Wow I just loved this one. I have heard a lot of conflicting reviews on this one but for me it was a hit. This edition is absolutely stunning too. Really looking forward to the next book!

This missed the mark. There was lots of exciting moments, but the plot just felt haphazard, something rushed and other times stalling out completlely. Not sure I'd try another book by this author

Thanks to the publisher for the advacned copy!

Firebird was an entertaining read with a lot of energy, but it didn’t fully capture me the way I hoped. I liked the concept and the sparks of romance and action, but some plot points felt predictable and a bit rushed. The characters had potential, though I didn’t always connect with their choices. Overall, it was a fun, light read, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression for me.

And as history proves, there will always be rebellion and revolution in the face of oppression and tyranny.

The way the Bees collectively clamored for Juliette Cross’ brand new fantasy romance, Firebird, shouldn’t shock any readers of the LitBuzz Hive. One-clicks were hit, special editions have been preordered, and the swooning has commenced. Firebird is something special to be sure and as the first book in a dark, historical fantasy fans should be just as excited as we are at LitBuzz for what Juliette Cross has in store for this series.

Set in Ancient Rome, dragon shifters are at the head of the Roman Empire. Firebird possesses every bit of a grand fantasy romance: a swarthy and swoony centurion hero who also happens to the nephew to the current ruler, a fierce and cunning woman who will stop at nothing to survive even if it means putting herself into the very danger that threatens her existence, and the high stakes thrill of a plot to overthrow the tyranny that comes when power corrupts and in turn subjugates the people of an empire.

“One day your gift will turn the tide of the war. It all help vanquish the enemy. It will strike fear into the hearts of fierce, dangerous men.”

Malina and Julian have a star-crossed meeting which results in a dance and Julian gifting Malina a special trinket. Years later, on a war-torn battlefield, Julian comes upon Malina and abruptly shifts into his full dragon, carrying her off the battlefield and to the safety of his home. From there Julian must navigate the jealousy of his nemesis, the need to keep Malina safe and yet satiate the curiosity of his uncle and come to terms with pressing urgency to end his uncle’s cruel reign of terror.

Every single book that Juliette Cross has released I’ve loved with my whole chest. Firebird is no different. I adore the lore that sets the tone for the rest of the story to unfold, and while there is a copious amount of violence (please check the triggers), I felt like it didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the romance. The first books in a fantasy series are notorious for world building and setting the stage for what’s to come, Firebird didn’t drag in the least. I enjoyed the characters we met as well as the storyline. Julian and Malina have a bit of a grey area when it comes to power dynamics but for me it worked.

I knew what was in my heart, the fire of a red dragon’s love. I felt it kindling, burning sweetly every night that I climbed into his bed and lay my head on his chest.

I truly enjoyed Firebird, and I cannot wait for what is to come. The culmination felt more like a pause for what has yet to play out, and I love the tease at the end of the book. I think Juliette Cross has come home to her writing sweet spot with this dark fantasy romance, and I hope other readers will also enjoy Firebird as much as myself and the rest of the LitBuzz Hive.

I absolutely loved Firebird. The fusion of dragon shifter lore with Roman-inspired culture felt fresh and compelling. As someone who studied Classical Civilisation, I found the inclusion of elements like Priapus, Roman forum graffiti, the concept of slavery, and the complex power dynamics particularly engaging. These details added a sense of authenticity and depth to the world Juliette has created.

That said, this is undeniably a dark fantasy, and the trigger warnings should be taken seriously. Topics such as assault and grape are present, and while they serve a purpose within the story’s brutal world, I do think the warnings could have been made clearer for a broader audience. My academic background may have made me more familiar with some of these themes, but for many readers, they could be quite confronting.

Despite the darker content, I found the storyline gripping and brilliantly executed. I’m a huge fan of both classical settings and dragon novels, so this combination was basically tailor made for me. The ending was satisfying while still leaving me desperate to dive into Bloodslinger.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the book was the theme of found family. It’s a trope I’ve always loved, but in a world as harsh and brutal as the one depicted here, it hit even harder. The dynamic within the master’s home was particularly poignant and beautifully handled.

I’m very much looking forward to Book 2!

BOOK: Firebird
AUTHOR: Juliette Cross
SERIES: The Fire that Binds, Book 1
PUBLISHER: Bramble
LENGTH: 400 PAGES
OVERALL RATING: 4 Stars

This book was really fascinating and the world building was really unique if you think of the Roman mythology and empire. Furthermore you just need to throw some dragons in the mix too.

