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A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate is one of those books that immediately invites you to sink into its world—lush, magical, and teeming with mythical creatures that feel both wondrous and heartbreakingly real. From the very first page, I was swept into the sanctuary, a hidden refuge filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and crystal frogs. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing place, and Lolu Sinclair’s affection for magical ecosystems is evident in every lovingly detailed scene of creature care.

At the heart of this story is Mia, a quiet but determined sanctuary keeper, and Asher, the last living phoenix. Their romance is a slow burn wrapped in ancient magic, destiny, and a rising threat from the ominous Shadow Guild. Asher’s struggle with memory and rebirth adds a poignant layer to their interactions, and while their chemistry doesn’t always spark off the page, there’s an undeniable pull between them—a kind of magnetic ache that builds over time.

The novel shines brightest in its world-building and emotional themes. There’s something incredibly tender about the way Sinclair writes about healing—both physical and emotional—and the found-family dynamic that develops among Mia’s team. A standout moment involves a phoenix resurrection scene that’s so vivid and soul-stirring, I paused just to reread it. And then there’s Koalaraptor, a creature I didn’t know I needed until it completely stole my heart.

That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. The pacing, particularly in the first third, can be slow and heavy with exposition. Sinclair clearly has a massive world in mind, but the info-dumps sometimes bog down the momentum. I occasionally found myself wishing for more showing, less telling—especially when it came to the inner lives of the characters. Dialogue can feel flat at times, and while Mia and Asher’s relationship grows, it sometimes lacks the emotional layering that makes slow-burns so satisfying.

Then there’s the spice. It’s there, but it feels… uneven. Some scenes hit the mark, others felt out of sync with the tone of the rest of the book. Not necessarily cringeworthy, but certainly not seamless either.

Still, I found myself deeply invested. Despite the clunky parts, I cared about Mia. I cared about the creatures. I wanted to see this sanctuary protected, and I wanted the phoenix—both literal and metaphorical—to rise. There’s something earnest about Sinclair’s storytelling, something that suggests this is just the beginning of a larger, richer saga.

**Final verdict**: *A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate* is a cozy romantasy with high-concept ideas and a tender heart. It’s imperfect, yes, but if you’re in the mood for magical creatures, emotional healing, and a romance forged in fire, it’s a sanctuary worth visiting—even if it needs a little more polishing.

While the premise of A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate had real potential, I found the execution underwhelming. The world-building felt rushed, and I struggled to connect with the characters. There were moments of promise, but they were often buried under uneven pacing and overly complex plot threads. I wanted to be swept up in the magic, but unfortunately it never quite landed for me.

Thank you to netgalley for the Arc of this book! I unfortunately had to dnf it about 35% or so. I read the blurb and absolutely seemed like something that was right up my alley, but the writing style I just couldn't get into. It felt a little flat, younger than what I'm interested in reading, and I just struggled. I think it's a great premise for a book but maybe just at another time for me

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of this book.

Unfortunately, this book is a low rating for me. Unfortunately the books writing was too 'static' for me. It's didn't flow well enough and jumped around from one part to the next without any lead up and without making much sense.

I think the 'plot' is interesting enough that if this book had everything I felt it was lacking with the writing style that it could have been enjoyable.

This book has it all: magical creatures, friendship, magic, a battle, humor, and love to last through time. I cried so hard through the final chapters. Made me glad I wasn't reading in public.

A Sanctuary for Fire and Fate
Phoenix of Faelindraal Book 1
Author: Lolu Sinclair

Asher has lived for centuries, and when Mia, a human who runs a sanctuary for orphaned and injured fae, faun, and mythological creatures, stumbles upon the rebirth of his phoenix form, Asher’s first instinct is to kill her, because no one is allowed to witness it and live. But instead of killing her, Asher is drawn to her. Mia is reluctant to get close to Asher and fights her connection to him, but fate has different plans.

