This book was just ok for me. I was enjoying it initially, but once I hit 30% I just got bored. Love the dragons, the romance was fine, it just got too predictable. There was nothing to distinguish this novel from any other romantasy I've read in the past year.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

I really enjoyed this dragon romantasy! The elemental magic is really cool and the heroine drew me in. Lovable characters and a plot that makes you want to keep turning the page.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group for letting me read this book before it's release.
Thank you NetGallery for this opportunity.

A Fate Forged in Fire- 4.5 stars

Dragons -check
Magic- check
Romance- check

Okay this book left me gutted in the end. As I'm writtign this review I am still spirling so needless to say I can't wait for book 2.

Ameyra is our main female character and she's full of spunk. Thankfully her twin brother has a calmer edge to him.
I enjoyed the world that was created for this book, but did find it a little confusing to follow at times hence the 4.5 stars.
The book was easy to read and caught your attention quickly. I felt there were twists and turns that kept you enthralled in the story.
I love fanatsy books so this book was right up my alley, but I think even if fantasy isn't your main genere that you would still like this book. There is more to the book then just the fantasy aspect. There is a fight over woman oppression, a fight of religions , and a fight over the crown. Overall a good read!

Aemyra is hiding herself and her magic, along with her twin, in plain sight of their enemies. They are biding their time until their father calls them to challenge their rivals to the throne. But first Aemyra has to bond with a dragon and survive court with people who want her, and magical people like her, dead. If only her temper and impatience can hold off long enough for something to go right.

Tropes: elemental magic, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage

Kudos to Hazel McBride for writing a female main character that draws you in and makes you root for them but also makes you want to throttle them for their incompetence. McBride does this so well by sticking with the fmc perspective throughout the book. Hopefully book two comes out soon cause that was a huge cliffhanger ending!

Trigger warnings: war, torture, blood, rape, misogyny, sexism

I really enjoyed reading this book! I was sucked in immediately and could not stop until the book was over. The plot was interesting and kept a good pace which is something I really look for in a book. Also the characters were unique and there journey kept me enticed the entire time. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends and family.

The dedication captures it all: For the little girls who were told to put their fires out. Burn them all to the fucking ground.

A Fate Forged in Fire is a stunning combination of intense, empowered womanhood on the back of fierce dragons and magic.

To begin, I absolutely loved this book and found myself hoping for peace, smiling at some well written banter, clenching my hands in frustration, blushing and squealing at some toenl curling chemistry and screaming in shock, betrayal and rage right along side of Aemyra!

I initially found getting into the world "challenging" only because so much of the world building initially relies heavily on in-universe Scottish Gaelic inspired vocabulary that little context is given; you are kinda forced to just guess and figure it out on your own. I found myself guessing at possible meanings and references and even resorting to some failed Googling. My main criticism is that a glossary at the beginning of the novel would be greatly appreciated (consider it the same as including a map; if you are going to reference places and use a language unfamiliar to most, help the people out with easy to access reference material!

Next, I truly enjoyed the unraveling of all aspects of the plot as it kept me guessing and desperately trying to find out if Aemyra was understandably naive or constantly being left in the dark. 8 found the political intrigued, alliances between clans and the old ways vs The True Religion (oh and thereby the suppression of others and the oppression and subjugation of women) relatable in a way that kept me in a space able to understand the logical profession and nuances of everything while also not feeling as if everything was so real that I was unable to enjoy the book and escape; a good sense of balance between the real and fantasy was greatly appreciated. I also loved the guessing game related to if the love interest was the introduced MMC given the absolutely brutal violence inflicted on each other and hatred for each other. The "who's gonna be the love interest?" and the "will they; won't they?" is particularly exceptional in the book. Passages such as: “But from that very first moment in the forge, when you blazed through my glacial pretenses, I knew I never wanted to be free of it. Of you. Because the intensity with which you burned simmered through my soul and left me forever changed...I never knew what it felt like, to burn... So how can I be fire? If the only thing that makes me burn … is you.” immediately causes heart flutter, blushing and internal and external "sighs" of jealous and swooniness. They also make you stop and wonder why people don't talk or text like this in today's world; clearly a missed opportunity for a more beautiful and passionate way to express oneself that probably will lead to sex if you are lucky. 😍 I mean talk about swoon worthy while also sweeping me off my feet! Or the passage “I cannot erase what was done in the past, or the mistakes that my father made, but I can promise you that I will do whatever it takes to protect the people of this territory. And you," I mean c'mon, very few can individuals in this real world can compete with the level of honesty, remorse and the fierce passion of Fiorean! I mean Aemyra is only "human"; who can withstand that level of romance!? Who can honestly say passages like that " does nothing for them"?

