Book Review: A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride
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Wow—what an incredible start to a series! Hazel McBride has crafted a story that absolutely captivated me from beginning to end. I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it in one sitting!

The main character is a force to be reckoned with—a strong, determined woman who fights for the weak and champions the oppressed. Her character development throughout the book was phenomenal, and I loved watching her grow into her power.

The magic system was fresh and unique, and let’s not forget the dragons—because dragons are always amazing! This story had the perfect mix of action, heart, and fantasy, and I was completely here for this young woman’s journey to free her world from tyranny.

If you’re looking for a gripping, empowering fantasy with unforgettable characters and a rich, magical world, A Fate Forged in Fire is a must-read. I was honored to be an ARC reader, and I can’t wait for everyone to dive into this fantastic book when it releases on May 27.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

Omg 🫠 If you’re having House of the Dragon withdraws, this book is perfect for you! It has dragons, 2 warring sides of a family vying for the throne, head strong FMC, and stoic grump MMC. The story was a bit slow at first but once it got going it was GOING! I ended up finishing this in less than a day! Everything about it drew me in! The political scheming, dragon fights, and romance (enemies to lovers 🤗) And the cliff hanger at the end 🤯 diabolical!

A firey rebellious would be Queen in a tumultuous fantasy world. Emotions are all over the place. I unfortunately had disconnect with MFC with little patience for her decisions, motive, and personality.

3.5/5 stars because of the authors skill crafting a complex and clashing world, intricate plot, and gutting events.

I would not recommend to sensitive crowds due to violence toward women/children, sexual assault, nasty betrayal.

This is an honest review sponsored through NetGalley.

3.5/5 - A great concept with a good execution. I am always a sucker for books where there's a hidden heir waiting to claim their throne (and dragon!), and this one impressed with Aemyra also being a blacksmith, with the confidence and skill to back it up. The tension between her and Fiorean was a delight as well, and the twist at the end added even more to it - although it was a tad bit predictable. I absolutely love any good book with dragons, and this was one for that as well. My only issue was with Aemyra's personality at times, as she brought down other women quite frequently throughout the book and was a bit childish at times. However, the world building and political intrigue in the book was well executed. I'll be looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Right from the start, A Fate Forged in Fire had me hooked. The opening dedication piqued my curiosity, and I was instantly drawn into Aemyra’s world. She's fierce, complicated, and unapologetically vengeful. Add in dragons, magic, and political drama, and you have a highly recommended book.

Aemyra is one of those characters who’s hard to forget. She’s tough as nails, but beneath all that, she’s battling a lot.

Then there’s Fiorean. The romance between him and Aemyra is explosive. He’s this brooding, tortured guy who brings out something different in her. Their chemistry is electric, and the back-and-forth tension between them—full of desire, guilt, and power—keeps you turning pages. It’s not just a romance; it’s about two people trying to find their way while dealing with everything from their pasts to their sense of self.

Thank you to the publisher for this arc. I was not able to predict a single thing that happened in this book, it kept me on my toes the whole time. I’ve also been needing a good true enemies to lovers read and this definitely delivered with some chapter 54 vibes as well. I do wish we learned a little bit more about the mmc because he was lacking depth but I imagine we’ll learn more about him in the sequel. And the cliffhanger ??? Ruthless. I also enjoyed the world building and Scottish influence. Knowing this will be a duology is perfect, I am very excited to see where this story goes.

Review will be posted publicly on https://fantasy-hive.co.uk and all social media sites in March, closer to book release date!


I love that so many things went wrong in this book. No, for real, hear me out.
Meet Aemyra, a trained blacksmith blessed with fire magic, who seeks to overthrow the corrupt regime ruling her kingdom and become the first queen in centuries. Aemyra was raised with her brother, hiding in plain sight of the castle with a loving foster family. Aemyra’s family were waiting for the day the king would die and Aemyra would have a chance to claim his dragon as her beathaichean and increase her fire-wielding powers. Her chance does eventually come, and while the plan is put into motion, it is not without cost for her followers.

This was a refreshing take, for me. Aemyra is neither stupid nor completely naïve, but what she and her advisors think are good ideas are not always correct, and she is not always the one to bear the cost of her mistakes. If you were secretly planning to overthrow the reigning monarchy with a smaller army, everything would need to go perfectly in order for you to succeed. And life rarely goes perfectly. Aemyra’s story is mostly dealing with the fall-out of complex plans gone awry because the enemy isn’t an idiot.

