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Bloodlines #1
Flame Theory
An imposter. A mafia heir. A dragon race that could kill them both.
The perfect mashup of Six of Crows and How to Train Your Dragon.
It’s illegal to own a wild dragon. It’s even more illegal to bond with one.
I’ve spent my life scraping by in the city’s underbelly, doing whatever it takes to give my family a better future. So when I’m offered a place at the kingdom’s most prestigious dragon riding academy, I seize the chance—no matter that I’m diving headfirst into dangerous waters. To survive, I have to hide who I am and keep the truth about my dragon buried deep.
But at Cardan Lott College, secrets don’t stay hidden long. Especially not from Rushland Covington—the academy’s golden heir who’s far too clever for his own good. Behind that perfect smile, he’s chasing a forbidden mystery about dragons…and somehow, I’m the key to solving it.
Bound by secrets, we form a reluctant alliance that leads us down a path that will permanently alter our lives and possibly our entire world. Some secrets are meant to be uncovered, and others are meant to stay hidden. But the fire growing between us is the most dangerous truth of all.
If you loved Hiccup and Toothless, but this time you want it set in an elite academy like Maxton Hall where dragon racing is the school sport, then you’re in the right place. The first in an addictive new YA fantasy series, Flame Theory features the start of a no-spice, swoon-worthy romance filled with banter, dragon races, rivalries, and hidden truths.
Welcome to the world of dragon racing.
The perfect mashup of Six of Crows and How to Train Your Dragon.
It’s illegal to own a wild dragon. It’s even more illegal to bond with one.
I’ve spent my life scraping by in the city’s underbelly, doing whatever it takes to give my family a better future. So when I’m offered a place at the kingdom’s most prestigious dragon riding academy, I seize the chance—no matter that I’m diving headfirst into dangerous waters. To survive, I have to hide who I am and keep the truth about my dragon buried deep.
But at Cardan Lott College, secrets don’t stay hidden long. Especially not from Rushland Covington—the academy’s golden heir who’s far too clever for his own good. Behind that perfect smile, he’s chasing a forbidden mystery about dragons…and somehow, I’m the key to solving it.
Bound by secrets, we form a reluctant alliance that leads us down a path that will permanently alter our lives and possibly our entire world. Some secrets are meant to be uncovered, and others are meant to stay hidden. But the fire growing between us is the most dangerous truth of all.
If you loved Hiccup and Toothless, but this time you want it set in an elite academy like Maxton Hall where dragon racing is the school sport, then you’re in the right place. The first in an addictive new YA fantasy series, Flame Theory features the start of a no-spice, swoon-worthy romance filled with banter, dragon races, rivalries, and hidden truths.
Welcome to the world of dragon racing.
Unknown Binding
First published February 27, 2026
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January 3, 2026
Ugh, honestly I wanted to love this book and I was so excited to get the arc. The cover is very cool looking. But it was honestly disappointing. It was pretty confusing and a lot was going on throughout the whole book. I didn’t love or care for any of the characters especially not Rush. I didn’t like his crude comments and behavior. He was drunk a lot and he didn’t seem to change. I didn’t like the partial swear either from Ari’s brother. I almost DNF’d this book multiple times. The author claims to be a Christian, but this book has nothing about that at all. There is a mention of Ari praying to some god, but doesn’t specify. I didn’t care for the cliffhanger either and don’t think I’ll read the second one. I know this was advertised with HTTYD vibes and it was just not there other than it having dragons in it. With all that being said, maybe I’m just not the target audience for this book. I did like reading about the dragons, but I wish it had HTTYD vibes. I have yet to find a book that has that. Overall, it was a disappointing reading start to 2026. Now, with that being said, I’m not saying this to be mean to the author or anything. It just wasn’t the book for me. Her writing is well done and perhaps I’ll try a different book from her in the future.
May 10, 2025
I saw a video on Instagram saying this book has HTTYD vibes... I'm sold. Can't wait for this to release, I'll update this review when I have finished the book. ❤️
October 6, 2025
5 ⭐️ Academia Fantasy (upper YA)
🖊️ “Flame Theory” by C. F. E. Black
🚨 CONTENT & ROMANCE RATINGS
* Kissing: 13&up
* Fade-to-black: none
* Violence: 16&up
* SA: none
* Language: none
* Gangs and gang violence (nothing gory)
* Manipulative father
* Never satisfied mother
#️⃣ 1st in the Bloodlines series
🗓️ FORMAT / AVAILABILITY
* November 30th
* Kickstarter special edition October 6th
* Paperback
* Hardback
* Kindle
♥️ TROPES:
* rivals to lovers
* Dragon racing (legal and illegal night races)
* Academic setting
* Six of crows + how to train your dragon + Harry Potter
* Political chess
* Lower class FMC + High society MMC
* Rival gangs
* Slow-burn
* Mafia vibes
* Forced proximity
📝 REVIEW:
I don’t think there is any way to fully understand what I just read, but I LOVED IT!! There is nothing more exciting than thinking you know the plot and then being proven wrong. All the little details from character back story, the history of their world, the dragon science and flying lessons were so well thought out. I was amazed. Everything flowed so well together that it felt like the book was common knowledge rather than being built from the ground up.
And the ROMANCE!! It flowed so naturally!! There wasn’t a random abrupt change from rivals to lovers. It was a natural progression that just made sense.
I can’t get over this book! They learn to fly dragons, the political chess revolves around dragons, and the romance is everything a girl could dream of. So go add this book on Goodreads and mark your calendars for release day!!
