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Fires of Retribution
Never Run. Never Surrender.Pyrah is a daughter of dragons, a royal princess, but her twin is considered empty and a blight on dragonkind. Under the empires strict laws, he's condemned to die. To save his life, they fled.
Years later Pyrah's dull life is shattered with the arrival of Prince Rhodys, a battle-dragon famous for his brutality. In his greed, Pyrah’s husband, Chieftain of Wymeria, negotiates with the dragon prince, ignoring the warnings that he is dooming his own family.
Committed to keeping her loved ones safe, Pyrah plots a rebellion. But her plans are interrupted. She is beaten, humiliated, and her children taken. Now there’s no telling how far she'll go or what she would risk in order to get her revenge …
Torryn, an outcast among dragonkind, knows that his life-mate is becoming dangerous. Their once happy bond is now fraught with grief, lies and betrayal. When an invitation to join a rebellion against the Artrothian Empire comes from his former lover, Torryn is surprised. The last time he saw Pyrah, she scorned his affection in favour of her human husband. She’s the spark, and Torryn knows once she lights the fires of retribution, the life he built from deceit will come crumbling down.
Years later Pyrah's dull life is shattered with the arrival of Prince Rhodys, a battle-dragon famous for his brutality. In his greed, Pyrah’s husband, Chieftain of Wymeria, negotiates with the dragon prince, ignoring the warnings that he is dooming his own family.
Committed to keeping her loved ones safe, Pyrah plots a rebellion. But her plans are interrupted. She is beaten, humiliated, and her children taken. Now there’s no telling how far she'll go or what she would risk in order to get her revenge …
Torryn, an outcast among dragonkind, knows that his life-mate is becoming dangerous. Their once happy bond is now fraught with grief, lies and betrayal. When an invitation to join a rebellion against the Artrothian Empire comes from his former lover, Torryn is surprised. The last time he saw Pyrah, she scorned his affection in favour of her human husband. She’s the spark, and Torryn knows once she lights the fires of retribution, the life he built from deceit will come crumbling down.
- GenresFantasy
459 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2024
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31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 12, 2024
An epic fantasy adventure with dragons, romance, drama, action and rebellion, inspired by Queen Boudica.
Pyrah is an inspiring and resilient FMC, and suffers a great deal throughout with the darker themes of the story, but her perseverance is noble especially towards her family.
It has multiple POV, it's fast paced, great character development, and the nods to mythology and magic.
✨Found family
✨Dragons
✨Second chance romance
✨Friend/Enemy to Lover
Can be read as a standalone but would benefit from reading the trilogy first to fully understand the worldbuilding and language.
Pyrah is an inspiring and resilient FMC, and suffers a great deal throughout with the darker themes of the story, but her perseverance is noble especially towards her family.
It has multiple POV, it's fast paced, great character development, and the nods to mythology and magic.
✨Found family
✨Dragons
✨Second chance romance
✨Friend/Enemy to Lover
Can be read as a standalone but would benefit from reading the trilogy first to fully understand the worldbuilding and language.
February 26, 2024
*DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This is the fourth novel from Burrage featuring the dragons of Artroth and Ramyr, a stand-alone New Adult story, set several hundred years before her stellar YA trilogy, The Dragon's Heir. I loved all of the new characters, the darker tone, and the little hints of spice. Pyrah is a force to be reckoned with, and watching her relationships - both familial and romantic - develop and deepen, was entertaining and at times devastating. Highly recommend for fans of fantasy featuring dragons, romance, found family, and family drama.
This is the fourth novel from Burrage featuring the dragons of Artroth and Ramyr, a stand-alone New Adult story, set several hundred years before her stellar YA trilogy, The Dragon's Heir. I loved all of the new characters, the darker tone, and the little hints of spice. Pyrah is a force to be reckoned with, and watching her relationships - both familial and romantic - develop and deepen, was entertaining and at times devastating. Highly recommend for fans of fantasy featuring dragons, romance, found family, and family drama.
