5 🌟
Spice: open door

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the alc in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. I understand there is some discourse surrounding it, but it's my honest opinion you should read it before forming an opinion.
I only once had an icky feeling readong it, and it didn't involve our MCs. I liked Julian and his protective nature. Everyone in his home is there because he saved them. Malina is such an incredibly strong FMC. The aspect of the gods and magic were easy to follow. I never felt overwhelmed by world building or info dumps.
The audio was very well done. Both narrators did a great job. I hope to continue this series.

What if those running the Roman Empire were dragon shifters? That is the loose premise of Firebird the first book in of the new series, The Fire that Binds. Juliette Cross has built a new world on the bones of Roman history and their gods. It is a re-imagining where Minerva, goddess of wisdom, justice, law and victory, has bestowed three different sets of powers on women throughout the years since the time of Medusa. These powers will help them fight against the injustice evil men bring to the land.

Malina was once just a performer, a dancer that stole the heart of the Roman General Julianus Dakkia. He gave her a boon after seeing her dance that she has kept close to her heart for years. It has been prophesized that Malina and her sisters’ magic will save them all. She never knew what that really meant until she lost her family and everything she held dear to the Romans. Including her freedom, as she is stuck as a slave in Julianus Dakkia’s home. Should she fear him or should she seduce him?

Julianus Dakkia is the dragon general to the Emperor and his chosen successor. He hates the way his uncle rules and has been trying to subvert him for years. When he sees the witch, Malina, in danger after the Romans overtook yet another village his Dragon decides for them that he is done not having her close to guard and protect. He steals her to place her in his home as his body slave. This will mean a change to his plans for revolution; it is time to act and take down his uncle and his followers before they figure out what Malina really is to him.

I enjoyed this story overall. There are some disturbing scenes as the slaves are treated very poorly by some of the cruel masters in the elite circles. The Emperor is truly an abhorrent and evil character who gets pleasure from debasing and humiliating others. Julianus is an exception to this; he has slaves in his home but most he has saved from worse fates and treats more like family when he can. He is patient with Malina and tries to keep her safe while letting her become accustomed to him and the ways of the city. He wants to have her to fall in love with him because she is the mate to his dragon, but there is danger all around them and a real relationship is forbidden so they must be careful.

Firebird had me on the edge of my seat more then once as the reader can see the danger coming and is helpless to stop it. I needed to know how Julianus was going to keep Malina safe from his evil Uncle and other challengers. She was in a lot of danger and being seen as property by the empire, Julianus’s hands were tied in many areas. I liked the conclusion and my heart was racing near the end.

This is not going to be for everyone, especially if you have a hard time with the slavery aspect to the story. I never felt this was enemies to lovers story but more of a revolutionary tale against slavery and oppression. There is a power dynamic that needed to overcome between Julianus and Melina, but she proves she is just as powerful in her own ways. There are a few other small aspects that some may have issues with in regard to the accuracy of the history. I didn’t really get caught up on that as I took it as the foundation of the story was set loosely on Roman culture, but not exact to it. I think if those are things that are not going to bother you, this will be a great romantasy with a few hot and heavy scenes and some great tension built for the danger our couple is really in.

Narration:
Performance: ★★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★
Diction: ★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★★★
Sound Effects: None

The performance was split as Blair Dade performed the Malina PoV chapters and Kale Williams narrated Julianus’s PoV. Kale has a long history of books he has narrated and his comfort with audio performances showed. He brought the emotion and personality of Julianus to life. His voice is rich and decadent, it was easy to see why his catalog of books was so long. Blair Dade is newer to audio narration, but held her own in this story. I liked the performance she gave to Malina, it captured the pain she had been through and her vulnerability and strength well.

Intriguing concept that mixes fantasy with historical events~

⭐️⭐️
(2 stars)

Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC.

I wanted to love this book. I feel like it had promise in the beginning. Unfortunately, the plot and interpersonal relationships felt rushed. The characters were two dimensional. I’m not sure that we saw many flaws or growth from the main characters.

I have a copy of the from Fairyloot that is GORGEOUS! I’ll definitely be keeping it for a book trophy. The narration of the audiobook was excellent.

I was approved for this book a while ago but waited to read it. I'm not sure why I did that but that was a very poor choice on my part. I sped through this book in a little over a day once I started it and then went back and reread my favorite parts. I LOVED the fantasy intertwined with ancient Rome. The plotting and pace were fantastic. I was real stressed at one point and I had to put the book down, take a breather and then come back to it. It definitely explored some darker themes and I can see why some readers would not be into that. I would check your triggers before starting this one. As far as the characters, there were moments when I wanted to reach through the book and throttle Malina. I understand her choices but I did not always like them. I think she's a good match for the dragon general overall. Her backstory was heartbreaking and it made me appreciate her more. I will definitely be watching for the next book in this series.

