Bound by Flame

by Olivia Patrizzi

SERAFINA BELVA OCTONOVA’s world is teetering on the brink of extinction, where fresh water vanishes and life fades away. Some must die, so others may live. It’s the saying of her people, the reason the trials began all those years ago. But when Serafina discovers she’s an Essentari—a bearer of elemental magic—she becomes one of the hunted, further diminishing her chances of survival.

Forced to place her trust in the enigmatic and infuriatingly handsome prince—someone she can’t help but detest because, unlike her, he doesn’t have to compete to survive—Serafina is whisked away to the Imperial City where she’ll soon learn exactly what it takes to become one of the few who get to live.

In this gripping adult dystopian romantasy, join Serafina on a heart-pounding journey of self-discovery, betrayal, love, and determination. Her fate, and the fate of a crumbling world, hang in the balance.

Genres: Fantasy

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

About the author

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I'm most active on TikTok and love responding to any and all DMs. I'm a high school history teacher by day and writer of Romantasy books by night. Thanks for being here <3

Reviews

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Flame by Olivia Patrizzi completely blew me away. This book had everything I could ever want—elemental magic, dystopian fantasy, intense trials, and a romance that made my heart ache in the best way. I laughed, I cried, and I felt every emotion so deeply that I didn’t want the journey to end.

From the very first page, I was hooked. The forced proximity, the high stakes, and the incredible character growth kept me glued to the book—I devoured it in one sitting. The female main character’s journey is both powerful and emotional, and the romance is breathtakingly beautiful.

If you love books that pack an emotional punch, keep you on the edge of your seat, and make you fall in love with the characters, this is an absolute must-read. I can’t recommend it enough! Huge thanks to Olivia Patrizzi for the ARC—I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time. 5 freaking stars!

[Megan Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously I just KNOW this will be a 5⭐️ so let’s just get that part out of the way!! RELEASE DAY FEB 25th!!!!!!!!!

[Cha0tic.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Patrizi does it again with this absolutely captivating dystopian romantasy. Serafina Belva Octonova (aka Nova, ugh chills) lives in a world where there are trials to 'control the population' to help the ones who live. While put in an unfortunate situation Serafina quickly discovers she is an Essentari (one who can wield elemental magic). When the least likely of all people comes to her aid, she is now forced to put her trust into him. The prince who has never had to compete for his right to live is somehow there it help her.

When I say the standard for romantasies has changed for me, I mean it. This book had EVERYTHING in it and missed NOT A DAMN thing. From the trials, magic, politics and world building this book is PHENOMENAL. I loved the way that this was set up so uniquely than other dystopian/ fantasies when it comes to trials. The space and understanding of them was wonderful. The politics are spelled out and you can easily start to understand what has been happening. The foreshadowing of this was amazing. We were given little peaks into what was to come without it spoiling Serafina's experience. Also can I take a moment to say how EXCITED I AM to read more about this beautiful magic system.

I don't automatically 'love' romantasies because of the amount of spice in them, yet when I found out Olivia was writing an adult romantasy I about died. The TENSION in this book was everything I needed and more. You could feel it emanating from the screen of my kindle. The descriptions and details were not left out either. I was ON MY KNEES for more, begging for these two characters to just go for it. Yet, how she made the MMC want to be honest first had me swooning. I will die for this fictional man. (where can I find one in real life like this) The 'who did this to you' and the 'touch her and die' vibes WERE PRESENT and I will be honest I held a pillow over my face so I could scream at 2am while reading that.

While I talked a lot about this book I want to do something different and talk about the author. Olivia, not only being the amazingly sweet human you are, you know how to WRITE. You have now made two worlds that I have absolutely fallen in love with. From the little quotes that you posted about Bound by Flame to the 6 chapters in your newsletter, I knew this story was going to be amazing. I just want to say thank you for taking a chance on yourself and putting these stories out for the world. (I'm crying as I type this) You are phenomenal and I have never been so proud or excited to see someone grow and continue to do great things. I cannot wait for book two and to see little baby Nova's growth (I gave her my own nickname lmao)

Quote: "He would let me be their ruin"

[Amanda Lantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I threw my fists in the air cheering, and I was kicking my feet while squealing! Bound by Flame is a fast-moving fantastical book! I devoured it the book while falling in love with all the main characters!!! This is a must-read for all fantasy loving book readers!

