Why am I not seeing more chatter about this book? My first 5 star read of 2025. I was gripped from the first chapter of this and binged this in just a little over a day - could not put it down until 1am bc who needs sleep?

Tamsyn is the royal whipping girl who literally gets whipped in place of her royal sisters as an adopted princess to the royal family. Other than that, she was raised as a royal, until she is forced into a marriage to save her sisters from the same fate, to a man they call The Beast, whose true name is Fell. Fell is the brute leader of the Borderlands who protects the realm from invaders.

I fell for Fell (😅) instantly. There was an instant attraction btwn the two characters and readers soon start to wonder why.

The plot really moves in this book and it was a real page turner for me where I could not put it down. Oh and there are dragons! A different perspective to how many romantasies write them as usual side beasts.

I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to read the sequel.

MY JAW IS ON THE FLOOOOOORR!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you love a Romantasy with dragons, this book is for you! This was one of those stories that sucks you in immediately, I had a hard time putting it down (and I love when I have that feeling).
Our FMC, Tamsyn, is a royal whipping girl and beloved by the royal family (supposedly). She’s considered the fourth princess, but takes whippings for her sisters. When the Beast of the Borderlands visits the kingdom demanding a princess for his service to the crown, the King has no choice but to oblige, though he doesn’t say which princess he’ll give Lord Dryhten.
After a marriage of deceit is complete, the crossing back to the Borderlands is an incredible journey in more ways than one.
AND THAT ENDING?!?!?! I immediately called my brother and demanded he read this now, this series is going to blow up soon I just know it.
You’ll love this book if you love:
🔥 Arranged marriage
🔥 Witches & Dragons
🔥 Fated mates
🔥 Hidden identity

Thank you to Avon and Harper Publishing for the eARC!

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
What to expect: arranged marriage/ forced marriage; dragons, some Game of Thrones vibes.
Once I got around to picking this book up I flew through the story. I really loved the vibes of the MMC, Fell. I, like others, didn't love the consummation scene - but I do love how Fell does his best to comfort her during it. Tamsyn, the FMC, is really intriguing to me and I like her spirit, especially once she is away from being property of the crown.
This books leaves plenty of room for a sequel and learning more about the dragons and their 'politics'. I'm excited to see where the storyline goes! Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced ebook of this book.


Sorry this is so late in the process, it didn't get transferred to my own tracker and then life happened. I really enjoyed the book though!

Sophie Jordan’s Fire in the Sky is an exhilarating blend of romance, action, and adventure set against a vivid, fantastical world. Known for her ability to craft captivating relationships and high-stakes drama, Jordan once again delivers a story that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last.

The novel follows a courageous and fiercely determined protagonist, caught in a world shaped by warring factions and the ever-present threat of fire-wielding dragons. The setting is a breathtakingly imagined landscape where the skies are both a source of beauty and terror, reflecting the novel’s central tension.

What stands out most in Fire in the Sky is Jordan’s gift for character development. The protagonist is layered and relatable, grappling with inner fears and external challenges as she navigates shifting allegiances and dangerous enemies. The romance subplot is a particular highlight, brimming with chemistry and tension that feels both organic and deeply satisfying.

Jordan’s writing style is cinematic, painting vivid scenes of dragon battles, sweeping landscapes, and emotional confrontations. The pacing is swift, with each chapter ending on a note that compels the reader to keep going. However, the novel’s fast pace occasionally leaves some of the world-building elements less fleshed out, which may leave readers wanting more depth in certain areas.

For fans of fantasy with a heavy dose of romance, Fire in the Sky is an absolute treat. Jordan’s ability to balance heart-pounding action with deeply emotional moments makes this a standout addition to her bibliography.

Rating: 4/5

If you’re looking for a fiery, passionate story with dragons, adventure, and love, Fire in the Sky will not disappoint!

I really wanted to love this story. The premise sounded so good—a royal family with a “whipping girl” who takes their punishments, a political marriage to unite kingdoms after a dragon war, and a brooding warrior husband. It had all the ingredients for something amazing. Unfortunately, It just didn’t work for me.

