Fireborne had a great plot with a decent backstory and political structure. It should have been an amazing fantasy, but it fell a little flat for me. I think it was missing strong characters and I think the POVs of Lee and Annie were part of the problem. I didn’t care much for Lee’s POV, but Annie wasn’t a strong enough character, nor was she privy to all of the events in the story, so her POV alone wouldn’t have been enough for the whole story.

The book was fun to read and I did enjoy it, but I think it is somewhat forgettable and it just pales in comparison to the competition. It’s neither Game of Thrones nor Red Rising because both of those stories had characters that guided the stories in a powerful way and that’s just what Fireborne is missing.

FIREBOURNE is one of those books that pulls readers in from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very end. Full of a vivid fantasy world where soldiers ride dragons and a country is still recovering from a revolution, readers will fall in love with the two star-crossed main characters and hope for an ending where they’ll find happiness. Highly recommended!

I love it when I go into a book with high expectations and those expectations are met! This story did not disappoint. I loved the characters! I loved the history between Lee and Annie from the time they met in the orphanage. I loved how their pasts were so intertwined, even in their deep grief, and how much that enhanced the story. I loved the constant push and pull of the old ways and the new society after the revolution. It's realistic and blunt. How people can do things that have been done to them, but they don't see it as being bad or racist or cruel. How those who were to change, reverted back to what they fought against. And then those who see the truth and try to rise above it and do what they feel is right.

There were so many feels in this book! I've mentioned the relationship between Lee and Annie. It's so strong and complicated. There was so much going on with this story. Lee and Annie come from very different pasts but are forged together. Then they faced some challenges that were heart-wrenching on so many levels. There were lots of different friendships in this book, including those with the dragons. I loved them all! I also appreciated that the author didn't let anyone be completely clueless, not the leaders and the guy who led the revolution nor the dragonriders. They fit the pieces together, sometimes slowly, and they realized that there were more than one threat.

My only complaint were the swear words. There were very few and they weren't really needed. It just means I can't pass this one to my daughter, which is such a bummer because it's a fantastic story with more to come.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a page-turner, yes, but also so much more with this complex political and social world. The dragons were amazing, but even more so were the deep friendships and lovable characters. Definitely one to add to your reading list if you enjoy fantasy, especially fantasy with plenty of intrigue.

Content: Some heavy making out, two or three s-words, some non-descriptive violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the Fantastic Flying Book Club, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda was a great read, that offered an interesting story line, engaging characters, and most importantly dragons! I especially appreciated the bond between dragon and rider and how the relationship continues to grow as both continue to grow, and also enjoy the relationships Lee and Annie have not just between themselves but with other characters in the story as well.

I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this free eARC

Fireborne, by author Rosaria Munda, is the first installment in the authors The Aurelian Cycle. Set about a decade after a bloody revolution, the story alternate's POV between Annie, the daughter of peasant farmers whose family was murdered by dragon fire, and Lee, a boy who was a member of the noble family who watched his family die in front of him at the hand of the leader of the rebellion. Despite their diverse backgrounds, Lee and Annie formed a bond of friendship while they were orphans together. They were nearly inseparable.

As orphans, they both tested into the role of Guardians (dragonriders) a role previously only reserved for the leading rulers, now open to anyone who is chosen by a dragon. The story begins with a competition to become a Firstrider, the person who will lead the Dragon army reporting to the leader of Callipolis, with both Lee and Annie rivaling each other, as well as other elite dragonriders. Lee is the odds on favorite to win the challenge, while Annie has struggled with expressing herself, and fighting back against those who want her to fail which includes fellow students and teachers.

Guardians are also supposed to be the chosen ones when it comes to picking the successor to Atreus, First Protector. Before the revolution, Dragons of Stormscourge House, were known for terrorizing the countryside. Dragons were, and still are the Island's best defense against aerial invasions from other nations who want to see Callipolis fail. Before the revolution, your family determined your class - Commoner, patrician, dragonborn. Now, there's a class system that may be even worse where people are separated into what Atreus believes is a fair system of determining what you should be doing for work.

