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Winged Wars #1
Wings of Ash & Flame
Rivals by design. Lovers by choice. Enemies by destiny.
Alaire Aerendyl has survived by her fists, her wits, and sheer defiance. An orphaned human, unjustly imprisoned by the powerful fae houses that rule her world, she's never truly known freedom—only how to fight for scraps of it.
So when she's offered a place at a brutal fae academy known for its deadly magical trials and bonded mythical winged creatures, she doesn’t hesitate. Freedom is worth any risk.
Alaire is meant to fail. But when she bonds with a legendary phoenix, reviving the long-lost House of Ashfyre, everything changes. Memories awaken. Magic stirs. And Alaire becomes the target of powers far darker than she ever imagined.
Bound by duty, fae prince Dawson Knox is broody, lethal, and infuriating. Forced to train alongside him, Alaire finds herself pushed to every limit. He’s the last person she should trust…and the only one who makes her burn.
The blistering tension between them is a distraction she can’t afford. Because the academy’s trials are merely preparation for what lies ahead, war is brewing between the fae and vampires, with humans caught in the crossfire. If Alaire can’t uncover the secrets of her past and conquer her traitorous heart, there might not be a future worth fighting for.
Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy, Wings of Ash & Flame is the first gripping book in the dark romantic fantasy trilogy, The Winged Wars. If you love academy settings, angst, slow-burn tension, and fierce rivals-to-lovers romance, this epic journey will leave you aching for more.
Alaire Aerendyl has survived by her fists, her wits, and sheer defiance. An orphaned human, unjustly imprisoned by the powerful fae houses that rule her world, she's never truly known freedom—only how to fight for scraps of it.
So when she's offered a place at a brutal fae academy known for its deadly magical trials and bonded mythical winged creatures, she doesn’t hesitate. Freedom is worth any risk.
Alaire is meant to fail. But when she bonds with a legendary phoenix, reviving the long-lost House of Ashfyre, everything changes. Memories awaken. Magic stirs. And Alaire becomes the target of powers far darker than she ever imagined.
Bound by duty, fae prince Dawson Knox is broody, lethal, and infuriating. Forced to train alongside him, Alaire finds herself pushed to every limit. He’s the last person she should trust…and the only one who makes her burn.
The blistering tension between them is a distraction she can’t afford. Because the academy’s trials are merely preparation for what lies ahead, war is brewing between the fae and vampires, with humans caught in the crossfire. If Alaire can’t uncover the secrets of her past and conquer her traitorous heart, there might not be a future worth fighting for.
Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy, Wings of Ash & Flame is the first gripping book in the dark romantic fantasy trilogy, The Winged Wars. If you love academy settings, angst, slow-burn tension, and fierce rivals-to-lovers romance, this epic journey will leave you aching for more.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
145 people are currently reading
2071 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
October 1, 2025
I need a minute to gather my thoughts 😳 that cliffhanger was CRIMINAAAAAAL !!!
Thank you so much Jocelyn Bleu for making me one of your ARC readers ❤️🔥 I had so much fun reading this story !!!
Thank you so much Jocelyn Bleu for making me one of your ARC readers ❤️🔥 I had so much fun reading this story !!!
September 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Okay, this was a fun time. A human woman ends up in a school for fae. The academia vibes absolutely hit.
The tension / slow burn is so good. It’s the type that hurts the whole book but you can’t help but crave more 😭
Not gonna lie, that ending damn near ended me. I’m gonna need more because what do you mean?!?!?
Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
Okay, this was a fun time. A human woman ends up in a school for fae. The academia vibes absolutely hit.
The tension / slow burn is so good. It’s the type that hurts the whole book but you can’t help but crave more 😭
Not gonna lie, that ending damn near ended me. I’m gonna need more because what do you mean?!?!?
Thank you so much to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
September 23, 2025
oh my god that ending was straight up diabolical.
—
this book gave zodiac academy x fourth wing vibes in the best way!! the slow burn was actually so criminal that i threw my kindle at that one scene… iykyk.
alaire is such a fun fmc with her snarky remarks and putting everyone in her place! but also her backstory is so sad and i hope to see her process it more in the future.
dawson. mf. knox. dark haired brooding fae prince? i was sat the moment i met him. the things that came out of this man’s mouth had me gasping for air!
the celestials were one of my fav parts of this book. solflara is so sassy i absolutely loved her hehe.
gnawing at the bars of my enclosure for book 2 after that ending!! big thank you to the nerd fam for this arc! ♥︎
“beautiful, fierce, impossible to ignore. you light up everything around you and leave me breathless every time.”
—
this book gave zodiac academy x fourth wing vibes in the best way!! the slow burn was actually so criminal that i threw my kindle at that one scene… iykyk.
alaire is such a fun fmc with her snarky remarks and putting everyone in her place! but also her backstory is so sad and i hope to see her process it more in the future.
dawson. mf. knox. dark haired brooding fae prince? i was sat the moment i met him. the things that came out of this man’s mouth had me gasping for air!
the celestials were one of my fav parts of this book. solflara is so sassy i absolutely loved her hehe.
gnawing at the bars of my enclosure for book 2 after that ending!! big thank you to the nerd fam for this arc! ♥︎
“beautiful, fierce, impossible to ignore. you light up everything around you and leave me breathless every time.”
September 30, 2025
I had very high hopes for this book cause it sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately it was not it for me. It honestly feels like someone threw several popular books into a blender and Wings of Ash & Flame is what came out. I am totally cool with repetitive elements and themes in the genre however this just did not mesh well together in my opinion.
It definitely feels more fan fic vibe to me in writing style and dialogue than fantasy/romantasy novel. If that is something you enjoy, this might be the perfect book for you!
EDIT: I am editing to add this commentary as I thought it the entire time I was reading and after further reflection I feel I should share my thought with others. I suspect that at least some element(s) of generative AI were used in the creation of this story. I do not have any conclusive evidence to show however it is such a blatant combination of several popular IPs that…I am concerned it was at least partially written with generative AI.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #wingsofashandflame #thenerdfam
It definitely feels more fan fic vibe to me in writing style and dialogue than fantasy/romantasy novel. If that is something you enjoy, this might be the perfect book for you!
EDIT: I am editing to add this commentary as I thought it the entire time I was reading and after further reflection I feel I should share my thought with others. I suspect that at least some element(s) of generative AI were used in the creation of this story. I do not have any conclusive evidence to show however it is such a blatant combination of several popular IPs that…I am concerned it was at least partially written with generative AI.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #wingsofashandflame #thenerdfam
September 17, 2025
A deadly academy, brutal trials, and a fierce heroine who refuses to be broken, what more could you want?
Wings of Ash and Flame is everything I crave in a romantasy, and I devoured every twist, betrayal, and slow burning moment. This story dives straight into the action, and definitely keeps you on your toes.
