3.5 stars. After a slow start, an intriguing plot develops into a rewarding finish. I would recommend Iron-Bound Flames to New Adult fantasy readers, especially fans of Fourth Wing.

Meera is a scholar's daughter who takes a job in the palace kitchens for company after her father is drafted into the army. With her loneliness exacerbated by an inability to connect with her coworkers, Meera finds herself drawn to a captured raek (feathered dragon) as well as to the political and personal intrigues of the nobility. Meera's bold choices entangle her with forces beyond her control, and she must struggle to determine right and wrong.

One of Meera's main strengths as a protagonist, and which makes this book so interesting to read, is her agency. Throughout the story, she makes choices that become main driving forces in the plot. I also found her interesting in her character development: she starts out confident and well-meaning, but also somewhat self-centered, snobby, and naive, and her growth throughout the story is fascinating to watch.

Another strength of this book is the author's straightforward writing style, which pushes the story forward and makes for a fast, comfortable read, without any detours through extra-flowery language.

For me, the weakest aspect of this book is the side characters, who often feel flat or possess only a single motivation or personality trait. This is partly due to the story's tight third-person perspective: we always see characters through Meera’s eyes, and Meera takes everyone around her at face value. She tends to think she understands everything about side characters’ motivations and personalities, and internally explains others’ actions and emotions. This gets us really into Meera's head, but as a reader, I prefer to have room to develop my own insight and inferences about characters, so this was off-putting for me. However, as the story progresses, several side characters that begin as fairly one-dimensional or as part of a faceless crowd do emerge to have unique perspectives and motivations.

Overall, this is a strong first installment. Iron-Bound Flames seems likely to become a staple in the New Adult fantasy dragon genre, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Meera gets up to in the rest of the series.

And the best part? Iron-Bound Flames is free, and the sequels are already written and will be released simultaneously in March 2024.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I enjoyed this book.
Our main character, Meera Hailship, has an overwhelming urge to be good, whatever that may mean. She works in the kitchens of a castle, and this book follows her decision to volunteer to assist a captured dragon and, eventually, a dragon rider while also serving as a spy for the king.
My favorite parts of this book were scenes that included the blue-feathered Raek. Even though he doesn't speak, the creature has so much personality, and I hope we get much more from him!
Overall, the pacing of this book was relatively slow, but that helped as the audience was gradually introduced to more details about the government and universe. The last third of the book picks up in action, ending with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left me wanting more. I am particularly looking forward to learning more about the world-building and characters introduced at the book's end.
Iron Bound Flames is the first of the five-book series, The Raek Riders, all releasing on March 19. If you like dragons, dragon riders, and political intrigue in your books, this is a series for you!
Thank you, Netgalley, for providing me with an ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars

This is a fantasy story about Meera, a kitchen maid who volunteers to care for a Raek (basically a dragon) who has been captured and has already killed two people who tried to feed him. Obviously, Meera finds a way to win over the Raek pretty much instantly and they become besties. I LOVED the Raek (Cerun), and I liked this plot a lot even though it felt a bit cliche. I liked the heroine, Meera, as well, although, at times I felt like she was written a little too perfect. She's very compassionate, intelligent, and observant. There are several well written side characters, and some funny moments as well.

The major issue I had with this was the over-descriptiveness and the slow pace, which made it drag at times (for me). But I really like the idea and the world building.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book!
This book is the first book about dragons that I've read in a while and I absolutely love it!!!

I loved the plot and the characters. The pace of the story was good, it depended quite a bit on the main character, Meera and how she felt. I loved it tho. It's a fast and easy read that u would recommend if you like dragon.

Also, the whole series is releasing on the same date, so it's perfect to binge it!

Book Reviews

3.5 stars

This book got me hooked and upset that I have to wait two more months for the rest.

The FMC is one that makes decisions based on her heart. She is smart, and gets herself into trouble but she never lets go of her morals.

We don’t receive much else in regard to other characters. We meet Shael, but he does not give us much as to who or what he is and where he is from.

The storyline overall was enjoyable. I loved the spying for the king, having to avoid the prince and caring for the prisoners. The main thing that brought down the stars for me was the severe lack of dialogue. There was a lot of words, but almost no conversation. I know Meera is meant to be kind of a loner, but I’m a gal that loves the dialogue.

The ending also didn’t grab me as much as I would have liked to, but I will definitely be continuing on with this series!

‘Whose side was she on? She asked herself the question over and over, but all she could think was that she wanted to be on the good side… whichever that was’

If this week hasn’t been so busy I would’ve devoured this book. I was very lucky to get an ARC of Iron Bound flames from NetGalley (thank you!) and was so quickly drawn into it’s fantasy driven plot.