A different romactasy with dragons ,Ancients Rome, Ceasar, Political intrigue, secrets ,and forbidden romance.
Some good characters. and different story line.
The narrators were really good and worked well together.
Voluntarily reviewed.

📖 Name of the Book: Firebird
👤 Author: Juliette Cross
📖 Genre: Romantasy
⭐ Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶 Spice Rating: 🌶🌶/5
💭 My Thoughts:
Firebird by Juliette Cross is a fun addition to the romantasy genre, blending dragons, forbidden love, and an Ancient Rome-inspired setting that I absolutely adored. While the book tackles some dark themes—so definitely check the trigger warnings first—the heroine stood out as strong and refreshingly trope-light, skipping the usual hidden identity cliché. That said, the romance kicked in earlier than I prefer, and the worldbuilding felt a bit thin. The MMC’s constant declarations of obsession were a little much, but overall it was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!

🔊 Note on the audiobook:
Narrators Blair Dade and Kale Williams are fantastic! Their voices paired well together and were very easy to listen to. They narrate individual chapters, which means they have to voice other genders. These two did a better job than most, but it was a bit amusing at times. I'll keep an eye on these two in the future!

Thank you to Juliette Cross and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for an honest review!

I wanted to love this book, really I did. The cover is stunning and the premise sounded intriguing, I mean ancient Rome and dragon shifters? Sign me up. But unfortunately it lacked a lot for me starting with the romance. I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers (who's not?) but then the master/slave tropes was thrown (not the good kind either) and that's where it lost me. I can look past a lot of things while reading but not only did I hate this tropes the romance was also lackluster and super cringe.

The main characters seem bland to me and the plot wasn't plotting very well. The only redeeming quality of this whole book were some of the side characters, Stefanos to be more particular. He was a stand up character that shined for me I just wished to see him appear more.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did the best they could with the contents of the book, but listening to it made it even more cringe then if I'd just read it myself.

Firebird had all the makings of a knockout. The premise? Dark magic, powerful bloodlines, forbidden love, and a high-stakes plot with political intrigue and family secrets. Honestly, it should have set the pages on fire. But instead of a raging inferno, I got… a sparkler. Pretty in places, but mostly fizzling out too fast.

One of the biggest disappointments? The missed opportunity to give us a truly vengeful, powerful female lead. She had the potential to be a strategic weapon, both magically and politically—a woman who could charm secrets out of enemies, bend rooms to her will, and turn her pain into power. Instead, her abilities were mostly wasted on keeping the MMC calm or proving she wasn’t “too emotional.” Not just his emotions but almost every man in the book she had to subdue.

Let’s be clear: this girl had claws. But instead of letting her use them, the story clipped her wings. The MMC constantly sidelined her, insisting she was “rushing into danger headfirst,” but… where? When? Half the time, danger stumbled into her, and the other half she was being kept out of the action like a glass figurine in a war room. She wasn’t reckless—she was ready, and she was never given the chance to show just how sharp her teeth could be.

She could’ve been a spy. A seductress. A political weapon cloaked in silk and fire. Instead, she was protected into passivity. And in a world where women with power are rare and precious, watching her be repeatedly benched by a man who claims to love her? That burned more than any of the actual fire magic. Also—if they were going to go the slave route, then use it to her advantage. Let her be invisible. Let her infiltrate other palaces. Give her purpose beyond being cherished and caged.

And speaking of love… the romance lacked real bite. The chemistry between them simmered at best, but without emotional weight behind it, the “fated” connection felt hollow. I wanted to root for them, but I couldn’t help wondering what the story could’ve been if she had been allowed to thrive without being dimmed by “protection.”

That said, Juliette Cross can write. Her prose flows effortlessly, the pacing keeps you entertained, and the world she’s crafted holds so much promise. It’s not the writing I take issue with—it’s the execution. The idea was gold. The delivery, not quite there.

So yes—Firebird had the ingredients to be brilliant. It just didn’t trust its heroine—or its readers—enough to really let her shine.
She didn’t need saving. She needed space to burn

I've been seeing a lot of reviews and discourse about this book and I'm sorry I don't feel comfortable reading and reviewing. Thank you so much for the ALC

*read the trigger warnings first before starting this and keep in mind of the time period that it is set in. Violence and slave trade is very prevalent in this book*. Malina and Julianus meet by chance and are instantly drawn to each other. Malina is captured by Julianus and taken as his slave. However, they soon discover they have deep feeings for each other despite the fact that their relationship is banned by Julianus' uncle. Julianus' uncle is out of control with his behaviour and conquering and they must work together to try to stop him. I was drawn into this book very quickly. It is fast paced and exhilarating to read. I really enjoyed the details of the smaller characters in the book as well. I cannot wait for the next book to come out and find out what's next for Malina and Julianus!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of this book.

