Firebird is the first book in Juliette Cross' new series, The Fire That Binds, and it definitely delivered! Set in an alternate version of Roman history where dragons rule as the patrician class, this book offers a fascinating and unique twist on the romantasy genre. The world-building is rich, drawing readers into a society that feels both ancient and fantastical.

One of the things I loved most was how the characters' relationship unfolded against the backdrop of an oppressive empire. Malina, the FMC, is part of a rebel uprising, and Julian, the MMC, is a Roman general sent to crush the rebellion. Their chemistry is electric, and the slow-burn romance is equally compelling as they navigate political intrigue, personal stakes, and the looming threat of a tyrannical empire.

Juliette Cross does an excellent job of capturing the harsh realities of Roman society—especially the treatment of women and the brutal consequences of rebellion. The story doesn’t shy away from the darkness of the era, and that means there are tough moments throughout. The portrayal of the patriarchal society is raw, and for those unfamiliar with Roman history, it’s important to note that when rebellions were crushed, the rebels were often enslaved. Additionally, the emperor in this world channels some serious Caligula-like vibes, adding to the tension and danger.

This book is not a cozy romantasy. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed journey filled with political tension, spice, and intrigue. The pacing is quick, making it an easy binge. While some plot points and character arcs are carried into the next book, the romance between Malina and Julian is mostly resolved by the end, leaving room for new characters and stories in the next installment.

I can’t wait to see where the next book goes! Based on the way Firebird ends, I have a feeling it’s going to be gut-wrenching, but absolutely worth the wait.

Highly recommended for fans of action-packed romance, political intrigue, and dark fantasy!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I always find Juliette's books so hooky right from the get-go. She has a way of getting me sucked in quickly and getting me to feel connected to her characters right away that makes for such a fun and immersibe reading experience.

This dark fantasy romance hit on all the things I like about this sub genre. A unique take on Roman history that is indeed just as brutal as you think it will be, an interesting take on dragons and dragon shifters, and a heroine with what appears to be immense power but she hasn't fully realized it yet.

And of course, the one thing that always keeps me coming back to Juliette's books is how deeply and madly the hero falls for the heroine. This man is the definition of touch her and die and only soft for her, and I truly never get tired of that!

The romance between Julianus and Malina did have fated mates vibes to it, which lends it an insta love feel, but I didn't mind that one bit.

I enjoyed the setup for this book and world and can't wait to see our story really take off in book two!

CW: master/slave dynamic in the romance, attempted sexual assault (not between the mc's), dubious consent

I enjoyed both narrators and felt they suited the story very well!
I received an ARC for review

Overall: 3.5/5
Spice: 3/5
Tropes/Themes: Roman inspired mythology & politics, dragon shifter & witch, dark romantasy, forced proximity- captive & captor, duel narrators

"I am death incarnate and the world will know my wrath."

You should definitely read the trigger warnings before starting this book, as it touches on some darker subjects, including SA. ALSO, can we take a moment for this cover?! 😱 It's so pretty!

That said, this was an intriguing read! I really enjoyed the plot. Picture a slightly altered Roman period, but with dragon shifters thrown into the mix!

The story follows Malina, a Dacian witch and dancer. At 17, she meets Julian, a Roman general, while performing. He gives her a talisman of Lady Fortuna. Fast forward a few years, and at 21, they cross paths again, with Julian saving her from some dangerous individuals. This time, he shifts into his dragon form and takes her to his "lair," which is really his home. From there, you’re immersed in royal politics, warfare, gods, lore, and rebellion.

Julian is the nephew of Caesar, the tyrant who rules Rome. He’s definitely possessive, but in a gentle way. I thought the FMC’s power was unique, and I believe Malina’s backstory will play a crucial role in the upcoming books. For some reason, I didn't really connect with her that well. There is a bit of an insta-love element, mainly because they are mates, but the romance develops slowly, with the spice taking time to build. I also really liked the incorporation of gods and ancient prophecies.

The dual narration was well done! They did a great job at bringing the story to life! I did find myself zoning out a bit, but that could be because I’m used to listening to the audiobook while reading. I had to focus a little harder this time.

