The First Flame

The First Dryad #2

by Teshelle Combs

Through blood and fire, Na Feri lo Kayda is the champion of her realm’s trials. She will be Queen when her time comes. Per Royal Law, the second place finisher is destined to become Feri’s mate. But it is no nobleman who rises victorious. If Feri cannot find a way to loosen his grip, the victor’s claim to the throne—and to her—may raze her realm to nothing but flame and ash.

Embrace the burn of this standalone fantasy romance, fraught with high royal drama, plot twists, and forbidden love. It can be read on its own but is included with other novels by Teshelle Combs in the First Collection.

Genres: Fantasy

330 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Teshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.

She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).

Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.

Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.

Reviews

[Chrys Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Another great read from Teshelle Combs. I am so in love with this series. The stories are awesome. As soon as I finish one Teshelle brings another one just as great as the previous. This author is amazing.

[Brittney Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC to read early and review.

Wow! I really enjoyed this edition to The First series.

I am still a little confused about circles and turns, but it's finally starting to come together a bit more.

I really enjoyed the character development. This is normally something she does well, but this one won the race! Feri comes out the best, but Koa is right behind her. Additionally, it was so well-written! It can be a little unclear who the POV is on at first, but it is usually fixed a paragraph or two in.

Koa is adorable. I enjoyed his personality and the way his story was fleshed out. I LOVED the ending and his roll in it.

[Keri Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story tells the tale of Feri, a princess born to rule with Dread, and her destined mate Koa, a blind anaji who entered a Challenge to win her hand. There are many adversaries who would try to come between them in this story. Some are foes, while some may have helped with uniting them. This story makes you feel all the emotions and brings each character to light! It's definitely worth a read!

[Jordynn Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC review ✨

Character relationships are very realistic. Lots of action that keeps you wanting more. I’m living for the forbidden love! Holy twist!! I totally didn’t see it coming! (I won’t ruin it for anyone) The ending is truly beautiful!!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess has done it again! The world that she creates engulfs you in and keeps you wanting more. Feri is such a strong main female character with a crazy family dynamic that makes you want to pull your hair out. Her passion and fierceness are extraordinary, and the many obstacles she faces (emotionally and physically) make your heart race. If you questioned reading this one, I highly recommend you bite the bullet and just do it!

[Alliyah Beisell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highlights: love at first sight, forbidden love, humerous, taking your own path, unconditional love, YA - love story feel, against all odds
Favorite Character: Koa, Feri
Honorable Mentions: Mai-ika, Genji, Pyro, Dorran
Character that grew on me: Indie
Favorite Scene: my absolute favorite scene was when the brother all come together to defend Feri after what Garro and Alema.
Overall thoughts: I can usually call out twists before they happen, or see something coming. Tess’s books the twists are always a slap in the face, and it very refreshing.
Star Rating: 5 out of 5
Why: I am always left wanting more, I want to know everything there is about the world throughout the First Collection. If I could deep dive research this world and connect all of the little pieces I would. Absolutely flawless.
Predictions: I want the story about Queen and her Frog… Roten Royalty

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in just a couple of days. This is by far one of my favorite books I've EVER had the pleasure to read. And definitely in my top 3 of TC's books! This story starts with a very climatic moment immediately pulling you into the trails Na Feri faces from the very first paragraph! The author is so descriptive with her wording that you will feel as if you're part of this world living through all of Feri's emotions, as she fights for the things she wants and loves!

I am so honored to be a part of TC's ARC group!

[Jess Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teshelle Combs is a magnificent story teller! To start, this is a part of a series, but jumping right in as I did, I had no issues understanding and following the story line.

