It's not often I give a novella 5 stars but this one really killed it! Interesting world building and Charlotte Bond really packed in a full story in a small package and did it really well

The unpredictable ending of this story is what I love about this book!

But before you get to the end…..

This is the tale of Maddileh, knight, dragon slayer. Also a female, relegated to the back of the wagon among her male colleagues. In The Fireborne Blade, Maddileh is on a mission to redeem her honor, with a squire who does not seem to respect her. The mission is to capture the Fireborne Blade from the lethal White Lady dragon.

As the story unfolds, the reader is treated to tales of other dragon slayers that would seem to set a scene for Maddileh’s own dragon confrontation. Also, flashbacks to Maddileh’s preparation for her journey pepper the story, providing important background on this woman.

Themes of The Fireborne Blade include not letting others define you and being open to out-of-the-box ideas. Be who you are meant to be. Oh, and power-hungry men are not all that sharp.

The 168 pages of The Fireborne Blade are filled with volumes. Efficient storytelling includes details about the country’s history and lore of dragons, strong female characters, magical hierarchy, sexism, and interesting character names. Plus, hints at what is to come that you will likely miss until the unexpected twist.

Through NetGalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

my rating: 3.5

I'm glad I read *The Fireborne Blade* but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would.

This was part of my First Chapter Vs Final Rating Project and I gave this one a very high 10/10.
> The Fireborne Blade *by Charlotte Bond has a rather short first chapter and yet there was time to slay a dragon, dissolve a foot, and establish a fantastically strong bond between knight and squire. So good!*

The beginning of this novella was excellent: I loved the interweaving of timelines (the stories/reports of adventures past were probably my favorite feature) and getting to know our main character. Then we start on a rant about how unfairly women are treated in this world and it goes on for so long that this book **about slaying dragons** actually starts to get boring: Life is unfair. Life sucks for women in worlds like this one. These are not novel concepts so we don't need to spend *this* much time explaining such things. I digress.

I really thought my initial level of intrigue would recover by the end of *The Fireborne Blade*, but this was not the case. With that said, there were a couple of bits at the end that were intriguing enough to limp my interest to the next book in the series.

So while this first installment wasn't as *for me* as I initially thought it would be, it might be for you if you:
1. love stories about dragons (and their demise, I guess?),
2. are looking for a quick adventurous read, or
3. like books that jump around in both points of time, perspective, and storytelling format.

*Thank you to Tor/Forge for providing me an e-ARC of this book.*

Thanks so much for this title! As many others have said it's for lovers of Brienne but with dragons and swords, also for lovers of Six Deaths as well. A classic knights quest tale. Dimensional characters that I fell in love with. Loved the use of back story from olden tales from a previous knighfts and the way I gasped a gasp with the twist and ending, phenomenal. Packs so much for such a short 200 page book that is an easy quick read. Can't wait to read the next one!

”Its illegal to train girls in magic without a dispensation, yet to get that dispensation, a girl has to show an aptitude first—which means someone has to train her up at least a bit, which means that someone is already breaking the rules in order to follow the rules. That seems ridiculous to me.”

Kill the dragon. Find the blade. Reclaim her honor.

It’s that, or end up like countless knights before her, as a puddle of gore and molten armor.

Maddileh is a knight. There aren’t many women in her line of work, and it often feels like the sneering and contempt from her peers is harder to stomach than the actual dragon slaying. But she’s a knight, and made of sterner stuff. A minor infraction forces her to redeem her honor in the most dramatic way possible, she must retrieve the fabled Fireborne Blade from its keeper, legendary dragon the White Lady, or die trying.

If you're ever looking for a quick and short read that'll leave you feeling FULFILLED then this is the novella for you! Oh and it has so so so many dragons, and a twist at the end that had my head entirely spinning.

It's amazing how much is packed into such a short story and it really shows Bond's strength as a writer, especially considering this book has multiple POV's and timelines.

rep// wlw

cw// animal death, death, dead body, emesis, violence, alcohol, amputation, fire, hallucinations, body horror, blood & gore, self harm (for magic), child death (past)

Thank you to the publisher for sending me this ARC!

3,5✨

I've really enjoyed this novella, but I think I am almost never satisfied after finishing novellas, and it was a case here.

