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The Raek Riders Series #1
Iron-Bound Flames
She will play many roles for her spy, interrogator, even weapon. But what if she wants to be a hero?
Ordinary and lonely kitchen maid, Meera Hailship, volunteers to feed a dangerous creature imprisoned at the palace. Her impulsive decision could end in disembowelment, but against all odds, she survives, striking an unexpected bargain with the deadly creature and an even more unexpected friendship. Meera’s fondness for the feathered, fire-breathing beast called a raek will force her to choose between her king and her conscience.
To rid the raek of his iron muzzle and help his mysterious—and handsome—rider, Meera will have to barter a man’s life, manipulate the king, and play with fire—raek fire, that is. But when doing what’s right is also treason, the consequences could be deadly …
Blending dragon-loving adventure with emotional depth, this thrilling and introspective fantasy is Melanie K. Moschella’s debut novel and the first of five books in The Raek Riders Series .
Ordinary and lonely kitchen maid, Meera Hailship, volunteers to feed a dangerous creature imprisoned at the palace. Her impulsive decision could end in disembowelment, but against all odds, she survives, striking an unexpected bargain with the deadly creature and an even more unexpected friendship. Meera’s fondness for the feathered, fire-breathing beast called a raek will force her to choose between her king and her conscience.
To rid the raek of his iron muzzle and help his mysterious—and handsome—rider, Meera will have to barter a man’s life, manipulate the king, and play with fire—raek fire, that is. But when doing what’s right is also treason, the consequences could be deadly …
Blending dragon-loving adventure with emotional depth, this thrilling and introspective fantasy is Melanie K. Moschella’s debut novel and the first of five books in The Raek Riders Series .
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2024
132 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Melanie K. Moschella
5 books21 followersMelanie is an escapist reader and writer living in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Her two true passions are parenting and writing—both of which require stamina and creativity, but only one of which allows her to sit down. Despite Melanie’s overpriced English degree from an overrated university, she attributes her debut work, The Raek Riders Series, to the isolation of new motherhood—after all, what could make a person crave adventure and romance more than dirty diapers?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for gifting this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this. Everything about it. I enjoyed watching Meera's evolution through the story. I enjoyed watching her fears, and her anger, and her insecurities flare up. I really loved the Raek. Love love love him. I was excited to watch how everything unfolded and I can’t wait to see how Meera handles the situation she finds herself in at the end of this first story. I hope we get more of the Raek and the prisoner. Possibly multi pov?? That would be wonderful.
Wil definitely be continuing in the series
I loved this. Everything about it. I enjoyed watching Meera's evolution through the story. I enjoyed watching her fears, and her anger, and her insecurities flare up. I really loved the Raek. Love love love him. I was excited to watch how everything unfolded and I can’t wait to see how Meera handles the situation she finds herself in at the end of this first story. I hope we get more of the Raek and the prisoner. Possibly multi pov?? That would be wonderful.
Wil definitely be continuing in the series
December 27, 2023
Iron-Bound Flames is the first book in a five book fantasy series, The Raek Riders, set to be released at the same time. In this first one we follow Meera as she works at the castle while her father is off fighting in the war. She doesn't need to work but she would rather not be alone.
What starts out as a job in the kitchen soon leads to spying for the king. But that's not all, for Meera has volunteered to feed and take care of the captive, fearsome raek, And what about his rider who was also captured? What starts out as a job for the king becomes something else as Meera fights for what is right.
This fantasy has an interesting concept. There are going to be five books in this series so we only learn a little about the world and raek with his rider. Iron-Bound Flames is all about Meera. We spend a lot of time with her and her daily activities.
The author does a good job getting the reader to feel what Meera is feeling. There is a lot of detail on the pain, anxiety, and tiredness she is going through. It's a lot at times but it is very effective. The raek and his rider are interesting and I look forward to learning more about them.
Despite all of the detail on Meera's thoughts and activities there is a lot of action. I found this to be a quick read and it leaves you wanting more.
The author is releasing all five books at once so readers won't have to wait to find out what happens. Iron-Bound Flames is clearly just the beginning so don't expect full explanations or a lot of things to be resolved. In fact it is a nice way to get the reader excited for one big story.
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read.
What starts out as a job in the kitchen soon leads to spying for the king. But that's not all, for Meera has volunteered to feed and take care of the captive, fearsome raek, And what about his rider who was also captured? What starts out as a job for the king becomes something else as Meera fights for what is right.
This fantasy has an interesting concept. There are going to be five books in this series so we only learn a little about the world and raek with his rider. Iron-Bound Flames is all about Meera. We spend a lot of time with her and her daily activities.
The author does a good job getting the reader to feel what Meera is feeling. There is a lot of detail on the pain, anxiety, and tiredness she is going through. It's a lot at times but it is very effective. The raek and his rider are interesting and I look forward to learning more about them.
Despite all of the detail on Meera's thoughts and activities there is a lot of action. I found this to be a quick read and it leaves you wanting more.
The author is releasing all five books at once so readers won't have to wait to find out what happens. Iron-Bound Flames is clearly just the beginning so don't expect full explanations or a lot of things to be resolved. In fact it is a nice way to get the reader excited for one big story.
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read.
February 4, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 stars
This is a fantasy story about Meera, a kitchen maid who volunteers to care for a Raek (basically a dragon) who has been captured and has already killed two people who tried to feed him. Obviously, Meera finds a way to win over the Raek pretty much instantly and they become besties. I LOVED the Raek (Cerun), and I liked this plot a lot even though it felt a bit cliche. I liked the heroine, Meera, as well, although, at times I felt like she was written a little too perfect. She's very compassionate, intelligent, and observant. There are several well written side characters, and some funny moments as well.
The major issue I had with this was the over-descriptiveness and the slow pace, which made it drag at times (for me). But I really like the idea and the world building.
3.5 stars
This is a fantasy story about Meera, a kitchen maid who volunteers to care for a Raek (basically a dragon) who has been captured and has already killed two people who tried to feed him. Obviously, Meera finds a way to win over the Raek pretty much instantly and they become besties. I LOVED the Raek (Cerun), and I liked this plot a lot even though it felt a bit cliche. I liked the heroine, Meera, as well, although, at times I felt like she was written a little too perfect. She's very compassionate, intelligent, and observant. There are several well written side characters, and some funny moments as well.
The major issue I had with this was the over-descriptiveness and the slow pace, which made it drag at times (for me). But I really like the idea and the world building.
December 14, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
I've been reading a lot of "rider" stories recently (mostly dragons) and this one finally gave me what I wanted! Raeken aren't dragons, technically, but they are mostly dragons... but feathery! The feathers do actually make an exciting difference for me visually.
The story kept me engaged the whole way through and the protag, Meera's, relationship with the captive dragon/ride pair was heartfelt and well realized. You don't get to see a lot of the wider setting outside of Meera's book learning, as her view of the world starts off fairly small, but it was enough for me to want to hear more. The bond between the Raek and Meera felt real and earned, even though most of it was wordless on one side. I felt for Meera's sense of loneliness throughout the story and I honestly can't wait for the series to be released so I can find out where her development goes.
There's a lot of what you could call "hurt/comfort" in this story which I ate up. Meera is caring, but not in a way that she feels boring or one note. She's an interesting mixture of thoughtful and impulsive, and the book stays close to her emotional journey. which really worked for me. Even when she was being a bit silly, you could feel where she was coming from. Her victories feel earned.
Also, Raek are very cool fantasy creatures, and the rendering on the cover is beautiful. Cerun sounds like such a pretty boy and I loved him. (Cerun is the Raek... I guess his rider is okay too.)
I feel like I'm descending into rambles, but I was just quite happy with this. The only part I didn't like she when she felt ambivalently hot for the King (girl, I CANNOT relate) but that's just me. Thankfully, that wasn't lingered on too much.
I've been reading a lot of "rider" stories recently (mostly dragons) and this one finally gave me what I wanted! Raeken aren't dragons, technically, but they are mostly dragons... but feathery! The feathers do actually make an exciting difference for me visually.
The story kept me engaged the whole way through and the protag, Meera's, relationship with the captive dragon/ride pair was heartfelt and well realized. You don't get to see a lot of the wider setting outside of Meera's book learning, as her view of the world starts off fairly small, but it was enough for me to want to hear more. The bond between the Raek and Meera felt real and earned, even though most of it was wordless on one side. I felt for Meera's sense of loneliness throughout the story and I honestly can't wait for the series to be released so I can find out where her development goes.