Written by Melanie Moschella, Iron Bound Flames is book one of The Raek Riders series in which Meera Hailship is trying to escape from loneliness but the ways in which she does so only seems to isolate her more. She’s defined as a weapon by her king, playing the role as his interrogator and spy, but the only thing Meera fears more than being alone is being on the wrong side… but who’s to judge the good from the bad?

I cannot wait to read the rest of the series which, to my impatient luck, is all getting released on the same publication date as book one. Everybody say thank you Melanie!

Thankyou to Netgalley for an arc of this book! This was a good start to an interesting series. I really liked learning about the world and how it was divided, especially for our main character Meera. She goes through lots of change throughout this book and often questions if she makes the right decisions. This was an interesting new take on “dragons” and I enjoyed the interactions Meera had with the captured Raek. The story felt rather slow paced in some places and then almost rushed in others and the weird tension that Meera had with the king was never really explained or expanded upon, overall it was a rather enjoyable read but lacked a bit of substance I think it needed slightly more world building but I assume this will happen more as the series evolves! Interested to see what happens next for Meera and Shael

3.5 Stars for Iron-Bound Flames. OVERVIEW: This YA fantasy is about a young lady, Meera, who volunteers to care for two prisoners, one a reak which is a fire breathing dragon like animal and two a mysterious man. Upon caring for the prisoners she is called upon to complete other tasks for her king. Meera is faced with the challenge of bowing to her king or listening to her heart, if she listens to her heart that is pure treason. This is book 1 of a 5 series book.
REVIEW: I appreciate the world building didn’t overtake the character development. I connected with all of the characters and they felt like real people to me, including the raek. The beginning and end of the book really held my interest to know what’s to come, however, the middle fell a little short as her quest to care for the prisoners seemed repetitive. There was a lot of indecisive inner thoughts which was repetitive. The story holds some valuable lessons like true friendship, staying true to yourself, dealing with loneliness and dealing with consequences of your actions. I will definitely give book 2 a read as I feel this is where the story REALLY begins as I got a little taste of it at the end. This book is very YA so no smut or romance, which may come later in the story though. Also a slow read as it’s a series.

Honestly, the book was “fine”. I liked the general story of the servant girl turned spy who ends up sympathizing with the enemy and having to choose where her loyalties lie. However, I felt like a lot of the book was rushed and yadda yadda’d. I didn’t get to know any of the characters or feel any real affinity for them. We spend all of our time with Meera, and you’d think that I’d have some sort of opinion on her after 300 pages, but I don’t. She just a nice girl with good intentions.

A criticism I have is that we’re told a lot about how she and others are feeling, but I would suggest using more descriptive language so we can feel it with her. I also just didn’t know her motivations for anything. Her reasoning for volunteering to help the raek is because she “likes animals” but she never explains the political conflict with this other territory— why they’re hated so much, etc. So the whole time that she’s defending them, I’m wondering exactly why? Would she have still helped them if she found out they killed villages full of innocent civilians? She never learns if they’re “good” or not but still risks everything to help. It just didn’t add up for me.

Also the side plot with the king and his son were very odd to me. Like the weird tension she had with the king that lead nowhere and her superficial relationship with the solider kid. Lastly, it took way too many pages to really get the story going. I became really interested about 60% in, and by the time that happened, the book was ending. So yeah, I think the concept was good and it was there, but it needed to be explored and fleshed out a little bit more.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
CW: Check Melanie K. Moschella website for details
Keywords: YA, NA elements, Fantasy, Dragons, World-building, magic, and heroism.

"Iron-Bound Flames" by Melanie K. Moschella sets the stage for an enthralling journey into a world where ordinary meets extraordinary in the most unexpected of ways. From the moment you meet Meera Hailship, the kitchen maid turned into an unlikely heroine, you're drawn into a narrative that blends the thrill of dragon-filled adventures with the depth of emotional exploration. There are parts of this that feel like a cozy adventure through Meera's kindness in a world that is not so kind.

What makes this debut novel so captivating is the resonance of its protagonist, Meera. Her initial loneliness and isolation echo relatably, making her transformation all the more inspiring. She isn't a chosen one; rather, she's an ordinary individual propelled by a sequence of choices that redefine not only her life but also her destiny. This book can be for anyone but I love the reminders of the strength of kindness.

The central conflict, beautifully woven throughout the series, is Meera's dilemma. Her connection with the raek, the dangerous and fiery creature, challenges her allegiance as she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues, acting as both spy and interrogator for King Bartro. The tension between loyalty to the king and following her conscience adds layers of complexity to the story, making each decision she faces a poignant moment.

Moschella's inspiration drawn from "Eragon" (The Inheritance Cycle Series) is evident in the rich and vivid world-building. The allure of dragon-riding fantasies is masterfully interwoven into a tale that's both thrilling and introspective. The friendship that blossoms between Meera and the raek unveils a heartfelt connection that propels the narrative forward.

