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Songs of Adimos #1
Born of Mist and Dragonfire
The Old Gods are dead, and magic along with them. Princess Tori has grown up during the longest peace in recorded history, but still she is at war. A war she fights everyday against the expectations held for a fae princess, in a land where it’s easier to see her as the reckless spare to the throne than the powerful creature she is.
As Tori grapples with her own shadows and the weight of her responsibilities, her world is shattered by an invasion that thrusts her into the iron grip of Abraxas, the Dragon King —a man known for his ruthless discipline and unyielding power.
Amid the turmoil, Tori delves deeper into the world’s mysteries and uncovers fragments of Abraxas' hidden past, and a complex portrait of the Dragon King begins to emerge. Beneath his formidable exterior lies a man burdened by duty, haunted by his own demons, and driven by the very forces that govern their realm. Tori's unbreakable spirit captivates Abraxas, drawing them into an unexpected dance of fate and desire.
As they navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and ancient prophecies, Tori unearths a startling revelation: the embers of magic still linger within their world, and the legendary creatures of myth are not as extinct as was once believed. United by a common purpose, Tori and Abraxas forge an uneasy alliance, their destinies entwined amidst the resurgence of magical forces.
In the high fantasy tale of 'Born of Mist and Dragonfire' fantastical creatures and legendary prophecies converge. Tori discovers that heroes can possess shades of darkness, and that even adversaries can harbor unexpected depths. But in a land where magic and destiny intertwine, can she trust a man with over a millennia of secrets, with both her future and her heart?
As Tori grapples with her own shadows and the weight of her responsibilities, her world is shattered by an invasion that thrusts her into the iron grip of Abraxas, the Dragon King —a man known for his ruthless discipline and unyielding power.
Amid the turmoil, Tori delves deeper into the world’s mysteries and uncovers fragments of Abraxas' hidden past, and a complex portrait of the Dragon King begins to emerge. Beneath his formidable exterior lies a man burdened by duty, haunted by his own demons, and driven by the very forces that govern their realm. Tori's unbreakable spirit captivates Abraxas, drawing them into an unexpected dance of fate and desire.
As they navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and ancient prophecies, Tori unearths a startling revelation: the embers of magic still linger within their world, and the legendary creatures of myth are not as extinct as was once believed. United by a common purpose, Tori and Abraxas forge an uneasy alliance, their destinies entwined amidst the resurgence of magical forces.
In the high fantasy tale of 'Born of Mist and Dragonfire' fantastical creatures and legendary prophecies converge. Tori discovers that heroes can possess shades of darkness, and that even adversaries can harbor unexpected depths. But in a land where magic and destiny intertwine, can she trust a man with over a millennia of secrets, with both her future and her heart?
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2023
150 people are currently reading
3166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
September 1, 2023
I had the honor of being asked to BETA read this book for the author. After hearing a bit about the book, I agreed immediately. It intrigued me. An FMC, that for once, is flawed and not perfect. Ancient prophesies that actually make sense and EVOLVE, but stay with the original prophecy. Dragons, enough said there. Spice, omg the spice. I am a spicy girl and love a good Romantasy with spice, but this book made me literally blush, the spice is THAT good. But while the spice is amazing, it has a plot that does not revolve around it and I loved that most of all.
I was in a reading slump when I started this book and as it is this author’s debut book, I didn’t have super high hopes going in, which I think is what made my experience even better. I was hooked from the beginning, I believe I finished it within 3 days and would literally get mad when I had to put it down and actually adult lol.
Do NOT sleep on this book or this author, please. I literally compare this book to ACOTAR now because the writing was that good to me and the plot was outstanding. The character growth was amazing as well. And the writing was even so good, that I started loving side characters and felt connections to them. This book was a masterpiece imo and once I get a physical copy in my hands, it will be in almost all of my TikToks I swear lol.
This book made my Top 5 list of 2023 and has made my #1 book on my Indie Authors list for 2023. I cannot wait for the 2nd book in the duology. Oh and did I mention it’s enemies to lovers? Yeah, that’s my favorite trope and it was a slow burn at that. I ate this up.
That is how I felt about the book, but now I shall leave you with some of my favorite quotes from the book, spoiler free ones only of course:
“Oh Princess, by the time I’m done, you will be begging for me” - sir, what? Yes please
“Modesty was just another cage placed on women by men who feared they might realize that power.” - deep, I love this and want this on a shirt.
“I wonder, have you been dreaming of me, little bird?” - *swoons in nicknames hot MMC’s give*
“Any man would be a fool to not see the value you have” - stop, stop right now, that actually made me swoon
“I don’t like other people touching what’s mine” - no words necessary
He smiled at me, “Good girl.” - literally threw my iPad and fainted (okay that’s being dramatic, but you get the point)
“Such a bratty Princess, perhaps it’s time someone disciplined you for that” - ok lol
So yeah, this is just an appetizer to the masterpiece this book is. So stop reading reviews, and go READ THIS BOOK as soon as it comes out in November. Add it to your TBR now, you will not regret it if you like slow burn, enemies to lovers, dragon, and an epic fantasy story line. Happy reading :)
I was in a reading slump when I started this book and as it is this author’s debut book, I didn’t have super high hopes going in, which I think is what made my experience even better. I was hooked from the beginning, I believe I finished it within 3 days and would literally get mad when I had to put it down and actually adult lol.
