This was an enjoyable read! The beginning was a bit slow, I found myself struggling to connect with the story at first, but once it found its footing, it really took off. I appreciated getting both Elowen and Cayden's perspectives through the dual POVs in this book. It really gives you more insight into their individual struggles and their evolving relationship, especially the tension between duty and desire.
While some parts felt a tad slow to get rolling, the expanded dragon lore and the deeper dive into the world's politics kept me invested. It delivered what I hoped for in a sequel, balancing romance with plenty of action and intrigue. I highly recommend it!

Thank you Ballantine/Delacorte Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Having been a fan of Fear The Flames since its Indie days, book two has been a long time coming. It did not disappoint. I loved that it picks up right where FTF ends. It gives a seamless transition between the first and second books. I admit, it started out slow, but the ending was worth it! Cayden Veles continues to be the most underrated MMC. It’s also nice to see a now married couple have their story told beyond the vows. It’s rare we get to see the dynamic of marriage within a romantasy, especially one where the “forced” aspect of it was after the couple had already chosen one another. It continues to be an interesting twist!

The blend of a ‘bastard’ king, and an ‘outcast’ queen is so beautifully done, and we still have further to go before this story reaches its HEA. Already pining for book 3!

This book is amazing. The relationship between characters and the dialogue make them feel like real people, a family who jokes and fights and cries together. The lessons that the characters learn about beginning to love oneself are both beautiful and heartbreaking, and offer major takeaways to any audience. This book was written from a place of vulnerability and benefits massively from it. A great read with the added bonus of dragons!

Go in blind and let the story tell itself. This is an amazing series. I cannot recommend this enough. One of the best Romantasy novels I’ve ever read!

# Wrath of the Dragons (Fear the Flames, #2)
# 4/14/2025 ~ 5/20/2025
# 5.0 / 5.0

Thank you NetGalley & Ballantine | Delacorte Press for this ARC!

I don't even know where to begin... having JUST finished it minutes ago; I enjoyed it a lot, I will definitely be looking forward to the continuation, and I will still recommend the series to others.
BUT I will say I nearly DNF'd...

I loved Fear the Flames and was so excited to see where the series was headed- especially after that ending- but the first 45% of Wrath of the Dragons was so... lacking?

To me, it felt like the only thing happening was a wedding.
I know this isn't true.
I know our characters are going through some things after the events of the first book.
I know Elowen & Cayden have to cross some bridges and have some conversations to set up the story- BUT I feel like it could have been done differently.
There was some political intrigue/planning, but honestly it felt info dumpy- like we were trying to get it over with to get back to the romance side.
There was a point where Elowen was flying around the tops of the castle and it was described in two sentences with little description/emotion, immediately followed by a 3 paragraph description of a dress...

It took me several weeks to get to the 50% point- but once I hit it I finished the book in one day.

All of those things we talked about doing in the first half- we actually get to go do now.
There's court politics- we get to go on an adventure to other courts.
There's a deeper dive into the magic and gods and world/lore (without feeling info dumpy).
We go on undercover missions.
We go on dragon back with Elowen a whole bunch.
There's battles on foot - in the sky - and on boats.

If the whole book was as fluid as the second half- it would easily have been a five star read for me.
And don't even get me started on that ending...

**spoiler free***

What an incredible book!! I am so thankful to have received an arc copy of the second book in the Fear the Flames series, when I saw the email I literally jumped for joy.

I was fully invested into this story- the characters, the plot, the adventure, and everything in between. I really enjoyed this book. I love when I don’t anticipate things to happen, I was kept on my toes the entire time. The ending of the book… shocked. I was not expecting it at all!!

But my favorite thing about the entire series so far.. is honestly the characters, they honestly made the entire story. All of them. We know Cayden falls hard for Elown, so I was kind of expecting a downfall in the second book, especially with how the first book ended. I thought Cayden was going to change for the worst, complete opposite. Their love, consumes me. I absolutely adore the both of them. My heart is definitely taken over by Cayden.

Okay enough details for now… I can’t wait for you all to read this book! Comes out July 29th!!

I loved book one so much and was so excited when I received this ARC for NetGalley and Delacorte Press.
I had been waiting for this book for what felt like forever so when I got it, I took my time reading it because I was not ready to be done with.

This book is a bit more heavy with war and conquering than the first one. This does have some of the same feelings as Game of Thrones books with lots of political maneuvering and the building and breaking of kingdoms, which I really enjoyed.

It did start out pretty slow with the pacing, making it sort of difficult to get through the first quarter but it picks up after that and all the pieces start coming together.

