thank you NetGalley and HMH Children's Book Group for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

tw: anxiety

I won't lie, when I first started this book I was at the beginnings of a bad slump so it took me putting it away (for a month) and then coming back to it this past week. And then I read half of it in 2 days and the last 40% in 3 hours. This book made me want to have a pet dragon and made me contemplate my wardrobe on more the one occasion (see super fashionable lady villain).

Eden and Dani were *refreshing* sibling dynamics. Too often than not, the rivalry sibling dynamic can quickly devolve into just blatant and superficial jealousy, but what I experienced from the Rivera sister's was so much more nuanced and complex and as a sister myself (of a Latinx family) I really appreciated this approach to sibling rivalry that was based on legitimate fears but also fierce love for each other. I cannot speak to all books featuring a character with anxiety but this one resonated with me. Eden is in therapy and is managing her anxiety, but that doesn't mean it has magically disappeared. I recognize my triggers and have learned to cope but that doesn't mean that they still don't trigger me and I never have bad days anymore and that was something I saw in Eden. She is doing well but she still strives to do better and pushes herself - sometimes too far - and I loved the way Soria portrayed that.

This book was not a romance by any means, but I liked the inclusion of the possibility of one. I cannot speak to the bisexual rep of Dani, so I hope someone does! But her relationship with [spoiler] never felt forced and actually contributed to the plot instead of being included just for *tension*. The little hints at Latinx life, especially how long it takes us to say goodbye at parties was the unintentional comedic relief I needed. Also, Tomas and his Captain America-esque "language" comments were lovely.

My only gripe (that I can think of) with Fire with Fire is that it was predictable at times and I was not really feeling the whole Sadie storyline with Tomas as well as some plot things that didn't make a whole lot of sense at the end. Predictable does not always mean bad! And there were some twists that I genuinely didn't see coming. Overall, Destiny Soria has wove a really fun and powerful tale about the lengths we will go to for those important to us.

Fire With Fire was a really thoughtful and mystical story that took me by surprise, a story about the bonds we forge and the ones we're given. I knew I'd like it, but I LOVED it. I loved the dual viewpoints between sisters Eden and Dani, and how their contrasting personalities propelled the plot forward. Although their purposes were different, you could tell that each girl's actions were motivated by that shared bond between them as family/sisters. This wasn't the ordinary sisterly bond I see so often in fantasy novels that have them. Eden and Dani's relationship is complex, imperfect and messy, and that made it feel so real. I LOVE NOX. Like love him so much. The lore of the soul bond and how close he and Dani became was just so sweet, and his running commentary throughout this novel made me round this review up to a total five stars. He may be one of my new favorite book dragons. Truly, this book was so stinking good, with complicated relationships, impeccable worldbuilding and magic systems. There's fantastic representation with issues of mental health and sexual identity, and the characters are really diverse. Fire with Fire is a story that gave me all the feels and held me enraptured. Not once did I feel like reading this book was a chore. Not once. So pacing was great. Fire with Fire is about the lengths we will go to to preserve the bonds we have in our lives, and how those bonds can define us.

I came across this book a few months ago and I was so excited to see a concept about sibling rivalry, which is one of my favourite tropes that I wish to see more of in fantasy. Naturally I signed up for this tour the minute I saw the email in in my inbox. And suffice to say you all should absolutely check out Fire with Fire.

Reading Fire with Fire was pretty easy. It’s fast paced with simple writing, I didn’t even realise how quick I read it as I flew through the chapters. The plot, though predictable-ish picks up a couple chapters in and with interesting descriptions and easygoing simple writing, it absorbs you into the story. Being a standalone, everything wraps up neatly.

Juggling between the POVs of the sisters, Eden and Dani, we get insights to their bond and how each of them view their relationship. The alternating POVs get especially interesting when the two are against each other. It helped understand their motivations and thought processes better and of course provided for the dynamic and conflict between Eden and Dani.

