3.5 stars

I have very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, it has some of my favorite romantasy tropes and I really enjoyed both Tamsyn’s and Fell’s POVs. On the other hand, this is one of those rare moments where I think the story would have benefited from longer scenes, scenes to help build the world and connect the reader to the characters.

Things I Loved:
- Using the concept of the whipping girl in a fantasy novel was entirely unique
- Arranged marriage, hidden identity, he falls first tropes
- The multiple POVs
- Dragons!

Things That Need Work:
- The sudden instalove - I would have loved to have seen more banter or argumentative screens between the FMC and MC. Something to show budding respect turning into affection.
- The development of the side characters and their relationships with the MCs, especially Mari’s relationship with Fell and Tamsyn’s relationship with her sisters.
- The overall world building and dragon lore

Overall, I enjoyed the story and it was an extremely quick read. I think the plot has a lot of promise, and I look toward to seeing what happens next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was hooked on this from page one. I devoured it in two sittings. It was such a good story! An arranged marriage, a wife who is more than she seems, and a world trying to rid itself of magic. But magic can't just disappear...

I got an ARC of this thanks to @harpercollins and @netgalley. This was fun! It felt a little elementary, but knowing the author writes YA sometimes, it tracked. I thought the twist at the end was fun. And I’m interested to see where it all goes.

Review contains slight spoilers



I absolutely loved this book! The story is a bit of a slow burn, but I was hooked! In a world where dragons were driven to extinction by humans through The Threshing, we have our FMC, Tamsyn, who is a whipping girl for the Princesses of Penterra. She is raised as a member of the royal family but is still separate from them. The MMC is Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands that protects Panterra's northernmost border from bandits and invading countries. Fell comes to the capital to marry one of the princesses so he can be a voice for the people on the council. The king, queen, and lord regent come up with a plan to trick Fell into marrying Tamsyn, as they don't want him marrying one of the princesses. Fell and Tamsyn marry and after the deception is revealed, they leave the capital to go back to the Borderlands where Fell rules. The journey is long, but they must hurry to arrive before winter sets in. Along the way, Tamsyn sees the world as it is outside of the palace, and it is grim. The eradication of the dragons was supposed to bring prosperity to humans, but those without money and power are still suffering.

I love the relationship between Fell and Tamsyn. Despite their rocky start, they slowly develop deeper feelings for each other. It is a struggle for them as they fight themselves, but I love a good story where they can't help but give in. I am so excited to see how their relationship further develops and where the story will go from here!

Thank you HaperCollins and NetGalley for the advanced copy. My thoughts and this review are my own opinion.

How can one be sad about and in love with something at the same time?! I read this book in one sitting, even cooked dinner while reading it. 6 hours, i couldn't stop. I am absolutely in love with A Fire in the Sky, and now I have to wait for the next one (hence the sadness). I loved our main characters, and I can't wait to see their story continue. So many twists and turns it was addicting. This book *chef's kiss*. It has magic, dragons, spice, a beast of a warrior for a MMC, and a badass FMC. You can not ask for more in a romantasy. My only complaint was that it was too short. Sophie Jordan - thank you for this!

What's that? She has to marry a giant bearded man they call the Beast? And there used to be dragons but aren't anymore...unless? Excuse me while I cackle my romance and fantasy-loving heart out. I figured out the twist pretty early on but that didn't lessen my enjoyment at all. I loved the build up at the end and cannot wait for the sequel.

This is hands down one of the best books I have read in a while! There were parts of this book where I was so emotionally invested to the story and characters. The character development, world building, and storytelling was so captivating, I couldn't put it down! If you like, enemies to lovers, new-found family, and more importantly, DRAGONS, then this is the book for you! I liked the book so much, that halfway through, I went ahead and pre-ordered it. I am thankful I had the opportunity to read this early, and I can't wait for the sequel!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC!

Let me start by saying this book hooked me from the start and I wanted to read straight through to find out what would happen. This is a fantasy romance book that follows Tamsyn, a royal whipping girl forced into an arranged marriage with a northern warlord, Fell. Their arrangement starts off with deceit, which places them at odds. The two then have to face one another with their journey together back to Fell's lands. This was my first read by Sophie Jordan and I really enjoyed it! The writing style was easy to follow and the world-building wasn't too heavy for book 1 of a fantasy. The first half of the book was a bit predictable for those who read a great deal of the genre. However, the second half of the book really increased in plot, action, and twists. From the second half on I was glued to the book to see the ending. The ending, while a cliffhanger, really sets up for what looks to be a promising book 2!

Overall I would recommend this book for those who love fantasy romance. There's a strong FMC who grows as a character, a warlord MMC, dragons, magic, some spice, and a building storyline. I think the only thing that kept it a 5 start for me, is I wanted more connection, interaction, banter, and relationship growth between the FMC and MMC. But I will definitely be reading book 2!

This is my first Sophie Jordan book, and I will definitely be checking out her backlist while I wait for book 2. (I hope there is a book 2.) I'm a sucker for paranormal romance stories and this is one of the better ones I have read in the past couple of years.