There's a lot of what you could call "hurt/comfort" in this story which I ate up. Meera is caring, but not in a way that she feels boring or one note. She's an interesting mixture of thoughtful and impulsive, and the book stays close to her emotional journey. which really worked for me. Even when she was being a bit silly, you could feel where she was coming from. Her victories feel earned.
Also, Raek are very cool fantasy creatures, and the rendering on the cover is beautiful. Cerun sounds like such a pretty boy and I loved him. (Cerun is the Raek... I guess his rider is okay too.)
I feel like I'm descending into rambles, but I was just quite happy with this. The only part I didn't like she when she felt ambivalently hot for the King (girl, I CANNOT relate) but that's just me. Thankfully, that wasn't lingered on too much.
March 20, 2024
This one is free on Amazon and only $11.96 for the complete 5 book kindle collection
ARC reader for NetGalley
This series is off to a great start! Meera is well written. I loved how the story followed her thoughts and actions. She has so much heart. This installment follows Meera as she starts from being a kitchen maid (out of boredom after her scholar father goes to war) to volunteering to take care of a Raek( a dragon but with feathers, but not a griffin) and his rider, getting noticed by the king, spying for him and learning where her moral compass lies. I would almost deem this a prequel novella as it's not so much about the action and storyline as it is a building block for the series and an introduction to the main characters. Ecstatic I don’t have to wait forever to continue the series either as all 5 were released simultaneously. The covers of the series are gorgeous and super unique, they fit together to make a full body picture of Meera. Will definitely be adding this set to my kindle collection ASAP.
ARC reader for NetGalley
This series is off to a great start! Meera is well written. I loved how the story followed her thoughts and actions. She has so much heart. This installment follows Meera as she starts from being a kitchen maid (out of boredom after her scholar father goes to war) to volunteering to take care of a Raek( a dragon but with feathers, but not a griffin) and his rider, getting noticed by the king, spying for him and learning where her moral compass lies. I would almost deem this a prequel novella as it's not so much about the action and storyline as it is a building block for the series and an introduction to the main characters. Ecstatic I don’t have to wait forever to continue the series either as all 5 were released simultaneously. The covers of the series are gorgeous and super unique, they fit together to make a full body picture of Meera. Will definitely be adding this set to my kindle collection ASAP.
January 20, 2024
‘Whose side was she on? She asked herself the question over and over, but all she could think was that she wanted to be on the good side… whichever that was’
If this week hasn’t been so busy I would’ve devoured this book. I was very lucky to get an ARC of Iron Bound flames from NetGalley (thank you!) and was so quickly drawn into it’s fantasy driven plot.
Written by Melanie Moschella, Iron Bound Flames is book one of The Raek Riders series in which Meera Hailship is trying to escape from loneliness but the ways in which she does so only seems to isolate her more. She’s defined as a weapon by her king, playing the role as his interrogator and spy, but the only thing Meera fears more than being alone is being on the wrong side… but who’s to judge the good from the bad?
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series which, to my impatient luck, is all getting released on the same publication date as book one. Everybody say thank you Melanie!
If this week hasn’t been so busy I would’ve devoured this book. I was very lucky to get an ARC of Iron Bound flames from NetGalley (thank you!) and was so quickly drawn into it’s fantasy driven plot.
Written by Melanie Moschella, Iron Bound Flames is book one of The Raek Riders series in which Meera Hailship is trying to escape from loneliness but the ways in which she does so only seems to isolate her more. She’s defined as a weapon by her king, playing the role as his interrogator and spy, but the only thing Meera fears more than being alone is being on the wrong side… but who’s to judge the good from the bad?
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series which, to my impatient luck, is all getting released on the same publication date as book one. Everybody say thank you Melanie!
March 27, 2024
For me this book was more on the chiller side. We still get plenty of intrigue, spying, treason and dangerous situations, but not a lot of adventure.
Meera is an interesting character, mostly because she does things that she didn't have to, just because she needs something to do. And that's actually kinda weird considering that she's putting her life in danger when she could have lived comfortably at home. And that's why I wanted to read more and find out what's she gonna do.
The raek is interesting as well, and I want to see if he's gonna be a softy or not, because I think he is (at least for Meera)
The ending was kind of annoying, but it kinda makes sense, but the series is finished, so nothing stops me from finding out more.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review
Meera is an interesting character, mostly because she does things that she didn't have to, just because she needs something to do. And that's actually kinda weird considering that she's putting her life in danger when she could have lived comfortably at home. And that's why I wanted to read more and find out what's she gonna do.
The raek is interesting as well, and I want to see if he's gonna be a softy or not, because I think he is (at least for Meera)
The ending was kind of annoying, but it kinda makes sense, but the series is finished, so nothing stops me from finding out more.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review
January 3, 2024
One of the easiest 5-stars I have ever given!
"Iron-Bound Flames" by Melanie K. Moschella is a breathtaking fantasy debut that sets the bar high for the genre. From the first page to the last, this novel grips the reader with a spellbinding narrative, rich world-building, and a cast of characters that are as compelling as they are complex.
The protagonist, Meera Hailship, a seemingly ordinary kitchen maid, emerges as a true heroine with a heart of gold and a spirit that defies her humble station. Meera's journey starts with her being an overlooked server to the center stage of political intrigue. Her impulsive decision to feed a dangerous creature at the palace not only sets the plot in motion but also marks the beginning of an unexpected fantastical adventure!
The world-building in Iron-Bound Flames is nothing short of phenomenal. The author paints a vivid and immersive landscape where magic, politics, and the bond between a girl and a fire-breathing raek come to life. The intricacies of the palace intrigue and the moral dilemmas faced by Meera elevate the novel beyond a mere fantasy adventure, delving into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of one's convictions.
What sets this series apart is the unique concept of releasing all five books on the same day. Moschella's decision to present readers with the entire saga at once is a masterstroke, allowing for an uninterrupted and deeply satisfying immersion into the world of 'The Raek Riders Series'. The pacing of the first novel was exceptional and I fully expect to binge the rest of the series as soon as it is released!
I wholeheartedly give this book a 5/5 rating, and I eagerly anticipate the release of the entire series on March 19th, 2024. It's a journey worth embarking on for any lover of fantasy literature.
As this is my favourite ARC to date, I could not be more genuine in my gratitude to the author, Melanie K. Moschella, and NetGalley for the absolute privilege of getting to read this book in an exchange for a review.
"Iron-Bound Flames" by Melanie K. Moschella is a breathtaking fantasy debut that sets the bar high for the genre. From the first page to the last, this novel grips the reader with a spellbinding narrative, rich world-building, and a cast of characters that are as compelling as they are complex.
The protagonist, Meera Hailship, a seemingly ordinary kitchen maid, emerges as a true heroine with a heart of gold and a spirit that defies her humble station. Meera's journey starts with her being an overlooked server to the center stage of political intrigue. Her impulsive decision to feed a dangerous creature at the palace not only sets the plot in motion but also marks the beginning of an unexpected fantastical adventure!
The world-building in Iron-Bound Flames is nothing short of phenomenal. The author paints a vivid and immersive landscape where magic, politics, and the bond between a girl and a fire-breathing raek come to life. The intricacies of the palace intrigue and the moral dilemmas faced by Meera elevate the novel beyond a mere fantasy adventure, delving into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of one's convictions.
What sets this series apart is the unique concept of releasing all five books on the same day. Moschella's decision to present readers with the entire saga at once is a masterstroke, allowing for an uninterrupted and deeply satisfying immersion into the world of 'The Raek Riders Series'. The pacing of the first novel was exceptional and I fully expect to binge the rest of the series as soon as it is released!
I wholeheartedly give this book a 5/5 rating, and I eagerly anticipate the release of the entire series on March 19th, 2024. It's a journey worth embarking on for any lover of fantasy literature.
As this is my favourite ARC to date, I could not be more genuine in my gratitude to the author, Melanie K. Moschella, and NetGalley for the absolute privilege of getting to read this book in an exchange for a review.
March 9, 2024
I adore this book!
I know some other reviews were also amazed, others very critical.. but I can only be said to be pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed every single second of this novel.
By Chapter Three (only about 6% into the book), I was hooked. I was already giddy and just excited to keep reading.
As another, more critical reviewer, mentioned there were a lot of details that I counted as world building. Mentioning her use of the chamber pot before going to the kitchen to me was important. It set the stage for how routine, mundane, and isolating her life has become, while also showing that we do not have indoor plumbing - we are in a medieval fantasy.
