Ten years after Elea wakes with no memories in a realm that forbids solar and lunar magics, she is faced with a choice that will alter her life forever.
She must decide whether to use her unusual, emotionally charged flame to survive or be taken by the murderous king’s men and sent to the capital for execution.
With the help of rogue lunar fae twins, Callista and Atlas, the fire fae narrowly escapes her brutal fate, only to be subjected to a new world of unknown trials.
Elea must learn to control her powerful abilities, cope with overwhelming grief, and navigate the unusual pull she feels toward the frustratingly standoffish Callista.
If the fire fae can learn to tame her wild fire, she could be the key the resistance needs to restore the balance of power in Celvaria and free the citizens of the realm from the king’s reign of terror.
Hannah began her professional career as a music major. She observed one middle school choir class and quickly learned that a life as a choir teacher wasn’t the path for her. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. After undergraduate school, she spent four years working as a salesperson and working on her master’s degree. Hannah received her master’s just in time for the worldwide pandemic, which left her open to explore what it was she wanted out of her career and, well, life.
Like many readers who loved young adult fantasy in middle and high school who took a years-long break, the pandemic threw her back into her love of reading and writing again full force. Since then, she has taken the chance to pursue something she truly loves. She gave up on the idea of making a living out of singing or literature when she was a child, and now, as an adult, she sees that the only thing between her and success in the things that she loves is her own self-doubt, and there is no longer space in her life for that kind of negativity.
Hannah has goals of sharing her stories and art with people who need those things most in their lives.
I was a wee bit confused for like, 65ish% of the book, but around that time everything finally clicked together and it made sense, but there was a LOT of information to take in and a lot of characters so I got confused at times.
It annoyed me that Elea liked SO many people, especially the twins for the longest and she was feeling the same exactly way for both then it suddenly changed.
All of the characters I enjoyed and their different personalities. Callista was my favorite and she was *chefs kiss* with her protectiveness. Elea’s growth was well written, especially around the 80ish% mark when it all comes together.
I loved the storyline though and found it very interesting once it came together. The ending was definitely a cliff hanger, and it was done well because I’m going to immediately jump into the second one haha
Well, well, well. So glad to have an author that knows exactly what the fantasy community wants!! Angst, passion, mystery, self discovery, and more. I love that the characters have depth and aren’t surface level. Such a great job of showing us what’s happening without info dumping. My perception of a couple characters definitely changed throughout the book and all I can say is that I got exactly what I wanted and I can’t WAIT for my friends to read this and for book 2!!
Heard about this one from a friend who knew I was specifically seeking sapphic fantasy this year! Overall, good book! The final big conflict scene is beautifully written and super engaging. A few formatting errors, but nothing super distracting or problematic. Not particularly spicy, but a good slow burn and the little secondary twist at the end was a fun choice! I really liked Atlas, and I’m excited to see what’s in store for him with the next book!
I need the second book NOW! Everything about this book was fantastic, the characters, the world building, the magic system, and the plot twists. It was both unique and comfortably nostalgic at the same time. This book is great for anybody who loves romantasy books like acotar! 10/10 recommend
I like the story in general. However, everything before chapter 17 left me a lot confused and frustrated with the back and forth between the two main characters, the confusing relationship with the twin brother and another back and forth with the main character’s history. That whole debacle comprised of at least 60% of the book. After that though, I felt glad I stuck with it because the story started to smooth out and have direction.
3.5 🌟 I loveeeed the romance & the plot was pretty interesting too - if a bit confusing in places! Certain phrases were really overused & bugged me a LOT & I really did not like Atlas’ chapter at the end and hope that it’s not going where I think it is probably going. But I will be reading book 2 because I love love love Callista & I fancy her so much
This book was decent, overall. I got a bit bored around the 60% mark because I felt like the author was telling us more than showing us what was happening. I will read the next book because that ending had me wanting more!
It takes a minute before it clicks in and when it does things flow slowly but we'll enough. Creepy men always ruin a good moment so I am always happy when they meet just as creepy ends.