[Debbie Delano · Rating 5 out of 5]

you want to know if I like this book?! I'm pretty sure that if anybody was walking outside my house they would have heard me screaming with a complete mix of emotions during the last couple of chapters. I am obsessed. I finished this book in a collective 7.5 hours between two days. I had tears of anger and happiness streaming down my face in the last few chapters, but especially the end. I had suspicions that were right. I'm angry at some characters in love with others. And the uh, fact that I was able to just get through this book so quickly because I was so engaged.And it was so funny enrapturing, has me just even that more excited for the physical copy to come out.

[Lacey May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia creates such easy to understand immersive worlds and magic systems. Her writing keeps you engaged the entire time, wanting to know what will happen next. I loved the character growth in this book from beginning to end.
The idea of a world that is dying and each person must survive 3 trials by age 21 was such a neat concept. I loved how it came together at the end with amazing twists and turns.
I absolutely can not wait to read book 2

[Daisy Booktok · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is soooooo good!!! Wow! The writing is perfection! The plot had me on edge the whole time.It's full of secrets, twists, and surprises! This book has something for everyone. Best book I have read in 2025 so far. I love it so much and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

Book releases on Feb 25th!!! Pick it up!!!

[Sandy Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia Patrizzi does it again! If you’re into:

🖤 elemental magic
🖤 slooow burn
🖤 broodyMMC
🖤 feisty FMC
🖤 trials
🖤 bonded creatures

This book is for you. I love that Olivia’s books are easy to follow and for being romantasy, it’s not super long with a ton of info dumping and not too short. Just enough in each book. Can’t wait for book 2! Thank you Olivia for this ARC! ☺️

[Carrie Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love LOVE this book! At 30% I knew I had to have the signed author edition and ran to her TikTok to order it. At 50% I was thankful for my decision. By 100% I was jumping for joy.

I would recommend this for all of my fantasy/romantasy girls. I had the hardest time putting this book down to do anything productive and thought of nothing but it while being forced to exist in real life.

We have Hunger Games x Fourth Wing. Trials, dragons, bonds with magical creatures, romance, shadow daddy, he trains her, an average girls journey to becoming a powerful FMC, a hint of enemies to lovers… just an overall amazing journey with all of our favorite tropes.

Such good writing and story! We have little hints throughout the book of things that will unfold- some I picked up on and got right, others I picked up on but didn’t quite piece together.

Ended perfectly with a lot of answers and closure but leaving you addicted to the story and excited for what is to come.

[Davina Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is EVERYTHING!!
It takes you through all the emotions with Serifina (although I am in love with Nova;) and Jax.
I couldn’t put it down and now I NEED the next books ASAP!
The slow burn and tension between Nova & Jax is unmatched!!!!
I even love the detail of the side characters!
Olivia Patrizzi has done it again and I am not at all surprised!
If you have not had the pleasure of reading her books I suggest you start!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️ I was hooked from page one and couldn’t put it down! It’s like Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing. So if you love either of those then this is definitely the book for you. This book has a little bit of everything and Olivia’s writing style is absolutely beautiful. This book is going to be living in my head rent free. I can’t wait to continue this story in the book two!

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course, this book blew me away absolutely love the writing style in all of Olivia’s books 📚 when the truth came out at the end of the book I was so shocked and stunned and now I’m just on pins and needles waiting for the second book ♥️♥️

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound by Flames… yes please!

This is my first book of this type in quite a while and enjoyed reading it so much! I even lost some sleep staying up with this one and regret nothing. The only question I have is, when does the next one come out!

[Brittney Buhnerkempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much. Definitely recommend. But book two needs to be out asap.

[Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️

✨Fantasy
✨Dystopian
✨Element Wielders
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨He falls first
✨Shadow Daddy
✨Magical Creatures

Another 5 star read by Olivia Patrizzi. It’s Divergent meets Fourth Wing meets Hunger Games and I could not put it down. This book cured my Onyx Storm Hangover. And now I don’t know how I’m gonna pick up another book after that fantastic ending.