The First Flame follows Fifth Princess Feri and Koa. The intensity begins right off the bat!
Feri is standing after winning her place as the next High Queen, waiting for her new mate and High King to follow after her.
This fast paced, and drama laced, plot will have you laughing, smiling, cussing, and crying.
I was dragged in by the way each character flows around each other and the way this world comes to life though politics, religion, love, and loyalty.
There is a portion of the story that is in the past, and the story line is set up as present, past, present. It works.
The twists and turns, my mouth fell open in shock a few times.
The world of the First Flame is matriarchal based, meaning ladies are the typical heads of households/holders of titles. But do not think men become the submissive partner, Combs creates an equal society between the sexes with women at the forefront. It’s not poorly constructed, it is one of the best examples of world building I have ever read. I have fangirled over it more than once.

Now, I love the dynamic between Feri and Koa, but my love lies with the side characters.
High Queen Alema, I. Love. Her. She literally takes no shit. She is what I would expect a high Queen to be! Call me crazy, but I would devour a story on her Challenge and rising to power! I love a strong female character, and she’s up there with my all time favorite. I could go on a tangent about her.
The Aunties. We are introduced to them near the middle of the story, and well, they steal the show. They could insult me and I’d smile!
BunBun, you little off screen trouble maker. Can we get a “Bunbun’s Adventures” on terrorizing the nobles! He gets next to no on screen action, but he makes his shoe stealing impression.

There’s so much more to this story that I could go into, but honestly, take the chance and read it. I literally fell into this world and was there with them.
I do believe there’s some familiar names and faces if you read other books of the series, again this is my first book from this series I’ve read but it’s just an impression I got, and again, I didn’t lose anything from the story by these character being there.

To me, I would warn younger readers that there is some mild spice, but it does not dictate the story and it’s honestly, quite mild but it is there. Also, there is abuse and violence as a common theme. (Genji I’m looking at you, you fluffy ball of destruction.) If you are sensitive to child death, be warned it’s there but not graphic. And some animal abuse themes, nothing on page but don’t worry, a certain fluff ball gets his revenge.

All in all, read this book. You won’t regret it! Five starts all around.

[Jess Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teshelle Combs is a magnificent story teller! To start, this is a part of a series, but jumping right in as I did, I had no issues understanding and following the story line.

The First Flame follows Fifth Princess Feri and Koa. The intensity begins right off the bat!
Feri is standing after winning her place as the next High Queen, waiting for her new mate and High King to follow after her.
This fast paced, and drama laced, plot will have you laughing, smiling, cussing, and crying.
I was dragged in by the way each character flows around each other and the way this world comes to life though politics, religion, love, and loyalty.
There is a portion of the story that is in the past, and the story line is set up as present, past, present. It works.
The twists and turns, my mouth fell open in shock a few times.
The world of the First Flame is matriarchal based, meaning ladies are the typical heads of households/holders of titles. But do not think men become the submissive partner, Combs creates an equal society between the sexes with women at the forefront. It’s not poorly constructed, it is one of the best examples of world building I have ever read. I have fangirled over it more than once.

Now, I love the dynamic between Feri and Koa, but my love lies with the side characters.
High Queen Alema, I. Love. Her. She literally takes no shit. She is what I would expect a high Queen to be! Call me crazy, but I would devour a story on her Challenge and rising to power! I love a strong female character, and she’s up there with my all time favorite. I could go on a tangent about her.
The Aunties. We are introduced to them near the middle of the story, and well, they steal the show. They could insult me and I’d smile!
BunBun, you little off screen trouble maker. Can we get a “Bunbun’s Adventures” on terrorizing the nobles! He gets next to no on screen action, but he makes his shoe stealing impression.

There’s so much more to this story that I could go into, but honestly, take the chance and read it. I literally fell into this world and was there with them.
I do believe there’s some familiar names and faces if you read other books of the series, again this is my first book from this series I’ve read but it’s just an impression I got, and again, I didn’t lose anything from the story by these character being there.

To me, I would warn younger readers that there is some mild spice, but it does not dictate the story and it’s honestly, quite mild but it is there. Also, there is abuse and violence as a common theme. (Genji I’m looking at you, you fluffy ball of destruction.) If you are sensitive to child death, be warned it’s there but not graphic. And some animal abuse themes, nothing on page but don’t worry, a certain fluff ball gets his revenge.