I was quickly invested in Dani’s POV. She’s the stubborn heroine wanting to save her loved ones throughout the book. I had fun reading her snarky and emotional interactions with her bonded dragon, Nox. Eden, dedicated to her family legacy and would go to any lengths for it, was relatable to me in terms of dealing with her anxiety.

I also liked Dani’s conversations with her friends, however minimal they were. Kieran was one character I wanted to see more of. The villain fell somewhat flat to me, they weren’t intriguing but just someone there to create frcition. I really liked the idea of dragons being able to communicate with humans, in an urban setting.

Though, I did feel as if we could get more backstory of the worldbuilding and dragons. And I don’t know if this problem occurred because I read an e-copy but the POV shifts were abrupt at many places that I didn’t understand when they switched.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Fire with Fire! For readers looking for fast paced urban fantasy with dragons, magic, action, easy plot and sibling angst I strongly recommend this to you.

I might be slightly biased, but I'm quite obsessed with dragons, okay? Also, any story that centers around family dynamics, specifically siblings, is begging me to read it. On top of the strained relationship between sisters and dragon-slayers-in-training Dani and Eden, author Destiny Soria explores the power and pain associated with legacy. Who am I as a result of everything that came before me? If I don't live up to expectations, am I unworthy of my family name?

It was an absolute treat for me to see how dragon slaying is examined through the eyes of a girl who wishes she weren't so good at it, and a sister who's desperate to be half as good. Bonus points for a fresh, compelling magical system revolving around the human-dragon soul bond, as well as the inclusion of magic-wielding humans! This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys humor, heart, and layered portrayals of what it means to belong in your own skin. Destiny Soria delivers yet again.

I enjoyed this book so much! From the setting to the characters, Soria was on point with this one. I don't usually enjoy fantasy, but this one really hit the mark for me.

Although I liked the story of this one, I felt it took too long to get to the main part of the story. I enjoyed the fight scenes, they were well written and visceral, but too much other stuff happened beforehand. Dani's friends were great, the scenes with them were fun. I'd try another book in the series, if there's planned to be more, but I won't be dashing out on publication day to purchase straight away. I hope it does really well, I think a lot of other readers will enjoy it.

Fire with Fire is a wonderful new YA dragon fantasy following sisters Dani and Eden who are constantly at odds about what should be prioritised in life. Where Eden prioritises training and preparation for the fight, Dani wants to take a back seat and live a normal high-school life. Right from the get-go, this book establishes the two sisters and their dynamic. Their relationship is clear and intrinsic to every aspect of the story. Their bond and their differences are abundantly clear immediately and impact the story in such interesting ways.
With differing POV books, I often tend to favour one POV and dread the others as I wish I was back with my favourite but that wasn't the case here at all, I genuinely very much enjoyed both sister's voices and valued both of their contributions to the story.
I highly recommend this book and love the representation of Mexican Americans, Queer people (including Bi & Achillean characters) and anxiety.

Julie Kagawa’s Talon series turned me into a big dragon fan. It’s not hard to see why this book made its way to my TBR.

With this being an urban fantasy, the author did an excellent job with world-building. Dragons and sorcerers have existed for hundreds of years with humans believing they’re nothing but a myth. Dani, Eden, and their family have had to straddle both worlds for years and lie to everyone about being slayers.

It’s evident early on that Dani and Eden are opposites. Dani has a natural talent when it comes to dragon slayer training, but all she wants is a normal life with friends, school, and a summer job. For her sister Eden, joining the family business is everything, but without a natural aptitude she has to work much harder to succeed. Although the older sister, she’s always felt as if she lives in Dani’s shadow. She just wants to be seen and appreciated for her talents, and that’s exactly what the sorcerers offer her. Talk about manipulation. Despite the sisters’ differences and occasional arguments, the bond between them figures prominently in the story.

