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Fire of Fates: Ashes of Betrayal
Unleash the Power of Magic, Love, and Betrayal in an Epic Fantasy Adventure
In a world on the brink of destruction, Lyris, a courageous dragon-rider marked by the ancient, forbidden Ishari magic, rises to unite a fractured realm against the looming shadow of the Veyrn—a dark, corrupt force threatening to consume everything.
"Fire of Ashes of Betrayal" weaves a tale of courage, sacrifice, and forbidden love, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Brandon Sanderson, and Naomi Novik. As Sunreach’s reluctant leader of dragon-riders, Lyris must forge uneasy alliances between the proud Serathi warriors, the enigmatic forest-dwellers, the secretive subterranean alchemists, and the skilled healers, while battling her own dangerous connection to the Ishari mark.
Her mission grows more perilous as the Veyrn’s corruption threatens not only her people but her dragon bond itself. With time running out, Lyris must master her unstable powers before the forces of darkness consume everything she holds dear.
An Epic Saga of Magic, Betrayal, and a Love Triangle
Heart-Pounding Battles: Witness breathtaking clashes between dragon-riders and the Veyrn, where magic and might collide in epic proportions.
Complex Characters: Lyris navigates the conflicting desires of her heart between Aedric, a stoic commander bound by duty, and Ryvian, a fiery Serathi warrior with secrets of his own.
Political Intrigue: Betrayals and alliances shift as leaders from across the realm vie for power and survival.
A Dark Magic Threat: The corrupting influence of the Veyrn challenges not just Lyris’s abilities but her deepest loyalties and bonds.
Perfect for Fans of High Fantasy
Readers who love stories of dragons, complex heroines, and morally gray characters will be captivated by this sweeping adventure. "Fire of Ashes of Betrayal" blends the grandeur of epic fantasy with the intimate struggles of a flawed but determined protagonist, making it a must-read for lovers of immersive worlds, romantic tension, and high-stakes drama.
Order Now to embark on a journey filled with magic, dragons, and a fight for survival—and discover the power within when the world demands everything.
"Fire of Ashes of Betrayal" is the first book in the Fire of Fates saga, an unforgettable journey of courage, forbidden love, and the cost of power.
Beta Readers feedback:
"If Acotar and Fourth Wing had a baby this book would be the child "
"When I signed up I did not known what to expect because I never did this before. Let me just say it was a 5 star read that I could not put down, I read it in one day. "
"There where definitely plot twists that i didn't see coming, great work and you can definitely count on me for Beta reading of any futher. "
"It reminds me a bit about fourth wing and game of thrones which I like. "
"High quality writing that I love to see in any kind of fantasy/romantasy book. "
"When !SPOILER! died I actually cried. "
“An emotionally rich story that kept me on the edge of my seat.
In a world on the brink of destruction, Lyris, a courageous dragon-rider marked by the ancient, forbidden Ishari magic, rises to unite a fractured realm against the looming shadow of the Veyrn—a dark, corrupt force threatening to consume everything.
"Fire of Ashes of Betrayal" weaves a tale of courage, sacrifice, and forbidden love, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Brandon Sanderson, and Naomi Novik. As Sunreach’s reluctant leader of dragon-riders, Lyris must forge uneasy alliances between the proud Serathi warriors, the enigmatic forest-dwellers, the secretive subterranean alchemists, and the skilled healers, while battling her own dangerous connection to the Ishari mark.
Her mission grows more perilous as the Veyrn’s corruption threatens not only her people but her dragon bond itself. With time running out, Lyris must master her unstable powers before the forces of darkness consume everything she holds dear.
An Epic Saga of Magic, Betrayal, and a Love Triangle
Heart-Pounding Battles: Witness breathtaking clashes between dragon-riders and the Veyrn, where magic and might collide in epic proportions.
Complex Characters: Lyris navigates the conflicting desires of her heart between Aedric, a stoic commander bound by duty, and Ryvian, a fiery Serathi warrior with secrets of his own.
