Firebird was exactly what I needed. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump—especially when it comes to romantasy—but this book had me in a chokehold from page one. I devoured it in two days.

It’s a Roman-inspired romantasy with dragon shifters, fated mates, “touch her and die” energy, and just the right amount of plot, worldbuilding, and spice. It’s technically a darker romantasy, but it didn’t feel overwhelmingly dark to me. There is a slave/master dynamic—but personally, it felt like a power imbalance you’d find in a historical romance, like an aristocrat/nobility and servants, rather than something deeply graphic or dehumanizing. He does give her orders, but the tone didn’t feel harsh or uncomfortable to me. That said, it’s something to be aware of going in, because I know it won’t be for everyone.

I thought the worldbuilding was solid without being overwhelming, the chemistry between the characters was immediate, and the whole story was just wildly addictive. So many romantasy series now end mid-story with a brutal cliffhanger, but this gave me a solid resolution, a satisfying arc, and a happy-for-now ending that still leaves room for more. I had so much fun with this—it’s fast-paced, hot, addictive, and exactly what I needed to get excited about reading again. I will 100% be picking up the next one.

I listened to this one on audiobook. The performance worked really well for the tone of the book. Definitely a solid listen.

Firebird by Juliette Cross

⭐ 5
🌶️ 2.5
📚 Tropes/Themes: Dragon shifters, fated mates, forced proximity, touch her and die, ancient Rome, politics, cliffhanger
👀 Dual POV 1st person
🎙️Dual Narration
⏰ Approx 12 hours
🛍️ Available: Now
💔 Triggers: gore, violence, murder, parental death, loss of family

💬 Ugh I'm obsessed. Although I do enjoy it, I haven't been the biggest romantasy fan of late. However, I am a big Juliette Cross fan, after reading her Stay A Spell series (go read that series too!!!), which is why I applied for this ALC and let me just say that was ABSOLUTELY the right decision.

I cannot get enough of this story. It's ancient Rome but with dragons and fated mates and it's making my little heart just go pitter patter all over the place. I usually only have time to listen to audiobooks when I'm cooking, but I have been trying to find any and every little opportunity I can to listen to this.

There's so much tension and angst and the political intrigue is TOP NOTCH. Cross is such a great writer.

My biggest complaint is that I'm listening to it through NetGalley and they don't have a bookmark option so I can't highlight the shit out of it 🤣 oh and it's a cliffhanger 😭😭

The narrators are also doing an INCREDIBLE job. I feel like I'm there, immersed in the story even though it's "only" duet.

If you are a fan of Fourth Wing or Zodiac Academy I highly recommend this book.

Rating: 3.75⭐️/5

I think this is a solid Romantasy series start. I had an ALC and the dual narration was good. There was some great spicy scenes but there wasn’t much build up to the romance it was kind of there all of a sudden. Also, I’m not a huge fan of the master/servant trope.

I do think the mythical elements of this series is really interesting and unique! Her magic being able to influence and directly manipulate emotions was really cool. I do wish there was a bit more tie in of the gods and that the story of Medusa in the beginning was actually worked into the story.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ALC.

The storyline and world-building in this book were engaging, with enough tension and intrigue to keep me invested from start to finish. The setting was well fleshed out and easy to get lost in, and while the magic system wasn’t particularly unique, it served its purpose in supporting the plot. This is the first Roman Empire retelling that I've come across so I enjoyed that uniqueness. I appreciated the scope of the world and the mix of history and fantasy. The side characters added some color, but they often felt underdeveloped—more like background props than fully realized people.

What really held the book back for me, though, was the romance. The insta-love between the main characters felt forced, lacking the emotional progression that makes a love story believable. More troubling was the power imbalance between them—especially with the FMC being a literal slave to the MMC. Despite his repeated insistence that she was “free,” it was hard to ignore how often he called her “mine” and spoke about her belonging to him. That dynamic made the relationship feel less like a romance and more like a claim, which overshadowed any genuine connection they might have had.

Firebird by Juliette Cross is excellently narrated by Blair Dade and Kale Williams. I loved the dual narration and that is the only good thing I can identify about this book. The content warning are completely false. A slave cannot give consent that is inherent in the nature of a master/slave relationship. The SA by Cesear in a room full of people despite her 'wanting it' is still a SA. Again, the power disparity is what makes all of this wrong. This book is marketed incorrectly as well. The smut is cringeworthy. If I could give this 1/2 a star I would. I finished it so I could tell you the consent is not given in this book because it cannot be given. Thank you to Net Galley and MacMillan Audio for my ALC.