All in all, read this book. You won’t regret it! Five starts all around.

[Brandon Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling tale that took us into the realm of Feri and her trials and tribulations that amassed there.

The funny thing to me was the dynamic through the characters. I liked the fact that at the beginning, I found Alema to be a little callous, but as we progressed, we started to see her get softer. We found out she was protective of Feri, albeit seemingly for her benefit, but nevertheless, it was still the same. I liked seeing a bit of the progression of her father into a tactician, to being one of the leaders of this town and helping to run the place.

A funny note about this book is that it was an introduction for me into romance novels, and not quite what I'm accustomed to reading. This book was romance featuring fantasy, meaning that the main point of the book was two people longing for each other, and the fantasy elements were more for flavor rather than the reason for the book it seems.

Although I will say that the fantasy aspect was very well done, and I actually would have put my foot on the fantasy pedal a little harder. But again, I think that's more personal preference rather than the intention of the story. I think it suits the romance reader more than the fantasy one, just to beat a dead horse.

I will say my one note is that some of the parts felt a little rushed to me. The world did not exactly feel whole. Going back and assessing the whole book. Basically, there's this competition every decade if I recall, and this determines who will be the king and queen. The Highborn are trained to be part of this competition in the three "branches" of the city. There's basically tactical traning in the main area, martial training in this other town, and spiritual training in a third one to be sound of mind and body.

Commoners can join the competition, but are at a significant disadvantage because they aren't trained for the role, not being born of status. Also, there is this thing called "Dread," which is basically like being a wizard, in that you can run faster, be stronger, conjure fire, it has healing properties, etc.

And the two main characters have this power, and use it to their advantage.

Overall well done! I look forward to more!

[Tori Wylam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Flame was an absolute blast to read for so many reasons! First off, TC's characters are exquisite! While the many of them exude honor and courage, there is also a considerable handful that are steeped in ambition, deceit and jealousy. Regardless of which side of the line a character fell towards, each and every one was meticulously created and developed, ensuring that even the worst "apple" was irresistible.

Beyond my utter appreciation of TC's character-building, I was engrossed by the pure and wholesome love between Feri and Koa. Their unfailing connection to one another brought me the warm and fuzzies every time I picked up my book! Also worth noting- There are few things I personally find more refreshing than a fantasy novel wholly laced with passion and romance without the heaviness of "smut!" TC 100% delivered a powerful and convincing intimate connection between two characters- body and soul- without ever making me read about "wet folds" or "bulging sex." TC- Thank you!!!! 😅 Although, the single reference to "swinging man parts" was probably the best thing to happen to me all week....Hehe! Nod to your expert use of comic relief!! *chef kiss*

The only thing I wished we'd had more of is Garro's backstory, beyond his significant encounter with Feri in childhood. I was curious what inspired him (beyond the general notion of gaining power, I suppose) to forge two of the most complicated and influential relationships he could have. Despite this, The First Flame left me completely inspired!

[Tabetha Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy for free in return for a review.
Wow, I could not put this book down, I started it late in the evening planning to read a few chapters and then continue in the morning. Then I  stayed up until gone 3am to finish it (so technically I did continue it in the morning).
Feri is a princess proving herself to her people and her mother. Her mate is no one, trying to be what Feri needs. Together they could be unstoppable, but with so many obstacles in their way have they met their match? Don't forget a slightly mental Owl and the best kitty to ever exist. This is a story of Love, Loss and Betrayal.
The First Flame is well written and fast paced, throwing us straight into the story from the beginning. This was one of those books I didn't want to put down, but also didn't want it to end.
There are several twists in the story, some that I kind of predicted but was still surprised by when I got to them, and some that I would never have expected.

[Dawn Gillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Flame is a fast-paced book that starts with the protagonist, Feri, fulfilling her destiny by winning a brutal contest where the prize means winning the crown from her mother. She has trained all her life preparing for this moment. The catch is that whoever takes second place will be destined to be her mate and help her rule. She waits expectantly to see who will win, although she has no choice in the matter. When the face that appears is unknown to the royals and in fact is of the lowest rank with no given name, her mother is outraged. Can she overcome their prejudice to make him her mate, while living up to the potential she has been groomed all her life for? I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this book, from the mischievous 4-year-old brother Bun Bun, to all the crazy Aunties that show up at the best times. Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a strong protagonist an an intriguing culture.