The soul bond between Dani and Nox takes both of them by surprise, and it doesn’t start off as an easy or natural relationship – totally understandable when one is a human and the other a dragon. Once they grow more comfortable, their snarky comments to each other became one of my favorite parts of the book. Dani’s relationship with best friend Tomas (and his completely easy to love family) is also a bright spot. Why people think platonic relationships of the opposite sex are impossible is beyond me.

The teen conversations come across as entirely authentic, and the plot moves along at a brisk pace. It certainly didn’t feel like a 400+ page book. This novel appears to be a standalone, but the author left a door open to continue this story, and I’d love to see what happens next.

With complex family dynamics, power plays, sorcerers, magic, beautiful friendships – and most of all dragons, this is a novel that will make urban fantasy fans very happy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

At first, I was having a hard time getting into the story. In the first maybe 25% of the story is more of them just going through their every day lives and reads very young adult. However, at about 30 to 50% we really get into the plot and what’s going on with the Sorcerers. I love the dialogue between the two sisters as it feels very real. They love each other however differences make them frustrated with each other and have fights like normal teenage sisters would do. Her friendship with her best friend Tomas Is endearing and one of those they’re actually just best friends and there’s no romantic interest involved. Friendships like that are kind of a breath of fresh air in young adult books. I love dragons I am basically any kind of large flying creature interest me and intrigues me so the soul bond between the dragons was very interesting to read about and very enjoyable to read about. The conflict between the sisters towards the end of the book is really a heartwarming tale of how sisterly bond and friendship can overcome the truest evil. This book will have you sitting at the edge of your seat biting your nails wondering how in the world it’s going to end.

I was so happy when the e-arc for this showed up in my e-mail because I have had it in my tbr since September.

I flew through the reading and am very sad that this is a stand alone book.

After this book I very much just want a dragon and a immortal love interest, is that too much to ask?

Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group & NetGalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Actual rating is 2.75 stars out of 5.

Fire with Fire follows the points of view of two sisters, Dani as the natural Chosen One and Eden as the hard-working sister who struggles to catch up to Dani and lives in her shadow. Oh, they're born into a family of dragon-slayers! Until Dani runs into a dragon and finds out they're not...that "evil" after all.

The book has a really cool concept but it wasn't really executed too well in the writing for me. Sorcerers! Dragons! Not all of it is explained, though. Sorcerers are a big part of the book are somehow still...not really explained.

Nox was a great dragon character and an easy favorite, though again, like sorcerers, his kind were not explained in great detail. At least he had a reason in that he was one of the last ones left but it's still...not fully explained in a way that it feels satisfying.

The romance felt shoe-horned in, I wish it was more focused on the sisterly bond instead. Then again, it's hard to push for a nice sisterly relationship when the one sister is a total jerkwad. I personally would've preferred it if Dani was the only POV and Eden actually stayed "mean" and maybe in the second book start a redemption arc or something? But no, Eden and Dani made up despite Eden making some really awful decisions. I really did not like Eden if that isn't obvious. It ended up becoming really difficult to read her chapters after a certain point because she's so...callous.

Doesn't help that the main antagonist was flat and boring as heck, they were just missing a mustache to twirl. I prefer villains with decent backstory and theirs was pretty "eh".

Despite my whining, it's not really *that* bad, it's got great ideas, I think my issues were mainly with the writing. Oh, and beware of the chapters that suddenly switch POVs halfway through just to confuse you. Keep an eye out for those!

Dani and Eden Rivera are raised in a family of clandestine dragon slayers. Eden, the eldest, wants to be the best; she constantly pushes herself to prove her worth, while struggling with anxiety that everything she does is never quite good enough. Dani, who seems to have a natural gift for slaying and combat, wishes that she could instead live a normal life. Everything changes the night that Dani is attacked by, and forms a soul bond with, a dragon named Nox. As Dani learns more about dragons, Eden is drawn to the sorcerers. The two sisters will have to figure out what is important and what they are willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals.

