This book was a lot of fun to read with all the chaos and battles going on throughout it. The romance was slow, painful, and full of fire which matched these two very well.
You're deeply involved from the start with all the secrets that surround Aemyra. I was instantly drawn to the curiosity of her story. The more I found the more involved I wanted to be in the story. A LOT goes down in one book. I feel like some parts should have been stretched out so we could get a full picture.
For me this book should have been two books so that way the reader could get more. I really enjoyed this though and I can't wait to see where the author takes this story!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

The vibes of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones crossed with Fourth Wing and set in a fantasy version of Scotland. Combine that with amazing world building, a unique magic system, and a delicious slow burn with true enemies-to-lovers. And that ending, oh my gosh! The PERFECT betrayal, I am still in shock.

This book was an absolute delight and I cannot wait for the sequel!

(Please check content warnings before reading)

I was interested in this book from the description and knew I had to pick it up when I saw it again listed as releases this year I was interested in. This book did not disappoint.

If you love dragons, romance, and magic. This is the book for you. It had a nice twist with the heritage that was pulled into this, and honestly had me a little lost at times but it made it different. The main character has a feisty/ “fiery” attitude to her that I loved. This book does leave you on a cliff hanger and instantly wanting the next book. I definitely see this as a reread in the future.

This book was so intense.... Plot twist at every turn... It's barely the new year and I see this being one of my top reads of the year.

i love a good dragon-royalty-book!!! there were elements of this that feel repetitive but nevertheless i ate it up. thanks!!!

Thank you so much to the Author and NetGalley.

I truly believe this will be the next big Romantasy Book next to Fourth Wing.
Our FMC is Bi-master piece of what it is to have female rage and still learning to grow when given a bad hand at life. I fell in love with this story within the first Chapter. Heck first line in the story.
(Also Dragons that act like giant Cats!!)
Is this a Romantasy book you may have read before? Probably. Is this book going to be something you simp over, gain a new fire daddy and completely break and cry over ? Absolutely yes.
Highly, recommend this book. I hope you all read this, go completely mad and cry. That is my wish for everyone!

Honestly this book has everything I love in it. The tropes were chefs kiss. I will say the beginning was a bit slow but once the story picked up I was hooked.

3.5 stars,

*secret heir
*enemies to lovers
*romantasy
*dragons
*strong FMC (eventually)
*a group that attempts to use religion to control women

Let me first admit that I struggled with Aemyra (the MFC) - she was arrogant and whiny while also being completely inconsistent for much of the book, and this went on long enough that it grated on me (I also have some other major issues, but sharing those would feel too spoil-ery, so I’ll keep them to myself).

Once I hit the 65-70% point I was invested and enjoyed the story to the point where I will definitely read the second title.



Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the DRC

Hazel McBride’s A Fate Forged in Fire is a gripping fantasy tale that combines magic, danger, and heartfelt emotions. It’s a story of resilience, destiny, and the choices that define us, set in a vivid world filled with fire and intrigue.

The story follows Eira, a strong-willed protagonist bound by a prophecy she doesn’t fully understand. As she confronts both external threats and internal struggles, Eira’s journey becomes one of self-discovery and courage. McBride does a fantastic job of making her a relatable and inspiring character, with flaws and strengths that feel real.

The world-building is a highlight of the book, with detailed descriptions of fiery landscapes, magical forces, and ancient prophecies that immerse you in Eira’s world. The plot is fast-paced and packed with twists, but it also leaves room for emotional depth, exploring themes like sacrifice, love, and the power of choice.

Hazel McBride strikes a great balance between action and introspection, making this book a perfect fit for readers who love character-driven fantasy with high stakes and a touch of romance. It’s a memorable and satisfying read from start to finish.

Rating: 4.5/5

This book was super interesting. I enjoyed it but think it could’ve taken its time a little more with the story and character development. Some of the story, especially the strategy and battle, felt really rushed through.

