Maybe this is on me but I had no idea that this was a slave x slaver.

I never rate books that I DNF but this made me so so uncomfortable. I feel like the marketing needs to be MUCH MUCH clearer. I only made it about 15% before I had to stop.

I think this was a good fantastical retelling of Ancient Rome. That being said, be warned that slavery is a major part of this story, and rape is heavily implied.

Malina was a decent FMC to follow. She had a relatively well-founded backstory, and I think what we're missing from it will come up in the next book(s). As far as romantasy FMCs go, Malina strays a bit from the norm. She's not a stabby FMC if that's your thing. It isn't mine, so I found her to be refreshing. By no means is she meek and submissive, though... she just takes her time to plot before striking.

Julian, however, is your typical romantasy MMC. Tall, dark, and morally grey. Honestly, I don't really have much to say about him. Not super memorable in terms of book boyfriends.

The plot contains a lot more political intrigue than battles. If you're like me and love court politics, you'll probably enjoy this. If you're more of a blood and gore type person, you will get your fix, but you may be left wanting.

Will I continue the series? Unclear. But the book did its job and entertained me in the moment.

This will be the next big dragon book!! This story had me hooked since the prologue and it was incredible. I was originally nervous about the slave master/slave dynamic but it really wasn't an issue because Julianus never acted as a slave master.

I am glad that Malina was portrayed as feisty but she didn't act reckless. She was smart and calculating. I wish the plot had moved further in regards to the political maneuvering, but I understand this is just the beginning of the series.

Roman Empire for the Ladies? Maybe, yeah. Set in ancient Rome, but with a magic/dragon twist. Malina is a Dacian dancer who catches the eye of a Roman general, Julianus Dakkia. He bestows upon her a special talisman before they part ways and he returns to war. Fast forward four years and Julianus once again finds himself crossing paths with Malina, of all places, on a Roman battlefield and her life is in peril. Instinctually, Julianus shifts into his dragon form to save her. Now she is his. Malina is taken as a slave to serve Julianus in his home as his Body Slave. Soon though, they find that there is much more to their relationship than Master and Slave. Excitement ensues. With evil emperors, plotting generals, forbidden dragon riding, and "steamy" sexy time, this story captures quite a few of the more commonly seen fantasy tropes. I have to say, it's a bit predictable but the storyline is interesting enough to continue reading.

What did I like?
The ancient Rome setting.
The shape shifting humans to dragons concept, as opposed to the more commonly used "separate entity dragon that bonds with a human". In this story, the human IS the dragon.
The scattering of humans bestowed with magical gifts from the gods.

What didn't I like?
It was predictable. But hey, sometimes that's a good thing.
The last hour or so (I listened to the audiobook) was painful and rushed at times. I felt like the submission deadline was looming and so it was finished in a hurry.
The sexy time scenes were over dramatized and less believeable. If I didn't know any better, I'd think an "alpha" male from the 80's wrote them. It was like I was reading an "It happened to Me" letter to the editor that mags like Penthouse used to have. <insert eyeroll here> What I'm saying is, that I didn't get drawn into the scene like I have with some other stories. I found myself rolling my eyes and wanting them to get it over with so the storyline would continue.

Overall, I was engaged enough to continue. But then, I don't like to DNR either. Would I read the next book? Maybe. As I previously mentioned, I really liked that it was set in ancient Rome. But am I clamouring for the next book in the series? Not really, no.

A bit about the audiobook narration:
The female narrator was enjoyable although a bit over-dramatized at times for my taste. I did NOT however, enjoy the male narrator. He sounded forced much of the time and his emphasise on some words, especially during intamate moments, became inappropriately laughable at times. I mean really, how many times can you say c#&K in one sentence before it starts to sound ridiculous and funny?

I loved this thrilling fantasy from Juliette Cross. While I’m a fan of her Stay a Spell series, they never quite reach the level of a favorite for me. I hoped for more from her in Firebird, as it is being packaged and pushed very differently, as a major fantasy release rather than a minor serial. I loved fantasy worldbuilding set in historical Rome. The incorporation of gods and dragons and witches is fascinating and well done. The tension had me worked up enough to need to put the book down several times. (or as Joey Tribiani would say, I had to put it in the freezer) I hate when books in a fantasy series really only give the reader half a book. While this is the obvious beginning of a series with a story that will continue, it does NOT end with a badly done cliffhanger. It has a satisfying enough ending for it to feel like the author gave us a fair story, yet still make me eager for the next installment. The narration by Blair Dade and Kale Williams was excellent.

3.5 ⭐️

🐉Dragon shifters x Ancient Rome
🏛️Politics
🔥Rebellion
⚔️War
❤️Fated mates
💪🏽Possessive and protective MMC
🐦‍🔥Strong and powerful FMC

I was drawn in by the cover and after reading the description I was even more intrigued.

I would definitely consider this a dark
romance 🖤

The master/slave dynamic was rather off putting. I do wish that it came with trigger warnings because I had no idea that was going to be a theme in this book. While it is done well, I can see how some would rather not read a book with this aspect.

