I had no idea what was in store when this was sent my way. If you want dragons that are much more cutthroat but still in the realm of fantasy romance this one is for you.

We start with a secret heir who’s lived a humble life in wait of her birthright. Upon her reveal, everything becomes a hot mess and they avoid death. From there, she seeks to claim a dragon and return to free her people from an oppressive religion that was brought to the land. She finds herself married off to the enemy and in close proximity to the mad king who took her crown. She’s caught between claiming her throne to free her people and an enemies to lovers trope.

A Fate Forged in Fire brings in a lot of elements that are refreshing in today’s climate, but please be sure to read the content warnings.


Thanks Netgalley for a review copy.

HOLY SH*T do we all have a new favorite dragon rider series?!?! I think YES

Amazing world building and magic system, Celtic lore, dragons, romance, enemies to lovers, he falls first, strong AF gritty badass FMC on a quest for vengeance..... literally what else does a fantasy reader want?!?!

I cannot wait to recommend this book to everyone I know!

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Delacorte Press for gifting me an advanced digital copy via NetGalley - all thoughts are my own.

BAMF bisexual fmc + broody, self loathing (super hot) mmc + dragons + a betrayal that will haunt me = a STUNNING fantasy romance

What a ride this book takes you on in all the best ways. There are a lot of dragon fantasy romances hitting shelves these days, but this story stood apart for me almost immediately. From the first page, Hazel McBride captures what it is to be a woman. The feelings, the struggles, the desire to lead and protect, and the journey that is coming to realize that decisions are often high stakes and come with real, tragic consequences.

This is a book that FINALLY delivers on the promise of enemies to lovers' trope. The relationship between Aemyra and Fiorean is unexpected and complicated. Steamy and touching. And builds it up to a devastatingly perfect cliffhanger. It's apparent that every line of dialogue, every beat in their relationship, was leading to the last moment, and it was flawless. I found myself wanting to immediately re-read and note each interaction with a new lens.

I love the world and characters (and dragons) McBride has imagined and brought to the page. Add in the rich, Celtic-inspired mythology, and it's a layered, enthralling journey that you can't put down.

I’m not familiar with Scottish Gaelic and even though there is a pronunciation guide in the back of the book I had to spend too much time looking up the pronunciation words and meaning of words or phrases to the point I didn’t enjoy the book. I just could not connect with the characters, the storyline was difficult to follow, and had to force myself to continue reading.

Thank you to Random House Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

Throwing this under spoilers even though I'm being vague.

Tbh, to me this felt like a YA read with some spice in it. The pacing was good but I really struggled with the main female character. In the beginning, Aemyra was ready to kick ass and take names. As the story went on, she just kind of like.. undeveloped? lol. She kept making dumb and impulsive decisions without considering the ramification to others. She's in her mid 20s acting like this!

Fiorean was an asshole throughout and had he been less of one, I would have actually been shocked by the ending. It also kind of gave me the ick they were described as looking so similar.

Buckle up, fantasy fans. The next romantasy obsession has arrived. A Fate Forged in Fire has everything veterans of the genre love…

🔥I actually want to kill you enemies-to-lovers
⚔️Two great houses at war (with lovers on opposite sides)
🔥Arranged marriage where they still hate each other
❤️Dragons, dragons, and more dragons
🔥Historically grounded religious conflict
⚔️A badass bisexual FMC
🔥FEMININE RAGE at its finest
❤️Political conflict grounded in interpersonal drama
🔥Fighting with daggers that turns into… doing other things with daggers
⚔️Worldbuilding based in Scottish folklore
🔥One bed trope (while they still hate each other of course)
❤️A pagan religion focused on entirely feminine divinities
🔥“Only I can hurt him/her” (...but not in an abuse kind of way)
⚔️Strong sibling relationships
🔥Did I mention DRAGONS?
❤️A brooding MMC who is Aemond Targaryen but less annoying
🔥A well-developed plot with enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested without ⚔️giving them whiplash
🔥SLOWburn that lights up in just the right way
❤️“Who did this to you?” (on both sides)
🔥Hurt comfort and healing wounds
⚔️A hidden heiress willing to become the villain to claim her throne

If you’re looking for your next romantasy obsession, this is certainly the book for you.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5 Stars

This book is a compelling introduction to a series! I hope to that there are more than 2 books based in this world! And I’m already looking forward to re-reading this book.

