Thank you for sending me the review copy. Unfortunately, I was unable to read it, and as a result, I could not leave a review on social media.

This book has an interesting premise but fell a little flat for me. The fantasy element didn't seem as fleshed out as I had hoped.

4.5/5 Was not expecting the awesomeness of this book! I actually beta read an early copy of this book, and really enjoyed the mix of medieval traditions and newer technology

Unfortunately I did not enjoy this title. I didn't enjoy the writing style or the plot.

Thank you for approving for the read.

Like my sister I really disliked the ending. What got me more was a certain lack of grace to the writing. The beginning felt rigid and overly short for the amount of emotion it was trying to convey. The ending fell flat as well since I honestly did not care about the truth of the world.

+++

I didn't realize until about halfway through the book that this is not only the author of a short story I didn't enjoy that greatly (Unveiled), but also that the short story tied into this series.

Well color me shocked.

Many of the reasons I didn't enjoy Unveiled were only exacerbated in this book. I felt so little connection to any of the characters. Wolfe builds a sort of shallow emotional bridge in the first few chapters--Zara's father being taken, being forced to live at the castle, watching someone be tortured--that felt more off putting then relatable. Then there's Devlan who was your basic run of the mill tortured sort with a deeper agenda. And Sebastian who swung from pretty okay hapless sort to malevolent creeper with very little transition between.

There was very little subtlety. The synopsis makes it seems as if Zara has this big decision to make, but really its not for her. She's pretty firmly decided on her course of action (after Devlan makes it clear her original plan to escape is at best suicidal) and the few token moments of 'Maybe this could work' are unconvincing. When the Rebels finally enter her realm of possibilities the outcome was inevitable.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to review this title, unfortunately due to time constraints I can no longer review Fireblood. I look forward to working with you again in the future.