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fast-paced
Strong character development:
No
There’s been a lot of controversy over this book due to the master-slave dynamic. Besides that obvious ick factor, a huge problem is that this book was not advertised appropriately nor did it have the necessary content warnings.
On a more basic writing level, this book had no depth. There was no complexity to the romance (insta-love, fated mates, same canned romantasy lines), there was only surface level political maneuvering, and minimal world building.
I finished it because other reviews criticized people judging this book without reading it. But after finishing it, I can say this book lacked nuance and any subtlety that might have made the power imbalance between the characters more palatable.
On a more basic writing level, this book had no depth. There was no complexity to the romance (insta-love, fated mates, same canned romantasy lines), there was only surface level political maneuvering, and minimal world building.
I finished it because other reviews criticized people judging this book without reading it. But after finishing it, I can say this book lacked nuance and any subtlety that might have made the power imbalance between the characters more palatable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Slavery
It’s an enslaver/slave romance and that was NOT what I expected. Marketing does not detail this clearly. Even the trigger warnings downplay this. I personally can’t support a book that’s enslaver/slave because how is there consent??? There is NOT in that dynamic.
Other issues pointed out where how some of the conquered groups are written as caricature like and how did this make it into print?? It may have been unintentional but sensitivity readers and beta readers would have picked this up I’d think. So author or publisher just didn’t care is my take.
It does call it dark romance but there’s dark romance and there’s the dynamics in this one that just give me the ick, but to each their own in reading BUT do beware of these issues if you plan to read this one.
Other issues pointed out where how some of the conquered groups are written as caricature like and how did this make it into print?? It may have been unintentional but sensitivity readers and beta readers would have picked this up I’d think. So author or publisher just didn’t care is my take.
It does call it dark romance but there’s dark romance and there’s the dynamics in this one that just give me the ick, but to each their own in reading BUT do beware of these issues if you plan to read this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, War
adventurous
dark
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:
Complicated
Loved this romantasy set in Ancient Rome. The mix between historical and romantasy was a fun combination. Loved this book and looking forward to part 2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This isn’t my usual genre… but Juliette completely converted me!
This mystical retelling of the fall of Julius Caesar is nothing short of epic. Before I begin, please note I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review—and honestly, I was blown away.
Going in, I was hesitant. This isn’t typically what I reach for, and the first chapter starts off slow, taking its time to build the world. But stick with it—the payoff is worth it. The author gradually immerses you in a reimagined Rome, one pulled into an alternate dimension where dragon shifters rule and live among the gods. I know, I know—it sounds wild. I was skeptical too. But hear me out…
Let me set the stage: enter Julianus Drakkus, our magnetic MMC. Once he appeared (end of ch. 1, I was hooked. The chemistry between him and the FMC is electric, the tension deliciously drawn out. And the slow-burn romance? Absolutely worth the wait. The spice was seamlessly woven into the story— tasteful, intentional, and oh-so-satisfying. I’m giving it a solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
The pacing of the book was masterfully done, with plot twists perfectly placed to keep you on edge. And Caesar? He was written as the kind of villain you LOVE to hate. I especially appreciated the depth and complexity of the characters, it’s clear the author poured care into each one.
As for the narration, it was strong overall. The dual narration mostly worked well, though I’ll admit a couple of mismatched voice moments had me giggling. Still, the story was compelling enough that those moments were easy to overlook. In terms of tone and performance, the narrators nailed it.
Bottom line? I’d absolutely recommend this audiobook to anyone open to a genre-bending, mythology-infused, slow-burn fantasy romance. And I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
This mystical retelling of the fall of Julius Caesar is nothing short of epic. Before I begin, please note I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review—and honestly, I was blown away.
Going in, I was hesitant. This isn’t typically what I reach for, and the first chapter starts off slow, taking its time to build the world. But stick with it—the payoff is worth it. The author gradually immerses you in a reimagined Rome, one pulled into an alternate dimension where dragon shifters rule and live among the gods. I know, I know—it sounds wild. I was skeptical too. But hear me out…
Let me set the stage: enter Julianus Drakkus, our magnetic MMC. Once he appeared (end of ch. 1, I was hooked. The chemistry between him and the FMC is electric, the tension deliciously drawn out. And the slow-burn romance? Absolutely worth the wait. The spice was seamlessly woven into the story— tasteful, intentional, and oh-so-satisfying. I’m giving it a solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
The pacing of the book was masterfully done, with plot twists perfectly placed to keep you on edge. And Caesar? He was written as the kind of villain you LOVE to hate. I especially appreciated the depth and complexity of the characters, it’s clear the author poured care into each one.
