Aemyra is going through it all to get her rightful throne. My heart hurts for her after all she’s lost so far, I can’t believe the ending and need book two.

This book shows the nasty side of how men are using religion to justify utterly disrespecting and abusing women. But Aemyra, goddess blessed and full of feminine rage, will stop at nothing to gain her throne and free her people from the tyranny of the covenants

Political Intrigue. Hidden Heir. Betrayal. Dragons. Cult. Just to name a few.

The FMC and the MMC are the definition of enemies to lovers with some much going on in their world. The plot kept me immersed in the story. The twisted ending was completely unexpected and my heart hurts for her.

Can't wait for Book 2.

Thank you Random House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

A Fate Forged in Fire was an absolutely captivating read. I adored the fierce protectiveness and playful banter between Ameyra and her twin brother, Adarian. What twin hasn’t jokingly thought about “eating the other in the womb” at some point? Their adoptive parents beautifully illustrates that family bonds can transcend blood relations.

This book is not merely a compelling narrative; it reflects the challenges faced by women in our society today and the struggle for autonomy over our own bodies.

Several passages struck a chord with me, such as:

“No wonder so many like him, mostly men with no magic of their own, had eagerly converted to the True Religion. It was the only way they could exact control over others, and it was no secret they despised powerful women.”

Or this thought-provoking line:

“It’s surprising how many lies
people will believe if they are said with enough conviction.”

And this powerful reminder:

“A woman’s purpose can be found in having children. However, a woman is so much more than just a mother. She is an individual with her own passions and desires far beyond those of her husband. Just because we possess a womb doesn’t mean that we don’t also have a brain.”


“This is so you remember that a woman has her own power, and that you do not have any right to take it from her.”

In light of recent events, this story resonated deeply with me and sparked inspiration.

The pacing of the narrative was perfect; it never dragged, and I found myself unable to set the book down, eager to discover what would unfold next. Naturally, it concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

And perhaps the best part of A Fate Forged in Fire?

There are dragons!

I sadly wasn’t a huge fan of this one! It felt like a lot of effort to pay attention and understand, only to be disappointed with the storyline! I really wanted to like it, but it just didn’t click with me as much as other fantasy novels in the past.

A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this eARC. Overall, I really enjoyed A Fate Forged in Fire. The world building in the beginning started out a little bit slow for me. It was just a little bit confusing at times with the unfamiliar language. I know on a reread it would be much easier to follow. After about 30% the story starts to move along and I ended up reading the last 40% in one sitting. I was up way too late and even after I finished the ending kept me awake.

The politics are interesting and the enemies to lovers trope is very well executed in A Fate Forged in Fire. I also loved the dragons. I hope there is more about the dragons in the next book. I really loved the journey that the FMC, Aemyra, is going on. Her character development by the end of this book has me so excited to see where she goes in the next book.

That cliffhanger at the end is not okay. It can’t be true! I’m going to be wondering what happens next for a while. I need my friends to read this as soon as it comes out so I have someone to discuss it with. I will absolutely be reading book two as soon as it comes out! I can definitely see this being one of the next popular romantasy series.

A Fate Forged in Fire

The first book in the Celtic inspired duology follows Aemyra, a Goddess blessed blacksmith as she fights for a throne that is hers by birthright. This story is laced with political intrigue, a royal family who have been heavily influenced by an oppressive cult like group who are anti magic, Dragons and bonded riders, and a slow burn romance of enemies to lovers with a twist so shocking at the end you’re going to long for the next book. Fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout and Danielle L. Jensen will find their next favorite Romantasy read with this one!

A Fate Forged in Fire is my new favorite read of 2024! The story was a bit slow to start, only because the need for world building but it quickly ramped up. The story is so full of politics and playing the games at court; Aemyra quickly realizes that she will do just about anything to keep the people she loves safe. Forced into enemy territory, she becomes entwined with Prince Fiorean, the most powerful fire wielding dragon rider with an arrogant and cold demeanor. Aemyra realizes that maybe there is more to Fiorean than he’s willing to let show, and a hot steamy romance ignites. There is so much heartbreak in this story, I found myself on the verge of tears several times and full of rage at others for these characters that Hazel McBride created. I cannot wait for the 2nd part of this story and I know I’ll be re-reading this one until it comes out!