During the competition, Lee is contacted by a surviving member of his family he thought long dead. She is part of a resistance on New Pythos determined to bring back the old regime back to its former glory. Lee has to fight his feelings about the truth about the things his father did, and decide which side he belongs with. When Lee's new poetry teacher recognizes him for who he really is, things become even more dicier. Especially since Lee speaks fluent highborn, and Annie makes a pretty good guess that Lee has been hiding his real identity.

Annie is loyal to the current regime, and begins to worry that Lee might betray Callipolis. War is coming. Will Lee turn on Annie and their friends? Will Annie, despite her love for Lee, alert the leader of Lee’s possible betrayal? Will Lee and Annie end up on opposite sides of this war that is threatening their way of life? And If Lee chooses to fight for his birth family, does Annie have what it takes to fight against her best friend?

There’s plenty of gut-wrenching, emotional moments as Lee considers the choice he has to make. I think the most fascinating part of this story is how dragons choose their own riders and the classes of dragons that exist in this world. Ok, so I just love dragons! Here's a warning: don't get your hopes and expectations up that a straight forward romance is in the cards for either Lee or Annie. They are free to choose who they love, and sometimes it might not be each other. The struggle that both Annie and Lee feel in their relationship with each other and others in their circle was palpable and it was that push-pull that kept me engrossed. Considering how this story ends, I am very interested to see where the author takes the story from here.

Ever since I heard this had an Hermione Granger-esque character with dragons, I knew I had to read it ASAP. Turns out, I was not disappointed, and ended up loving it more than I thought, so I was so happy.

I don’t know why but lately I’ve been let down by so many dragon stories, so I went into it with pretty much no expectations, because I feared I was going to be disappointed as well, but I was pretty pleased to see how the dragons were a very main focused on the story. I loved learning more about their relationships with their riders, and the especial bond they shared and the part that played throughout the story. I think it was such an interesting touch to add to the story, and probably one that I’d love to see more in the sequels, because it was so unique and cool.

My main issue with the story was that the world was a bit confusing to me. It took me a bit longer to get into the story, and there were certain moments where I didn’t really know what was going on, and I’m not sure if that was because my brain didn’t catch all the information thrown at us at the beginning or if it was because everything regarding that backstory was a bit lacking and unexplained. But yeah, even though I was enjoying the plot and the characters, there was something pulling me back from loving it like I hoped to.

The overall plot, even though it wasn’t quite unique or innovative, was interesting to follow. I found that the first half was pretty slow and not much was happening, and there were certain times where I was a bit bored and wanted to see a bit more action, but that was mainly because when it comes to races and competitions, I either love and cannot put down the book or just feel a bit meh about them, and in this case it leaned more towards the second one. But it’s true that there came a point during the story where I was so engaged and didn’t want to put it down.

When it comes to the characters, I have to say I totally fell in love with them. I loved the two different POVs, and how different not only their personalities were, but also what we learnt from them throughout the novel, and I think they both complimented each other in such a great way. Annie was such a soft and adorable character that was so easy to connect with, and she was so witty and intelligent that I was rooting for her the entire time. I also really enjoyed her dynamics with Leo and how slow burn and angsty that romance and relationship was written.

Now, I love me a good slow burning romance, and I think this was done amazingly. I want to read more about these characters and their relationship, because oh my, wasn’t it slow burn! No, but really, I really enjoyed the characters’ interactions and growth, and am interested to know what happened after the ending to them.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with Fireborne, because even though I went with pretty low expectations in certain parts, I ended up really enjoying the dragons and the characters. It’s true that it was quite a slow paced book, and there weren’t a lot of revelations until the last quarter, but the characters were so complex and layered and so flashed out that it was so worth it for me.

Until I started reading this book, I had forgotten a) how much I love books with dragons, and b) how long it had been since I had read one. With a fantastic blend of politics, questions of personal allegiance, dragon fights, ethical quandaries, and a dash of romance, Fireborne ended up being everything I hoped it would be.