This first installment of "The Raek Riders Series" lays a strong foundation, promising readers an epic adventure ahead. With a mix of political intrigue, fiery companionship, and moral dilemmas, Moschella's storytelling prowess shines brightly. Readers are in for a treat as they embark on Meera's transformative journey, one where bravery, friendship, and the struggle between right and wrong come vividly to life.

The way this ends leaves you wanting more. Excited to read more of this series and excited that it's a complete series from the author writing the whole series (5 books) already. Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!

Iron-Bound Flames by @melaniekmoschella was such a well written and outstanding read! The story kept unfolding, adding more layers to Meera’s daily life. I love a heartwarming, do the right thing story! I will be reading more of the series in the future for sure! Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this great book!

I adore this book!

I know some other reviews were also amazed, others very critical.. but I can only be said to be pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed every single second of this novel.

By Chapter Three (only about 6% into the book), I was hooked. I was already giddy and just excited to keep reading.

As another, more critical reviewer, mentioned there were a lot of details, that I counted as world building. Mentioning her use of the chamber pot before going to the kitchen to me was important. It set the stage for how routine, mundane, and isolating her life has become, while also showing that we do not have indoor plumbing - we are in a medieval fantasy.

As for it being mostly a lot of "tell not show" for the first 3ish chapters, that to me was "showing." Her not talking to anyone and just idly thinking to "tell" us about the world. It shows us again about her isolation and her routine and mundane world.

This was the first book I've read in a while where I got to the last page, flipped and saw the "About the Author" page, and just went "no!!! I need more!!!". Thank you, Moschella, for giving a 2 chapter sneak preview into book 2! Although you are releasing all five books on the same day (another thank you earned for this stroke of genius!), I did get an ARC through NetGalley.. so I still have three months to go!

Overall, it was a face paced book with great action, suspense/tension, darker themes mixed with lighter, and a solid protagonist who is not infallible nor mythical. She is human, trying her best, but learning just how naive she; she asks all the right questions without jumping to conclusions - the way we should all aspire to be.

This may read as more YA than NA or Adult fantasy, but I do find the MFC acts like an adult in her inner monologue. She is honest, open, rational and strives to always be better.

I found no characters or storylines annoying.. I will gladly read more of every single one of them! I am very excited for the series to come out so that I can binge them in a very unhealthy manner.

This book had some pacing and stylistic issues for me. I thought the writing style was very choppy. There was also too much description for certain things, for example multiple paragraphs on how to curtsy, that made some sections really slow.

The main issue I had with this book was the idea that a single young woman in a feudal society belonging to the middle class would travel, by herself, to the king’s palace and volunteer to work in the kitchens because she was bored and lonely. I could not set aside my disbelief long enough for that to ring true. She also repeatedly complains about being tired, lonely, and not well liked and she could leave at any time because she has money and a home to go back to so the stakes feel very low.

The best part about this book was the raek and I wish we’d spent more time with him.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

2.4 rounded down to 2/5.

Melanie K. Moschella's "Iron-Bound Flames" introduces readers to an intriguing world where a kitchen maid, Meera Hailship, takes on unexpected roles as a spy, interrogator, and even a weapon. The plot centers around Meera's impulsive decision to feed a dangerous creature imprisoned at the palace, leading to an unexpected friendship and a moral dilemma. The story is rich with detail, especially in portraying Meera's pain, tiredness, and anxiety, and features the captivating presence of dragons.

While the concept is fascinating, the execution falls short in some aspects. The narrative, although filled with Meera's inner struggles, often relies on telling rather than showing, resulting in clunky character interactions. The novel could benefit from an additional editing round, as there are excessive exclamation points outside of dialogue and some unnecessary information that disrupts the flow.

One of the notable strengths is Meera's ability to see the good in everybody, adding depth to her character. However, the lack of seamless integration between Meera's actions and the broader plot leaves me wanting a more cohesive narrative.

A significant drawback is the apparent rush to release all five books simultaneously. The focus on quantity seems to have affected the quality of the first installment. While reading, I'm left with a sense that more attention to detail could have enhanced the overall reading experience.

One specific instance that stands out is a prolonged description of Meera peeling potatoes without any dialogue. This section detracts from the pacing and could have been condensed or omitted, allowing for a more engaging and focused narrative.

Despite these drawbacks, "Iron-Bound Flames" holds promise. The unique concept, coupled with Meera's journey and the presence of dragons, creates a foundation for an engaging series. With some refinements in editing, character development, and plot integration, this series could evolve into a compelling and well-rounded fantasy adventure.

One of the easiest 5-stars I have ever given!