As for it being mostly a lot of "tell not show" for the first 3ish chapters, that to me was "showing." Her not talking to anyone and just idly thinking to "tell" us about the world. It shows us again about her isolation and her routine and mundane world.
This was the first book I've read in a while where I got to the last page, flipped and saw the "About the Author" page, and just went "no!!! I need more!!!". Thank you, Moschella, for giving a 2 chapter sneak preview into book 2! Although you are releasing all five books on the same day (another thank you earned for this stroke of genius!), I did get an ARC through NetGalley.. so I still have three months to go!
Overall, it was a fast paced book with great action, suspense/tension, darker themes mixed with lighter, and a solid protagonist who is not infallible nor mythical. She is human, trying her best, but learning just how naive she; she asks all the right questions without jumping to conclusions - the way we should all aspire to be.
This may read as more YA than NA or Adult fantasy, but I do find the MFC acts like an adult in her inner monologue. She is honest, open, rational, and strives to always be better.
I found no characters or storylines annoying.. I will gladly read more of every single one of them! I am very excited for the series to come out so that I can binge them in a very unhealthy manner.
I know some other reviews were also amazed, others very critical.. but I can only be said to be pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed every single second of this novel.
By Chapter Three (only about 6% into the book), I was hooked. I was already giddy and just excited to keep reading.
As another, more critical reviewer, mentioned there were a lot of details that I counted as world building. Mentioning her use of the chamber pot before going to the kitchen to me was important. It set the stage for how routine, mundane, and isolating her life has become, while also showing that we do not have indoor plumbing - we are in a medieval fantasy.
As for it being mostly a lot of "tell not show" for the first 3ish chapters, that to me was "showing." Her not talking to anyone and just idly thinking to "tell" us about the world. It shows us again about her isolation and her routine and mundane world.
This was the first book I've read in a while where I got to the last page, flipped and saw the "About the Author" page, and just went "no!!! I need more!!!". Thank you, Moschella, for giving a 2 chapter sneak preview into book 2! Although you are releasing all five books on the same day (another thank you earned for this stroke of genius!), I did get an ARC through NetGalley.. so I still have three months to go!
Overall, it was a fast paced book with great action, suspense/tension, darker themes mixed with lighter, and a solid protagonist who is not infallible nor mythical. She is human, trying her best, but learning just how naive she; she asks all the right questions without jumping to conclusions - the way we should all aspire to be.
This may read as more YA than NA or Adult fantasy, but I do find the MFC acts like an adult in her inner monologue. She is honest, open, rational, and strives to always be better.
I found no characters or storylines annoying.. I will gladly read more of every single one of them! I am very excited for the series to come out so that I can binge them in a very unhealthy manner.
March 27, 2024
Absolutely wonderful and captivating! The world and characters felt so rounded, I was immersed instantly. It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what came next. I finished the book in less than two days because I couldn't put it down. The best thing is that the whole series is out so I can keep reading! I only wished I bought the second book with the first so I wouldn't have to wait.
March 21, 2024
Firstly, I want to say a quick thank you to Melanie Moschella and Smith Publicity for providing me an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review!
Iron-Bound Flames follows Meera, a lonely kitchen maid who finds herself volunteering for the role of Raek care taker. Where others have failed, Meera excels, easily befriending the creature and nursing it back to health. Meera's roles don't stop there though, she even finds herself filling the shoes of a spy, interrogator, etc. Soon Meera finds herself fighting an inner battle of what is expected of her, and what is right.
I really enjoyed Meera and Cerun's development through the story. Meera especially is so well written, maybe even TOO well written at certain points of the story. Her emotions really shine through and allow the reader to seamlessly enter the story.
Where this failed for me was the pacing/writing. It was so difficult to gain interest in the story so I felt like I had to force myself to continue reading in hopes the story got better (thankfully though, it did). With this being the start of a 5 book series, I can understand how the introduction can seem a little tedious and boring so this wasn't too disappointing for me.
Overall, the writing style is quite descriptive and lovely. Moschella has written this beautiful world/characters and I'm excited to see where this story is taken next!
Iron-Bound Flames follows Meera, a lonely kitchen maid who finds herself volunteering for the role of Raek care taker. Where others have failed, Meera excels, easily befriending the creature and nursing it back to health. Meera's roles don't stop there though, she even finds herself filling the shoes of a spy, interrogator, etc. Soon Meera finds herself fighting an inner battle of what is expected of her, and what is right.
I really enjoyed Meera and Cerun's development through the story. Meera especially is so well written, maybe even TOO well written at certain points of the story. Her emotions really shine through and allow the reader to seamlessly enter the story.
Where this failed for me was the pacing/writing. It was so difficult to gain interest in the story so I felt like I had to force myself to continue reading in hopes the story got better (thankfully though, it did). With this being the start of a 5 book series, I can understand how the introduction can seem a little tedious and boring so this wasn't too disappointing for me.
Overall, the writing style is quite descriptive and lovely. Moschella has written this beautiful world/characters and I'm excited to see where this story is taken next!
Read
February 14, 2024Iron Bound Flames starts off with a bang; there is excitement right away. The book draws you in right away with the level of action. Meera is witness to a raek – a dragon like creature – being captured and brought to the palace, where she works.
Meera is an interesting protagonist; she works in the palace kitchens voluntarily, having chosen the profession to keep herself busy and entertained, surrounded by people. Her kingdom is at war with a neighboring kingdom and her father was called away to fight.
Meera quickly bonds with the raek, helping care for its wounds and striking up a conversation with it. She draws the attention of the king, who recruits her for more than just tending the raek.
I enjoyed this book, it was a little slow at times and the scenes between Meera and the king seemed wholly unnecessary, but I enjoyed her spunky nature and willingness to help those that needed it the most.
Meera is unwittingly drawn into intrigue, but this also seemed like a random plot line. I hoped that this would be developed more, because it was truly interesting.
I hope that the book will continue into more books so we can learn more about the war, the knell-people with magic-and the lands that surround the palace and Meera’s ordinary life.
Meera is an interesting protagonist; she works in the palace kitchens voluntarily, having chosen the profession to keep herself busy and entertained, surrounded by people. Her kingdom is at war with a neighboring kingdom and her father was called away to fight.
Meera quickly bonds with the raek, helping care for its wounds and striking up a conversation with it. She draws the attention of the king, who recruits her for more than just tending the raek.
I enjoyed this book, it was a little slow at times and the scenes between Meera and the king seemed wholly unnecessary, but I enjoyed her spunky nature and willingness to help those that needed it the most.
Meera is unwittingly drawn into intrigue, but this also seemed like a random plot line. I hoped that this would be developed more, because it was truly interesting.
I hope that the book will continue into more books so we can learn more about the war, the knell-people with magic-and the lands that surround the palace and Meera’s ordinary life.
March 7, 2024
When Meera Hailship, a lonely kitchen maid, accepted to care for the dangerous dragon-like creature imprisoned in the castle, she had no idea that it would lead her to become a weapon, a spy and an interrogator to the creature’s rider for the king. Juggling all these positions has Meera longing for a new one : The hero. But being the hero has Meera threading the fine line between loyalty and treason.. which will she choose?
Iron bound flame (4⭐️) is book 1 of a 5 part series that is coming out (all at once, yes you read that correctly) on March 19th and I highly suggest that you look up the covers cause they form a person when put together! Which I think is cool.
I enjoyed this one despite it being a bit repetitive, not in the lines and stuff but in the actions. By that I mean that the FMC’s day looked the same throughout the whole book, but the writing is really good and it got me invested in the story.
The fact that Cerun trusted Meera so easily, was so cute to me. Linus is a puppy and he deserves nice things. Hesitating about the king though, time will tell.
I’m excited to read book 2 at some point and discover more about these characters.
Thank you to the author @melaniekmoschella and @netgalley for the arc.
Iron bound flame (4⭐️) is book 1 of a 5 part series that is coming out (all at once, yes you read that correctly) on March 19th and I highly suggest that you look up the covers cause they form a person when put together! Which I think is cool.
I enjoyed this one despite it being a bit repetitive, not in the lines and stuff but in the actions. By that I mean that the FMC’s day looked the same throughout the whole book, but the writing is really good and it got me invested in the story.
The fact that Cerun trusted Meera so easily, was so cute to me. Linus is a puppy and he deserves nice things. Hesitating about the king though, time will tell.
I’m excited to read book 2 at some point and discover more about these characters.
Thank you to the author @melaniekmoschella and @netgalley for the arc.