Political Intrigue: Betrayals and alliances shift as leaders from across the realm vie for power and survival.
A Dark Magic Threat: The corrupting influence of the Veyrn challenges not just Lyris’s abilities but her deepest loyalties and bonds.
Perfect for Fans of High Fantasy
Readers who love stories of dragons, complex heroines, and morally gray characters will be captivated by this sweeping adventure. "Fire of Ashes of Betrayal" blends the grandeur of epic fantasy with the intimate struggles of a flawed but determined protagonist, making it a must-read for lovers of immersive worlds, romantic tension, and high-stakes drama.
Order Now to embark on a journey filled with magic, dragons, and a fight for survival—and discover the power within when the world demands everything.
"Fire of Ashes of Betrayal" is the first book in the Fire of Fates saga, an unforgettable journey of courage, forbidden love, and the cost of power.
Beta Readers feedback:
"If Acotar and Fourth Wing had a baby this book would be the child "
"When I signed up I did not known what to expect because I never did this before. Let me just say it was a 5 star read that I could not put down, I read it in one day. "
"There where definitely plot twists that i didn't see coming, great work and you can definitely count on me for Beta reading of any futher. "
"It reminds me a bit about fourth wing and game of thrones which I like. "
"High quality writing that I love to see in any kind of fantasy/romantasy book. "
"When !SPOILER! died I actually cried. "
“An emotionally rich story that kept me on the edge of my seat.
- GenresFantasy
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 10, 2025
DNFing at 25%
This story feels like a first draft. It needs an editor to go thru it and suggest changes that turns into into something fantastic because right now it's stuck written in a very amateur way. It's overly descriptive, we are being shown and told everything rather than just shown, so it's making things so drawn out. This is 470+ pages and I think cutting down on that would probably lighten it by 100 pages or so. The dialogue between characters is very "after school special" and quite minimal. After a few lines of dialogue there are 3 or 4 paragraphs explaining the emotions behind the words and implications of the emotions and it's all just too much. By the time the next person speaks, it's like "wait, what were they even talking about?".
Every time the rider interacts with its dragon, the connection is explained over and over like it is the first time we are being told about their bond and it's like "yea we get it, they are bonded in a cool special way".
When the FMC and MMC are travelling to the different other kingdoms and talking with their leaders to help join the fight, their explanation at why they should join the alliance is so weak. They travel such a far distance for a 2 minute conversation? That doesn't include that you actually fought the bad guys and saw the corruption first hand to make your plea deeper. Paraphrasing here but, "We can't hold off the enemy much longer and you are next. We need your aid". I wouldn't help them either with that pitiful plea.
I just can't see myself trudging thru 320+ more pages of this.
This story feels like a first draft. It needs an editor to go thru it and suggest changes that turns into into something fantastic because right now it's stuck written in a very amateur way. It's overly descriptive, we are being shown and told everything rather than just shown, so it's making things so drawn out. This is 470+ pages and I think cutting down on that would probably lighten it by 100 pages or so. The dialogue between characters is very "after school special" and quite minimal. After a few lines of dialogue there are 3 or 4 paragraphs explaining the emotions behind the words and implications of the emotions and it's all just too much. By the time the next person speaks, it's like "wait, what were they even talking about?".
Every time the rider interacts with its dragon, the connection is explained over and over like it is the first time we are being told about their bond and it's like "yea we get it, they are bonded in a cool special way".
When the FMC and MMC are travelling to the different other kingdoms and talking with their leaders to help join the fight, their explanation at why they should join the alliance is so weak. They travel such a far distance for a 2 minute conversation? That doesn't include that you actually fought the bad guys and saw the corruption first hand to make your plea deeper. Paraphrasing here but, "We can't hold off the enemy much longer and you are next. We need your aid". I wouldn't help them either with that pitiful plea.
I just can't see myself trudging thru 320+ more pages of this.
February 11, 2025
ARC reader review:
Firstly I just want to acknowledge the brutal writing of this author! She isn’t afraid to kill off important characters and test them to their absolute limits!