When unicorns begin to be brutally injured for their horns, Asher and Mia work together to find and shelter the creatures at the sanctuary. They discover that a secret guild wants to eradicate all mythological creatures, including the very last phoenix in existence, Asher. The guild is determined to destroy the sanctuary and Asher and Mia are determined to protect it. When the battle comes to the door of the sanctuary, sacrifices are made and secrets are revealed.
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-romantic fantasy
-fae, fauna, and mythological creatures
-centuries old, last of his kind, phoenix MMC
-stubborn human FMC who runs a sanctuary
-lost then found
-bonds
-I will always find you
-secret guild determined to destroy
-found family
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There is a great deal of emphasis on a wide variety of fae folk, mythological creatures, and fauna, so if that is your thing, then this book is for you. I am talking unicorns, mermaids, baby dragons, ruthless pixies, and a talking totem pole, just to name a few.

I wasn't sure where the story was going about halfway through and I struggled a little bit with continuing it. But despite my opinion that the relationship development and intensity between the FMC and the MMC was lackluster, I did cry at the end. I feel like there was so much potential for this story, but it fell short for me when it came to the FMC and MMC, especially considering the plot twist. Hopefully the next book will focus more on the plot twist aspects as well as the relationship between the FMC and the MMC.

First and foremost, I liked this book until the ending which is why I am giving it the rating I am giving. There were moments it felt a bit disjointed and as though the story focused on things which weren't truly important for progressing the story. However, I didn't discount that overall the story was a cute and cozy fantasy about a magical animal sanctuary.

I won't spoil the ending, but I will talk about the content which leads up to it. The book is told from the perspective of Mia, a human who has opened a magical animal sanctuary with her best friend, Elenya. Mia often feels as though she is not as mature for her age as Elenya is. I understand the author was trying to create some sort of broken-hearted back story where she doesn't trust guys after at least one really bad relationship. But when Asher comes along and he falls first. Mia really acts like she is being really good at keeping this guy in "the friendzone", which she isn't. They finally go on a few dates and she tells him she wants to go slow, but I swear, I page later she is drawing him into his bed and whispering forevers into his ear.

If we were going to stay with cozy, cute, fantasy, I could deal with all of this, Like I said I wasn't really mad at this book even for it's flaws. It was cute and I could suspend some belief on how I imagined some scenes could work better, But, when we got to the ending, I wad DONE. I will not be reading more of this series and I may tell my friends about it but I will tell them about the end and let them decide for themselves whether this is what they are looking for,

A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate by Lolu Sinclair is an extraordinary slow-burn romantasy.
These characters have such depth and a voice that makes them irresistible, the plot is clever and thrilling, the writing superb and the foundation of that wonderful, rich world makes it difficult to let go.
I was completely captivated by this book the moment I started reading it. I literally did not put it down until the very end. The world Lolu Sinclair created is so stunning and it draws you in at once.

Truth. I laughed when the pixies got eaten at the beginning and that kept me hooked to the end. That and I really like SLOW burn romances. I think sudden and fully physical romances are overwhelming. This one was enjoyable. I would love to work at Mia’s sanctuary for magic creatures and mend unicorns and baby dragons. How fun does that sound? Then after witnessing the rebirth of Phoenix Asher she becomes a target, because no one is ever meant to see a Phoenix in rebirth. Kind of makes Harry Potter sound even luckier, doesn’t it? I really enjoyed watching them interact. The chemistry was tangible, the magic leapt off the page and the story was just plain FUN.

Thank you netgalley and publishers for this arc.

I liked the premise behind this, however felt the execution fell short. The writing came off as very juvenile and first time author. The romance and chemistry was just not there. The dialog was a bit like listening to high schoolers. The world and character building was underdeveloped.

I wanted to really like this but it just fell flat for me.

I liked the premise of this book, unfortunately, many aspects weren’t executed well for me. The writing felt quite juvenile and for the first part of the book, I was convinced this story was for a middle school audience. I started reading it with that notion in mind, so I could, what I thought, rate it accordingly. However, when the relationship turned physical and the descriptions were provided for those scenes, I realized this was meant for an older audience. The intimate scenes felt very out of place with the rest of the novel given the overall vibe of the writing and dialogue between characters.