This is definitely an incredible introduction to the new world, new lore and new magic. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it gives away enough without giving away too much and just keeps you wanting more.
I am so intrigued to know how this plays out and I have to say that the romance between characters is extremely interesting and I am looking forward to finding out how it develops.
So apparently I am into Romantasy now.... I didn't know that was a thing until recently but now I do.... sign me up! When I say this book checked off a bunch of marks for me I am not fibbing:
Found Family ⭐ Found Self ⭐ Epic World Building ⭐ Amazing Character Development ⭐ Queer Representation ⭐ Super Hot Femme Daddy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!!!!
Hannah Danielle has really showed up for the Sapphic fae lovers in this book. I look forward to see the developments in the next book!
This book is amazing!! It's a great story of a female who is is healing, finding herself, and being a true bad a$$. It's full of magic, love, romance, heart break, PLOT TWISTS! So much fun to read! Absolutely biting my nails until the sequel is done!
Re read 12/10-13/10 may have to up to 5 stars yknow
4.7 I was in a but of a slump and didn't want to pick any book up. BUT WOW i loved this completely, im so glad i started this series and i am so excited for the next book! October cannot come quick enough!
Elea has been living in Celvaria for the past decade, completely in the dark about who she is or where she came from. All she knows is that she woke up in a forest one day with a mysterious ability to wield fire. In this land, all Fae magic has been forbidden, so Elea is living peacefully with her friend Fabien out of sight until a trip into town up-ends all that she is familiar with. With the help from some rogue Fae, Elea makes a narrow escape from the palace guards, taking her far away from the home she’s come to love and into a new place called Safe Haven where she must learn to control her emotions as well as her fire power abilities. This new life throws her into a battle-ready world and forces her to face her past once and for all. Hannah Danielle is a debut author with a story most of us are all too familiar with. A life headed in one direction only to be knocked off course by a global pandemic, forcing an unexpected change that turns into a true calling! Graduating with a master’s degree right as the pandemic hit, Hannah spent her newfound time creating and publishing the stories she always wanted to read growing up. This is an adult fantasy book with an 18+ content warning for themes of sexual assault, violence, and sexuality. There are some moments that I wish I could read with my eyes closed; however, every moment adds an incredible element to help further character development or the story itself, nothing feels unnecessary. There’s action, magic, romance (frenemies-to-lovers fans will melt for this love story), and surprises around every corner. My favorite thing the author does is tension building but gracefully following it up with a coming together of the characters, giving you full *cough* satisfaction. I can’t stand when we get so many “almost” moments and finally get to the big reveal but it’s a fade to black. It is so hard not to completely gush about the story as I don’t want to spoil too much, but when I say I was exhilarated by every moment, I do not exaggerate, you will not be disappointed! Well, I should say you might be a little disappointed because the hook at the end will have you screaming at the author to release the next book ASAP! It is very hard to choose a favorite character but I will say, the female empowerment theme is always one I’m on board with! Each character (I should specify each GOOD character) revered the female species in this book, every race giving worship to Goddesses in turn. This book also represents the LGBTQ+ community very well as sexuality was not a barrier (again I should reiterate, for the GOOD characters). I highly recommend reading this if you’re a fan of creature fantasy but want more adult elements. Fans of The Dark Crystal or books like the Darkfever series, ACOTAR and The War of Two Queens will love the Shattered Source Series so get the first book now! (you can get it along with the side novel Moon Beams that comes free with the author’s newsletter!)
Rated: 4.5 stars *I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I almost gave this book a 5-star rating (rounded it up to a 5 here tho ;) ) and I’ll get to that in a second but let me just give you a quick synopsis first.
Elea is the FMC. She basically has amnesia and doesn’t remember anything before she meets her friend. He trains her to fight and how to contain her powers because her powers are so freakishly strong, he’s afraid she has a past that might come back to haunt her. Then one day she has a bit of an accident and comes across the other two main characters, Atlas and Callista. She is forced to take off with them and then learns who she is. They do some bad-ass fantasy battling and good defeats evil.