The chemistry between the two main characters was blazing. I found myself getting giddy and kicking my feet whenever they were together. This book gave me all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. Definitely lots of swooning.

I really enjoyed watching the character development of Serafina. She really grows into herself and it’s refreshing to have such a non-problematic FMC. I cannot wait to see where Serafina’s journey leads. Thanks so much Olivia for this amazing ARC opportunity!!

This book releases February 25!! Run and add it to your carts now!! You won’t regret it.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved Hunger Games and Fourth Wing, this book is for you.

The world is on the edge of extinction and only the elite are guaranteed survival. Everyone else is forced to ration supplies and compete in trials in order to ensure that only the strongest survive. An unfortunate encounter leaves Serafina with the knowledge that she is an Essentari, someone with elemental based magic. This should be a blessing, but it turns into a nightmare when others will stop at nothing to end her life before the trials begin to increase their own odds of survival.

🔥 Elemental based magic
🔥 Slow Burn/Tension
🔥 Trials
🔥 Shadow Daddy
🔥 He trains her
🔥 Bonded creatures

I was hooked from the very first chapter. The tension and chemistry between our two main characters was so palpable. We get a little bit of everything in this book- who did this to you, trials, betrayal, training scenes, comedic relief from our side characters, and of course secrets and twists! I absolutely love Olivia’s ability to make the side characters just as entertaining as our mains. I can’t wait to see how this all wraps up in book 2! Thank you to Olivia for the gifted e-book.

[Leah miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world is dying, the elite have instated trials to insure only the strong survive, families are ripped apart by tragedy and starvation and through it all, there is hope. As this years trial approach we meet our FMC Serafina, she's not the strongest and for that reason she puts her mind to work ( we love a educated woman)
As the trial gets nearer the city becomes unruly as contestants begin to slaughter one another to ensure their place come trial day, the most targeted being the magic wielders known as the Essentari as they are considered the hardest to compete against in the trials but thankfully Serafina is just an average woman... UNTIL she's not, Serafina comes face to face with the worst possible situation and that is that she is a Pyroflame and worse yet, she's been discovered and of course it would be the FIRST time she's manifested her power.
Now Serafina has a target on her back and while she's strong willed and intelligent she's no match for those who will band together to do anything to eliminate her before the trial event begins or worse before the night comes to an end.
Fast forward and our lady had survived the night with a little bit of help from a mysterious stranger but unfortunately for her that hero also seems to be a kidnapper? Serafina is alive thanks to that shadowey figure but unfortunately she's locked away in a room and she has no idea what on earth he wants from her or why he saved her. Serafina must now learn how to yield her new powers in hopes of survival while also trying to understand her captor and awkwardly enough the way he makes her feel... The way he seems to care when he shouldn't and the way she can't help but feel like maybe she can trust him even when history says otherwise.

Bound by Flame is a fast paced book that has everything you could ever ask for in a romantasy

,🥀Strong willed FMC
🗡️Touch her and die shadow daddy
🔮Magic
⚔️Trials
🔥Slow burn
🖤Amazing side characters
🐺And telepathic bonded creatures

[DawnOfSpice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read dystopian novels—something about oppressive regimes and crumbling societies tends to make me run the other way. But Bound by Flame? This book owns me now. If selling my firstborn meant getting it made into a movie, well… someone get me a contract.

Olivia Patrizzi is a master storyteller. Her world is rich, immersive, and terrifyingly believable. The elite live in absolute luxury while everyone else is left to scrounge and suffer. It’s a world on the brink of collapse, where power is concentrated in the hands of the few, and survival means knowing who to trust—and who to burn.

What makes this book so good?
• Shadow daddy? Oh, absolutely. He’s brooding, powerful, and just the right amount of dangerous.
• Mythical creatures? Rare, but when they show up, they change everything. They’re not just set dressing—they matter.
• A world in chaos? More like a world on fire. The elite hoard resources while the rest struggle just to survive. It’s brutal, unfair, and utterly gripping.
• A fierce, smart heroine? Not just strong—rising. She’s forced to find her strength, and watching her grow into it is one of the most satisfying parts of the book.