So, quick summary. Callipolis was once ruled by three dragonborn rulers, dragon riders descended from long lines of nobility. When their power corrupted and they turned cruel, those leaders were overthrown in a great revolution led by Atreus, a man now known as the First Protector. Atreus implemented a new merit-based social structure and system of government, where performance on a standardized exam would determine one’s future career and social standing, enabling peasants to rise above their given lot and making sure the wealthy are not guaranteed privilege forever.

Enter Lee and Annie, two orphans who befriended each other as children and have tested into the highest level of society, the Guardians, or dragon riders. Annie is from a poor family, while Lee is hiding the fact that he was one of the few surviving members of the dragonborn houses, but they feel their primary allegiance to each other. After years of training, the two are now among the final contenders for the position of Firstrider, leader of the armed forces. Both have tremendous motivations to win, but with Lee battling the need to hide his identity and Annie facing her own insecurities, the two don’t have an easy path in store. And with shifting friendships, questionable allegiances, and complicated feelings, in addition to the looming threat of an outside attack on Atreus’s fledgling regime, the path forward is anything but clear.

Obviously, one of the biggest selling points of this book is the dragons, and to be sure, the creatures are omnipresent. While the emotional, almost-telepathic connection between dragon and rider is not a new trope, Munda executes it quite well, with an added twist of the loss of control that accompanies strong emotional contact. Beyond just being companions of their riders and tools for defense, though, dragons also serve as a very visible illustration of power in this society, a reminder of the abuse of their might in recent history and a simultaneous reinforcement of the principle that anyone can advance if they just test well enough. They symbolize both corruption and change, and the people’s reactions to them reflect how hazy the line between the two can get. In other words, this isn’t just a book of dragons fighting each other; it’s a book of people fighting for, with, and against dragons and all that they represent.

I loved the character development in this book. Though I will concede that Lee and Annie often had similar-sounding narrative voices (part of why I deducted half a star), their perspectives were clearly different, including differences in their individual understandings and recollections of specific events. Instances of misunderstanding and miscommunication abound in this novel, not just between our two protagonists, but among all the characters, and the fallout of these moments paves the (admittedly rocky) road to growth for Lee and Annie alike, both learning how they can change and what they need to accept in order to survive. Tensions run high as they struggle with all of their conflicting loyalties about who and what to prioritize in a world where some choices are, in fact, mutually exclusive. And on that note, what I most enjoyed about the way Munda wrote these characters was that their anxieties and internal dilemmas were depicted in vivid detail, making their struggles at once easy to understand and hard to find answers for. Because, of course, very little in life is all-good or all-evil; most choices are shades of gray. And when the political becomes personal (or vice versa), those shades get even harder to distinguish.

And speaking of shades of gray, the other element of this book that was extremely well-rendered was the political intrigue and commentary. This is set in a world in the aftermath of a revolution. For all the books that talk about overthrowing evil and removing corrupt people from power, there are remarkably few that follow what happens next and just how hard it is to lead well, but Munda deftly tackles the complexities of the subject. A supposedly-better system of government is in place, but in under a decade, already cracks have begun to emerge in it: ways the test may not be fair (for example, there is a brief mention of a character with dyslexia that hurts her ability to test), the dubious nature of propaganda and censorship in the name of patriotism, the impossibility of extinguishing old ideas, and more. What happens when those in power start to resemble (and resort to the methods of) those they sought to replace? It happens around the globe, really, because humans are inherently flawed. We can’t have a perfect society or a perfect system of government; we just have to do our best with what we’re given. As an interesting aside, according to the author, this specific element of the book–that is, the concept of a utopia riddled with its own inherent flaws–is one that was inspired by Plato’s Republic. As someone who has actually read The Republic before, I can totally see where she is coming from, and it is a fascinating take on the idea. And yet people say the classics aren’t relevant anymore…

In theory, a book with a lot of political intrigue can easily become slow, but in general, I didn’t find that to be the case here. There were some moments where the pacing dragged a bit, especially when characters got a little too sucked up in their own internal dilemmas, or when the plot turned into just a lot of talking, but between the intermittent dragon fights, the flashbacks to past horrors, the clandestine meetings, the political strategy sessions fraught with tension, and the direct threats of external violence, the story manages to move along at a nice clip–slow enough that you can really sink into it, but fast enough that you don’t want to stop turning the pages.