Having sadly finished the book, the results are unclear regarding the rollercoaster of our FMC and MMC relationship and the fate of our dear universe and Queen. What is clear is that the small clues left by McBride throughout the book leads me to believe that is only the surface and barely the beginning of their romantic journey and that there is so much more laying ahead for Aemyra and her dragon.

The blended family, lost or dwindling magic, myths of dragons and rumors of a curse all hinging on a woman stepping into her destiny was beautiful to read and experience. The emotion within the book can be overwhelming especially when presented through tragedy, trauma, violence and betrayal. I mean with lines like "Get it off of me" 😩😭 um anyone else having a PTSD level flashback to Kingdom of Ash? Same level of pain and tears right there but absolutely worth it to the story and character growth. Aemyra prides herself as being from humble and meager roots but only after stepping into her true role does she, in my opinion, experience real pain, suffering and trauma and then goes on to struggle to grapple with those experiences is what makes Aemyra relatable and a phenomenal character.

Although ending on a cliff hanger and one that devasted me to my core (ifykyk) because I hate betrayal and the whole "I have to sacrifice/push you away to save you" character decision/device because the idealist in me and desire for HEA is constantly screaming in my brain"No! No don't sacrifice yourself/give up/give in/ resign yourself to your fate/push people away to save them/make them think you betrayed them so they move on because you aren't good for them". Additionally this current reality/timeline/universe really blows so this particular use of the device hurts a wee bit more than usual.

Hazel McBride is a talent that this genre needs and I can't wait to force all of my friends to buy and read this book! The combine the mythology and culture of Outlander, with the brutality and desire for power of GOT or HOTD all rolled up into an amazing fantasy story with strong romance plot lines that makes this a must read for any fan of the above mentioned franchises and Fourth Wing (Rebecca Yarros), A Flesh and Fire (Jennifer L. Armentrout), The Legend of Thezmarr (Helen Scheuerer) The Bridge Kingdom (Danielle L. Jenson) and Spark of the Everflame (Penn Cole)!

Hazel McBride, I readily and desperately await your next entry into this wonderful and captivating series!!!

Wow, once this book hit its stride, it didn’t stop or look back. I loved the Celtic ties. The FMC is strong, fierce, and likeable. I’m not sure morally gray is the right word for the MMC - I have thoughts and feelings that I’ll need to unpack. It leaves on a cliffhanger. The plot and world building are strong, and characters are well-fleshed out. 3.75 rounded up to 4. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher is exchange for my honest review. I so appreciated the ability to read this story early.

Oh.My.Gods! If you're looking for your next romantasy obsession, look no further! If you're a fan of Danielle Jensen, Game of Thrones, and House of Dragons...you're going to love this books! The FMC is stabby and vengeful and has some anger issues (i want to be her bff haha) and the MMC is broody (swoon worthy!!!) And there's dragons, what more do you need?!

I loved this book. Everything about it. There is absolutely nothing I love more than a strong FMC and this book delivered. I couldn’t read fast enough. Love love loved it

first i’m so thankful for being sent an eARC from the author and random house

second THIS WAS SO GOOD, i was not expecting to be so fast paced, engaging and concise considering that it’s a higher level fantasy. the main character was flawed and made choices that i didn’t agree with sometimes but that just made her even more complex and engaging. all the side characters were also so interesting and added different elements to the story. i also really enjoyed how the battle scenes and action scenes were written so clearly and i could visualize them so well

so excited for the next one and can’t wait to get a physical copy in my hands on release day!

Okay, AMAZING! If I could give this 6 stars I would. The pace, the storytelling, the addressing of real trauma that women face, the politics, the drama, the fantasy?? WOW. When I say I nearly broke an ankle running to Goodreads to give this 5 stars, I meant it! Pure torture that book 2 isn't out yet. I can't wait to have a physical copy of this on my shelf come next year.

Minor minor details, just if someone could read through purely for grammar, that would be cool. I'm sorry I read this on my Kindle, but in Loc2127 in Chapter 15, I just picture her yelling during the scene where she's fighting with Terrea; maybe add a few exclamation points? Loc2293, or Chapter 16, it says Andarian "bristled with outrage" twice. Also, just wondering, why wasn't it Draevan's priority to get Orlagh, Pàdraig, and Lachlann out of there ASAP after Aemyra declared herself?? I feel like that was a little naïve to think oh hey I'm just going to walk into this very sexist and misogynistic castle that hates my absolute guts and think they'll let her become queen with what, no fight? Also, I'd just sliiiightly consider changing the name of her sword; first thing I thought of when I read Lightbringer was the series by Brandon Anderson. Maybe pick something fire related? Seriously minor stuff though. I know it's crazy but I just need to know that Aemyra and Fiorean are okay. I will be (impatiently... ahem, eagerly!) awaiting book 2!!

Thank you Hazel McBride for giving me the chance to read this book!