March 10, 2024
This is the first in a series, and when it came to worldbuilding, I did find it lacking. I would have liked to know more about the political tensions, the war, and what led to the Raek en Knell being taken prisoner.
The motivations of the fmc can be best explained as, "I didn't think it about it.". She's a people pleaser and seems to think that being a good person equates to continuously sacrificing yourself.
I will probably continue reading this series because of the ending. I'm hoping that in the next book, we will learn more about the how and why of the war.
•••
I received an ARC through Netgalley. My opinions are my own.
The motivations of the fmc can be best explained as, "I didn't think it about it.". She's a people pleaser and seems to think that being a good person equates to continuously sacrificing yourself.
I will probably continue reading this series because of the ending. I'm hoping that in the next book, we will learn more about the how and why of the war.
•••
I received an ARC through Netgalley. My opinions are my own.
January 21, 2024
How lovely book!! I loved Meera and her kindness for the other creatures. Loved her relationship with Cerun! It’s a book with not much of adrenaline and that’s why I start reading it slowly but eventually, when we meet Sheal and Meera got more responsibilities from the King the book got more attention to me! I was only after the 30%/40% of the storyline that I really enjoyed and I finished it one day! The author could’ve add more adrenaline moments in my opinion like the scene this Prince Pheneas. Can’t wait to read the next and learn more about Sheal and his connection with Cerun! Thanks BookSirens for send me the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
Title: Iron-Bound Flames
Author: Melanie K. Moschella
[ Enjoyed ] 100%
[ Reread ] most likely as the series progresses
[ Cover Lust ] I loved having this as the art on my Kindle Lock Screen!
[ Intriguing Title ] 100%
[ Interesting Premise/Plot ] yes! It has no spice it was a wonderful change of pace!
[ Kept My Attention ] totally it was really well written
[ Got Bored / Mind Wandering ] nope
[ Skimmed/Skipped Scenes/Chapters ] nope
[ Reread Past Scenes For Fun ]
[ Reread Past Scenes Cause My Memory Sucks To Clear Confusion ]
[ Stayed Up Late ] yes a few times lol
[ Took a Long Break Midway ] nope I kept coming back for more
[ Ending Left Me Feeling ] sad that it was over but excited and ready for the next book in the series!
Author: Melanie K. Moschella
[ Enjoyed ] 100%
[ Reread ] most likely as the series progresses
[ Cover Lust ] I loved having this as the art on my Kindle Lock Screen!
[ Intriguing Title ] 100%
[ Interesting Premise/Plot ] yes! It has no spice it was a wonderful change of pace!
[ Kept My Attention ] totally it was really well written
[ Got Bored / Mind Wandering ] nope
[ Skimmed/Skipped Scenes/Chapters ] nope
[ Reread Past Scenes For Fun ]
[ Reread Past Scenes Cause My Memory Sucks To Clear Confusion ]
[ Stayed Up Late ] yes a few times lol
[ Took a Long Break Midway ] nope I kept coming back for more
[ Ending Left Me Feeling ] sad that it was over but excited and ready for the next book in the series!
March 20, 2024
4/5 stars
Not spicy
- Beautiful character arcs
- great world development
- enemies to...not enemies?
- book 1 of 5
- relatable, genuine FMC
- moderate pacing
- rescue and adventure
This book is a hidden gem - for sure. I loved it and I love that it's a huge book series all released on the same day, giving me no time between finding out how this story unfolds. The characters are gorgeously developed, Meera having a rich backstory and coming into her own in such genuine ways. This is such a well written story, down to the smallest of side characters, and growing a really beautiful fantasy world. The only thing holding this book back is the very extensive, and sometimes slow going, internal monologue.
Book Review:
Meera is a scholar's daughter left behind while her father is conscripted into the civilian army. She and her father were close, his loss felt every day and leaving her lonely. She earns a place within the palace's kitchens, keeping her busy and surrounded by people and constant movement, but she continues to feel alone. A dangerous and deadly creature is caught and brought in with his rider in the dark of night, and when no one dares go near them, Meera finds herself volunteering to care for them. The attention her new role brings isn't all pleasant, drawing the gaze of the King and his cruel son, all while she balances attempts at new friendships, caring for a huge and feathered Raek, and creating a relationship with his handsome and tortured rider. She fills so many roles and takes on so many new challenges, losing and finding herself and new relationships in an every changing and dangerous world.
Not spicy
- Beautiful character arcs
- great world development
- enemies to...not enemies?
- book 1 of 5
- relatable, genuine FMC
- moderate pacing
- rescue and adventure
This book is a hidden gem - for sure. I loved it and I love that it's a huge book series all released on the same day, giving me no time between finding out how this story unfolds. The characters are gorgeously developed, Meera having a rich backstory and coming into her own in such genuine ways. This is such a well written story, down to the smallest of side characters, and growing a really beautiful fantasy world. The only thing holding this book back is the very extensive, and sometimes slow going, internal monologue.
Book Review:
Meera is a scholar's daughter left behind while her father is conscripted into the civilian army. She and her father were close, his loss felt every day and leaving her lonely. She earns a place within the palace's kitchens, keeping her busy and surrounded by people and constant movement, but she continues to feel alone. A dangerous and deadly creature is caught and brought in with his rider in the dark of night, and when no one dares go near them, Meera finds herself volunteering to care for them. The attention her new role brings isn't all pleasant, drawing the gaze of the King and his cruel son, all while she balances attempts at new friendships, caring for a huge and feathered Raek, and creating a relationship with his handsome and tortured rider. She fills so many roles and takes on so many new challenges, losing and finding herself and new relationships in an every changing and dangerous world.
February 19, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC for this book!!
I had been in a bit of a reading slump when I started this so this book was a bit of a slow start, but once I got past the 15% mark, I was hooked! Fantasy books have always been my escape from reality, and this was such an interesting take on dragon riders, even though they are technically feathered raeken. The world building is a bit more "telling not showing" but I can look past that since it does in fact show how isolated Meera is from the rest of her peers, with the lack of dialogue as a world building tool.
Meera Hailship: nice, maybe too nice, brave (if maybe a little reckless), and also maybe a bit naive. Those are the words I would use to describe the main character, and those are in no way bad things because it gives room for her character growth through the series. When a main character starts out strong and (usually) overpowered, I rarely see any room for character growth, and the character's strength plateaus, and I hope that doesn't happen with Meera.
She might be a little isolated but Meera does eventually befriend a young palace guard, Linus, meant to "protect" her, but I always got the feeling that he was an insufferable whiny brat who had no realistic world experience. He had this blind loyalty to the royal family and his country, that when that was challenged, he would storm off like an overgrown toddler. Now I am not saying I wish him dead, but I hope for some character growth from him as well.
Honestly, I am also looking forward to getting more information about Cerun and Shael, since the latter didn't even speak until extremity late in the book, and all Cerun communicated was blinks. Regardless, they seem like a pair I would want as allies and not enemies since one is a fire-breathing raek.
Now I am going to get more into the not so fun parts to read, and that warrants some trigger warnings, so if these turn you off the book, I'm sorry. At some point Meera is instructed to feed and care for the Shael and part of that is to tend to his wounds from torture. Some of the descriptions and gore were parts I just scanned over. There is also the huge red flag named Prince Phineas since he is known for being a womanizer with dark tendencies, and he sets his sights on Meera. The trigger warning would most likely be from the attempted SA (NOT SUCCESSFUL!!!!!) down in the dungeon.
Now here I am salivating for the rest of the series to drop next month so I can hopefully binge read the rest. If you like dragons and fantasy, I do highly recommend this book.
I had been in a bit of a reading slump when I started this so this book was a bit of a slow start, but once I got past the 15% mark, I was hooked! Fantasy books have always been my escape from reality, and this was such an interesting take on dragon riders, even though they are technically feathered raeken. The world building is a bit more "telling not showing" but I can look past that since it does in fact show how isolated Meera is from the rest of her peers, with the lack of dialogue as a world building tool.
Meera Hailship: nice, maybe too nice, brave (if maybe a little reckless), and also maybe a bit naive. Those are the words I would use to describe the main character, and those are in no way bad things because it gives room for her character growth through the series. When a main character starts out strong and (usually) overpowered, I rarely see any room for character growth, and the character's strength plateaus, and I hope that doesn't happen with Meera.
She might be a little isolated but Meera does eventually befriend a young palace guard, Linus, meant to "protect" her, but I always got the feeling that he was an insufferable whiny brat who had no realistic world experience. He had this blind loyalty to the royal family and his country, that when that was challenged, he would storm off like an overgrown toddler. Now I am not saying I wish him dead, but I hope for some character growth from him as well.