Overall, I think that this book had a good idea, but struggles with the execution. Starting with the positives, I actually really enjoyed the characters of both Dani and Eden, although I wish that they had been more fleshed out. There are moments in the novel where both characters feel somewhat flat, although this could be a consequence of it being the first book in a series. It was an interesting choice to have Eden struggle with anxiety disorder and push her into certain choices, but it didn't always feel real to me (a person who struggles with anxiety spirals). Dani reads like a typical teenager and we definitely got more character development on her side, but the constant reinforcement of "Dani makes bad choices" or "Dani rushes into things too much" felt overwhelming. At a certain point, I wanted Dani to take a minute to think about her choices OR to trust that the reader would remember this particular character flaw. The magic in the novel is interesting but completely unexplained. There is a very brief explanation of how sorcerers are made, but other than that, there is zero explanation for either soul-bonding (an important plot point) or the way that magic works in this world. I missed the worldbuilding that I think this book definitely needed. Where do dragons come from? How does a soul bond actually work? Why did people decide that dragons were evil? There's a history here that I feel is missing, or that we're supposed to just take at face value. I will note that I notice these things in part because I read a lot of fantasy, but I don't know that a younger reader would be bothered. Bottom line, I did enjoy reading this novel, but I don't know that I would have finished it if it wasn't a book I was reviewing.

~Thanks to Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Fire with Fire in exchange for an honest review. ~

I was automatically sucked into this because it seemed reminiscent of How to Train Your Dragon and I love good sibling relationships in stories. I did like the basis and struggle we see between Dani and Eden, the thing that should bring them closer is also what's driving them apart. However, I think the dual perspective was used so that we could connect and sympathize with both characters, but I had a very hard time doing so with Eden. Her anxiety gave her a bit of depth, but all in all, she seemed pretty heartless and narcissistic. Dani, on the other hand, was funny and proud of who she was, if a bit annoying at times, but she's a teenager.

Other characters? Nox was a sarcastic ass and I loved him. Tomas fell a bit flat for me. I liked the drama revolving around Sadie and Dani's past and actually wish more time had been focused on questioning one's sexuality. Kiernan was intriguing and brought some depth to the history of dragons, but my god, the romantic aspect was so insta-lovey and creepy as well. Can we please stop putting teenagers with dudes who are hundreds of years old? Oh, and the villains were fairly bland.

When I initially went into this, I thought the setting would be more fantastical, rather than urban fantasy, but I was intrigued to see how it would be handled. Unfortunately, the worldbuilding was pretty minimal and not explained very well, which meant I was never completely immersed in the world.

The writing was very tell, not show, and possibly because I thought this would be more fantastical, I also expected much more action and fighting, but that didn't really happen until the final climax. The story dragged a lot and ended up being pretty predictable. I thought there'd be some surprising twists, but in the end, this fell pretty flat.

4 stars *may change

This book was so cute! :)

I knew when I saw that this had a latine main cast I had to pick it up, and while I'm not a fan of ya, this book was really charming. The writing style was quite simple which only added to what is a bit of an absurd and silly plot — dragons living in the modern age and hunters having to kill them? Even the main character remarks how weird it sounds. Actually, for a ya book, it slipped a surprising number of f-bombs in there, and I'm sitting here like, "yeah...this is how my family speaks all right."

I really like little details that I can see myself in — from the food they eat, how the characters speak, the dynamics, and especially Tomás' "Mind your language" every time Dani said Oh my God lol.

I'm not personally close to my sister, so reading about sister bonds like these are always really interesting. To see how two people can have such a strong connection and watching said connection falter over time after error and doubt. It's a different kind of dynamic than they have with anyone else, so seeing it crumble and change is always an experience.

I just think it was very...? Charming? Cute? Have I used both of those words already? It's an endearing book with a simple plot and characters you can follow. Something lighthearted-sish (dubious) to read.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advanced reader's copy.

