Thankyou to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I enjoyed this alot! It was a great start to a fantasy series, with a mix of romance, unique plot and my all time favourite trope: found family. I didn’t connect to the characters that much, but that didn’t really take away from my enjoyment too much. As the first book in a fantasy series, it was great!

I didn't enjoy this book, unfortunately. The premise was interesting, but I didn't feel any connection towards the story nor the characters.

This book is a fantastic blend of both romance and adventure! It was thrilling to read and a book you struggled to put down. I think for me I wanted a little bit more vivid world building to engage fully into the story. Would definitely consider reading more from this author

An honourable mention for the beautiful cover art!!

This was a good first book in a fantasy series, it had a unique story and I was really intrigued right from the start when the FMC was able to draw something and it come to life, that was really cool. She’s also super tough and can hold her own! The two MMCs are also really intriguing, I’m excited to see where their development will go in the next book. The little hints of romance as well are enough for you to want more! Thank you for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

A fantastic YA fantasy adventure with rich world-building and strong character development. While there’s no romance yet, the groundwork is there, hinting at potential future relationships—especially with the intriguing character Hael, who communicates with the FMC through her subconscious and emerges fully by the end. He’s definitely a character to watch in future installments.

This story takes readers on a gripping journey filled with war, prophecy, and personal growth. The main character, Cahra, a blacksmith’s apprentice with a secret past, finds herself at the center of a 400-year-old prophecy. Her transformation from ex-thief to key figure in a quest to reclaim a long-lost weapon is powerful and emotionally satisfying.

The tropes are well-loved ones: found family, hidden royalty, prophecy, forbidden feelings, and self-discovery—all handled with care and originality. There’s a clear ending with minimal cliffhanger, making it feel complete while still setting the stage for more.

If you enjoy YA fantasy focused on inner strength, epic quests, and rich lore, this one is worth picking up. An impressive and unique debut!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of this ARC for review. A kiss of hammer and blame had a lot of potential if it wasn’t for the infuriating FMC. It really all felt like it has all been done before and didn’t feel like a fresh take. The book picked up more towards the end so for the pace during the later half its 3*!

Thank you to Amy, NetGalley, and Canelo for the chance to read A Kiss of Hammer and Flame! I absolutely loved the found family element—it was one of the standout parts of the book for me and gave the story so much heart. The “why choose” trope can be hit or miss, but Amy really delivered here. It felt well balanced. This was a fast-paced, fun read with a fierce heroine and a world I’d happily return to.
About 70% into the book the events happen quickly but I am personally not mad about it. Cannot wait for book 2!

A huge thank you goes to Amy de la Force and Net Galley for letting me read an e-ARC of A Kiss of Hammer and Flame! This is the first book in the Fated for Hael series, and is such a breath of fresh air in the romantasy genre. I went in with high hopes for this tale, and I can already tell you that Amy’s writing well and truly exceeded all of them.

A Kiss of Hammer and Flame is a sumptuous, decadent romantasy full of incredible world building, character development and plot. But holy guacamole glitterbugs, let’s talk about Cahra… Because this character is *fierce*. She’s so capable with a sword, and so loyal to those she befriends. I’m a huge fan of her! I honestly think Cahra was a paladin in another life, because her moral compass is unwavering. I really enjoyed travelling with her throughout this romantasy, particularly as she wrestles with the choices laid before her. Should she remain true to herself? Or should she abandon those surrounding her once secrets are revealed? Amy de la Force, *you* are an auto-buy author.

Excuse me, but I do believe we need to put A Kiss of Hammer and Flame on some kind of podium. In first place. With a crown. And roses. Because when you get a story *this* captivating, this haunting with a delicious character like Hael? Where do I sign my name for all of eternity to keep reading a romantic fantasy like this?! Give me a permanent marker right now, I’ll do it! The only question you need to ask yourself is if you want a story featuring a morally grey immortal? And obviously the answer is ‘who wouldn’t’, am I right?!

Within A Kiss of Hammer and Flame we are immersed in a tale of darkness, magic and desperate deeds. At no point is there an easy path for these characters to take, and I honestly love that there isn’t. If you’ve been reading these happiness boosts so far and I still haven’t sold you on this story? That’s on me. Because trust me, you *will* fall in love with Amy’s writing as soon as you dive into it!

A Kiss of Hammer and Flame by Amy de la Force is an exquisite romantasy featuring morally grey characters, forbidden love and an ancient prophecy. This isn’t just a normal story, glitterbugs. Really, it isn’t. It’s an immersive experience which steals your breath from your lungs and your heart from your body. And I am completely okay with that.

Thank you Amy and canelo for the opportunity to read this book!

It was definitely a fun fast paced story. Cahra was fierce and loyal. She made a huge accidental mistake and it cost her everything. It was definitely something I haven’t ever read before and loved the unique world the author created. Hael was so sweet and really seemed to care at our Cahra and Terryl seemed like more of a friend. Though it was pretty fast paced in the beginning it definitely slowed down in the middle. Over all if you enjoy fiesty FMC, love triangle, slow burn, who hurt you, forbidden love, and found family this one is for you.

was ready to give this book 5 stars—until I hit the 60% mark.
Up to that point, I was hooked. The pacing was great, the tension kept me turning pages, and I couldn’t put it down. But then the FMC started making choices that felt frustrating and out of character, and the plot fell flat.