I’m curious to see what book two will bring! A big thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC!

🔥 BOOK REVIEW 🔥

FIREBIRD by Juliette Cross
4/5
Out now!

FIREBIRD is an enthralling romantasy taking Roman mythology and spinning it on its head. I was worried that the power dynamic between the two main character's wasn't going to work, but I think the author did a good job of acknowledging the uneven power/authority while allowing our main characters' relationship to grow. I will definitely be reading the next in the series. It seems like each book will follow a different couple in this universe.

Firebird is set in the Roman empire, though the gods from mythology are actually dragons, as are the elites of society. The story follows a Dacian witch as her life intertwines with a Roman dragon shifters. Please read if you like the following:

🐲 Historical romances with a magical twist
🐲 The grittiness (and maybe sexiness?) of a warcamp
🐲 Fated mate tropes
🐲 Planned coups trying to take down the crazy man in charge

Thank you to Netgalley, Bramble, and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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i was IMMEDIATELY pulled into this book. dragons, smut, greek gods, witches. highly recommend and can’t wait for the next book! it’s also great on audio.

thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for the ALC in return for my honest review

Tropes:

💫Master/Slave (advertised as captor/captive)
💫Forced Proximity
💫Fated Mates
💫Dragon Shifters
💫Forbidden Love
💫Strong FMC

Trigger warnings:
💢implied and attempted SA

⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶/5
🎧🎧🎧🎧/5

This book.. idk where to even begin. The plot was not plotting. Like there was good intentions but it just fell flat for me. The world building was adequate. It is set in Ancient Rome where all the roman nobles are Dragon Shifters, that's all that was really needed to set the world for this book. There was nothing in this book to add to the plot up until like chapter 25. It just overall felt underdeveloped.

The romance in this book was lacking. It was instant love/lust. There was no yearning, there was no build up, and there was no tension. It also was off putting since it was Master/Slave (even though this is advertised as captor/captive which yeah technically but it is master/slave) which occurs in like the first 3 chapters.

The spice was boring. I usually get quite giddy during spicy scenes. I felt nothing.

I almost DNF'd this book but i powered through only because the narrators really carried this book. It just did hit how I wanted/hoped it would.

Dragon shifters, magic, Roman mythology, and characters who make terrible decisions in the name of love. This new Romantasy delivers all of that. I enjoyed the e-book, but the audio narration made me love this book. Dual narration was phenomenal. Each voice added a richness that brought the characters to life and deepened my connection to the story.

Read if you enjoy:
✨ Roman mythology
✨ Dragon shifters
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Political conflict
✨ Captor / captive

The Roman mythology and dragon lore hooked me instantly. I loved how Cross reimagined history through a romantasy lens. It felt unique and made for a more interesting story.

That said, the romance moved a little fast and out of nowhere. It was a little too insta love for me. I love a good fated mates moment, but I craved a little more build up to fully buy into their connection. Give me some longing. Some tension. A little more “will they or won’t they” before the magical soul binding kiss of destiny.

Thank you so much MacMillan Audio for the audiobook and Bramble for the ebook!

There were a lot of things that I truly enjoyed about this book. I loved how protective Julianus was of Malina. I enjoyed her bond with her adoptive family. I love that the setting was ancient Rome and there were some truly good characters. I feel like there was a lot missing but it’s possible that the sequel will solve this. I found myself really struggling to connect with Malina as a character and didn’t enjoy the storyline as much as I expected to. I feel like there was room for more world building, which could definitely happen in the next book. Overall, I feel like I may not be the target audience for this romantasy but the author has definite potential and I’d like to try more of her work sometime.

This book is 5 stars for me!!! I loved it!!!
It is based in Ancient Rome so the world building is minimal and there is more of a concentration on the characters and the dragons and each form they take, the bloodlines and the hierarchy of the Roman Empire.
The first couple of chapters really grabbed my attention!!! The prologue and back story fave just enough to make me want more.
The narrator’s were both amazing, easy to discern the characters they were voicing and were both wonderful at both female and male parts.
The tension and the yearning and possessiveness starts right from the get go and I was screaming for it!! Did I say I loved this book???
The politics were not overwhelming and I never really felt like it slowed down, I did hate the emperor and I’m just waiting for him to be destroyed as he very deserves everything that hopefully is coming for him.