Honestly, I am also looking forward to getting more information about Cerun and Shael, since the latter didn't even speak until extremity late in the book, and all Cerun communicated was blinks. Regardless, they seem like a pair I would want as allies and not enemies since one is a fire-breathing raek.
Now I am going to get more into the not so fun parts to read, and that warrants some trigger warnings, so if these turn you off the book, I'm sorry. At some point Meera is instructed to feed and care for the Shael and part of that is to tend to his wounds from torture. Some of the descriptions and gore were parts I just scanned over. There is also the huge red flag named Prince Phineas since he is known for being a womanizer with dark tendencies, and he sets his sights on Meera. The trigger warning would most likely be from the attempted SA (NOT SUCCESSFUL!!!!!) down in the dungeon.
Now here I am salivating for the rest of the series to drop next month so I can hopefully binge read the rest. If you like dragons and fantasy, I do highly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
“Being a scholar doesn’t mean I know everything or even many things, it means I’m painfully aware of how little I know”
Storyline: 4
The story was compelling and well paced, there are characters and events that appear to be well placed foreshadowing (I hope).
Enjoyment: 4
I really like led this book, enough so that by the end I was glad that there was a snippet of the next book, because I was ready to dive in to the rest of the series!
Readability: 3.5
Easy to follow. I hope there is an additional editorial pass before final publication as there were some spelling and grammatical errors that pulled me from the story. Also, overuse of exclamation points outside of dialogue.
Thank you to Netgalley and Melanie Moschella for the ARC.
Storyline: 4
The story was compelling and well paced, there are characters and events that appear to be well placed foreshadowing (I hope).
Enjoyment: 4
I really like led this book, enough so that by the end I was glad that there was a snippet of the next book, because I was ready to dive in to the rest of the series!
Readability: 3.5
Easy to follow. I hope there is an additional editorial pass before final publication as there were some spelling and grammatical errors that pulled me from the story. Also, overuse of exclamation points outside of dialogue.
Thank you to Netgalley and Melanie Moschella for the ARC.
May 13, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
The concept of Iron-Bound Flames was a lot different than any fantasy I’ve ever read. As someone that gravitates towards more romantasy than pure fantasy, this was an experimental read for me just going in.
I don’t think the plot in this book was particularly heavy, and was more of an exploration of Meera’s personality, and her bond with the raek, which directly reflected on her as a person, closing the circle. When I caught on to the pace in the beginning, I expected my interesting to fall through, but the book kept it pretty consistently till the end, which was a pleasant surprise.
I liked Meera as a character. She was the right balance of courage and gentleness, contributing to her ability with the raek. I believe the best parts of this book involved her journey understanding the creature, and building a relationship with it. To some extent, I might’ve enjoyed this book more if it was just Meera and the raek, but I wasn’t necessarily put off by the other elements of it either.
The plot with the king was predictable, and I found myself annoyed with Meera occasionally with the way she handled their interactions. However, I think it added a lot to the story, especially dialogue, since there isn’t much of that between Meera and the raek. I also did enjoy her arc with Linus. I think this book could’ve done more with the fact that his brother had suffered due to the raek. There were possibilities with the plot there that I think could’ve been explored further, but I still liked how he showed up for Meera, and their dynamic grew very organically and satisfyingly.
I understand that this is a five-book series with the other four books also all coming out on the same day (March 19). I suppose I still haven’t made up my mind on whether I was intrigued enough to read the whole series. But Iron-Bound Flames was a fun, easy read with a good amount of historical fantasy elements, that I ends up liking a lot more than I initially thought I would. Also, points for the gorgeous cover!!
The concept of Iron-Bound Flames was a lot different than any fantasy I’ve ever read. As someone that gravitates towards more romantasy than pure fantasy, this was an experimental read for me just going in.
I don’t think the plot in this book was particularly heavy, and was more of an exploration of Meera’s personality, and her bond with the raek, which directly reflected on her as a person, closing the circle. When I caught on to the pace in the beginning, I expected my interesting to fall through, but the book kept it pretty consistently till the end, which was a pleasant surprise.
I liked Meera as a character. She was the right balance of courage and gentleness, contributing to her ability with the raek. I believe the best parts of this book involved her journey understanding the creature, and building a relationship with it. To some extent, I might’ve enjoyed this book more if it was just Meera and the raek, but I wasn’t necessarily put off by the other elements of it either.
The plot with the king was predictable, and I found myself annoyed with Meera occasionally with the way she handled their interactions. However, I think it added a lot to the story, especially dialogue, since there isn’t much of that between Meera and the raek. I also did enjoy her arc with Linus. I think this book could’ve done more with the fact that his brother had suffered due to the raek. There were possibilities with the plot there that I think could’ve been explored further, but I still liked how he showed up for Meera, and their dynamic grew very organically and satisfyingly.
I understand that this is a five-book series with the other four books also all coming out on the same day (March 19). I suppose I still haven’t made up my mind on whether I was intrigued enough to read the whole series. But Iron-Bound Flames was a fun, easy read with a good amount of historical fantasy elements, that I ends up liking a lot more than I initially thought I would. Also, points for the gorgeous cover!!
January 30, 2025
This book definitely has some good qualities - the characters were likeable, especially the FMC, and the raek lore was interesting (though I definitely wanted to know more). The story had a lot of potential, and I think the overall concept is a really good one, but for me the narrative just moved too slowly.
Things didn't start to get going until the last third of the book, and it felt like a bit of a slog getting there. When it did get to the action I really enjoyed it - the tension was well-written and I wanted to read on to know what happened next I just wish it hadn’t taken so long to get me to that point.
Overall, a great concept and a fab ending, but certainly very slow to starr.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an ARC ebook of this novel!
Things didn't start to get going until the last third of the book, and it felt like a bit of a slog getting there. When it did get to the action I really enjoyed it - the tension was well-written and I wanted to read on to know what happened next I just wish it hadn’t taken so long to get me to that point.
Overall, a great concept and a fab ending, but certainly very slow to starr.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an ARC ebook of this novel!
October 12, 2025
3.75⭐
I stumbled across this book by chance but fell in love with the cover.
A solid book, with a fairly grounded world for the fantasy setting, though that will likely change in the subsequent books.
It does end pretty abruptly, but knowing going in that this was part of a longer series was fine by me.
I did like Meera as a protagonist , but she did have a tendency to get kind of preachy and holier than thou.
The story taking place pretty much only in the not so glorious parts of the palace was kind of cool. I liked the bits of world building in regards to Meera's role of a servant, how candid some moments felt.
Overall a great book!
I stumbled across this book by chance but fell in love with the cover.
A solid book, with a fairly grounded world for the fantasy setting, though that will likely change in the subsequent books.
It does end pretty abruptly, but knowing going in that this was part of a longer series was fine by me.
I did like Meera as a protagonist , but she did have a tendency to get kind of preachy and holier than thou.
The story taking place pretty much only in the not so glorious parts of the palace was kind of cool. I liked the bits of world building in regards to Meera's role of a servant, how candid some moments felt.
Overall a great book!
March 19, 2024
She will play many roles for her spy, interrogator, even weapon. But what if she wants to be a hero? Ordinary and lonely kitchen maid, Meera Hailship, volunteers to feed a dangerous creature imprisoned at the palace. Her impulsive decision could end in disembowelment, but against all odds, she survives, striking an unexpected bargain with the deadly creature and an even more unexpected friendship. Meera's fondness for the feathered, fire-breathing beast called a raek will force her to choose between her king and her conscience.
To rid the raek of his iron muzzle and help his mysterious-and handsome-rider, Meera will have to barter a man's life, manipulate the king, and play with fire- raek fire, that is. But when doing what's right is also treason, the consequences could be deadly ...
Blending dragon-loving adventure with emotional depth, this thrilling and introspective fantasy is Melanie K. Moschella's debut novel and the first of five books in The Raek Riders Series.
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Trigger Warnings:
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4/5
Substack || Instagram
December 22, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC!
This book feels to me as though it’s still in its beginning stages, which is to say that the writing could use some polish. The concept is an interesting one, but the writing and character interactions are clunky. Feel free to skip to the very end for a very brief TLDR (too long, didn't read) if you find yourself interested in this book. I will break down reasons this may or may not be for you.
Meera is a young servant girl working in the palace kitchens when she finds herself volunteering to care for a raek — a dragon-like creature that was captured and has been contained on palace grounds.