[Shernina Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I laughed, for it felt good to be this version of myself. To be unrestrained. To have no thoughts, no concerns, no fears. To seek to protect no one. To only destroy.”

What do you get when you get a blind guy and a girl who has fire powers? A love story like no other or in this case, another amazing Romantasy in The First Collection. Feri and Koa No Name are such a powerful couple for this book. This book shows it all—the struggles of a realm and the family who controls it, the struggles of a being a woman fighting against a system that wants to control her. This book has an amazing plot with some trauma. There is a slight trigger in the story. It is mentioned before you start the book though. Also if you need to skip that chapter there is a chapter summary for that one.

Overall, this is a powerful book and you should read it, because it will definitely pull you in!

[Journey with Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been loving the First Collection! I received this book early in exchange for an honest review, and it did not disappoint. The First Dryad is still my favorite, but this is a close second.

I loved the themes of body autonomy and choosing yourself over societal expectations, the blind representation, all the cute animal friends. For the first time we have a dual timeline and I think it was done very well, it did not take me out of the story (which I struggle with sometimes with dual timelines) and I think it added a lot to the romance and plot. The ending was soooo satisfying as well. I deducted a star because there were some sections that I felt were rushed, the pacing suffered for it, but overall I really enjoyed this book.

[Ashley Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book!

From the beginning, it caught my attention. There never seemed to be a dull moment and there were quite a few twists that I never expected. Certain characters (ahem Alema) made me want to pull out my hair with frustration. Others made me swoon with happiness and love.

I liked that even though the love between Koa and Feri was supposed to be forbidden, she basically ignored that and still kept loving him and showing affection towards him. Their banter was also so cute that it made me smile many times.

Another fact that I liked and that you don't always see in books is that there was disability represented. I thought this was such an awesome thing to see and it made me enjoy it even more.

Also.. animals!

I 100% recommend this book!

[BooksBrewsReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful: Full of action and love

This story is beautiful. There are spots that make you weep with frustration, or sadness, or heartbreak, or even joy. Sometimes a wonderful mix of any of those. This story does not string you along. We know who the heroes are and we know who we don’t like. We his story is the journey of Feri finding herself, her purpose, and her joy. It is about how goodness and joy can come from the most unexpected places. It is also about how the path that is expected of us is not always right and that you sometimes have to forge your own path out of the darkness and into the light, even at the risk of losing everything you thought you held dear.

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teshelle Combs got me hooked with The First Stone and this new one, The First Flame 🔥 did not disappoint. I love how varied her characters are - soft, strong, emphatic. Though it's a fantasy world and yet the theme strongly resonates with reality. Finding friends, family drama, standing with your loved ones even in the most difficult times. It's my first time encounter of a blind protagonist. How the lack of vision seems no hindrance at all to Koa, I could not imagine. Such is the cleverness of Combs. Way to go, girl!

I'll be waiting for more of your magic on paper.

💙💙💙

[Haley Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loveee this story. There’s so many aspects of family being challenged constantly through the whole book. Feri is fierce and seeing her growth and really break free while coming to the realization that things can be different was beautiful. Tess continues to do an AMAZING job of even the side characters being phenomenal. I was laughing throughout, and it was also heartwarming. I would recommend reading the first stone beforehand as there are some pretty decent ties to the two. Feri and Koa overcome many challenges and fight for their love together to find peace and true happiness.

[Jessica Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Tess for the gift of reading this precious story! Na Feri lo Kayda is a woman that so many of us feel like when we are entering into our futures and this story gives such a wonderful journey on her way to independence. The love challenges with Garro and Indal fighting for her love, her strong independence that Koa loves, and her connection with Py and Gengi. The twists that were unexpected at the end with her mom and the happy ending we all wish for our precious firsts. Another great story by TC!