I also couldn’t truly place the time and space this story was happening in. There were connections to a more modern feel and a possibility that the location was on earth with a magical element. I truly never really felt confident with the setting.

Mia also felt like an unreliable character. Her moods were all over the place, and there were a handful of situations where I rolled my eyes at how she was acting. I was also unconvinced that this was a slow-burn romance. There wasn’t really an explanation as to why Archer would try to kill her in the beginning given the connection to their combined fate that was revealed in the end. Furthermore, the way Archer behaved in the beginning, where he seemed to be fighting with his beast and human forms internally never manifested again, which felt like a large plot hole.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and leave an honest review. I’m sorry I didn’t love this.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was action-packed, fun, steamy and held my interest. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Ever read a book where the idea was everything — but the execution left you wanting more?
Let’s talk about that ↓

📖 Book Review: A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate
⭐ Rating: 2/5
🗓 Release Date: 24 June 2025
📚 Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Romance
📩 NetGalley ARC

Will I recommend this book? Probably not.
Am I thankful for the ARC? Absolutely.

The premise — reincarnation, fated mates, a magical sanctuary, and a tragic love story — had me hooked. But the execution fell short.

Told through Mia’s POV, yet she never felt like the true protagonist. She read like a passive observer — emotionally distant and often immature. I couldn’t connect with her arc.

Asher had a stronger presence, but their romance lacked the chemistry you'd expect from a bond said to span lifetimes. Emotionally, it never hit the mark.

There was too much telling and not enough showing. The prose leaned into info-dumping, which kept me from being immersed in the world or feeling the weight of the magic.

What did stand out:
— Elenya, a side character with actual spark and depth
— The final 10 pages, which finally delivered the emotion the rest of the book missed

This story had all the right ingredients — but the delivery felt rushed and emotionally undercooked.

I created some graphics for use: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLPpfVEvcrF/?img_index=1&igsh=MWwyaGFuZDg0bmk2dA==

Thank you once again for the arc. Author, Publisher and NetGalley. The Amazon site of the book ain’t allowing to review the book rn probably because it isn’t released yet but as soon as it does, I’ll post the review there as well.

Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me. I tried to push through, but the writing style was extremely clunky and juvenile. A shame, as it sounded like a fun premise.

“A Sanctuary for Fire and Fate” is the captivating first installment in a new fantasy series that weaves together magic, romance, and adventure. The story follows Mia, a resilient human caretaker who runs a sanctuary for injured and endangered mythical creatures. Her world is upended when she crosses paths with Asher, the last Phoenix, sparking a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance that feels fated—and far older than time itself.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its worldbuilding. Through Mia and Asher’s journey, including their search and help for wounded unicorns, readers are introduced to enchanting locales like the Goblin Market and a mysterious underwater realm. Yet it’s the Sanctuary itself that truly shines, brimming with life and wonder. From healing injured unicorns and fauns, and protecting pixies to encountering a mystical crystal frog, every detail adds depth to this magical haven.
The pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build gradually before erupting into a thrilling, action-packed climax. The ending leaves just enough unanswered to fuel anticipation for the next book, while still delivering a satisfying conclusion to this chapter of Mia and Asher’s story.
Mia is a compelling protagonist, strong-willed, compassionate, and easy to root for. Her relationships, both with her friends and the creatures under her care, reveal the best of her character. When danger arises, the way her allies, from the Totem to the fierce Koalaraptor, rally around her speaks volumes about the bonds she’s forged.
More than just a fantasy adventure, “A Sanctuary for Fire and Fate” explores profound themes: love and acceptance, loyalty and sacrifice, the corrosive nature of greed, and the power of found family. With its rich mythology, slow-burn romance, and heart-pounding stakes, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy with emotional depth.

This book was a wonderful whimsical cosy read and I loved all the creatures. Love the premise and the setting.

