I originally added this to my list because it was a pick for a book box that I subscribe to! As soon as I read the description, I knew it had to be in my upcoming reads!

From the first, I was sucked into the story of Tasmyn and struck by her mind set on her place in the world. We see her inner dialogue and how she makes decisions understanding she is a part of the royal family, but also not. Next up, we meet the Beast, with all his rough edges, brooding brow and his father’s legacy to live up to. From the moment he hops off his horse, you just know Fell is going to ruffle some feathers. Or should I say get under some scales…?

I was instantly intrigued by both characters and the wonderful foreshadowing/snippets we get that all may not be as it seems, with either character. I highlighted so many little comments and nods and even made notes on my kindle about where I thought things might be going. I’m pleased to say that somewhere in my musings, I did indeed guess the truth, BUT was completely wrong about HOW we got there.

It was a ride from the beginning, with rich world and lore building and characters that all have secrets. I loved the ending (even if it was a cliffy) and I can’t wait for book 2!!!

Thank you to the team at Avon Books and Sophie Jordan for the e-book via Net Galley!

An amazing and captivating adventure filled with self discovery, awakening power, and betrayal. How does a single person hold so much power worth going to war? This story kept me engaged and excited for more.

This book had me hooked from the start!

It has fantasy, intrigue, and a heroine who’s tough, even when life keeps knocking her down.

Tamsyn is such a great character. Raised in a palace but never really belonging, she gets stuck being the princesses' scapegoat, but she doesn’t let that break her. She’s way stronger than anyone gives her credit for, and I loved watching her stand up for herself.

Things really heat up when she’s forced to marry Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands (who totally lives up to his name). The tension between these two is electric, especially when Tamsyn’s secret is revealed on their wedding night—talk about drama!

I also loved how their relationship wasn’t just about the fireworks; there’s some real emotional depth as Tamsyn has to leave behind her only friend, Stig, and figure out her new life.

Even though it’s set in a fantasy world, the book was a super easy read. And while there’s a little dragon action, it doesn’t take over the story, which I didn’t mind at all. The real focus is on Tamsyn’s journey and all the crazy danger she’s thrown into.

And the ending? what a ride! It had me on the edge of my seat and left me dying to know what happens next.

If you’re into strong heroines, a bit of magic, and a plot that keeps you guessing, definitely give this one a shot!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for this ARC!

Thank you to Avon/Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this ARC!

3 ⭐️ This was an easily consumable story and the narrators were enjoyable. I had high hopes for this but ultimately it fell flat for me. I wouldn't say this has any romance in it which is sad because the story literally lends itself to an amazing enemies to lovers romance. It felt more of a coming of age than a romantasy. The writing felt YA but the content was definitely not YA - just FYI.

I really really REALLY wanted to love this book! I mean, it has dragons! That's all a book needs to hook me - I LOVE DRAGONS! The synopsis sounded so incredibly up my alley and fun, but sadly this book fell so incredibly short. So much potential, but I was left so disappointed :(

I found these characters so unlikable (and it's not like it's one of those books where everyone is supposed to be unlikable, these characters are supposed to be liked and rooted for but I could not make myself like any of them).

And there is absolutely no chemistry between the characters either, especially in that one first scene (if you know you know), that felt weird and really made me uncomfortable.

This was very sadly not enjoyable to me. But at least it was only about 300 pages, so it was pretty fast to get through.

Although I have rated this book 3/5 stars, that's more like a 2.75 (a high 2/5). I just find that in my rating system, there's a massive gap between what a 2 star book is and what a 3 star book is. Giving this a 2 feels harsh and doesn't compare to the other books I have given a 2, so this gets a 3.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

This book surprised me! Not
just because I didn't see one of the twists coming
(the second twist I called!) but because I didn't know
if it would be a good read or not.


It's a good read! The pacing reminded me of Raven
Kennedy's writing style where it's a little slower
because it's so character driven. So if you like really
getting to know these people, their heads, hearts,
backstories, etc - you'll like this!


I loved the fresh take on dragons, witches, and
politics. I love when we start to question origin
stories and it's like wait..hat if they're wrong??
Paradigm shifts are my jam.