Cayden is so much more in this book and I loved it so much. His character is so much more open and his relationships with the side characters like Finnian and Ryder are perfectly done!

I cannot wait for the next book, I know so much is going to be happening that I am so excited for!

Wrath of the Dragons was a fabulous sequel to Darling's first book Fear the Flames. Wrath of the Dragons is a great example of the romantasy genre, with romance being the center of this fantasy adventure. I enjoyed the development of the side characters as well as getting to spend more time learning about Cayden. The only thing keeping this from a 5 star book was that at times it felt a bit repetitive. This is not uncommon with second books in a series but something to note. You can find my TikTok review on my page NOW! https://www.tiktok.com/@bergengardner/video/7504710428719664415

I mean, holy crap. What a sequel. It's so rare imo that a sequel lives up to our expectations/we love it as much as we did the first book; but THIS book!!! Ugh I'm struggling to put into words how it made me feel, obviously gotta love the core 5. But even the other 2 characters that get roped in and start appearing more often - i grew to like them after knowing them only a short amount of time!!!
Its so heart breaking and healing to watch Elowen continue to doubt her instincts and the people around her/their intentions but watching these characters stay by her side and tear down her walls; knowing she believes people just want to use her, is so wholesome. She truly finds a family worthy of her love and devotion.
We get to see her bond and relationship grow with all her dragons and on an individual level and it is SO sweet!!!
Watching Cayden try to earn their favor by sneaking them treats is so cute.
Also, CAYDEN?!?!?! My favorite part of romantasy books is watching the MMC who has been through literal hell and shut himself off from emotions and vulnerability's; slowly allow this woman to wiggle her way into his heart in a way that he didn't think was possible for someone like him. And same goes for Cayden - he truly believed himself incapable of loving someone/being loved by someone, and the way he completely embraces the fact that Elowen is now the axis on which his world turns is BEAUTIFUL and I loved every second of it.
The ending of this book was spectacularly devastating; the plot possibilities that were just opened ?!?!? BOOK 3 IS GOING TO EATTTTTTTTT like ?!?!?! I am SPEECHLESS
co never will ever get enough of this story and these characters

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC!

I am very upset that is read this---purely because now I'll have to wait even longer for the third book unless the book gods bless me with an ARC of the next book. That cliffhanger was brutal, and I may never recover.

I loved the first book---both the trad and indie versions---and I loved this book, but I loved this book for different reasons. In this book, we get so much more of the world, and we get to see some more of the myths and legends of the continent as well as the dragons themselves. I also loved that we got to explore new places, places that had been mentioned before, but had never been visited before simply because Elowen, the main character, never got that chance considering her circumstances in life. Considering the way the book ended, I've no doubt that even more will be explored and even more revealed about the myths and the gods themselves.

I also loved that we got both Elowen and Cayden's POV in this book. I enjoyed reading Elowen's POV in this book, but I loved reading Cayden's because that man is so far gone for Elowen, it's insane. He's such a simp and is well aware of that fact, but doesn't care, which more power to him for it. Considering where the last book ended and how it did, I'm not surprised Elowen was hesitant and uneasy around Cayden for quite a while, but I was internally screaming at her to just forgive him because Cayden was like a lost puppy while she was upset with him---though, I can admit that it wasn't entirely unfounded and Elowen's past does make things a little complicated for her in terms of feelings. The wedding scene, though? Chef's kiss.

There's also quite a few new characters introduced in this book, and based on the interactions with the main crew, I wouldn't be surprised if some new romantic relationships form from it. If that were the case, I would not be upset, and would look forward to it, especially since there's one potential pairing that I will like the female half will the the male half alive---though he doesn't seem all that concerned, but than again, Cayden never did either, so who knows?

All in all, it was a great book filled with memorable quotes, bantery scenes, and intense, passion-filled scenes that really made everything come together. As I said, those last like twenty pages were brutal, and I will forever hold a grudge against Olivia Rose Darling for that, but I am extremely excited to see where the next book goes and if we potentially get any more POVs down the road, given everything that has happened.

I genuinely thought Fear the Flames had me wrecked. I gave it five stars, clutched it like a lifeline, and dramatically whispered “what a ride” as I closed the final page. But Wrath of Dragons? Oh no. This wasn’t just a ride- it was a full-blown emotional demolition derby with dragons, betrayal, longing, and war crashing into my fragile little heart from every direction.

From the very first page, this sequel grabs you by the throat (affectionately) and does not let go. It’s faster-paced, ten times more intense, and brimming with the kind of tension that makes you forget to breathe. The stakes are sky-high, and so are my stress levels. Every chapter is like walking a tightrope over a volcano- you know something’s going to explode, you just don’t know when. And when it does? You feel it in your soul.