The last 40% left me more annoyed than engaged, my baby Hael carried the final chapters.

I still think this book lays a solid foundation for the series. I never judge a series by the first book alone, and I’m genuinely curious to see how it evolves. Definitely planning to read the next one.

*Title was provided by NetGalley, all opinions are my own

This book has has significant potential. However it should be noted that I would dnf'd at 73% largely because a majority of the plot and character development seemed very rushed and there were several parts that I was very confused and forced to go back and reread.

Cahra it's a fascinating character with a familiar feeling backstory but a unique-ness to her that makes me want to know more about her and where her journey will lead. However, It is incredibly hard to fall in love with a character and a world when the writing is quickly paced, more frequent oddly worded sentences, and seemingly a good deal of lore and information happening off the page. The author has built a very complex but interesting political landscape and lore but it is difficult to build meaningful connections with these characters when the story moves so very fast.

The near insta-love of the FMC and the initial MMC is something easily ignored but when it continues to come back as justification for the characters mind spiral, gets a little boring. I really wanted more to be happening given the sudden, and out of left field reveal of the FMC's secret back story.

I am interested in seeing where this story and author go in the future as the ideas are good, the structure needs a little work.

I absolutely loved A Kiss of Hammer and Flame! The unique story, immersive world building, and thoughtful character development is a promising start to this YA Fantasy series.

We follow Cahra, a blacksmith apprentice and believed "traitor" to her country. Cahra is a very likeable FMC who's had a rough childhood that forced her to learn how to fend for herself and provided her perspective to still help those in need, even if the kingdom forbids it.

After unknowingly fulfilling the beginning of a centuries-old prophecy, Cahra is thrust into a mysterious adventure to save the capital kingdom, unleash an alluring immortal being, Hael, and discover her role in it all.

Overall, it was an exciting, well-paced, and original story with a sub-plot of romance (very little spice for those wondering). I'm excited to see where the story goes and how the characters continue to develop.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amy de la Force, and Canelo for the advanced digital copy and the opportunity to review this book.

Published review on Goodreads - Posted on 05/14/2025

Beautifully written. Completely engaging. This is a perfect book for those who love YA Fantasy with just a bit of romance and a sprinkle of magic, intrigue, politics and plot twists. In fact the plot twists are numerous and unexpected but add to the depth and richness of this book.

This is one of those books that you pick up thinking you will simply read it, but then find that you are so drawn into the story that putting it down is difficult. And, this is certainly one of those books that will find you still at 1am reading away just because a plot twist came and you have to see it through.

Absolutely a chokehold of a book!

Loved this one! This book started off fast-paced and slowed down a bit in the middle, but I was so invested that it didn't phase me! Cahra is fun and unique MFC, she isn't tiny or delicate or a badass that looks tiny and delicate, she capable and tough, she works as a blacksmith and it's not brushed to this side! There is a bit of a love triangle but it definitely felt secondary to the plot, Terryl is a prince and spy and Cahra is forced to go on the run with him, they were cute together but definitely felt more like friends to me. Hael is our big baddy who can speak to Cahra in her subconsciousness, he was so tender with her, I love him and can't wait to see more in the next books! Very intriguing lore and while the world-building can definitely be explored more, it was a great start to the series!

I think this book series has potential to be great. I like the plot and storyline. Cahra is a strong, determined FMC and I love to see if. She's not annoying which I like.

I felt it was a bit rushed, and I was a tad confused in some parts.

The name are so hard to pronounce. Unfortunately, I had to DNF at about 78%.

This was a very charming adventure!

I will always be down with female blacksmith representation (A Knight's Tale the movie made me crave this and there still aren't enough female blacksmiths in fiction.) It had interesting pacing sometimes it was very fast and others it was a bit too slow. It's kind of funny it had elements that reminded me of Soul Eater and a PG-13 Swordheart and Quicksilver. A lot of fun solid 3 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Amy de la Force for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An absolutely spellbinding romantasy debut! I was hooked as soon as I started reading -- Cahra is a fantastic FMC who is strong, capable, independent and flawed enough to make her relatable but also heroic enough to keep the reader rooting for her until the very last page. The worldbuilding is gorgeous and meticulous, and I loved the subtle homages to the Hades and Persephone myth! I can't wait for Book Two and to see more from this author!

A Kiss of Hammer and Flame is a captivating fusion of fantasy, romance, and vivid mythology that had me hooked well past bedtime. The world-building is deeply immersive, featuring a distinctive magic system and a setting that balances grandeur with intimacy. While this book wasn't my favorite, I still thought it was an entertaining YA fantasy book that other readers would love.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC.

2.5 ⭐️

I didn't enjoy this book, unfortunately. The premise was interesting, but I didn't feel any connection towards the story nor the characters.
I think the plot was lacklustre, jumping in different directions too quickly making the story scattered and confusing.
The FMC was too generic and the romance was forced, to the point that it didn't make sense...

The only thing that interested me was the story of the Hael’stromia and the prophecy, but still it was confusing in few parts.

Over all, I did enjoy this book! The writing style took a minute to get used to but once I did the words flowed effortlessly. I liked the characters and enjoyed their journey together. The reason I rate this book 3 1/2 stars (Rounding up!) is because although the adventure started fairly early on and interactions between characters did as well, I still sort of felt like it was all going so slowly.. I honestly think it was just a me thing! The book was still great!