My feelings were very up and down with this book. I think the author seems like a very creative person. The world she created is magical and intriguing. Unfortunately, I found the characters either immature or kind of two-dimensional. This caused me to lose interest in the story and the romance sometimes.

I did feel like the story got more interesting and the stakes were raised towards the end. I really thought it was turning the book around enough that I would want to continue the series, but then the last couple chapters ended up being disappointing for me. I wasn't a fan of how it ended and I'm not sure how I feel about where this series is going.

The best way I can describe this book is when you wake up and you had a really vivid dream, you remember everything for the first few minutes and then slowly everything fades away…
This book is like 15 minutes after the dream.
The plot jumps, things happen off page, references that don’t get explained but confuse you. I kept researching to make sure this was the first in the series or that it wasn’t apart of a bigger universe.
Also this is an urban fantasy and that was even more confusing!!!! You’ll see what I mean.
Mostly the ending was just blah and also kinda creepy, so yeah 3 stars.
The premise is so interesting but the plot didn’t hold up.

A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate introduces readers to a lush and intriguing world with a strong mythological backbone. Lolu Sinclair clearly has a vivid imagination, and the elemental magic system paired with the political tensions of Faelindraal make for a compelling foundation.

The protagonist has a spark (pun intended) that makes her journey worth following, and there are moments of beautiful prose scattered throughout. The lore is rich, and the stakes feel high, which helps pull the reader in.

That said, the pacing can feel uneven at times, especially in the middle chapters, where world-building sometimes overshadows character development. Some of the secondary characters blur together, and a few plot twists feel a bit rushed or underexplored.

It’s a solid debut with potential, especially for readers who love elemental fantasy with a touch of romance and rebellion. While it didn’t quite set my world on fire, I’m curious to see where the series goes next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lost Lust for the ARC!

Ahh this was so magical and lovely!! Such a cozy story about a girl who runs a sanctuary for mythical creatures. The romance was stunning, the adventures were so much fun, and the themes of protecting endangered species and fighting for what's right were beautiful

I’m not sure how to feel about this one.

I thought I was getting a feel-good story about a magical sanctuary owner who falls in love with a phoenix and they live happily ever after. And that is where the story is going for the first 2/3s of the book — until it’s all of a sudden an action packed survival story that barely ends on a high note (although I do recognise that this is the first in a series and the ending might be setting up for book 2).

I really enjoyed the intention behind the majority of the book - exploring magical realms with an immortal hunk and meeting a lot of interesting creatures was pretty fun; but I found myself feeling as if the emotion was removed from the story. I never really felt how Mia was feeling except for when she was angry with Asher. All the more positive emotions didn’t really appear on the page and I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that the beginning key moments in their friendship was sort of glossed over in a montage type thing. The first real friendly interaction they have is about a month into knowing each other and all the foundation work was done.

All in all this one felt like a bit of a rollercoaster and I’m not sure that the ride I signed up for was the one I got.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sinclair for the opportunity to read and review A Sanctuary of Fire & Fate prior to its release.

3.5 ✨

This was a cute and easy fantasy read!

Mia runs a sanctuary for mythological creatures with her friend and unicorns begun showing up wounded at the start of the story. One day Mia stumbles across, Asher, a phoenix who must hide who he is and wants to kill Mia at first. They end up working together to find and rescue the wounded unicorns and the sanctuary.

I loved the premise of the story and all the magical creatures. I found the world building and character development to be a little lacking.

Thank you NetGalley and Lost Lost for this e-ARC!

When I say I want to read an amazing romantasy book. This is what I mean.

This has everything I wanted in a book. Romance, Spice, adventure, villains, and cute creatures.

I need the next book now!!!!

Now I want a baby dragon

Great job Lolu Sinclair and thank you to Netgalley and the pub house for this arc.

This book is about a woman who accidentally sees a Phoenix's rebirth, which is NOT allowed! Yikes! He chances her down and captures her, but thanks to her mystical friends at the Sanctuary she runs she is able to escape! This was such a fun read to see if he would catch her and if he or she could be trusted! Was a little hard getting into, and it felt like the love story was a bit weak, but I definitely did not expect the ending!!! Such a fun read!

I love how it touches on such important topics like fighting for what is right and protecting those who are weak and need help!

This was such a beautiful and immersive book from the very first page to the last. I absolutely loved the writing and how it pulls you straight in to this exquisite world that's been created, the vivid details and descriptions were so clear and easy to understand and I couldn't get enough of this book.

I am so in awe of everything about it and so happy to have found this enchanting story.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this before publication these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate by Lolu Sinclair is a masterpiece of a book. It was so so good reading it. It was a beautiful experience reading it. 5 stars from me.

Cosy fantasy, mythical creatures, slow-burn romance, and a story that lingers in your heart—this book is pure magic ✨

Some books don’t just tell a story—they welcome you home. From the very first page, this book felt like stepping into a world I never wanted to leave.

This breathtakingly beautiful story follows Mia, a human who runs a sanctuary for mythical creatures. From mischievous pixies and orphaned baby dragons to fauns and glowing faerie lanterns, the world is rich with magic and wonder. The Sanctuary is a haven for the injured and endangered, a place of peace, hope, and healing, and a safe space for all. The lush gardens, deep-rooted friendships, and unwavering sense of belonging made my heart ache in the best way.

The romance between Mia and Asher was heart-melting. Their adventures, from rescuing unicorns to exploring the depths of the sea, were filled with so much magic, joy, and laughter. Asher’s willingness to risk everything for Mia was deeply moving, and the deep connection between them was achingly romantic and impossible to resist. Their love was destined to burn forever, and you’ll be rooting for them every step of the way 🐦‍🔥

But this book isn’t just about love—it also tackles important themes like protecting endangered species, confronting prejudice, and fighting for what’s right. The pacing was perfect, the world-building was mesmerizing, and the emotional depth left me absolutely WRECKED by the end. 💔 It’s a story of love and friendship, of laughter and light, and of finding joy even in the darkest moments.

I adored this book. It’s the perfect cosy fantasy, filled with warmth, adventure, and the kind of magic that lingers in your soul. Without a doubt, A Sanctuary for Fire & Fate is my favourite read of the year. Lolu Sinclair has crafted something truly special, and I can’t wait to return to this world!