I devoured this book overnight. I love me some academic enemies to lovers with hidden identities. This book is a great read for anyone who are fans of Fourth Wing. I cannot wait to read the next installment, especially after everything that we found out in the ending! Plus broody + sunshine = chefs kiss. Writing book 2 on my tbr now!

I usually take notes while I read to help prepare for my reviews… not this time. I was head down, nose in my book, and couldn’t pull myself away to jot down a single thought. I was completely lost in the story. It didn’t even occur to me to stop. I was hypnotized by this book, fully under its spell, and I loved every second of it.

All Ara had to do was deceive her family. Join the Skyriders Academy. Disguise herself as a boy. It all sounded like a great idea at the time. But now, right in the thick of it, things are getting hectic. Ava is cursed—a death sentence not just for her, but for the family that has protected her secret. Her one way out? Become a Skyrider, bond with a magical bird, and earn magic as her only true salvation.

What she didn’t expect was Joel Cassius—her longtime crush and her brother’s best friend being named her squadron leader. And she definitely didn’t expect Tate Kyronos—the cold, closed-off, and entirely too distracting centurion she can’t seem to stop staring at. Yeah… this plan definitely sounded better in theory.

I demolished this book. I devoured it and left the bones clean. I finished it in a day and a half. I ignored my children, neglected all my responsibilities, and I regret nothing. Ara is a fiercely independent, delightfully feisty FMC who relishes a challenge, has a quick tongue, and isn't afraid to use it. Tate is strong, fiercely loyal, and has a heart that made mine melt. Together? They are the definition of a delicious slow-burn, forbidden romance, and I ate up every second of it.

This story was fast-paced and action-packed, set in a beautifully depicted, utterly immersive world. Now I’m stuck not-so-patiently waiting for book two… and it might just kill me!

Thank you NetGalley and K.J. Altair for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

If Fourth Wing and the movie She's the Man had a baby, it would be this book. I was really impressed by the detail put into this world and how effortlessly it flowed in the story without feeling like info-dumping. The characters were really likeable and fun to read about, and the romance! UGH! The slow burn was so deliciously painful, but I loved every second of it. I need more books with men who yearn like Tate yearns for Ara. The pining and angst and desire was palpable between the two of them and I am obsessed. This one was almost a 5-star read for me, but there were some plot holes that even the vibes of the book couldn't get me to overlook. Part of Ara's test to get into the academy was a physical examination where she was stripped down to her under garments but the healer examining her failed to notice she was a girl?! Big major spoilers ahead! I don't understand Tate's big revelation at the end that Ara used to be betrothed to him and now is betrothed to his brother... didn't we, the reader, already know and understand that when we saw Ara figure out that Tate is the crown prince she was previously engaged to? And wouldn't he already have figured out that she was Tamara Blackstone when Darren announced to him that she was his sister? Especially since they literally used to hang out with each other's families as children?? I also found it a little annoying that when the POVs switched, often times time would jump back to the start of the scene that we just saw occur from the other character's POV instead of continuing where the chapter left off. Sometimes it was nice to see the scene from the other perspective to get a full picture of what was happening but often it felt like unnecessary information to know what exactly was happening with the other MC at that point in time. Overall though this book was a gem. I'll be thinking about it for a while and waiting for book 2 will be painful! Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

ARC Review – Feathers of Ash and Hope
📖 Book 1 in the Flameborn Series

WOW – what a ride!
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. If you’re a fan of Fourth Wing, magical creatures (yes, I’m looking at YOU, majestic birds 🐦), forbidden love, slow burn romance, curses, secrets, and strong female leads – then this book is absolutely for you.