March 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ K. J. Burrage's Fires of Retribution is an enchanting journey into a world of dragons, political intrigue, and the power of found family. From the majestic dragons soaring across the skies to the intricate web of political schemes, Burrage masterfully crafts a tale that will leave readers spellbound. The richly developed characters and their relationships, rooted in loyalty and trust, add depth and heart to the story. With each page turn, I found myself fully immersed in this fantastical realm, eagerly anticipating the next twist or turn. Fires of Retribution is a captivating adventure that seamlessly blends fantasy elements with themes of friendship, courage, and redemption. A must-read for any fantasy enthusiast!
March 11, 2024
DNF @21%
The writing is not just for me. I don't think I would be able to continue and go on with this book without hurting myself in the process.
I just couldn't bring myself to care for the plot and the characters because of its
~thank you author for the e-arc~
The writing is not just for me. I don't think I would be able to continue and go on with this book without hurting myself in the process.
I just couldn't bring myself to care for the plot and the characters because of its
~thank you author for the e-arc~
April 18, 2024
This book's original take on dragon shifters and their lore/society was a great surprise, particularly for someone who doesn't always enjoy shifter books!
And I was intrigued by the story's peculiar inspiration: the tale of queen Boudica/Boadicea's fight against the Romans.
I found all characters memorable, even those that appeared once had their unique personality; extra point for the switching POVs that allowed to get to know them better. I was invested in them and several events regarding them hit me hard.
My favourite was Torryn, I couldn't wait to get to his parts. I also enjoyed Pyrah, a strong woman but never stereotyped: she is a force of nature, but has her flaws and can make bad decisions.
I loved the fact that they were both grow adult with a past and troubled relationship, and I was 100% down for all the DRAMA!! 🤌
If I'd base my judgement on the first 60-70% of the book, it would be among the best ones I read this year. A pity the final part felt rushed to me, and brought the rating "down" to a well-deserved 4🌟.
For example, the book's first half
I felt a little let down with If the book's second half would have had the same pacing and level of details as its first, it would have been perfect for me!
The ending wraps things up well, but I would have liked a bit more on that, too, particularly considering the author's next work takes place 3000 years in the future, which means we'll not see these characters again 😢 which makes me sad. I know I will miss them!
And I was intrigued by the story's peculiar inspiration: the tale of queen Boudica/Boadicea's fight against the Romans.
I found all characters memorable, even those that appeared once had their unique personality; extra point for the switching POVs that allowed to get to know them better. I was invested in them and several events regarding them hit me hard.
My favourite was Torryn, I couldn't wait to get to his parts. I also enjoyed Pyrah, a strong woman but never stereotyped: she is a force of nature, but has her flaws and can make bad decisions.
I loved the fact that they were both grow adult with a past and troubled relationship, and I was 100% down for all the DRAMA!! 🤌
If I'd base my judgement on the first 60-70% of the book, it would be among the best ones I read this year. A pity the final part felt rushed to me, and brought the rating "down" to a well-deserved 4🌟.
For example, the book's first half
I felt a little let down with If the book's second half would have had the same pacing and level of details as its first, it would have been perfect for me!
The ending wraps things up well, but I would have liked a bit more on that, too, particularly considering the author's next work takes place 3000 years in the future, which means we'll not see these characters again 😢 which makes me sad. I know I will miss them!
March 12, 2024
“Never run. Never surrender.”
Queen Boudica was the inspiration for K.J. Burrage to write her novel Fires of Retribution. Together with her twin Pyrah has fled and lives in exile. When her cousin Prince Rodys finds them, war breaks out, but her old flame Torryn comes to the rescue, even though he has his own problems.
From the first I was hooked on this story. The writing is fast paced and flowing. The multiple POV, one of my favorite writing styles, is a great addition. You get to know the characters much better and you feel for them with all that is happening.