Do NOT sleep on this book or this author, please. I literally compare this book to ACOTAR now because the writing was that good to me and the plot was outstanding. The character growth was amazing as well. And the writing was even so good, that I started loving side characters and felt connections to them. This book was a masterpiece imo and once I get a physical copy in my hands, it will be in almost all of my TikToks I swear lol.
This book made my Top 5 list of 2023 and has made my #1 book on my Indie Authors list for 2023. I cannot wait for the 2nd book in the duology. Oh and did I mention it’s enemies to lovers? Yeah, that’s my favorite trope and it was a slow burn at that. I ate this up.
That is how I felt about the book, but now I shall leave you with some of my favorite quotes from the book, spoiler free ones only of course:
“Oh Princess, by the time I’m done, you will be begging for me” - sir, what? Yes please
“Modesty was just another cage placed on women by men who feared they might realize that power.” - deep, I love this and want this on a shirt.
“I wonder, have you been dreaming of me, little bird?” - *swoons in nicknames hot MMC’s give*
“Any man would be a fool to not see the value you have” - stop, stop right now, that actually made me swoon
“I don’t like other people touching what’s mine” - no words necessary
He smiled at me, “Good girl.” - literally threw my iPad and fainted (okay that’s being dramatic, but you get the point)
“Such a bratty Princess, perhaps it’s time someone disciplined you for that” - ok lol
So yeah, this is just an appetizer to the masterpiece this book is. So stop reading reviews, and go READ THIS BOOK as soon as it comes out in November. Add it to your TBR now, you will not regret it if you like slow burn, enemies to lovers, dragon, and an epic fantasy story line. Happy reading :)
January 19, 2024
Want a Dark High Fantasy Romance? This is it! Just WOW. What a wild ride this book was!!! ♡ Abraxas ♡
Overall: 4.8/5 ✰✰✰✰✰
Vibes: 5/5 ✰✰✰✰✰
Spice: 5/5 ✰✰✰✰✰ - level: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
Would I recommend: YES!! Absolutely would recommend this book to readers who love spicy fantasy romance
Me throughout this book: 😲😥😢🤬🤯😥😢😭🥰😍🥵🥵🥹😮🤯😭
🖤 Enemies to Lovers - yes she tries to kill him, multiple times hehe!
🖤 Warrior Fae Princess
🖤 Dark & Mysterious Dragon King 🫠
🖤 Mythical Creatures
🖤 Lost Magic
🖤 Sword fights and Adventure
🖤 Touch her and Die
🖤🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Secrets
🖤 Ancient Prophecy
🖤 So much representation – makes me so happy 🖤
“I will never fucking obey you.” Her words were quiet but dripped over my skin like oil set ablaze. “Oh, Princess, by the time I’m done, you will beg for me.”
Born of Mist and Dragon Fire was such a fun book! I devoured it in just a couple of days. A true enemies-to-lovers. 😍Also …the MMC is morally gray 🖤🖤🖤 🫠 This debut novel was so impressive and I can't wait for book two of the Embers of Magic Duology. As Tori and Abraxas navigate their new found unexpected feelings for each other they are faced with ancient prophecies and an evil emperor, all while in a kingdom of mythical creatures. The story unfolds with a perfect blend of suspense and emotion. I 🖤 Tori and Abraxas love story. What he reveals in the ending had me shook, IYKYK. (kicking feet in the air)
I am fascinated by the storyline, it kept my attention and it was easy to follow. BUT … I want more. I personally love slow burns, I like my books thicc. 😉 Why I rated 4.8: I think for this story, I would've loved more details and more of a slower pace. I also had a hard time following when characters were talking, I had to reread a few parts to figure out who was speaking to who, but that could have also been my ADHD messin with my concentration.
Chapter 46 : My favorite Abraxas chapter ♡
Chapter 57 : My favorite Tori chapter ♡
The ending : It's a big cliffhanger!!! The lore cracks open and the book ends 🫠 ahhhhh!!! I can’t wait for book 2.
Character Feedback & Favorite Quotes:
Might be spoilers 🙃
♡ Princess Tori ♡ : A princess who can fight = Badass. I think after witnessing all the shit she went through she handled it the best she could. After being taken from her family after her home was invaded she put up a good fight. I appreciated her loyalty towards her brother throughout the whole book. Always fighting to escape not just for herself but to go save what she had left of her family. The way she had experienced a found family with one of Abraxas' cohorts training with them everyday – Chiefs Kiss! Watching her realize how her feelings for Abraxas changed over time was so emotional. Her self love evolved and it was beautiful. Genuinely a kind character and was very likable.
Nothing made men more uncomfortable than a woman who couldn’t be controlled.
♡ King Abraxas ♡ : I didn’t know I would be attracted to a man with long white hair. 🥵😍 He was so well written that I was so nervous about his intentions in the beginning of the book. But his POV chapters were perfect and left me with just the right amount of suspense and understanding about his secrets and his feelings. This character left me consistently flabbergasted and at the edge of my seat. As a reader, when we finally see the compassion he has for his people and his true nature, we can't help but fall for this MMC.
“You best be careful with that mouth, Princess, or I really will find better uses for it.”
