A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride
Rating: 4 stars

As ever, thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for letting me continue to get my hands on new releases, it makes for an incredible happy book dragon...and speaking of dragons -

A book with dragons!! It probably hasn't been a while, but it feels like it's been a while, and I really enjoyed this book. This tells the story of Aemyra, the first true heir to be born in a century (the true heir is a woman, it's been a lot of men for the past 100 years).

When her ambitious plan to take the crown is foiled, she must navigate a castle full of political perils, while trying to avoid one of the most powerful dragon riders and fire wielders in the country - Prince Fiorean.

Firstly, loved the dragons in this - the dragon riding dynamic definitely gave me an Eragon call back, and I enjoyed the complexity of the magic building. I definitely feel like book two needs to explore more of this, as I don't think Aemyra has grasped her true potential.

I liked the range of characters in this, although Aemyra herself felt a little 2D at times. I don't know if it was just the circumstances/she was meant to be quite a headstrong person, but I just didn't get some of her decision making - they were characteristic of a teenager, not a twenty something.

I enjoy the dynamic between Aemyra and Fiorean, and the political drama that unfolded. I definitely sensed that this was propping up for a much bigger story, and in all honesty I look forward to reading it.

This is a really promising first book of the series, and the great news is it's out at the end of this month!

Also shout out to the author for including the pronunciations and really showcasing Scottish Gaelic - we stan!

Complex world-building, political manipulation and plot twists that leave you spinning; this book was downright intoxicating and gave me exactly what I have been looking for. Yes, there are your typical dragons and magic systems, and as good as that can be, this book gives you so much more.

You do get dropped straight in with the heavy world building, but don’t let that deter you. Once I got just a few chapters in, I knew this would be devoured in one fiery sitting. I got so swept away with the book that I truly felt right alongside Aemyra, experiencing each turn of events as if we were both the same 26 year old trying to figure out life (okay, so maybe one of us struggles to get out of bed on a good day, but this book absolutely made my whole world dissolve into a distant fog in a way that made us feel one in the same). Though the cast of characters offer up many a frustration while reading, this only pulled me in deeper as the author manages to curate your emotions at any given point and lead you through the FMCs viewpoint, however misguided and naive that may be. A few of the situations did have me questioning why the cast would decide on their bizarre courses of action, however with the amount of background plotting and ulterior motives that we are seemingly unaware of, nothing would surprise me by the end.

I found the book to be energetically paced and I truly could not put it down. The world that we are introduced to is incredibly captivating and is a brilliant start to the series - one which I will be excited to return to and expand on, because the ending will leave you begging for more. I loved the Gaelic inspirations throughout and the love of Scotland that comes through which only amplified how atmospheric of a read this book was. Plus, who doesn’t love a slightly unhinged, fire wielding, dagger filled enemies/lovers trope? (Sign me up every time!)

Thank you to Hazel McBride and the publishing/NetGalley team for allowing me the opportunity to give an advance review of this book. A Fate Forged In Fire was a truly intoxicating romantasy complete with dragons and fire magic, earning an enthralling 4.5/5 star rating ✨

DNF

Unfortunately this wasn’t for me. The premise was good and I really wanted to like it. But I just couldn’t get into it at all.

3.5 I genuinely enjoyed this book. It was intriguing and had many amazing things. I was immediately captivated by the political aspects of the book. I genuinely enjoyed the different characters and all the complex dynamics. But the pacing was what really drew back the book for me, in the beginning thier was so much information that it was a bit much at moments. Scenes would go from high intensity to slow and contemplative fast and it would feel like i missed something in between. Like we were being told so much rather than seeing it. At the end of the day I really did enjoy the premises and cannot wait for the next book.

I finished this a few days ago, and have since been wondering what to say in my review. It’s not very often I finish a book where I’m left not sure how I feel about it 😅

I found the beginning quite slow and I did struggle a little to get into it, but as soon as I hit about 30% I was very much sucked into the story. I would have liked more world building, especially with the magic system, as only fire was really explained, and there were other elemental magic users introduced at parts in the book.

I also really struggled to like the FMC. She was made out to be such a strong lady who helped the community and was so powerful, but I found her to be very arrogant and stubborn. She also made some really silly decisions that frustrated me through the book.

Now, after 30% I pretty much devoured the book. I felt semi invested in the main characters, and I really liked arranged marriage element in it. I am a sucker for enemies to lovers, and the tension between them was so well done. But I felt like their feelings for eachother grew a little bit too quickly for my liking. However, it makes sense as to why when you get near the ending.

Unfortunately I did see the ending coming, and I pretty much guessed it just after the arranged marriage, as the mmcs behaviour felt a little too eager.

But that being said, I can see how this book is going to be super popular, and I will probably continue the series.

Thanks so much to the publisher for the eArc in exchange for an honest review

A FATE FORGED IN FIRE is the first book in the Bonded to Beasts series, featuring Aemyra as the young queen who wants to claim her throne.

This is a fast-paced story that does come with TWs, so please take note of them. There is a lot of information regarding the world-building at the beginning, which is a lot to take in, but nothing much really about Aemyra and her upbringing/relationship with her family. Basically, in a matriarchal society, she is the first female born in an arm of the family that doesn't hold the throne. So, of course, she's been trained from birth to takeover when the time is right. And that's what this instalment is about.

The two MCs - Aemyra and Fiorean - are married after she goes off to avenge her family and gets caught. I preferred their relationship when they were enemies as it seemed forced when they were 'together.' Aemyra is hard to like as a character. She shows very little empathy for anyone else, even other women in the same situation as she is. She is headstrong with a quick-fire temper and wonders why no one takes her seriously with the plans she made on the hop when full of emotion, which completely fall apart at the seams when it comes to the execution of said plans. Fiorean makes a comment that she has been raised as a puppet and I completely agree. Honestly? At this stage, I'm struggling to find any redeeming qualities in her. She is the most reactive character I've read in a while.

Terrea was the best character, especially with her fondness for Aemyra's twin brother, Adarien. Draeven was a d!ck, no two ways about it. And the others... had their moments.

There were parts of this story that I enjoyed and parts I didn't. I would definitely read the next book in this series as I am hopeful for character redemption and would love to see Aemyra mature. Plus, more Terrea! I think this book will be loved by some and not by others. For me, I'm on the fence and waiting for the next one.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 1, 2025

Oh I absolutely loved this! It had a bit of a slow start but once it got going I was gripped and I struggled to put it down.

The characters, the world building, the plot it was just everything I love in a fantasy book.

I cannot wait for the next book.

I know many books have been described as riveting or gripping over the years, but I rarely find myself actually rushing to finish a story these days the way I have with this novel.
I adored the world A Fate Forged in Fire is set in, with its matriarchal society threatened by religious zealots who want to see women put in their place (very apt, very rage inducing), with all the Scottish traditions and language bleeding through and shining brightly. The characters could have easily fallen into two dimensional molds, but instead they leap out and scream to be heard, especially the FMC. Strong-willed, self-assured, very impetuous and trusting. The MMC is both Mr Darcy and Jaime Fraser coded and I'm so here for it. To give him his dues, he's also an obviously well developed character beyond his sex appeal with drive, motivations, fears, and hopes.
And because it couldn't be a fantasy novel without some conflict, the war that is waged on these pages had me raging. A queen stripped of her birth right, a plot to see her on the throne, and everything that might go wrong along the way. If that isn't sufficient endorsement I don't know what can convince you to pick this up.
Honestly I just want the next installment now. There's no way I can wait to see how their story pans out

Edited to add another star as I can't stop thinking about this book.

I wasn't entirely sure about this book to start by by the time I was 20% through, I was absolutely hooked.