On Sale Date - May 27, 2025

Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for a copy of the digital ARC. All opinions are my own

This was a fun read! I loved the twins and their dynamic. I love the confidence and strength of the FMC. It took me a minute to understand the world and the magic and what/who True Religion was and how that played out but once I got it I was able to truly dive into this story!

Dragons, danger, and a queen-in-the-making—this book has it all!

Tìr Teine used to be all about strong women and magic, but now it’s a mess thanks to a string of weak kings and the True Religion messing everything up with their anti-magic beliefs.

Aemyra is a queen-in-the-making who’s been hiding in the shadows, waiting for her moment to bond with the late king’s dragon and claim her throne.

Prince Fiorean is cold, arrogant, and frustratingly loyal to his corrupt family. Basically, the last person Aemyra would want to deal with. But as the chaos unfolds, these two have to team up!

This book is packed with action, political drama, and romance that will keep you glued to the pages.

Aemyra is such a fun heroine, fighting for what’s hers. And Fiorean? He’s the perfect mix of broody and complex, making their enemies-to-lovers tension feel so real.

Oh, and did I mention the dragons? Because DRAGONS! I absolutely love books with dragons in them!

I’m obsessed. The twists, the intensity, the slow-burn romance—I’m hooked. I need book two yesterday!

Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte for this free ARC.

After she was born, Aemyra, who is Goddess blessed and a powerful fire wielder, was hidden away and was secretly raised to one day overthrow the patriarchy that has taken over her once matriarchal-ruled kingdom and take her place as the first female heir in centuries. However, Tir Teine, once devoutly loyal to the Goddess, has been infiltrated by the True Religion, a religious group that believes magic is evil and women are meant to obey their husbands and bear children. With news of the king's impending death, her father emerges from hiding and readies Aemyra to claim her birthright, but plans go awry and Aemyra's crown and throne slip through her grasp. War looms on the horizon, and Aemyra finds herself at the mercy of Prince Fiorean, who believes his family is meant to rule. Will she be able prove to Prince Fiorean that she is the rightful Queen without giving her heart away?

This is such an intense and action-packed story with a strong, snarky, and, honestly, unhinged heroine, who has a good heart and wants the best for her people. She's irritating at times and makes dumb choices, but you understand why she makes them and can't help but root for her. Fiorean is broody and cold, but has a softer and merciful side to him. I love these characters because there is so much depth to them that makes you understand and care for them.

The enemies-to-lovers was truly enemies-to-lovers. They genuinely try to kill each other before being forced into an unwanted alliance through the machinations of others. The romance made sense to me, and the electrifying chemistry between them gave me goosebumps. The spicy scenes were immaculate and just *chef's kiss*.

The writing flowed nicely, and it was easy to read. There are Gaelic phrases throughout the story but I thought they were a great addition to a story that is Celtic-inspired. The world building was intensive, and I really loved that the kingdom was a matriarchal society. The story also has dragons, other elemental magic besides fire, and queer characters. The book does end on a crazy cliffhanger, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book.

I had such a fun time reading this, and I am so excited for others to be able to experience it too. My favorite part about this book is that it really emphasizes the idea that books are inherently political. It has themes such as the oppression of women and forced religious conversion. It's such a powerful book and a must read for readers who want to see powerful women overcome the patriarchy.

I loved this book from the moment I read the dedication. This book reminds me of Barbie the movie in the sense where women and men would benefit from reading the book because of the heavy topics discussed throughout the story. Some parts were definitely hard to stomach but also very important to read as I felt they were very much alike the things we are experiencing in real life.
The romance in the book had me at the edge of my seat, it was a true enemies to lovers, slow burn which in my eyes is hard to come by sometimes.
The cliffhanger at the end has me in shambles, i can’t wait to read more and find out what happens next!
The only complaint I have is that the ending felt a bit rushed but the plot twist at the end more than made up for it! I can’t wait to reread it when it releases. I’m obsessed

Enemies to lovers, strong female character, slow burn, and DRAGONS! What a great read! Thank you so much for allowing me a copy of your book to read in advance.

I have come to two conclusions about this book, and each revelation can be divided into two categories: politics and romance.

Politically: This book was so desperately needed given the current state of our democracy… and what is still to come. Reading this book felt like a breaking and a healing. It gave me something I wasn’t sure I had much left of: hope. Hope that there are people who see injustice and fight for the betterment of society. And even in this fictional world, the women displayed between these pages are as fierce, strong, and capable as the women who fight for justice in our own world as we all collectively sing, “fuck the patriarchy!”