♡ Commander Avlyn ♡ : Avlyn is my favorite character! They are such a likable character. I really enjoyed their interactions with Abraxas, it really helped understand both characters more. The way they treated Tori was important, with respect and at times with genuine compassion, but also stern and put her in her place. They kept both King Abraxas and Tori on their toes. Much respect. I can’t wait to learn more about them in book 2, they clearly have a big role to play in this storyline. Their unwavering loyalty ♡
♡ Kaleos ♡ : ♡♡♡♡
♡ Jun and Pallas ♡ : I know the backstory of these two will break my heart. Just to learn about all the shit they went through, I am not looking forward to it. I am looking forward to getting to know them better as characters. Manifesting happiness and freedom for them.
Emperor Hadeon : A disgusting horrible villain.
Overall Star Rating: 4.8 ✰✰✰✰✰
Would I recommend: YES!!! 100%
IG: romantasyarchives
Overall: 4.8/5 ✰✰✰✰✰
Vibes: 5/5 ✰✰✰✰✰
Spice: 5/5 ✰✰✰✰✰ - level: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
Would I recommend: YES!! Absolutely would recommend this book to readers who love spicy fantasy romance
Me throughout this book: 😲😥😢🤬🤯😥😢😭🥰😍🥵🥵🥹😮🤯😭
🖤 Enemies to Lovers - yes she tries to kill him, multiple times hehe!
🖤 Warrior Fae Princess
🖤 Dark & Mysterious Dragon King 🫠
🖤 Mythical Creatures
🖤 Lost Magic
🖤 Sword fights and Adventure
🖤 Touch her and Die
🖤🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Secrets
🖤 Ancient Prophecy
🖤 So much representation – makes me so happy 🖤
“I will never fucking obey you.” Her words were quiet but dripped over my skin like oil set ablaze. “Oh, Princess, by the time I’m done, you will beg for me.”
Born of Mist and Dragon Fire was such a fun book! I devoured it in just a couple of days. A true enemies-to-lovers. 😍Also …the MMC is morally gray 🖤🖤🖤 🫠 This debut novel was so impressive and I can't wait for book two of the Embers of Magic Duology. As Tori and Abraxas navigate their new found unexpected feelings for each other they are faced with ancient prophecies and an evil emperor, all while in a kingdom of mythical creatures. The story unfolds with a perfect blend of suspense and emotion. I 🖤 Tori and Abraxas love story. What he reveals in the ending had me shook, IYKYK. (kicking feet in the air)
I am fascinated by the storyline, it kept my attention and it was easy to follow. BUT … I want more. I personally love slow burns, I like my books thicc. 😉 Why I rated 4.8: I think for this story, I would've loved more details and more of a slower pace. I also had a hard time following when characters were talking, I had to reread a few parts to figure out who was speaking to who, but that could have also been my ADHD messin with my concentration.
Chapter 46 : My favorite Abraxas chapter ♡
Chapter 57 : My favorite Tori chapter ♡
The ending : It's a big cliffhanger!!! The lore cracks open and the book ends 🫠 ahhhhh!!! I can’t wait for book 2.
Character Feedback & Favorite Quotes:
Might be spoilers 🙃
♡ Princess Tori ♡ : A princess who can fight = Badass. I think after witnessing all the shit she went through she handled it the best she could. After being taken from her family after her home was invaded she put up a good fight. I appreciated her loyalty towards her brother throughout the whole book. Always fighting to escape not just for herself but to go save what she had left of her family. The way she had experienced a found family with one of Abraxas' cohorts training with them everyday – Chiefs Kiss! Watching her realize how her feelings for Abraxas changed over time was so emotional. Her self love evolved and it was beautiful. Genuinely a kind character and was very likable.
Nothing made men more uncomfortable than a woman who couldn’t be controlled.
♡ King Abraxas ♡ : I didn’t know I would be attracted to a man with long white hair. 🥵😍 He was so well written that I was so nervous about his intentions in the beginning of the book. But his POV chapters were perfect and left me with just the right amount of suspense and understanding about his secrets and his feelings. This character left me consistently flabbergasted and at the edge of my seat. As a reader, when we finally see the compassion he has for his people and his true nature, we can't help but fall for this MMC.
“You best be careful with that mouth, Princess, or I really will find better uses for it.”
♡ Commander Avlyn ♡ : Avlyn is my favorite character! They are such a likable character. I really enjoyed their interactions with Abraxas, it really helped understand both characters more. The way they treated Tori was important, with respect and at times with genuine compassion, but also stern and put her in her place. They kept both King Abraxas and Tori on their toes. Much respect. I can’t wait to learn more about them in book 2, they clearly have a big role to play in this storyline. Their unwavering loyalty ♡
♡ Kaleos ♡ : ♡♡♡♡
♡ Jun and Pallas ♡ : I know the backstory of these two will break my heart. Just to learn about all the shit they went through, I am not looking forward to it. I am looking forward to getting to know them better as characters. Manifesting happiness and freedom for them.
Emperor Hadeon : A disgusting horrible villain.
Overall Star Rating: 4.8 ✰✰✰✰✰
Would I recommend: YES!!! 100%
IG: romantasyarchives
January 3, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Don’t get me wrong, I devoured this book but it definitely isn’t the best book I’ve ever read.