Alaire is a force. Battling a chronic illness and a ruthless world that underestimates her, she proves again and again that strength doesn’t always come from power, but from resilience. Watching her rise, fight, and feel was beyond empowering. Then there’s Dawson, the brooding, grumpy mmc whose every glance screams tension and barely restrained devotion.
The slow burn? Absolute perfection. The yearning, the angst, the pull between them… it all genuine and unforgettable.
Beyond the romance and the deadly trials, there’s a rich thread of found family woven through the story. Alaire’s friendship with Kaia and her bond with her celestial added layers of warmth and heart that balanced the high stakes beautifully.
And that ending? Devastating. It hit like a gut punch. I felt Alaire’s heartbreak, the betrayal, and now I’m counting down the days until book two, hoping for justice, answers, and maybe forgiveness and understanding. 😭
If you loved Fourth Wing, this book gives off a similar vibe. Intense, emotional, action packed, but still manages to carve out its own unique space. It’s bold, brilliant, and brimming with magic, secrets, and heart.
Wings of Ash and Flame releases September 25th, and prepare to be obsessed!! 🐦🔥
Wings of Ash and Flame is everything I crave in a romantasy, and I devoured every twist, betrayal, and slow burning moment. This story dives straight into the action, and definitely keeps you on your toes.
Alaire is a force. Battling a chronic illness and a ruthless world that underestimates her, she proves again and again that strength doesn’t always come from power, but from resilience. Watching her rise, fight, and feel was beyond empowering. Then there’s Dawson, the brooding, grumpy mmc whose every glance screams tension and barely restrained devotion.
The slow burn? Absolute perfection. The yearning, the angst, the pull between them… it all genuine and unforgettable.
Beyond the romance and the deadly trials, there’s a rich thread of found family woven through the story. Alaire’s friendship with Kaia and her bond with her celestial added layers of warmth and heart that balanced the high stakes beautifully.
And that ending? Devastating. It hit like a gut punch. I felt Alaire’s heartbreak, the betrayal, and now I’m counting down the days until book two, hoping for justice, answers, and maybe forgiveness and understanding. 😭
If you loved Fourth Wing, this book gives off a similar vibe. Intense, emotional, action packed, but still manages to carve out its own unique space. It’s bold, brilliant, and brimming with magic, secrets, and heart.
Wings of Ash and Flame releases September 25th, and prepare to be obsessed!! 🐦🔥
September 20, 2025
I’m between 3.75 to 4 stars - the pacing was a bit all over the place, and I foresaw most of what was coming. You can tell the influences were definitely Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy and also maybe a little hint of Harry Potter- not bad inspiration IMO.
However this was a pretty solid first book! I had a good little time. I still have so many questions that I want answers to, the plot intrigued me and I really liked the FMC & I want to see what happens next. I will keep it spoiler free since this isn’t published yet- Thank you very much to the NerdFam and Jocelyn Bleu for the eARC!
However this was a pretty solid first book! I had a good little time. I still have so many questions that I want answers to, the plot intrigued me and I really liked the FMC & I want to see what happens next. I will keep it spoiler free since this isn’t published yet- Thank you very much to the NerdFam and Jocelyn Bleu for the eARC!
September 24, 2025
Wings of Ash & Flame, book one in the Winged Wars series by Jocelyn Bleu
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
3.5 stars
This novel was a nod to and a reminder of Fantasy novels Fourth Wing (academy setting, flight training with celestial, inexperienced girl needs to train up fast, MMC gives her a set of daggers and helps train her, underdog FMC in a tumultuous situationship ❤️ MMC,) The Black Witch Chronicles (the glowing runes and the war with other beings, underdog FMC ❤️ MMC,)and The Aurelian Cycle (academy setting, orphan, flight and fight training, underdog FMC ❤️ MMC,) and even some parallels to The Zodiac Academy.
Don’t get me wrong, that isn’t a bad thing. It’s clear where the authors inspiration comes from and admittedly they’re great sources! I really enjoyed the above mentioned novels but while reading THIS one I often thought “I’ve read a lot of similar storylines.”
As you’ve guessed this novel is in a fae academy setting, four levels of royal bloodline students learning everything they need to know such as the history and lore and to wield elemental magic, physically fight and flight/battle training with their celestials (think griffins, owls etc,) to prepare for deadly trials and a looming war between Fae and Vampires.
Let’s talk characters:
Alaire, FMC , is a human who is orphaned at a young age. She lives in Erithian where Fae are the dominating race and humans are looked down upon, used and taken advantage of by the Fae. Alaire is sick of the way humans are treated and ends up thrown in a fae prison for defending a human child being whipped by a guard. Feeling broken and resigned to her fate, a mysterious man shows up with an offer she can’t refuse. A place at the Fae Academy where she must train, pass trials and graduate from in order to earn her freedom.
Alaire is meant to be fiesty, rough around the edges and an advocate for humans (obviously.). She’s got a chip on her shoulder and is sarcastic and snarky. She has a wicked tongue and often is reckless with her words and actions. There’s a lot of acting before thinking and suffer the consequences later. She has no family, doesn’t know much of her history and has few vague memories of her parents and life before the orphanage. She doesn’t trust or even like the Fae but ends up with a couple of Fae friends and brooding love interest.
I enjoyed Kaia and Archer (the two Fae friends,) and the found family feel of their loyalty and friendship with Alaire and each other. Each had their own type of humor with lots of enjoyable banter.
There’s Caius whom I imagine most readers will not like but I loved him 😂 Was he mean, rude, obnoxious? Yes. However, I enjoyed the fact that he didn’t just welcome Alaire. He was loud, proud and in her face (everyone’s really,) and waited until Alaire proved herself before accepting her. (Somewhat 😝) He’s also the MMC’s best friend.
And the MMC, Dawson. Tall, dark and handsome. The Prince of a revered royal bloodline. Carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders with all the obligations and duties that come with the title. He tries his damnedest to keep emotional distance from Alaire.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and characters. The pacing was a little off at times but didn’t affect the story telling too much. It is plot driven but there is also the slowest of slow burns weaved in. The world building and lore were decent. There were a lot of very long run on sentences (in my opinion.) And also some phrases that I felt were overused such as “drags his/her hand down their face,” “metallic tang of blood,” and I grew extremely tired of hearing how Dawson smelled like “ frosted Evergreen and salted wind.) 😐
This is a good novel, it held my interest (I love a good war academy story.) I just wish there was something more that made it unique, that really defined and set it apart from other novels out there. The ending was good. That twist actually upset me 😂 and I am indeed looking forward to the next installment of this trilogy!
This novel is being published September 25th. Thank you to NerdFam and author Jocelyn Bleu for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
3.5 stars
This novel was a nod to and a reminder of Fantasy novels Fourth Wing (academy setting, flight training with celestial, inexperienced girl needs to train up fast, MMC gives her a set of daggers and helps train her, underdog FMC in a tumultuous situationship ❤️ MMC,) The Black Witch Chronicles (the glowing runes and the war with other beings, underdog FMC ❤️ MMC,)and The Aurelian Cycle (academy setting, orphan, flight and fight training, underdog FMC ❤️ MMC,) and even some parallels to The Zodiac Academy.