Romantically: What the actual fuck. Not only did this book serve enemies to lovers on a silver platter, it had the audacity to revert back to enemies so shortly after they had come together. And for that… I am overwhelmed. So not only did I finish the book with an enormous amount of fury… I’m also left with a heaping amount of questions. Obviously I’m still crossing my fingers and toes for these two little fire-wielding-dragon-riders to sort their shit out and reunite… but I’m also not sure how they can come back from that ending.

Overall, loved everything about this book… and I’m salivating for the next installment.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
World Building: 🌏🌏🌏/5

This is the first in a celtic fantasy duology and I am burning for the sequel! A female blacksmith (who doesn't love that?) dragon-riders (again, love!) and her growing magic and rise to queen makes for such a fun read and I just want to live in this world. Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!!

The book is about a talented blacksmith who is in search of her birthright with her father and brother's assistance. The main character has to remain invisible to the world in fear that she'll be killed off once discovered. When her chance comes to ascend her throne, she tries to take chances into her own hands getting caught by the enemy and played a FOOL being betrayed at the end after falling in love with an enemy.

While an OK story to read, I have some qualms. The storyline is what I would consider clunky. By clunky I mean, the author jumped from plot point to plot point without including much depth to the story. Others may love this, but I prefer more in-depth storylines to fully assist in the world building experience and to learn more about the characters.

The main character was insufferable at times, but I think this is important for the story and honestly very relatable. While being trained her whole life for her birthright of being queen, once it came to fruition, she was making half-considered choices and being very impulsive. I get it, I am the same. As a reader though, I was able to predict the upcoming plot points/twists, and I did not quite enjoy the predictability.

Overall, it was a read I did enjoy despite my earlier discussed qualms. I do think the series has potential and some of my issues will be addressed in the future books. I am excited to see where this story goes, and I do appreciate the pronunciation guide in the back of the book - more authors need to do this.

i had high hopes for this one! i couldn't really connect with the story or the fmc, some of the choices that were made had me scratching my head. the pacing felt off, and the ending didn't seem like a big enough payoff for me? i'm unsure. very disappointed but thankful nonetheless that netgalley gave me an arc!!

Didn’t love it honestly. While there’s a pronunciation guide, there’s no glossary (at least in their version I received). Unless you’re super familiar with Scottish traditions I found myself googling quite a bit. What’s more is some words she’s made up but I feel NEEDED to be defined or at least explained. The world building was fine. The characters were fine. The dragons were fine. HOWEVER… the spice sections were written in a way that had me visibly cringing.

It was a fine book, but doubt I’ll read the next one.

I didn't enjoy this as much as I'd thought I was going to. Is it first book stumbling, I truly hope so cause the story has so much potential!
The main female character reminded me of someone much younger and not adult.
I hope the next book brings more enjoyment

I enjoyed this romantasy for the most part. The pacing was good but I had a hard time connecting with the characters. There were some good fight scenes and I enjoyed the politics aspect of it. The romance wasn’t really doing it for me and the love scenes were a teensy cringey but otherwise it’s a sold read and it is pretty fun! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Aemyra is blessed by Brigid, the fire goddess, and is the rightful heir to the throne. The throne should be passed down to the matriarch, but male heirs have ruled for the past several decades. Ever since birth, Aemyra has been hidden away for her protection until it was time for her to claim the throne. Her quest to the throne is full of secrets, betrayals, grief, and maybe even love.

WHHHHAAATTTT?!?! The world building was complex, and it took me a good bit to really understand what was happening. The first 30% of the book was world building so it was a slow start for me (not as complex as When the Moon Hatched). Once the book got to 40%, I couldn't put it down and binged the rest in one day. Aemyra was a great main character, she was witty, charming, empathetic, strong, resilient, and sometimes immature. The religious cult aspect of the book was entertaining and maddening. By the end of the book, I wasn't even sure who to believe or trust, shewww.

What I enjoyed:
*LGBTQ rep
*Matriarchal rule
*Slow burn
*Empathetic FMC
*Conflict - not knowing who to trust

I love a great fantasy series but I'm also very upset because now I'll have to wait a LONG time until the second book comes out since this book doesn't even release until 2025.
 
Huge thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this ARC!

This is the first in a celtic fantasy romance duology and i CANNOT WAIT for the sequel. A female blacksmith, dragon-riders, and her growing magic and rise to queen makes for such a fun read and I just want to continue in this world for so much longer. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.