As for the narration, it was strong overall. The dual narration mostly worked well, though I’ll admit a couple of mismatched voice moments had me giggling. Still, the story was compelling enough that those moments were easy to overlook. In terms of tone and performance, the narrators nailed it.
Bottom line? I’d absolutely recommend this audiobook to anyone open to a genre-bending, mythology-infused, slow-burn fantasy romance. And I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Sexual violence, Torture
Minor: Domestic abuse, Gore, Incest, Rape, Alcohol
This isn’t my usual genre… but Juliette completely converted me!
This mystical retelling of the fall of Julius Caesar is nothing short of epic. Before I begin, please note I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review—and honestly, I was blown away.
Going in, I was hesitant. This isn’t typically what I reach for, and the first chapter starts off slow, taking its time to build the world. But stick with it—the payoff is worth it. The author gradually immerses you in a reimagined Rome, one pulled into an alternate dimension where dragon shifters rule and live among the gods. I know, I know—it sounds wild. I was skeptical too. But hear me out…
Let me set the stage: enter Julianus Drakkus, our magnetic MMC. Once he appeared (end of ch. 1, I was hooked. The chemistry between him and the FMC is electric, the tension deliciously drawn out. And the slow-burn romance? Absolutely worth the wait. The spice was seamlessly woven into the story— tasteful, intentional, and oh-so-satisfying. I’m giving it a solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
The pacing of the book was masterfully done, with plot twists perfectly placed to keep you on edge. And Caesar? He was written as the kind of villain you LOVE to hate. I especially appreciated the depth and complexity of the characters, it’s clear the author poured care into each one.
As for the narration, it was strong overall. The dual narration mostly worked well, though I’ll admit a couple of mismatched voice moments had me giggling. Still, the story was compelling enough that those moments were easy to overlook. In terms of tone and performance, the narrators nailed it.
Bottom line? I’d absolutely recommend this audiobook to anyone open to a genre-bending, mythology-infused, slow-burn fantasy romance. And I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Slavery, Colonisation
adventurous
emotional
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:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, War
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Classism
dark
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:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence
Minor: Death of parent, War
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
📖 Name of the Book: Firebird
👤 Author: Juliette Cross
📖 Genre: Romantasy
⭐ Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶 Spice Rating: 🌶🌶/5
💭 My Thoughts:
Firebird by Juliette Cross is a fun addition to the romantasy genre, blending dragons, forbidden love, and an Ancient Rome-inspired setting that I absolutely adored. While the book tackles some dark themes—so definitely check the trigger warnings first—the heroine stood out as strong and refreshingly trope-light, skipping the usual hidden identity cliché. That said, the romance kicked in earlier than I prefer, and the worldbuilding felt a bit thin. The MMC’s constant declarations of obsession were a little much, but overall it was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
🔊 Note on the audiobook:
Narrators Blair Dade and Kale Williams are fantastic! Their voices paired well together and were very easy to listen to. They narrate individual chapters, which means they have to voice other genders. These two did a better job than most, but it was a bit amusing at times. I'll keep an eye on these two in the future!
Thank you to Juliette Cross and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
👤 Author: Juliette Cross
📖 Genre: Romantasy
⭐ Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶 Spice Rating: 🌶🌶/5
💭 My Thoughts:
Firebird by Juliette Cross is a fun addition to the romantasy genre, blending dragons, forbidden love, and an Ancient Rome-inspired setting that I absolutely adored. While the book tackles some dark themes—so definitely check the trigger warnings first—the heroine stood out as strong and refreshingly trope-light, skipping the usual hidden identity cliché. That said, the romance kicked in earlier than I prefer, and the worldbuilding felt a bit thin. The MMC’s constant declarations of obsession were a little much, but overall it was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
🔊 Note on the audiobook:
Narrators Blair Dade and Kale Williams are fantastic! Their voices paired well together and were very easy to listen to. They narrate individual chapters, which means they have to voice other genders. These two did a better job than most, but it was a bit amusing at times. I'll keep an eye on these two in the future!
Thank you to Juliette Cross and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Slavery