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. 😋📖❤️

This book took me a little while to get into, but when I did, it did not disappoint! I loved the rich Celtic-inspired history, the dragons, the magic system, and the fact our MMC is based on Aemond Targaryen from House of the Dragon. Speaking of which, this is perfect for you if you're a fan of Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon.

It has an amazing enemies to lovers romance (and lots of dagger to throat scenes!), political intrigue, and matriarchal lore. This book is also for you if you're an ATWTMVTVFTV fan and want to yell "fuck the patriarchy". Our FMC has the most beautiful arc, and she is so powerful and witty.

Overall, an amazing book for the girlies who love dragons, witty banter, slow burn, cocky MMCs, and forgotten heirs.

Enemies to lovers
Dragons
Powerful FMC
Magic
Political intrigue

I devoured this book in the space of a few days. The action starts in the first few pages and does not let up. I loved how the FMC was flawed as well as being strong and independent. She was learning and developing through out the book. I loved the dragons but want more of them in future books. The magic systems was interesting and its link to the four different areas. I was in tears at times and laughing at the banter at others.

The political machinations were complex and kept me guessing throughout.

A Fate Forged In Fire is a fantasy novel with Scottish roots and beautiful worldbuilding. The novel follows the Princess Aemyra, who rises from the shadows to fight for her rightful place on her clan’s throne. She faces opposition from the current ruling family, dragons, a complicated relationship with her father, and the threat of an oppressive religious order. I enjoyed the matriarchal nature of the clan; they worship Goddesses, and all of their most important historical figures were Queens. The religious order, the Chosen, have a disdain for the clan’s magic and believe that women ought to be subservient to their husbands. They team up with the ruling family to fight Aemyra, and commit horrific acts against her, but this only demonstrates the strength and dignity of our heroine. Her character development, with its romantic complications, takes the reader with her. The novel ends in a way that left me desperate for a sequel. All in all, this is a fantastic fantasy book, with a romantic edge that does not take away from its political intrigue.

🐉🔥 A Fate Forged in Fire ARC Review 🔥🐉

This was a debut? Wow! I was absolutely blown away by the writing as well as how easily it flowed. I sometimes struggle with character names in complex fantasies but each character was unique and interesting enough that I could follow it easily 👏🏻

The story was told in such a digestible way that when I put it down and came back to it the following day I could pick up where I left off without having to give myself a recap or go back a few pages. Overall I've given it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25 stars!

I really liked Fiorean, especially the "Get your filthy hands off my wife!" scene as I love a protective and possessive MMC! 🥵

Our FMC Aemyra was a strong badass character, although a little too trusting of her father straight away considering he wasn't in her life until recently in the book.

If you love tropes like arranged marriage, forced proximity, enemies to lovers and a medium burn romance then you will enjoy this one too. ⚔️

I'm so glad I ordered the Goldsboro special edition because this book deserves all the special editions. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store, I want more dragons, more tension and more feminine rage!

⚠️ I recommend reading the content warnings because there's a lot of things that happen, specifically one thing in the last third which could trigger some people. ⚠️

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc of this one 🫶🏻

I can definitely see this book being a hit with some people but unfortunately this one just wasn’t for me. I found the storyline very confusing and hard to follow at first. I found the fmc a bit unlikable from the start.