What I absolutely loved is how the world of Ravaryn expands here- bigger, darker, more dangerous. The diplomacy is sharper, the politics more cutthroat, and every alliance feels like a ticking time bomb. And through all of it, our central duo is navigating not just a kingdom at war, but the war within themselves. The longing. The mistrust. The what-ifs. The ache that hurts so good.

But let’s talk about the emotional trauma, shall we?

I was not prepared. No one warned me. I thought I was strong- I had survived other emotionally devastating fantasy reads (Onyx Storm, I’m glaring at you)—but this book made me feel like a crumpled scroll on the floor of a war room. My heart was shattered, rebuilt, and then shattered again, but somehow I’m still crawling back, whispering, “please, sir, may I have some more?”

There were moments so raw, so gut-wrenching, I had to put the book down just to stare into the abyss. You ever get hit with a line that feels like it reached into your chest and yanked out every unresolved feeling you’ve ever had? That’s Wrath of Dragons. I was mourning things I didn’t even know were happening yet. The angst was unrelenting in the best way.

And yet- despite the pain, despite the emotional combustion this book put me through- I’m obsessed. Fully, unapologetically obsessed. The writing is stunning, the pacing relentless, and the emotional payoff? Brutal and beautiful. I’m already mentally preparing for a reread, highlighter in one hand, tissues in the other.

So yes, I’m a shell of a person. Yes, this book wrecked me. Yes, I’m begging for the next installment while also kind of fearing it. But honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Wrath of Dragons is everything I want in a romantasy sequel: sharper, darker, more emotional, and utterly unforgettable. If you like your fantasy with teeth and your romance with ache- this one belongs on your shelf.

Just don’t forget the emotional support beverage and a dragon-sized box of tissues

Wrath of the Dragons
by Olivia Rose Darling

Olivia Rose Darling delivers once again with Wrath of the Dragons, the fiery second installment in the Fear the Flames series. She masterfully blends dark fantasy with sharp humor and unforgettable banter, making this a sequel that doesn't just live up to the first book, it raises the stakes.

The story picks up right where Fear the Flames left off, with Elowen torn between her heart and her doubts. Cayden has stolen the throne, but was it for power, or for her? As he tries to prove his loyalty and love, Elowen finds herself caught in the political chaos of realm-building and rebellion.

Together, Cayden and Elowen must form uneasy alliances with outcast princes and neutral kingdoms to stop the looming threat of Garrick, Elowen’s father and the true villain of this tale. But there’s more at play than politics and warfare. Ancient magic stirs beneath the surface, and in this world, fate comes with a price.

I rated Wrath of the Dragons 4.5 out of 5 stars. Cayden and Elowen’s dynamic is a standout, their banter crackles with chemistry, and their emotional growth kept me turning pages. I also loved getting to know the dragons better, their personalities added depth and charm to the story.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read this thrilling fantasy!

Oh my god. What will I do with my life now?
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I can say it did not disappoint. We have more world building, more lore, we learn more about magic and we travel to different places. The scale feels bigger and it was such a fun ride.
Elowen and Cayden’s relationship is so complex, and it is a slow burn (even if technically they were already a couple); they grow and communicate like a real couple and you can really feel like they are equals. The things that this man says about his wife, my god. I highlighted most of his dialogue.
I will also say that the intimate moments were so meaningful, like sure it’s spice, but they are intentional.
The ending of this book broke me and I need book 3 tomorrow.
Thank you Ballantine and NetGally for the ARC. My review will be posted on Fable (link below) and my IG (@ignoreandread)

I can not say enough about this sequel. I gellin love with Fear the Flames but wow. Olivia Darling grabs at your heart strings and takes on a ride (Dragon ride?)! The characters are even more loveable and the banter is always a great way to relieve some tension. 10 out of 10, in my book!

3.75 stars

Bless Olivia Rose Darling for giving us Cayden's POV! That boy is so down bad for Elowen, he wouldn't just burn the world down for her, he'd destroy everything in his path to get to her!

What I liked:
The dragons and Elowen's bond with them!
There is a lot of relationship time with the found family that I loved!
The growth of the romance is written well!
God's blessed binding at the wedding ceremony
The alliances they made along the way

Where I struggled:
It's long (544 pages) and there was a lot of inner dialogue that felt repetitive and could have been trimmed up a little. There was a lot of travel and more than one battle (maybe 3).

The characters and the relationships are my favorite part, and this one ends on a cliffhanger!

