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To become the first queen in centuries, a powerfully blessed blacksmith must use her wits and fire magic to overthrow the corrupt powers ruling her kingdom—while also fighting her growing desire for one of her dragon-riding adversaries—in the first book of a sizzling Celtic-inspired fantasy romance duology. Once a territory built on matriarchal rule and values, Tìr Teine has since grown frail from a long line of fruitless kings. The most recent of which have ruled under the influence of the True Religion, an oppressive group who have steadily poisoned the region with their anti-magic teachings. Born to rule and blessed by fire, Aemyra has begrudgingly lived in hiding rather than risk her life in court, waiting in anticipation for the current king’s death so she can bond to his dragon, claim her throne, and protect her people. But when the king dies and Aemyra is ready to take what is rightfully hers, her ambitious plan is foiled and she is thrust into a game of vicious politics and plots. Her biggest adversary is Prince Fiorean, a dragon-rider and one of the most powerful fire wielders in the territory. Cold, arrogant, and blindly supportive of his corrupt family, he is everything Aemyra despises. But as chaos engulfs the court, they find themselves reluctantly entwined, forced to forge an uneasy alliance—one that quickly ignites into something more dangerous than either of them expected. Behind enemy lines and slowly falling for her so-called adversary, Aemyra uncovers just how far the rot of corruption has spread, and what she may have to sacrifice to claim her throne.
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04.5 ⭐️
A Fate Forged in Fire kicks off an exciting new fantasy romance series that promises to captivate fans of Danielle L. Jensen and Rebecca Yarros. With a delightful mix of beloved tropes and fresh twists, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves intricate world-building, sizzling romance, and compelling political intrigue.
At the heart of the story is Aemyra, the last heir to a once-thought-destroyed matriarchy. Hidden away for her protection, she must navigate a world of dangerous secrets, betrayal, and her own growing powers. As the last of her kind, Aemyra’s journey is both a personal quest for survival and a fight for her people’s legacy.
What truly sets this book apart are the rich, multi-layered elements woven into its narrative. The relationship between Aemyra and Prince Fiorean is full of tension, sparks, and intrigue. Their dynamic is further enhanced by an engaging mix of banter and the slow-burn romance that builds over time. There’s also an exciting magical system at play, where bonds with mystical creatures empower individuals, adding an extra layer of excitement to the story. And, of course, the dragons—an essential element of any good fantasy—are present in all their fiery glory.
Beyond the romance, A Fate Forged in Fire is rich in political machinations, making for a plot that’s both thrilling and unpredictable. Fantasy readers who love strong female protagonists, an LGBT normative world, diverse representations, and a healthy dose of drama, will be eagerly awaiting the next installment!
0Unfortunately, while the premise had potential, the execution fell short. I liked the Celtic inspiration and was excited for the House of the Dragon vibes, but there were too many missing pieces that made it a struggle to get through. The worldbuilding lacked depth, relying on heavy info-dumping without proper explanations, and the magic system felt underdeveloped, making it hard to stay engaged.
What frustrated me the most was the main character, Aemyra. She was unbearably immature, impulsive, and constantly angry for no real reason, making it hard to connect with her. The side characters didn’t help much either, as their personalities were flat and one-dimensional, making them forgettable. The romance was another weak point. Aemyra and Fiorean’s relationship was built entirely on insta-lust, with no real emotional connection. Their chemistry felt forced, making their dynamic unconvincing.
On top of that, the pacing was all over the place, making it difficult to stay invested, and the so-called twist was anything but surprising. And for a book that seemed to promise dragons, they were barely present, which only added to my disappointment.
Overall, this book just didn’t work for me. It had all the right elements but failed to bring them together in a compelling way.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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