I really enjoyed diving into Tsmsyn's psyche and thought processes. She doesn't think like a 21st-century female and those influences aren't in the forefront of her mind. You can see how she has been conditioned to think and how one of her core personality traits is serving her family and kingdom. She understands how the world works and the ideology becomes a part of it and sets her path in it. She's not a heroine who wants to change the injustices of her world or dismantle the patriarchy. She is a character that survives and endures. She always meets change head-on trying to find the best in whatever situation she is thrown in. She doesn't fight or rail against her oppressors like you would typically expect and that's what made her so interesting as a character and the world feel rich and complex.

I wanted to feel a little more romance between her and Fell instead of only sexual chemistry but I'm not mad about it. The last third of the book went entirely too quickly and I wanted it to have the same pace as the beginning of the book. It ended not on a cliffhanger but on a question-hanger. I know all characters are alive and well but it left me questioning world lore and how the characters are going to find them.

Needless to say, I'm excited for the next book!

It was okay. Not the best book I've ever read, but the idea was very interesting.

The book felt choppy, like it was jumping around from one place to another. In other words, it felt rushed. The interactions between Fell and Tamsyn (Main characters), felt very shallow. The author could have added scenes that challenged the nature of their relationship to give it more depth, but there weren't many at all. Their relationship felt very static. This is the type of book that simply needs to be longer in order to really capture the plot and relationships.

It's not just the main character's relationship that bothered me. Fell's relationships with his friends and travel crew were also very shallow, even though it was obvious that he had known them for a long time. And slight spoiler, but the betrayal of one of his friends felt very ill-timed. It just seemed as if none of the characters were actually thinking. It's like they were husks; just following the author's pen.

Overall, there should have been more character depth and development. This really broke the book for me. But again, the idea was very good. I just wish the execution was better.

**Review will be published on my blog on 9/9/24**

Content Warning: violence, death, abuse, whipping

I haven’t read a Sophie Jordan novel in years but I got asked to read this one so I was curious. I think I read one YA novel from her and a few historical romance books but like I said it’s been awhile.

Tamsyn is a whipping a girl. Yes, she is the girl who gets the punishment meant for the royal princesses. It’s an awful situation for her but because she’s an orphan, it is actually a better station than Tamsyn could have ever dreamed of, at least that’s what she thinks or is trained to believe. She’s a part of the royal family but also, not.

Fell, is a hardened, ruthless warlord who believes his hard work defending the borders deserves a price and what he wants is to marry one of the princesses. I think you can guess what happens in this story at least for the first part. The first half of the book is predictable but the second half had some interesting surprises!

I was definitely entertained by the steamy attraction (very instant attraction) between Tamsyn and Fell. There are a few spicy scenes between them. Unfortunately, I think that’s the only thing they had going for them as a couple – the physical chemistry, because I didn’t think there was enough time for their relationship to grow at all in this story. And although I read this book in one night, I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. There is also someone in Tamsyn’s life from the royal court, Stig, who was a close friend and is in love with her. But, I wasn’t feeling Stig’s point of view in the story since she never really considers him or has any romantic feelings towards him. I would have rather had like more chapters devoted to Tamsyn and Fell getting to know one another.

I definitely liked the dragons but again, it comes mostly at the end of a story and sets things up for a sequel.

My Final Thoughts:

This story had me hooked even though I wasn’t connecting much to the characters. I was into the drama of the arranged marriage and wanted to see how that was going to turn out. The first half was predictable but I think the second half got me intrigued because that’s when the dragons are actually introduced. I think I may continue the series just because the ending was quite a cliffhanger and I want to learn more about the dragon shifters.

Welcome to a world where dragons are viewed as gods, whereas humans are just an afterthought to them. Our main character is an outcast badass who will not stay silent after being banished. This book is a great combination of wit, tension, and high stakes. I do believe it took too long for the story to get to the heist and simultaneously finished that part of the plot too quickly. However, the incredible world-building and character development/creation makes up for this. I found myself shocked at many times and the book was a good time.

A Fire in the Sky was an absolute blast to read! I couldn’t put it down and kept guessing until the very end. The story sucked me in from page one, and I just tore through it.

The romance is front and center in this book, but it’s balanced beautifully with the fantasy elements. Sophie Jordan did an incredible job of setting the stage for future books. Based on the ending, I think we are in for an amazing fantasy adventure in the next book. The writing style is simple and easy to read, allowing for a quick read without sacrificing depth or engagement.

Tasmyn is a relatable and well-developed character whose struggles and decisions are portrayed with authenticity and empathy. Her journey is heart-wrenching & painful at times, and Jordan's ability to convey her pain and motivations makes her choices feel justified and understandable.

Sure, there were a few predictable moments, but there were so many twists that I was never totally sure what would happen next. So, in a way, that makes it unpredictable, right?

I'm definitely adding this book to my shelf and impatiently waiting for the sequel. I loved reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fantasy book with a good dose of romance.

