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ainsley_reads_ 's review for:
A Fate Forged in Fire
by Hazel McBride
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A kingdom falling to corruption. Dragons, once flourishing, now on the brink of extinction. One Queen prophesied to save them all.
Tir Teine, a kingdom built on matriarchal rule, has been taken over by the True Religion, an oppressive ideology with an anti-magic agenda that will do anything to conquer and destroy.
Aemyra, our FMC, is a 26 year old fire magic wielder born to Bond to a dragon and rule her kingdom. With the True Religion festering in the courts, she was forced to grow up outside her kingdom, plotting her return since infancy. But not everyone inside the castle walls seems to be corrupted by the True Religion, and those trying to get her back on the throne may have ulterior motives. Does Aemyra have what it takes to discern enemy from ally? Or will the kingdom burn along with her?
A Fate Forged in Fire had so much potential, especially the focus on the dangers of patriarchal rule and propaganda. I did enjoy this story, and appreciated the complexity of our FMC Aemyra; she is tough, stubborn, passionate, and deeply cares about those she loves and her kingdom.
Throughout the book, I felt like I was missing something. The themes of oppression and dangers of propaganda felt a little too obvious - rather than showing the dangers, we were told nonstop via the internal monolog of our FMC. Authors need to give more trust to the readers that we'll pick up themes and warnings, rather than repetitively telling us thru dialog.
I also had trouble believing the romantic plot. I just didn't feel the chemistry; it felt incredibly forced and quick to happen, especially given her circumstances.
I do love the complexity of Aemyra, and the magic system was very interesting. The last 20% has plenty of plot twists that will leave you wanting more.
A Fate Forged in Fire is on the precipice of being something incredible. With some fine tuning, it could truly be a masterpiece.
3.5☆ overall. Please check trigger warnings!
Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for this ARC
Tir Teine, a kingdom built on matriarchal rule, has been taken over by the True Religion, an oppressive ideology with an anti-magic agenda that will do anything to conquer and destroy.
Aemyra, our FMC, is a 26 year old fire magic wielder born to Bond to a dragon and rule her kingdom. With the True Religion festering in the courts, she was forced to grow up outside her kingdom, plotting her return since infancy. But not everyone inside the castle walls seems to be corrupted by the True Religion, and those trying to get her back on the throne may have ulterior motives. Does Aemyra have what it takes to discern enemy from ally? Or will the kingdom burn along with her?
A Fate Forged in Fire had so much potential, especially the focus on the dangers of patriarchal rule and propaganda. I did enjoy this story, and appreciated the complexity of our FMC Aemyra; she is tough, stubborn, passionate, and deeply cares about those she loves and her kingdom.
Throughout the book, I felt like I was missing something. The themes of oppression and dangers of propaganda felt a little too obvious - rather than showing the dangers, we were told nonstop via the internal monolog of our FMC. Authors need to give more trust to the readers that we'll pick up themes and warnings, rather than repetitively telling us thru dialog.
I also had trouble believing the romantic plot. I just didn't feel the chemistry; it felt incredibly forced and quick to happen, especially given her circumstances.
I do love the complexity of Aemyra, and the magic system was very interesting. The last 20% has plenty of plot twists that will leave you wanting more.
A Fate Forged in Fire is on the precipice of being something incredible. With some fine tuning, it could truly be a masterpiece.
3.5☆ overall. Please check trigger warnings!
Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for this ARC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual violence
Minor: Child death, Domestic abuse, Sexual harassment