Don’t get me wrong, that isn’t a bad thing. It’s clear where the authors inspiration comes from and admittedly they’re great sources! I really enjoyed the above mentioned novels but while reading THIS one I often thought “I’ve read a lot of similar storylines.”
As you’ve guessed this novel is in a fae academy setting, four levels of royal bloodline students learning everything they need to know such as the history and lore and to wield elemental magic, physically fight and flight/battle training with their celestials (think griffins, owls etc,) to prepare for deadly trials and a looming war between Fae and Vampires.
Let’s talk characters:
Alaire, FMC , is a human who is orphaned at a young age. She lives in Erithian where Fae are the dominating race and humans are looked down upon, used and taken advantage of by the Fae. Alaire is sick of the way humans are treated and ends up thrown in a fae prison for defending a human child being whipped by a guard. Feeling broken and resigned to her fate, a mysterious man shows up with an offer she can’t refuse. A place at the Fae Academy where she must train, pass trials and graduate from in order to earn her freedom.
Alaire is meant to be fiesty, rough around the edges and an advocate for humans (obviously.). She’s got a chip on her shoulder and is sarcastic and snarky. She has a wicked tongue and often is reckless with her words and actions. There’s a lot of acting before thinking and suffer the consequences later. She has no family, doesn’t know much of her history and has few vague memories of her parents and life before the orphanage. She doesn’t trust or even like the Fae but ends up with a couple of Fae friends and brooding love interest.
I enjoyed Kaia and Archer (the two Fae friends,) and the found family feel of their loyalty and friendship with Alaire and each other. Each had their own type of humor with lots of enjoyable banter.
There’s Caius whom I imagine most readers will not like but I loved him 😂 Was he mean, rude, obnoxious? Yes. However, I enjoyed the fact that he didn’t just welcome Alaire. He was loud, proud and in her face (everyone’s really,) and waited until Alaire proved herself before accepting her. (Somewhat 😝) He’s also the MMC’s best friend.
And the MMC, Dawson. Tall, dark and handsome. The Prince of a revered royal bloodline. Carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders with all the obligations and duties that come with the title. He tries his damnedest to keep emotional distance from Alaire.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and characters. The pacing was a little off at times but didn’t affect the story telling too much. It is plot driven but there is also the slowest of slow burns weaved in. The world building and lore were decent. There were a lot of very long run on sentences (in my opinion.) And also some phrases that I felt were overused such as “drags his/her hand down their face,” “metallic tang of blood,” and I grew extremely tired of hearing how Dawson smelled like “ frosted Evergreen and salted wind.) 😐
This is a good novel, it held my interest (I love a good war academy story.) I just wish there was something more that made it unique, that really defined and set it apart from other novels out there. The ending was good. That twist actually upset me 😂 and I am indeed looking forward to the next installment of this trilogy!
This novel is being published September 25th. Thank you to NerdFam and author Jocelyn Bleu for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
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October 4, 2025I only made it 100 pages in, but this is just too jumpy and all over the place to keep me interested. I love the idea of the story but it’s hard to understand when it keeps jumping ahead in time without any context of what happened in the time lapse. 😕
September 12, 2025
Thank you to @thenerdfam for the gifted eARC.
Holy shit. One of the best arcs I’ve ever read.
Holy shit. One of the best arcs I’ve ever read.
September 30, 2025
.25/5
I read the beginning, skimmed to the middle, and then read the last three chapters. I gotta say, I’m confused by the 5-stars.
Like. What a bummer. This could’ve been something really cool and interesting. Instead I felt like this was several popular fantasy IPs in a blender and poured out on the page. I felt like I knew where the story was going and the plot points were almost immediately. Things weren’t connecting for me.
The phoenix was cool, don’t see enough of that these days.
Thank you The Nerd Fam for this ARC, unfortunately this was a miss for me.
I read the beginning, skimmed to the middle, and then read the last three chapters. I gotta say, I’m confused by the 5-stars.
Like. What a bummer. This could’ve been something really cool and interesting. Instead I felt like this was several popular fantasy IPs in a blender and poured out on the page. I felt like I knew where the story was going and the plot points were almost immediately. Things weren’t connecting for me.
The phoenix was cool, don’t see enough of that these days.
Thank you The Nerd Fam for this ARC, unfortunately this was a miss for me.
September 25, 2025
Oh my good god…this book. Guys if you love academic Romantasy with a side of the slowest of slow burns, rivals to something with deadly trials, so much feminine rage and secrets and betrayals then this is absolutely the book for you.
I had no idea what to expect other than the synopsis telling us it’s for fans of Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy and it definitely lived up to that expectation. It gave a big healthy nod to both of those series but without feeling derivative. I ate this up. Read all 500+ pages in under 48 hours. This story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was entirely engrossed. We know a human doesn’t just get plucked out of prison to enter a fae magic academy for no damn reason but the author gave us enough crumbs to keep me firmly invested. This story just continued to unravel until I was left screaming into my pillow at 1am over the big reveal at the end. I’m sorry what?? What?? Jocelyn Bleu has some explaining to do.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘈𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘥, “𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘤���𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘜𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦.”
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦, “𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥.”
🫠🫠🫠
What you get:
- orphan human FMC
- fae prince MMC
- magical academy
- rivals to almost lovers
- magical creatures (sorry no dragons)
- feminine rage
- deadly trials
- slow burn
- the best damn yearning that ever did yearn
- banter + tension
- hidden identities
- secrets + betrayals
I had no idea what to expect other than the synopsis telling us it’s for fans of Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy and it definitely lived up to that expectation. It gave a big healthy nod to both of those series but without feeling derivative. I ate this up. Read all 500+ pages in under 48 hours. This story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was entirely engrossed. We know a human doesn’t just get plucked out of prison to enter a fae magic academy for no damn reason but the author gave us enough crumbs to keep me firmly invested. This story just continued to unravel until I was left screaming into my pillow at 1am over the big reveal at the end. I’m sorry what?? What?? Jocelyn Bleu has some explaining to do.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘈𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘥, “𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘤���𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘜𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦.”
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦, “𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥.”
🫠🫠🫠
What you get:
- orphan human FMC
- fae prince MMC
- magical academy
- rivals to almost lovers
- magical creatures (sorry no dragons)
- feminine rage
- deadly trials
- slow burn
- the best damn yearning that ever did yearn
- banter + tension
- hidden identities
- secrets + betrayals
September 10, 2025
ARC REVIEW
This story is set in a fantasy academy setting, where fae go to train their magic. Alaire is a human girl who was freed from prison with the condition that she attend this academy. As the only human, it comes as a surprise when she bonds with a phoenix of the long lost seventh family of the fae. What does it all mean? And how will impact Alaire’s life?