It has so much of what I love in fantasy books: interesting world building that isn't too dry, a great magic system (I want to know more about this though), dragons, strong female characters, a queer normative world (for the most part), politics, a mostly believable romance and one hell of an ending.

I will say that there are parts that were quite graphic so some trigger warnings would be good. There's a fair bit of violence against women, the death of children, attempted forced sterilisation and a controlling patriarchal religion. Everything is handled well though and there is purpose to all that happens.

I can absolutely tell that this is going to be a hugely popular book amongst fans of romantasy. If anyone tries to compare it to Fourth Wing though, they're wrong. This is better.

Thank you netgalley for this arc!

This was so much FUN!!! I was so into it right from the start to such an extent that I was SURPRISED!! It’s intense! It’s action packed! It’s a blockbuster! I actually need to cram the next one directly into my open mouth RIGHT NOW

I genuinely tried to enjoy this. Like trying to force down a dodgy pint at the pub, but it was a struggle. The chemistry between the main characters? It was more like two soggy biscuits in a teacup—no spark, just a bit limp. And the fantasy element? Well, it was about as magical as a soggy umbrella in a drizzle.

At the halfway mark, I thought, “Aha! We’re finally getting somewhere!” But then it all fizzled out faster than a firework in the rain. I was left wondering if I’d nodded off and missed the good bit.

The male lead was as exciting as a beige cardigan on a rainy day. Honestly, I’ve seen more personality in a traffic cone. As for the female lead… well, let’s just say I’d rather have a chinwag with a brick wall. At least the wall doesn’t keep interrupting me.

The storyline? As thrilling as watching paint dry on a Tuesday afternoon. And the characters? About as interesting as a packet of plain crisps—no flavour, no crunch, just there. I couldn’t have cared less if they wandered off into the nearest ditch and stayed there.

Aemyra & Fiorean
True enemies to loves
Well written fantasy world
Dragon riders
Betrayals
Elemental magic (fire, earth, water, air)
Fast paced read

Ahhhh this one is so good! But CLIFFHANGER!!!! I need book 2 now!

This one is a *true* enemies to lovers. Actual enemies, with a natural progression to more!

This book has amazing world building, is action packed and full of plot twists! I was so invested in the characters, needing to learn more and praying for a good outcome!

I cannot wait for more!!!

I thought Hazel McBride's writing was beautifully crafted with a gritty, intense plot and a powerful feminist message at the heart of her story, which is about the battle for freedom against the subjugation of women and extreme religious ideologies. Her characters are engaging with lots of depth, bags of flaws, and complicated relationships (and plenty of juicy morally grey motivities flying around). The world-building brings to life a beautiful, complex Game of Thrones-styled world that is at war with lots of intrigues, dethroned royals in hiding, and power struggles for control of kingdoms, magic, and dragons.

In the end, I realise not all the books trending are going to be my cup of tea. That's OK. I can still appreciate the quality of a well-written book without loving it. I wish Hazel McBride all the best for A Fate Forged in Fire, which deserves to be a best seller and be loved by lots of readers. I'm gutted that I won't be one of them.

If you are considering reading, please carefully read the trigger warnings for A Fate Forged In Fire. It contains scenes of sexual assault, violence against women, and the death of a child.

A Fate forged in Fire 🐉🔥

Thank you so much to Dialogue Books & Hazel McBride for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I had to DNF this about 31% in, I feel such a conjecture of emotions writing this review because I was really enjoying it the unique magic systems, the slow burn, political intrigue. Absolutely LOVED the Celtic inspiration, Scottish Gaelic, and was super excited to really get into the plot.

It was slow to start but that doesn’t factor into why I DNF’d. I just found it very hard to understand who is who or what’s going on especially with all the world building, and erratic story line. I think with it being an E-ARC there wasn’t a glossary which would have helped me better understand, however there was a pronunciation guide which I did find helpful, unfortunately it just wasn’t the book for me.