"Iron-Bound Flames" by Melanie K. Moschella is a breathtaking fantasy debut that sets the bar high for the genre. From the first page to the last, this novel grips the reader with a spellbinding narrative, rich world-building, and a cast of characters that are as compelling as they are complex.

The protagonist, Meera Hailship, a seemingly ordinary kitchen maid, emerges as a true heroine with a heart of gold and a spirit that defies her humble station. Meera's journey starts with her being an overlooked server to the center stage of political intrigue. Her impulsive decision to feed a dangerous creature at the palace not only sets the plot in motion but also marks the beginning of an unexpected fantastical adventure!

The world-building in Iron-Bound Flames is nothing short of phenomenal. The author paints a vivid and immersive landscape where magic, politics, and the bond between a girl and a fire-breathing raek come to life. The intricacies of the palace intrigue and the moral dilemmas faced by Meera elevate the novel beyond a mere fantasy adventure, delving into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of one's convictions.

What sets this series apart is the unique concept of releasing all five books on the same day. Moschella's decision to present readers with the entire saga at once is a masterstroke, allowing for an uninterrupted and deeply satisfying immersion into the world of 'The Raek Riders Series'. The pacing of the first novel was exceptional and I fully expect to binge the rest of the series as soon as it is released!

I wholeheartedly give this book a 5/5 rating, and I eagerly anticipate the release of the entire series on March 19th, 2024. It's a journey worth embarking on for any lover of fantasy literature.

As this is my favourite ARC to date, I could not be more genuine in my gratitude to the author, Melanie K. Moschella, and NetGalley for the absolute privilege of getting to read this book in an exchange for a review.

So much I felt for this,first I felt ecstatic for having poc characters for a fantasy book which I only have a small collection of that fits my liking. I was so interested in the main characters inner thoughts they made me understand her even more than her words an feelings, made me feel what she felt an better understand the things she did even if she herself didn't understand. Had a favorite character which was ofcourse 'cook' was a very funny and warming character that made me want to know more about them. But I think what most exciting for me was how the raek is described, I was pleasantly suprised as it being a feathered creature but also reptilian like compared to what I at first though was going to be lizard like skin 😅. But still loved the combination of creature being both reptilian an bird-like. An gosh got to give props to the mc, with how she had such a gruesome an nasty thing happen infront of her an she was still brave enough to do a task that she knew was right in the beginning of the book.

I went into this book with an open mind and really wanted to like it. The story was there- it was imaginative and had some really great fantasy elements and unique pieces (the raek). I enjoyed the protagonist and her personality, and how she develops throughout the book. I also thought it was fairly well paced and flowed from one scene to another. Where it fell flat for me was the writing. I really struggled to get through this at points, especially the beginning. The ideas are there, the story is fun, but it felt clunky and unpolished.

This was a really enjoyable and quick read.

I really liked Meera, the main character and her journey of determining right from wrong and trying to do the right thing and having to face the consequences of her choices and actions throughout the book. However, the biggest problem that bothered me was her physical attraction to the king. Despite the fact that he's married, significantly older than her, her problems with his son, and the fact that she's trying to be a good person, this seemed very out of character.

I also really liked Cerun, the raek. I can't wait to learn more about him and his rider in the next book.

The plot is shaping up nicely, and I'm liking where I see it going. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

I loved the concept of this novel more than the actual novel. It was not bad by any means; it just felt a bit clunky and sewn together. The writing style wasn’t a good match for me unfortunately. The Raeken were definitely the highlight for me and I loved them.

Iron-Bound Flames is the first book in a five book fantasy series, The Raek Riders, set to be released at the same time. In this first one we follow Meera as she works at the castle while her father is off fighting in the war. She doesn't need to work but she would rather not be alone.

What starts out as a job in the kitchen soon leads to spying for the king. But that's not all, for Meera has volunteered to feed and take care of the captive, fearsome raek, And what about his rider who was also captured? What starts out as a job for the king becomes something else as Meera fights for what is right.

This fantasy has an interesting concept. There are going to be five books in this series so we only learn a little about the world and raek with his rider. Iron-Bound Flames is all about Meera. We spend a lot of time with her and her daily activities.

The author does a good job getting the reader to feel what Meera is feeling. There is a lot of detail on the pain, anxiety, and tiredness she is going through. It's a lot at times but it is very effective. The raek and his rider are interesting and I look forward to learning more about them.

Despite all of the detail on Meera's thoughts and activities there is a lot of action. I found this to be a quick read and it leaves you wanting more.

The author is releasing all five books at once so readers won't have to wait to find out what happens. Iron-Bound Flames is clearly just the beginning so don't expect full explanations or a lot of things to be resolved. In fact it is a nice way to get the reader excited for one big story.