A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride

To claim the throne, she must wield fire, defy the gods—and resist falling for her fiercest rival. In a kingdom once ruled by queens and magic, A Fate Forged in Fire introduces a fiery new romantasy heroine destined to ignite rebellion. In this Celtic-inspired fantasy romance filled with dragons, betrayal, and slow-burn passion, debut author Hazel McBride delivers the first half of a powerful duology that fans of Rebecca Yarros and Carissa Broadbent won’t want to miss.

From the back cover:

Once a territory built on matriarchal rule and values, Tìr Teine has since grown frail from a long line of fruitless kings. The most recent of which have ruled under the influence of the True Religion, an oppressive group who have steadily poisoned the region with their anti-magic teachings.

Born to rule and blessed by fire, Aemyra has begrudgingly lived in hiding rather than risk her life in court, waiting in anticipation for the current king’s death so she can bond to his dragon, claim her throne, and protect her people. But when the king dies and Aemyra is ready to take what is rightfully hers, her ambitious plan is foiled and she is thrust into a game of vicious politics and plots.

Her biggest adversary is Prince Fiorean, a dragon-rider and one of the most powerful fire wielders in the territory. Cold, arrogant, and blindly supportive of his corrupt family, he is everything Aemyra despises. But as chaos engulfs the court, they find themselves reluctantly entwined, forced to forge an uneasy alliance—one that quickly ignites into something more dangerous than either of them expected.

Behind enemy lines and slowly falling for her so-called adversary, Aemyra uncovers just how far the rot of corruption has spread, and what she may have to sacrifice to claim her throne.

Why you'll love it:

Tropes & Themes: Dragon bonding, court intrigue, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers
Spice Level: 3/5

Product Information:

Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 416
Series: Bonded to Beasts
Series Order: First (Duology)