From page one there are many issues I had with the writing style. It goes from action to action, never giving the reader any time to sit in the environment and atmosphere of the story as it jolts you along. Stylistic prose starts off as virtually nonexistent within the narrative. To be blunt, there is no thought as to how to grip the reader and pull them into the world. The entire focus is on achieving XYZ within a scene, rather than interweaving that goal into the world and plot. The prologue opens with Meera being jostled through the castle as everyone rushes outside to see the raek; nothing beyond this happens. The next chapter opens with Meera in the kitchen and we spend the entire time in her head, thinking of her father and peeling potatoes. In fact, another major problem with this book is that Meera doesn’t speak at all until we are twenty-one pages into the book (about 6% deep). Much of it is telling and not bothering to show; we’re told about Meera’s relationships with the other servants, but are rarely shown through character action or dialogue. Instead, we’re given unnecessary information – for example: “When she left, she used a chamber pot in a room at the end of the hall dedicated to their use then made her way down the narrow spiral stairs toward the kitchen.” The audience does not need to know she used her chamber pot before going down to the kitchen. The book is bogged down with the weight of scenes that should have been cut down and tightened. We spend a page and a half or so of Meera peeling potatoes at a point in the book where she has not even so much as uttered a word. There are many scenes like this within the book that make it feel slower than it actually is.
Tonal issues are another challenge the story faces as this does not read at all in the beginning as though this will be a dark story; that is, until we are reading descriptions of mutilated corpses. I want to say that I have no issues with darker or more gruesome stories, not at all. It's not so much the content as the way it is presented when the opening felt like an introduction to a lighter fantasy world. There’s a sudden shift in tone that is jarring to read when you get to the portion about the corpses. TW: Gore mentions
Moschella has an idea of what she wants to do with her story, but Iron-Bound Flames is all over the place. I think there were certainly positives – I love seeing Meera as a softer protagonist who sees the good in all. I liked that there is a nonbinary character, even if I don’t quite adore the execution. When there is personality within the prose I enjoy it. In my opinion, there could truly be potential here if this story were to go through a few more drafts. As it stands now however – this book is confusing and jumbled, full of unexpected shifts in tone, and sagging with the weight of unnecessary information and writing cliches.
This book is for you if you:
• Enjoy books about dragon-like creatures
• Are looking for a protagonist with a positive outlook
• Like shorter reads
This book is not for you if you:
• Dislike action heavy narratives
• Dislike slower paced stories
This book feels to me as though it’s still in its beginning stages, which is to say that the writing could use some polish. The concept is an interesting one, but the writing and character interactions are clunky. Feel free to skip to the very end for a very brief TLDR (too long, didn't read) if you find yourself interested in this book. I will break down reasons this may or may not be for you.
Meera is a young servant girl working in the palace kitchens when she finds herself volunteering to care for a raek — a dragon-like creature that was captured and has been contained on palace grounds.
From page one there are many issues I had with the writing style. It goes from action to action, never giving the reader any time to sit in the environment and atmosphere of the story as it jolts you along. Stylistic prose starts off as virtually nonexistent within the narrative. To be blunt, there is no thought as to how to grip the reader and pull them into the world. The entire focus is on achieving XYZ within a scene, rather than interweaving that goal into the world and plot. The prologue opens with Meera being jostled through the castle as everyone rushes outside to see the raek; nothing beyond this happens. The next chapter opens with Meera in the kitchen and we spend the entire time in her head, thinking of her father and peeling potatoes. In fact, another major problem with this book is that Meera doesn’t speak at all until we are twenty-one pages into the book (about 6% deep). Much of it is telling and not bothering to show; we’re told about Meera’s relationships with the other servants, but are rarely shown through character action or dialogue. Instead, we’re given unnecessary information – for example: “When she left, she used a chamber pot in a room at the end of the hall dedicated to their use then made her way down the narrow spiral stairs toward the kitchen.” The audience does not need to know she used her chamber pot before going down to the kitchen. The book is bogged down with the weight of scenes that should have been cut down and tightened. We spend a page and a half or so of Meera peeling potatoes at a point in the book where she has not even so much as uttered a word. There are many scenes like this within the book that make it feel slower than it actually is.
Tonal issues are another challenge the story faces as this does not read at all in the beginning as though this will be a dark story; that is, until we are reading descriptions of mutilated corpses. I want to say that I have no issues with darker or more gruesome stories, not at all. It's not so much the content as the way it is presented when the opening felt like an introduction to a lighter fantasy world. There’s a sudden shift in tone that is jarring to read when you get to the portion about the corpses. TW: Gore mentions
Moschella has an idea of what she wants to do with her story, but Iron-Bound Flames is all over the place. I think there were certainly positives – I love seeing Meera as a softer protagonist who sees the good in all. I liked that there is a nonbinary character, even if I don’t quite adore the execution. When there is personality within the prose I enjoy it. In my opinion, there could truly be potential here if this story were to go through a few more drafts. As it stands now however – this book is confusing and jumbled, full of unexpected shifts in tone, and sagging with the weight of unnecessary information and writing cliches.
This book is for you if you:
• Enjoy books about dragon-like creatures
• Are looking for a protagonist with a positive outlook
• Like shorter reads
This book is not for you if you:
• Dislike action heavy narratives
• Dislike slower paced stories
January 27, 2024
Before I begin this review, I want to thank BookSirens for allowing me to read Iron-Bound Flames by Melanie K. Moschella for free in exchange for an honest review.
Iron-Bound Flames is an intriguing story about a young woman named Meera. Kindhearted, Meera is willing to do anything she can to help those in need around her, creating a compelling story of right and wrong as she navigates a world much more complex than she had initially thought.
As a whole, I enjoyed the book, though admittedly, it was slow at times; however, I did enjoy taking a bit of a break from action fantasy books and having a slower-paced fantasy book that takes time to get to know the characters and politics of the kingdom.
I like how Meera was presented in this book! She was kind and thought out each of her decisions, though she was sometimes a bit naive, demonstrating her more privileged and sheltered roots. I also like her compassion and understanding towards others and how we slowly start to see some character development as she learns from her mistakes. With that said, it was evident from the get-go that Meera favored the raek and its rider over the people to whom you would think Meera should be loyal to. I understand to a certain extent that Meera's naivety and her knowledge of the raek may make her a bit more welcoming of such a creature, but it also felt as if she should have been more understanding that the raek has harmed people.
The plot is straightforward and a bit predictable. There wasn't much action or twists and turns. It was more of Meera navigating and beginning to understand some of the politics behind the war, as she spies for the king and helps soothe a prisoner and his raek. However, I think this book is more of a setup of getting to know the characters and how they met, making me believe that there may be more action and twists in the next books.
Everything is easy to picture, but there isn't much to understand about this world other than that there appear to be different races and ethnicities, creatures known as raeks who are vaguely similar to dragons, and a magical race known as knells.
This book is written in third person limited, giving great insight into Meera's thoughts and feelings, which I love. The writing, as a whole, is easy to follow and reveals a lot about the scenery, characters, and general lives of the people in this story. The writing style remains consistent throughout the book and gives further insight into Meera's upbringing and how she thinks.
Overall, this book was a bit slow, but there were many great moments that promise something more within the next book. I recommend this book to anyone who loves slow burns and likes a lot of focus on the main character over an intense plot or worldbuilding.
Iron-Bound Flames is an intriguing story about a young woman named Meera. Kindhearted, Meera is willing to do anything she can to help those in need around her, creating a compelling story of right and wrong as she navigates a world much more complex than she had initially thought.
As a whole, I enjoyed the book, though admittedly, it was slow at times; however, I did enjoy taking a bit of a break from action fantasy books and having a slower-paced fantasy book that takes time to get to know the characters and politics of the kingdom.
I like how Meera was presented in this book! She was kind and thought out each of her decisions, though she was sometimes a bit naive, demonstrating her more privileged and sheltered roots. I also like her compassion and understanding towards others and how we slowly start to see some character development as she learns from her mistakes. With that said, it was evident from the get-go that Meera favored the raek and its rider over the people to whom you would think Meera should be loyal to. I understand to a certain extent that Meera's naivety and her knowledge of the raek may make her a bit more welcoming of such a creature, but it also felt as if she should have been more understanding that the raek has harmed people.
The plot is straightforward and a bit predictable. There wasn't much action or twists and turns. It was more of Meera navigating and beginning to understand some of the politics behind the war, as she spies for the king and helps soothe a prisoner and his raek. However, I think this book is more of a setup of getting to know the characters and how they met, making me believe that there may be more action and twists in the next books.