Thank you Netgalley for the audiobook ARC.

Unfortunately, after learning this is a POC underage FMC with a slave/slave master dynamic (written by a white woman), I’ve decided to DNF. I cannot in good conscience read this novel and I’m unsure why this is being promoted as a dark romantasy novel. Had I known the actual premise, I would not have requested.

Thank you for allowing me to receive an arc of this audiobook. The narrator was amazing and I would surely listen to another book she narrates. However, I was not a fan of the slave and master dynamic between the main couple and the fact that he met her when she was underage and was attracted to her. I feel like these elements of the story and dynamic between the main characters could have been easily replaced by a different dynamic. Throughout the whole story this fact about their relationship negatively affected my enjoyment of the story.

This book was a huge disappointment. The beginning features disturbing abuse toward a captured character and it made me uncomfortable immediately. It’s incredibly problematic and I had to DNF. Definitely not for me.

They did such a good job with the narrative of this story. I loved the voices of Malian and Juliana’s. They were able to capture the love between these two characters as it slowly combusted.

4.5 ⭐️

Absolutely incredible first book! If you want a fast paced book with a lot of whimsical and historical bits thrown in with dragons, then this is the book for you. The first book of a series doesn’t typically draw me in like this one did but I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one.

Also learning the story behind the name of the book /nickname of the MFC was so fun!

If you like Rome and dragons this is a great first book to the series 👀

Thank you Macmillan Audio my free ARC of Firebird by Juliette Cross — available now!

Unfortunately, I had to set this one aside for now. I think it will be HUGE with Romantasy fans, but I found the master-slave relationship between a white man and a minority-race woman a little too intense for me to read right now. You know, current affairs and all. I'll try again some other time; enjoyed the Ancient Rome and dragons combo a lot!!

Firebird by Juliette Cross and narrated by Blair Dade/Kale Williams is probably going to be the next viral romantasy to hit bookshelves. The dual POV of Malina and Julian provides depth to both the characters and the emotions. Juliette Cross gives an enemies to lovers that is not a drawn out slow burn. You do not have to wait for book two for relationships to build. I also enjoyed the ending being open to a sequel without a mind bending cliffhanger. The spice level is medium - depending on your heat tolerance.

💥💥💥 Book Review 💥💥💥

Firebird
By Juliette Cross
⭐⭐⭐ stars
The concept of this book is very unique with dragons mingling in the story. I do wish the world building had a little more depth.
Okay, I did really like this book, but there are discrepancies like the lack of world depth and the plot was a little lack luster. The ending seemed abrupt and needed to be worked out more.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

🐉 Dragon Shifters
🔮 Witches
🏛 Roman Inspired
❤️‍🔥 Enemies to Lovers
👿 Touch Her & Die
⛓️ Captor/Captive
⚔️ Political/Rebellion

"For you. Yes, I'll break his laws."

Oh my. 🥵

This gives me Spartacus meets FBAA vibes. Ancient roman generals that are dragon shifters. Magical "witches" with empathic type abilities. I understand the dynamic can be controversial, but keeping in mind that this is fantasy & how it was written, I didn't think it was poorly done. Especially because of the MMC's morals he displayed throughout the book. This is a darker romantasy, so be sure to check trigger warnings.

*I received an advance review copy for free in the form of an audiobook (advanced listening copy) from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest feedback about the book as an avid reader.*

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. Both narrators did a fantastic job! 😍

I can't wait for book 2, especially after the last tidbit at the end! I have high expectations.

Huge thank you to the author, McMillan Audio & NetGalley. 💜

WOW! I loved this book! There's finally a Roman Empire that the Romantasy girlies can think about everyday. Dragon shifters, witches, Fated Mates, insane chemistry, touch her and die with instalove. Julian and Malina are such well rounded characters. There is plenty of tension and they both fight the good fight, trying not to give into each other (but there is only so much you can do when you're fated mates). Julian is instantly enthralled with Malina and even though there is a master/slave dynamic it is made clear that it is not something that Julian wants to continue. I understand that this situation might not be for everyone, so just keep that in mind when choosing to read. I would classify this as a slow burn not quite enemies to lovers alternate history fantasy romance. The world building is really great in this story. Without spoiling the plot too much, this story gives Julius Cesar vibes but from the perspective of Brutus.

This audiobook was very well done, with duel narration so you can fully immerse yourself in the story. The voice actors were very easy to listen to and I loved Julian's voice - so smooth :). Overall I would definitely recommend this book for fans of romantasy, alternative history, and just fantasy lovers in general. Thank you for the audiobook ARC and I can't wait to continue the story with the next book!