It started off strong, but somewhere around the halfway mark, it started falling apart. The pacing felt…. Wrong, like nothing was really happening, and the romance, it was just…strange. Tamsyn and Fell’s relationship didn’t make sense. One moment they were enemies with some forced attraction, and the next, Fell was totally fine with being tricked into marrying her? Where was the tension? The build-up? It all happened so fast, I felt like I missed something.

And Tamsyn herself, she grew up as the royal family’s literal whipping girl, but she barely seemed affected by it. So unless she has become a non feeling psychopath, it seems strange that she didn’t seem to show any signs of trauma, or resentment, or real depth. She just went along with everything, sacrificing herself for her sisters without question. It felt flat and unrealistic, especially considering her background. I really felt her character should show signs of struggling more, to seem more real, human or whatever.

The writing didn’t help either. It was overly flowery, stretching out scenes that didn’t need it while skipping over the important parts.

And I really don’t want to mention the random love triangle. it felt unnecessary and so out of place…. Because of this, is why I mention it.

In the end, I just couldn’t connect with this one. The premise was great, but the execution fell short, and by the time I gave up on it, I felt more disappointed than anything else.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager.

I thought this was a good first book in a new series. We meet Tamsyn the royal whipping girl, who takes all the punishments that the princesses would receive when they misbehave. Tamysn is a trooper, she obliviously doesn't like the whole whipping thing or how some of the people in the palace get off on punishing her, but she sees this as her royal duty. She has grown up with these girls and sees them and the King and Queen as family so she is who she needs to be to stay with them.

When she ends up married to Fell, we see how the King and Queen view her. I think they do care for her but have no problem sacrificing Tamsyn to protect their blood daughters.
I did like both Fell and Tamsyn. Tamysn did read a bit young to me in certain situations, but she was basically a pampered princess beyond the whole whipping thing so if I take that into account it didn't bother me overly much. I did like how Tamsyn and Fell's relationship grew while they were traveling to his home. We get a big reveal about halfway and while I did see that one coming, there were more reveals to follow that I didn't see coming.

All in all I like this more than I thought I would, and with the way it ended I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

Remarkably, I've never read anything written by Sophie Jordan before. I now feel left out! What a fun story this is--and much too short. I'm looking forward to the next installment which can't come soon enough!

Dragons, destiny, and a fiery romance—sign me up!

I received an ARC of A Fire in the Sky in exchange for an honest review, and let me just say: Sophie Jordan knows how to craft a romantasy that keeps you hooked from start to finish. I ate it up in one sitting, ok!

The setup is classic: forced marriage, hidden identities, and a world where dragons are supposedly extinct. Tamsyn, our fierce and selfless heroine, is thrust into an impossible situation, and her chemistry with Fell, the so-called Beast of the Borderlands, is everything. The tension between them is sizzling, and the spice? Definitely well-done. I loved how Fell’s brooding demeanor paired with Tamsyn’s defiance created a dynamic that felt electric and emotional all at once.

The plot twist about dragons was brilliant—I saw hints of it early on, but when it finally came to light, it had me gasping. The pacing was a little uneven in the middle, with some repetitive moments and less focus on the romance, but the high-stakes ending completely made up for it. The cliffhanger has me desperate for book two—I need answers yesterday.

Final Thoughts:
A Fire in the Sky is a fast-paced, addictive romantasy with just the right mix of spice, drama, and dragon lore to keep you turning pages. It’s not groundbreaking in terms of world-building, but it’s immensely entertaining, and I’m already counting down the days for the sequel. Fans of The Bridge Kingdom or Fourth Wing will love this one!

4.5⭐️ 2🌶️

Great book for fans of books that contain Dragons!

Sophie Jordan weaves fantastic story with a twist that you usually do not see in dragon related story. In the process she builds a beautiful world with unique groups of characters and settings.

Both the MMC Fell and FMC Tamslyn are strong well developed characters overall, though I would have liked to see more development work for Fell when the first big twist in the story.

I also predicted the second twist at the end of the book after learning about that characters background it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the book, and it’s reveal when it happened was well executed.

I cannot wait to read more of this series!