If you love the elemental magic and worldbuilding of Avatar: The Last Airbender or the heart-pounding, high-stakes action of Fourth Wing, Bound by Flame is your next obsession. It’s intense, emotional, and impossible to put down. I need more. Immediately.

[Alisha Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Some must die, so others may live.”

Bound By Flame is a dystopian romance with vibes similar to The Hunger Games if Katniss had unknown magical powers that appeared on the brink of her 21st birthday. The world building Olivia Patrizzi has done in this book is outstanding and draws you in, like a moth to a flame. The FMC, Serafina, is lovable and uncertain in the beginning, but shows such growth and development as the book goes on. By the end of the book, Serafina has realized her worth and embraced her strength. She no longer needs a savior other than herself.

This is a story of self discovery and betrayals mixed with strength and magic. There were highs and lows throughout the book, but I was able to foresee most of the plot twists before they happened. That being said, the story was so well written, that I didn’t mind being able to see those things I thought play out. All of the characters were well developed and engaging. I absolutely loved the dynamic between them and am already anticipating the next book, so that I can have more of them!

I was not ready for this book to end and will most certainly be ready when this story continues!

Tropes in the book include:
Dystopian Society
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Betrayal
Elemental Magic

[Meagan Honea · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No one will ever call me weak again.”

5 ⭐️

Serafina is dreading the day she turns 21. Because it is in the 21st year that all humans must compete in deadly trials to earn a chance to live in a world that is dying.

Upon learning she possesses the ability to wield fire, Serafina must go into hiding so that she may be safe until it’s time to fight for her life in the arena.

During this time, as she practices her gift, she begins discovering more about the world she thought she knew & who she truly is.

When it is time to survive in the trials, everything changes as uprising begins.

What to expect:
☄️ Elemental magic
🗡️ Love triangle
☄️ Enemies to lovers
🗡️ Slow burn
☄️ Deadly trials
🗡️ Shadow daddy
☄️ Touch her & ☠️

Olivia Patrizzi’s imagination is top tier. She created a totally immersive world with a badass & relatable FMC. This story includes elements like heartbreaking betrayal, suspenseful trials & a delicious slow burn that grabbed me in an amazing “I don’t want this to end” chokehold. With an incredible ending & so many OMG moments, this is absolutely going to be an infinity stars recommendation from now until forever.

[Katherine's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I am a huge fan of Olivia! I have loved her first two books and this book did not disappoint. I don’t usually go for dystopian type books but the first few pages had me hooked. I wasn’t going anywhere, I was here for this amazing ride.
I don’t like spoilers so I am going to go off of how this book made me feel. I love that the main female character came from a dirt poor/poverty upbringing. This made her even more tenacious. The fact that we find out she’s powerful AF is the icing on the cake.
When we have the prince save her from a terrible situation I am on the edge of my seat. And so the tension begins. I’m usually a die hard spice kind of girl but this closed door spice…..❤️‍🔥🥵👍🏻 the words this man uses and the desperation in his touches omg 😳. That’s all I needed and I’d been done. Watching these two evolve and watching both characters change and grow was beautiful. All I can say is I cannot wait for more.

[Kim Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this fun paced story. It really is a book you don’t want to put down. The story line grabs you in a way that is fun to follow and keeps you invested in the well developed characters. In addition to the romantic storylines, and that’s with more than one set of characters, the author drops easter eggs that keep you invested and wanting to know more and man does she deliver n the end. I don’t want to spoil with too much info so I’m wrapping it up by saying I don’t think anyone would be left disappointed after reading this book. It really does have everything you would look for in a fantasy romance novel. I actually had withdrawals after I finished. I wanted book 2 right away. Now Livi has me hooked anticipating her 3rd and final book of her Into The Void trilogy and the 2nd, and I think, final book of this story line. I’m so excited to see how she wraps up both. Hurry please.

[Brianna Bowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from the beginning. If work didn't get in the way, I would have read this in one sitting. This book was the perfect blend of The Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, and The Divine and the Cursed, and I ate this book up.

Seraphina is an incredibly relatable FMC, super strong-willed and a total badass, and she only gets better as the book progresses. I loved watching her growth and self-discovery. And the MMC , Ryjax, is the essence of book boyfriend material and is just perfection.