I found the book was a good balance of characters, world building, politics between various groups, romance and spice.

I loved the banter between Aemyra and Fiorean.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me access to an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Random House and NetGalley for this early read. I loved finally reading a fantasy that mixed some Celtic mythology in it as well. It did feel predictable but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Thank you to NetGalley and hazel mcbride and random house publishing for this ARC in exchange for my opinion. A Fate Forged in Fire was a great read with a strong female main character, dragons, and enemies to lovers.

This Celtic inspired fantasy was beautifully written, although it did take me a little while to get into the world and all of its lore. Sometimes in the beginning it was a little confusing and it took time to follow along easily with the plot, but I enjoyed it all. I definitely fell in love with this book in the second half.

This book was a great representation of how men use religion to justify disrespecting and abusing women. I loved reading this matriarchal fantasy. The ending broke my heart, but I’m ready to get my hands on the second book.

Aemyra is the first female born in the Daercathian clan in generations...and the true heir to the throne of Tìr Teine. With a mad king on the throne and the growing presence of the True Religion, Aemyra is biding her time to claim her birthright, Bond with his dragon, one of the few remaining dragons, and return Tìr Tiene to the way of the Goddesses. But with the Daercathian princes refusing to return to the matriarchy and give way to Aemyra, she must rely on her father and the army he says will act in her name. Being queen and Bonding to a dragon is what Aemyra was raised to do, to become. She knew it would be a fight for the throne, a fight for her people and all those blessed by the Goddesses that the priests of the Chosen deem possessed. She just thought she'd be better at it.

***Thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group for sending me an arc to read in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to leave this book five stars so badly because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!! It was such a good fast paced novel that it was torture to put it down in order to do life. It is rare for me to wish a book was longer, but this one actually could have used some more length just to better define the world and the terms used. The language I can see being difficult for slower readers to understand. I stopped trying to read the words after the first chapter because I didn’t know what anything meant. I was confusing myself when I didn’t have to. I can honestly see how someone would get confused and give up, so I suggest possibly having a discussion in the beginning of the book about using the Irish words & what they mean instead of the back. Possibly add in a reference guide for people that need to understand every single word.

I really enjoy enemy to lovers, and this one did not disappoint with that. I knew it would happen eventually, but I loved the slow burn to get there. It was so worth it when they finally gave in to their desires. I could not get enough the way he fell immediately for her. Their forced marriage, the way she slowly fell for him…I loved them so much, and I did not expect that ending at all the way it happened. I’m not sure that’s a good thing though because it was painful. I’m hoping the next book fixes that ending because I would hate for their story to end that way.

I honestly liked the FMC badass not being 16, but she sure did act like a little kid throughout most of the book. Dont get me wrong, overall I really loved this story!! I just would have loved it five stars if the FMC was a little bit more badass. As a reader it was exhausting listening to her constantly say “I’m the Queen” and then make ZERO good decisions for her people. Zero. None. She followed what her father wanted or made rash terrible decisions every chance she got. This was exhausting & infuriating. I’m hoping she grows up a little in book two & becomes a stronger independent woman who can rule.

I want to say that I loved the role of the brother princes. One was an asshole while the other only appeared to be an ass around his older brother. I just did not expect that kind of ending from what we learned about Fiorean through the entire story - beginning to end - it almost felt like we didn’t know him at all. Again, I hope I’m wrong here and there is a great explanation coming…

Draevan?! Hated him! A father that abandons his daughter for her own safety magically shows up in time for her to be crowned the Queen?! Suspicious?! No one is looking at him this way except me?! I get that he’s her father, but she is a grown-ass adult QUEEN!!! Put your thinking-cap on for one freaking second girl!!! I badly wanted her to see through him, but again…she acts like a child throughout the story.