I sadly could not finish this book. It was partially just personal, my interests in certain genres like this one have changed. But also the book was so wordy, filled with info very early on that I really struggled to follow characters and their relationships.

Holy moly.

First, I am truly honored and so grateful for this arc. This book was fantastic!! I’ve never highlighted a book more!

The FMC Aemyra was strong, but still made mistakes, kind and loving, but blood thirsty for revenge. The story also held a strong sense of feminism that truly made Aemyra a character I could connect to.

Now, the MMC Fiorean, what a ride! Moody, mysterious, tortured, stabby, handsome, scarred, would KILL for her, but then, THE END?!

ALSO, dragons!!!!!!! The bonds were beautiful and the magic system was very unique. I’m eager to get more of the magic in the next books, especially from the other magic wielders.

I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

Thank you to Net Galley and Delacorte Press for the ARC. This sounded interesting with a blacksmith protagonist but alas it was boring and lacked political intrigue.

My first initial thoughts that caused me to delay finishing this book for a solid month:

Aemyra is the whiniest 26 year old. It sometimes made the reading a little unbearable. I could not find her endearing and everything that happened to her was because of her impulsiveness.

Now that I have gotten past the first third of the book, I flew through it.

Magical system focused on bonds between magic-wielders and animals with affinity for fire.

This magic system is based in a matriarchal religion that is in a head-to-head conflict with a patriarchal religion that gives me the real ~ick~. They are definitely the baddies in this one.

An oppressive religion masking as a means of controlling women. Hmm. This sounds very familiar. I could sense a lot of real world mirroring in this book and some of the quotes honestly hit differently as a woman living through our current politics times. And at times, I also got Salem Witch Trial vibes.

“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.”

“Women have the power to create life. To sustain it, nurture it. Regardless of magical affinity, the Chosen have forgotten that a woman’s base power lies in her womb. Therefore the choice to use that power lies with them. And them alone.”

“I witnessed men commit atrocities and attempt to justify them by saying they were working in the name of the Savior.”

“She would not allow herself to be defined by the violence of men.”

Girl power, man. I loved seeing the religious misogynist nut heads getting it handed to them.

The enemies to lovers is nothing new.

Aemyra grew on me by the end but I often felt myself wanting to shake some sense into her.

Aelin vibes at some parts especially the end.

If you like Game of Thrones, dragons, political and magical systems that are intricate, girl power and one’s fight to claim her throne then this book is for you. Just get through the first third of the book.

I look forward to the sequel.

Thank you, NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for a review.

Definitely a wild ride! Thanks to NetGalley for the Arc and now I have to (not so) patiently wait until the next book in the series!

Im glad for the guide in the back of the book due to the name that can be difficult to pronounce. However love to see more Scottish culture represented in books like this!

4 ⭐️ for me overall a really interesting read. As with most books in a new fantasy series it could be a bit slow around 20% - 30% through the books for me personally but definitely had be hooked more as the story between each character developed.

Things I enjoyed:
: ̗̀➛ Dragons, especially how they bond with their chosen rider.
: ̗̀➛ Adarian, would of loved for more time in the book to see him and how he was handling situations.
: ̗̀➛ Pacing throughout after around 70%
: ̗̀➛ Ending Battle and preparation.

Things I didn’t enjoy as much
: ̗̀➛ Felt slightly lost during the beginning chapters.
: ̗̀➛ Banter could of been more between characters
: ̗̀➛ The tension between Aemyra and Fiorean

Reading this book was an unforgettable experience that transported me into a captivating world of magic and adventure and of course dragons! From the very first page, I was drawn into the complex setting and the well-developed characters that made this novel so compelling.

The protagonist's journey is one of the most engaging aspects of the story.

The pacing of the novel kept me on my toes. While there were moments that felt a bit drawn out, especially in the middle, the intense action sequences and high-stakes moments were thrilling enough to keep me eagerly turning pages and hooked through the rest of the book. Each relationship felt authentic and contributed significantly to the FMCs growth.