So, one more part that I’m sure everyone will ask about: Romance? Yes, it’s there. No, it is not a central focus of the book, which seemed appropriate to me (though I know some blurbs pitch romance as being a large element in it, which may lead to disappointment for some readers when they find out there isn’t as much as they hoped for). The thing is, I love that the romance in this book is so nuanced. The dynamic between Lee and Annie is beyond complicated: best friends who care so much about each other but are vying for the same position, and could potentially end up on opposite sides of an impending war, and also are technically not allowed to get romantically involved because of their position, and ALSO don’t want to start talking about their possible feelings for each other because it’s just too dang complicated? I AM SO HERE FOR IT. But their relationship doesn’t exist in a vacuum, either: their classmates add further layers of complexity, with unrequited crushes, questionable decisions made at parties, and the mutterings of peers fueling further confusion and misunderstanding. Instead of being a simple thing that provides solace in a complex world, it is acknowledged as something that cannot be completely separated from larger choices and allegiances. It’s slow, it’s realistic, and it’s wonderful. (Bonus points: there is no insta-love! This is built on an emotional connection and extensive personal history! My favorite!!)

All that is to say, Fireborne is a fantastic debut novel that succeeds through nuances of both character and plot, making for a truly enthralling (if sometimes emotionally painful) read.

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

I wish there were an adequate and much more eloquent way for me to tell y’all how much I enjoyed this book. The plot slowly unfolds, revealing just enough to entice you to keep reading, and then when you least expect it, you’re hit with a “Wow!” moment and you don’t look back. I found the storyline utterly engaging, and I loved the contrasting worlds–the old regime and the new, and these two characters we follow, one from each. I loved the subtlety of all, the secrets and the whispers. There were times the plot was a little slow, and sometimes the back and forth was too quick for me, but overall, this was such a wonderful read. There are some twists, and to be honest, some things I saw reflected in even our contemporary, modern times. I love when a book does that.

My main complaint is that I wanted more dragons! It’s the main reason I didn’t give this book a full 5 stars is because I felt the world-building surrounding the dragons was lacking. I wasn’t really convinced of the connection between each rider and their dragon either.

I gotta be honest here… I was looking for a reason to dislike either Annie or Lee. But did I find one? No! They each have their own reasons for striving and surviving. I loved their friendship and eventual blossoming romance. There is a lot of romantic tension here, and when you think Annie or Lee will turn against each other… Well, I won’t say anything because ~spoilers~. There were reasons to admire both Annie and Lee and all for different things. There seemed to be an unspoken connection between the two as well, something their friends didn’t understand because it was developed when Annie and Lee were orphans and began looking out for one another. Their relationship becomes a little conflicted too, especially when some truths rise to the surface, waiting to be uncovered by just the right person.

I enjoyed all the side characters, too, even the ones I wanted to punch. We see how each of them worked with Annie and Lee, antagonizing or pushing them forward. I’ll really looking forward to seeing how each of them will play a part as the series continues.

I found myself completely sucked into the world. It may have taken a few chapters, but the world-building (outside of my initial complaint) was good. It felt like a truly epic tale, and to see this new world develop after the old one has been destroyed just ten years ago… I loved how Munda built and developed it. I liked that Munda allowed us to see–along with the characters–how things seem “good” in this regime while still somehow leaving people out like the old one did. I definitely got some Red Rising vibes and it was…the best feeling. I have no doubt this series will get better and better as it progresses, and I can’t wait to see the story unfold.

Fireborne follows two characters, Annie and Lee, through their journey from living in an orphanage to becoming the city’s next generation of rulers. With dragons and political machinations, this is sure to please readers vying for something to satiate their appetite for all things fantasy. Nine years prior, a bloody revolution took the lives of the three leaders—the triarchs—and many of their followers. I absolutely loved the idea of three heads of state sharing power and responsibilities. It reminded me of the Triumvirate of Ancient Rome, which would make sense since the author notes that she draws from Plato’s The Republic. There’s also a merit-based caste system in place, which is an interesting twist on the haves and have-nots.