The story follows a Dacian dancer named Malina, set in Ancient Rome where she meets Julian Dakkia, the emperor’s nephew. The moment they meet their eyes lock it is instant attraction and desire.
Yet he does not see her until years later, where he is now a General and she is a captive on a battlefield part of the spoils of war. However Julian shifts into his dragon form to save her!

This book is so good it has everything readers love where history and fantasy are weaved together plus where the damsel is saved by a dragon! This book is filled with so many twists and turns that kept me so intrigued. A book I absolutely loved! I can’t wait for the next book in this epic series

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy and an advance readers copy from the publisher through netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

Mythology✔️
Dragons✔️
Shifter✔️
Dancer✔️
World Building✔️
Magic System✔️
Spice✔️
Fantasy✔️
History✔️

Unfortunately I will not be reviewing this one due to the content within this particular book and the way that it was marketed.

There was something about this storyline that bothered me. It wasn't the fact that the FMC was saved by the MC and made a "slave" (clearly he did that a lot considering all the people in his house). But I felt like our heroes weren't really doing anything to move the needle to their side. The MC still went to his uncle's parties and he kept trying to hide the FMC. DUDE....do something.

I finished this one, but didn't enjoy it as much as I would have wanted to

i'm more in love with malina than julian frrrrrr

i do not see why this is getting all the hate. people who say the dynamics are off didn't finish the book lolol they didn't truly love each other until the end so this instalove claim is nonsense. also they were mated!!!!!! there's a natural love you feel there and he never pushed boundaries until she was ready. i'm sold and i can't wait for the next one!

The plot for sure had much potential but I’m really tired of authors marketing a book as enemies to lovers romantasy when the fmc knows the love interest was directly or indirectly responsible for her family’s death but the minute she lies eyes on him the first thought is how hot she is.

I have a great many issues with this book, the greatest of which is the dramatic power imbalance and nonconsensual elements present in the romance. While I understand that this is “romantasy,” I find that the romantic elements came across as very rote and as more of a checklist than an organic story.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I was really excited to pick up Firebird because I liked the idea of a Roman-inspired world with dragons. Unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me. The romance felt uncomfortable because of the big power imbalance. I wasn’t a fan of how the story used themes of slavery and trauma to drive the relationship. Even though the atmosphere had some interesting ideas/themes, I struggled to stay invested because of how off putting the relationship was to me.

I was so excited for this book and thought it was going to be a new favorite fantasy romance in the beginning! Sadly, it became a slave/master romance, which is very problematic, and I could not continue on with this content.

So Firebird is set in this Roman-inspired empire where dragons rule, and we follow Malina, a dancer with this empathic magic, who ends up soul-bound to a super intense dragon general. The vibes are very dark romantasy — enemies, power imbalance, forbidden connection… all of it. There’s war, magic, and some really emotional moments. I loved the world-building and the whole dragons-meet-Roman-empire thing. Definitely one for fans of fated mates and morally grey love interests.

I was excited for to see how history inspired this interesting take on romantasy. The world was built but not fleshed out. The plot felt both too slow at moments and rushed at others. I'm curious what will happen in the sequel. The romantic relationship felt incredibly rushed given the nature of there undying love. Perhaps, the speed for the shifter falling can be attributed to the "fated mate" element.

Firebird offered a refreshingly unique take on dark romantasy. I haven’t come across many romantasy novels set during Roman times—especially ones that weave in dragons—so the world-building immediately caught my attention. While the romance between Julian and Malina takes center stage, I was equally drawn in by the high-stakes plot to overthrow Caesar. The mix of political intrigue, gripping battle scenes, and intense chemistry made this story truly stand out. Given the Roman-inspired setting, the story does include themes of slavery and references to sexual assault. That said, I felt these elements were handled with care and never veered into gratuitous territory. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantasy books!

If I could give a book zero stars I would. I had heard a lot about this book but I wanted to make my own opinion because booktok tends to exaggerate. However this book was the absolute worst. Not only is this author trying to make a slave/ master romance sexy but she is also using the trauma of the Romani people to make this romantasy book. When I read this book all I could see and from what she referenced the struggles that the Romani people have faced being made as inspiration for a romance. It was disgusting but unfortunately I expect nothing less from a white woman. I will never read anything from this author again.

I loved this! It was refreshing to read something new in the dark Romantasy genre. I can’t wait to read the second one when it comes out!

This story was intriguing and different from what I usually read. Some reviewers are clutching their pearls because of the “owner/slave” dynamic between the two MCs, but it’s ridiculous when there are much worse things happening in contemporary stalker romances.
Due to the setting, I didn’t find their relationship a hindrance at all.
The biggest hindrance was some of the author’s word choice- “cunty” in particular. That was honestly the only thing I didn’t like about this book.