I enjoyed Alaire’s character and her journey of self discovery. She goes through a lot of guilt and grief, and it was enjoyable to read.
The story itself was intriguing, however I felt that there was a lot of information that was implied and made it difficult to feel fully immersed. I also felt this way with the other characters, including the MMC Dawson. He was broody and clearly had secrets, but we didn’t get deep enough into his character to have me invested.
The ending was a delightful surprise! Overall I had a good time reading, just wish that some of the story and characters went deeper.
This story is set in a fantasy academy setting, where fae go to train their magic. Alaire is a human girl who was freed from prison with the condition that she attend this academy. As the only human, it comes as a surprise when she bonds with a phoenix of the long lost seventh family of the fae. What does it all mean? And how will impact Alaire’s life?
I enjoyed Alaire’s character and her journey of self discovery. She goes through a lot of guilt and grief, and it was enjoyable to read.
The story itself was intriguing, however I felt that there was a lot of information that was implied and made it difficult to feel fully immersed. I also felt this way with the other characters, including the MMC Dawson. He was broody and clearly had secrets, but we didn’t get deep enough into his character to have me invested.
The ending was a delightful surprise! Overall I had a good time reading, just wish that some of the story and characters went deeper.
September 24, 2025
Sometimes you find a book that completely captures your attention and doesn't let go until the very last word and that is what Wings of Ash & Flame did to me, this book completely consumed me and I loved every single moment.
From the very first page when we first meet the fmc Alaire and the start of her journey to the epilogue that left me in pieces, I wasn't able to put this book down and even when I did I was thinking about it.
The writing is so beautiful and descriptive, the worldbuilding is phenomenal and the plot is so well though out and develops at such a good pace with it's gothic atmospheric setting of an academy in a castle, the banter between every single character is fun and as for the romance it is the absolute perfect slow burn that pays off with one of my favourite chapters and moments ever.
I laughed, I cried and I was on the edge of my seat through so many scenes and an ending that made me want book two immediately. My kindle is full of so many highlights that I can't wait to go back and reread. I loved this book so much and cannot wait to add a physical copy to my collection.
Highly recommend to anyone that loves dark fantasy with enemies to lovers, a fierce and determined FMC, a broody prince MMC that unravels for her alone, gothic atmospheric setting, trials, Fae x Humans, plenty of banter and a really beautiful slow burn romance with all the yearning possible that is so worth the wait.
From the very first page when we first meet the fmc Alaire and the start of her journey to the epilogue that left me in pieces, I wasn't able to put this book down and even when I did I was thinking about it.
The writing is so beautiful and descriptive, the worldbuilding is phenomenal and the plot is so well though out and develops at such a good pace with it's gothic atmospheric setting of an academy in a castle, the banter between every single character is fun and as for the romance it is the absolute perfect slow burn that pays off with one of my favourite chapters and moments ever.
I laughed, I cried and I was on the edge of my seat through so many scenes and an ending that made me want book two immediately. My kindle is full of so many highlights that I can't wait to go back and reread. I loved this book so much and cannot wait to add a physical copy to my collection.
Highly recommend to anyone that loves dark fantasy with enemies to lovers, a fierce and determined FMC, a broody prince MMC that unravels for her alone, gothic atmospheric setting, trials, Fae x Humans, plenty of banter and a really beautiful slow burn romance with all the yearning possible that is so worth the wait.
November 27, 2025
Let's talk about Wings of Ash & Flame by Jocelyn Bleu.
I would have to say - this book in whole was a good time. It was clearly a book on all vibes and sometimes you need a book that just lets you ride the wind and enjoy it to the end. We have a magical academy setting, brutal trials, and "us vs them" mentality between the fae and humans and all the tropes you could ever need balled into good read.
Alaire - our FMC, will never back down from a fight. She's scrappy, edgy, pushes herself when she knows she's going to regret it and aims to do goo, even though her anger gets the better of her. A human, orphaned and without family, she's bound to trust no one and she's fine with it. Yet, once she gets tossed into an academy only destined for the ruling families of Fae and their celestials - she's about to bite off more than she can chew.
We've got mythical creatures, elemental magic, broody handsome Fae males that make us quirk our brow. There's tension, fierce devotion, and found family. And a sassy phoenix??? This read did not disappoint and kept me giggling with every interaction between Al and her phoenix.
Truly, the book was a great time, and I'm looking forward to book two.
Thank you to Nerd Fam and Jocelyn Bleu for this advanced readers copy and for my open and honest feedback.
Released on September 25th, 2025.
✨ He Trains Her
✨ (Maybe) Enemies to Lovers
✨ Magical Academy
✨ Found family
✨ Deadly Trials
✨ Hidden Royalty
✨ Magic Wielding
✨ Magical Creatures
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥
Series: Book 1 of ?
I would have to say - this book in whole was a good time. It was clearly a book on all vibes and sometimes you need a book that just lets you ride the wind and enjoy it to the end. We have a magical academy setting, brutal trials, and "us vs them" mentality between the fae and humans and all the tropes you could ever need balled into good read.
Alaire - our FMC, will never back down from a fight. She's scrappy, edgy, pushes herself when she knows she's going to regret it and aims to do goo, even though her anger gets the better of her. A human, orphaned and without family, she's bound to trust no one and she's fine with it. Yet, once she gets tossed into an academy only destined for the ruling families of Fae and their celestials - she's about to bite off more than she can chew.
We've got mythical creatures, elemental magic, broody handsome Fae males that make us quirk our brow. There's tension, fierce devotion, and found family. And a sassy phoenix??? This read did not disappoint and kept me giggling with every interaction between Al and her phoenix.
Truly, the book was a great time, and I'm looking forward to book two.
Thank you to Nerd Fam and Jocelyn Bleu for this advanced readers copy and for my open and honest feedback.
Released on September 25th, 2025.
✨ He Trains Her
✨ (Maybe) Enemies to Lovers
✨ Magical Academy
✨ Found family
✨ Deadly Trials
✨ Hidden Royalty
✨ Magic Wielding
✨ Magical Creatures
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥
Series: Book 1 of ?
September 21, 2025
I love a big twist at the end and this book has the most heart wrenching one, I need the next book like ASAP to see how this all unfolds please!! If you’re looking for a new fantasy world to dive in full of magic, fae and flying magical creatures that they bond to and ride, a training academy and a badass FMC, this book is for you! The world building immersed me immediately into the story and I felt so many feelings throughout the whole book, from emotional highs from unlocking hidden secrets and making new friends to the gut punch of some losses and unparalleled betrayals right at the end.