This is a sexy fantasy book with dragons, fading magic and political intrigue. However, I felt a disconnect with the lore and working story and struggled to understand good from evil?
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Don’t get me wrong, I devoured this book but it definitely isn’t the best book I’ve ever read.
This is a sexy fantasy book with dragons, fading magic and political intrigue. However, I felt a disconnect with the lore and working story and struggled to understand good from evil?
November 2, 2023
HOLYYY FUCK IM SHAKING RIGHT NKW WHY DID IT HAVE TO END LIKE THAT BROOOO
magic and dragons and fae and deadly rivalries. this book has it ALL. such an incredible story and i’m so so so MAD AT THE ENDING I NEED BOOK TWO RIGHT NOW
i received an ARC in exchange for my honest review and all my romantasy babes NEED TO READ THIS
magic and dragons and fae and deadly rivalries. this book has it ALL. such an incredible story and i’m so so so MAD AT THE ENDING I NEED BOOK TWO RIGHT NOW
i received an ARC in exchange for my honest review and all my romantasy babes NEED TO READ THIS
November 7, 2023
Holy mother forking shirt balls this was good. It was so easy to follow along, which can be tough to do in a fantasy. Tori and Abraxas are pure *chefs kiss* with their banter, flirting, etc. It's a whole enemies to lovers but Tori is a mf-ing badass boss who fights for what she wants. The cliffhanger has me gasping so I cannot wait to see what comes next!
November 18, 2023
I received an arc and this is my honest opinion.
Born of Mist and Dragonfire releases on KU today!
“Any man would be a fool to not see the value you have.”
Ok so to start, I just want to say that as always this is just my opinion. If the cover interests you, if the blurb sounds good then absolutely read it and make your own mind up.
That being said, I have mixed feelings about this book. This is full of the tropes I love, it should have absolutely hit the spot for me. The premise of the storyline sounds super interesting and as the book advances, you see more elements tying into the plot that just add to that. It’s magic, fae, dragons and other fantasy creatures littered throughout the book and prophecies that many misunderstood. I love that aspect, though I do wish there was more exploration of the other creatures. Orcs are mentioned a couple times throughout and there’s a brief mention of pixies but we very much focus on the fae. I don’t want to explain too much because I think if I do then I’ll end up slipping spoilers in and that’s something I want to avoid.
When it comes to the MC’s I unfortunately just didn’t click with their characters. I personally found Tori to be a bit contradictory. You can understand her action to a point, I just personally felt like it was a bit like whiplash at times. She was fighting with herself a lot, her motives etc and I personally think she just accepted certain things far too readily, which was a shock given how strong headed she initially appeared to be.
Though she had her redeeming qualities. She’s not entirely meek, she can fight and she’s not over the top in an aggravating way. She connects with those around her and treats them like they’re actual people. Royalty she may be but she’s far from a tyrant. You see that a lot more as she connects with the cohort, especially with Kaleos.
Abraxas, The Dragon King has his own demons. His own past and he certainly has his own role to play. Again, I just didn’t feel drawn to him. Though for completely different reasons than for Tori. I’m not sure what it was, he didn’t irk me but I just wasn’t overly invested in his story. He certainly had his moments of cute, though.
I hate writing reviews like this, I feel extremely harsh but the main thing for me is I just didn’t connect with it the way I wish I could have. There were areas I’d have liked to see expanded and parts that could have been omitted. I wanted to love this book, I just really didn’t vibe with it unfortunately.
Born of Mist and Dragonfire releases on KU today!
“Any man would be a fool to not see the value you have.”
Ok so to start, I just want to say that as always this is just my opinion. If the cover interests you, if the blurb sounds good then absolutely read it and make your own mind up.
That being said, I have mixed feelings about this book. This is full of the tropes I love, it should have absolutely hit the spot for me. The premise of the storyline sounds super interesting and as the book advances, you see more elements tying into the plot that just add to that. It’s magic, fae, dragons and other fantasy creatures littered throughout the book and prophecies that many misunderstood. I love that aspect, though I do wish there was more exploration of the other creatures. Orcs are mentioned a couple times throughout and there’s a brief mention of pixies but we very much focus on the fae. I don’t want to explain too much because I think if I do then I’ll end up slipping spoilers in and that’s something I want to avoid.
When it comes to the MC’s I unfortunately just didn’t click with their characters. I personally found Tori to be a bit contradictory. You can understand her action to a point, I just personally felt like it was a bit like whiplash at times. She was fighting with herself a lot, her motives etc and I personally think she just accepted certain things far too readily, which was a shock given how strong headed she initially appeared to be.
Though she had her redeeming qualities. She’s not entirely meek, she can fight and she’s not over the top in an aggravating way. She connects with those around her and treats them like they’re actual people. Royalty she may be but she’s far from a tyrant. You see that a lot more as she connects with the cohort, especially with Kaleos.
Abraxas, The Dragon King has his own demons. His own past and he certainly has his own role to play. Again, I just didn’t feel drawn to him. Though for completely different reasons than for Tori. I’m not sure what it was, he didn’t irk me but I just wasn’t overly invested in his story. He certainly had his moments of cute, though.