Everything is easy to picture, but there isn't much to understand about this world other than that there appear to be different races and ethnicities, creatures known as raeks who are vaguely similar to dragons, and a magical race known as knells.
This book is written in third person limited, giving great insight into Meera's thoughts and feelings, which I love. The writing, as a whole, is easy to follow and reveals a lot about the scenery, characters, and general lives of the people in this story. The writing style remains consistent throughout the book and gives further insight into Meera's upbringing and how she thinks.
Overall, this book was a bit slow, but there were many great moments that promise something more within the next book. I recommend this book to anyone who loves slow burns and likes a lot of focus on the main character over an intense plot or worldbuilding.
March 19, 2024
"A king needs a variety of weapons in his arsenal, and I do not as yet have one as sharp yet unassuming as you"
Iron-Bound Flames is a stunning debut for Melanie K. Moschella. For me, this book is all about the character development and emotional realism. Finally, a book where the FMC isn't absurdly over-powered and emotionally callous. Meera is just like you and me, she is a true everywoman character, and as we see the world through Meera's eyes, we are easily able to feel her emotions and understand her hopes and dreams. The other characters are also rich and lifelike, from Linus the lovable young pup to Bartro the grizzled and wily king. I really appreciate the emotional and depth and realism here; none of the characters are all good or all bad, but in really subtle ways that make you think and will remind you of people you know and social experiences you have lived. You won't find any genocidal sociopaths who also inexplicably love the main character with more intensity than a thousand suns. You won't find any "simply pure evil" characters (okay, maybe Phineas). You won't find any manic pixie dream girl characters who only exist to drive the FMC's plot forward. Every character is completely real in ways it is hard to explain. This book will change the way you think about social situations and other people.
And that's not to say that the plot of this book isn't completely thrilling! Yes, it starts out a bit slow. Yes, it deals with a significant amount of loneliness and routine boredom, particularly in the beginning. That is clearly the point as the author is very obviously putting us inside Meera's head and also setting the stage for bigger things to come (in this book and in the rest of the series). By the end it becomes a total page turner that will have you hanging onto every single word the characters are saying.
Also, I have to shout out Cerun, the big cute and lovable raek (think: dragon with feathers). Even though the raek hardly speaks, he really becomes a character and one that you will love. Meera is clearly the kind of person who would have 25 adopted cats, and this is totally a book for animal lovers, unlike many dragon-rider type books that I have read. Although be aware that there are depictions of animal imprisonment and cruelty.
Another huge point, the entire five-book series is completed and is now available. Although there is very little if any romance in this book, the rest of the series promises to go quite a bit heavier in that department, and if the emotional development is anything like in Iron-Bound Flames, it will be worth the wait.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book more highly if you are looking for a refreshingly human and emotional take on epic fantasy romance.
Iron-Bound Flames is a stunning debut for Melanie K. Moschella. For me, this book is all about the character development and emotional realism. Finally, a book where the FMC isn't absurdly over-powered and emotionally callous. Meera is just like you and me, she is a true everywoman character, and as we see the world through Meera's eyes, we are easily able to feel her emotions and understand her hopes and dreams. The other characters are also rich and lifelike, from Linus the lovable young pup to Bartro the grizzled and wily king. I really appreciate the emotional and depth and realism here; none of the characters are all good or all bad, but in really subtle ways that make you think and will remind you of people you know and social experiences you have lived. You won't find any genocidal sociopaths who also inexplicably love the main character with more intensity than a thousand suns. You won't find any "simply pure evil" characters (okay, maybe Phineas). You won't find any manic pixie dream girl characters who only exist to drive the FMC's plot forward. Every character is completely real in ways it is hard to explain. This book will change the way you think about social situations and other people.
And that's not to say that the plot of this book isn't completely thrilling! Yes, it starts out a bit slow. Yes, it deals with a significant amount of loneliness and routine boredom, particularly in the beginning. That is clearly the point as the author is very obviously putting us inside Meera's head and also setting the stage for bigger things to come (in this book and in the rest of the series). By the end it becomes a total page turner that will have you hanging onto every single word the characters are saying.
Also, I have to shout out Cerun, the big cute and lovable raek (think: dragon with feathers). Even though the raek hardly speaks, he really becomes a character and one that you will love. Meera is clearly the kind of person who would have 25 adopted cats, and this is totally a book for animal lovers, unlike many dragon-rider type books that I have read. Although be aware that there are depictions of animal imprisonment and cruelty.
Another huge point, the entire five-book series is completed and is now available. Although there is very little if any romance in this book, the rest of the series promises to go quite a bit heavier in that department, and if the emotional development is anything like in Iron-Bound Flames, it will be worth the wait.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book more highly if you are looking for a refreshingly human and emotional take on epic fantasy romance.
January 7, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
CW: Check Melanie K. Moschella website for details
Keywords: YA, NA elements, Fantasy, Dragons, World-building, magic, and heroism.
"Iron-Bound Flames" by Melanie K. Moschella sets the stage for an enthralling journey into a world where ordinary meets extraordinary in the most unexpected of ways. From the moment you meet Meera Hailship, the kitchen maid turned into an unlikely heroine, you're drawn into a narrative that blends the thrill of dragon-filled adventures with the depth of emotional exploration. There are parts of this that feel like a cozy adventure through Meera's kindness in a world that is not so kind.
What makes this debut novel so captivating is the resonance of its protagonist, Meera. Her initial loneliness and isolation echo relatably, making her transformation all the more inspiring. She isn't a chosen one; rather, she's an ordinary individual propelled by a sequence of choices that redefine not only her life but also her destiny. This book can be for anyone but I love the reminders of the strength of kindness.
The central conflict, beautifully woven throughout the series, is Meera's dilemma. Her connection with the raek, the dangerous and fiery creature, challenges her allegiance as she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues, acting as both spy and interrogator for King Bartro. The tension between loyalty to the king and following her conscience adds layers of complexity to the story, making each decision she faces a poignant moment.
Moschella's inspiration drawn from "Eragon" (The Inheritance Cycle Series) is evident in the rich and vivid world-building. The allure of dragon-riding fantasies is masterfully interwoven into a tale that's both thrilling and introspective. The friendship that blossoms between Meera and the raek unveils a heartfelt connection that propels the narrative forward.
This first installment of "The Raek Riders Series" lays a strong foundation, promising readers an epic adventure ahead. With a mix of political intrigue, fiery companionship, and moral dilemmas, Moschella's storytelling prowess shines brightly. Readers are in for a treat as they embark on Meera's transformative journey, one where bravery, friendship, and the struggle between right and wrong come vividly to life.
The way this ends leaves you wanting more. Excited to read more of this series and excited that it's a complete series from the author writing the whole series (5 books) already. Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
CW: Check Melanie K. Moschella website for details
Keywords: YA, NA elements, Fantasy, Dragons, World-building, magic, and heroism.
"Iron-Bound Flames" by Melanie K. Moschella sets the stage for an enthralling journey into a world where ordinary meets extraordinary in the most unexpected of ways. From the moment you meet Meera Hailship, the kitchen maid turned into an unlikely heroine, you're drawn into a narrative that blends the thrill of dragon-filled adventures with the depth of emotional exploration. There are parts of this that feel like a cozy adventure through Meera's kindness in a world that is not so kind.
What makes this debut novel so captivating is the resonance of its protagonist, Meera. Her initial loneliness and isolation echo relatably, making her transformation all the more inspiring. She isn't a chosen one; rather, she's an ordinary individual propelled by a sequence of choices that redefine not only her life but also her destiny. This book can be for anyone but I love the reminders of the strength of kindness.
The central conflict, beautifully woven throughout the series, is Meera's dilemma. Her connection with the raek, the dangerous and fiery creature, challenges her allegiance as she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues, acting as both spy and interrogator for King Bartro. The tension between loyalty to the king and following her conscience adds layers of complexity to the story, making each decision she faces a poignant moment.
Moschella's inspiration drawn from "Eragon" (The Inheritance Cycle Series) is evident in the rich and vivid world-building. The allure of dragon-riding fantasies is masterfully interwoven into a tale that's both thrilling and introspective. The friendship that blossoms between Meera and the raek unveils a heartfelt connection that propels the narrative forward.
This first installment of "The Raek Riders Series" lays a strong foundation, promising readers an epic adventure ahead. With a mix of political intrigue, fiery companionship, and moral dilemmas, Moschella's storytelling prowess shines brightly. Readers are in for a treat as they embark on Meera's transformative journey, one where bravery, friendship, and the struggle between right and wrong come vividly to life.