Now, the love story. So so good! I loved the enemies
to lovers, touch her and die, possessive make, dark
and light, push and pull of them! The forbidden
romance had great tension and it landed really well
for me.


It's not a hard or a long read, 1 just really enjoyed it
and I think it'll be a bit! What kept it from 5 stars for
me was that there were a couple places where it felt
a *little* repetitive but it's minor. l'm looking forward
to seeing how this story and the author evolv

3.75 stars! This was a lighter fantasy romance read, and was easy to follow and engage with! I liked Tamsyn from the beginning, and she was relatable and I felt for her situation with the royal family. I feel like we got a lot of information on the back story, however I also wish we had more interaction/airtime with the sisters. I would also like to see more…evidence of Tamsyns experience as the whipping girl coming out in the future books. It’s just hard to reconcile that there wouldn’t be lasting effects of that experience!

Don’t even get me started with Fell - hello misunderstood bad boy! I loved Fell, and I was happy to see the relationship between him and Tamsyn unfold. Though their romance felt rushed and I am hoping there is much more development in the next book in the series.

Read if you enjoy:
- arranged marriage
- enemies to lovers
- dragons 🐉

Overall, a quick, fun read! I look forward to reading more of Sophie Jordan’s books!

Thank you, Avon, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

THIS BOOK. As soon as I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down. The concept of a whipping girl was foreign to me, but I found it so interesting how Tamsyn viewed herself. Her resiliency is fueled by her love for her sisters, and her duty. But when Fell comes requesting a princess bride, the arranged marriage and forced departure from her home allow Tamsyn to experience personal growth and form her own identity as something other than the whipping girl. The romance in this story is top tier, with the chemistry sparking off the page. The twists, action, magic, and banter make this story exactly what I look for in a fantasy romance. This is one of my absolute favorites that I’ve read this year! Thank you, Sophie Jordan, for bringing this wonderful book into my life 🔥🐉🤍

A Fire in the Sky is the adult prequel to Jordan's Firelight series. In a medieval style world, Tamsyn has grown up as part of the royal family as the whipping girl to the three princesses. When Lord Fell comes from the Borderlands demanding to marry one of the princesses, Tamsyn begins an adventure which will allow her to discover falling in love, secrets about herself and about her land.

The book's setting is familiar but with a slight twist - a medieval English style world where dragons and witches have all but disappeared, while Fell's borderlands are reminiscent of an ancient Scotland. The world is easily understandable and moves quickly while Tamsyn and her family plot intrigue. The minor characters, including Tamsyn's sisters, Fell's comrades and several magical creatures, really popped. The book ended on a cliffhanger and I am incredibly excited to read the next book in the series.

Sadly, I was unable to finish this book. For some reason I got about 30% of the way in and had no interest in finishing. While the concept intrigued me at first, I was not very attached to the characters. I had high hopes as I love fantasy books, and I love books with dragons, however I was let down. The first issue I encountered was how the MMC spoke about women; it was not offensive, but I found it extremely off-putting. I also was confused about the concept of Tamsyn being a whopping girl and wish the beginning was a little bit more descriptive in the background of the book. Overall, I am sure this book would interest someone, but that person was not me.

I was so excited when I learned that Sophie Jordan was returning to the world of the Firelight series. I’d first read read that trilogy when I started blogging about books back in 2011, so there’s definitely nostalgia.

Tamsyn’s an adopted ‘princess’ of the court whose one unique role is that of ‘whipping girl’. Yep, she receives the punishments on behalf of the royal kids. It’s considered an esteemed position. When Fell, a warrior of a neighboring state visits, and demands an alliance via marriage to one of the king’s daughters, he’s offered Tamsyn as his bride. Neither wants this but they have no choice.

I liked the gradual unwinding of the story. And though the plot is predictable, it’s comforting in that sense. Tamsyn and Fell have a kind of simultaneous insta-lust and slow burn thing going. Oh their scenes are quite spicy thanks to that perfect tension! The trust and the affection come later. If you enjoy brooding heroes, Fell does a lot of that here. Most of the story takes place while they’re journeying from Tamsyn’s homeland to Fell’s. Jordan weaves an interesting dragon mythology - magical and enchanting.