Ara is a fierce and lovable FMC who lives up to her nickname, Sunshine ☀️. Her banter, strength, and emotional depth made me root for her from page one. And Tate? Let’s just say… “he falls first” never hits as good as it does here 🧡

The world-building was immersive, the pacing strong (especially the second half – I could NOT put it down), and the dual POV added the perfect emotional balance. There were twists, heartbreak, and moments that made me tear up, especially one scene after the fire… 🥹

Yes, it has hints of Fourth Wing in structure – military academy, bonding with creatures, secret identity – but it stands beautifully on its own. K. J. Altair’s writing style is smooth, emotional, and filled with just the right amount of tension and tenderness.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Cliffhanger Warning: OH YES.
Final thoughts: I’m emotionally devastated (in the best way), and I need book 2 right now 😭🙏

Thank you to NetGalley, Edwyn Publishing, and the author for the chance to read this stunning ARC!

This was such a lovely story!
This is the best type of fantasy! I don’t think I can quite put into words.
K. J. Altair‘s writing is captivating. She knows how to pull the reader into a magnificent and intriguing place.
The story was absolutely engaging and the work that went into the settings was noticeable and superb.
The attention to details in her writing really set the scene and tone.

This is a non stop action read from cover to cover that you won't be able to put down. If you liked fourth wing, but wanted it to move along a bit faster - this is for you. Magical birds, unique magic powers, cast of characters with different personalities and a couple of hidden identities and you have all the makings for an adventure! Would have loved more background on the supporting characters as they were introduced with individuality and complexity that leaves you wanting more. I can't wait for the next book and to hear more about the whole cast and where they go from here.

⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆

ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Feathers of Ash and Hope
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : K.J Altair
ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ : Book 1 in the Flameborn Series

Tropes include:
⚬ Military Academy
⚬ Curses
⚬ Forbidden Love
⚬ Slow Burn
⚬ He Falls First
⚬ Banter FMC
⚬ Dual POV

This book is about a young woman who has a secret that could be her death sentence. To attempt to escape her fate she joins the Academy to become a Skyrider in hopes to bond with a magical bird. If she fails, everything will be exposed.

If you like Fourth Wing, Military Romances and Magical Birds this book is for you! I really enjoyed it and ended up binge reading the last 50% of the book!

I really LOVE Ara! She truly lives up to her nickname, Sunshine. I love how upbeat and smiley she is even with the crappy cards of life she's been dealt with. She's brave and a true good soul. Can i be besties with her please?

Tate?! I love how he fell first! omg. He was such a teddy bear for her and it made me feel for him! I really wish i knew more of his secrets and his past, the reason for the mark on his chest!

I had a little cry when them two was talking on the cliff after the fire. You really felt the despair and hurt, i love it when a book makes me cry.

The ending had me like what!!!! KJ ALTAIR HOW CAN YOU LEAVE IT LIKE THIS!!! Pls pls can we get book 2 ASAP?!?!

Wow!

I'm back blasted into the normal world after reading this beautiful exciting story about Tamara (Ara) and Tate. It give me immediately 4th Wing vibes (not with dragons but with giant-ass birds) and I just couldn't put the book away.

Ara is a girl, raised between 4 brothers who are all in the army (healers, infantry, general) and she's forced to be married. But that's not what she has planned, she wants to let everyone believe she can be a skyrider too and goes into the school where they become Skyriders. But she's hiding there as a boy and unrecognizable as the sister of the General.
In here she gets to know Tate, a 3rd year Skyrider and she's completely fallen for him..

I'm so thrilled to say I LOVED it, and can't wait for getting my hands on book 2.
WOW, I'm still mesmerized by Feathers of Ash and Hope.

****5 STARS****

WOW!! This was such a great read. It definitely had all Academy magic vibes that are going around right now and was super excited to read it.
The story was so good and easy to follow there were so many twist and turns throughout the book it kept me on the edge of my seat at times. I was so entertained with her sassy attitude it made the FMC lead so much better it wasn't childish but she definitely held her own.

I couldn’t put this book down, the details throughout the story kept me right there with the characters throughout and it didn’t feel overdone. I am ready for the next one, that cliff hanger it just ripped right through me waiting to see what will happen to them next. I am eager to find out about her bonded and what strengths come up when she starts to develop her own magic I can’t wait.

Thank you to the author and NetGallery.com for getting a chance to read and review this book.

My hearth is so happy I got picked for this ARC and I was gifted the opportunity to read it early! This review is is written voluntary by a very enthusiastic reader!