Annie’s struggle is so real and relatable. She’s one of two girls who have risen to the ranks of leadership, which in and of itself is a feat. The way she’s treated by the adults surrounding her is reminiscent of what I imagine most girls go through. I know I’ve felt the sting of rejection and the feelings of inadequacy that come with being a girl in a man’s world. Dragon riding was traditionally a nobleman’s job; add to that the fact she’s a former serf, and you can see why some may resent her—commoners and women were never allowed to ride dragons in the old world. Her arc is poignant and many passages left me in tears.

Lee is the orphaned son of the old regime, born to one of the ruling families. He’s grown up knowing who he is, and yet also knowing keeping that secret means keeping his life. He constantly strives to protect that secret but also to prove himself worthy of having a dragon, despite what his family did. In fact, the story unfolds in such a poignant way that it’s easy to separate Lee from his father’s sins. However, we understand his desire to reunite with his family—especially when he glimpses his cousins, his family, flying on the backs of dragons about halfway through.

The relationships between riders and dragons is explained in such a beautiful way, and I could feel the tension between human and dragon throughout those scenes. I couldn’t get enough of the dragons!

I won’t provide any spoilers, but if you’re a fan of fantasy, dragons, political intrigue, and court politics, then check out Fireborne. You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for an ARC of this book!

I really really liked this book. I've read dragon books before, but I still feel like this one will stand out. The world was was really unique and well-written. I'm all for elaborate fantasy worlds, but there was beauty in the simplicity of this world. There was nothing hard to understand, no elaborate maps or leadership to learn, no fantastic powers or anything like that. Just dragons and their relationship with their riders. A very simple political world, people with different color wristbands for their place in society.

I also thought it was a really interesting start to the story. Most stories are a corrupt government, the series goes through overthrowing that government, and then ends when a new, better system is begun. This story actually starts 10 years AFTER something like that has happened and shows where it goes. Yes, this rule IS better in many ways than what came before but of course its not perfect.

I LOVED the main characters. Lee was especially well done and complex. He is the son of an old dragon rider, the ones who were overthrown. No one in this new government knows who he is, and yet he's risen to become a dragon rider himself, and actually believes in the better rulership and new methods. So when surviving members of his family come and try to overthrow the new rulership, his struggle over which side he will take is really really well done. And there was a scene toward the end that was SO well-written that I was extremely emotional. Without spoilers, it wasn't just what was happening but how it was written that made it so emotional.

Annie was also incredible. Her chapters perfectly capture what it's like to be awkward and unconfident. But she was still such a great character and overcame so much. Her relationship with Lee was so realistic.

I'm pretty close to 5 stars on this book. The characters were awesome, the world was simple yet great, the writing was incredible. I'm really looking forward to the next books because I bet they WILL be 5 stars if they continue like this one.

Thank you so much to Putnam Books for Young Readers for the eARC of Fireborne. Told in the alternating perspectives of Lee and Annie - two dragonriders vying to become the leader of the dragon fleet, as they train and duel for the honor. Their nation was once ruled by Dragon Lords, but after a bloody revolution it is supposed to be a meritocracy - but there are still class divisions that keep the citizens in their place. When memories of the past resurface, Lee and Annie have to make decisions about the future they really want.
I really loved the world Munda created in Fireborne- it was somewhat familiar, but with the addition of the dragon fleet it felt new. There was also a lot to think about in terms of how governments treat their citizens, and who should make life and death decisions.

This book is so different from other dragon books. It is not an epic fantasy. It is set in a school that reminded me of How to Train a Dragon. The dynamics are fantastic and I love a good dragon story. While this was not my favorite dragon book it was a refreshing and different edition to my shelves.

Fireborne is told from the alternating POVs of Annie and Lee. Both are told in the third person, present point of view. In addition, each chapter opens with a peek into their childhood from Lee’s perspective, plus one that makes us question everything a certain character believed in.

