Wow! This book was a PAGE👏TURNER👏! I couldn't devour it fast enough. I didn't realize it was going to be a series until the very end and now it makes sense how tragic the FMC story is throughout, this is her origin story. She's literally fighting for her life from the very first page even though she has no idea why or what's going on. I'm not sure if we're supposed to, but I hate the MMC. He's big Tamlin vibes and just like in ACOTAR I kept being completely repulsed by his behavior and totally hated him even though I thought I was SUPPOSED to love him. 🤣 From 50%-75% I actually thought I didn't like this book. There's so many questions and never any answers, only more questions added to the list. It felt like the story changed directions several times and like it wasn't tying things together or wrapping anything up. The side characters are all assholes to the FMC and we don't really get to know them that much so when some of them die it was like, "eh".. BUT then in the final battle and the conclusion chapters it sinks in that this is a series and the author has spun a really intricate tapestry of information and characters and a whole multi-species magic system that we've only scratched the surface of. From Blood and Ash is one of my favorite series of ALL time and this story is constructed in what appears to be a very similar way. The FMC lands in a world she knows nothing about with power she can't understand or control and this 1st book was a carefully crafted foundation for the incredible things yet to come. I cannot WAIT to see Evie step into her power and show all these folks who is really the boss. She will be a force to be reckoned with. And I hope the 2nd MMC who we only briefly have the chance to swoon for becomes the Casteel to her Poppy. ❤️

Huge thanks for NetGalley and Troubador for allowing me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review! My review is shared on Goodreads, Fable, and Amazon. 💕

2 ⭐️

Okay so here’s the thing: I’m totally fine being thrown into action. I like chaos. I like waking up in a world mid-breakdown with no map and a knife in my hand...but what I don't like is confusion that feels unintentional.

The first few chapters of WILDFIRE are a fever dream...but not in the fun, haunting way. More like, “Did I skip a prologue?”... We’re in a nightmare realm? Real world? Combat training? Is the trauma emotional or spatial? Who knows. Not me. Not the MC. Probably not the editor either.

The writing tries to be gritty and visceral, but it ends up tangled in itself. You’ve got clunky metaphors, awkward internal monologue, and a pacing issue where action scenes feel like they’re happening underwater. There's blood and death and glowing blue daggers... but it’s giving “fight choreography written in a blackout.” And the tone bounces between sarcastic inner dialogue and deadly-serious grief without earning either.

Evie (our FMC) has fire powers, dead parents, trauma, and the personality of a very loud Tumblr post from 2012. She’s angry, impulsive, and rude in a way that could be endearing if she ever… evolved. But she doesn’t. She's the same disaster from page one to the final chapter, just with more body count and bigger flames. I kept waiting for the “moment of growth,” and instead I got “oops, forgot that important plot point I lived through.”

Honestly, we could’ve used another POV if only to take a break from the aggressive internal monologue and erratic choices. Mel and a few side characters showed promise, but they barely get any page time. (Tragic. I liked Mel. Mel deserved rights.)

And then there's Kit. Secretive, pale, immortal(?)...basically a fae blueprint. But instead of communicating like a functioning adult, he just broods and gatekeeps critical information while vaguely flirting with the girl he promised her dead mom he’d protect. There’s also the “you look like your mom” line, followed shortly by sexual tension. So yeah, it got weird. Fast.

The worldbuilding? Vibes over logic. Factions are thrown around like we’re supposed to already know them. Locations are mentioned, but they never feel lived in. Syrestia could’ve been rich and immersive, instead it's just…not. At all. It reads like a storyboard with missing captions.

Bottom line: WILDFIRE had all the ingredients for a solid romantasy, but none of the execution. It’s giving first draft energy with a side of teen rage and trauma bonding. If that’s your thing, godspeed. Personally? I’m tapping out of this series unless book two comes with a character arc and an actual map.

*ARC provided by NetGalley & Troubador for my honest review.

I went into WILDFIRE hoping for an exciting, mysterious ride, but the first 50 pages left me completely confused. At that point, I was struggling to enjoy the book because so much felt unclear, and I felt like I was missing essential context. I understand mystery is part of the book’s appeal, but a little more setup early on would have helped me stay engaged and invested.