I like that the author told a classic tale of a knight's quest to defeat a dragon, but featuring a strong female MC and some queerness.

I've also really enjoyed the way the story was told, we've got some historical records, our main character's (Maddileh's) past and the current events. I feel like there was so much potential there, and it kind of reminded me of Gideon The Ninth with the way it twisted in the end.

That being said, if it was in a book format, rather than novella, I feel like the characters could be fleshed out better and I could have gotten immersed into the story more. It was almost like a summary or a teaser, and the ending, while bendy and surprising, would have just hit me more if we had the chance to spend more time with Maddileh.

Overall, I'm quite intrigued and will definitely continue reading the series! I love some queer rep, as well as powerful women in my stories. 😅 I'd recommend it for the ones of you that like alternative spins on classic tales, and twists that turn the story on its head.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for granting me access to an e arc.

Charlotte Bond’s *The Fireborne Blade* has emerged as a captivating entry in the fantasy genre, effectively blending traditional tropes with contemporary themes. This novella offers a refreshing take on the classic quest narrative, drawing readers into a world where two strong female characters navigate a landscape fraught with danger, societal expectations, and personal ambition. At only 168 pages, it is a testament to Bond's ability to craft a compelling and multifaceted story within a concise format.

The plot centers on Maddileh, a knight on a mission to reclaim a legendary blade from a dragon, while also exploring her complex past and the trials faced by women in a male-dominated world. The narrative's structure alternates between Maddileh's present quest, flashbacks to her training, and testimonies about previous dragon encounters, effectively enriching the world-building and deepening the stakes. The gritty, lived-in quality of Bond’s setting provides a perfect backdrop for a story that combines high fantasy with grimdark elements, making the world feel both fantastical and relatable.

What stands out in *The Fireborne Blade* is its exploration of gender dynamics and power hierarchies. The novella does not shy away from critiquing the societal structures that limit women's roles, particularly in magic and knighthood. The strong feminist undercurrent is exemplified in quotes that underscore the absurdity of the barriers faced by women, such as the hypocrisy in training protocols for female mages. This not only adds depth to the characters but also engages readers in broader discussions about gender and power, making the narrative feel timely and relevant.

While the first half of the novella is praised for its engaging setup and strong character development, opinions diverge in the latter half. Some readers found the pacing rushed and the resolution lacking the buildup needed to make it truly impactful. Critics suggest that a full-length novel format might have allowed for deeper character exploration and a more gradual reveal of plot twists, ultimately enhancing the narrative's tension and payoff. However, others argue that the brisk pace contributes to the novella’s excitement, ensuring that every moment feels charged with purpose.

Bond's prose is straightforward yet impactful, skillfully avoiding overwriting while ensuring that each sentence carries weight. This economical use of language allows the reader to immerse themselves in the world without getting lost in unnecessary detail. The combination of gory imagery and moments of levity creates a balance that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the characters' fates.

Overall, *The Fireborne Blade* showcases Charlotte Bond's talent for crafting a story that is both accessible and rich in substance. While some aspects may benefit from deeper exploration, the novella ultimately stands out for its engaging characters, sharp commentary on societal issues, and an unpredictable plot that rewards readers. As an introduction to a potentially larger series, it leaves one eager for more tales of Maddileh and the intriguing dragons of Bond's imagination. Whether readers seek a strong female-driven narrative, an adventure packed with lore, or an examination of power dynamics, *The Fireborne Blade* promises a satisfying read that resonates long after the last page is turned.

I did not like the writing style at all of this one. I dnf'd it about 20% in. It is too formal while trying to be witty. I didn't love our FMC. Sadly, this didn't work for me

The dragons in this book were so unique, I enjoyed the magic system and the politics were super intriquing.

Based on the cover I expected this book to be a somewhat traditional, somewhat gritty, fantasy. That is not what I received, though there was enough death and intrigue to give a taste of it. What I found inside was what I would consider the fantasy version of a 'cosy mystery' novel. The characters were compelling, the story was interesting, and there was definitely some social commentary, but it was not the type of book I was expecting based on the cover. That being said, I remain intrigued by the world and hope to read more.