This book was a very intense fun read. I suggest reading the trigger warnings as there are some scenes which really pull you in. The writing was vivid, imagination catching and fantasy inducing.

Tropes
* Hidden heir
* Enemies to lovers
* Slow burn
* Dragons
* Religion based politics
* ‘My wife’
* Touch her and 💀
* Bisexual FMC

If you’re a fan of 🗡️ to throat moments and a true enemies to lovers vibe then you’ll like this book! There’s an intense religious political system of magic born Vs non-magic and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Amreya, our FMC, definitely has some learning to do as she navigates her position in the world.
Our MMC, Fiorean has some explaining to do, as does Amreya’s father 🙊 there were some absolutely perfect ‘my wife’ moments throughout though so I’m looking forward to seeing more.

There are dragons too 🐉 Terrea is an absolute boss dragon and is definitely in charge 👑

Thank you to NetGalley & Hazel for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️

Quotes
* those who grasp for power will never keep it.
* “Unhand my wife, or lose it”
* A blacksmith could take a tumble in the sheets with a rival, but a queen could never take her enemy to bed.
* I am the light. I will shine.
* Aemyra had been forged in fire, but a queen would rise from the ashes.

I really really wanted to like this book. When I read the blurb and saw the marketing for it, I thought "Damn, this is right up my alley!".

Dragons, Enemies to Lovers, a fierce FMC and elemental magic. Sign me up - or not.

The dragons were cool and the description of the world and the different locations were really immersive and beautifully written. I also liked the religious sub-plot and the commentary on real life issues such as oppression and misogyny, but those are about the only positive things I can say about this book.

The first 50% felt like wading through mud. The reader gets bombarded with worldbuilding, a million names and places that we are supposed to know (i guess?) and just a really confusing storyline. It was so much telling instead of showing that I found myself wondering, if the author didn't believe in my ability to figure it out by myself.

The FMC was in fact not fierce, but rather arrogant, unlikeable and did not think her actions through one bit. I couldn't bond with her at all and frankly, I didn't really care what happened to her. She kept on telling everyone that would listen that she was this mighty fierce queen and the rightful heir to the throne, but acted like a teenager that couldn't quite keep her emotions in check.
All the side characters fell really flat for me and because of this onslaught of different names, I sometimes couldn't even figure out who was talking right now and what their role was.

The whole love story didn't do it for me either. Yes, they really are TRUE enemies to lovers that hate each other in the beginning, but I never felt a spark, a connection, tension - really anything. The male love interest felt more like a cardboard cutout than an actual three dimensional human being.

It had potential to be something great, but this was a disappointment.

Read by my daughter in law. She said that the book was ok but was put off a bit by the erratic pacing. Was fine for a beach read but did not like it enough to want to read the next one.

It took me a very long time to get into this book, the beginning was too slow and then the rest of the book was too fast paced. All the fight went out of the characters and considering ive seen it advertised on social media as sapphic the girl literally jumps the first hot enemy man she sees. I saw the twist at the end a mile off and was just kind of bored tbh.

4.5 stars

This book gave me Game of Thrones, mixed with real enemies-to-lovers romantasy 🔥🐉❤️

Badass FMC who is a freak in the sheets and a beast on the battlefield. 😈💪🔥

The first half of the book really sets up the story with history, background, family, the enemies, and those in between. It also gives us a perspective on the FMC's relationship with her dragon. 📖🐉🤔

The second half of the book gives us eventual lovers, backstabbing, war, death, juicy spice, and an enemy you wish you could end for the FMC, as these people are vile. ⚔️🔥💔

I really enjoyed everything about this book, even though it seemed a smidgen slow at the start; I really feel it was necessary for the epic second half. 👍📖💯

If you love dragons, you will love this. 🐉❤️🔥

If you love enemies-to-lovers, you will devour this book. 😋📖❤️