Pyrah is a great character, she is strong, fierce, a warrior, also beautiful and a force to be reckoned with. I can totally understand the link between Boudica. Torryn is also a fantastic character, but he is also a bit of an enigma. As a reader you hope he gets a second chance at love. And Pyrah’s daughters are just lovely. Some other characters you get to love and some you hate, and that is greatly done by K.J Burrage.
I loved the mythology in this story and the magic system. I had no idea that there was some magic (shapeshifting) woven into this tale, but I loved that very much.
Fires of retribution is a fast paced and easy to read book, with dragons, a great plot, wonderful characters, unexected twists and turns, and with a lot of action.
Highly recommended.
Queen Boudica was the inspiration for K.J. Burrage to write her novel Fires of Retribution. Together with her twin Pyrah has fled and lives in exile. When her cousin Prince Rodys finds them, war breaks out, but her old flame Torryn comes to the rescue, even though he has his own problems.
From the first I was hooked on this story. The writing is fast paced and flowing. The multiple POV, one of my favorite writing styles, is a great addition. You get to know the characters much better and you feel for them with all that is happening.
Pyrah is a great character, she is strong, fierce, a warrior, also beautiful and a force to be reckoned with. I can totally understand the link between Boudica. Torryn is also a fantastic character, but he is also a bit of an enigma. As a reader you hope he gets a second chance at love. And Pyrah’s daughters are just lovely. Some other characters you get to love and some you hate, and that is greatly done by K.J Burrage.
I loved the mythology in this story and the magic system. I had no idea that there was some magic (shapeshifting) woven into this tale, but I loved that very much.
Fires of retribution is a fast paced and easy to read book, with dragons, a great plot, wonderful characters, unexected twists and turns, and with a lot of action.
Highly recommended.
April 1, 2024
I found this book difficult to get into for the first few chapters. Initially, I thought Pyrah was somewhat cold and unsympathetic. However, I quickly found myself sucked into the chapters from other characters’ POVs, so I kept going. Once the action started, Pyrah grew on me and I came to admire her, and to care about her and all of the main characters.
Seeing the story unfold from multiple characters’ perspectives was great, as it made for a richer, more fleshed-out experience. I found the writing a little clunky in places, and there were a few typos/inconsistencies, but overall this was an excellent story, that put me through an emotional wringer. I think perhaps if I’d read The Dragon’s Heir trilogy first it would have been easier for me to get into the story at the beginning, but even without having read that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will definitely read more of this author’s works in this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Seeing the story unfold from multiple characters’ perspectives was great, as it made for a richer, more fleshed-out experience. I found the writing a little clunky in places, and there were a few typos/inconsistencies, but overall this was an excellent story, that put me through an emotional wringer. I think perhaps if I’d read The Dragon’s Heir trilogy first it would have been easier for me to get into the story at the beginning, but even without having read that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will definitely read more of this author’s works in this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 1, 2024
Star Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice Rating 🌶
*ARC REVIEW*
I found this book easy to follow along as a standalone, and doesn't need to be read in conjunction with any of her already published work - although there could potentially be links.
A thoroughly interesting read with an inspiring FMC who is strong, beautiful and resilient. The world building and magic system in this book were overall very fascinating. A truly gripping tale inspired by the story of Bouddica - thus sets the scene for a darker tone than some of her other books.
Recommend for fans of fantasy featuring dragons, romance, family and drama.
🖤 Frenemies to Lovers
🖤 3rd Person Multi POV
🖤 Fade to Black Scenes
🖤 Dragons
🖤 Inspired by the story of Bouddicia
🖤 Land and Sea Battles
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Second Chance Romance
Spice Rating 🌶
*ARC REVIEW*
I found this book easy to follow along as a standalone, and doesn't need to be read in conjunction with any of her already published work - although there could potentially be links.
A thoroughly interesting read with an inspiring FMC who is strong, beautiful and resilient. The world building and magic system in this book were overall very fascinating. A truly gripping tale inspired by the story of Bouddica - thus sets the scene for a darker tone than some of her other books.
Recommend for fans of fantasy featuring dragons, romance, family and drama.