4 ⭐️ for A Fire in the Sky

This was an interesting read. It was a bit slow to start but gained some traction as the story developed. I didn’t hate it; I think I just expected more. The plot premise is there for sure. I just feel like it could have been developed much further with more “call to action” and not so many gaps in time where the reader is left wondering what actually happened during that lost time span. I will say, the world building was quite beautiful though. The details were exquisite. The characters were interesting and crafted quite nicely.

I believe there is a lot of promise based on how this books ended. Will I read the next book, of course; because now I need to know what happens next because we know very little about Fell - where he comes from and how on earth he wound up also being a dragon. That was a bit of a jaw dropping moment that took me completely by surprise. A good surprise, I might add.

Overall, this was a quick easy read. And great for anyone who likes their Romantasy with some dragons, forced proximity, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers and court politics.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this book!

I've always known of Sophie Jordan on the periphery. I've seen her Firelight book for years, and yes it's been on my TBR forever. When I saw an ARC for one of her books, I jumped at the chance. Imagine how delighted I was to learn that it's an origin story for Firelight!

Tamsyn has been raised as part of the royal family. She's never questioned that she's loved by the king and queen. Her love for the three princesses may vary by degrees, her favorite the kind youngest sister. But no one has ever let her forget that she's not one of them - not really. She's the whipping girl, and she takes the punishment whenever they make a mistake. None of them likes to see her punished, though they must to realize the severity of their actions. And the magister has always sought to break Tamsyn.

When one of the Borderland lords comes to the castle, demanding his fair debt for protecting the capital, no one expects him to demand marriage to one of the princesses. Tamsyn is ordered to don a disguise and go along with deceiving the lord to take one of the princesses place once again. Only once she's been wed - and bedded - does Fell realize too late he's been given not a royal wife, but a servant. While the king and queen claim she is one of their own, Fell doesn't forget to slight.

Saddled with a wife he doesn't want, and the Borderlands at a constant knife's edge of peace, Fell knows that at last he must lash out against the crown. Some slights can't be ignored, and without a change in Penterra, there won't be anything worth defending for much longer.

Tamsyn can't deny the attraction she feels to Fell. The unexpected pleasure from their wedding night, and the lingering tension that always follows him, even as he tries to ignore her. The way she can feel the connection from their bond, a scar on her palm that will never let her forget. As she leaves the palace for the first time, she's shocked by the quality of life that awaits beyond the capital city. And something else thrumming in her veins.

There is definitely a cliffhanger at the end of this one, and I have to know where this will go before I can finally jump into the Firelight series. There are a few spicy scenes, so be aware to those readers switching from the YA series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers at Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC to this one!

First I would like to thank NetGalley, Sophie Jordan, and HarperCollins for my ARC.

A Fire in the Sky: A Fiery Fantasy

Sophie Jordan's A Fire in the Sky is a captivating adult fantasy novel that rekindles the magic of her beloved Firelight series. Set in a world where dragons are extinct and magic is waning, the story follows Tamsyn, a young woman with a mysterious past and a fiery spirit.

Jordan masterfully weaves a tale of political intrigue, forbidden romance, and a touch of the supernatural. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a complex power dynamic and a cast of intriguing characters. Tamsyn's journey is filled with danger, betrayal, and self-discovery as she navigates a treacherous court and uncovers a hidden truth about her heritage.

While the romance between Tamsyn and the enigmatic Kaelan adds a swoon-worthy element, it's the strong female protagonist and the thrilling plot that truly shine. Jordan's writing is evocative and passionate, drawing readers into a world of magic, mystery, and danger.

If you're a fan of fantasy, romance, and strong female characters, A Fire in the Sky is a must-read.

I didn’t expect to like this book so much, but the audiobook had me hooked right from the start. The narration was absolutely brilliant, and it might have contributed to making this book more entertaining than I would have found it otherwise, to be honest.
Although I have been happy to read books on the smaller side lately, I felt this one could have been 200 pages longer and would probably have been better for it. Some plot holes were glossed over, the story moved very quickly and a lot of the secondary characters were definitely too cliché for my taste, but I was looking for an engrossing romantasy to take me out of my head, that felt refreshing without being too demanding. And this book hit the spot perfectly.
All in all, sure, it wasn’t the best book I’ve read this year, but I’m still eager to read the sequel.