This story sucks you right into the life of Alaire, a human trapped in a prison for saving a child from being beat by fae, only to be offered something never before done and going to train at the fae academy and get out of said prison. As the FMC heads to the school, the truth of her heritage and powers and her forgotten first 10 years of life are unlocked, and she must pass the trails of this school and train her magic in order to help save the realm from the vampires and dark magic threatening to consume it. I love a sassy animal partner and Alaires phoenix quickly became one of my favorite characters. There was plenty of tension and yearning for Alaires mentor and prince on both ends and that ending has me reeling! Overall I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next, my rating 4.7/5!
Thanks to the author and the nerd fam for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
This story sucks you right into the life of Alaire, a human trapped in a prison for saving a child from being beat by fae, only to be offered something never before done and going to train at the fae academy and get out of said prison. As the FMC heads to the school, the truth of her heritage and powers and her forgotten first 10 years of life are unlocked, and she must pass the trails of this school and train her magic in order to help save the realm from the vampires and dark magic threatening to consume it. I love a sassy animal partner and Alaires phoenix quickly became one of my favorite characters. There was plenty of tension and yearning for Alaires mentor and prince on both ends and that ending has me reeling! Overall I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next, my rating 4.7/5!
Thanks to the author and the nerd fam for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
September 14, 2025
i had the best time reading this book!!
if you love fourth wing and zodiac academy you will absolutely love this. we have an academic setting, deadly magical trials, elemental magic, and the best slow burn. like we had flirty banter throughout the whole book but literally NOTHING happened until right at the end. perfection.
i love the fmc alaire - she’s actually not annoying which i feel is so rare for the first book in a romantasy series. she’s badass, witty and sarcastic. she’s gone through so much trauma and pain and carries so much guilt i just wanted to give her a huge hug.
then we have dawson…he’s broody, cocky and mysterious. clearly carrying secrets that i’m sure we will find out more about in book 2 because the way this book ended?! WTFFFFFF.
i absolutely loved the celestial creatures in this - solflara is my fave she is so sassy!!! 🐦🔥
i love the side characters kaia and archer and even caius. he comes across as such a prick in this book and i get why, but they’re my favourite kind 🤭
i need book 2 immediately!!!! thank you so much to the nerd fam for gifting me this eARC!!
if you love fourth wing and zodiac academy you will absolutely love this. we have an academic setting, deadly magical trials, elemental magic, and the best slow burn. like we had flirty banter throughout the whole book but literally NOTHING happened until right at the end. perfection.
i love the fmc alaire - she’s actually not annoying which i feel is so rare for the first book in a romantasy series. she’s badass, witty and sarcastic. she’s gone through so much trauma and pain and carries so much guilt i just wanted to give her a huge hug.
then we have dawson…he’s broody, cocky and mysterious. clearly carrying secrets that i’m sure we will find out more about in book 2 because the way this book ended?! WTFFFFFF.
i absolutely loved the celestial creatures in this - solflara is my fave she is so sassy!!! 🐦🔥
i love the side characters kaia and archer and even caius. he comes across as such a prick in this book and i get why, but they’re my favourite kind 🤭
i need book 2 immediately!!!! thank you so much to the nerd fam for gifting me this eARC!!
September 26, 2025
Thank you Jocelyn for the ARC!
This was one of my favorite romantasy books I've read so far this year! And when I say it's a slow burn, I mean it's a SLOW burn. Jocelyn is giving Clare "Edging Queen" Sager and Penn "Slow Burn Queen" Cole a run for their money, let me tell you! If you love to scream "OH MY GOD KISS ALREADY!!!" at your books, this one is for you!!
Did I see the twist at the end coming a mile away? Of course. Did I still eat up every second, including that moment? Also yes. This was SUCH a good rivals to lovers story, and I'm so happy it's being described as that instead of enemies. Because while they're TECHNICALLY enemies, they're also not actively trying to hurt each other, so it's not as good of a moniker.
Alaire has it all--empathy, rage, a strong sense of justice, snark, and sass. And did I mention that the Celestials are also snarky and sassy? Not a single note to be given. The banter among EVERYONE is great.
But also....maybe don't get too attached to all of the characters, because plot armor who? Stories are best when characters aren't guaranteed to survive, and this was a GREAT example of that!
I loved every single second of this book, and I can't wait for the next one!!
This was one of my favorite romantasy books I've read so far this year! And when I say it's a slow burn, I mean it's a SLOW burn. Jocelyn is giving Clare "Edging Queen" Sager and Penn "Slow Burn Queen" Cole a run for their money, let me tell you! If you love to scream "OH MY GOD KISS ALREADY!!!" at your books, this one is for you!!
Did I see the twist at the end coming a mile away? Of course. Did I still eat up every second, including that moment? Also yes. This was SUCH a good rivals to lovers story, and I'm so happy it's being described as that instead of enemies. Because while they're TECHNICALLY enemies, they're also not actively trying to hurt each other, so it's not as good of a moniker.
Alaire has it all--empathy, rage, a strong sense of justice, snark, and sass. And did I mention that the Celestials are also snarky and sassy? Not a single note to be given. The banter among EVERYONE is great.
But also....maybe don't get too attached to all of the characters, because plot armor who? Stories are best when characters aren't guaranteed to survive, and this was a GREAT example of that!
I loved every single second of this book, and I can't wait for the next one!!
dnf
September 29, 2025I'm not sure I've ever reviewed a book I DNF before but after attempting to read this and sitting with it, I felt it was worth mentioning. I want to be clear, I do not have concrete proof and this is solely my opinion but I can't help but feel like at least some parts of this were inspired, if not made by generative AI. Admittedly I did not get past 25%, but this read to me like several popular fantasy books were combined into one story with some of them feeling less subtle. (Like the description of the academy felt like I was reading about Hogwarts.)
Thank you The Nerd Fam for this ARC.
Thank you The Nerd Fam for this ARC.
September 12, 2025
JOCELYN YOU'VE DONE IT AGAIN. 😭
If you've read Zodiac Academy & Fourth Wing you will absolutely LOVE this. Magic. Magic school. Trials. Bonded beasts. Found family. Secrets. Plot twists. Snarky but badass female lead. Fight & flirt slow burn enemies to lovers. Banter banter banter. IT'S ALL RIGHT HERE. 😍 I'm absolutely obsessed with everything to do with this story, especially the hidden messages that pour from these pages. This story screams power, strength, determination, perserverance, resilience, courage, & staying TRUE to who you are, even despite your darkest demons. This book holds a lot & I hope you all give this one a read & find those powerful moments as healing as I did, but also enjoy the ride because this series is going to be INCREDIBLE. ✨️ Alaire & #DaddyDawson forever. 😈
This comes out September 25, 2025 & I was lucky enough to get the ARC from this beautiful soul. I'm so thankful to have found a friend in this human through some of the darkest moments in my life these last few years. Reading Crimson Promises opened the door & I'm happily here forever. You need to add Jocelyn to your must read authors list if you haven't because doing that was the best choice I made!! 💕
If you've read Zodiac Academy & Fourth Wing you will absolutely LOVE this. Magic. Magic school. Trials. Bonded beasts. Found family. Secrets. Plot twists. Snarky but badass female lead. Fight & flirt slow burn enemies to lovers. Banter banter banter. IT'S ALL RIGHT HERE. 😍 I'm absolutely obsessed with everything to do with this story, especially the hidden messages that pour from these pages. This story screams power, strength, determination, perserverance, resilience, courage, & staying TRUE to who you are, even despite your darkest demons. This book holds a lot & I hope you all give this one a read & find those powerful moments as healing as I did, but also enjoy the ride because this series is going to be INCREDIBLE. ✨️ Alaire & #DaddyDawson forever. 😈
This comes out September 25, 2025 & I was lucky enough to get the ARC from this beautiful soul. I'm so thankful to have found a friend in this human through some of the darkest moments in my life these last few years. Reading Crimson Promises opened the door & I'm happily here forever. You need to add Jocelyn to your must read authors list if you haven't because doing that was the best choice I made!! 💕
September 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ This was phenomenal! Stay tuned for review.