This story kept me hooked and has left me eager for more.
I loved the characters, the depths they were willing to go to for each other to win the war.
Leaders torn by duty and love that almost costs them everything and outsiders who become invaluable allies willing to sacrifice everything for the cause.
The dragons in this book were incredible! I loved how they shared the grief of the fallen and they honoured them with grace which made me emotional.
“The other dragons present lifted their heads and unleashed their own streams of flame into the air in a final, fiery salute to the fallen Commander.”
I loved so much of this book and I cannot wait to see what comes next! It was a nice writing style, my only personal critique would be that the chapters would benefit from being marked as a characters POV, it is limited POV but for me personally it was wrote well to be per chapter. But otherwise a fantastic read and I’m so grateful I was given the opportunity to read as an ARC!
Firstly I just want to acknowledge the brutal writing of this author! She isn’t afraid to kill off important characters and test them to their absolute limits!
This story kept me hooked and has left me eager for more.
I loved the characters, the depths they were willing to go to for each other to win the war.
Leaders torn by duty and love that almost costs them everything and outsiders who become invaluable allies willing to sacrifice everything for the cause.
The dragons in this book were incredible! I loved how they shared the grief of the fallen and they honoured them with grace which made me emotional.
“The other dragons present lifted their heads and unleashed their own streams of flame into the air in a final, fiery salute to the fallen Commander.”
I loved so much of this book and I cannot wait to see what comes next! It was a nice writing style, my only personal critique would be that the chapters would benefit from being marked as a characters POV, it is limited POV but for me personally it was wrote well to be per chapter. But otherwise a fantastic read and I’m so grateful I was given the opportunity to read as an ARC!
February 23, 2025
Thank you to Book Sirens and J.D. for the ARC.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 3.75/5
Overall 4/5
-It took me a little while to really get I to the story but once I got the overall feeling of everything, it was really great. From dragon riders to the magical chosen one type storyline, there was lots to keep track of and enjoy. I liked how both point of views of the story had a link and were brought together but at times it felt like I was reading two different plot lines until they were then brought back together again.
-I really liked the characters individually. Lyrics was definitely interesting and I loved her relationship with her dragon and seeing her work out what to do with her new found magic. As for the love triangle, it didn’t truly feel like one. It was as if she got with one, forgot him then got with the other and at the end both of them confessed their feelings and that was when she had to choose. I wish that it was either one or the other from the start or that they actually interwove a little better.
-The ending was quite epic. The victory of the battle didn’t truly feel happy and I feel like those aspects of war where they win but lose a lot of people aren’t demonstrated enough. They’re often happy and still remember their loses but not enough for it to really hit. Although this victory did not signify the ending and there is room for so much more to read and do want to read more.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 3.75/5
Overall 4/5
-It took me a little while to really get I to the story but once I got the overall feeling of everything, it was really great. From dragon riders to the magical chosen one type storyline, there was lots to keep track of and enjoy. I liked how both point of views of the story had a link and were brought together but at times it felt like I was reading two different plot lines until they were then brought back together again.
-I really liked the characters individually. Lyrics was definitely interesting and I loved her relationship with her dragon and seeing her work out what to do with her new found magic. As for the love triangle, it didn’t truly feel like one. It was as if she got with one, forgot him then got with the other and at the end both of them confessed their feelings and that was when she had to choose. I wish that it was either one or the other from the start or that they actually interwove a little better.
-The ending was quite epic. The victory of the battle didn’t truly feel happy and I feel like those aspects of war where they win but lose a lot of people aren’t demonstrated enough. They’re often happy and still remember their loses but not enough for it to really hit. Although this victory did not signify the ending and there is room for so much more to read and do want to read more.
January 29, 2025
The book blends romantasy, a love triangle, self-discovery, war, and betrayal in a captivating way. Lyris, with her heart full of love and a mind of stone, is a complex character. Personally, I prefer Ryvian over Aedric, as he was unafraid to put himself out there for Lyris—exactly what she needs. Aedric, on the other hand, seemed more caught up in his self-doubt and only realized his feelings for Lyris when jealousy struck.