I love the dragon shifters and the whole dynamic! The ancient gods involvement an Melina’s magic. I don’t think we’ve seen the full extent of her powers yet. Of course I love a fated mate bond!!! And an overly possessive MMC.

The cliffhanger has brought forth the beginning of brand new dark fantasy that I’m ready for!!!!
The spice was hot and it was a slooowwwww burn
Spice was 2.5/5 🌶️🌶️

Dragon shifters? Yes please! I absolutely loved this story, the romance, the revolution, the magic! It felt so original and all consuming.

Went into this book with little knowledge of it, but had heard it was highly anticipated and boy oh boy this did NOT disappoint!! Ancient Rome with dragons?? Literally so cool! I loved the world building and slight changes to already-established history (like making the Roman gods dragon shifters). I also found the characters very dynamic and they held a lot of depth. I cannot wait for the second book!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this amazing book!

Roman nobleman and warrior/dragon shifter and heir to the (political) throne Julian meets Goddess-blessed witch turned slave from the Carpathian Mountains Malina. This is a dark romance in a light sense. I've read much darker romances than this, but there are some heavy aspects to it. Anyways, they first meet when she is 17 and then again when she is 21. I like this type of plot line in romances--guy meets girl, something about girl sticks with guy, then years later guy meets girl again and this time they get together. The second time they meet, Julian saves Malina and "kidnaps" her by taking her to his home/dragon den. This honestly did not strike me as a "slave/master" dynamic because it is clear from the get-go that he does not treat her as a slave, nor does he internally regard her as one. He kidnaps her to save her, not to make her his slave in the truest form of the word. Enter in Roman politics, Julian's uncle Julius CAESAR, references to Roman gods and goddesses, and political turmoil mixed with dragons, and you get this creative story. Warning: SMUT alert. (In the best way. Very spicy. Not for YA or kids, despite the pretty cover.)

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this digital audio e-arc.*

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC!

I just want to start off by saying love a good shifter/monster romance! The MMC being a sweet at heart dragon shifter who is protective to his mate??? Count me the fuck in! A very fun and badass FMC!

* Fated Mates
* Dragon Shifters
* Powerful FMC
* Found Family
* Plotting to overthrow the government! Love that for them!
* Happy Ending (so far;)

I highly recommend this audio book, I believe it was beautifully done and can’t wait for more!
3.75⭐️

Firebird by Juliette Cross
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
3🌶🌶🌶

Wow, what can I say? This book was amazing, in such a special way. I feel like ancient Rome is such an under used setting for fantasy, much to my recently discovered dismay! I love a good fated mates trope and Juliette also did this in a very unique and swoon worthy way. In this story the Legionaires of Rome are all dragons that have a human and full dragon from as well as a half shifted form called half-skin.

Malina, our FMC is a Dakkian woman with a unique magical gift who through a series of events finds herself serving in the house of Legitus Julianus, a general of Rome. But there's much more to Julian than meets the eye, and Malina's magic calls to Julian's dragon in a way neither of them have ever felt before. This story kept me fully invested in the political machinations as well as the blooming love story. The ending has me pining for the next book in the series and wanting to yell at everyone to READ THIS BOOK!!!

Thanl you to Netgalley for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This book had so much potential but unfortunately didn't live up to any of it.

First of all, there are no content trigger warnings for the master/slave dynamic, the implied SA, attempted SA & DubCon. There is a tiny blurb added as an afterthought to the bottom of the Goodreads synopsis and that's it.

The world building could have been amazing but the author seemingly just relied on the fact that it's set in Ancient Rome and was like, BAM! add dragons and there ya go! That's all you need to know! There's minimal political intrigue IN ANCIENT ROME. So many trips to the forum and discussions about the senate but not actually getting to witness any of it? That's a travesty. All we get to witness is some behind closed doors plotting and it's secondary to the romance, which is also lacking.