This book tells of the struggle of a goddess-worshiping culture whose society has been infiltrated and changed by the introduction of a patriarchal religion. You see this conflict not just through the violent clashes between the factions, but in the way the society fails to condemn certain attitudes and actions towards women as they have in the past. Some parts might be hard to read, not necessarily due to their graphic nature, but because Aemyra’s inner dialogue and circumstances might ring too true for some readers. There are deeper themes of family and childhood loyalty that are exposed for both of our lead characters, Aemyra and Fiorean, which enables Aemyra to widen her narrow perspective.

The dragon (beathaichean)- relationship was what kept me reading at first: will Aemyra claim a dragon? What will happen if she fails? And then the romance was what kept me turning pages for that want you/hate you forced-marriage-tenterhooks vibe. This novel tells a surprisingly complex story. There is the personal level, where we become sympathetic to the characters we know and watch them struggle and change, the societal and religious conflict, and the broader political and military conflict taking place. And we see it all through the filter of Aemyra. So, while what drew me to the book most was the romance, there is also a more nuanced social and political aspect to it.

Because of the violent heat between the lead characters, some traumatic scenes and the political overtones, I would recommend this book to fans of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker and the Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson. A solid 4-star review, with plenty more story to come. Released May 27, 2025.

I'm in my female rage era so this book really hit the spot for me.

Aemyra is a bit full of herself and tends to look down on others unnecessarily which did make me dislike her but also, why does she even need to be likable in the first place? In the real world and in the book, people want to put women in a specific box and make them act and talk a certain way or they're deemed unfit. Aemyra has no problem speaking her mind to any of those who insult her or the other women around her.

Reading a story with a matriarchal society was a breath of fresh air, especially considering the current climate in the US. I enjoy seeing women stand up for themselves and be strong against those attempting to oppress them.

The magic and dragons were woven beautifully into the story - and the ending, I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.

If you like political intrigue, slow burn, dragon bonding, female rage, elemental magic, and romantasy then I highly recommend this book.

And, as an end note: Burn it to the f*cking ground.

I will read anything with dragons on the cover and add flames and I am completely in! Read this in 2 days because I was so sucked into the world

I don’t even know where to start. Maybe with the fantastic world-building, the sizzling relationship, or perhaps the badass female main character? Seriously, everything about this book was amazing.

Let me begin with the relationship. This book is a rare gem in the enemies-to-lovers genre because it actually features true enemies. I’m talking about holding a knife to each other's throats and promising to kill one another. The progression from enemies to lovers was phenomenal; it felt natural and wasn’t abrupt. There was no insta-lust or insta-love, which was incredibly refreshing.

The female main character, Aemyra, is the definition of a badass. She’s aware she is the rightful queen and makes sure everyone knows it—#Goals! I loved her quick-witted comebacks… they had me laughing out loud. On the flip side, her vulnerability also stood out. Aemyra was raw in a way that I wish more main characters could be.

And then there’s the male main character, Fiorean. Wow. I went through all the emotional stages while reading about him. I hated him, then I liked him, then I hated him again, only to sort of love him (after that ending, I can’t be too sure). I swear, this book gave me whiplash! He was amazing, and I loved how he treated Aemyra. He wasn’t overly possessive; instead, he genuinely cared for her and wanted her to be herself. He embodies the idea “I wouldn’t burn the world down for you; I’d hand you the matches.”

That cliffhanger was brutal… I refuse to accept that I have to wait 1-2 years before I get to read the next book.

From the very first page of A Fate Forged in Fire, I knew I was in for an unforgettable ride. A dedication that instantly sparked intrigue, an intense, complicated heroine, and a world rich in magic and dragons—this was a story I was bound to fall in love with. And, without a doubt, I did.

This book blends political intrigue, deep-seated family drama, and an all-consuming romance that had me hooked from the start. Aemyra, the fierce, stabby, angry, and unapologetically vengeful protagonist, is a force to be reckoned with. Her journey, battling against not only external enemies but her own internal struggles—particularly as a bisexual woman navigating a deeply patriarchal world—is emotionally resonant and relatable. The tension she feels, caught between the desire to be both assertive and compassionate, was something I felt deeply as a reader.