If you’re going to read this book, I do think that the audiobook is the way to go. The dual narration and the way the narrators brought the characters to life and exemplified emotion made it an easy listen.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Juliette Cross for the chance to listen to this AudioARC in exchange for a review 🖤

This audio was AMAZING!! I loved both the female and male voices, they really made the story come to life! I have a special connection to Medusa so I loved this idea that Medusa and her sisters were given powers, that then passed to other women, to punish evil men. I can’t wait for this book to release simply so I can read it again!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this ARC.

Firebird by Juliette Cross is soooooo good. Comes out 4/8. If you haven’t preordered it, you should. It’s got dragon shifters, set in Roman times, different kind of magic system, slow burn romance, and 🌶️.

Would definitely recommend.

Set in the world of ancient Rome, Firebird offers a fantasy filled alternate framing of centurions by imagining them as dragon shifters. At the heart of the story is Julianus, general and nephew to Caesar, and Malina, the Dacian dancer and witch who has enthralled him since the moment he first saw her. Years later, after being captured on the battlefield, she's a salve in his house. But he treats her like anything but.

Read if you like:
-Dragon Shifters
-Ancient Rome
-Witches & Magic
-Enemies to Lovers
-Fated Mates
-Plotting and Scheming

I'm obsessed with Firebird! It's epic. Familiar yet new. Romantic and suspenseful. Be prepared to have this book be your new Roman Empire. Literally and figuratively. Malina was my favorite character. I loved her spirit and strength. And who wouldn't want a possessive dragon shifter like Julianus as a book boyfriend? While they were the focus of the book, Juliette also had a vibrant cast of supporting characters and left the overarching plot unfinished, setting the stage for more in this series. And this is definitely one you are going to want on your TBR.

This was a great book! I greatly enjoyed the unique storyline, the characters, and the overall themes and concepts for this novel. It was well thought out and well-written. I would be happy to pick up another book by this author. I also thought that the narrator did a strong job with this story, as well.

It was a good book but it didn't leave me wanting to finish the series. I might try something different from this author.

This was such a tension filled, edge of your seat, start to a series! I loved the fantastical take on the ancient times and the incorporation of dragons here. Fated mates is one of my favorite things and these two had the burning tension I needed to feel. I will definitely be reading more about them and I'm interested to see where this goes!
Thanks to Macmillian, Netgalley and Juliette Cross for an ALC.

I want to start off by saying I LOVED this story. This has a perfect blend of politics, alternate history, and slow burn romance, all blended together seamlessly. Juliette Cross does a wonderful job of recreating ancient Rome, but with dragons, and making it all work effortlessly in a way that doesn't bog down the story or overwhelm the reader.

In listening to the audiobook version, the readers selected for each of the characters do a spectacular job in their roles. Along with the story, I found myself easily sucked in and wanting more (it also made a 4 hour venture to the emergency vet go by very quickly, so I'm grateful for that as well).

I think the only reason I did not give this a full five stars, is because there is a scene that borders on sexual assault (not between the main characters), and there were no reader warnings at the beginning in regards to this. Yes, Roman history (even alternative) was brutal and I have read other graphic books, but even I was a little uncomfortable with this scene. For anyone who may have dealt with sexual assault in the past, this scene could be triggering, so I feel just even an upfront reader warning would be appropriate.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this audiobook.

This book is a mashup of two of my favorite things, dragons & Ancient Rome! The hierarchy of dragons based on their colors and lineage was really interesting. The history of Medusa & her sisters being given powers by Minerva to destroy men which were then passed down to other women through time was a great way to start the story. The plot and politics were my favorite part of this book, and I am excited to see how the story continues in the next book. The world-building was confusing at times and I wish it had been fleshed out a little more.

This may have been the weight of expectation as this was one of my most anticipated reads this year, but the romance fell flat for me. Malina & Julian’s relationship seemed to lack depth and I didn’t buy the insta-love. The fated mates concept might explain the reason for their quick burn, but I didn’t feel it while I was reading. The way the spicy scenes were written and some of the language used was cringey to me. The fact that he finds her with her new master but has to immediately sleep with her versus saving her is giving Tamlin a& Feyre under the mountain vibes.

🎧 Narrators: Blair Dade & Kale Williams
🎧 Length: 11h 45m

The narrators were engaging and I enjoyed the duet narration. I love how Kale Williams voiced the dragon side of Julian, as it helped me to separate the two sides of him.

Thank you to Bramble & Macmillan Audio for providing me with a copy of this book and audiobook. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.

For the lovers of From Blood to Ash, Flesh and Fire, Fourth Wing, Red Queen, Kindred Curse Saga, and the like, this is a MUST READ fantasy with DRAGON SHIFTERS and Roman mythology releasing April 8, 2025. This action pack fantasy has everything you could want: dragon shifters, romance, war, rebellion, romance, prophecy, prisoners of war, and more. With world building done in a way that you don’t even realize it is happening. Imagine you are in Ancient Rome as a human, but the Roman soldiers attacking your village are dragon shifters, but the goddesses have not left the people completely undefended.