Highlights:
* Romantasy
* Dragons, shifters
* Royal politics and intrigue
* Strong heroine, brooding hero

This had all the right elements for me to easily dive in and enjoy myself. I’ve always liked Jordan’s writing, and this precursor to the Firelight books was a welcome distraction from the real world. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I’m eager for more!

Thanks to @avonbooks & @netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Okay this book was fantastic and I’m mad that more people aren’t talking about it. THIS IS ROMANTASY GOLD! The tension, the stakes, the magic of it all! Wild man, princess of pain and the love between them all of it was too good and I was completely enthralled reading it.

Tasmyn lives in the palace as a sister to the princesses; sleeping, playing, eating, and studying with them but serving in their place for any consequences for their actions by getting whipped. She again serves in there place when Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands (the one actually defending the kingdom), requests to marry a princess for his valor in hopes of getting a seat at the decision table. Tricking him into marrying Tasmyn, the journey back to his home is full of challenges as they battle highwaymen, monsters, and their own feelings for each other. Oh and maybe a dragon or two…

The romance between Fell and Tasymn was so palpable, it was crazy. Like the minute they get into bed I knew it was over for them. And let me tell you that was so early in the book. I can’t wait to see where there relationship can soar to in the next book! I loved the world building in the book as well and the clues and tidbits Sophie Jordan placed that made sense the later in the book you got. Overall can’t wait for the second book, put it in my hands right now.

In this book you will find: dragons, witches, betrayal, love triangle, unrequited love, one horse, touch her and die, people pleaser, death, violence, and a whole lot more.

“A Frire in the Sky” is a fantastic adult fiction prequel story to Sophie Jordan’s YA “Firelight” series. I will admit up-front, that I have not read the “Firelight” series so I won’t spend much time comparing the two. That said, not having read the other series in no way impacted my enjoyment of this book. This was a really intriguing story of Tamsyn. She’s an orphan, taken in by the king and queen, raised alongside their own daughters, as sisters, treated like every bit the princesses the “true” princesses are… except she is the official palace whipping girl. In a place where it is punishable by death to raise a hand against royalty, Tamsyn takes the punishments meant to teach the princesses lessons. Then, the final blow, she is used as a pawn once more, when Fell; a fearsome, strong, warrior, who’s men have protected the palace and the people from raiders and all others who would attack, arrives and demands to marry one of the princesses. Tamsyn is forced, once more and for the last time, to go in place of her “sisters.” But this marriage isn’t all it seems. They both have secrets they don’t even know for themselves yet. The two have more in common than they think but can they put their differences aside to figure this out? This book was an entertaining, mildly smutty, intro to a world that is in the process of changing. Everything both Tamsyn and Fell know about dragons is about to change forever, linking them forever. This story builds both characters through their own POV’s, which for me, gives so much more insight to each character. And then there’s Stig… he’s clearly been in love with Tamsyn forever and is not willing to let her go… yet… the way the author builds up this little love triangle is so delightful. As the story progressed I found myself routing for each, both and neither of them. She really kept me on the edge of my seat. I hope there is more story to come because, man, did this one leave me with questions! I can’t wait to see where it goes.

Read this if you like:
➡️ Dragons
➡️ Arranged Marriage
➡️ Fated Mates
➡️ Multiple POV’s
➡️ Prequel Series
➡️ Fake Identities
➡️ Medium Burn

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🔥 🔥 🔥

#AFireintheSky #SophieJordan #Romantasy #Dragons #dualPOVs #spicy #NewAdult #netgalley #arcreads

Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest reviews.