The way this ends leaves you wanting more. Excited to read more of this series and excited that it's a complete series from the author writing the whole series (5 books) already. Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
January 11, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2.4 rounded down to 2/5.
Melanie K. Moschella's "Iron-Bound Flames" introduces readers to an intriguing world where a kitchen maid, Meera Hailship, takes on unexpected roles as a spy, interrogator, and even a weapon. The plot centers around Meera's impulsive decision to feed a dangerous creature imprisoned at the palace, leading to an unexpected friendship and a moral dilemma. The story is rich with detail, especially in portraying Meera's pain, tiredness, and anxiety, and features the captivating presence of dragons.
While the concept is fascinating, the execution falls short in some aspects. The narrative, although filled with Meera's inner struggles, often relies on telling rather than showing, resulting in clunky character interactions. The novel could benefit from an additional editing round, as there are excessive exclamation points outside of dialogue and some unnecessary information that disrupts the flow.
One of the notable strengths is Meera's ability to see the good in everybody, adding depth to her character. However, the lack of seamless integration between Meera's actions and the broader plot leaves me wanting a more cohesive narrative.
A significant drawback is the apparent rush to release all five books simultaneously. The focus on quantity seems to have affected the quality of the first installment. While reading, I'm left with a sense that more attention to detail could have enhanced the overall reading experience.
One specific instance that stands out is a prolonged description of Meera peeling potatoes without any dialogue. This section detracts from the pacing and could have been condensed or omitted, allowing for a more engaging and focused narrative.
Despite these drawbacks, "Iron-Bound Flames" holds promise. The unique concept, coupled with Meera's journey and the presence of dragons, creates a foundation for an engaging series. With some refinements in editing, character development, and plot integration, this series could evolve into a compelling and well-rounded fantasy adventure.
2.4 rounded down to 2/5.
Melanie K. Moschella's "Iron-Bound Flames" introduces readers to an intriguing world where a kitchen maid, Meera Hailship, takes on unexpected roles as a spy, interrogator, and even a weapon. The plot centers around Meera's impulsive decision to feed a dangerous creature imprisoned at the palace, leading to an unexpected friendship and a moral dilemma. The story is rich with detail, especially in portraying Meera's pain, tiredness, and anxiety, and features the captivating presence of dragons.
While the concept is fascinating, the execution falls short in some aspects. The narrative, although filled with Meera's inner struggles, often relies on telling rather than showing, resulting in clunky character interactions. The novel could benefit from an additional editing round, as there are excessive exclamation points outside of dialogue and some unnecessary information that disrupts the flow.
One of the notable strengths is Meera's ability to see the good in everybody, adding depth to her character. However, the lack of seamless integration between Meera's actions and the broader plot leaves me wanting a more cohesive narrative.
A significant drawback is the apparent rush to release all five books simultaneously. The focus on quantity seems to have affected the quality of the first installment. While reading, I'm left with a sense that more attention to detail could have enhanced the overall reading experience.
One specific instance that stands out is a prolonged description of Meera peeling potatoes without any dialogue. This section detracts from the pacing and could have been condensed or omitted, allowing for a more engaging and focused narrative.
Despite these drawbacks, "Iron-Bound Flames" holds promise. The unique concept, coupled with Meera's journey and the presence of dragons, creates a foundation for an engaging series. With some refinements in editing, character development, and plot integration, this series could evolve into a compelling and well-rounded fantasy adventure.
January 21, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Smith Publicity, in paperback format, in exchange for an honest review. This is the first of five books in a New Adult Fantasy series that drops officially on 3/19/2024.
Summary:
This book centers around Meera, a young woman who is a kitchen maid in the palace. When a raek (a dangerous creature that is sort of like a fire-breathing dragon) and his rider are captured and imprisoned, Meera volunteers to care for them. The king, impressed by her bravery, calls upon Meera to serve as a spy for him.
She forms an unexpected friendship with the raek and learns, through her spying, that the world is not as she assumed it was. She is forced to choose between her conscience and her king, which could end with deadly consequences.
My Thoughts:
This started off a little slow for me, but knowing that it is the first of five books, I feel like Moschella chose to focus this first book on building the characters and start building the world this story takes place in. I definitely connected with the characters, particularly Meera and Cerun (the raek). The writing was so good, as I actually felt like I could feel and see what these characters were seeing and feeling.
I'd say this was a slow burn, but I really enjoyed this story. There were definitely some themes that could be considered trigger topics (go to https://www.melaniekmoschella.com/con... for a list of those), so be aware of that. I, for one, enjoyed that this story didn't need sex or romance to make it compelling...that might come in the later books of the series, perhaps, but I loved that I could immerse myself into the story without unnecessary sex scenes thrown in.
The most awesome thing, to me, is that all five books will be released at the same time, so no having to wait to see where things go. I am definitely going to order the remaining four books, for sure. If you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo and Rebecca Yarros, you'll enjoy this story as the world this story takes place in feels very similar to me. I give this 4 out of 5 stars.
Summary:
This book centers around Meera, a young woman who is a kitchen maid in the palace. When a raek (a dangerous creature that is sort of like a fire-breathing dragon) and his rider are captured and imprisoned, Meera volunteers to care for them. The king, impressed by her bravery, calls upon Meera to serve as a spy for him.
She forms an unexpected friendship with the raek and learns, through her spying, that the world is not as she assumed it was. She is forced to choose between her conscience and her king, which could end with deadly consequences.
My Thoughts:
This started off a little slow for me, but knowing that it is the first of five books, I feel like Moschella chose to focus this first book on building the characters and start building the world this story takes place in. I definitely connected with the characters, particularly Meera and Cerun (the raek). The writing was so good, as I actually felt like I could feel and see what these characters were seeing and feeling.
I'd say this was a slow burn, but I really enjoyed this story. There were definitely some themes that could be considered trigger topics (go to https://www.melaniekmoschella.com/con... for a list of those), so be aware of that. I, for one, enjoyed that this story didn't need sex or romance to make it compelling...that might come in the later books of the series, perhaps, but I loved that I could immerse myself into the story without unnecessary sex scenes thrown in.
The most awesome thing, to me, is that all five books will be released at the same time, so no having to wait to see where things go. I am definitely going to order the remaining four books, for sure. If you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo and Rebecca Yarros, you'll enjoy this story as the world this story takes place in feels very similar to me. I give this 4 out of 5 stars.
March 21, 2024
Iron-Bound Flames is the first book in a series and I think it did well setting up the world.
We are introduced to our main character Meera, who is working in the kitchen of the palace. She didn't actually need the job, but apparently felt board at home and so she left to find work. Also no one else likes her because they think she is too rich. That was a bit odd, however I did like Meera as a character overall. She is very sure of herself and can be commanding when she needs to.
She volunteers to feed a raek which in my head looked like a dragon. It is a magical creature that is held captive, and when we are introduced to that we also find out that there seems to be two worlds, one magical with raeks and riders, and the other more of a mundane human world.
I think the ending of this book did a good job leaving you curious about what next as we get a glimpse of this second world.
There were a few things I didn't understand in this book. One, is that Meera is also a spy for the King. I don't really understand how this part of the story connected with the other, and I felt that maybe Meera could have learned more about this second world or why raeks and their riders were the 'enemy'. The second is that at times I felt like the story was telling rather than showing, which slowed down the pace of the book for me.
Thank you so much to Smith Publicity for sending me a copy of this book.
We are introduced to our main character Meera, who is working in the kitchen of the palace. She didn't actually need the job, but apparently felt board at home and so she left to find work. Also no one else likes her because they think she is too rich. That was a bit odd, however I did like Meera as a character overall. She is very sure of herself and can be commanding when she needs to.
She volunteers to feed a raek which in my head looked like a dragon. It is a magical creature that is held captive, and when we are introduced to that we also find out that there seems to be two worlds, one magical with raeks and riders, and the other more of a mundane human world.
I think the ending of this book did a good job leaving you curious about what next as we get a glimpse of this second world.
There were a few things I didn't understand in this book. One, is that Meera is also a spy for the King. I don't really understand how this part of the story connected with the other, and I felt that maybe Meera could have learned more about this second world or why raeks and their riders were the 'enemy'. The second is that at times I felt like the story was telling rather than showing, which slowed down the pace of the book for me.
Thank you so much to Smith Publicity for sending me a copy of this book.
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