I hate writing reviews like this, I feel extremely harsh but the main thing for me is I just didn’t connect with it the way I wish I could have. There were areas I’d have liked to see expanded and parts that could have been omitted. I wanted to love this book, I just really didn’t vibe with it unfortunately.
November 16, 2023
I don’t even know where to start…
Look I really enjoyed this story. I am not the best to talk about world building because I am more of a romance girly. But if you like world building in your story, Ava does it well.
But if you are a romance girly like me. Omg. Tori and Abraxas are EVERYTHING. The tension was sooo good between the two. The chemistry was just dripping!
There was surprises at the end that did not really surprise me. Mainly because I am the crazy person with a white board when reading and the little hint that the author leaves were delicious bread crumbs.
Did that ruin it for me? Absolutely not! I like being right! Lmao!
Either was if you like fae, chemistry, political issues and all the good stuff. Then read this book!
Look I really enjoyed this story. I am not the best to talk about world building because I am more of a romance girly. But if you like world building in your story, Ava does it well.
But if you are a romance girly like me. Omg. Tori and Abraxas are EVERYTHING. The tension was sooo good between the two. The chemistry was just dripping!
There was surprises at the end that did not really surprise me. Mainly because I am the crazy person with a white board when reading and the little hint that the author leaves were delicious bread crumbs.
Did that ruin it for me? Absolutely not! I like being right! Lmao!
Either was if you like fae, chemistry, political issues and all the good stuff. Then read this book!
November 3, 2023
Arc Review
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
~Dual POV
~Enemies to lovers
~Dragons 🐉 and lost magic
This is Ava’s debut book (Born of Mist and Dragonfire) and she does not disappoint. We first meet Tori our FMC who struggles with her position as a Princess and also wanting to be a warrior. Her peaceful kingdom changes one day when the Dragon 🐉 King comes and causes chaos in her kingdom.
We then meet our MMC, Abraxas the 🐉 dragon king. He is feared by all the kingdoms, but Tori doesn’t just hate him she is also drawn to him. She tries to deceive and get information from him by seduction but there chemistry is to strong.
This book is full of twist and turns. The Cliffhanger had me yelling OMG did that just happen. I can’t wait for next book. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!!
Quotes
“There you are, Princess. I have been waiting for you.”
“I’m the only God here tonight, Little bird. If you must pray, pray to me.”
“I do so like hearing you beg, little bird. So tell me what I want to hear, and I’ll f**k you until you can’t walk again.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
~Dual POV
~Enemies to lovers
~Dragons 🐉 and lost magic
This is Ava’s debut book (Born of Mist and Dragonfire) and she does not disappoint. We first meet Tori our FMC who struggles with her position as a Princess and also wanting to be a warrior. Her peaceful kingdom changes one day when the Dragon 🐉 King comes and causes chaos in her kingdom.
We then meet our MMC, Abraxas the 🐉 dragon king. He is feared by all the kingdoms, but Tori doesn’t just hate him she is also drawn to him. She tries to deceive and get information from him by seduction but there chemistry is to strong.
This book is full of twist and turns. The Cliffhanger had me yelling OMG did that just happen. I can’t wait for next book. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!!
Quotes
“There you are, Princess. I have been waiting for you.”
“I’m the only God here tonight, Little bird. If you must pray, pray to me.”
“I do so like hearing you beg, little bird. So tell me what I want to hear, and I’ll f**k you until you can’t walk again.”
November 12, 2023
If you love reading books with magic, fae, badass FMC, warrior fae princess, inclusivity, morally grey MMC, dragons, lost magic, and enemies to lovers you will love reading Born of Mist and Dragonfire!
I really enjoyed reading about the FMC’s character development and her journey. Reading about her journey to growth was so relatable.
The plot twists are crazy!! I love books with secrets and unexpected plot twists that will blow your mind🤯🤯🤯 and Born of Mist and Dragonfire exceeds my expectations. I am still in shock over the ending and I can’t wait for book 2🐉
I really enjoyed reading about the FMC’s character development and her journey. Reading about her journey to growth was so relatable.
The plot twists are crazy!! I love books with secrets and unexpected plot twists that will blow your mind🤯🤯🤯 and Born of Mist and Dragonfire exceeds my expectations. I am still in shock over the ending and I can’t wait for book 2🐉
January 3, 2024
I’m absolutely blown away by this debut enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance!
After the first couple of chapters, BAM the action gripped me and never really let up for the rest of the book! Think ACOTAR meets Game of Thrones, I am obsessed and bought the hard copy for my shelf before I was even half-way through.
Featuring a dual POV, the characters are complex and well formed with backstories that unfold throughout the book to bring us to a showstopping ending (and a twist that I didn’t see coming!). The troubled FMC Princess Tori is outspoken, bold and reckless but remains kind and reminds me a lot of my younger self. You know I’m feral for a feisty FMC and an MMC that loves it, and that’s exactly what we get with Abraxas, the Dragon King. The romance between these two is sweltering and the spice rates fairly high on the scale.
As well as an impressive storyline that had me enthralled, I love that Ava also explores some bigger themes such as feminism and classism and includes representation of BIPOC, neurodiversity, pansexuality, disability and non-binary gender in a way that felt genuine. This is book one in what’s going to be a duet (and it’s available on KU!) and I can’t wait to find out what’s in store for us in book two!