Terrea, the Terror was built perfectly. I knew from reading Fourth Wing that our FMC would end up with the biggest dragon that was rumored to be dead. I figured correctly, but I loved how the author made it a challenge for her to bond with. I also love that she’s a female dragon!!! How awesome is that?! I did not love that the dragon knew where she was while she was emprisoned, but she didn’t come looking for her. Their bond was broken by a magic blocker, but she should have came looking…am I wrong?! It seemed unrealistic to me that she would just stay out there away while Aemyra was being held captive…even tortured.

The brutal rape scene was horrific. What the priest did to Aemyra hurt my stomach so badly. I was biting my nails and breathing sharp breaths through my teeth during that scene. Screaming in my head WHERE THE FUCK IS FIOREAN AND TERREA?!?? Like come onnn!!!!! I think this scene needed to be there and so horrific for the readers to be sure 100% that Armyra’s side is the good side. The True Religion are fucking asshole bastards that need to be wiped out!

Overall, this story was impossible to put down. It was so close to five stars for me just because I felt obsessed while reading it, but it still wasn’t perfect perfect to me for reasons listed above. I absolutely loved the story & will look forward to the next book for sure. I’m just really hoping to see some character growth in the next one as well as more of that romantic relationship! It took so long for them to figure out their love, and then they didn’t have enough time together! They need their sexy sexy time together for us readers to witness! Please!!! I’m willing to hear Fiorean out & hope he can redeem himself in the next book. It cannot end this way. I refuse to believe it.

This is my goodreads review.

I stopped after chapter 4 (11%). The worldbuilding is extremely heavy, and even dialogue feels like it's just delivering worldbuilding and backstory. In chapter 4, our MC watches a play about their history---which is even more worldbuilding and backstory, but we are no longer an active participant, we are just watching the play through the eyes of the MC. I'd guess this will appeal more to fantasy readers than romance readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

- [ ] This was a fast paced book and a lot happened in 330 pages! It was a bit hard for me to get into at first as I’m not very familiar with Scottish Gaelic and there was a lot of names/places/words that were complicated. But after I got used to it, it was a fun and wild ride! I love me some dragons and some strong queen energy. The ending irritated me a bit. I know cliffhangers are a thing but um, rude. I’m kind of mad at the MMC but there has to be a good reason for his behaviors that have made me want to punch him in the face…… THIS book doesn’t come out until May 2025…. And I allllready need the next book because I want to know what happens next! Review is up on Goodreads!

In A Fate Forged in Fire, Hazel McBride delivers a Celtic-inspired fantasy romance that blends dragons, fire magic, and political intrigue. Aemyra, a blacksmith destined to rule, must navigate a treacherous court, overthrow a corrupt regime, and bond with a dragon to claim her rightful place as queen. Along the way, her animosity for the arrogant Prince Fiorean evolves into something far more complex as they forge a reluctant alliance that sparks forbidden desires.

This novel successfully combines some of the most beloved tropes in fantasy romance: a true enemies-to-lovers dynamic, an arranged marriage setup, and a possessive yet protective male lead. The addition of dragons and female rage makes for an exciting, high-stakes backdrop, while the queer representation is a welcome and appreciated inclusion.

The enemies-to-lovers chemistry between Aemyra and Fiorean is a highlight. Their fiery dynamic keeps the tension high, and the progression from reluctant allies to something deeper feels satisfyingly earned. Fiorean’s protectiveness adds depth to his initially cold and arrogant demeanor, while Aemyra’s rage and determination make her a compelling protagonist—though not without flaws.

Unfortunately, these strengths are tempered by some weaknesses. Aemyra’s characterization occasionally falters; while her fiery spirit is admirable, some of her decisions come across as frustrating or inconsistent. Additionally, parts of the story veer into cheesy territory, with overly dramatic dialogue or predictable plot points that undermine the narrative’s intensity.

The ending, while action-packed and twisty, was not something I enjoyed. I wish it took a different turn, especially for a duology, having such a big betrayal at the end of book 1 felt like too much.

