I liked the premise of this book, and that's why I asked for the ARC. The individual chapters are action packed, with nicely integrated storytelling. My only nitpick is that each chapter felt too short; before I could really immerse myself into one world, the chapter switched to the other one, and it took me until halfway into the book to get a better handle on which world was which.

Thank you for e-ARC provided by Sourcebooks Fire in exchange for an honest review

4.5/5 stars

Because of it is in form of electronic, the progress that I have been making is terribly slow.


Furyborn is the retelling of Avatar Aang in female version plus with some angelic thingy. I love the Rielle part because her stories showed the progression faster than Eliane. I was waiting for so long when the hell Eliane is gonna show some power like Rielle if she was destinied to be the Queens. Eliane's part is bit draggy when I'm actually waiting her part to show off her power. But when I almost finished OMG Eliane you just show up at the right time !

Anyway this trilogy is so kicking ! The cover was hella beautiful as it fits to the story !

I recieved an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher.

I tried but could not get into this. I didn't like either of the 2 main characters. I didn't like how it started and then went backward and forward in time. I can't invest in characters that I know are going to die.

anyway, I was hopeful because I liked the cover and some of the other reviews and the intro historical document pieces before each chapter but could not even finish.

DNF.

I really could not get into this book. I pushed through and found myself disliking the characters. The two mains characters had fairly little differences and at times somewhat interchangeable

I heard so much buzz around this book in the book world, and it was definitely one of the most anticipated books for me this year. I found the plot extremely unique and this book was so ridiculously action packed. It kept me hooked from the first page to the last. The last 25% of the book or so was a bit heavy on the romance, but I felt it worked for the whole story. There were a few very steamy scenes, but they were done in a way that I wasn’t left uncomfortable.There was also a bit of swearing, but nothing too much, in my opinion.

I loved both of our main characters, Rielle and Eliana were such kick ass female characters. I will say they both had qualities that I loved, and a lot I wasn’t a fan of, but isn’t that the way some of the best characters are! The side character worked out well and served (some major) purposes.

I felt like having alternating chapters (which took place thousands of years later) was gonna to be this books biggest downfall. I thought I was going to be confused and it would be hard to follow. Luckily the way it was written made it very easy to follow between each of the alternations. The way everything meshed together just blew my mind. I didn’t see any of it coming, to say I loved it is a major understatement. If you are looking for an action packed fantasy with some romance this one will definitely be for you as well!

First of all, let me help future readers out for a minute; there's a section at the end of the book dedicated to giving you a little 4-1-1 on the world our characters live in in Furyborn. Check this out first and save yourself some confusion upfront.

Having said that, yes, the beginning is a bit confusing. The prologue was a trip to be sure. Legrand picks your mind up and drops you into her world with little regard to the fall. Fortunately, it's a short fall into said world; you get caught up to speed at about 30 pages in, give or take...if you chose to disregard my pro tip at the beginning of this review that is....(I took the time to include that gem; don't waste it!) I was quickly able to grasp the majority of the concepts and magic system and buckle down for the story ahead. Just shy of 80 pages in, I was hooked and unable to focus on anything else. Even work. Like at all. ...It wasn't until after I had finished the book that I realized there were over 500 pages to this book that I just consumed in about seven days. Managing to inhale a book of 500+ pages in seven days is a big deal for me...

Alright a few warnings for the unaware readers out there; sex, murder, violence, animal cruelty, immorality, promiscuity, and fbombs abound...

This book has a GOOD premise. I really liked how it was structured in combination with the gap of time between the two women and their stories. With each chapter alternating between the view points of Rielle in her time and Eliana a 1000 years later, it made me anxious to find out how they tied in together. I really liked this. It made me want to read more and more until I understood how they were connected. I also liked how long it took for that connection to be revealed.

The plot was... initially, just okay, but improved a bit over the course of the book. I enjoyed the plot of Rielle's part of the story, it flowed well and for the most part didn't make me cringe...the plot, not her character...I'll get to that in a minute. Eliana's though....action, fighting, escape, recoup, and repeat for way too many times before we get to the crux of the story - the final battle, if you will. I do enjoy a plight of action and survival, but this one was overwrought. I feel like Legrand really could have cut out at least a few of these set-ups and scenes and still accomplished the same thing. I like the direction the plot is going...now that we're going there a bit more decisively...there are a few caveats that I'm leaving out at the moment, though. There were some obvious directions the plot was going to go and will probably go, but anymore I've come to find that some cliches are just part of the gig.