After the first couple of chapters, BAM the action gripped me and never really let up for the rest of the book! Think ACOTAR meets Game of Thrones, I am obsessed and bought the hard copy for my shelf before I was even half-way through.
Featuring a dual POV, the characters are complex and well formed with backstories that unfold throughout the book to bring us to a showstopping ending (and a twist that I didn’t see coming!). The troubled FMC Princess Tori is outspoken, bold and reckless but remains kind and reminds me a lot of my younger self. You know I’m feral for a feisty FMC and an MMC that loves it, and that’s exactly what we get with Abraxas, the Dragon King. The romance between these two is sweltering and the spice rates fairly high on the scale.
As well as an impressive storyline that had me enthralled, I love that Ava also explores some bigger themes such as feminism and classism and includes representation of BIPOC, neurodiversity, pansexuality, disability and non-binary gender in a way that felt genuine. This is book one in what’s going to be a duet (and it’s available on KU!) and I can’t wait to find out what’s in store for us in book two!
October 24, 2023
“Any man would be a fool not to see your worth.”
The cliffhanger in this book 🤯 I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Born of Mist and Dragonfire and I am craving more!
In Ava’s debut and the first book of the Embers of Magic Duology, we meet Tori, our FMC who has always struggled with never being able to live up to the expectations of her position as Princess. She lives in a peaceful world that was once brimming with magic but has since disappeared. Until one day, her world is turned upside down when the Dragon King comes wrecking havoc and takes her away to his kingdom.
Abraxas, our MMC, is the Dragon King. A man feared throughout the realm. As feared as he may be and the hate that she carries, Tori can’t seem to refuse the draw to him. What begins as a deception to get information out of Abraxas, quickly turns into a burning desire between the two of them.
“I do so like hearing you beg, little bird. So, tell me what I want to hear, and I’ll f*ck you until you can’t walk again.” 🥵
They soon align themselves to take down a greater threat and find that the magic that is believed to be gone may not be missing after all. Are they able to destroy the threat? Can Tori truly trust Abraxas? Will magic be reborn?
Read Born of Mist and Dragonfire to find out ☺️.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The cliffhanger in this book 🤯 I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Born of Mist and Dragonfire and I am craving more!
In Ava’s debut and the first book of the Embers of Magic Duology, we meet Tori, our FMC who has always struggled with never being able to live up to the expectations of her position as Princess. She lives in a peaceful world that was once brimming with magic but has since disappeared. Until one day, her world is turned upside down when the Dragon King comes wrecking havoc and takes her away to his kingdom.
Abraxas, our MMC, is the Dragon King. A man feared throughout the realm. As feared as he may be and the hate that she carries, Tori can’t seem to refuse the draw to him. What begins as a deception to get information out of Abraxas, quickly turns into a burning desire between the two of them.
“I do so like hearing you beg, little bird. So, tell me what I want to hear, and I’ll f*ck you until you can’t walk again.” 🥵
They soon align themselves to take down a greater threat and find that the magic that is believed to be gone may not be missing after all. Are they able to destroy the threat? Can Tori truly trust Abraxas? Will magic be reborn?
Read Born of Mist and Dragonfire to find out ☺️.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 27, 2023
I had the absolute honor of getting my hands on a ARC of this book. I have never been so happy that I signed up to read a book.
Born of Mist and Dragonfire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
I knew the minute I saw the dedication of:
"To all the ladies who fell in love with the brooding, white-haired anime antagonist. This one is for you."
This book was for me, and I wasn't wrong.
After about 2 chapters in, I couldn't put this book down. I blinked and I was 40 chapters in and furiously reading to see what was going to happen. I knew I was hooked when it was 1 am on a work night and I still hadn't gone to bed.
Born of Mist and Dragonfire is an amazing debut novel and left me wanting more. The build up of tension between Tori and Abraxas was *chef's kiss* and the absolute cliffhanger of an ending has me dying to get my hand on the next book in this series.
Born of Mist and Dragonfire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
I knew the minute I saw the dedication of:
"To all the ladies who fell in love with the brooding, white-haired anime antagonist. This one is for you."
This book was for me, and I wasn't wrong.
After about 2 chapters in, I couldn't put this book down. I blinked and I was 40 chapters in and furiously reading to see what was going to happen. I knew I was hooked when it was 1 am on a work night and I still hadn't gone to bed.
Born of Mist and Dragonfire is an amazing debut novel and left me wanting more. The build up of tension between Tori and Abraxas was *chef's kiss* and the absolute cliffhanger of an ending has me dying to get my hand on the next book in this series.
June 15, 2024
This book was *chef's kiss* The banter was so good, and we got to have some tension built between our two main characters, but not suffer through a slow burn. The romance and spice was well done and emotion, but also hot.
But besides the romance, this book has such a fun fantasy plot! This book if definitely for people who enjoy a spicy read but want it to have a full and complex plot as well. I love the world the author built, even if she did us dirty with that cliffhanger. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
But besides the romance, this book has such a fun fantasy plot! This book if definitely for people who enjoy a spicy read but want it to have a full and complex plot as well. I love the world the author built, even if she did us dirty with that cliffhanger. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
October 23, 2023
I was one of the people who were chosen for the ARC team for an honest review.