I give this book a solid 5 stars and the fact I'm still smiling and are giddy for the next one tells me it is a amazing book!
The smooth writing let me slide straight in to the story and kept my focused al the way through, until there was noting more to read. Yes I even read the acknowledgement & about the author haha, cause well you can only hope for a little more, right!

I love the academy vibes, the mix of HarryPotter meets the Ruhk riders from Throne of glass. I KNEW I needed a book about Rukh riders, or Strix or any flying creature. The magic system is intriguing and feels new. And there is so much more to discover and uncover about a lot of the the politics and those Mists and don't get me started about the secrets, although I guessed some ;) The main characters have tension from the start and it is such a joy to follow their road and how they get to end up where they will be. I love the details, the friendships and the overall writing it just keeps giving you a little information at the time and I can't wait for the next part!

I defintly put this one as a favorite I read this year!

This book had me hooked! The writing style really drew me in, the character development kept me invested, and the world-building was well done.

I’m really exciting to continuing with work from this author, I felt her style really coming through even though I was slightly worried about some Fourth Wing vibes in the beginning. After getting into the story it was clear that this work stands on its own!

I want to start out by saying I finished finished this book in less than a 12 hour time frame because I was so hooked!
Feathers of Ash and Hope is full of mistrust in an academy setting and has a variety of mythical creatures. If you're reading the summary and seem to think that this books sounds like other popular books, I encourage you to give this book a shot because it is vastly different. The author wrote a strong FMC and stuck true to the character throughout the book. I loved that we get to see both Ara and Tate's prospective, We get to see the conflicts they both face and their love blossom throughout the book. I also enjoyed that some of the scenes we got to see from both perspectives. The characters in this book have dimension and the side characters have enough detail and banter that you will love them too. This book is definitely a slow burn, has tension and would rate a spicy level of 2/5.
As for the writing, the book starts out slow due to world building but is strong and keeps the readers engaged and wanting more. It's written in first person POV (my preference) and switches between the two main characters. Overall, this book was really well written and kept me wanting more the entire time.
Final thoughts: This book was a 5/5 for me. I am already ready for the next book due to the CLIFFHANGER that I was left with. I literally screamed at the end and my husband thought something was wrong with me. I loved this book from start to finish and cured a reading slump that I was in for a while. Make sure to pick up your copy on June 6th!!!

Thank you K.J Altair, Edwyn Publishing, and Netgalley for allowing me to read my first ARC and leave a review. I was ecstatic when I got the email! I hope to be on the future ARC list for the rest of the series ❤️ I know this may seem silly but it was literally a dream come true for me when I got the email

Loved how the world is built and all of the complexities within the characters. The unique pov storytelling was a first for me and it was amazing!

"She's the Man” meets “Fourth Wing”.

This book sucked me in from the start and I found myself staying up way too late to finish it.

The story follows Ara, the youngest sibling of a military family with four older, overprotective brothers. She is cursed, and her magic drains those around her. Knowing that her curse is a death sentence, she joins a military college with hopes of becoming a sky rider. In order to hide her intentions from her brothers, she disguises herself as a boy.

While this book clearly draws inspiration from Fourth Wing, and early world building is similar, it stands out on its own with a unique set of characters, conflicts, and plot devices. Never was I bored reading, and the way it ended…I need to know what happens next!

At times, I wish some side characters were a little more flushed out, but overall, it was a solid start to a new series.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this work! I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Tropes:
- Romantasy
- Curses
- Friends to lovers
- Banter
- Hidden Identities

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall Spice:🌶️🌶️

Ara and Tates story is full of lies, betrayal, and hidden identities. Ara is an incredibly fierce FMC and there is so much more to Tate. I loved watching their story development and the relationship blossom. If you liked the war academy setting and how the riders had to prove themselves to bond like in Fourth Wing, you’ll really enjoy this! It’s not dragons but instead huge majestic birds - one of whom really adds to the story with her sassy comments and superior attitude. This is an a slow burn romantasy with incredible tension but it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger which is the only “negative” thing I have to say and that’s only because book two isn’t out yet so now I have to WAIT! Otherwise. Perfection!