First off, I absolutely loved the dual narration by Blair Dade and Kale Williams—they did an amazing job bringing the characters to life.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read. The world-building was immersive, the plot was well thought out, and the story was easy to follow. Dragon shifters? I’m already excited to see fan art of Julian once this book is published. Malina is a witch with empathic powers, and I feel like her powers have so much potential in book 2.

Julian first sees Malina when she’s 17 and falls for her. Four years later, they meet again when he saves her from torture and death, taking her in as his body slave. From there, the story unfolds, with their complex relationship and the plot progressing in unexpected ways.

This book is a reimagining of ancient Rome, so I should have expected some of its themes, but they still caught me off guard. If you’re not a fan of master/slave relationships, I’d recommend skipping this one. Also, keep in mind that this is a dark romantasy.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
Forbidden romance
He falls first
Touch her and die
Dragon shifters and witches
Roman vibes with smut


Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for this ALC.

This audiobook was amazing! I listened to some parts twice! This works had me hooked and I cannot wait for more! I’m now going to find more from this author. The richness of the atmosphere and the hearts of the characters were top tier!

DNF’d at 20%.
Thank you to the publishers for the ALC and this is my honest review. The 2 stars is because the narrators were quite lovely. The story had potential… but there’s one very glaring issue that wasn’t stated in the bio/summary. This is a Master and a Slave. It’s not a BDSM dynamic, it’s a literal master owner/slave girl. This was definitely something that should have been very apparent with. Not trigger warnings on an IG post that say elements of master/slave which makes people assume dynamic, not literal slavery.
This is not my cup of tea and I was unable to finish it.

This book has a lot of popular tropes and I think fans of dark romantasy are going to have a blast. Be forewarned, this is a romance between a master and a slave so there's definitely some power dynamics at play here. It's also a very gritty Game of Thrones-esque world so checking trigger warnings would be a good idea before diving in. I personally felt like the author did a great job of balancing the power dynamic so that I didn't feel like Malina was being taken advantage of. I enjoyed the politics and the dragon shifter lore. I did want more emotional development though. The instalove is strong in this book and part of that is because our MMC is a dragon shifter but even so I needed more to fully believe in the romance. Lovers of alpha heroes and fated mates will eat this book up. I'm finding that fated mates only works for me if we get to see them develop a relationship as well. A mystical bond isn't enough for me to root for a relationship. I know there is a whole camp of people who go feral for this type of story though so I'm very happy this exists for them.

The audio was lovely! Both narrators were well cast and I had a great time listening to this story with my ears.

Really not understanding the hate this book is getting. Dragon shifters, empathic magic, forbidden love, fated mates, touch her and die, etc etc. What is not to love?!

Does this story feel like it’s already been done? Sure. But that has never stopped me from escaping into the story, and that ultimately why I read these types of dark fantasy, to escape.

Duet style narration was fantastic, both narrators did a great job bringing these characters to life. Thank you Macmillan and Net Galley for the advanced audiobook in exchange for honest review.

Picture this: a story set at the height of the Roman Empire…but the Romans are dragon shifters. (It makes it easier to conquer other peoples when you’re the ones that breathe fire after all.)

The reigning Caesar is known for his brutality, but, unbeknownst to him, Julianus Dakkia, his lead general (and nephew), feels the empire should be run differently.

And it’s rather fortunate for Malina, a Dacian dancer and “witch” who is captured by Julian’s legion while she is fighting for the Celts, that he feels this way.

Julian brings her to his home to serve as one of his slaves, but she quickly learns that he treats those in his household with compassion rather than condescension and cruelty.

There’s something mystical that seems to bind Malina and Julian together. And with her empathic powers and his strength and scheming, perhaps they can change the empire for the better.

At a glance:
- Dual POV
- Roman Empire setting
- Dragon shifters
- A "witch"
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Forbidden romance
- Fated mates

Things get a bit graphic and gruesome in this one between the warfare scenes, fighting, and extracurricular activities at the bacchanals of Caeser’s court.

I liked the portrayal of Malina as an empath with her ability to manipulate the emotions of those around her and the clever ways she uses her power as well as the members of Julian’s household and how his treatment of them and their backstories reveal even more about his character.

The connection and romance between Malina and Julian is believable, and I’m interested to see how both the revolution and their relationship progress in this series.

Blair Dade and Kale Williams do a good job voicing the characters and capturing the drama of the book. Please note that Williams does get extra growly when Julian is in his dragon form, though.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.

DNF. I only got not even a chapter in before the content became too much. Didn’t seem researched and just listening to this made me feel icky.