The relationship between Kitt and Evie felt rushed and unearned. Their constant push and pull reminded me more of 12-year-olds testing boundaries than two people growing emotionally together. The rapid back-and-forth happened so frequently that it lost its emotional weight, making it hard to care about their dynamic.

As for Kit, he basically disappeared in the last 20% of the story. I get the whole “tough love” trope where a character distances themselves for the other’s good, but his absence felt too abrupt and unexplained. Aside from one scene, he vanished without any proper resolution or reconnection, leaving me repeatedly wondering, “Where the hell is Kit?” It felt like the story simply forgot about him.

On a more positive note, Ishmael was a standout character. He brought a calm, intriguing energy that cut through the chaos, and I genuinely wished the story had explored him more. Deb Ellen, if you’re listening, please give us more Ishmael!

The ending was strange — the very last paragraph sparked some curiosity and gave the story a slight boost, but overall, it felt rushed and unresolved. While I’m okay with cliffhangers and open questions, I didn’t like feeling like I missed half the story.

In summary, WILDFIRE has some interesting elements and characters, but the confusing start, rushed relationships, and abrupt character disappearances made it hard for me to fully enjoy. With better pacing and more clarity, it could have been a much stronger read.

I wanted to love this book so badly. The cover art, the premise all really spoke to me. Sadly I found it difficult to get on board, and some aspects for me made this an absolute no.

Positives, the magic system in this feels interesting and exciting. The layering of the factions and the political issues was something I really wanted to get into.

Sadly, we never do, and the writing style for me makes the world building and anything else going on difficult to engage with. There's ever really a beat in the book where we absorb anything.

Major issues are with the FMC. She's highly unlikeable in every way possible. Petulant and toddler like in her actions she basically scream tantrums through the book in a hugely off putting way. Yes there are events which occur that may make this somewhat understandable on occasion, but she gives zero thought to her actions, or what she's trying to achieve. Her motivations flit from I want to find out what I am, to I want to find out what happened to my parents, to you can't stop me doing this so I will. It's so inconsistent that I find it impossible to find any common ground with her. If she doesn't know what she's screeching about, why should I care?

Then we have the MMC and the romance aspect. Far too insta love for my liking, but I will normally put that aside as a personal preference for a slow burn. The real issue is communication. There is no miscommunication trope in this book, it's straight up no communication. They're speaking different languages almost. Plus there's the whole part where he repeatedly references her as a child to different people and that meant I was never getting on board with this.

I have left my review here, but have chosen not to review on Amazon or Goodreads.

This had all the elements to make it a fantastic read but it was incredibly frustrating. The last 30% were perhaps the best parts.

The miscommunication trope was annoying and Evie the FMC would have been better if she’d taken some agency and asked questions, gone to the library and read some books - rather than lashing out every time people didn’t say or act in the way she wanted.

I completely get that she has issues. And to begin with could really relate to her - I moved around a lot, have a younger brother who can do no wrong - but rather than looking at how she could
Improve things she’s moody and immature.

I also was not a fan of the Evie and Kit dynamic. That was toxic.

I enjoyed the latter part of the book when Evie got to know some of the other characters - love Alakim, and Ishmael is intriguing for sure.

Will I read the next book? Likely. As I said, it had all the elements: unique world, elemental magic but done in a slightly different way, prophecy, courtly intrigue.

This book dives straight into the action and maintains a fast pace from beginning to end. The characters are engaging and diverse, each bringing something unique to the story. I especially enjoyed the magic system and the various aspects of the different creatures. There's definitely potential for a sequel, and I’d love to see more of these characters in future adventures.

I love the world building and the unique magic system! I can also appreciate the FMC development through the story. I however can see this could swing toward why choose and even if it's not something I seek out to read it works here within this story! Also I have to say the cover is beautiful!

I feel like the writing doesn’t do a good enough job of conveying what’s happening to us in certain scenes. Also the world building is hard to follow at times. It just feels a little forced, overall.

The action in the book was repetitive in my opinion. Girl gets upset, does something she’s not supposed to, something bad happens and she gets caught, rinse and repeat.