Now let me break down the pros and cons. As always, I start with the cons.
Cons: The ONLY reason it didn’t get a 5-star rating from me was because (without giving away spoilers) there was the twist on the love interest - I’m awesome on WHO the love interest is – believe me, totally great with that. My only point was I really wish the OTHER love interest would have just SAID SOMETHING!!! I hate when there’s no declaration of love, but I really really liked how it ended. Because you kinda suspect it, then you’re convinced of it, but then you’re like, maybe I just imagined something? Then the ending and you’re like I KNEW IT! I know I’m confusing you, but GET THIS NOW and you will understand exactly where I’m coming from.
Pros: Where do I start?? Ms. Hannah Danielle, she has become one of my favorite authors with this book and I send her much love and praise. Her writing skills were impeccable. She fully developed each character. She created that movie in my brain that so many others fail to give me. She shows me what is happening instead of just forcing me to hear the words. She gave me a full understanding of this fantasy world and I’m not even genuinely a fantasy reader. I couldn’t do the info dumps that a few of the more well-known fantasy authors give us. There was no “just keep reading, you’ll love the second half” going on here. I understood it and loved it from beginning to end. Ms. Danielle is definitely going places and I’m so happy and honored to have had the privilege to read and review this ARC for her. #Bornofflameandfury #BOFAF for life!
I’m typically more of a supernatural/paranormal romance reader vs fantasy but I enjoyed this! Not my usual cup of tea but I think anyone who is more into fae and fantasy would rave over this.
There is good world building and since our main character has no memories we learn quite a bit along with her. There’s a little bit of info dumping at the beginning but not an overwhelming amount. It’s a slower start (like most fantasy is to me) but sets you up for a gripping future in this series. The final 25% left me on the edge of my seat and the ending left me wishing it was MUCH closer to October and the release of book 2.
The romance is a small aspect of this story which is expected since this is not a romance book!! I fell in love with Atlas, the golden retriever twin, but I see what Elea sees in Callista, the black cat twin.
Hannah created characters that pull at your heart even in the side characters with limited page time. I hope to learn a bit more about all of the fae types in the future, most of them felt surface level other than lunar and solar, but even then I wish I had learned more.
A few more modern phrases are in the dialogue which doesn’t bother me in this setting (it didn’t feel wildly out of place) but it may bug more die hard fantasy readers.
I’d give this a 3.5 rounded up because it left me wanting more, but that’s likely the goal since this is the start of a series and not a standalone!
This is an exciting start to a queer romantasy series that checks all the right boxes for fans of the genre. It has the sweeping world-building, intense stakes, and slow-burning romance that romantasy readers crave—but with sapphic representation!
Elea's journey is one of self-discovery and finding family in unexpected places. Yess found family is the best! The fae twins, Callista and Atlas, bring both emotional complexity and charm to the story, particularly the simmering tension between Elea and the guarded, enigmatic Callista. Their dynamic is beautifully written, with plenty of angst and passion.
Danielle does an excellent job of balancing character-driven moments with action and plot, ensuring the pacing stays strong throughout. There’s a sense of mystery, both in Elea’s past and in the larger resistance against the king, making it impossible not to be intrigued by what’s coming next.
If you’re a romantasy fan who’s been waiting for more queer representation in the genre, Born of Flame and Fury delivers in spades. With well-crafted characters, heartfelt romance, and a story bursting with potential, it’s an incredible start to what promises to be a standout series. Bring on the next book—I’m ready!
Ten years after waking with no memories in a realm that forbids solar and lunar magics, Elea must choose between using her emotionally charged flame to survive or facing execution. With the help of rogue lunar fae twins, she escapes but faces new trials in a world of grief, power, and a mysterious connection to Callista. If Elea can control her wildfire, she could be the key to overthrowing the tyrannical king and restoring balance to Celvaria.