I loved this book. I was kept guessing until the end. I just devoured it, and was not left wanting anything but more. I thought it was well written, and absolutely loved the plot. I like how there was spice, but not to much for the first book in I'm hoping a good series. I can't wait for the next one, and will definitely need this book for my shelves.

If you like romance, fantasy, and dragons go get this book. It has it all with fighting, slow burn, spice, and a hunky MMC. I also love a FMC who finds herself in a book and this has that.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

I had so much fun reading this! This has everything I love in a fantasy witches, dragons and an arranged marriage.
Tamsyn is known as the whipping girl meaning she is raised with the royal family but treated as a servant. So when one of the princesses fucks up she gets punished. When the lord of the borderlands Fell comes to court demanding a princess as a wife the king arranges Tamsyn to marry him. Fell quickly finds out he was deceived and Tamsyn is not a princess. Tamsyn travels with Fell and the rest of his men back to his home and along the way Tamsyn discovers more to the world than just the castle. She quickly realizes that witches and dragons might be real. She discovers a secret and is scared to tell her husband.

A fire in the sky is fast paced, has action and an intricate world building. Fell is gonna be a fan favorite and the end of the book was not what I expected!!! Really enjoyed this story so much can’t wait to see what happens with the rest of the books

I think I have read nearly everything Sophie Jordan has written EXCEPT her young adult Firelight series (insert eek face here). But I’m in a huge adult romantasy phase right now so I jumped in anyways, though I believe this takes place in the same world (?). And I’m here to tell you that it absolutely stands on it’s own. No need to worry about prerequisite reading.

It’s fast, dramatic, and trope-y, with a lot of fraught history driving the plot into what is looking like a new war. The haves lording over the have-nots, withholding all that was promised after the last major war with dragons. Magic and magical creatures have been pushed to extinction/extermination. But things are clearly changing and what was hiding is ready to burst free.

The story is definitely heavy on the romance, as anticipated. Tamsyn is living a complicated existence and her set-up has dark romance elements. Her emotional journey promises to be deliciously tortured and epic. Fell has a harsh past and present that has shaped him into an unyielding and ruthless leader, brooding for days. Together, their ideals clash and realities start to adjust as they discover more about each other. And when a relationship starts with lies and sex, it’s interesting to see connection and emotional intimacy form in reverse.

I do think it’s too speedy in the second half. I wish it had been longer, with more detail and a bigger build. It’s a fast and entertaining read but it could have been more robust. Still, the last quarter managed to surprise me. There were some good lead-ins and while I could anticipate most, I was also dazzled by a revelation or two.

Overall, I’m hooked. Can’t wait for more.

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon and Harper Voyager, for the opportunity to read A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan in exchange for my honest review.

A Fire in the Sky focuses on Tamsyn, who is raised in the royal court to bear the brunt of princesses' misdeeds, and suddenly she finds herself marrying Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands, to save the princesses. It’s honestly shocking how okay with her life Tamsyn is.

I felt the pacing in the beginning and end worked. I didn’t find my mind wandering, which I appreciated. That said, the middle felt rushed, with missing or underexplained parts.

A major drawback for me was the relationship between Tamsyn and Fell. There is never a real chance for them to connect, making their supposed relationship unconvincing. The big reveal felt obvious from the start and could have been handled better. More time should have been spent on Tamsyn and Fell getting closer before a quick reveal or skipping the relationship initially and developing it after the reveal.

Despite these flaws, A Fire in the Sky presents an interesting blend of fairytale elements and human interactions with mythical beings. The unique growth arc of the protagonist and the intriguing premise make it a worthwhile read.

If you're into dragons, magic, and unexpected romances, "Fire in the Sky" is a must-read! The story centers on Tamsyn, who, though not a true princess, is raised as one and serves as the whipping girl for the royal family. When a fearsome beast demands a princess as his bride, Tamsyn is the one offered up. What unfolds is an enchanting tale of love and resilience, as Tamsyn and the "beast" navigate their unexpected relationship. The romance is heartfelt, and the underlying message that magic can't be destroyed adds a captivating layer to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to see where Tamsyn's journey leads next!

While I was able to predict some of the plot twists regarding the characters themselves within a few pages based on the summary of the book I was still surprised by the overall plot twists! I wish there was more interaction and angst between the two main characters, but the premise of the series and ending of this book has me intrigued enough to keep reading. I did feel the FMC was a bit frustrating at times with her focus solely on duty and then her desire for the MMC, but I’m hoping her character development leads to her own wants/desires versus the role she thinks she has to do.

The pros of the book are an interesting premise, brooding MMC, and a plot that kept me reading!

4.25 / 5

This book absolutely had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. The tropes! The fantasy!

I absolutely enjoyed the fast-paced plot, the two main characters and the well-written romance. The story had me so intrigued I blew through this book within two days and could not put it down.

Surprisingly, my biggest critique was that this book wasn't long enough to flesh out some of the characters and plot. I would have loved getting more build up into certain character's relationships and histories so that pivotal plot points hit just a little bit better.

Overall, this was absolutely delightful and I'll be eagerly awaiting the continuation of this series.

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Sophie Jordan for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.