Book Review: A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan

In A Fire in the Sky, Sophie Jordan delivers a sweeping, emotionally charged tale that seamlessly combines romance, action, and breathtaking worldbuilding. Known for her captivating storytelling and ability to create vibrant, unforgettable characters, Jordan’s latest novel is an immersive journey into a world brimming with peril, passion, and hope.

Set against the backdrop of a war-torn land where the skies burn with danger and the ground trembles with secrets, the story follows a fierce and determined heroine who has spent her life searching for freedom in a world that demands loyalty and sacrifice. Alongside her stands a brooding, complex hero with a haunted past, and as their destinies collide, their dynamic ignites with fiery tension and undeniable chemistry. Jordan masterfully builds their relationship, balancing sharp, emotionally charged exchanges with tender moments that showcase their vulnerability and strength.

One of the standout elements of A Fire in the Sky is its atmospheric setting. From sweeping deserts under star-filled skies to towering citadels and hidden rebellions, Jordan paints a cinematic world that feels alive on every page. The novel also excels at pacing—readers are treated to thrilling action sequences, shocking twists, and quiet moments of introspection, creating a narrative that is both gripping and heart-wrenching.

At its core, A Fire in the Sky is about resilience, love, and the lengths we go to in order to protect what we hold dear. It’s a story of unlikely alliances, sacrifice, and the hope that burns even in the darkest moments. Sophie Jordan delivers a tale that is as radiant and powerful as its title suggests, making this a must-read for fans of epic romantic fantasy.

Rating: 4.5/5
Perfect for fans of: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh and Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin.

Wow wow wow! Romantasy fans will love this one! The writing in this book really sets it apart from other books in the genre. I loved the characters and world building as well!

I absolutely loved this book! From the very first chapter, the backstory of being the "whipping girl" hooked me in, and I was instantly captivated. I'm a sucker for both enemies-to-lovers and arranged marriage tropes, and this one did not disappoint. Fell? Everything. He’s truly a top 10 book boyfriend for me this year! I did a tandem read and listened to the audiobook, and the actors they cast were perfect—seriously, they brought the story to life. I thought this was a standalone novel... right up until the very last chapter. Sophie, girl, where’s book #2?! 😱

Give me all the dragon books! Ugh, loving this trend so much. This book was really entertaining and I loved reading it so much. Definitely recommend!

This was a great debut novel! I cannot wait to see where the story heads, the beginning was a little slow for me and at first I had a hard time following along but once j got into the story i definitely started to enjoy it.

"A Fire in the Sky" is a fun, if not amazing read. I had not previously heard of the concept of a "whipping girl" and I remain disturbed at the notion. And also by FMC Tamsyn's easy acceptance of what she has had to endure. She seriously needed to stop referring to the king and the queen as essentially loving parents. I did see the start of dissatisfaction, a reexamination of memories towards the end, and I hope that continues to grow in the next book in the series.

Tamsyn and MMC Fell definitely have a case of instalust, and it is hard to see where that somehow transitioned to love considering how little he interacted with her during the initial journey to his homeland. Though I am pretty sure they are supposed to be fated mates, so maybe that explains the overwhelming, not backed up by anything, feelings of love they each have for the other.

The secondary characters here are lacking. Stig is annoying and seemed almost irrelevant. The royal family...maybe the one sister is redeemable? Maybe? Fell's people are mostly just there, expect for his psycho right-hand man, and even he doesn't get real depth.

I did like the ending, even though I was not surprised. Once we learn Tamsyn's true origin story, the rest of it was fairly obvious. It did suck me in enough that I will read the next book in this series.

3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

thank you netgalley for the arc!

i'd rate this around 3.5 stars! i enjoyed our FMC and her story. definitely different from other romantasy books i've read in the past, and the MMC has the whole dark and broody thing going on too.

this was spicy!!! like i did not expect it to be as spicy as it was. the chemistry between the FMC and MMC definitely worked and the ending really solidified them as a couple for me.

i wanted a bit more explanation of the magic in this book (hopefully will be getting this in book 2???) and overall i feel like i wasn't super wowed by the story.

world-building was good! but could have used a few side characters or more of a focus on the political system, etc. in this book bc i definitely forgot some of the various politics/kingdoms that were mentioned.

enjoyed it and will read the next book!