This book is written from Elia's point of view. I suppose this romantasy falls into the slow burn category. Still, the journey of Elia, the secondary characters, and the daily life of the people in Celvaria makes this book much more than just a sapphic story.
The tension between Elia and Callista is a big part of the plot, but what captivated me most was the development of Elia's story, from when they found her, her alliance and friendship with the people of Celvaria, her memories, and her personal growth throughout the story. The participation of Atlas, Callista's brother, serves as a good buffer in the trio and offers support and helps Elia in everything you would expect Callista to do.
Initially, Callista comes off as a hard-headed character, aloof and disinterested in Elia, but we later learn why she holds that attitude and how things are not as they seem. Many things are not as they initially seem, and the introduction to new plot twists feels natural and engaging.
Spice level 2, there's a lot of sexual tension, and at one point that gets taken care of and some sexy make-out sessions.
Elea can’t remember anything before she awoke in a field burning everything around her. As a solar fae, she wields the wild power of the sun, but being a solar fae is dangerous in her realm. When she accidentally unleashes her power on the king’s guard, she’s rescued by mysterious twins who bring her to their rebel hideout and a safe haven for all who oppose the King. Elea slowly finds herself unraveling the mystery of her past and the memories locked away in her mind.
Born of Flame and Fury is everything a fantasy reader could ask for! Easily grasped world building, magic, mystery, and twists throughout…not to mention the touch of romance! This story is sprinkled with just the right amount of each, and slams you with some seriously bad ass female leads!
I loved the character names and the depth we received with each of them. While there was a lot thrown at the reader in this series debut, it wasn’t overwhelming and left you eager for what comes next! Overall, I enjoyed the story and would recommend to fantasy fans looking for something similar to SJM!
I was given an arc copy of this book and in return I am giving my honest feedback and when I tell you this is one of the best arcs I’ve read in my life I mean it! It actually makes it into my top 5 books this year!
As this book begins we see the main character Elea completely lost, scared and confused with no memories, fortunately for her there was someone to take her in, unfortunately for her there were complications. As the book progresses we are introduced to some of the most incredible characters I have ever read about who try to take Elea under their wing and try to help her gain back her memories.
I think my favourite character in this book has to be atlas and I’m keeping this completely spoiler free but can everyone read this so I can gush about it some more!!
This book is a sapphic fantasy novel filled with plot twists, whichcraft, magic, battle scenes and has some of Bookstagram’s most beloved tropes
I can't even remember how I came across this book, it sat on my kindle for so long, but I am glad I finally got around to it! The story follows fire magic Fae Elea who has no recollection of her life from 10 years before. Living under the rule of King Ragnor, Elea's type of magic, along with lunar magic Fae, is hunted and captured by the King and his followers. After intervening in an attack on another Fae by the King's guards, Elea is rescued by Fae twins Atlas and Callista and eventually taken to their safe haven (literally called Safe Haven) where the hunted Fae live in secret. What follows is Elea learning to use her magic, trying to regain her memories whilst also managing the pull she feels towards Callista. This book is a standard but enjoyable fantasy about Fae with a sapphic romance. The characters are likeable and Elea is great as an FMC. It did take me about 30% of the book to get fully drawn in, but once I was I really enjoyed it.
I had a tough time for a long portion of this, and then the action picked up in the last quarter and some long-awaited explanations arrived and it really started to click. If it had all been like that, it would have been brilliant, but I’m not sure I would suggest pressing through the first bit to reach the good part. There were just too many unanswered questions, inexplicable behavior on the part of the other characters, and too much happened TO Elea while she just kind of flailed around unable to figure anything out. The late revelations and changes cleared a lot of that up… I just wish they had come sooner. For instance: knowing what we know at the end, Callista and Brenwyn are way more sympathetic; for me though it just doesn’t erase how difficult it was to handle their inexplicably hot & cold behavior earlier on.