Beyond the love triangle, I also have a deep admiration for Oelladr and Maellandr. This healer duo sacrificed everything, leaving behind their father and kingdom, to aid Lyris in her fight against the Veyrn. To me, that was an act of bravery far beyond what anyone else showed.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
Was fortunate enough to read this ARC. All thanks to JD :)
Beyond the love triangle, I also have a deep admiration for Oelladr and Maellandr. This healer duo sacrificed everything, leaving behind their father and kingdom, to aid Lyris in her fight against the Veyrn. To me, that was an act of bravery far beyond what anyone else showed.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
Was fortunate enough to read this ARC. All thanks to JD :)
January 27, 2025
I usually am more of a fantasy romance reader. But that might change with this book. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. The authors built this incredible fantasy land. The characters were so deep and well rounded. I felt like I literally stepped into this world of dragons and magic. There was romance but it was spun into the world of fantasy leaving you wanting more. I really want to read the next book!! Our FMC has so much on her plate right now. Her heart is torn but she is resilient. If you want an amazing fantasy book I recommend this one!
January 29, 2025
Have an Onyx storm hangover? Look no further, fire of fates: ashes of betrayal has action, dragons, love triangle and forbidden ishari magic! Follow lyris, the fmc, as she discovers and learns to weild the dark ishari magic to save the world from the veyrn. This book has some intense world building, magic system and character development. it has low spice, but the romantic tension is written beautifully! I highly recommend reading this book!
February 11, 2025
I absolutely love this book! This is a typical hero journey high fantasy novel with beautiful world building, a magic system, and romance! The romance does not overpower the plot but is an important part of the story. The story is awesome as there were plot twists that surprised me! I love how real the world feels and how deep the emotions, tension, and conflicts are! If I could rate it higher, I would! I love that kind of classic fantasy!
January 23, 2025
Beautiful worldbuilding and description of the dragons and veyrn. It is an adventurous fantasy, where you really want to know what happens further. Really love the strength of the female lead Lyris.
The only remark I have, is that it is sometimes difficult to know about which character I am reading. Eventually it becomes clear if you read further.
The only remark I have, is that it is sometimes difficult to know about which character I am reading. Eventually it becomes clear if you read further.
January 25, 2025
I enjoyed the world building, the dragons, the characters, the romance, and the intensity in this wonderfully written fantasy novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot twists! I would recommend it to fellow Fourth Wing and ACOTAR fans.
Pssst... It has morally gray characters...
Pssst... It has morally gray characters...
January 21, 2025
ARC Review: This was a quick read for me. If you like Forth Wing, you will like this too.
January 17, 2025
A tense and risky world of Dragons, magic, and Dark forces brings forth a lot of challenges and clashes of power. With emotions and loved ones caught up in the crossfire of war, there's no rest for our heroes as they all try to survive long enough to fight back.
Utterly fantastic world-building and beautiful creatures and places, JD has created an immersive world full of complexities that I hope we see more of in their next book (please keep writing JD)
Utterly fantastic world-building and beautiful creatures and places, JD has created an immersive world full of complexities that I hope we see more of in their next book (please keep writing JD)
January 16, 2025
A great book love the dragon and rider dynamics and communication, the relationships, the main storyline and the adventure along the way. The only thing that could make this a 5⭐ would be clearer definition of whose point of view it is when. It took me a second to figure this out along the way. But overall amazing and looking forward to seeing any future books by J.D.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
I loved this book and can't wait for more. I believe this book is the beginning of an epic fantasy world and the descriptions of the topography are beautiful and drew me in to the differences. Lyris is fiercely loyal, battling the oncoming threat of war, her long harbored feelings for Aedric and new feeling for Ryvian. She’s slightly overwhelmed especially when you add in her new power which is confusing for her to navigate even with Ryvian there to help. The dragons and Veryn have some wonderful descriptions, and the battle scenes are intense.