The romance between Aemyra and Fiorean adds layers to an already intense narrative. Fiorean, with his broody, self-loathing yet undeniably magnetic charm, is the perfect foil to Aemyra's fiery nature. Their chemistry sizzles, and the push-pull dynamic between them—laden with sexual tension and fraught with conflicting desires—was one of the most compelling aspects of the story. The complexity of their relationship, coupled with Aemyra’s fight for autonomy and self-acceptance, was both heartbreaking and cathartic.

The world-building, while a bit slow to unfold, is well worth the investment. Once the foundations are laid, the intricacies of the magic system, the role of dragons, and the social hierarchies that shape the characters’ lives take center stage. The story becomes a thrilling tapestry of power, politics, and magic. But what really gripped me was the intense emotional undercurrent that ran through the narrative—each choice and betrayal weighed with such gravity that I found myself constantly second-guessing what might come next.

And that betrayal. Oh, that betrayal. I won’t spoil it, but suffice it to say, it’s one of those twists that lingers in your mind long after you've finished the book. It had me lying awake thinking about it, haunted by its implications. I cannot wait to see how this shocking turn of events plays out in the sequel. It’s a testament to the author’s storytelling that a single plot twist can leave such a lasting impact.

Ultimately, A Fate Forged in Fire is a stunning blend of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. It’s perfect for fans of Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon, as well as those who love complex, morally gray characters like Aelin Galathynius from Throne of Glass. The depth of the world-building, the richness of the characters, and the raw, unflinching exploration of identity and power make this one of the best books I've read this year.

I can only hope that the sequel picks up where this book left off and delivers even more twists, turns, and heart-pounding moments. Highly recommended. 5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC! I really enjoyed this book.

The world was filled with Celtic mythology, dragons, and very interesting social hierarchies that are fun to follow. The tension between the the two MCs was very fun to follow but didn’t take away from the rest of the political plot, which I think has been difficult for a lot of romantasy books to do recently. They were a good of example of true “enemies to lovers”, where you can really feel the FMC’s internal struggle in differentiating her feelings towards the MC versus what she is already used to.

It was very well balanced and kept me captivated the whole way through for both the politics and the romance.

Will definitely be reading the next book!

I tried to power through because I loved the premise of the book, but I found the female main character insufferable and it really took away from the story for me.

What a ride!! This was such a fun read. Though our protagonist is young, she has so much spirit! This book had me hooked so fast, and it followed through. I am already eagerly awaiting the sequel! This would be amazing for fans of House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones, and other books that include scheming for the throne, dragon-riding, and a brash but hardy female protagonist!

A Fate Forged in Fire is a spellbinding romantasy that masterfully blends Celtic mythology, elemental magic, and dragons with themes of feminism, political intrigue, and enemies-to-lovers romance. I predict this will become a standout series for all lovers of fantasy.

At the heart of the story is Aemyra, a fire-wielding FMC who is as strong and gritty as she is vulnerable and raw. Hidden away since birth to protect her from the patriarchal regime that has usurped her family’s throne, Aemyra is determined to reclaim her rightful place as queen of Tir Teine, a kingdom weakened by the oppressive True Religion. This group not only demonizes magic but also enforces a suffocating doctrine that reduces women to subservient roles.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Aemyra and Fiorean is, without question, one of the book’s greatest strengths. Their animosity is palpable, with knife-to-throat tension and mutual attempts to outwit—and sometimes kill—each other. As their relationship evolves, the chemistry between them is undeniable, marked by subtle glances, razor-sharp banter, and moments of vulnerability that feel earned. Fiorean’s journey from antagonist to reluctant ally is just as compelling as Aemyra’s, and their connection is as much about respect and growth as it is about romantic tension.

The world-building is immersive, weaving Celtic-inspired elements, Gaelic phrases, and a matriarchal kingdom into a backdrop of religious and political turmoil. While the abundance of details—clans, royalty, elemental magic systems—can feel bit dense, they add depth to a narrative that feels both fantastical and deeply relevant. Themes of female empowerment and rebellion against systemic oppression resonate throughout the story, making it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Fast-paced and action-packed, the plot keeps you hooked from start to finish. The stakes rise continuously, culminating in a heart-wrenching cliffhanger that leaves you reeling and desperate for the sequel.

Whether you read this for the dragons, the feminist themes, or the enemies-to-lovers trope done to perfection, this book delivers it all. It’s engaging, emotional, and utterly unputdownable—a must-read for romantasy fans. I highly recommend and will continue the series.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me to read this ARC through NetGalley.

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!!!