The idea itself is very cool. I love the “normal” modern human world aspect and different worlds and realms, and the lore as well. I’m interested to see how this will end up playing out but tbd on if I’ll pick up book 2..

I do not like Kit. At all. I’ve read plenty of books with rough MMCs, and usually I don’t mind, but this is too much for me… lifting her BY HER THROAT, slamming her into walls and furniture, etc… and then saying he cares for her.. it just doesn’t track. But Ishmael is intriguing and I am curious about THAT storyline playing out.

Some stories entertain, but Wildfire did more. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. Evie’s journey was one of strength, struggle, and self-discovery, and every moment with her felt raw and real. I found myself rooting for her, aching with her, and celebrating her triumphs. 

And Kit—what a beautifully complex character. The slow-burn romance between him and Evie had me completely hooked, each interaction brimming with tension and emotion. Their chemistry was palpable, making their connection feel so authentic.

And then there’s Ishmael—complex, mysterious, and impossible to ignore. Every scene with him added depth to the story, making me constantly question his motives and alliances. Although I feel he only took interest in Evie when he found how who she really was.

Beyond that, the world-building is incredible. Syrestia feels so real, like a place I could step into and get lost in. The magic, the politics, the danger—it all came together perfectly. 

This book left me thinking about it long after I finished. If you’re into fantasy with high stakes, deep emotions, and characters that stay with you, Wildfire is absolutely worth the read! 

P.S Team Kit 🥰

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I am so ready for book 2! This leaves you with wanting more and devouring the book all at the same time. It had a good intense slow burn and you can't help but feel for Evie who is struggling, grieving and fierce all at the same time. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I enjoyed reading how this developed and seeing where it goes

Wildfire was an intriguing read, but I found myself getting distracted by not fully understanding the world building which was key to the larger plot and conflict. I understand that this was important as Evie was also brand new to the world as she grew up in the mortal realm and kept in the dark regarding her birthright and her parents’ backgrounds.

The political intrigue felt unique and kept me guessing of what was going to happen. There was a wide variety of powers that I wish was further explained and fleshed out.

Kit was an interesting MMC, but one of my most frustrating things was his behavior whenever he almost became or was intimate with Evie. It was really disappointing that I felt he was using her.

The introduction of Ishmael is the main reason that I am most interested in continuing the series.

With thanks to Deb Ellen, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

Wildfire surprised me—in the best way. It starts with heartbreak and ballet shoes, then sweeps you into a world of elemental magic, political unrest, and a heroine who’s just trying to keep her world from falling apart (again).

Evie is raw and real. She’s grieving, angry, and powerful in ways she doesn’t fully understand yet. Watching her grow into that power—while navigating a complicated new world and an even more complicated ex-assassin named Kit—was such a satisfying journey. Their dynamic is slow-burn perfection: tense, tender, and never overdone.

Deb Ellen’s writing is vivid and immersive, with just the right balance of action, emotion, and world-building. The lore is rich , but it never overshadows the heart of the story: a girl learning to trust herself again.

If you love romantasy with depth, danger, and a touch of the unexpected, Wildfire is absolutely worth your time. I'm looking forward to book 2!

I devoured this book in 24 hours. Literally. Couldn't. Put. It. Down. Reading into the middle of the night, telling myself “just one more chapter".

Deb Ellen has created a world that's alive with:

🪄 Magic that’s both mysterious and dangerous
🏰 Intricate political power plays
💘 Romance that feels earned, not forced
🌍 Stunning world-building
👯‍♀️ Friendships that made me emotional

The plot and storline was unpredictable in the BEST way. Every time I thought I had something figured out—absolutelynot! I never knew what was coming, and that’s so rare these days.

But I’ll be honest—keeping track of the factions, lands, and all the names was a lot. At times, I had to flip back or pause to reorient myself. A glossary or map would’ve helped. Though I do find myself in this predicament with other fantasy books, it's alot to take in.

Still, that didn’t take away from how much I loved this story. The pacing was electric, the stakes were high, and the emotional payoff and interpersonal relationships between the characters was fantastic.

I’m now desperate for book two. I need answers. I need more of these characters. I need MORE WILDFIRE.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 if I’m being picky about the complexity)