March 16, 2025
Genre: Fantasy
Overall Rating: 3 ⭐️
I wanted to like this book; I went in super excited. But then it just never clicked or found a groove. The book starts like there should be a book previous to explain the command structure, the main players, the world; just all of it. And while I do love those books that jump straight in and then backtrack to explain all the things you just saw – this was not one of those books. The book is overly repetitive and does more telling than showing. Many times the same thing will be said and not even in a different way, just repeated to ensure we didn’t miss it. The book truly could have been at least 100 pages less and the same amount of action would have occurred.
There is not a lot of character development and they all felt rather flat or like they moved in reverse. I am notoriously a fan of multiple POVs but this is not one of them. I could understand a two-person POV but I did not need the minor secondary characters. The few chapters we followed them, I could have done without as it didn’t add much to the overall storyline that could not have been explained in dialogue later. The characters themselves did not seem to grow much and the main character seemed to go backwards.
The book is okay in my opinion. It isn’t something I’ll likely ever grab again but I also didn’t hate it. I just didn’t feel a connection to it at all. It had moments where it felt like it was trying to be something it wasn’t and other moments where it had moments of originality. I won’t ever talk badly about the book as I do believe there will be plenty of people who enjoy it.
Plot Rating: 3 ⭐️
The main plot is definitely preparing for the war and the side quests that feed into it. I would say that there are moments where the preparations are top-notch. And there are other times where it felt rushed. But at the same time, a lot of the smaller plot lines did not seem to be fully developed. There were times where things were said and then never mentioned again. The death of the mother. Vara being used. Even Aedric’s abduction and subsequent scars. All of these had the potential to really drive the story in different directions but they don’t have any long term effects.
Character Rating: 2 ⭐️
The characters just felt flat. There was not much development in them and in some cases I felt like they devolved. Some of the characters only seemed to exist until their purpose in the story was fulfilled and then just gone.
Favorite Character: None
I honestly didn’t connect with any of them and with any lack of character development I wasn’t truly endeared to any of them. If I had to pick anyone, I like Aedric the most as he did have some enlightened moments!
Ending Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
The only thing I didn’t expect was the turncoats, nothing else shocked me. The final battle felt rushed. The conversation between Lyris and both men felt flat. The whole ending felt rushed.
Fun/Enjoyment: 3.5 ⭐️
Spice Level: None – Correction, after the video I was told there are two scenes, we will say spice of 1 ⭐️ with fade to black scenes.
Favorite Quote:
“We’re not asking you to send your people to die. We’re asking you to stand with us, to fight as one. If we don’t unite now, divided, we’ll fall. Together we have a chance. Divided, we’ve already lost.” - Aedric
Overall Rating: 3 ⭐️
I wanted to like this book; I went in super excited. But then it just never clicked or found a groove. The book starts like there should be a book previous to explain the command structure, the main players, the world; just all of it. And while I do love those books that jump straight in and then backtrack to explain all the things you just saw – this was not one of those books. The book is overly repetitive and does more telling than showing. Many times the same thing will be said and not even in a different way, just repeated to ensure we didn’t miss it. The book truly could have been at least 100 pages less and the same amount of action would have occurred.
There is not a lot of character development and they all felt rather flat or like they moved in reverse. I am notoriously a fan of multiple POVs but this is not one of them. I could understand a two-person POV but I did not need the minor secondary characters. The few chapters we followed them, I could have done without as it didn’t add much to the overall storyline that could not have been explained in dialogue later. The characters themselves did not seem to grow much and the main character seemed to go backwards.
The book is okay in my opinion. It isn’t something I’ll likely ever grab again but I also didn’t hate it. I just didn’t feel a connection to it at all. It had moments where it felt like it was trying to be something it wasn’t and other moments where it had moments of originality. I won’t ever talk badly about the book as I do believe there will be plenty of people who enjoy it.