I liked both Rielle and Eliana. They've got their flaws, for sure, but I did enjoy reading about them. Eliana more so than Rielle. Rielle...well she needs a little less focus on how powerful she is and more focus on being in control of not only her powers, but her non-powered-human-self too. That chick is all over the place. The more I read from her point of view the more I found myself disturbed by her character.Eliana. My biggest complaint about her character is that she seems indecisive about who she is. Is she reeeaaally the cold-hearted, cruel "Dread of Orline" or is she fooling herself and everyone else around her?? Either be the badarse bounty hunter you're made out to be or be the ashamed, angsty girl you crumble into when alone for more than five minutes. Pick one.I also enjoyed Simon's character, he was probably my favorite for most of the book. He kinda got on my nerves in the last action scene and subsequent ending to the book though...some how the strong, mysterious character he'd been throughout the book began unraveling as Eliana came to know more about...well everything. By the end of the book it seemed like we were left with this almost creepily devoted man with a penchant for codependency. The peripheral characters were okay but they definitely could have used some more depth. I'd spend more time introducing them than talking about them so I'm not going to waste my time or yours.

The inter-character relationships could use some improvement. I liked Eliana and Simon's relationship but I had a hard time connecting with Harkan, Rozen, and even Remy who are all "important" in Eliana's life. On the other side of our time gap...I was wholly unimpressed by the character relationships with Rielle....Yeah, I'm sitting here trying to pick through my brain to come up with something about them, but the main parts about Rielle's chapters that I remember are about power and the Sun Queen Trials. How sad.

The writing was good in that I didn't feel like I was reading, which is always a good sign for me and almost always indicative of a speedy read. However, there were some gag-inducing-what-the-eff-provoking, abominable lines that were off-putting.

In short, I liked it but I didn't love it. The premise and the writing are the saving graces of this book and ultimately what held my interest the most. It was a quick read despite the towering number of pages - probably due to the writing. It's got some things I didn't like and some things I hope improve with the next book in the series. ...Which I'm fairly certain I'll be picking up.

As a girl who has spent her life growing up surrounded by royalty and within the comfortable confines of the castle, Rielle Dardenne is no stranger to privilege and prestige. With best friends like the Crown Prince and his beloved cousin, Rielle has never doubted that she fits into the world made of gold and glitter. And even though she harbors a secret that bubbles just beneath the surface of her sharp and adventurous facade like so much boiling lava, the raven-haired beauty has a keen sense of belonging. She has security.

While the world of Avitas is full to the brimming of the thick and ever-changing waters of magic, there are none who can wield all seven of the talents and control the waves they bring. Rielle is no stranger to the experiences intertwined with the mystique of magic and its familiars. Almost everyone has some power. Everyone uses it to their advantage. And while some magical talents are more revered than others, everyone is allowed a modicum of respect when it comes to the things they can conjure and manipulate. Rielle’s only problem has ever been trying to choose just which magical talent she will allow the world to see. She could never dare to show all of the mysteries that she holds so close; to do so would mean to put herself into certain danger.

There is a prophecy of a pair of women who shall grow to carry all seven of the points of magic deep within them. The women will be able command fire and weather, possess water, bend iron to their very whim. They will be great and they will be mighty. They will possess the ability to bring light and shake the earth to its very core.

One will be a savior, a queen made of sun’s very luster and warmth.

The other, a vicious villain made from blood and all that is dark fear.

When a dangerous situation puts Rielle’s best friend and the object of her affections into mortal peril, she cannot stop herself from (quite literally) riding to his rescue. Prince Audric is set to lose his life to a team of mysterious assassins, and Rielle is the only person who can save him from the untimely fate. Full of overwhelming emotion and unable to control the power within her, Rielle unleashes the devastation she’s trapped inside of her body for so long and revels in the freedom it allows. She has known from childhood that she houses more than one power, and she suspects she is the whispered vessel for all seven. But she never expected to show her destiny in this public a fashion. And once the cat is out of the bag, there is no turning back. There is no closing of Pandora’s box of delights – and terrors.