September 8, 2025
This book has magic academia, tension between fae and humans, secrets being exposed and the threat of war with vampires. The FMC Alaire is clever but super stubborn and she can get in her own way with her snarkyness. You can see her character growth throughout the story in what she has to deal with and how she deals with it. The MMC Dawson is broody, secretive and just as stubborn as she is. There was lots of tension and banter. I love tensiony banter (I am making this a word now, so just accept it.)
The ending to this book was just... in the best way, I am not over it, I don't really have the words to explain how I feel and I did not see it coming. I cannot wait to read the next book to see what happens because this was a wild ride.
The ending to this book was just... in the best way, I am not over it, I don't really have the words to explain how I feel and I did not see it coming. I cannot wait to read the next book to see what happens because this was a wild ride.
October 17, 2025
I had such high hopes for Wings of Ash & Flame. It sounded perfect for me; a magic academy setting, fae, a strong FMC, & a slow burn enemies to lovers. I was so excited. Unfortunately it fell flat.
The premise had so much potential but the execution did not live up to it. I’m normally fine with overlapping themes, tropes, & elements in a story. Especially in romantasy since most follow a similar formula. But this felt like several popular books(namely Fourth Wing, ZA, Quicksilver, & Harry Potter) were thrown into a blender with a sprinkle of originality & this is what came out.
I think a lot of readers will LOVE this book & I think it definitely has the potential to get better as the series progresses! For me, though, it leaned a little too heavily on “fan favorites” & “inspired by”, but the writing, character development, & relationship dynamics didn’t flow as smoothly as I had hoped.
The premise had so much potential but the execution did not live up to it. I’m normally fine with overlapping themes, tropes, & elements in a story. Especially in romantasy since most follow a similar formula. But this felt like several popular books(namely Fourth Wing, ZA, Quicksilver, & Harry Potter) were thrown into a blender with a sprinkle of originality & this is what came out.
I think a lot of readers will LOVE this book & I think it definitely has the potential to get better as the series progresses! For me, though, it leaned a little too heavily on “fan favorites” & “inspired by”, but the writing, character development, & relationship dynamics didn’t flow as smoothly as I had hoped.
September 26, 2025
“From ashes to flames. Ashes to fire. She would rise not despite what she had become, but because of it.”
I absolutely devoured this one! Hooked me right from the start. Fourth Wing fans will love this book. An academy setting, deadly trials, bonded creatures, and a tension filled slow burn. Throw in a broody fae prince who has to train her. This has all the things we love to read in a romantasy.
Alaire is an orphaned human who finds herself imprisoned when she steps up to help a young boy. She is offered freedom if she agrees to attend the dangerous fae academy. She is faced with many challenges as she is without magic. Alaire must partner with one of the top fliers, Dawson. They quickly go from rivals to allies as they realize they need to work together. I loved Dawson. Once he started to soften for Alaire he was a goner. The protective side to him was super swoony. I appreciated the slow burn. The tension between the two will have you yearning for more every chapter. I could not put the book down.The story has a great group of characters and found family as well.
One of my favorite parts was the resilience of Alaire’s character. No matter how hard things got for her, she never gave up. As she starts to uncover secrets of her past she really transforms into a strong character. I’m excited to see what’s in store for her in the next book. Especially after that dramatic ending! I need more right now. Overall I think this was a great first book and really sets up for an epic series. Five stars!
If you’re looking for a new fantasy romance indie author to check out I highly suggest you start here with Joycelyn. Perfect for anyone who loves an action packed plot, slow burn relationship, fierce fmc, and a ruthless academy setting.
“It’s the choices you make now that matter. Every sunrise is another chance to become who we’re meant to be.”
“Tell me you don’t feel this tearing you apart the way it’s destroying me.”
“He’d seen strength in her when she only saw broken pieces. He made her believe she was capable of greatness when the world had taught her she was only capable of enduring.”
“He made her feel like she could be more than her pain. Like she deserved more than just existing.”
“But maybe drowning was the point. Maybe she had to sink into it to flutter her way back to the surface.”
“There are moments when breaking is necessary—not as an end, but as a beginning. To reclaim who we were always meant to be.”
𝒜𝒸𝒶𝒹𝑒𝓂𝒾𝒸 𝒮𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔
𝑀𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝒞𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒𝓈
𝐻𝓊𝓂𝒶𝓃𝓈, 𝐹𝒶𝑒, 𝒱𝒶𝓂𝓅𝒾𝓇𝑒𝓈
𝑅𝒾𝓋𝒶𝓁𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝒜𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓈
𝒮𝑒𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓈
𝒟𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓁𝓎 𝒯𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓁𝓈
𝒮𝓁𝑜𝓌 𝐵𝓊𝓇𝓃
𝒮𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝐹𝑀𝒞
I absolutely devoured this one! Hooked me right from the start. Fourth Wing fans will love this book. An academy setting, deadly trials, bonded creatures, and a tension filled slow burn. Throw in a broody fae prince who has to train her. This has all the things we love to read in a romantasy.
Alaire is an orphaned human who finds herself imprisoned when she steps up to help a young boy. She is offered freedom if she agrees to attend the dangerous fae academy. She is faced with many challenges as she is without magic. Alaire must partner with one of the top fliers, Dawson. They quickly go from rivals to allies as they realize they need to work together. I loved Dawson. Once he started to soften for Alaire he was a goner. The protective side to him was super swoony. I appreciated the slow burn. The tension between the two will have you yearning for more every chapter. I could not put the book down.The story has a great group of characters and found family as well.
One of my favorite parts was the resilience of Alaire’s character. No matter how hard things got for her, she never gave up. As she starts to uncover secrets of her past she really transforms into a strong character. I’m excited to see what’s in store for her in the next book. Especially after that dramatic ending! I need more right now. Overall I think this was a great first book and really sets up for an epic series. Five stars!