Plot Rating: 3 ⭐️
The main plot is definitely preparing for the war and the side quests that feed into it. I would say that there are moments where the preparations are top-notch. And there are other times where it felt rushed. But at the same time, a lot of the smaller plot lines did not seem to be fully developed. There were times where things were said and then never mentioned again. The death of the mother. Vara being used. Even Aedric’s abduction and subsequent scars. All of these had the potential to really drive the story in different directions but they don’t have any long term effects.
Character Rating: 2 ⭐️
The characters just felt flat. There was not much development in them and in some cases I felt like they devolved. Some of the characters only seemed to exist until their purpose in the story was fulfilled and then just gone.
Favorite Character: None
I honestly didn’t connect with any of them and with any lack of character development I wasn’t truly endeared to any of them. If I had to pick anyone, I like Aedric the most as he did have some enlightened moments!
Ending Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
The only thing I didn’t expect was the turncoats, nothing else shocked me. The final battle felt rushed. The conversation between Lyris and both men felt flat. The whole ending felt rushed.
Fun/Enjoyment: 3.5 ⭐️
Spice Level: None – Correction, after the video I was told there are two scenes, we will say spice of 1 ⭐️ with fade to black scenes.
Favorite Quote:
“We’re not asking you to send your people to die. We’re asking you to stand with us, to fight as one. If we don’t unite now, divided, we’ll fall. Together we have a chance. Divided, we’ve already lost.” - Aedric
March 9, 2025
Fire of Fates: Ashes of Betrayal by J.D. is a thrilling, action-packed fantasy that pulls you into a world teetering on the brink of destruction, where dragons, magic, and forbidden love collide in the most captivating way. From the very first page, the author immerses you in a rich, detailed world full of political tension, ancient magic, and deep, complex characters that I couldn’t help but become attached to.
Lyris, our fearless dragon-rider heroine, is the heart of the story. Marked by the forbidden Ishari magic, she’s not only a formidable warrior but also a character filled with depth and emotion. I loved watching her grow throughout the book—from someone struggling with her identity and the weight of her powers to a leader ready to unite a fractured realm against the dark and corrupt Veyrn. She’s the kind of character that sticks with you, and her journey of self-discovery is one of the most compelling aspects of the story.
The world-building is extraordinary. J.D. has created a world so vivid and expansive that I felt like I was right there alongside Lyris, soaring through the skies on the back of a dragon, battling against impossible odds, and navigating the intricacies of the political and magical landscapes. The dragons, the different factions, and the looming threat of the Veyrn all make for a highly immersive reading experience.
The romance, though, is where Fire of Fates really shines. While there’s a strong fantasy focus, the romantic elements are beautifully woven into the larger narrative. There’s a love triangle here, but it doesn’t feel forced or cliché. Instead, it adds a layer of complexity to Lyris’ journey as she faces betrayal, discovers her own heart, and grapples with love in a world where trust is a rare commodity. The tension and emotional stakes keep you on the edge of your seat, making you root for the right love interest, but also questioning everything as alliances shift.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this book was how the romance was seamlessly integrated into the fantasy plot. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, but it never overtakes the larger storyline. It’s the perfect balance of "romantasy," blending the best of both worlds—epic fantasy and steamy romance—without overshadowing the core of the book.
The themes of war, betrayal, and loyalty also run deep. Lyris is caught between her love for her people and her love for those closest to her, and this inner turmoil makes for an emotionally rich narrative. As the Veyrn’s dark influence spreads, you’ll find yourself constantly questioning who can be trusted and where true loyalty lies.
Fire of Fates: Ashes of Betrayal is a beautifully executed fantasy that blends adventure, self-discovery, and romance in an unforgettable way. With an epic scale, emotionally charged relationships, and dragons that feel like they belong in the pages of legend, this book will leave you eagerly turning pages, craving more. I can’t wait to see where Lyris’ journey goes next!
Lyris, our fearless dragon-rider heroine, is the heart of the story. Marked by the forbidden Ishari magic, she’s not only a formidable warrior but also a character filled with depth and emotion. I loved watching her grow throughout the book—from someone struggling with her identity and the weight of her powers to a leader ready to unite a fractured realm against the dark and corrupt Veyrn. She’s the kind of character that sticks with you, and her journey of self-discovery is one of the most compelling aspects of the story.