This book was written so it kept you guessing, kept you interested, and kept you reading because I just needed to know! I cannot wait for book 2!

Definitely pick this book up. Releasing on February 25!!

[Cailun Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a phenomenal read. It mixed my two favorite genres together and combined them with all my favorite tropes. Olivia is so talented at writing dual perspective, and her insight and writing style make her characters so lovable and relatable. The inner dialogue feels so real and her imagery is so vivid it’s like you are in the book. It’s like a mixture of Divergent, Hunger Games and Avatar with its fun and creative magic system. The way she places her Easter Eggs has you guessing and unable to put the book down. The slow burn keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the dialogue between the characters is absolutely addictive. I cannot wait for book two! My mind is still completely wrapped up in this adventure and all I can say is MORE! I need more!

[Patrick Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was so intense I could not put it down. I was fortunate enough to be an ARC reader for Olivia Patrizzi's new series and it did not disappoint AT ALL!! Fast paced, gripping, enjoyable, suspenseful ... everything you want in a book. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!

Serifina (Fi) Belva Octonova is our female heroine that truly kicks butt in this epic tale. Growing up in a dystopian society that has similar vibes of Hunger Games (but on a much grander scale), she has to prove herself worthy of living past her 21st birthday.....along with everyone else turning twenty-one. Twist, she has a "gift" that totally changes the landscape of the trials once she master's how to use it.

Char, Fi's best friend, has always been there for her growing up. He also has helped her in passing the first two trials. But he ultimately fails in his promise to "always protect" her.

Ryjax "Jax" Bray, part of the royal family that created the trials meets Fi and helps her learn how to control her gift. The close proximity among them also breeds a deeper relationship beyond casual acquaintances.

Add in some royal family drama, slow-burn romance, forced proximity, improved self-worth, secretive passageways in the castle, mind-blowing twists that will get you out of your chair....this is a MUST READ for 2025.

[Jillian Jump · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up and basically did not put it down until I finished. This is a hunger games/Fourth Wing vibes with some magic and mythical creatures. Our FMC is badass and learns she does not need anyone. Within the story there is a slow burn kind of forbidden love that’s so good and has you just wanting more. I cried towards the end because you just get in the feels for what is happening. And the END!!!!! I cannot wait for the next one, whenever that may be I’ll be snatching it up immediately.

There is no open door romance, this book would be great for a teenager who loves fantasy books as well as any adult.

[ArielsBookCorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this wonderful book!! I am so honored!

Olivia always knows how to write twists, turns, and absolutely crazy endings and this book was no different! I really enjoyed the world-building, the FMC Serafina, the magic system, and ofc my man Jax 🥵

This was a great fantasy book with mythical creatures, elemental magic, a corrupt ruling class, and the fight for a better future. It has trials, sooooo much yearning, training montages, complicated backstories, everything I love in a fantasy!!!

Absolutely would recommend this book to anyone who loves the above!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia never ceases to amaze me with her books! Bound by Flame seriously had a little bit of everything in it.

🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Shadow daddy
🖤Trials (set in a dystopian world)
🖤Slow burn
🖤Unique magic system
🖤Phenomenal side characters

Absolutely loved the tension between Serafina & Jax throughout the entire book. Slow burns can be hit or miss for me but the added magical elements kept me intrigued. The magic combined with the dystopian world created an amazing book!! I had an idea about one of the twists towards the end but the final one really got me! Very excited to continue this series.

[RuthNalio · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page 1 it had me hooked. If you are looking for a cross between Hunger Games, Mad Max, and Fourth Wing this is it and so much more! The romance is a slow burn that feels like the best kind of slow burn. The character and world-building are so effortless and amazingly done! I can’t wait for book 2! Olivia Patrizzi has outdone herself! Release date 2/25/2025!!! Mark your calendar because this is a must-read!

[Jenny Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book! The characters were both relatable and ones you’d aspire to be, and the mmc is a shadow man to add to my list of loves. It is very similar to other stories, it pulls from the hunger games quite a bit and other fantasy stories, but is an easy read that will keep you interested and eager for more. I am so excited for book two and so proud of this baby author who is doing amazing things with her stories!