4,5 ✨
ARC provided by NetGalley.

Fire with Fire is a wonderful standalone fantasy novel. It features latinx and bi representation. It's about power, betrayal, sacrifice and relationship between two sisters.
I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did but it was a nice suprise. However, but it's just me, since it's a standalone it was kinda hard for me to be 100% into the story at the beginning.
I absolutely love the fact that this novel was anchored into real life, with some pop culture references, but also has it own fantasy world with dragons, dragons slayer and sorcerer.
The plot is so interesting and original.
I loved the relationship between Dani and Nox, the dynamic between these two is so much fun. I also really liked Dani as character in general, the way she is willing to put herself second for her sister was beautiful.
This novel has also some great side characters.
I feel like everything in this story matched so much, if you're looking for dragons story with badass women this is one is definitely for you!
Fire with Fire is out June 8th!
(Look at this beautiful cover too)

Secret dragon slayers. Cunning and powerful sorcerers. Dragons. Sisters.
This book was such a wild ride!!!
Just when you think you’re getting the hang of things.... BAM... an insane plot twist comes out of NOWHERE and keeps you on the edge of your seat!!!
Dani and Eden are the product of a legendary dragon slayer family
Eden- who suffers from severe anxiety and panic attacks (TW) is fiercely determined to be the best. Focused on her studies and dragon slaying training, Eden is not one to mess with. However, her sister Dani is the complete opposite of her.
Dani is carefree and headstrong. She doesn’t particularly want to become the best dragon slayer but her technique and skills are incomparable.
Both sisters have grown up hearing the horror stories about dragons and how deadly and dangerous they are to humans.
It isn’t until one day that Dani stumbles upon a dragon and is able to read his thoughts that she realizes history is not always what it seems.
With high sorcerers at her back, and a family of dragon slayers, Dani does not know what to do about her new and sassy dragon companion.
Filled with a magical adventure about family and trust, Fire with Fire is a fantasy you will want to read!!

Ahhhhh this book!!! It definitely progressed so much cooler than I could’ve ever expected!! And Nox totally stole my heart! I want a sassy dragon companion PLEASE!!
Also, my all time favorite element of this story was that The Rivera family are MEXICAN!! As a Mexican American, representation such as this brings me SO MUCH JOY!
Being seen as a bad ass dragon slayer is absolutely phenomenal. I am in the moon!
The twists and turns had me REELING & the last sentence had me both excited and in awe! I can’t wait for more 🙌🏼

EN/ Review

The story of these two TAPATÍAS Dragonslayers is one of the best books I've read this year. The sister dynamic is the most realistic thing ever, at least from my experience with the relationship with my two sisters. You have no idea how much I loved to see myself, a born and raised in Mexico, in a fantasy, I mean, who didn't dream about be the one who can talk with dragons? (👏REPRESENTATION IS IMPORTANT👏)
Also, gosshhhhh, the way Destiny talked about mental illness is something I haven't found in any other book, now combine it with a good treatment (professional) for them is something we need in every story for young adults.
I must admit that my favorite character is Nox and his insistence on singing Kumbaya (made me laugh every time.)
I would like to thank Destiny and her team for letting me read an advanced copy, I really appreciate the intention to give Latinx representation, both in the book and the marketing. Hope your book makes it onto Latin-American shelves.
________________________________________________________
ESP/ Reseña