This book won't be for everyone, but it was definitely for me and I had a really good time reading it. I felt that the story was unique and intriguing, and I really enjoyed the suspense that Sophie Jordan was able to create with Tamsyns character. I thought that the way she let the uncertainty build was very well done and the tension between her and Fell throughout spoke to the chemistry lurking below the surface. The pacing, especially in the second half of the book, did a really good job of forwarding the plot and I quite literally could not wait to find out what would happen next. I really think this story had all the makings of a 5-star read for me, but the writing style and execution were not my favorite. I felt that A Fire in the Sky was written in a very YA manner and felt repetitive, especially in the beginning. I was actually very surprised when I reached the "bedding" scene and the level of spice seemed to way outpace the tone of the writing. While I didn't necessarily have a problem with it, I think it was an odd choice. I also think the fact that there was a forced consummation for an arranged marriage will be off-putting for many. Personally, I appreciated that Fell asked for Tamsyns permission and did everything that he could to make her more comfortable. I also enjoyed the way that Tamsyn experienced the connection that they shared because for me, it made the scene feel less forced and transactional. As for the world building, I definitely felt that the imagery was lacking in several areas. There were scenes, like in the skog, that I could vividly picture in my mind, while others, like the castle scenes, remained blurred in my mind, almost as if looking through an out of focus lens. This being said, the ending made me squeal with excitement and I think the potential of this series far exceeds the critiques that I have. I can't wait to see Fell and Tamsyns relationship develop and I NEED to know what happens next!

I love a book with longing and sexual tension! Throw in some vikings, dragons, spice and really great (but not super complicated) world building and you've got yourself a date with a book! Seriously though, I loved this one and can't wait for the next in the series!

I liked this one. it was pretty good. The pace was good, theres spice, lies and deceit, magic, action. Everything you want in a fantasy. would recommend!

I tried to read this book a couple of times, but since the audiobook came out I opted to try again and I am SO happy I did. With the audiobook in the background while reading, I can say I was so pleasantly suprissed with the story. Sophie Jordan picked two amazing voice actors to narrate this story. I was not prepared for ANY of the plot twists and turns. I am so looking forward to the next book now that I am hooked.

Thank you NetGalley and Sophie Jordan for the an eARC of this book even if it took me much longer to read it than I had anticipated. I am still so thrilled that I got to be apart of this books journey.

This book had me hooked by the first page. You will not be able to put this book down until you have finished it. The characters draw you in and you can’t help but root for Fell and Tamsyn. Tamsyn has always know her duty and did what was expected. So when she was told her next task she did it like all other things but she knew it would end terribly. Fell is here to gain the ability to help save his land and his people. He didn’t expect to be tricked and made a fool of. Fell is determined to make the best of the situation and he maybe will be able to be happy with the way things are. Tamsyn is determined to get away and save everyone that she can. She didn’t expect to see things take such drastic turns. This book ends with you hanging and read to devour book two. I was given a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Let's Start Off With:
•Dragons, Witches, Whipping Girls oh my!

I love how the author chose to make this story different than the typical Princess gets sold off or slave gets taken.
The FMC is part of the family, so they say, but isn't actually royalty. She's a whipping girl, which is actually a pretty new take for me.
Dragons are supposed to have been killed years prior but, SURPRISE!!! They weren't all dead.

Let's Move To:
•What Is A Triangle Without Actually BEING A Triangle?

The fact that you start out rooting for one person and then totally switching sides by the end is always a fun game.
Except that in this case, was it actually a triangle? It seems pretty one sided to me, but then at times... Idk it was a little all over the place for me. I couldn't tell if she returned the feelings or if she was just desperate for affection.

And Then:
•I Totally Saw That Coming.

So yes, some of the twists weren't really twists because you could see them coming from a mile away.
But let's be real, we still enjoyed them!


In The End:
• Can Someone Paint Me A Picture, Please?

I really did want more world building. This whole book is set up to amaze you with the details along their journey and I was a little let down. Not mad, there was for sure some, but I wanted more.

PS:
So, in all seriousness, I liked this book a lot. Easily a four star read for me. Was it predictable? Yes. Could there be some extra umph? Also yes. Would I read it again? Am I currently wanting the second book? Yes and yes.
If you are looking for a good read that has some spice without needing some water or a sturdy fan, then this is a good one to grab!

YASSSS! This book captivated me from page 1 and Tamsyn's story was absolutely enthralling. From the getgo she is unique yet also full of evolution. The author was able to blend princess and warrior into her story well while also showing how she was a little naive and pampered. I found the tension between the MCs to also put a whole ton of heat into the book and loved how Tamsyn refused to bend her will. This book also had a great magical system and I think the author really developed the magical universe well. The underlying conflicts between he realm, the royals and the magic also put me into a tailspin as we began to see how impactful past events where on the magic that was just...slumbering!