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bellebookcorner 's review for:
A Fate Forged in Fire
by Hazel McBride
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have mixed feelings about this book.
There are parts I really enjoyed, but there were also aspects that left me wanting more.
What kept me hooked were the female rage, the dragons and the action-packed scenes—they were done really well.
The world-building is fascinating, but it’s also massive and a bit overwhelming at first. There’s a lot to take in, and it felt like I was juggling too many details early on. Thankfully, things started to click as the story progressed, though it took a while to get there.
For most of the book, I was straight-up frustrated—mainly because of Aemyra’s decision-making. Being queen is her birthright, blessed by the Goddess, but she didn’t feel ready to step into that role—especially since no one actually prepared her for it. I admired her determination, but wow, she can be reckless and naïve, and that drove me crazy.
The romance? Yeah, it doesn’t really take off until about halfway through.
There’s definitely a spark between Aemyra and Fiorean, but the shift from enemies to lovers happened way too fast for my liking. I wanted more tension, more build-up before they crossed that line. Still, after that jaw-dropping ending, I’m curious to see how things play out between Aemyra and Fiorean in the next book.
Overall, despite a few bumps, this was still a solid read. I’m definitely sticking around for the sequel, hoping for more character growth—especially for Aemyra.
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: misogyny, sexism, domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, attempted forced sterilization, grief, child loss, death and violence.
There are parts I really enjoyed, but there were also aspects that left me wanting more.
What kept me hooked were the female rage, the dragons and the action-packed scenes—they were done really well.
The world-building is fascinating, but it’s also massive and a bit overwhelming at first. There’s a lot to take in, and it felt like I was juggling too many details early on. Thankfully, things started to click as the story progressed, though it took a while to get there.
For most of the book, I was straight-up frustrated—mainly because of Aemyra’s decision-making. Being queen is her birthright, blessed by the Goddess, but she didn’t feel ready to step into that role—especially since no one actually prepared her for it. I admired her determination, but wow, she can be reckless and naïve, and that drove me crazy.
The romance? Yeah, it doesn’t really take off until about halfway through.
There’s definitely a spark between Aemyra and Fiorean, but the shift from enemies to lovers happened way too fast for my liking. I wanted more tension, more build-up before they crossed that line. Still, after that jaw-dropping ending, I’m curious to see how things play out between Aemyra and Fiorean in the next book.
Overall, despite a few bumps, this was still a solid read. I’m definitely sticking around for the sequel, hoping for more character growth—especially for Aemyra.
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: misogyny, sexism, domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, attempted forced sterilization, grief, child loss, death and violence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness
Minor: Sexual assault, Abortion, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment