Gwendoline “Gwen” Dagon was never meant to wear the crown.
When her sister dies, Gwen is forced into a role she despises—queen of a kingdom that expects obedience, poise, and political grace. What it gets instead is fury.
Amara Payne, High Mage of Reshaya, has spent her life devoted to duty and control. Preparing the reckless new heir for the throne should be simple.
It isn’t.
Gwen challenges everything Amara believes in, and Amara sees straight through Gwen’s rage. Their clashes spark more than political tension, and the closer they are forced together, the harder it becomes to deny the fire building between them.
But in a court ruled by tradition, desire is a liability. When a dangerous magical binding threatens Gwen’s life and ties their fates together, loving the future queen could destroy far more than reputations.
As unrest stirs within the kingdom and enemies circle from the shadows, Gwen and Amara must decide what matters more: power or passion, stability or freedom.
Two women who refuse to surrender to anything—not even to each other—may become the greatest threat to the kingdom.
firelight is a sapphic romantasy about control, surrender, and two women discovering that love can be more dangerous than magic.
Sabrina Blaum hails originally from Germany and moved to the United States in 2006. She studied Sociology, Geographic Information Systems, and English at a local university in Alabama, at which she is currently teaching English Composition. She has always written and wrote her first “novel” in elementary school, when she decided that Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers needed a sequel. She also had the habit of telling her late grandmother bedtime stories.
Sabrina is an avid reader and writer, and she loves to spend time with family and friends.
This was a random pick and I’m delighted I happened on this book. The component of the story that impressed me most is the fact that most of the story revolved around the palace. Most of the twists and the bulk of the story centred in the palace and dialogue between main characters was what kept the story moving forward. They didn’t have to venture far or meet heaps of characters despite it being a royalty story to make the story entertaining.
Let’s be fair. Because if you know me … you know this is not my genre. (Please read the good after the warnings!!!!)
That is not Sabrina’s (the author’s) fault and she did warn me — so this is on me. It is like giving a great product a bad review because the delivery driver smashed the box or it came late. I am reviewing THE PRODUCT THE WAY IT WAS INTENDED.
There is spice. Some of you will love it. Some not as much. No one said it wasn’t spicy. It is. Not usually my thing but so be it.
There is a futuristic/fantasy/magical realm that is not my style. Heck, everyone knows I am picky as heck. I only read realistic present time drama. Yes - no past, no comedy, no western, no survival, no guns or war, etc. I own I am a pain and I try to go outside my comfort zone and run back in.
What Sabrina did was make too much sex and too much magical / fantasy less comedic or fantasy so that I could enjoy. No, she didn’t do it for me — I just enjoy the fruits of her labor. (And if we are going to have too much sex … THANK YOU for using more than “two fingers” all of the time! My sex life is not full of a two-finger life. Yes — overshare — but, seriously …
The characters are honest. They are loving. They are creative in working out impossible situations. They are bonded in so many ways that it would lead to spoiler alerts and I dislike spoilers — so read for yourself. 🙂
Actually, I listened to the audio version and the narrator was perfect for this book. I am not sure if my feeling would be different if I read print (I have a vision issue so all are audio reviews). I hope that more people will read this.
It was actually pretty fun and dealt with some serious issues that I appreciated since I do love politics. The ending was sweet. The middle was sweet. The beginning was rocky as the two initially clashed a bit. But not enemies to lovers … more a misunderstanding of policy.
I hope of you like magic or fantasy and like spicy that you have already read this! I hope if you do not but like relevant topics to today … put in a tweaked light … adding a bit of fun … you will give the book a try. I believe it is a 5 star for the right person and for the wrong person it is definitely a 4 star that can be rounded up. Because I am that boring and was intrigued by the growth of the characters and the changes in policy a young girl (young in our government) wanted to enact. It was sweet, loving, kind, honest, touching, and it could e powerful if you are into that side of it.