Romance Content: Open-door with explicit language
Closed-door modification: ch. 38, 39, 46, 49, 56, & 65

Thank you Ballentine - Random House for my #gifted ARC.

Giggling and kicking my feet, FINALLY CAYDENS POV, I ate this up and left ZERO crumbs, loved this more than the first, the writing is addictive, pacy and easy to digest!

Name a man more obsessed with his wife YOU CAN’T because Cayden Veles takes the cake and I LOVE HIM and getting his POV for this book was everything!
Elowen is such a gem of a FMC and I will protect her and her bb dragons at all costs!! The found family in a series is always a beautiful thing and that’s written so well here! Loved, loved, loved this book!!

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

Enthralling and emotionally devastating, Wrath of the Dragons is phenomenal!

The dragon queen and the demon commander have joined forces and seized the throne in Vareveth and now have their sights firmly set on Imirath, war, and retribution. War is coming and alliances will be made but who will be left standing?

Wrath of the dragons is action packed with bloody battles, impressive magics, and political schemes at every turn. The plot is thick with strategic maneuvering, world expansion, new allies/enemies, character growth and is paired with a dual POV throughout. This explosive sequel to Fear the Flames will leave you ruined on the edge of a cliff, hanging on for dear life, begging for the next book.

thank you so much for the ARC! i was honored to receive it.

there were some exciting moments and lots of fun banter and humor in this book, but i’m sad i didn’t like this more. i have been SO excited for this sequel because i loved fear the flames, but i found it hard to get into until i was over halfway through the book so it took me forever to read it all. the pacing felt weird and it was a bit repetitive.

i really do love cayden and many of the side characters here so i had so much fun being back with them, and i really enjoyed the humor and lighter moments. the last 20% was very action packed and exciting too! the ending was very unexpected and took a pretty crazy turn, so i am still pumped to see how that will play out in the next book.

i was surprised and a little disappointed about how little the dragons were actually a part of the plot other than as battle weapons and how little i feel we still know about them and their personalities and their differences etc. i thought they’d feel more like characters but they’re kinda more like pets. also i kept getting zale and zarius confused? this is a mixture of random thoughts but i think my overall feeling is that this was just okay. definitely not bad but not my fav.

Firstly, I want to thank Netgalley, along with Olivia Rose Darling and Ballantine | Delacorte Press. It was truly an honor to receive an arc, one I don’t take for granted in the slightest. I cannot WAIT to hold my physical edition of Wrath of the Dragons in my hands.

Now, for the review. I’ll put a spoiler warning, though I’ll post no spoilers.

Truthfully, I can’t really gather all my thoughts as I’m reeling from the ending. I simply cannot think. My chest hurts. I’ll try my best to say everything I want to.

For starters, I loved getting to see the characters grow further into themselves, loved seeing their bonds strengthen beyond what they were already. I absolutely loved meeting new characters, learning of their personalities and stories. I loved reading of new scenery; I loved the characters experiencing new things, stuff that they never thought they would. I loved it all.

Truthfully, I was worried towards the 75% mark. If they kill Elowen’s father her revenge is over, how will the series continue on? What else will cross her path so that she’s forced to wield more fury with her dragons? How can you continue when a driving plot is no longer an issue? That was my main thought.

I got my answer. :) and wtf. (That’s all I’m saying in regards to that.)

Elowen. The beginning of the book, her thoughts, her worries, her fears. All of it. It struck me. Now, I can’t really conjure up thoughts in regard to Elowen at this moment, for reasons I can’t quite explain with words. I am so immensely proud of her, the way she fought with every ounce of her, her dragons, Cayden, and the others alongside her through every battle fought. She’s made so many sacrifices just for others to be happy, and in return, she both suffers and feels immense love spreading. That’s all for my girl Elowen.

Cayden. Wow. It was so interesting to see inside of his mind, to understand the inner workings of every one of his actions. His complete and utter devotion for Elowen was so visceral in every aspect. He plowed through steel and bones just for her, and, in my opinion, is the highest form of love within the fantasy fiction world; If he could wield fire, the world would be burnt to an ash.

That’s all for now. I need a nice long shower to quell my thoughts.


I lied, I’m putting one spoiler, but it’ll be a bit down because hehe. It’s not a really big spoiler, just my exact thoughts at the moment in which they were thought at that very exact moment. Mkay? Mkay.



























WHAT THE ACTUAL FLYING 🤬 WAS THAT ENDING????? I CANT DO THIS!!!!!! MY HEART IS DEAD AND SMASHED ON THE GROUND IN THE BLOODY DIRT! MS DARLING WTF

Okay, emotional meltdown over. Bye