The romance is love/lust at first sight. There's no yearning or pining. No tension. Just insta-lust. The majority of the book is the 2 main characters talking and it's painfully obvious what happening between them. The spice was also disappointing. To say I was bored is an understatement because NOTHING HAPPENS until like 90% into the book. None of the reveals or "twists" were shocking, the few action scenes are so short and underdeveloped they resolve within a few pages. I understand that this book is majorly setting up all the action to take place in the next book but this does not leave me needing to know what's happening next. Just left feeling unsatisfied at all the loose ends.

The master/slave dynamic was also not it for me. I get that he's a dragon but the amount of times he says "mine" is crazy. Especially since she's his slave... It just feels icky. Then there's the dubcon scene (dubious consent). It's one thing to be between the MCs and there's an established trust and understanding between them but for it to be between the villain and another character as a show of power was gross.

Malina was the only saving grace of this book. It was refreshing to have a FMC who was strong and confident and not whiny.

I will refrain from posting my reviews for a until a few weeks after release and will update here when I do post them.

Love love love love love. I finished listening to this audiobook so fast. There's something about ancient Egypt and ancient Greece that will have me automatically adding a book to my TBR. Somehow, despite all the hype I've seen about Firebird, I didn't know until right before I started it that it was in ancient Rome. I've never read a dragon shifter book before, but I really enjoyed this one. I know some people have been really turned off by the master-slave dynamic, but I thought it was well done. It didn't bother me and I feel like this book is marketed on the dark side of fantasy, so with that in mind, readers should know what they're going to get. Yes, the power dynamic is messed up, but I think Julian had every opportunity to turn toxic and be red flag material, and he didn't.

Also, I found Malina's powers to be unique and interesting--which is a difficult thing to do these days when there are so many fantasy books out there. I really enjoyed her as a character as well and respected that she didn't want a relationship with Julian while she was his slave (even though she ended up changing her mind on that).

The villains were perfectly villainous, to the point where I'm sad to see one of them go because how can you top that? I loved to hate them. They made me STRESSED. Currently very grateful this book didn't have a dramatic cliffhanger.

My only complaint is that I wish the climax was a little longer. It felt like the main "fight" was over in a minute. With the plot and subject matter of this book, we need to see a little more action.

I'm so excited for the sequel to see what happens next and sad I'm going to have to wait forever to read it.

I think this will be a huge hit for people who are into more dark romantasy. I am not sure if I did not properly do my research but this is a slaveXmaster dynamic and they start to have feelings during this dynamic. The entire book is like this as well. I personally do not vibe with this setup but I do know those who like darker books will eat this up.

Thank you for the arc!

I loved this dark romantasy! I thought the background of ancient Rome mixed with dragons and gods was intriguing. There is a power differential between Julian and Malina (Roman master and slave) hence the “dark” romantasy. I thought this book did a great job setting us up for the series. I am excited to read more and hope that it will give more background into dragon shifters, Malina’s family, the coup and so forth.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Firebird is a dark romance/dark romantasy featuring a master/slave dynamic between the main characters, who are already in a relationship when the story begins. I found the story really interesting, and I’ll probably pick up the next book because I’m curious to see how the series develops.

While I enjoyed it, I do think the plot could have been a little more focused instead of leaning so heavily into the smut. That said, it’s still a solid story overall. I think the author did a good job balancing the master/slave relationship without making it feel exploitative. Malina, the female main character, came across as a strong woman, and I never felt like she was being taken advantage of, which is really important in a dynamic like this.

One thing I loved is that the main character is a dragon shifter and Malina is a witch — it added a really fun fantasy element to the romance.

I was lucky enough to receive both an eARC and an ALC (audiobook) so I could read along while listening. I absolutely loved the dual narration! Blair Dade and Kale Williams did a fantastic job bringing the characters' voices and emotions to life. I definitely recommend picking up the audiobook if you can!

Thank you to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and Bramble for the eARC and ALC.

I did not finish this book. Between the master/slave relationship (mentioned in content warnings) and the FMC being 17 at the start of the book, it was hitting too many of my ick so me to even get through the first chapter.