🖤 Frenemies to Lovers
🖤 3rd Person Multi POV
🖤 Fade to Black Scenes
🖤 Dragons
🖤 Inspired by the story of Bouddicia
🖤 Land and Sea Battles
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Second Chance Romance
March 12, 2024
I received an arc copy for an honest review
KJ Burrage continues to enthral with an easy flow style of writing, which gripped me to my seat.
The plot was great, I love the culture of the dragons that comes through, and the character development makes you love or hate some characters.
There were some moments that were pure devastation, and I couldn't help but feel the agony of the character.
The Fires of Retribution is set before her Son of the Crown Trilogy and if you are up to date with those you have some ah ha moments or I know that guy. But the great thing about this book is you can read it by itself.
KJ Burrage continues to enthral with an easy flow style of writing, which gripped me to my seat.
The plot was great, I love the culture of the dragons that comes through, and the character development makes you love or hate some characters.
There were some moments that were pure devastation, and I couldn't help but feel the agony of the character.
The Fires of Retribution is set before her Son of the Crown Trilogy and if you are up to date with those you have some ah ha moments or I know that guy. But the great thing about this book is you can read it by itself.
March 10, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Fires of Retribution. The writing style paired with the multiple POVs creates wonderful images playing through your mind and really gives you perspective for each character. The main character, Pyrah, is strong, beautiful, and an absolute force to be reckoned with. The inner dragons aspect of the story is gripping!
Overall, this was a gratifying read that I would recommend especially for fans of fantasy, romance, and dragons!
•multiple pov
•second chance romance
•dragons
•found family
•fade to black scenes
•frenemies to lovers
Overall, this was a gratifying read that I would recommend especially for fans of fantasy, romance, and dragons!
•multiple pov
•second chance romance
•dragons
•found family
•fade to black scenes
•frenemies to lovers
March 14, 2024
If you love dragon shifters, kingdom politics, and resilient characters then this is the book for you! I really loved the strength and complexity of the characters and their determination to succeed against all odds. I will admit that this book took me longer to get through because the writing was a little difficult at times and the beginning was a little hard to get into. The complexity of the dragon culture and the politics made it a little hard to understand at first but the plot was really good! Definitely a story worth reading.
February 13, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, I loved the inner dragon and the powers that they get. The feeling I have for the characters I've never really had that feeling with other books, like how I care what happens to them and I think as a mother what wouldn't we do for our young. The main character is a force to be reckon with and the love story and the coming together. I really enjoyed , if you like Dragons and powers and love and family you'll love this book.
March 15, 2024
If you love dragon shifter books with a dash of politics and a HEAPING spoonful of revenge, this book is for you!
The beginning is a tad slow but after a bit it was hard to stop reading. This book is action packed and really makes you feel for the characters and the events that take place, I honestly really hope that there is a second book coming soon!!
The beginning is a tad slow but after a bit it was hard to stop reading. This book is action packed and really makes you feel for the characters and the events that take place, I honestly really hope that there is a second book coming soon!!
March 30, 2024
There was not a single dull moment in this book. Between the fast paced writing, the battle scenes, drama and steamy romance, Pyrah had me hooked from the very beginning. She's a real forced to be reckoned with. Her perseverance, strength and fierceness all added to the plot make this overall a really good book to read!
March 12, 2024
This was a new adult fantasy and I enjoyed the read. I really liked Torryn as a character and also Pyrah and was hoping Torryn got his second chance. There were unexpected twists to keep me wanting to continue and couldn't put the book down. In fact I am reading it again.
March 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written. Had a good story charcater that kept me interested and wanting more.
March 20, 2024
An amazing story that will have you wanting more. Pyrah is a daughter of a Dragon,but unfortunately her twin is totally different causing trouble. Intriguing all the way to the end.