What a great book I just got done reading. I started it a few days ago and I devoured it the rest of today! I love you story and the arc of the FMC and also a strong MMC. Their chemistry was “chefs kiss” it had my eyes watery in a few sections and cheering for her because of what a badass the FMC is. Plus it has dragons!!! 🐉 great book. Looking forward to the next book to this series. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Hazel McBride and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of A Faith Forged in Fire in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! As a romantasy, it checked all the right boxes for me. The FMC, Aemyra, is a witty, stabby force to be reckoned with—she’s captivating and impossible not to root for. If you enjoy sharp banter, an intense enemies-to-lovers dynamic (with attempts to kill each other), a brooding MMC, and dragons, then this is the book for you!

This story had me hooked from the first page and kept me up all night because I simply couldn’t put it down. The spice level was perfect 🌶️🌶️🌶️. And that cliffhanger? Whew, it was insane! I’m already desperate for the next book in the series—I might not survive the wait! The wait for the next book is the worst part about receiving an ARC 😩

A Faith Forged in Fire is a must-read for romantasy fans, and I’m so excited to see where this story goes!

Thank you for the opportunity to read A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride.
With the fate of her world on her shoulders, she needs to determine whether she should pursue her rightful place as heir to the throne, being the first female born to the royal bloodline in a century.
Aemyra is the FMC with a snarky attitude. She was raised by a healer and a blacksmith and secretly gets lessons for the throne from her father, a disgraced Prince.
This will be a full fantasy world by Hazel with more to come. I can't wait.

Some of my favorite things in a book:
Romantasy
Slow Burn
Dragons
Banter
Enemies to Lovers

This book was amazing. It caught my interest almost immediately and I was immersed. Lots of world building and overall amazing read. Cannot wait for a physical copy to add to my collection!

This book gives house of the dragon vibes with a twist. There is some smut and enemies to lovers' theme. The Mc has quite the journey, I can't wait to see what happens next.

A classic enemies-to-lovers romantsy featuring a strong female main character destined for the throne. There is magic, dragons, and fighting in this story that will feel familiar from other books. This book brings in the reality of women oppression into a ‘once upon a time’ setting that has you feeling a close feeling to reality. Ready yourself for a cliffhanger setting up book 2. Trigger warning: there is graphic violence against women at points.

Thank you Net Galley and Dialogue Publishing for this ARC!

The only reason I regret reading this ARC is because I am going to have to wait SO long for the second in this duology to come out and my greedy self NEEDS IT.

This Celtic-inspired romantasy follows Aemyra, the most powerful fire wielder and rightful heir to the throne of Tir Teine. In a territory once built on matriarchal rule that has been overrun by the True Religion, an oppressive group of men who condemn all magic wielders, Aemyra hides as a blacksmith until the king of Tir Teine dies and it is Aemyra’s time to unveil herself as the rightful heir. But with the court overrun by the True Religion group, Aemyra is forced to endure games of politics and scheming, where she in thrust into a marriage with Prince Fiorean, a dragon rider and brother to the usurper currently inhabiting the throne. While she refuses to lose sight of and her goal of bringing peace to Tir Teine, the fire between Aemyra and Fiorean ignites; and soon she will realize exactly what it takes to sit the throne.

I am a sucker for a romantasy with a bad ass FMC and Aemyra delivered. The heartbreak that she experiences throughout her life molds her to be a caring and just leader and I really enjoyed that. This is a true enemies to lovers in all the best ways with a few of my favorite tropes: forced proximity, marriage of convenience, and a few “where is my wife” moments (obsessed). One of my favorite aspects of this book was the dragon bonding and the history of the dragons in general.

In true duology fashion, the ending had my jaw on the ground and my mind reeling at how this could have happened and WHAT IS COMING NEXT??

An enjoyable read, especially if you enjoy dragons *but not as the main attraction*. Great enemies to lovers vibe, although I felt like the characters could have been fleshed out a little more.

Very intriguing world and great world building. I will definitely read the next book.

Also, that ending! A shocking twist and it was so good!

3.5/5 ⭐

A Fate Forged in Fire is a Celtic-inspired romantasy filled with dragons, enemies to lovers and political court intrigue. This was a fun read, but damn did certain things frustrate me. The FMC continued to make reckless and irresponsible decisions without a second thought to the consequences. When she was aware of the consequences, she would often dismiss them anyway. I can forgive an impulsive character if I see enough development throughout the story, but I felt like that wasn’t present. I also couldn’t get a read on who she was as a character, as we saw different sides that didn’t always fit cohesively.

Overall, I did find the book enjoyable and was very House of Dragons coded which I enjoyed. I most likely will read the sequel just so I can see if our FMC finally learns how to think decisions through, as I WANT to love her.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.