The alternating POV is useful for rounding out the world. Annie and Lee come from completely different backgrounds, and they have different ways of viewing the world. Annie is a former serf and a girl, neither of which would have been allowed to be a dragonrider under the old regime. Lee comes from the ruling class and has always believed he would one day be a leader of his people. Both are top students and excellent dragonriders, yet they have different ways of viewing the world because of who they are and how they present themselves.

Annie reminds me of Vin from Mistborn. She starts off hesitant and unsure of herself, and she doesn’t feel worthy despite her natural talents. However, she has a burning anger within herself. If she unleashes herself, she will be a force to reckon with. Lee is more calm and collected; he likes to stay in control, which is reflected in his dragonriding as he doesn’t allow his emotions to spillover into his dragon. This changes when he’s forced to confront his past and take a side.

I enjoyed the dynamics between Lee and Annie. While the synopsis makes it seem as though they are a thing, they seem to have a mutual agreement not to acknowledge their feelings for each other, likely because of the complications due to their family backgrounds (or rather, Lee’s family background) and their shared trials dating back to their time in the orphanage. There were times I wondered if they would ever acknowledge the tension between them or if they would end up with other partners. Having finished the novel, I’m getting strong YA vibes, so I have a ship in mind. We’ll see how it goes.

The synopsis is misleading (through no fault of the author). From the synopsis, I believed that Lee’s ancestry will cause a rift between him and Annie and that the tensions between the old regime and new regime would play a large role in this novel. However, the majority of this novel is spent on ranking competitions among the top dragonriders and on revealing the flawed systems of the new regime. The threat of war is only propaganda until the end of the novel, and even then it feels like the first shots are only fired at the novel’s end.

While this novel moves as a slow pace, I enjoyed learning more about the world through the characters’ experiences and seeing them struggle to reconcile the new regime’s ideals with the harsh realities of rulership. It raises questions on what makes a good ruler, how a new regime can successfully implement its ideals, and whether one is in the right to usurp the old regime. For example, is it okay to overthrow the old regime if you resort to some of the tactics they used during a time of hardship? I even found myself questioning the leadership of the new regime.

By the novel’s end, it seems as though various powers are beginning to make their move. I’m looking forward to seeing what Rosaria Munda brings us next in The Aurelian Cycle!

Additional Thoughts
- The world is richly built with various class systems, within both the old and new regime. Multiple languages are spoken, ancient texts are studied, and government systems and propaganda are portrayed along with other elements.
- The novel seemed to be building up to Annie stepping into leadership. This was especially apparent during the times of crisis in which Annie takes the lead. While I understand why Lee made the decision he did in the end, the way it’s handled felt forced. He’s always felt like more of the natural leader even when he doesn’t believe in himself.
- Lee’s choice at the end felt inevitable. While I would have liked to see more conflicts leading up to this (through familial relationships and internal dialogue), I’m interested in seeing the repercussions of his actions, both internally and externally.
- Power’s character: At this time, I can’t grasp his intentions or why he would make the sudden shift in character that he does midway into the book. That said, his behavior is interesting, and it seems like there is more to him than has yet to be shown. I’m definitely interested in seeing more from him.

I recommend this book if you enjoyed…

- An Ember in the Ashes: the dynamics between the leading characters are similar, military student life, and flawed regimes

- Starcrossed romance: although Annie and Lee have romantic tensions, their backgrounds keep them from being together (more as a psychological barrier).

- Dragon bonds: dragons and their riders share a bond. Not to the extent of reading each other’s minds and engaging in play together, but they can share emotions.

I tried to enjoy this one, as I LOVE dragons and dragon stories. But the info dump from Lee at the very beginning just took me out completely. I think it's one of those stories that has an excellent idea, and an incredible world., but needed maybe one more pass?

A great example of not wanting to choose sides but just peace. Lee has hard choices to make and a past that is hidden. Annie is on her way up after the revolution. The two of them have grown up together and been friends. Now that a new revolution is coming to play their differences are showing. Great fantasy read with lots of dragon action.

