's why we love the, isn't it?

I can see this book being one of the big releases of 2025! I do urge to you ensure you've read any content warnings prior to reading. I wouldn't say there was anything over the top, and it's passed by quickly.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine for letting me read A Fate Forged in Fire. I wanted to like this more than I did. The plot and world-building were fantastic, but the main character was not an enjoyable head to journey around with. I think she’s supposed to be angry and righteous, but what she ultimately comes around as is just mean, with or without provocation.

Firstly, thank you NetGalley and Random House for the e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I LOVED this! By far the best fantasy romance I've read this year.

I flew through this book in a couple of days (and the last 70% in one sitting). The writing is excellent, as is the pacing. So much happens and there was never a dull moment.

The FMC is a badass and the MMC is very Aemond Targaryan coded in the best way. All the characters are fleshed out and their motivations clearly understood.

I cannot wait for book 2!! Definitely pick this up if any of the following interest you.

- Elemental magic
- Political intrigue
- Religious zealots
- Enemies to lovers
- Dragons

This book started off very slow, but it got better and better as it went on.
I realized this would be a cliff hanger at about 60% and I while I dislike cliff hangers, I am excited for the next book.

This was not as "adult" as I assumed it would be but it was still very good.

thank you for the opportunity to read this.

There are no words to do this book justice except five GLOWING stars. 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is the book I’ve been searching for. It is a COMPLEX action packed romantasy-ish(I wouldn’t say fully romantasy) book.

I instantly felt a connection to the FMC the likes of which I haven’t felt since reading the Throne of Glass series. She is real and far from perfect, but fierce and loyal.

Just do yourself a favor and read this book ASAP. You will NOT regret it.

The biggest thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the pleasure of reading an ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc. Started off slow but once it got going it was very enjoyable. As much as I hate a cliffhanger, I am looking forward to the next book. Decent world-building and great romance with a 3rd act twist that was sort of predictable but interesting nonetheless.

This was honestly such a breath of fresh air. While it took me a while to get used to the Gaelic names and the pronunciation, I really enjoyed this and was thankful for the glossary. The world, magic, and politics made this story constantly exciting and never boring, and it always felt high stakes to me. I think a ton of people will find love this!

Wow! It has been a minute since I’ve stayed up late to finish a book. I actually don’t recall the last time my heart was pounding, stressing about characters! This is definitely a book that needs to be added to your TBR for 2025!

I think there’s going to be some indifference about Aemyra’s character, as she is stubborn and makes some bad choices, but I actually thought that’s what I liked most about this book! I love flawed characters and the mistakes she was making really made her feel more real to me. On the flip side, I can see how that would get frustrating.

I also appreciate a real enemies to lovers! These two hate each other - want each other dead, no exceptions and I kinda live for it! I think my only concern that I noticed like half way through the book was .. Are they related? Like distantly because I’m confused about the familial line I suppose?

That aside! I liked it and could not put it down! I will definitely be waiting for the second book, especially after that ending are you JOKING?


Thank you Penguin Random House & NetGalley for early access to this eARC for an honest review!

This book was absolutely amazing! I loved the enemies to lovers and the banter!!!! It's a great fantasy romance. I would definitely recommend giving it a shot you won't be disappointed!!!

Summary

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5

I’ve been waiting for this book for what feels like forever and when I finally had it I was scared I’d hyped it up too much in my head. I was right to be scared but for an entirely different reason… this book consumed me in the best way and took over my every waking thought. I loved it from the very first line!

It’s an unbelievable fantasy romance debut. McBride has a really immersive, theatrical and atmospheric writing style that made me forget I was reading (chapter 15 gave me literal chills!). There’s intricate and clever world building without the feeling of a massive info dump but also room to explore more in the coming books. I loved the Celtic inspired world and mythology.

The enemies to lovers romances was GIVING 👏 with edible banter and a slow burn to leave you longing and whilst the romance is more of the sub plot it is not lacking in the slightest. The main plot of Aemyra trying to reclaim her birth right in a crumbling matriarchy, that she’s been groomed and manipulated for her entire life was so intriguing and very Game of Thrones- esque (and by that I mean absolutely no one is safe!) and the twists kept me on my toes until 4am when I finished the book.

As well as the main romance relationship the other characters and relationships felt fleshed out and well rounded. In particular Aemyra and her twin brother Adarian, their relationship felt so real right down to the sibling squabble we get to see. Aemyra is a beautifully flawed FMC making her relatable in so many ways and I adore that she is openly Bi/Queer. She’s stubborn, obstinate and full of rage and watching her learn the art of war and court politics was really endearing!

There’s powerful messages of classism and feminism and honestly the feminist tones of this book made me proud to be a woman in so many ways. Including the awesome midwifery representation 🙌 (given that it’s my profession I was so glad to see it!!)

If my review hasn’t convinced you to read this book then also there’ badass freaking dragons 🐉 and bonding with mythical beasts. What more could you want?!

Saddle up it’s time to return to Dragonheart but this time the women ride at dawn!

Wow! Talk about a book that brings a punch! The female empowerment that comes in this book filled my heart and soul!!! The truth hidden in these pages camouflaged with fantasy and magic makes this reader very happy!

I absolutely loved everything about this book! So many secrets to uncover! All while sitting on the edge of your seat awaiting to see who will fall or be burnt to a crisp!

The authors way of writing grabs you and pulls you in making you invested in the characters! For instance I do not cry at books and there’s a part that ripped my soul and left me in a watery wasteland! I need book 2 immediately!