May 21, 2024
"Fires of Retribution" by K. J. Burrage is a fast-paced dragon fantasy featuring a fiery-willed female MC. Pyrah carries a dragon's soul, capable of shifting between human and flying form, but in truth they are two characters intertwined. Like other dragons, she carries herself above humans, but is forced into marriage with a far-from-worthy man. Although she still has her brother and her beloved children, Pyrah longs for many things that are out of her reach, above all resentful to the cause of her isolation: the Artrothian Empire. This book is her origin story, and seems to open the gates to future books of revolution and resistance.
Overall, I did not find Pyrah to be particularly likeable. She is impulsive, quick to anger and quick to act, and so assured of herself at times that she fails to plan. These seem to be dragon race characteristics, so she is not alone in her hot temper or violent reactions. I thought her dragon magic was really interesting, as was her maternal instinct toward nurturing other dragons. I did like Torryn, her love interest, quite a bit, and cheered them on because I wanted him to be happy.
The events of this book are the seeds of something bigger, with many small steps forward in resisting the Empire and many violent steps back. It's not always clear how one might truly escape from the Empire, when they appear so frequently and easily to decimate rebellions. The connection between this book and its inspiration of Queen Boudica made me want to learn more about the Celtic queen who stood up against Nero.
3.5/5.0 Stars
Overall, I did not find Pyrah to be particularly likeable. She is impulsive, quick to anger and quick to act, and so assured of herself at times that she fails to plan. These seem to be dragon race characteristics, so she is not alone in her hot temper or violent reactions. I thought her dragon magic was really interesting, as was her maternal instinct toward nurturing other dragons. I did like Torryn, her love interest, quite a bit, and cheered them on because I wanted him to be happy.
The events of this book are the seeds of something bigger, with many small steps forward in resisting the Empire and many violent steps back. It's not always clear how one might truly escape from the Empire, when they appear so frequently and easily to decimate rebellions. The connection between this book and its inspiration of Queen Boudica made me want to learn more about the Celtic queen who stood up against Nero.
3.5/5.0 Stars
February 5, 2024
I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of
" Fires of Retribution " by KJ Burrage. All the characters are interesting, but Phrah is also clever, beautiful, strong, and caring. This book will have you wishing that your inner dragon will manifest soon. This is definitely a good read.
" Fires of Retribution " by KJ Burrage. All the characters are interesting, but Phrah is also clever, beautiful, strong, and caring. This book will have you wishing that your inner dragon will manifest soon. This is definitely a good read.
July 4, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
Burrage's much-awaited prequel to her Dragon Heir trilogy has arrived, set 3000 years before the plot of the first instalment in the trilogy.
Though you could read this book as a standalone, I wouldn't recommend it. Much of the world building, magic system and langauge feels like assumed knowledge that I simply did not have when I picked up the book. Enjoy Burrage's trilogy and then come back to this prequel.
However, I did enjoy the authors take on the tale of Boudicea and the sheer amount of found-family. Pyrah truly is a force to be reckoned with.
While the pacing in the first third did give me whiplash from how fast characters and conflicts were introduced, the rest of the book does then progress at a more natural pace. Pyrah's enemies to lovers relationship with Torryn is a beautiful and believable example of love blossoming under duress.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to fans of Burrage's writing, and I will definitely pick up the Dragon Heir triolgy in order to enjoy it even more.
3.25*
Burrage's much-awaited prequel to her Dragon Heir trilogy has arrived, set 3000 years before the plot of the first instalment in the trilogy.
Though you could read this book as a standalone, I wouldn't recommend it. Much of the world building, magic system and langauge feels like assumed knowledge that I simply did not have when I picked up the book. Enjoy Burrage's trilogy and then come back to this prequel.
However, I did enjoy the authors take on the tale of Boudicea and the sheer amount of found-family. Pyrah truly is a force to be reckoned with.
While the pacing in the first third did give me whiplash from how fast characters and conflicts were introduced, the rest of the book does then progress at a more natural pace. Pyrah's enemies to lovers relationship with Torryn is a beautiful and believable example of love blossoming under duress.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to fans of Burrage's writing, and I will definitely pick up the Dragon Heir triolgy in order to enjoy it even more.
3.25*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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