I’m always interested in a good dragon book. And for as popular as the subject matter is, it’s rare that I find one that really hits the spot for me. Maybe it’s just that the more I like something, the higher standards I set for it. But combined with an intriguing book description and comparison to “Red Rising,” I was excited to see what new take “Fireborne” had to offer!

Revolutions are bloody and brutal, but what comes after can be just as hard. The decks have been shuffled leaving those who survived living very different lives than the ones they had before. For Annie and Lee, these changes hit very close to home, but in very different ways. Now, together, they are slowly climbing their way through the ranks as dragon riders, each hoping to build their own future in this new world. But the old regime has only gone underground, and when it becomes clear that the revolution is not over, Annie and Lee must now, once again, choose sides.

I can definitely see how the comparisons to “Red Rising” came about. For all that a dragon is on the cover, this story is mostly a deep dive into the moral grey zone of what a revolution really looks like. Similarly to that book, it explores complex issues spending extra time highlighting that no choice is perfect and consequences are to be had no matter how good one’s intentions are going in. In our current political and cultural environment, I really appreciated the attention that went into this portrayal and the challenging questions it poses to not only its characters but to readers as well. It’s always refreshing to find a story that goes past the simple (and often unbelievable) “good” and “bad” of it all.

Both Annie and Lee provide insights into the past events of the revolution, the current regime, and, of course, the challenges posed by the resurgence of the conflict. At various times it was easy to side with one or another only to skip to the next chapter, read the other character’s perspective, and feel conflicted once again. I will say that Annie, by the nature of her story, had the easier sell, leaving Lee more often in the role of the character who needed to experience more growth and perspective.

However, at times, the writing itself seemed to let down these greater themes. For one thing, as I’ve gone into before, it’s always challenging to write two perspectives. Yes, Annie and Lee tell different stories and have differing challenges and views on events. But the writing itself is doing very little to differentiate their voices. Take away the actual story beats, and these two characters sound the same and it would be challenging to identify which of the two is speaking. This flaw makes it hard to truly connect to either character as they feel less like people and more like vessels through which to communicate the overall conflicts of the story.

The writing was also a bit slow. It did pick up towards the end and became quite engaging at that point. But it still took a bit to reach that point. This may, again, have to do with the challenge of feeling truly emotionally invested in either character. There were a lot of characters and connections between them that never felt fully explained leaving me more often than not still trying to pin down who was who about half way into into the book. A whiff of a love triangle was also a bit of a detractor even if it never became fully fledged.

I still really enjoyed the dragons, of course. And the overall story has a lot of potential growth. It’s tackling some big concepts and putting in the work to approach the realities of such decisions, actions, or inactions. Perhaps the second in the series will help cement to the two protagonists more fully into their own. I’m still game to check it out! And, if you’re interested in getting your hands on a free copy, don’t forget to enter our giveaway for “Fireborne!”

Rating 7: The story and themes outshine its own main characters at times, but there’s still a lot of potential in this first in a new trilogy!

Fireborne is an exhilarating fantasy adventure reminiscent of How to Train Your Dragon, and the beloved Seraphine series! The story is told in the alternating perspectives of two protagonists who’s stories become closely intertwined as their world grows more and more complicated. Several years earlier, the revolution swept the nation, overturning the previous government and setting in to place a new regime, in which people are classified by a test that determines which job they will spend their lives doing. For Annie, the new regime has allowed her to achieve things that never would have been imaginable. For Lee, the revolution is a reminder of how his family was taken from him. Soon the two compete to determine who will become the next Firstrider and command the squadron of dragons in the military. The stakes couldn’t be higher, however, because war is lurking just beyond the horizon, and the sides haven’t yet been chosen!


Rosiaria Munda absolutely nailed it on her debut fantasy novel! Her world is extremely engrossing, and I loved the complex characters she created. I’m always a sucker for dragons, so I really couldn’t resist this book when I first heard about it!

You can get your copy of Fireborne from Penguin Teen on October 15th!