Malina and Julianus will capture your hearts and leave you feeling inspired in this time of political unrest, and this is just the beginning!

Thank you Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for my ALC in exchange for an honest review!

This book had everything I wanted and more! Firebird is like ancient Rome—but with the Romans as dragons—and it absolutely delivers on the fated mates and “touch her and you die” vibes. The dragon shifter love interest is the perfect mix of possessive and protective, and the romance had me hooked from the start. The main character was interesting, relatable, and so strong! Can't wait to see what she does next!

The story kept me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it even after I finished. If you love dragon shifters, intense romance, and a book that you cannot put down, this is a 10/10 must-read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Bramble, Tor Bramble, Juliette Cross, Blair Dade (audio narrator), and Kale Williams (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of Firebird in exchange for an honest review.

Firebird is the first of The Fire That Binds series. While the end was perfect for my own taste, I can see some political aspects that may need addressing in a further installment. Also, the first printing will have gorgeous sprayed edges featuring a black dragon over Rome, certainly worth it for collectors. Also, consider this to be a lighter dark fantasy, if that makes sense. The main romance is a master x slave dynamic that may be rather off-putting for a lot of people, and the MMC often exhibits verbal ownership over the FMC.

The story is told in alternating first-person perspectives, and the audiobook production has two amazing narrators that really bring the character's situations and motives to life.

A Conqueror Captivated...
Julianus is a general and also the nephew of the Roman Emperor. One night, he sees a dancer and is captivated by hear movement and beauty. This will become a "mate" relationship if you are familiar with that concept as a literary trope.

A Witch Prophesied to Save Them All...
This novel is its own fantasy version of Rome and the Roman Empire. Roman gods are mentioned, so if you are more familiar with Greek, just be sure to know their counterparts. Malina is gifted by a goddess with the power to manipulate emotions, making her to be viewed as a witch. With this power, she is able to protect herself, but is also potentially destined to bring some form of balance to Rome.

A World Where Dragons Rule Rome
When Julian encounters Malina on a battlefield a few years after being captivated by her dance, he saves her from death but takes her as a slave. His mate instincts from his dragon within (he is a dragon shifter, by the way) only knows that Malina is his. Despite how ruthless he is with every other being in the world, no one touches his mate. When it comes down to the relationship, there are some more explicit spicy scenes. There is also use of the relationship to plan political actions, such as murder for the greater good.

I enjoyed this novel more than I anticipated, though I wish there were more dragon shifter aspects. I feel like the shifter part of the world building and dragon culture was present, but not as explored or as enticing as it could have been. A lot of people are talking about the way this book is marketed, and it is certainly for a particular audience. You like dragon shifters, spice, and master x slave relationships? This is for you! If any of that is not your cup of tea, despite the gorgeous cover and sprayed edges, as well as an amazing two narrators for the story, then just...resist the urge.

I was excited to receive this as an ALC and regret I did not enjoy. I DNF'd at 60%. This book has many elements that I gravitate towards, but it missed the mark for me. That being said, I am glad for those who are enjoying this book!

TW: attempted rape; rape

Women were hypersexualized and degraded, used as objects to posses. There were, in my opinion, bizarre descriptions of male genitalia.

I enjoy other dark romances (Haunting Adeline) and dark romantasy (Blood of Hercules) so I truly wanted to enjoy this book.

Dates read: 03/18-03/21
Star rating: 4 stars
Thoughts: I felt very comfortable with reading this book. It felt like it was going to be a remaking of the fall of Julius Caeser with the touch of fantasy. At the end, I was wanting more and yearning to know what happens next. Definitely recommend for people who like the historical aspect but also likes fantasy too.

Firebird by Juliette Cross is an intriguing mix of fantasy, romance, and action. The world-building is impressive, with Cross successfully crafting a universe full of mystical elements, intriguing characters, and an immersive atmosphere. The protagonist, a strong-willed heroine, and her relationship with the brooding, mysterious hero are central to the plot, and their chemistry is undeniable.

However, while the romance is engaging, at times it feels slightly predictable. The development of the relationship follows familiar tropes, and readers looking for a more nuanced or unconventional approach to romance may find themselves wishing for a bit more originality. The pacing, particularly in the middle of the book, could also be tightened; there are moments where the plot lulls, making it a bit difficult to stay fully invested.

Additionally, while the action sequences are exciting, they occasionally lack depth. Some key events happen rather quickly, and it would have been rewarding to see more time spent on the character's emotional responses to these intense moments. This would have enhanced the stakes and further invested readers in the outcome.

That being said, Juliette Cross’s writing is solid, and her ability to blend elements of romance with supernatural intrigue is commendable. For fans of paranormal romance, Firebird offers an enjoyable read, though those seeking a bit more depth in both character development and plot structure might find areas for improvement.