Rating: 3/5 stars
Despite its issues, A Fate Forged in Fire is an enjoyable read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romances and dragon-filled fantasies. While it doesn’t fully realize its potential, the strong central romance and unique Celtic-inspired setting make it worth a try—especially for readers who appreciate fiery heroines and protective male leads.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley.

This was one of the VERY BEST books I've read this year, and one that I'm still thinking about a full week after finishing it.

What to expect from this novel?
- the best *genuine* enemies - to - lovers I've seen done; very angsty, true conflicted emotions involved; not at all sappy
- a fiesty, feminist, bi-sexual FMC
- a fierce, intelligent, incredibly sexy MMC who loves the FMC's fire and spirit
- politics and court intrigue
- realistic dialogue
- fast-paced and full of excitement
- the promise of even greater angst to come in the sequel

I am just shy of feral for the sequel to this masterpiece.

Please, Ms. McBride, have mercy.

Any fans of fantasy, romance, romantasy, DRAGONS, fierce FMC, enemies to lovers, etc. MUST pick this up. This one is not to be missed.

This book is dragons meets Avatar The Last Air Bender! I loved the concept of the magic system in this book. I loved the idea of feminine power and the oppression of women in power. It promised enemies and lovers and delivered. I am nervous and excited to see what the next book has in store, especially after that ending!

A Fate Forged in Fire was an incredibly fun read with strong female main characters, dragons, other worldy elements and a hero we know that will be perfect for our heroine (in all due time).

We follow the story of blacksmith Ameyra as she battles for her birthright and finds love with her supposed enemy, Prince Fiorean, a dragon rider who isn't the enemy that she originally thinks she is.

There are a lot of characters and it took me several chapters to get everyone straight, but once I did, I really enjoyed this book and lost myself in Amerya, her twin brother, Adarian and the other characters adventures.

If you can stick through the beginning and introduction of everyone you'll be rewarded to a great fantasy that makes you really look forward to the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

thank you so so so much random house publishing, netgalley & hazel mcbride for this INCREDIBLE arc !!

guys. genuinely buckle up. i’ve been complaining all year that i haven’t read a new all time fav n i’m happy to report i finally have … this book was one of the best things i have ever read

i don’t know where to begin & i don’t know how to make this an organized review but i will do my best 🤣

the first half of this was really focused on the world building, political landscape, & introducing our fmc, aemyra.. who is going down as one of my favorite book women EVER ..

the plot has some similarities to house of the dragon w the female heir not getting her throne simply bc she’s a woman & an incompetent male heir w a smart & cunning brother … but what rlly stands out is the anger i felt for aemyra while reading this … otto hightower doesn’t even compare to the “true religion” 🤬

but the 2nd half of this is rlly where i fell in love w the book bc it focuses on the romance between aemyra & fiorean… if i had to describe their relationship i think it gave a mix of darcy & elizabeth (p&p) & neytiri and jake (avatar) … it was enemies to lovers but it was so much more than that n i just fell in love w fiorean as aemyra did & i just can’t tell u how much i loved reading their story … 😭😭😭

also the dragon fight scenes in this gave me CHILLS i can’t even explain how good the writing was i could see it all in my head so clearly !!!

the ending of this literally gave me heart palpitations & i promise whatever u think is going to happen, it’s not … i was shocked & i will be sending my therapy bill to ms hazel bc what in the actual hell just happened

please look up trigger warnings as there were a lot of violent scenes & one scene in particular that made me feel actually sick …

but still 5💫 if you couldn’t tell!!! … request this on netgalley if you have an account or put it on your tbr for may 27 bc everyone MUST read this !!!

A Fate Forged in Fire follows the fmc through trials and tribulations as she battles her way to her destiny. There are dragons, magic, and unexpected twists leaving you wanting more. This book kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat with a cliffhanger I did not see coming! As an avid fantasy reader, this book exceeded my expectations and Hazel McBride has gained another fan.

Thank you Random House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC! I can’t wait for book 2!