My Recommendation-
I would recommend Fireborne to anyone who has been missing dragons in their current reading pile! Also, if you are looking for an exciting new fantasy series to get into, Fireborne is only the first book, so there is a lot to look forward to!

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline is very complex, the characters are well developed and the world is epic and engaging. I found that this book story not only kept my attention but it made me think. Although this is listed as a YA read there are so many questions and situations that I feel any age can relate to or find themselves in. In a world filled with many shades of gray the answers you find are not always easy to find or of the clear-cut variety. I thought that Annie and Lee were both compelling characters. They felt easy to connect with and root for. This dystopian read is filled with politics, drama, intrigue, emotional turmoil, war, fantasy, secrets and a friendship/rivalry that may lead to something more. A very enticing start that left me eager to read much more of this series.

When two people from different social classes have their lives torn asunder, and their society is rebuilt to be "equal" from the ashes of that conflict, will they forget where they came from, or find a way to carry the torch of the past as they find a way to a better future? In Fireborne, Annie and Lee come to grips with their past losses, their far-off place in the old society, and the aspirations and cost of reaching for more in the new one.

I really enjoyed Fireborne because it mixes adventure, political intrigue, and alternate viewpoints together in a changing world. What interests me most is the competing motivations between characters, as they began their lives in different social classes, and are then thrust together in a similar situation. However, because of where they came from, they interpret the situation around them differently, and that causes tension as decisions are made and they have to decide where they stand in their brave new world. Annie and Lee want to be the best dragon riders out there, but could there be more to their dreams than flying high?

I really loved the troupe of sharing minds with other beings. This dragon and reminded me of Eragon but in a less fantastical way. It felt very middle grade to me vs. young adult and the story just seemed to drag. The dual POVs really didn't have distinct voices and the whole thing just felt like something I had read before. Munda didn't bring anything new to the table other than very vivid storytelling.


Go Into This One Knowing: Dual POV

I’m going to start out this post by letting it be known by all and sundry that I was provided with a physical finished copy of Fireborne from the publisher for publicity posting and a digital review copy from the publisher via Netgalley and FFBC in exchange for an open and honest review. I’m way too opinionated for this to sway me but the FTC requires me to make this sort of thing known. Now, on to the good stuff!
I enjoyed reading Fireborne for the most part, I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of riding dragons? But y’all, I have hated Plato for nearly a quarter of a century now and Fireborne screamed its ties to Plato so loudly the entire time I was reading the book. I spent half the time reading the book muttering ”I freaking hate Plato”. I thoroughly applaud Ms Munda though, if Fireborne wasn’t so well-written, I wouldn’t have made it through the book and I would have taken a while to make the connection to Plato. The world-building in Fireborne is hardcore and so in-depth that you can practically see the story taking place around you. There are so many characters that climb out of the book and act out the story for you.
That being said, there’s more to Fireborne than my distaste of Plato. There is romance and subterfuge, betrayal and heartache, competition and political turmoil. Fireborne centres around Lee sur Pallor and Antigone sur Aela, two orphans brought together as small children in an orphanage who grow up together, closer and closer, knowing that their pasts are twisted round each other in a choking knot. They’re now teens and facing each other in a contest for position as First Rider in the new regime’s dragonrider corps. As with all teens, there are hormones running amok and tempers getting out of hand left and right, and oh yeah, family acting out in the wings killing people and loyalties being called into question. For the most part, I’m a fan, but the love polyhedron thing? Not really. I want to throw Crissa off a dragon mid-flight because chicks before…. you know where I’m going with that. And I still haven’t figured out Power. Duck annoys me, he’s like an untrained dog you’re worried is going to lift his leg and pee on Annie to mark his territory half the time. Get the girl a clicker. But these are kids being trained for battle and serving their people, what else do you expect but messed up kids?
I’m still not sure about where I stand on continuing this series, but I do know that this was a 4-star read. Weird, right? But I can’t discount the storyline or the writing, I may be angsty over whether or not I personally like the story, but I do know when an author’s done an amazing job. Despite the Plato.

This review has been posted to Amazon, Target, and Walmart. It's currently undergoing post approval.