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clairebartholomew549 's review for:

A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride
4.0
emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
I have really been craving a fantasy romance book, and this definitely scratched the itch. I've never read a Celtic-inspired fantasy, and I loved the history and intricacies. Aemrya and Adarian are twins who have both been blessed with fire magic, but they live in a kingdom that is increasingly hostile to magic users. Of course, as in any good fantasy romance, our protagonist Aemrya has a hidden heritage - she's the hidden heir to the throne. When the king dies, Aemyra seizes her chance, but things get messy immediately.

This isn't the world's most original fantasy romance, but it is a really fun, fast-paced book. Aemyra is a classic heroine, but I appreciated that unlike other fantasy romance books I've read, she's not completely infallible and all-knowing. The way the magic works is interesting, and the dragons make sense within the world. The side characters could definitely be more fleshed out, but the characters we care about are consistent and dynamic. The spice is quite good and doesn't feel forced or shallow, and the enemies-to-lovers really works. Overall, a fun read and I'm excited for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
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