But Rielle would never regret the choice to save him.

Audric Lightbringer is her obsession. Growing up side by side on the castle grounds, the daughter of the Captain of the Guard has always known she didn’t have a chance at the prince’s heart. She always knew she would eventually have to shove every feeling she had for him as deep as she could bury and watch as he became her best friend’s husband. Ludivine is Rielle’s confidante and the woman she considers her sister in all things but blood, and it is she who is destined to take her place beside Audric in matrimonial harmony. Ludivine is of the proper stock, a veritable princess of the land and beloved by all, while Rielle is nothing more than a scrappy commoner with questionable heritage and a murky past. Watching her two best friend’s lives become planned and projected on paper right in front of her like so many business arrangements, Rielle had all but given up hope that she could one day possess Audric for her own. But that didn’t mean she could stand by and watch him die; not if there was something she could do to prevent it.

And what thanks?

After showing the full force of her powers in front of Audric and half of the city, Rielle must face the King and his many trusted advisors. There are whispers that she is the Sun Queen in all of her saving glory, but others wonder if she may have more nefarious blood running in her veins. Her power is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, and there are some who are concerned with the lack of control she possesses. It is no secret that Rielle Dardenne is a wild card, a girl who plays by her own rules and who revels in taking risks. How can the girl be tamed, if even her own father cannot control her? And what if she is merely a sheep in wolf’s clothing . . . a pretender of the Sun Queen, and in reality . . . death, incarnate?

The Blood Queen?

Tasked with seven trials to prove her worth and the control she has over each element of magic, Rielle fights to keep her life and her heart intact. As the months go on and she is pushed to the limits in public and in private, she finds herself consumed with a new friend and mentor from the most unlikely of places. Living within her mind like a parasite is a curious creature, an angel . . . a handsome stranger who is part of a race that was defeated and exiled from the lands due to the cruel and unusual torture and demonic dealings associated with angelic kind. Rielle struggles to maintain her sanity the more Corien begins to appear inside of her mind; the angel wraps her innermost thoughts with the tangled web of masterful lies and manipulations. Rielle has a hard time choosing right from wrong, which is exactly where the angel wants her to remain.

Leaving death and destruction in her wake, will Rielle be able to resist her true destiny? Or will she embrace the prophecy and take her place in devestation?

More than a thousand years later, the woman known as the Dread of Orline roams the city streets as a lethal bounty hunter and hired assassin. After her lands were conquered by the Undying Empire, Eliana Ferracora turned to the only life she felt could sustain herself and her family – one of crime and malcontent. Trained by her mother in the arts of death and violence, Eliana believes herself to be immune to danger.

A threat grows across the city, one that is leaving the women within the gates on the brink of terror and ruin. Stolen out of beds in the middle of the night by a dark shadow or snatched from their kitchens at dawn, the women of the city are disappearing without a trace and at an alarming rate. The situation reeks of depravity and desperation, almost as if something wicked is ramping its way up. When her mother becomes one of the taken, Eliana must team up with a notorious bounty hunter – a rebel known as the Wolf – and journey far from her home into the depths of the rebel camps. Can she be trusted, and can she trust those around her? What Eliana uncovers beneath the surface of the rebellion and the power it fights against will shock her, but will she be able to believe her connection to an ancient prophecy? Or is she doomed to repeat past mistakes and burn everything to the ground?

Furyborn is the newest novel by librarian and mid-grade/young adult author Claire Legrand. No stranger to the fantasy genre, Legrand has worked hard to begin building her own world complete with a nest of thieves, haughty royalty, ruthless assassins, and magical beings in what will eventually become a trilogy. While the story of two fiercely independent and somewhat reckless women has been hailed as “the must-read book of the summer” for young adult to new-adult readers, the book has proven to be very polarizing already. The book has been marketed heavily, saturating booklists and finding its way into exclusive subscription boxes full of like-minded bookish loot.

As I dug deeper into this novel and the mystique surrounding it, I spoke with several other reviewers and fantasy readers and found one thing to be for certain – in truth, readers seem to either love it with a zest that rivals Rielle’s obsession for Audric, or despise it about as much as Eliana does being told what to do. There is hardly any middle ground for Furyborn, which is interesting in such a genre and targeted age bracket. Young adult to new-adult readers range from ages 15 to about 25, and their tastes are as refined as their expectations are heavy.

Unfortunately, I landed on Eliana’s side of the coin with this one.

While the premise of two queens and the ultimate battle between good and evil is always a good idea, and the aspect of fallen angels mixed within the essence of magic was enough to draw me in, it was not enough to keep me within its grasp. The further I read into this (giant) book, I felt cheated. Annoyed. Pissed off. More annoyed. More pissed off.

The opening of this novel is so strong and viciously cruel, I thought I was immediately hooked. I love my heroine to be drowned in agony before I watch her rise from the ashes like a beautiful phoenix. I love my villains to be mixed with relatable qualities and for that fine line of love-to-hate-them to really develop. So when I saw we were opening with baby being born to a most-hated-woman and the baby is then ripped from her arms before a battle, I was so ready. I don’t think it’s any surprise who the Sun Queen and Blood Queen ultimately end up being, but to see that I was going to watch their stories develop from conception and travel with them as they grow – I was intrigued and excited. There are few things I love more in a fantasy novel than the aspect of world-building and a good quest. Have some magic thrown in and I am all for it. But this book . . . it kept promising me things and then snatching them away like I was some fat kid on the Keto diet.

Rielle’s trials? Seven of them. All seven seemed contrived and pathetic. It was painfully obvious she was going to win them all and as each one came to pass I kept wondering, am I really supposed to care? Were these even real challenges? Rielle’s story was so intent upon pressing the point that she had always hidden her magic but then automatically she knows how to use it? It felt like the author was much more concerned with describing Rielle’s outfits than in her actual athletic and magical prowess, which was odd considering the author wanted us to also view Rielle as some big time badass. Rielle was in fact, whiny and self-loathing (not in a good way – believe me, there is a difference). She was vain and ridiculous.

The character of Ludivine? I won’t spoil it for you, but her story was really quite stupid. I literally laughed out loud when her true essence was revealed – seriously.

Audric is supposed to be this handsome and charismatic prince; he’s enough to make resident badass Rielle swoon and forget everything when in his presence. Instead, he’s dull and seems to lack basic intelligence or athleticism. Rielle was just as one-dimensional, which was such a let down because hello . . . we all love a strong female, right? It’s what we were promised, right? I wanted to enjoy her story so much, but I found myself anxious for the pages to turn so that I could get back to Eliana’s plight.

Although,

Eliana seemed like a cheap knock-off of Aelin Galathynius from the epic Throne of Glass series and multiverse. That is something that truly irks me. If I wanted a replica, I’d buy one off of Ebay. Be original. Please.

I don’t even know if I should attempt to touch my feelings on how this book was marketed as having a bisexual main character. ‘Cause, she’s not. It was a shady marketing technique and I didn’t appreciate it. It felt like a hollow nod to the community and was not presented the way it was promised.

There were so many scenes in this book that felt strange and out of place. For example:

Rielle is having a dream that has her all hot and bothered. She wakes up and masturbates. Then she realizes that there are assassins in her room, ready to kill her. What? They all just stood around watching her before deciding to go in for the kill?

WHAT?

No. Just, no.

I give this book 2 out of 5 stars, and I will not be revisiting the series for book two or book three. I don’t recommend this book to anyone, and I certainly don’t recommend anyone spending the hefty hardcover price for it either. Save your money and buy Throne of Glass.

Ah man, I am more disappointed and sad about this than you are. I can't believe I didn't like this. I really couldn't care less for this book and it's characters. Like, it did get interesting for just a tiny bit but that was it. Then it got just to be a means to an end. The thing is I don't like angels. Maybe that was the problem. But other things also felt unoriginal. Just. Argh. The romance, the plot.–I was confused through it all. I was so bored. Everything fell short for me. It sure had a lot of potential but sadly it didn't work for me.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for this review copy.