La historia de estas dos TAPATÍAS cazadoras de dragones es uno de los mejores libros que he leído este año. La dinámica entre hermanas es de lo más realista, por lo menos desde mi experiencia con la relación con mis dos hermanas. No tienen idea lo mucho que amé verme a mí misma en la historía, nacida y criada en México, en una fantasía, o sea, ¿Quién no soñó con ser aquel que podía hablar con dragones? (👏 LA REPRESENTACIÓN ES IMPORTANTE 👏)
Además, por dioooooossss, la forma en que Destiny habló de las enfermedades mentales es algo que no he encontrado en ningún otro libro, ahora combinelo con un buen tratamiento (profesional) es algo que necesitamos en todas las historias para jóvenes adultos.
Debo aceptar que mi personaje favorito fue Nox y su insistencia en cantar Kumbaya (me hizo reír en cada ocasión)
Me gustaría agradecerle a Destiny y su equipo por dejarme leer esta copia avanzada, realmente aprecio la intención de dar representación Latinx, tánto en el libro como en el marketing. Espero que su libro llegue a los estantes de Latinoamerica.

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. I don't often like urban fantasy, but Fire with Fire was done very well. Honestly, the world needs more dragon books, and this is a fantastic one to add to the mix.

I really liked the doubling points of view between the two sisters. I could sympathize with both of them, and I loved their character arcs. Eden's arc was especially well done. I also loved the secret world of dragon slayers and sorcerers and of course the DRAGONS. I really want a sequel to this book just because I'm so attached to Dani, Eden, and the dragons.

I will say that this book has a lot of pop-culture and super modern-day references (which in general draw me out of a story) and f-words. So beware if these things bother you. On the bright side, this book does very well in addressing mental health, and I think it's worth the read if you like dragons and well-developed characters.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley, for the ARC!

FIRE WITH FIRE is a book I seriously wish had been around when I was a teenager. Biracial Latina sisters Dani and Eden Rivera training from childhood to join the family business of dragon slaying? My fantasy-loving teenage self would have spontaneously combusted from joy, and I’m still thrilled I got the chance to read it now. Author Destiny Soria put a little bit of everything in this book: sibling conflict, figuring out who you are/want to be, cat-and-mouse games, romance, and—of course—dragons!

I really enjoyed Dani and Eden as our narrators, especially since they often don’t see eye-to-eye. I understood Dani wanting to do her own thing and not prioritizing her dragon-slaying talents despite family expectations, and I totally got why Eden would be so frustrated by that, especially when she was taking things seriously and still falling short of Dani’s natural talent. Even before a dragon and magic come between them, the sisters’ dynamic felt very real and occasionally heartbreaking. It was always interesting to see them from each other’s point of view and realize how close to/far off the mark they are. Your enjoyment of this book is likely to hinge on if you can sympathize with both of them (and I am happy to report that I did!).

FIRE WITH FIRE moves quickly and expects its audience to keep up, which I enjoyed. Sometimes fantasy books set in the modern world have a difficult time integrating the two, but I had no trouble believing that the Rivera family were part of a small group of dragon hunters, ever vigilant for the growing-closer-to-extinction-each-day dragon-kind. It was nice to see that the Rivera parents had day jobs, Dani had a summer job, and Eden was taking college classes. That retreat to a (mostly) normal home made the adventures with dragons and sorcerers all the more spectacular—and there are some fantastic confrontations and fights in this book.

While I largely view FIRE WITH FIRE as an adventure story, we do have some romantic subplots that support the main action. Dani is canonically bi (and has to deal with the first girl she ever kissed coming back to town), and both sisters have their own romantic subplots. I do wish we had gotten just a little more of Eden’s developing romantic relationship, though I will admit that prioritizing Eden’s relationship with her sister and herself was the better narrative decision.

Recommendation: Get it soon if you’re in the mood for a contemporary fantasy. FIRE WITH FIRE is a fast-moving book with a sibling relationship at its heart and a lot of fun adventures running through it. This is the first book I’ve ready by author Destiny Soria, and I will definitely keep an eye out for her next project.

First of all, who doesn't love a book about dragons. I really enjoyed the sister dynamic between Eden and Dani and both of them trying to prove themselves to their families and their dragon-slaying heritage. The transition between scenes sometimes felt a little blurry and it took me a couple pages to re-situate myself in the story, but I had so much fun watching all the chaos unfold.