Such a clash between Gwen and Amara from the get-go. Disagreements and tensions started to rise from each interaction and led to a lot of sex. Which i don't mind. There was a lot of push and pull around each issue that presented itself, which were valid as both Gwen and Amara are holding positions of power involving politics and court procedures. The development between them was so satisfying as there was a lot of angst and a payoff at the end that i enjoyed. However, i would have liked a bigger plot that involved more characters and more scenes in high society, which royals would experience. For example, royal parties, visits to other countries or local places etc.. they were cooped in the palace the whole time. Not to say i disliked the sole focus on their budding relationshi, but i wanted to know more about the country as well as them being outside of their bubble. Gwen also wasn't seen ruling the country whatsoever. i didn't even see any dukes or other characters that would have added more to the story and plot. Overall, i enjoyed the banter, romance, troupe and writing.
Surprisingly Fantastic – Hooked from Start to Finish!
I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but Firelight absolutely blew me away. The story pulled me in right from the beginning—beautifully written, full of emotion, magic, and a lot of heat🔥The chemistry between the main characters is electric!
The world-building was immersive, the political tension added depth, and the romance was both sweet and sizzling. I especially loved the strength and complexity of both Gwen and Amara—such compelling leads.
The narration was spot-on too. Clark Coderre brought the characters to life and kept me fully engaged throughout the audiobook.
A lovely surprise of a story. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys fantasy, strong female leads, and a lot of spice! 🥵
3.5⭐️ I enjoyed this book a lot but I would have liked more on page court intrigue and politics. The antagonistic relationship between the serious Amara and the somewhat carefree Gwen was fun and very hot. I also liked the political clash between the main characters. Gwen was progressive minded and I agreed with many of her arguments for dismantling the monarchy and giving power back to the people. But I could also understand that Amara didn’t want to make any rash decisions and cause political instability if Gwen actually achieved her goals. Overall, I really liked the book but I wanted more scenes around court or even the senate.
5 stars for me. I loved the fantasy elements and the magic use, and I loved how the characters work their way from an obvious power struggle they deal with to being in a very heated, messy, sexual kind of obsession that then also informs their relationship and feelings naturally. It is messy, angsty, high-level smut at times, good action and mystery elements, and some paranormal elements as well while these two are in an arranged, forced relationship at first. It is worth the read I think.
3.5⭐️ rounding up. Good plot concept but I never felt really invested in or connected to the 2 FMCs. It was a super slow burn with a high focus on duty and politics … which was ok, but without a strong connection to one of the characters and the ending being less than satisfying, I couldn’t really get into it.
This was a bit slow starting, but once it gets going, wow! Gwen was a bit annoying at first, but it passes. Amara is really something. Loved the story, the world building, and the character growth of BOTH main characters. This is an excellent read!
Undeniably filled with fire and passion in this fantasy world where politics, old ways conflict with the changes of modern ways. Sometimes it is when we let go that we make room for something better that leads to a HEA..
Sabrina Blaum’s world-building in Reyshaya is captivating! The interplay between political intrigue, magical elements, and character growth adds depth and richness to the tale. Blaum skillfully weaves together various elements to create a multilayered narrative that will keep readers engaged and as always, her dialogue is both witty and poignant.
firelight is a sexy, captivating read with its combination of romance and tension-filled dynamics between two women who thrive on arguing. Blaum crafted a narrative that delves into themes of acceptance, honesty, and trust while keeping readers hooked with secrets, magick, and intrigue. The steam factor is ramped up in the most exquisite ways allowing readers to fall in love with two flawed and brilliant women. Grab your copy, get comfortable, and enjoy this riveting romantasy!
Audiobook Addition: Clark Coderre is the perfect narrator for this steamy, emotionally charged tale. Her mellow tone carries a simmering undercurrent of tension that keeps you locked in from the first word. She captures everything from Amara’s icy restraint to Gwen’s playful frustration with striking authenticity. The voices she gives each character are pitch-perfect: Amara’s cool, commanding tone contrasts beautifully with Gwen’s more expressive, often exasperated delivery. Even in their quietest moments, the chemistry between them crackles thanks to Coderre’s performance. Her pacing is measured and deliberate during moments of reflection, then sharp and dynamic when the stakes rise. Overall, her narration elevates an already captivating story.
What a beautiful cover showing the title. Sabrina Blaum has written a forbidden love story between the Princess and her adviser the Magi. Not only age difference but the tale develops when the Princess suddenly rises to learn to be Queen. This is such a well written tale 2025 well worth a re listen