Furyborn is reminiscent of several of my favorite series (Hunger Games, Throne of Glass, Graceling). It has all the action of those books but adds more character development. We are literally inside the heads of two of the most powerful women in this world. The parallel story between mother and daughter is addictive. The build throughout is just right. I'm waiting to read more!

Initial thoughts:
IM SO IN THE MIDDLE. The beginning of this book was great, but it didn't have the greatest ending. There were multiple things about the plot that I enjoyed, but there were also an equal amount of things that bothered, annoyed, or bored me. Eliana's POV was more interesting to me in that she was creating these complex relationship with Navi and Simon, but her personality had a tendency to annoy me. Rielle's POV was occasionally intriguing, occasionally weird.

Plot:
Things I liked:
-The beginning of this book sucks you in.
-Every. SINGLE. Chapter. Leaves you on a cliffhanger and then you're swept off into the other person's POV.
-I liked that both of these MC’s weren’t hetero, they both admit to having feelings or sexual interactions with females. The romance in Eliana’s POV I preferred over Rielle’s. I can tell you that I don’t know who I ship her with more, Simon or Navi. Maybe Navi. I love how this author doesn't shy away from sexual comments and talk about lovers. I found this very refreshing! Not to mention there were a few “hot scenes” that took me by surprise in a good way. Yay for sex positivity!
-The world building was gradual and intriguing. I’m so glad that Legrand didn’t lay everything on you right in the beginning, she slowly introduces you to the different creatures of this world, the different types of magic, and the evils.
-The villain in this story is quite mysterious. There are multiple enemies in this story and I enjoyed seeing how they intertwine and unfold. Really you spend this whole book trying to figure out who really is the bad guy? What is he? And what are they capable of?
-Rielle’s Sun Queen trials were fun and exciting (for the reader, not Rielle obviously). The action keeps you on the edge of your seat. Eliana’s fighting scenes do the same, though sometimes I was confused because she kept getting beat so easily and she’s supposed to be this crazy skilled assassin-like girl.

Things I didn’t like:
-During the second half of the book, I lost interest.
-One particular character that I actually liked was killed off early. I wanted to get to know him more.
-The dual perspective didn’t quite mesh well for me. I felt like these were two completely different stories and there was nearly no overlap for me to feel like there was enough of a connection between Eliana and Rielle. The split time periods still kind of bother me even after establishing the foundation for the world. I don’t understand why they had to be so far apart, 1000 years seemed excessive to me.
-The romance in Rielle’s POV confused me sometimes. Sometimes it seemed like she was more “in lust” with Audric than in love. And even though she’s in love with Audric, she has these moments with Corien? That I don’t entirely understand. I also don’t know why Rielle didn’t find it utterly freaky that she had an angel talking to her in her mind?!
-Eliana has this tendency to make rash decisions without truly thinking them through and that continued to piss me off throughout the book. I just kept thinking, “no… what are you doing… you’re going to go back and wish you hadn’t done that…”
-The ending was rather… dull. I feel like there was so much BUILD UP and not enough payoff. There could have been more done, more revealed, to keep readers snagged. I feel like we weren’t left with much hope or thoughts or ideas about where this series is going, and not in a good way.

Characters:
RIELLE absolutely suffered from the special snowflake syndrome. Was it the worst? No. Was it still pretty bad? Yeah. She is an utter badass in battle, but man was she overpowered. Thankfully, though she never struggled with her abilities, she did have internal struggles. Watching her go back and forth between her “dark side” and knowing what is right was interesting. I’m just waiting for her to embrace her evilness, I really want to know how she develops into the blood queen.
ELIANA I’m iffy about as a character. Sometimes I really liked her, sometimes she pissed me off. I didn’t like that Eliana was continuously passed off as the almighty Dread of Orline, but then she would literally fail more often that kick ass in battle scenes. I did LOVE that she had an undying passion for taking care of her family and especially Remy. Remy’s faith in his sister was the sweetest.
SIMON is still a mystery to me. I know who he is to Rielle and to Eliana, but like who is HE? What happened to him while Eliana was growing up? Where did his scars come from? Why is he so closed off? I NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HIM.

Overall:
I stand in the middle on this book, but I liked it. I can see myself picking up book two because I always hope for improvement in series by the sequel, but if I’m not blown away then, I probably won’t continue.