The world-building is extraordinary. J.D. has created a world so vivid and expansive that I felt like I was right there alongside Lyris, soaring through the skies on the back of a dragon, battling against impossible odds, and navigating the intricacies of the political and magical landscapes. The dragons, the different factions, and the looming threat of the Veyrn all make for a highly immersive reading experience.
The romance, though, is where Fire of Fates really shines. While there’s a strong fantasy focus, the romantic elements are beautifully woven into the larger narrative. There’s a love triangle here, but it doesn’t feel forced or cliché. Instead, it adds a layer of complexity to Lyris’ journey as she faces betrayal, discovers her own heart, and grapples with love in a world where trust is a rare commodity. The tension and emotional stakes keep you on the edge of your seat, making you root for the right love interest, but also questioning everything as alliances shift.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this book was how the romance was seamlessly integrated into the fantasy plot. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, but it never overtakes the larger storyline. It’s the perfect balance of "romantasy," blending the best of both worlds—epic fantasy and steamy romance—without overshadowing the core of the book.
The themes of war, betrayal, and loyalty also run deep. Lyris is caught between her love for her people and her love for those closest to her, and this inner turmoil makes for an emotionally rich narrative. As the Veyrn’s dark influence spreads, you’ll find yourself constantly questioning who can be trusted and where true loyalty lies.
Fire of Fates: Ashes of Betrayal is a beautifully executed fantasy that blends adventure, self-discovery, and romance in an unforgettable way. With an epic scale, emotionally charged relationships, and dragons that feel like they belong in the pages of legend, this book will leave you eagerly turning pages, craving more. I can’t wait to see where Lyris’ journey goes next!
February 15, 2025
Ashes of Betrayal, the first instalment in JD's Fire of Fates series, is an enchanting fantasy novel brimming with dragons, magic, romance, and the turmoil of war.
At the heart of the story stands a compelling female protagonist who captivates readers as she navigates this richly imagined world. The author's inclusion of a pronunciation guide and cheat sheet is a thoughtful touch, helping readers immerse themselves fully in the narrative.
However, the novel would benefit from a more robust backstory in its early chapters. Without a clear understanding of the longstanding enmity between the warring factions and the roots of their conflict, it can be challenging for readers to fully invest in the characters' struggles.
JD's talent for crafting vivid, evocative prose shines through in the meticulous world-building, painting a mesmerizing picture of the story's setting. At times, though, the pacing falters under the weight of overly detailed descriptions of the characters' emotional states and the intricate bond between dragon and rider. While these elements are undoubtedly important to the story, a more judicious approach would allow the plot to maintain its momentum.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Ashes of Betrayal remains an engaging and promising start to the Fire of Fates series, leaving readers eager to discover what lies ahead for its intriguing cast of characters.
At the heart of the story stands a compelling female protagonist who captivates readers as she navigates this richly imagined world. The author's inclusion of a pronunciation guide and cheat sheet is a thoughtful touch, helping readers immerse themselves fully in the narrative.
However, the novel would benefit from a more robust backstory in its early chapters. Without a clear understanding of the longstanding enmity between the warring factions and the roots of their conflict, it can be challenging for readers to fully invest in the characters' struggles.
JD's talent for crafting vivid, evocative prose shines through in the meticulous world-building, painting a mesmerizing picture of the story's setting. At times, though, the pacing falters under the weight of overly detailed descriptions of the characters' emotional states and the intricate bond between dragon and rider. While these elements are undoubtedly important to the story, a more judicious approach would allow the plot to maintain its momentum.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Ashes of Betrayal remains an engaging and promising start to the Fire of Fates series, leaving readers eager to discover what lies ahead for its intriguing cast of characters.
January 23, 2025
3.5 🌟
Definitely an interesting and intense read. You start in the midst of battles almost from the get go.