If you’re looking for a new fantasy romance indie author to check out I highly suggest you start here with Joycelyn. Perfect for anyone who loves an action packed plot, slow burn relationship, fierce fmc, and a ruthless academy setting.
“It’s the choices you make now that matter. Every sunrise is another chance to become who we’re meant to be.”
“Tell me you don’t feel this tearing you apart the way it’s destroying me.”
“He’d seen strength in her when she only saw broken pieces. He made her believe she was capable of greatness when the world had taught her she was only capable of enduring.”
“He made her feel like she could be more than her pain. Like she deserved more than just existing.”
“But maybe drowning was the point. Maybe she had to sink into it to flutter her way back to the surface.”
“There are moments when breaking is necessary—not as an end, but as a beginning. To reclaim who we were always meant to be.”
𝒜𝒸𝒶𝒹𝑒𝓂𝒾𝒸 𝒮𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔
𝑀𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝒞𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒𝓈
𝐻𝓊𝓂𝒶𝓃𝓈, 𝐹𝒶𝑒, 𝒱𝒶𝓂𝓅𝒾𝓇𝑒𝓈
𝑅𝒾𝓋𝒶𝓁𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝒜𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓈
𝒮𝑒𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓈
𝒟𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓁𝓎 𝒯𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓁𝓈
𝒮𝓁𝑜𝓌 𝐵𝓊𝓇𝓃
𝒮𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝐹𝑀𝒞
September 21, 2025
I loved everything about this book, it was deadly, ruthless, sassy and empowering. Everything from the setting, characters, world and plot twists were all amazing… I need book 2 right away 👀
Thank you to Jocelyn Bleu for giving me this eARC, it was on fire 🔥
«Courage is acknowledging your fear, harnessing it, and moving forward despite it.»
🐦🔥 Gothic Academic setting
🔥 Rivals to reluctant allies to lovers
🐦🔥 Forced proximity
🔥 Deadly trials
🐦🔥 Elemental magic
🔥 Slow burn and banter ❤️🔥
🐦🔥 Snarky, fierce FMC
🔥 Broody MMC
🐦🔥 Chronic illness rep
“You want to know why I call you Firework?” (…) “Because you’re like them. Beautiful, fierce, impossible to ignore. You light up everything around you and leave me breathless every time.”
This one left me breathless! First of all, the plot was fast paced with lots of twists and the writing immersive and beautiful. I loved annotating this and highlighted so many quotes. The last plot twists was one that I did foresee, but then it came I had actually cast it away so it kinda got me off guard anyway. The setting is a vibe with a immersive, deadly world and rich history. I loved the use of elemental magic and magical beasts in this, it felt a bit unique from others in how it was put together. If you love books that goes deep in the history, then you will love this!
“You’re lucky I stepped in to save you from her vengeance. Don’t let her beauty fool you—she’s as lethal as she is exquisite.”
Then finally the characters. The FMC was relatable and I loved all of her from the start. Loved the astma representation and how she is strong and fierce, but truly feel human with flaws and relatable. But this book had so much more amazing character and then celestials too. I really appreciated what they gave and can’t wait to know more about them all. I really hope to get more found family vibe as it didn’t quite get there for me in this.
“I would rip this entire world apart before I lose you. There is no me without you!”
Thank you to Jocelyn Bleu for giving me this eARC, it was on fire 🔥
«Courage is acknowledging your fear, harnessing it, and moving forward despite it.»
🐦🔥 Gothic Academic setting
🔥 Rivals to reluctant allies to lovers
🐦🔥 Forced proximity
🔥 Deadly trials
🐦🔥 Elemental magic
🔥 Slow burn and banter ❤️🔥
🐦🔥 Snarky, fierce FMC
🔥 Broody MMC
🐦🔥 Chronic illness rep
“You want to know why I call you Firework?” (…) “Because you’re like them. Beautiful, fierce, impossible to ignore. You light up everything around you and leave me breathless every time.”
This one left me breathless! First of all, the plot was fast paced with lots of twists and the writing immersive and beautiful. I loved annotating this and highlighted so many quotes. The last plot twists was one that I did foresee, but then it came I had actually cast it away so it kinda got me off guard anyway. The setting is a vibe with a immersive, deadly world and rich history. I loved the use of elemental magic and magical beasts in this, it felt a bit unique from others in how it was put together. If you love books that goes deep in the history, then you will love this!
“You’re lucky I stepped in to save you from her vengeance. Don’t let her beauty fool you—she’s as lethal as she is exquisite.”
Then finally the characters. The FMC was relatable and I loved all of her from the start. Loved the astma representation and how she is strong and fierce, but truly feel human with flaws and relatable. But this book had so much more amazing character and then celestials too. I really appreciated what they gave and can’t wait to know more about them all. I really hope to get more found family vibe as it didn’t quite get there for me in this.
“I would rip this entire world apart before I lose you. There is no me without you!”
September 20, 2025
I really enjoyed Wings of Ash and Flame!
The story follows Alaire, an orphaned human girl living in a district oppressed by the formidable Fae. She finds herself imprisoned after defending a young boy who was being whipped by a Fae Soldier. Alaire’s fiery tongue often lands her in trouble, and she is punished harshly (not depicted on page). The Fae guards are determined to crush her spirit…and they almost do.
On the brink of losing hope, she receives an unexpected visitor. A Fae male arrives claims to be a professor from the most prestigious academy for elite Fae. She is given two choices, languish in prison or attend a Fae school. Alaire is thrust into an unimaginable situation. She has no magic…what can she possibly offer that would have secured her spot at the school.
On her first day, she quite literally runs into a fae prince. He takes one look at her round ears and his disdain is clear. The rest of the book explores Alaire’s struggle to navigate the challenges of the academy while unraveling the mystery of why she is really there.
The cliffhanger ending has left me on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait to dive into the next book!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
The story follows Alaire, an orphaned human girl living in a district oppressed by the formidable Fae. She finds herself imprisoned after defending a young boy who was being whipped by a Fae Soldier. Alaire’s fiery tongue often lands her in trouble, and she is punished harshly (not depicted on page). The Fae guards are determined to crush her spirit…and they almost do.
On the brink of losing hope, she receives an unexpected visitor. A Fae male arrives claims to be a professor from the most prestigious academy for elite Fae. She is given two choices, languish in prison or attend a Fae school. Alaire is thrust into an unimaginable situation. She has no magic…what can she possibly offer that would have secured her spot at the school.
On her first day, she quite literally runs into a fae prince. He takes one look at her round ears and his disdain is clear. The rest of the book explores Alaire’s struggle to navigate the challenges of the academy while unraveling the mystery of why she is really there.
The cliffhanger ending has left me on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait to dive into the next book!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
September 17, 2025
Thank you so much Jocelyn Bleu for sending me this ARC!
Wings of Ash and Flame is the first book in a Romantic Fantasy series and omg it’s so freaking good! I loved Alaire and Dawson’s story and can’t wait for the next part of it.