I wanted to like this so much but I just couldn’t get into it. I liked Eliana’s point of view but did not like Rielle’s. I made it about half way through the book and just couldn’t continue. I may go back and re-read at a later date to see if I can get into it.

What a book! Holy cow, what a book. I thought I would be able to articulate more than that once I finished it, but, no. Such wonderful world-building, a beautiful, beautiful world. This was the story Legrand was meant to write. It grips you and never lets go, and lets be real, this is a longer book, so that is a feat. Romance, action, adventure, it has it all. Completely riveting and enthralling. I would recommend it. 5 out of 5 stars.

Completely and utterly enthralled by this book from beginning to end. I love the characters, the story, and the world that Claire has created. Cannot wait for the next one!

I took a chance on this book by its blurb, because to be honest, the cover didn’t really catch my attention. Which is usually the first thing that will sway me in picking up a book. Don’t be swayed away though, because this book is all kinds of amazing. The blurb is what caught my attention. How can I not check out “two fiercely independent young women”, right?

Furyborn tells the story of two fierce women who possess elemental powers which ultimately save kingdoms across the board. Each story is told in both woman’s POV and in their own time or era. Yes, there will be time jumping but don’t worry, Claire Legrand did a great job making it easy to distinguish the difference. Both women come into power that ultimately used to help protect the land and its people. The intrigue is the twists and prophecies of the story and that’s where the time jumps come in. Though thousands of years apart, Reille and Elliana’s story are connected and you’ll just have to find out how. It’s quite a doozy. There will be a test of mental strength and magic, angel involvement, political intrigue, romance, and twists in the story that will keep you on your toes. It gave me goosebumps.

Overall, I loved this book. Claire Legrand gave me little time to catch my breath. She caught my attention from the very beginning. From then on, it was non stop the movement from one action, drama, or story twist to the next. There was one bit of the story that was predictable, but other than that. I enjoyed every other bit of the book. If you like your Fantasy or YA Fantasy, I would recommend you give this a go.

I did enjoy this book but I felt like it was almost too much in one story. I love a good alternating plot line but there was a lot of information to remember between the different plots. The characters were strong, bold women which I feel is important and Claire Legrand has a very specific writing style. Overall she did a nice job with this story, but I just felt it took me a really long time to finish from when I started it because the urgency to know what would happen next wasn't there.

This. Book. Was. Amazing. Phenomenal.
A great introduction for the trilogy.
I have to admit, the pacing was grudgingly slow, especially at the start, but after I got the hang of this, I practically flew through it.
I need the next book!

An intriguing story, but unfortunately one that didn't hold my attention fully at all times. Great read for a YA fantasy fan, but quite similar to a number of other fantasies. Despite that a solid read.

Furyborn is hands-down one of my top favourites of this year! This series is one that everyone should read because it has action, romance, great world building and addicting characters. I can see why this was on my TBR lists because it was an amazing read. The story just blew me away because I was immediately hooked after the first chapter. Just couldn't put it down! If you are looking for a really great fantasy this is the book you need to pick up today.

While the first part of the story was slow, I felt it was necessary because we got more of a background of what happened before with Rielle. I really loved both Rielle and Eliana as they were both strong female leads. Though they are centuries apart they must work together to defeat the Undying Kingdom. All the secondary characters, Remy, Simon, Ludivine, Audric and I'm excited to see what is going to happen in the next book.

While Eliana's story doesn't involve a romance you can see some more near the end. Which I totally approve of 100%. With Rielle you can feel the tension between them from the start and I was totally rooting for him despite what I know will happen. Claire Legrand did an amazing creating this world and characters that you can picture everything in your mind. All the action scenes were intense and had me on the edge of my seat!

I've been in a fantasy mood lately so Furyborn was the perfect read for it. It's one of my favourite 2018 reads. Now to wish for the next book because I need to know what is going to happen next!

Honestly I was a bit let down by this book, it was SUPER hyped but it was kind of a hard story to follow and I didn't really bond with any of the characters. I did not care if anyone lived or died. The writing however was really nice.