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Flame

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Tropes

~Royal Drama
~Plot Twists
~Forbidden Love

Review:

Another great read from the lovely Teshelle Combs!

The world building was fantastic and done in such a way that made me feel like I was seeing it through the characters eyes.

I do love a good forbidden love, and The First Flame certainly delivered!

I look forward to reading more!

[Sarah Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic installment of The First Collection! Koa may be my favorite character of hers so far. I absolutely adored his genuine soul. Add in a feisty owl and a loveable tiger? I'm sold. Such a beautiful story with some plot twists thrown in.

"I can survive this place- any place-as long as I know at some point in the darkness there will be you"

"Because I want someone who does not judge the world by what he sees on the surface. I want someone who understands the foundation deep below us all."

[Kay C MysticallyBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story you won’t want to end!

This type of world building ropes you in, with perfect character interaction so you won’t forget who anyone is. The author makes you fall in love with the MCs, to the point you are rooting for them, you feel their pain and happiness equally. I give no spoilers, but, the first half of the book did not give justice to the revelations in the second half. I could not stop reading until it was finished!

[Leonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow the enchanting story of Feri the future Queen as she faces many challenges. The story tells of mystical bonds, magical creatures that help shape her into the powerful force she becomes. Tess keeps you intrigued until the end of the book with forbidden love, betrayal and the strong emotional pull others have on Feri. Will she come out on top?
Is there more to this story?
Read along and join Feri in her adventures.

[Kayla Zellner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DEVOURED The First Dryad in less than a day and could not wait to get my hands on another book by this author and holy crap Tess has done it again! She is able to create a world that just pulls you right in and surrounds you with magic from the first page to the very last.
I finished this book in a day as well because I just could not put it down.
Not only did I fall in love with the characters, but I fully escaped reality and I cannot wait for my next Teshelle Combs fantasy escape.

[Morgan Alderman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy, Romance, some suspense, everything one needs!
This book is great! The storytelling is very well done, and the imagination that the author put into this story is just beautiful! I was hooked from chapter one. The wording was different than what I normally read, but once I got the hang of it, I couldn't put it down! Feri and Koa are goals.. their love is real, and you can feel it within the book!
My only critique would be to label the chapters with who's POV is being presented.

[Amber Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say all Teshelle Combs books are amazing but this one truly connected with me on another level. I absolutely loved this beautiful story. Yes, like all of her books there is darkness and struggle with sadness sprinkled in but this is all mixed together into an adorable romance between the main characters. I love how strong all of the female characters are and it’s amazing to watch the growth every character goes through. I highly recommend this book it is a must read!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teshelle Combs has done it again, this book was amazing! It was very well written and I loved seeing the growth of Feri and Koa as well as the growth of relationships between family and friends. I loved the visit of a character from another one of the first novels (The First Stone) and I can not wait to read the next First novel on the historian path I chose to read them in. Definitely worth a read it is amazing, go and read this now!!!!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite one so far! This is the fourth book I have read in The First Collection and seventh book of Teshelle Combs. This is probably the fastest I have finished a book. Couldn't put it down.

This one is about Feri, a princess destined to rule, and Koa, the pit fighter she falls in love with. It was never supposed to happen, and the odds are against them. Twists and turns I didn't expect. Forbidden love, betrayal, heartbreak, animal friends all rolled into this fantastic book.

[Bobbie Gonyaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

An empowering fight to win freedom to choose

I loved this chaotic relm of struggle to be free. The characters are compelling, tragic, and beg you to love, (or hate) them.
The strife between keeping with the ancient ways and discovering a new path is wonderfully played out.
Teshelle Combs descriptions in Flame are colorful, enchanting, and spot on. She casts a vivid world of activity, scenery, and wonder.
This is a tale of trying to live up to lifes expectation of you, but being brave enough to fight back ~ heartache, losses, pure love, magic, betrayal, devotion, endurance...this book has it all.