Overall I enjoyed The Fireborne Blade though it was a bit of an unusual read. I hadn't remembered that it was more of a novella and so I was surprised by the pacing. I felt as though I was pretty far into it before I really got into the groove of how the story was being told and how the plot was developing.

I'm still uncertain as to whether or not I'll read the sequel though the description does make it sound pretty interesting.

A fast-paced novella full of adventure that I wish was longer because it was so entertaining! Completely engaged me and perfect for anyone whose fave character in GOT was Brienne.

This was a fun read, it reminded me of fairytales I read as a kid, but with a darker and more modern twist.

I loved the female knight and spark of sapphic romance rep in this book! The fantasy elements were well done in such a short book and I love the dragon storyline. I’m very excited to read the next book!

I don't know what I was expecting from this book but this was not it. It was both engaging and heartfelt, something truly difficult to do in such a short book. If you're on the fence you should definitely try it out.

Were you deeply upset by Brienne of Tarth's story arc destination? Did you grow up wondering why Mulan fell in love with her commander when she obviously should have run far, far away and grown into obscurity and old age as a literal superhero to the people she saved- rather than lower herself to a status marked by her relationship with a man? Boy do I have the book recommendation for you.

Badass female knight works harder than literally every single man around her and has to retrieve a fabled sword from a dragon to redeem her honor. Exceptionally cool.

Alexa play *The Man* by Taylor Swift. On repeat. With Game of Thrones in the background.

You can bet that as soon as I saw ‘dragons’ and ‘lesbian’ as the tags for this book, I wanted to read it! It was a good read, especially for a book this short, I tend to find the story quite flat and shallow the shorter the page count is. Here, the author stuck to a very classic knight quest storyline and it worked really well. They managed to create and build up a world in very little time and made it believable by including book excerpts, which is THE way in my opinion to make your fantasy world more tangible, by creating literature and history specific to it. I was introduced to some lore, that while not the most original, following a very medieval fantasy land, added layers to this story and made it work. The very small cast of characters also helped for that matter and I thought they were all overall well-written, even if a tiny bit cliche, but still very much believable. I have book 2 on Kindle as well, so you can bet I’ll be reading it soon!

4.5 stars rounded up.

What a fantastic novella. If you are a fan of classic dragon fantasy and want to see how it can be merged with horror elements and brought into the modern era of more nuanced characters...look no further. The tag line from the publisher says it all "Kill the dragon. Find the blade. Reclaim her honor." If you are sleeping on this one, do yourself a favor and check it out.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me access to a reading copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The best way I can describe this is: Imagine a feminist Sapphic version of Brienne of Tarth's story where she went on a quest to slay a dragon in an attempt to prove herself as a worthy knight with a mage squire and throughout the story there are accounts from other knights who have fought other dragons as a form of world building.

.....

This novella had all the ingredients of an interesting story, and I did enjoy it. However, I think it fell a little flat for me. The story follows Maddileh, a lady knight who has decided to search for the mythical blade known as The Fireborne Blade in order to prove herself, but to do so she must fight and kill a very ancient, powerful dragon who guards it known as the White Lady. The story starts with Maddileh and her squire entering the White Lady's demesne, but then jumps back and forth between the 6ish months before they reach the dragons cave as well as accounts written by mages detailing other dragon encounters. While I understand the idea behind doing this, (to give context to the twist at the end) I think it made the first half of the novella feel slow and the second half feel rushed. Honestly, I think the biggest downfall of this story is that it probably could have been a full length novel. It would have helped to develop the characters and their relationships better, and the payoff at the end would have felt more earned.

I really liked Maddileh as a character, as well as Saralene, but I would have liked to know more about how they ended up in the roles they chose. I also loved all the dragon lore, that was also really interesting. All in all, I enjoyed this short and sweet novella, but I wished it were a bit longer!

.....

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

With a unique and interesting take on Dragon Dens, this novella feels like an experimental dungeon crawl with untrustworthy allies.

Unfortunately, this story just didn't work for me. With two separate timelines and the additional research notes on dragon dens, the novella felt as though it often lost momentum in odd places and became muddied in others.

Whenever I found myself finally becoming invested in what was happening to Maddileh, the timeline would change or a research chapter was put in and I found myself suddenly aware I was reading and not in an imaginary world.

I unfortunately will not be continuing this novella series.