Overall, I enjoyed Firebird by Juliette Cross. I was engaged and interested in the story enough to continue. I did feel that there needed to be more to establish the relationship between the FMC and MMC other than just that they were mates. The audio was done well by both narrators, other than sometimes the male narrator's voice was a little cringey when the MMC shifted into his dragon form. I may or may not continue with the series.

There is nothing quite as jarring as jumping into an audiobook with no trigger warnings. Unfortunately I did have to DNF this book without even being a quarter of the way through. Which is a bummer, because I have loved the author’s books in the past.

Firebird starts off just all wrong. A 17 year old girl is approached by a full grown adult man (who is also one of the ruling class of the colonizers) and is given a good luck trinket. Gross.

Fast forward four years, her family has been killed by the colonizers, and that dude has just killed her second adopted family. He then “rescues” her from one of his soldiers who is about to SA her in half dragon form to slowly torture and kill her. The reason he rescues her according to his own inner monologue.

“Damaged property sells for less at the slave market.”
So cute.

When he regonizes her his inner dragon says “mine” and he steals her away to his home. TO BE HIS BODY SLAVE. When they get there she keeps thinking about how sexy he is and thats just where I had to stop.

Listen I love dark romance, but I cannot get behind a dude who thinks of humans as property. Ever. For me this went far beyond a slave/master dynamic. There is no way I would ever want these enemies to become lovers.

The only reason she was even having positive thoughts about this man is because of the trinket he gave her WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD AND HE WAS A FULL GROWN ADULT MAN. EW. Everything ew…

Thank you Macmillan Audio for an early audiobook copy of this book, honestly I’m stoked I didn’t spend money on it. The narrators were fantastic though. Big props to them.

I was extremely excited for this book, because I will have multiple special editions of this book. While I think Firebird will be a hit for a lot of readers, this book was unfortunately not for me. I received the ALC copy of this book, and I am so thankful to Macmillan Audio and Juliette Cross for the early edition. I enjoyed the thought and research that went into the world building, it felt like an adult fantasy world that was well inspired. I loved listening to Blair Dade and Kale Williams. Both narrators did a fantastic job and I would listen to them again. I really liked the FMC's demeaner and attitude. She felt like a well and fully formed character, and I loved how she stood her ground and held her own. I love an FMC with a little attitude.

What I didn't enjoy was the darker aspects of this story. I don't mind dark romance when done well, and when I go in knowing this is a dark romance. Maybe that was on me as the reader, but I don't remember the trigger warnings mentioning so much violence against women and the master and slave dynamic. While I did not enjoy the way in which men treated women in this book, my biggest issue was the romance. The relationship and interactions felt very surface level, and I never fully understood why either character liked the other. The dynamic of the master / slave can be filled with so much tension and intense interactions.

While this book wasn't for me, I know it's going to be a big hit! I may continue with the series to see where the story goes.

I was beyond excited to get my hands (well, ears, actually 😂) on an advanced listener copy of Firebird! So just a heads-up, I didn’t eyeball read this book, I earhole read it (lol, yes, earhole – just go with it). 🎧🔥

Let me tell you, I was completely absorbed by this fantasy world. It's got that Romanesque vibe but with an epic magical twist – dragons 🐉 and witches 🧙‍♀️. I seriously loved every second of it! The story? Amazing. 😍✨

Malina is a Dacian dancer who, along with her sisters, finds herself caught in the chaos as Rome starts to conquer lands and enslaving people. On top of that, Malina has this wild ability to control emotions – not just her own, but those around her. Julian is a Roman war general who can shift into a dragon (yes, please 😏). When these two first meet, his dragon instantly knows she’s his mate. Fast forward, and after Malina’s family is killed, she’s using her powers to fight back in a rebellion. Julian saves her and, well… he takes her as his very well-treated slave. They join forces, plot a rebellion, and their chemistry? 🔥

The world-building was on point. The Roman influence made it super easy to get into, very digestible. And while it wasn’t super spicy compared to other books I’ve read, the 3 or 4 spicy scenes that are there? Wowza. 😏 (Especially on audiobook… 😜). Oh, and did I mention sometimes Julian has a forked tongue? Yeah, you heard me 🐍.

Now, I get that some readers might have issues with the whole master/slave dynamic, but honestly, I’ve read worse, so it didn’t really bother me. To me, it felt a lot like a fantasy version of an modern day billionaire romance💰. Heads up, there are mentions of some darker themes like rape and other unpleasant topics, so if that’s a trigger for you, be cautious. ⚠️

**Dear Juliette. The epilogue. Oh my god. I am hoping another dragon finds his treasure in the next book….!!!!!....**

He's a Roman general and Caesar's nephew. Oh, and he's also a dragon shifter. She's a Dacian (modern day Romania) witch who can manipulate emotions. Together, they will make Rome burn.