The authors writing style captivated me as well. Her vivid descriptions brought the fantastical elements of the world to life.

All that being said, A Fate Forged in Fire was a fun read with adventure and some interesting themes. I will definitely be looking out for the continuation of this series in the future.

Book read completed: 03.01.2025

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I was intrigued by the premise of this book, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It didn't fully click with me.

Spoiler alert: The assault scene felt unnecessary. Aemyra was hard to like, and the banter didn’t work for me. I also couldn’t get into Aemyra and Fiorean as a couple.

If you prefer plot over character development, this might be a good fit for you.

Aemyra is the most powerful fire-wielding queen in generations—but her crown is currently occupied by the male-favoring family line and they are not interested in giving it up. To win back her throne, she’s got to bond with a dragon, win the support of her people, and keep her family safe in the process. She spends a lot of her time failing at pretty much all of that, but most especially from staying away from the hot hot hotty Fiorean who is doing everything he can to help his brother keep the throne. And also, her Dad’s dubious motives & scheming to help her are weirdly attractive and interesting to read.

3.5 ⭐️ from me! Overall, I liked it well enough. It sucked me in around 70% and I couldn’t put it down, which was good because it helped me move past several aspects of this book that I just didn’t enjoy.

Things I liked:
- the dragon lore and the nature of their bonding with humans
- Adarian; he deserved more page time
- The battle at the end
- the story’s overall pacing

Things that irked me:
- Aemyra is just so unlikable for 85% of the book. And her character growth felt like a big jump that was unearned
- The romantic tension didn’t build much before we were supposed to be invested
- I have mixed feelings about fiorean
- the gratuitous assault scene
- there were moments of poor writing I had to mentally work to move past.

I might pick up the next one if it’s convenient for me, but probably won’t. I don’t care enough in the end to follow up with this world & characters, even if I do kind of want to know what happens next.

If you’re a plot over character person, this book will probably be plenty fun for you to read!

Whew, what a ride! I'm glad I got to review this book thanks to NetGalley and also upset that it's the first in a series so I have to wait to see what comes next.

This book is set in an alternate fantasy universe inspired by Scottish Gaelic culture, so there are names I can't pronounce but there is a handy pronunciation guide at the back of the book. There are clans, and tartans, and an occasional Scottish endearment, but otherwise, it is a fantasy world.

Aemyra is a twin, with magical fire powers, who has hidden for all her life, biding her time until she can rightfully claim her throne. Obviously, not everyone is happy about her claim, and so the fight begins. Everyone is a villain in someone else's story - there are multiple sides to any event, and the author keeps us on our toes showing us (and making us feel) the different perspectives, including loyalty, betrayal, helplessness, determination, love, and moments of affection.

There are whiffs of Fourth Wing - dragons, Acotar - woman coming into her power, and even Dragonriders of Pern - the fmc reminds me of Lessa. The author makes powerful statements about women, their independence, and body autonomy, making it an integral part of the story's politics while making a statement about our own modern times.

This is a book about right vs wrong (but whose right and whose wrong?), with more action than political bickering. It kept me glued to the page with plenty of twists and turns. The book ends in a good spot for a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see what happens next

Be aware of some triggers re: a woman's body, violence, open door spice.

I officially have a new book boyfriend and I am full heartedly a Fiorean apologist. (Hazel McBride, please do not make me regret saying those words)

The story is very engaging and while our lovely fmc can be manipulated by her relationships (aren’t we all), she has the best intentions at heart. She has so many relationships we see - her adopted family, her twin, her father, the priestesses, the royal family, and herself.

There are a few spice scenes and they’re well written, definitely had me blushing.

I appreciate the dig at Christianity, the True Religion, and as we see how it overtook Pagen religions in the violence of being the ‘correct’ one.

I can’t wait for the rest of this series!

Ehh.. I made it about 25% in and just can't continue. I'm not sure where the disconnect is but the story feels jumbled and a little all over the place.