For this to be a debut book, wow. Really nice world building, it had some nice spice, dragons (my new favorite thing). I was in a reading slump for some reason but I read this in a day, for some reason. I didn't expect there would be some amazing plot but I was wrong. The FMC, Tori, was something refreshing. A strong character that was emotionally through and you can see that from the begining of the book. Can't wait for the second book in this duology.
For this to be a debut book, wow. Really nice world building, it had some nice spice, dragons (my new favorite thing). I was in a reading slump for some reason but I read this in a day, for some reason. I didn't expect there would be some amazing plot but I was wrong. The FMC, Tori, was something refreshing. A strong character that was emotionally through and you can see that from the begining of the book. Can't wait for the second book in this duology.
November 21, 2023
Arc review|4.5⭐|4🌶
I received a free eARC from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own!💕
I've never been big into fantasy romance, because the world building in them always leaves me so confused😭, but let me tell you right now, the way Ava's book had me so engaged and captivated I just couldn't stop reading even if I tried!
Tori, our FMC is such a badass, my girl is also ADHD coded and she's a completely vibe! I fell in love with Tori the more I read, and homegirl has her own special place in my heart💕.
Ohh Abraxas! God where do I start with him! He's so morally grey, and is the complete book boyfriend! This man is morally grey with grey hair! God does it get any better!? He's cunning, sensual, and at times funny. We get such amazing insight into the world and its more intricate happenings through his POV. Abraxas' musing for Tori will literally make you melt😫!
The representation in this book was everything and more! The queer normative society Ava created did not feel like an afterthought in the slightest! BIPOC rep was outstanding, and our FMC being a POC as well was literally the icing on the cake!
God the spice🥵🌶! All I'm gonna say is Abraxas! That's its because the spice in this book left me aching so bad😫🤚🏾!
Some tropes to look for:
Dual POV
Headstrong FMC
Morally Grey MMC
BIPOC rep
Light Kink Play
Banter
He falls first
Found family
I received a free eARC from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own!💕
I've never been big into fantasy romance, because the world building in them always leaves me so confused😭, but let me tell you right now, the way Ava's book had me so engaged and captivated I just couldn't stop reading even if I tried!
Tori, our FMC is such a badass, my girl is also ADHD coded and she's a completely vibe! I fell in love with Tori the more I read, and homegirl has her own special place in my heart💕.
Ohh Abraxas! God where do I start with him! He's so morally grey, and is the complete book boyfriend! This man is morally grey with grey hair! God does it get any better!? He's cunning, sensual, and at times funny. We get such amazing insight into the world and its more intricate happenings through his POV. Abraxas' musing for Tori will literally make you melt😫!
The representation in this book was everything and more! The queer normative society Ava created did not feel like an afterthought in the slightest! BIPOC rep was outstanding, and our FMC being a POC as well was literally the icing on the cake!
God the spice🥵🌶! All I'm gonna say is Abraxas! That's its because the spice in this book left me aching so bad😫🤚🏾!
Some tropes to look for:
Dual POV
Headstrong FMC
Morally Grey MMC
BIPOC rep
Light Kink Play
Banter
He falls first
Found family
November 25, 2023
Born of Mist and Dragonfire by Ava Thorne is a
captivating enemies to lovers romantasy with beautiful spice. This is an outstanding read. The flow of the story is perfection containing mysterious prophecies, deception , deadly rivalries, magic, fae, dragons, and impending doom. The zero morals Emperor is a constant source of unease. Tori is an outstanding FMC. She’s feisty, driven, head strong and struggling to achieve her full potential emerging from a traumatic past. Abraxas everything you would hope for and Moore in swoonalicious MMC. Morally gray, overprotective and possessive in the best way, yet is quietly sensitive. He is constantly struggling with his own inner demons. The chemistry, banter and sexual tension gives us the most outstanding slow burn possible. Her brothers message had me 💔😭The ending was quite jaw-dropping and I am in desperate need of more. This book has all the tropes, character chemistry and passion a romantasy reader is looking for.
captivating enemies to lovers romantasy with beautiful spice. This is an outstanding read. The flow of the story is perfection containing mysterious prophecies, deception , deadly rivalries, magic, fae, dragons, and impending doom. The zero morals Emperor is a constant source of unease. Tori is an outstanding FMC. She’s feisty, driven, head strong and struggling to achieve her full potential emerging from a traumatic past. Abraxas everything you would hope for and Moore in swoonalicious MMC. Morally gray, overprotective and possessive in the best way, yet is quietly sensitive. He is constantly struggling with his own inner demons. The chemistry, banter and sexual tension gives us the most outstanding slow burn possible. Her brothers message had me 💔😭The ending was quite jaw-dropping and I am in desperate need of more. This book has all the tropes, character chemistry and passion a romantasy reader is looking for.
November 11, 2025
Overall, I enjoyed this book. There were a few parts that I wasn't expecting, so it pulled me out, but not enough to stop me from reading. There was also a weird thing with dialogue, where one character is talking at the beginning of a paragraph, but then the dialogue at the end of the paragraph is a different character. It pulled me out a few times because I couldn't understand why character 1 would say the dialogue at the end.
Spicy. Sweet. A little predictable, but worth reading the next one to see what happens.
Spicy. Sweet. A little predictable, but worth reading the next one to see what happens.