PSA: This is a dark romance. Dark romance readers have a higher tolerance for things mainstream romance readers find problematic. In this case, the romance is between Julian, a Roman general, and Malina, the enemy witch he captures on the battlefield and literally carries off to his dragon lair as a spoil of war (and to save her from being gang raped by other soldiers). In the context of ancient civilizations, including Rome, conquered people are enslaved. If the power imbalance makes you go ick, steer clear of this book.

That said, this is the tamest of the dark romances. I have read dark romances where consent is a little iffy. Here, when the spice starts spicing at about the 50% mark, Malina is 100% on board with it. Yes, she is technically his slave. In the context of the story, he respects her and her being his slave is the only way he can protect her from other Roman nobles hurting her. His own mother was a freed slave, but now there are laws forbidding Romans from marrying outside their station, so "why doesn't he just free her" doesn't solve anything, even if he does tell her she's free. Again. If this is a no for you, then steer clear. Honestly, to me since they are both two consenting adults, the romance here is far less problematic than the one between Dani and Drago in A Game of Thrones.

The alt-fantasy Rome aspect to the story was fascinating. I haven't read a lot of fantasy set in this time period, and the author did a good job showing how bad and perhaps insane Caesars can gain power and how everyone around goes along with it. This is the first in a maybe trilogy so it ends with a lot of questions unresolved, but did end satisfactory enough.

The dual narrations were also excellent and kept me immersed in the story the whole time.

Thank you to Netgalley for the review copy.

This book was an interesting one. At first I was not sure I would like it, but as I continued reading I found myself truly enjoying it. It’s definitely an adult book with good adult spice! I love the dragons and how the lovers are very quick to accept each other and not beat around the bush. All in all I give it 4 stars. I definitely cannot wait to read the next one!

✨𝒜𝐿𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
🎧: Firebird (The Fire That Binds Book 1)
🎙️: Blair Dade, Kale Williams

Not long ago, a centurion gifted a young Dacian dancer a secret talisman. Years later, a hardened Roman general finds and rescues the same woman, though broken by her losses. While saving her from imminent danger, Malina is still taken.

Julianus’ dragon is drawn to her fiery spirit but carefully laid plans are threatened when betrayal strikes. Did fate bring them together only to tear them apart?

Tropes:
👀Dual POV
⛔️Enemies to Lovers
⛓️‍💥Cɑׁׅ֮ptor/Cɑׁׅ֮ptive
💫Magic bonds
💪🏻Strong FMC
⚠️Possessive/Protective MMC
🐉Dragon Shifters
🚫Forbidden Love
🌶️: open door

Malina is bold and brash and her magic may be the key to defeat his enemies. As time progresses, she slowly peels back the layers and facades of her complicated captor. Both have endured challenges to survive their circumstances.

The narrators brilliantly depict the yearning, angst, and tension between them. The suspenseful moments and visceral reactions are portrayed so well.

As Malina becomes more drawn to Julianus and faces a secret rebellion, the stakes have never been higher. With the hope of freedom within reach, will the prophecy be realized or will they all burn to ash?

Firebird is a gripping new romantasy infused with captivating mythology, magic, and an intoxicating
slow burn. I cannot wait for what’s in store for them!

Huge thanks to the author, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the ALC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review.

What a fun little ride this newest book by Cross was! Rome is ruled by the cruel hand, or maybe, say, the claw of a dragon, Cesar! Julianus the Conqueror is his nephew, a legendary Roman General…and whoops, he's gone and fallen in love with a slave. But it’s more than just the smut! I enjoyed the conspiring coup and war tactics aspect and was more invested in that story than the romance. Malina and Julian’s romance spins pretty quickly despite the fact she's his slave, and he’s responsible for killing everyone she's ever loved…it’s written very well, and I enjoyed the audio immensely, although when the narrator, Kale Williams, did the female voices, it reminded me a bit of when your husband does your nagging wife voice! The characters had enough depth to make you want to know what was going to happen to them, and I enjoyed the banter between Malina and Julian. There was world-building, but to be honest, it didn’t really stand out for me. I am excited to get my deluxe edition and to read the next book in The Fire That Binds series. Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for this advanced audio copy. ((&)) a little PR: don’t listen to the spice when you're walking through Hobby Lobby, LOL!