i really wanted to love this book, and the premise really interested me and i was super excited for it, but i unfortunately had to dnf it, it just wasn't working for me and i was find it a little bit too similar to other books which i had previously read

Let me start off by saying this book, Feathers of Ash and Hope, book 1 in the Flameborn series by K.J. Altair had me hooked from the start. It follows a strong female character who hides a “curse” from the world. With a secret identity, she joins a special academy of large birds of prey fliers in hopes of bonding with one and covering her curse. During her time at the academy, she meets the secretive and gorgeous Tate, gains many friends as well as makes a few enemies. The writing is very fluid and kept me thoroughly engaged and interested. Spice was not closed door, but very well done. If you love romanstasy with secret identities, deadly trials, academy relationships, slow burn hot romance, magic and magical bonds with animals this book is for you! I give this a 5/5 stars with a spice level of 🌶️🌶️ I was able to read this ARC provided for free by #NetGalley and am so thankful I was able to read this! I cannot wait to read what the author does next! #FeathersofAshandHope

This book was actually really really good! 4.5 Stars!

I won't lie, in the beginning, I was very worried because it was sounding extremely close to Fourth Wing. But after you get past the initial world building, the author really came into her own making this story. I think you can tell it was inspired by Fourth Wing but the author worked well to make it unique for her and to make this story shine as her own.

As always, I love a fierce, badass FMC and a MMC who knows exactly what and who he wants. This was a forbidden love type romance so there was none of the enemies to lovers type bickering. I wouldn't say it was necessarily instant attraction, but it was close enough. The book is full of action so it keeps you engaged throughout the story & a little spice at the end, if you enjoy that.

There were a few questions that I felt like didn't get answered in this book and I'm hoping they get answered in the second installment when that releases. I love an open ending/clifhanger because it definitely leaves you wanting more and the author did not disappoint in that area! I know Book 1 is just coming out but I'm really excited for Book 2 lol

*The only reason I took off .5 stars is because of the blatant similarities to Fourth Wing in the beginning of the story. I think had it been spread out throughout the story, it would've been less noticeable. But people may not agree with it right at the forefront that way.

Thank you so much K. J. Altair, Edwyn Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC! You guys be sure to get a copy of this when it drops on June 6th! You won't regret it!! 🥰

Thank you to the author and publishers allowing me to read the ARC before the book came out. The story follows a young Ara who is faced with a difficult position, limited in her options she decides to join academy. Feathers are ruffled (pun-intended) and secrets are shared. The start of the book was hard for me to follow but once I was 100 pages in I was hooked! There were a minor spelling mistake and odd grammar but I still enjoyed the book. Many say it's like fourth wing but I haven't read fourth wing so the story was intriguing. I like Ara as a FMC and Tate as a FMC... my man was DOWN BAD! I can't wait for the second book and I will definitely be keeping up with the author

4-1/2 ⭐️
I really enjoyed and recommend this book by K. J. Altair and I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the series. “Feathers of Ash and Hope” has unique magic, interesting characters, compelling intrigue, good world building, disturbing villains, suspenseful conflict and questionable gray characters that I’m looking forward to finding more about.

I love that right off the bat the story is dual point of view and I was quickly invested in Ara and Tate as well as their friends and truly appreciate the wider story this provides.

They both have secrets, they both have enemies, they find each other but will that be enough? Can they find allies? Will they survive or will those secrets and brutal enemies tear everything apart.

❤️🌶️🗡️⚔️🪶🐦‍🔥

I’ve seen some reviews comparing it unfavorably to others in the same genre but let’s be honest, a genre exists because the stories have a similar basis and a lot of Romantacy has a familiar feel with recurring pieces but this is no retelling of other tales. Don’t be discouraged if aspects feel familiar, that feeling leaves quickly as the uniqueness of the world shows itself.

I’m hooked and ready for the rest of the story!

This review is of an ARC copy provided by the author via NetGalley - thank you.