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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
kick ass dragon queen to reunite with dragons
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
from 50 pages in i knew it would be a five star. never once questioned it this was perfect.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was a bit of a mess pacing-wise but overall I enjoyed it.
I loved the banter and flirting between Elowen and Cayden. They had so much natural chemistry from their first encounter and I loved how quickly their fighting became flirting.
The friend group forged in this book feels like found family and I really loved all 5 of these characters.
I loved the banter and flirting between Elowen and Cayden. They had so much natural chemistry from their first encounter and I loved how quickly their fighting became flirting.
The friend group forged in this book feels like found family and I really loved all 5 of these characters.
reread review 7/17/25
I first read this book when it was indie published in 2023 and absolutely loved it. I decided to do a reread because I got an arc for book 2 and it basically said “hey you should probably read the trad version before starting this” so here I am. Truthfully, I’m glad I read the trad version bc I either didn’t remember much or there were significant changes. I did lower my rating from a 5 to a 4, but I can’t tell if it’s because I a. liked the indie version better or b. am more ✨seasoned✨ in the romantasy genre and this didn’t hit quite as hard as it did two years ago. That being said, I did still really enjoy this, I think I’m just more selective with my 5 stars now.
This is one of those books that’s romance first fantasy second, and I’m tired of that getting hate because romantasies are still so fun even if they’re more romance heavy!! Elowen and Cayden had wonderful banter and I had a great time. I just love a man who’s down bad for his girl!!
The found family is just as good as I remember. I can’t say anything about the predictability bc I read the indie version so I had a vague sense of what was going to happen, but again, I HAD FUN. I’m super hopeful that the next book will really stand out with the dragons and the marriage of convenience 🤭 do I think this was particularly unique? No, not really, but if you like the standard romantasy formula this is a lot of fun and I think the series itself has so much potential!!!
I first read this book when it was indie published in 2023 and absolutely loved it. I decided to do a reread because I got an arc for book 2 and it basically said “hey you should probably read the trad version before starting this” so here I am. Truthfully, I’m glad I read the trad version bc I either didn’t remember much or there were significant changes. I did lower my rating from a 5 to a 4, but I can’t tell if it’s because I a. liked the indie version better or b. am more ✨seasoned✨ in the romantasy genre and this didn’t hit quite as hard as it did two years ago. That being said, I did still really enjoy this, I think I’m just more selective with my 5 stars now.
This is one of those books that’s romance first fantasy second, and I’m tired of that getting hate because romantasies are still so fun even if they’re more romance heavy!! Elowen and Cayden had wonderful banter and I had a great time. I just love a man who’s down bad for his girl!!
The found family is just as good as I remember. I can’t say anything about the predictability bc I read the indie version so I had a vague sense of what was going to happen, but again, I HAD FUN. I’m super hopeful that the next book will really stand out with the dragons and the marriage of convenience 🤭 do I think this was particularly unique? No, not really, but if you like the standard romantasy formula this is a lot of fun and I think the series itself has so much potential!!!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
“For those that carry the weight of the world with a smile and never stop chasing dreams that others deem unrealistic, too big or impractical”
Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling is an addictive, binge worthy fantasy romance. It leans heavily into the romance while offering a lighter touch of fantasy, making it perfect for anyone new to the genre who’s looking for an engaging yet easy to follow read. However, more seasoned fantasy readers might find themselves wishing for deeper world building and a more layered romance.
The story follows Elowen, the princess of Imirath who was bonded to five dragons at birth but torn from them at a young age by her father, King Garrick. Her separation from the dragons left lasting scars, fuelling her thirst for vengeance. Elowen’s painful past has shaped her into a fiery, determined FMC. She’s not just focused on reclaiming what was taken from her but also on taking down everyone who wronged her and those she loves. The Dragon Queen is ready to make her enemies fall—and to engulf them in flames.
Cayden the Commander of Vareveth and MMC, is the quintessential morally gray character you can’t help but root for. He’s fierce, unapologetic and captivating. His loyalty and devotion to Elowen will have you swooning and his willingness to lay everything on the line for those he loves and leads makes him an appealing character. Plus if you like an MMC that says things like this—“I’ve never been a religious man, but I will worship you in ways that the gods will envy.”—then you’re in for a treat.
The chemistry between Cayden and Elowen is electric from the start. Their banter creates such a fun, tension filled dynamic and I’m excited to see how their relationship evolves as the series progresses.
While the dragons play a central role in Elowen’s mission, their presence feels more symbolic as they serve as a driving force for Elowen's mission rather than playing an active role in the story. I believe this might be a deliberate choice to build anticipation for future books, but other readers expecting a dragon heavy fantasy might feel a little disappointed.
The world building is interesting but could use more depth. Mentions of gods, creatures and cults are sprinkled throughout, but I personally felt they lacked the detail needed to make the world feel fully immersive. These elements are interesting but leave you wanting richer explanations and context to bring the setting to life.
Overall Fear the Flames was a fast paced and enjoyable read, full of engaging characters and a strong start to the series. While there’s potential for deeper romance and more immersive world building, it’s was still a satisfying story that will leave you eager for what’s next. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!
Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling is an addictive, binge worthy fantasy romance. It leans heavily into the romance while offering a lighter touch of fantasy, making it perfect for anyone new to the genre who’s looking for an engaging yet easy to follow read. However, more seasoned fantasy readers might find themselves wishing for deeper world building and a more layered romance.
The story follows Elowen, the princess of Imirath who was bonded to five dragons at birth but torn from them at a young age by her father, King Garrick. Her separation from the dragons left lasting scars, fuelling her thirst for vengeance. Elowen’s painful past has shaped her into a fiery, determined FMC. She’s not just focused on reclaiming what was taken from her but also on taking down everyone who wronged her and those she loves. The Dragon Queen is ready to make her enemies fall—and to engulf them in flames.
Cayden the Commander of Vareveth and MMC, is the quintessential morally gray character you can’t help but root for. He’s fierce, unapologetic and captivating. His loyalty and devotion to Elowen will have you swooning and his willingness to lay everything on the line for those he loves and leads makes him an appealing character. Plus if you like an MMC that says things like this—“I’ve never been a religious man, but I will worship you in ways that the gods will envy.”—then you’re in for a treat.
The chemistry between Cayden and Elowen is electric from the start. Their banter creates such a fun, tension filled dynamic and I’m excited to see how their relationship evolves as the series progresses.
While the dragons play a central role in Elowen’s mission, their presence feels more symbolic as they serve as a driving force for Elowen's mission rather than playing an active role in the story. I believe this might be a deliberate choice to build anticipation for future books, but other readers expecting a dragon heavy fantasy might feel a little disappointed.
The world building is interesting but could use more depth. Mentions of gods, creatures and cults are sprinkled throughout, but I personally felt they lacked the detail needed to make the world feel fully immersive. These elements are interesting but leave you wanting richer explanations and context to bring the setting to life.
Overall Fear the Flames was a fast paced and enjoyable read, full of engaging characters and a strong start to the series. While there’s potential for deeper romance and more immersive world building, it’s was still a satisfying story that will leave you eager for what’s next. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!