4.5⭐️
2.5🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for a copy of this e-arc!

Wow! What a journey this book took you on!

A Fate Forged in Fire is book 1 of a dulogy that centers around Aemyra, the hidden female heir to Tir Tiene, a matriarchal society where woman were rulers. However, after a century of male only heirs being born, it has slowly fallen away from worshipping their goddesses and instead the True Religion has seized an opportunity for power and to suppress woman from every angle.

Once the current king dies, it is on Aemyra to step out of the shadows and make herself known as the true born female heir to the throne. The royal family and the True Religion leaders however will not allow her to claim what’s rightly hers. Forced to deal with one of her greatest enemies but undeniable attraction to, Fiorean, Prince of Tir Tiene, Aemyra must fight for her birthright and her budding feelings for the deadly prince.

Warning 🚫: I do suggest reading the Author’s Note for the trigger warnings. There are topics in the book that are dark and may be triggering for some.

When I saw this come up on NetGalley, after reading the blurb, I knew it was going to be right up my alley. It’s such a new and unique world for a fantasy romance book. The magic system is different and the various clans, families, etc. just bring an overall intrigue to the reader. I will say, it took a bit to get used to all the Scottish stylings and culture influence as someone who isn’t overly aware of them to begin with. I do feel like the author does well explaining things without it feeling like she’s explaining it.

I read this book in 24 hours. From the very beginning it brings you right into the heart of the story. It took directions I didn’t see coming and other parts I was able to predict, but I like the mix of those 2 things.

The spice 🌶️🌶️ is slow burn but pays off in a big way! It didn’t take away from the plot but added to the story I felt.

Story does end on a cliffhanger.

I’m only so sad that I got this e-arc so early before the release because now it means it’s going to feel like FOREVER before book 2 comes out 😭 just kidding, I am so happy to have received this arc! But I will definitely be reading book 2!

I should start by saying that I prefer fantasy with a touch of romance that forwards the plot rather than romantasy books that are heavy on spice content and low on plot, but I just could not resist the dragon cover on this novel and so wanted to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised that the author devoted quite a bit of the start of the book to build up a story and even a plausible enemies to lovers subplot before sliding into the spicier content. We get to know Aemyra, get a sense of the political condition of Tìr Teine, and we get to see the relationship with dragons before Prince Fiorean and Aemyra's relationship moves beyond adversarial. Now for those who are fans of romantasy that is spiced from beginning to end, there is an actual story being developed here, so you may be disappointed. I, however, am curious how Aemyra overcomes the circumstances at the end of this book and can't wait to read the sequel. (3.5/5)
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.