"A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate" by Lolu Sinclair: A Fiery Romance Forged in a World of Mythical Peril
Lolu Sinclair’s "A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate" ignites the urban fantasy landscape with a compelling blend of heartwarming creature care, burgeoning romance, and high-stakes adventure. This debut novel crafts a vibrant world where the magical and the mundane intertwine, promising readers a captivating journey alongside a human heroine and an enigmatic immortal.

Our protagonist, Mia, is a dedicated human working at a sanctuary devoted to healing and housing injured mystical creatures. Alongside her co-worker and college friend Elena, Mia has brought her lifelong dream to fruition, creating a safe haven where unicorns, dragons, and other fantastical beings can recover. Initially, Mia is fiercely independent, with little interest in romance, a stance that begins to shift with the arrival of the mysterious Asher.

Asher, a magnificent Phoenix and the last of his kind, unexpectedly enters Mia’s world under extraordinary circumstances. Their initial encounter immediately sets them on a unique and intriguing path, challenging Asher's long-held traditions and drawing him inextricably towards Mia.

The narrative skillfully weaves together two central threads: the developing connection between Mia and Asher, and the escalating threat posed by the Shadow Guild. This insidious, centuries-old international crime syndicate, described as "nasty international, and thoroughly insidious," with a network that "runs deep weaving through markets you’ve never even dreamed of feeding a demand for fabled and the forbidden for example like unicorn horns," casts a long, dangerous shadow. Asher’s rare status makes him a prime target, a fact that rightly worries Mia as his presence attracts perilous attention.

Sinclair builds the connection between Mia and Asher with a tender yet undeniable pull. Their interactions, from shared moments at magical markets to thoughtful gestures, reveal a growing mutual affection. The narrative hints at a profound bond forming between them, suggesting a connection that is both powerful and destined.

The world-building is rich and imaginative, introducing readers to the unique nature of Asher's existence and the fascinating ways in which magical beings navigate their world. A special locket allows for a unique form of communication, and the author crafts vivid scenes that transport readers to magical locales, from bustling goblin markets to enchanting underwater towns.

“A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate" expertly blends action, romance, and fantasy elements. The ever-present threat of the Shadow Guild provides a compelling external conflict, while Mia and Asher's evolving relationship forms the emotional core of the story. Readers who enjoy rich world-building, high stakes, and a love story that feels both epic and intimately personal will find themselves thoroughly absorbed in Lolu Sinclair's exciting novel. The story culminates in a dramatic event that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series.Thank you Lost Lust publishing for the ebook !

I’m afraid that I had to dnf this book. I pushed through and managed to get to 62%, but I just wasn’t enjoying it and the cringeworthy sex scene completely finished me off.

The writing style seemed incredibly juvenile, the dialogue was stilted and unnatural, the relationships felt forced and inauthentic and the plot, which I was really excited about just wasn’t enough to keep my attention.

I do think the underlying story idea, the sanctuary for magical creatures and the poaching was really intriguing, but unfortunately the execution of it just didn’t hit.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.

this is a really fun concept but at a certain point i just didn’t really care about what was going on…. as another reviewer said this might work better as a comic/ graphic novel like i genuinely think that would be really cool especially for the first 25% of the story. also the first sex scene was so sinister and i just didn’t care much about the romance :/

The book is a great concept, but the execution needs more work. Everything is rushed. I think it would be a lot better if it was longer, since it’s only 200 something pages.

There is no slow burn, he doesn’t like her for 5 days and then it’s insta love for him. The reason she doesn’t want to be with him is just silly, and seems unbelievable.
When she finally decides to give him a chance, she’s instantly in love with him.

And the sex scene is … something

We have no backstory on the FMC, so the human FMC just knows everything about mythological creatures, and how to care for them.
The MMC is much more fleshed out than the FMC, he has a backstory, even if it’s only hinted at.

I know there’s a reason for the above after finishing the book, but still.

I really liked the ending, something I wasn’t expecting at all.