I read this book as an ARC and I'll be honest, the first few chapters gave me pause. But a very short one! The action is very quick and starts on the first chapter. It didn't give me quite enough time to get attached to the characters yet before the action and story truly picked up but it's honestly a very small complaint as I do prefer an action packed book to the alternative! Besides, when I hit the halfway mark and it's spin on the story, I saw why it was done like that and I can truly appreciate the reasoning behind it. The magic system is interesting too and makes for a nice world. Also, it's a sapphic slow-burn and a strong FMC...need I say more?! All in all an enjoyable read from a first time author that did a terrific job!
This is a slower fantasy novel that doesn't have a ton of world building, but has quite a few shock factors throughout to keep it interesting. Amnesia plays a big part of Elea's story, and thankfully we don't have a time jumping perspective to keep up with. There's an interesting dynamic to the source stone history that impacts the genealogy of Fae throughout the book. The connection between Elea and some of the characters can be frustrating at times because they're skirting around attraction or someone is rejecting someone, when there's really a bond forming. Also, there's a mild cliffhanger at the end. Overall, it's a good plot, with a few questions that I expect to be answered in the next book.
Born of Flame and Fury is everything I crave in a fantasy book—rich world-building, compelling characters, an intricate plot, and a perfectly paced romance that feels organic and authentic. Hannah Danielle has created a vibrant and enthralling realm in Celvaria, where solar and lunar magics clash, and a fire fae with extraordinary abilities could be the key to freedom from a tyrant king.
Elea, our fiery protagonist, is a joy to follow. Her struggles to control her power, cope with grief, and navigate the complex bonds she forms with Callista and Atlas make her incredibly relatable and layered. I particularly appreciated how much depth the characters had, not just through their actions but in the way they interacted with one another. The dynamic between Elea and Callista, in particular, was captivating, with a fated mate element that didn’t feel rushed or forced—a rarity in fantasy romance.
The plot is filled with twists and turns, and even when I thought I had things figured out, Hannah Danielle managed to surprise me. The balance between action, character development, and romance was masterfully done, creating a story that kept me invested from start to finish.
Another standout feature of this book is how seamlessly queer representation is woven into the world. The queer-normative setting adds an inclusive and refreshing dimension to the story, making it all the more enjoyable to immerse myself in this realm.
Born of Flame and Fury is a stellar start to what promises to be an exceptional fantasy series. It’s packed with magic, emotional depth, and surprises that left me eagerly awaiting what comes next. If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that delivers on every level, this one’s a must-read!
I loved every minute of this book. Life made it so I was unable to sit and plow through the pages as fast as I wanted but it only added to the tension that Hannah Danielle built with this evocative story.
First off, I love my little Sunbeam, Elea. Sassy, headstrong, perfectly flawed. And the twins?! I wanted to reach in the pages and throttle everyone so many times, and that's not a negative against the story! It just shows how emotionally invested I was able to get, and boy howdy do you!
Danielle created a rich and vibrant fae world, an intriguing lore, and perfectly-faceted characters that had me kicking my feet.
If you love Fae stories and you're looking for something with excellent LGBTQIA+ rep, READ THIS.
In all seriousness, I read this Born of Fury and Flames and fell in love immediately. The writing style is clean and easy to follow, with beautiful descriptions and engaging characters. The way the author addresses grief and loss is fantastic and well-paced. And don't even get me started on the ANGST—my god.
Please read this book! I cannot stress enough how much space this book has taken up in my heart, and I need more people to read it so that I can fangirl about it with you!
Also, Atlas. Just...You are not prepared. He's...Well, you should just read it.
Oof, so, turns out, I'm not a super responsible reader of ARCs. Admittedly, I found it incredibly difficult to get into this book. It wasn't until about 60% through that I actually started to care about the characters. I found Elea to be very difficult to connect with. But I absolutely adored Atlas and Calista.
It took a while for the plot to pick up and this is clearly the first in a series, so that's kind of understandable. But I'm just a little disappointed. It wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be. It felt more like high fantasy than anything and I can't stand high fantasy. My perception going into if definitely ruined the whole experience for me.