November 17, 2023
Abraxas 😍😍😍 That is all. Holy cow I loved reading this book. Thank you Enchanted Ink and Ava for sending me an ARC.
If you're a romantasy reader, you have to jump on this book. I. Am. Dying. and this one is going to be living rent free in my head for awhile. It was so well written and the characters, twists, events, everything was fabulous and flowed really well. Abraxas is our yummy, broody, morally grey king and Tori is our hard headed, stubborn, just wanting to save the ones she loves and trying to heal from her trauma princess and these two...are yes.
This book gives off Beauty and the Beast vibes where the emperor comes in and conquers Tori's kingdom, and she and her twin brother are taken from their homes. Her brother Jun is taken by the emperor, and Tori is sent to live with Abraxas as his ward in his kingdom. Tori is trying to build up her strength to go rescue Jun and Abraxas is working his way under her skin. So so good.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you're a romantasy reader, you have to jump on this book. I. Am. Dying. and this one is going to be living rent free in my head for awhile. It was so well written and the characters, twists, events, everything was fabulous and flowed really well. Abraxas is our yummy, broody, morally grey king and Tori is our hard headed, stubborn, just wanting to save the ones she loves and trying to heal from her trauma princess and these two...are yes.
This book gives off Beauty and the Beast vibes where the emperor comes in and conquers Tori's kingdom, and she and her twin brother are taken from their homes. Her brother Jun is taken by the emperor, and Tori is sent to live with Abraxas as his ward in his kingdom. Tori is trying to build up her strength to go rescue Jun and Abraxas is working his way under her skin. So so good.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 18, 2024
i was going to rate it 3.5 but the ending made me bump it up to 4. the lack of world building and plot for the first 70% of the book really annoyed me. the modern elements mixed with the fae/dragon lore was confusing. not much happened until the end but it was worth it
October 24, 2024
She was 200 years old ✨️💕 that's refreshing
April 27, 2025
DNF @ 26%
October 7, 2024
The storyline is captivating and kept me engaged throughout. However, there were moments where the FMC and MMC made questionable actions, which I found frustrating. Some parts of the plot felt a bit confusing or didn’t fully make sense to me. Despite these issues, the strength of the overall storyline more than made up for them, making it an enjoyable read.
November 20, 2023
I finished this last night but I’m still trying to process it 😩
I definitely did not see the ending coming and It’s left on such a cliffhanger and I have ALL of the questions???
I’m also loving Tori and Abraxis which I didnt expect!
It’s my first ‘spicy’ book so to speak and I’d say it was definitely a good introduction to the smut world.
My heart actually breaks that this is only a duology ☹️☹️☹️
I definitely did not see the ending coming and It’s left on such a cliffhanger and I have ALL of the questions???
I’m also loving Tori and Abraxis which I didnt expect!
It’s my first ‘spicy’ book so to speak and I’d say it was definitely a good introduction to the smut world.
My heart actually breaks that this is only a duology ☹️☹️☹️
November 21, 2023
Holy crap what an amazing book. So many twists and turns, spice, danger, action and suspense, add the fact that it’s a fantasy story with Fae and Dragons. WOW! Not to mention the cliffhanger! Why do All of the amazing fantasy books end in a cliffhanger??!? This is being added to one of my top 5 reads of the year!! I have now words on the emotions running through me now!
November 19, 2023
Ok Romantasy readers here’s one for you. This one is a steamy, sexy romantasy read featuring Tori, a troubled princess and Abraxas the Dragon King. I’ll be honest it did take me a few chapters to get into the story but it was worth sticking to.
- Dual POV
- Enemies to Lovers
- Dragons
- Ancient Prophecy
- Lost magic
Born of Mist and Dragonfire is Ava Thornes debut novel and she killed it! Let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next one after being left on a cliffhanger!
April 30, 2024
I loved this book! Spicy, magical and adventurous. The world building? Chef’s kiss! The characters? Chef’s kiss! The plot? At first it went fast then it went slow then it dropped me off a cliff and I screamed at it. I’m so mad the second one isn’t out yet. I NEED MORE
November 15, 2023
I had the honor of receiving an arc copy to read. Thank you to the author for providing it!
This is a solid 4 star read for me, maybe edging on 4.25. Dragons, fae, kings, political tension, sexual tension, and so many more good things. Enemies to lovers, touch her and die, dual pov, forced proximity are the main tropes. The mmc is a nice balance of standing up for the fmc but also letting her own her power and fight for herself. Their banter, love, and spice is just so good. That ending though! I am anxiously waiting for book two!!
This is a solid 4 star read for me, maybe edging on 4.25. Dragons, fae, kings, political tension, sexual tension, and so many more good things. Enemies to lovers, touch her and die, dual pov, forced proximity are the main tropes. The mmc is a nice balance of standing up for the fmc but also letting her own her power and fight for herself. Their banter, love, and spice is just so good. That ending though! I am anxiously waiting for book two!!
November 2, 2023
Loved this steamy enemies to lovers fantasy romance! Feisty FMC goes through a roller coaster of emotions in this journey: grief and loss, rage, intrigue, and confusion towards her captor, and finally the surrender to their love. Excellent writing in this debut novel—the characters and their feelings are totally relatable, the magical creatures and settings come to life, and also plenty of spice to get you hot. Can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!
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