I’m not going to say much about the plot because I think it’s best to go in without knowing much, but this book was so interesting literally from page one and I couldn’t put it down, there was so much action, plot twists, secrets coming to light and I enjoyed every second I spent reading it, there wasn’t a single boring moment. I absolutely adored Alaire, our FMC, she was so strong after everything she went through and it was amazing to see her standing up for those considered “weaker”, I loved discovering her past alongside her and how great she did at the academy, she was truly amazing and the kind of FMC I love in romantasy books. Dawson was a complicated MMC, full of secrets and hidden agendas but I loved their slow burn relationship, from dislike to being forced to be partners to love, they had an amazing banter and I could feel the tension and yearning between them, they were incredible together and I can’t wait to see what happens with them in the next book. I also loved Kaia, Alaire’s best friend and Solflana, she was a true gem of this book and her banter with Alaire was everything, I loved their relationship.
Wings of Ash and Flame is an incredible romantasy books that I 100% recommend to everyone who enjoys this genre. It has everything I love in romantasy: interesting world building and magic system, keeping you on the edge of your seat plot, amazing characters and beautiful slow burn romance. I literally can’t wait for the next book, especially after that ending, I had my suspicions but it still left me with my jaw on the floor, I need the next book ASAP!
Wings of Ash and Flame is the first book in a Romantic Fantasy series and omg it’s so freaking good! I loved Alaire and Dawson’s story and can’t wait for the next part of it.
I’m not going to say much about the plot because I think it’s best to go in without knowing much, but this book was so interesting literally from page one and I couldn’t put it down, there was so much action, plot twists, secrets coming to light and I enjoyed every second I spent reading it, there wasn’t a single boring moment. I absolutely adored Alaire, our FMC, she was so strong after everything she went through and it was amazing to see her standing up for those considered “weaker”, I loved discovering her past alongside her and how great she did at the academy, she was truly amazing and the kind of FMC I love in romantasy books. Dawson was a complicated MMC, full of secrets and hidden agendas but I loved their slow burn relationship, from dislike to being forced to be partners to love, they had an amazing banter and I could feel the tension and yearning between them, they were incredible together and I can’t wait to see what happens with them in the next book. I also loved Kaia, Alaire’s best friend and Solflana, she was a true gem of this book and her banter with Alaire was everything, I loved their relationship.
Wings of Ash and Flame is an incredible romantasy books that I 100% recommend to everyone who enjoys this genre. It has everything I love in romantasy: interesting world building and magic system, keeping you on the edge of your seat plot, amazing characters and beautiful slow burn romance. I literally can’t wait for the next book, especially after that ending, I had my suspicions but it still left me with my jaw on the floor, I need the next book ASAP!
November 26, 2025
2.5 ⭐ rounded up.
There was so much potential here, but the execution left me struggling to stay invested. The pacing was vastly inconsistent and create a stop and go rhythm. The chapters in the last 10% of the book all seemed to end like they were the final chapter but then it kept going.
The narrative itself also suffers from inconsistency. Tonal shifts, scattered worldbuilding, and plot threads that are frayed. With nearly 600 pages I would expect more cohesion and depth, instead it felt stretched thin trying to cover every little thing.
There were so many elements that felt ripped from other major fantasy reads, but not in a way that felt like a fun homage. It comes across in a way that diminishes it's own identity to feel more like deja vu. There was a magical academy
Overall, there were moments that felt promising, but it was too long, too uneven, and not that fun to read.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #wingsofashandflame #thenerdfam
There was so much potential here, but the execution left me struggling to stay invested. The pacing was vastly inconsistent and create a stop and go rhythm. The chapters in the last 10% of the book all seemed to end like they were the final chapter but then it kept going.
The narrative itself also suffers from inconsistency. Tonal shifts, scattered worldbuilding, and plot threads that are frayed. With nearly 600 pages I would expect more cohesion and depth, instead it felt stretched thin trying to cover every little thing.
There were so many elements that felt ripped from other major fantasy reads, but not in a way that felt like a fun homage. It comes across in a way that diminishes it's own identity to feel more like deja vu. There was a magical academy
Overall, there were moments that felt promising, but it was too long, too uneven, and not that fun to read.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #wingsofashandflame #thenerdfam
Read
October 10, 2025DNF at 128 pages (20%)
This book sounded interesting, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I couldn’t really get into the story and honestly I was bored.
Thank you The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC! Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
This book sounded interesting, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I couldn’t really get into the story and honestly I was bored.
Thank you The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC! Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
September 21, 2025
Thank you to NerdFarm for the opportunity to read this ARC. I went into this one with a lot of excitement, and while there were moments I enjoyed, the story as a whole didn’t completely work for me. The romance came across as very intense very quickly, but without enough connection built up to make me feel fully invested in the relationship. The plot itself had some strong ideas, but I found myself predicting many of the turns, which lessened the impact for me as a reader.
That being said, I’ll give credit where it’s due—the ending did surprise me. It had potential but some things fell flat.
That being said, I’ll give credit where it’s due—the ending did surprise me. It had potential but some things fell flat.
September 25, 2025
A heart wrenching Romantasy that you will never want to let go and hold dearly because this book was absolutely remarkable! The dark academia and deadly trials was so well done in this story and after the ending!? Absolutely diabolical 😩 I need more and need book 2 immediately!
Jocelyn really diverts your attention from the beginning that will leave you hooked from start to finish! The slow burn was honestly criminal like I was aching for more and I’m so sad I finished this read so fast because I fear I can’t come back from this! So darn good!
This book is everything you could want in a Romantasy and I absolutely adored Alaire. She is power and fights for what she wants and will prove to anyone they can’t break her down. And then Dawson was everything I would want for a broody character. I loved him and getting to know his story. Also, Solflara was the highlight for me in this book! I loved how sassy she was and the bond between her and Alaire was beautiful!
Wings of Ash & Flame is available today and trust me you will want this on your tbr this fall! Thank you so much again, Jocelyn for allowing me to read your book in advanced! I’m so happy I did and can’t wait for book 2 as I need answers 🥹😩🖤✨
Jocelyn really diverts your attention from the beginning that will leave you hooked from start to finish! The slow burn was honestly criminal like I was aching for more and I’m so sad I finished this read so fast because I fear I can’t come back from this! So darn good!
This book is everything you could want in a Romantasy and I absolutely adored Alaire. She is power and fights for what she wants and will prove to anyone they can’t break her down. And then Dawson was everything I would want for a broody character. I loved him and getting to know his story. Also, Solflara was the highlight for me in this book! I loved how sassy she was and the bond between her and Alaire was beautiful!
Wings of Ash & Flame is available today and trust me you will want this on your tbr this fall! Thank you so much again, Jocelyn for allowing me to read your book in advanced! I’m so happy I did and can’t wait for book 2 as I need answers 🥹😩🖤✨
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