Novels that feature strong, independent female characters and dual timelines are nearly always guaranteed to grab my attention and such was the case with Claire Legrand’s YA fantasy novel, Furyborn. Furyborn follows two incredibly independent women, Rielle Dardenne and Eliana Ferracora, who lived centuries apart but who both play a role in an ancient prophecy known to all in their lands. The prophecy states that two magic-wielding Queens will rise to power, a Sun Queen and a Blood Queen, and one will have the power to save their kingdom, while the other will have the power to destroy them all.

Furyborn is an exciting adventure from start to finish as we follow these two fiercely independent women as they rush forward to meet their destinies.

One of the things that I really enjoyed about Furyborn was the way the dual timeline was used to allow each woman’s journey to unfold. With Rielle, we are presented with not only her role in the prophecy, but also the way she meets her end, in the novel’s prologue. Rielle’s journey in the book, therefore, is more of a rewind back to show how she got to the point where we find her as the book begins. Eliana’s narrative, on the other hand, moves more straightforward in that we simply follow her to find out where she fits into the prophecy and to where her story ultimately intersects with Rielle’s.

Out of the two main characters, I’d have to say that Eliana was probably my favorite. As I’ve already mentioned she’s incredibly independent and strong. What I found most interesting about her, however, is that she also falls into the morally gray category. When the Empire came in and conquered her kingdom, Eliana began working for them as a bounty hunter. She’ll slit a Rebel’s throat in a heartbeat if there’s money involved, thus earning herself the nickname “The Dread of Orline.” Although many of her actions are morally questionable, her heart, however, is in the right place because she’s desperate to have enough money to take care of her mother and brother. Eliana could be arrogant and obnoxious at times, but I still ultimately liked her because of that big heart of hers.

Even though I didn’t like her quite as much as I liked Eliana, Rielle was also a pretty likable character. What I liked about Rielle was that she fit so well into that underdog category that I’m always such a big fan of. Rielle lives in a time where most individuals possess some magic and wield control over one of the natural elements. During a horse race, Rielle’s best friend finds himself in mortal danger and when Rielle jumps in to try to save him, she accidentally reveals that not only does she too possess magic, but she wields control over more than the usual one element. In trying to save her friend, she has used her magic recklessly and wreaked so much havoc that everyone in the kingdom is terrified of her. Whispers about the prophecy and that she might be one of the Queens immediately begin. Rielle is brought before the King where he informs her that she must face seven potentially deadly elemental trials. She will either successfully complete each of these trials, thus proving that she is one of the two prophesied Queens or else she will not succeed and she will die. No pressure there, right? I just really admired the way she faced each challenge head-on, almost defiant, at times.

I was also quite intrigued by the world building in Furyborn. This fantasy world and its magical system were quite fascinating, especially the Empirum and how Rielle was able to manipulate it, but I still would have liked a little more detail about pretty much everything. Some parts of it were a little confusing, especially the angels, who were apparently bad and banished. I’m hoping a second book will shed more light on some of the fantasy elements in the series.

The main reason I didn’t rate this higher even though I quite enjoyed the story overall was that it honestly felt like two separate books where I was reading a chapter from one and then a chapter from the other. I would have liked to see more connective threads between them throughout to remind me that the two stories would eventually interconnect.

A second issue I had, and this is probably one of those ‘It’s me, not the book’ scenarios, but Rielle’s storyline started to wear thin on me after a while. Those trials, while initially exciting, started to feel somewhat tedious. I can, admittedly, have the attention span of a gnat, but after the first couple of trials, I kept hoping that something would happen so that we didn’t have to go through all seven of them or that the author would simply gloss over the details rather than give us a play-by-play of everything that happened. I also thought too much emphasis was placed on her costumes, each of which were custom made to match the element of the trial she was about to engage in. It reminded me of the scenes from The Hunger Games when Katniss was dressed up as the Girl on Fire. Since I didn’t particularly care for those scenes in The Hunger Games, it was a little ugh going through similar scenes in Furyborn.

One other area that didn’t set well with me was a scene early on where Rielle, clearly not in control of her magic, cruelly kills an animal. I understood what the author was trying to show in this scene, but it was just very graphic and upsetting.

While it’s not a perfect read, it’s still highly entertaining overall and I do think that Furyborn is a solid beginning to what is sure to be a great new fantasy series.