A Fate Forged in Fire
Discover your next romantasy obsession! (Bonded to Beasts, Book 1)
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- Pre-Order
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- Expected 27 May 2025
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- £4.99
Publisher Description
❤️🔥 BORN TO RULE. BLESSED BY FIRE. BROKEN BY DESIRE... DISCOVER THE NEW ROMANTASY PHENOMENON ❤️🔥
HOW MUCH IS SHE WILLING TO SACRIFICE TO CLAIM HER THRONE?
A powerfully blessed blacksmith must use her wits and fire magic to overthrow the corrupt powers ruling the kingdom, while also fighting her desire for a certain dragon-riding adversary in this sizzling Celtic-inspired romantasy, perfect for fans of House of the Dragon and Fourth Wing.
Once a territory built on matriarchal rule, Tìr Teine has been without a female heir for centuries. Through a long line of corrupt kings, an oppressive anti-magic teaching has infected the land - leading to the tragic decline of the dragons.
Aemyra was born to lead, gifted with fire magic from the Goddess Brigid. For years she has hidden in the shadows, waiting for the king to die so she can bond to his dragon, claim her birthright and protect her people.
When her carefully laid plans are foiled, Aemyra is thrust into a deadly game of politics and plots. Her greatest enemy? Prince Fiorean - the dragon-riding, fire-wielding royal whose icy arrogance and raw power thwart her every step. But as chaos engulfs the court, Aemyra and Prince Fiorean are forced to forge an uneasy alliance to survive. And in the heat of battle, their mutual hatred ignites something neither of them can control.
Behind enemy lines and slowly falling for the only man that stands between her and the throne, Aemyra begins to uncover the true weight of the crown. Will she ignite the flames of change for her people - or will love burn her alive?
TROPES INCLUDE:
Mortal enemies-to-lovers
Forced proximity
Stabby, bi-furious FMC
Slow burn
Elemental magic
Political intrigue
HOUSE OF THE DRAGON x REIGN vibes
"Touch her and die"
️🔥"A smoldering, magical, beautifully empowering romantasy that will keep you reading late into the night." ABIGAIL OWEN, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Games Gods Play
️🔥"Visceral action, dagger-to-throat enemies to lovers, lush worldbuilding, and explosive female rage - everything I could want in a romantasy... Rarely have I been so swept away." BRIGITTE KNIGHTLEY, author of The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy
️🔥"Delicious female rage that ignites every page, making this book impossible to put down!" ROSIE HEWLETT, author of Medea
️🔥"Filled with lore, vivid world-building, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that left me breathless, McBride has crafted an adventure that feels both timeless and utterly unique" ELIZABETH HELEN, author of Bonded by Thorns
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A queen promises an end to patriarchy in this familiar romantasy duology opener from McBride (the Ocean's Daughter series). Under its original matriarchy, Tir Teine thrived, but for the past century, kings have sat on its throne, running the country into the ground and weakening its magic. Aemyra Daercathian, daughter of Tir Teine's exiled Prince Draevan, is the rightful heir to Tir Teine's throne. When the current king dies, she seizes the opportunity to bond with his dragon and so claim his crown. She almost succeeds, but the patriarchal reigning clan, led by Prince Fiorean, disputes her legitimacy and overthrows her nascent court. She flees, leaving behind her younger brother, Lachlann, who is killed by Fiorean's army. Fierce, grieving Aemyra marches right back into the castle to avenge him—but instead she's kidnapped and forced to marry Fiorean, igniting a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance that moves rather too quickly. Though there's little original about the plot, McBride builds a promising universe and populates it with a fascinating cast, and the feminist themes are welcome. Plus, the angsty ending sets things up nicely for book two. Fans of Sarah J. Maas will be pleased. Correction: A previous version of this review mischaracterized the circumstances around Lachlann's death.