I'm a fan of multiple POV's. Once in a while it was a little confusing who's view it was or the view changed mid chapter with no clear divide. But I was still able to follow along alright.
I will say one MMC threw me off the romantic part. Maybe a semi spoiler so skip the next few sentences. I absolutely hated how quick he changed. They had a mutual attraction, he pursued her, they took it further, then BAM he couldn't afford a distraction and avoided her 😐 uhhh ok.
The dragons made up for his idiocy a teeny bit.
The dark magic and self discovery is well done. Overall an interesting read.
Definitely an interesting and intense read. You start in the midst of battles almost from the get go.
I'm a fan of multiple POV's. Once in a while it was a little confusing who's view it was or the view changed mid chapter with no clear divide. But I was still able to follow along alright.
I will say one MMC threw me off the romantic part. Maybe a semi spoiler so skip the next few sentences. I absolutely hated how quick he changed. They had a mutual attraction, he pursued her, they took it further, then BAM he couldn't afford a distraction and avoided her 😐 uhhh ok.
The dragons made up for his idiocy a teeny bit.
The dark magic and self discovery is well done. Overall an interesting read.
March 10, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens and J.D. for the ARC of this novel!!
This book transports you into an incredible fantasy world filled with dragons, magic, and deep, well-rounded characters. The world-building, magic system, and character development are intense, making it feel like you’ve truly stepped into another realm. The romance is seamlessly woven into the story, creating beautiful tension without overpowering the fantasy elements. Our resilient FMC faces overwhelming challenges, her heart conflicted but her spirit unyielding. If you’re looking for an amazing fantasy read with low spice but captivating romantic tension, I highly recommend this book.
This book transports you into an incredible fantasy world filled with dragons, magic, and deep, well-rounded characters. The world-building, magic system, and character development are intense, making it feel like you’ve truly stepped into another realm. The romance is seamlessly woven into the story, creating beautiful tension without overpowering the fantasy elements. Our resilient FMC faces overwhelming challenges, her heart conflicted but her spirit unyielding. If you’re looking for an amazing fantasy read with low spice but captivating romantic tension, I highly recommend this book.
April 28, 2025
I loved reading Fire of Fates. The world is richly developed and made me want to spend time there. The characters are great, especially Lyris, and their relationships are well-written. The storyline and romance were nicely balanced to complement each other rather than one overshadowing the other. Overall, this was a deeply engrossing book that I just wanted to curl up with and read all in one sitting. I highly recommend Fire of Fates for fans of romantic fantasy with dragons.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2025
This is a fantastic mix of fantasy, romance and an action movie. I was deeply engaged from the very first to the last word.
I am already waiting for the continuation of the story!
Hopefully Lyris will carry the weight of her burden.
I am already waiting for the continuation of the story!
Hopefully Lyris will carry the weight of her burden.
February 20, 2025
This book is a great starter for a series. The characters are very complex and morally gray, the world-building is extensive, it is action-packed and full of adventure and quests. I highly recommend it.
February 21, 2025
Epic fantasy that pulled me in from the first sentence. The world building is wonderful with well thought our characters that are relatable and loved.a.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2025
Sometimes reading a new author can be challenging. And this book was challenging. I enjoyed the story, at times it was heart-wrenching. The characters were enjoyable, the connection to their dragons soul deep.
April 27, 2025
He is a dragon-rider and he will need to try to reunite them before evil tries to ruin it all. It is not going to be easy for him but he will do the best he can. A great fantasy read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great tale
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great tale
January 4, 2025
I love it, but I might be biased since I wrote it ;)
February 12, 2025
LOVE this book! I love how complex the characters are and how deep we can dive into their emotions and inner conflicts. Perfect EPIC fantasy!
February 20, 2025
It was a great adventure to read this book! I enjoyed it a lot!
February 20, 2025
I really liked it. The world-building and Tolkien- like descriptions were really good.
February 20, 2025
Really good.
February 20, 2025
Really awesome! Great fantasy adventure with a complicated romance in it!
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