🖊️ “Flame Theory” by C. F. E. Black
🚨 CONTENT & ROMANCE RATINGS
* Kissing: 13&up
* Fade-to-black: none
* Violence: 16&up
* SA: none
* Language: none
* Gangs and gang violence (nothing gory)
* Manipulative father
* Never satisfied mother
#️⃣ 1st in the Bloodlines series
🗓️ FORMAT / AVAILABILITY
* November 30th
* Kickstarter special edition October 6th
* Paperback
* Hardback
* Kindle
♥️ TROPES:
* rivals to lovers
* Dragon racing (legal and illegal night races)
* Academic setting
* Six of crows + how to train your dragon + Harry Potter
* Political chess
* Lower class FMC + High society MMC
* Rival gangs
* Slow-burn
* Mafia vibes
* Forced proximity
📝 REVIEW:
I don’t think there is any way to fully understand what I just read, but I LOVED IT!! There is nothing more exciting than thinking you know the plot and then being proven wrong. All the little details from character back story, the history of their world, the dragon science and flying lessons were so well thought out. I was amazed. Everything flowed so well together that it felt like the book was common knowledge rather than being built from the ground up.
And the ROMANCE!! It flowed so naturally!! There wasn’t a random abrupt change from rivals to lovers. It was a natural progression that just made sense.
I can’t get over this book! They learn to fly dragons, the political chess revolves around dragons, and the romance is everything a girl could dream of. So go add this book on Goodreads and mark your calendars for release day!!
March 26, 2026
"But trusting Rush Covington might turn out to be the most dangerous thing I could do."
Flame Theory by C. F. E. Black
Wow! What a ride this book was!
From the mysterious ambience of an elite school, to dragon riding, to the slums of bottomside and night races, a mafia, and the popular handsome rich boy who needs help, this book had me hooked. And I need book 2 ASAP with how that ending left me hanging.
CFE Black is a new to me author, that I have been following for a long time, but finally got to read one of her and this one definitely blew my mind! I will most definitely be reading more of her romantasy books in the near future.
I love the worldbuilding she did in this one. I loved how she created an atmosphere of mystery surrounding the school and how we get to discover things about it little by little along with the characters. I also really enjoyed how while the world is unique, there are many aspects about our world that were pulled from.
The dragon training, magic, and dragon riding really appealed to me. There was so much to discover about that aspect of the world Black has created and learning about it through the eyes of Arivelle was fascinating and riveting.
I definitely recommend this new YA Romantasy from C.F.E. Black and I highly anticipate book 2. I would recommend it for ages 15+. See my content guide below for specifics and what your teen can handle.
Go and check it out on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon, or see if she has any of the gorgeous special edition hardbacks or paperbacks available!
Favorite Parts:
Dragon racing
Undercover
On the roof
In the lair
Hunting
Night races
Cake and conversation
Mystery
Myth
Rushland
Enemies to Lovers vibes
On the train
The ball
Lingering glances/yearning
That ending!!
Content Guide:
Language: None; mild insults used by students at fellow students
Sexual Content: Kissing only (passionate, but not descriptive), brothels are mentioned only, main characters (female/male) accidentally fall asleep in same bed (nothing inappropriate happens, not even kissing at that time)
Violence/gore: Mild-violence/peril involving dragons, creature/animal gore and blood, knife fight with some blood, murder, gun violence resulting in death/some blood
Substance Use: Mild-drinking and some smoking (by adults), a main character appears drunk (other main character does not condone their behavior)
Prejudices: Social classes-higher classes feel they are much more superior
Religious Content: mythical gods
Other: living in poverty, difficult relationships with family, controlling/manipulative father, gambling/betting
Book Info:
Series: Bloodlines book 1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Romance Level: Kissing only
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Indie
POV: Single first person
Thank you to the Author for the gorgeous paperback copy. All thoughts are my own.
Flame Theory by C. F. E. Black
Wow! What a ride this book was!
From the mysterious ambience of an elite school, to dragon riding, to the slums of bottomside and night races, a mafia, and the popular handsome rich boy who needs help, this book had me hooked. And I need book 2 ASAP with how that ending left me hanging.
CFE Black is a new to me author, that I have been following for a long time, but finally got to read one of her and this one definitely blew my mind! I will most definitely be reading more of her romantasy books in the near future.
I love the worldbuilding she did in this one. I loved how she created an atmosphere of mystery surrounding the school and how we get to discover things about it little by little along with the characters. I also really enjoyed how while the world is unique, there are many aspects about our world that were pulled from.
The dragon training, magic, and dragon riding really appealed to me. There was so much to discover about that aspect of the world Black has created and learning about it through the eyes of Arivelle was fascinating and riveting.
I definitely recommend this new YA Romantasy from C.F.E. Black and I highly anticipate book 2. I would recommend it for ages 15+. See my content guide below for specifics and what your teen can handle.
Go and check it out on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon, or see if she has any of the gorgeous special edition hardbacks or paperbacks available!
Favorite Parts:
Dragon racing
Undercover
On the roof
In the lair
Hunting
Night races
Cake and conversation
Mystery
Myth
Rushland
Enemies to Lovers vibes
On the train
The ball
Lingering glances/yearning
That ending!!
Content Guide:
Language: None; mild insults used by students at fellow students
Sexual Content: Kissing only (passionate, but not descriptive), brothels are mentioned only, main characters (female/male) accidentally fall asleep in same bed (nothing inappropriate happens, not even kissing at that time)
Violence/gore: Mild-violence/peril involving dragons, creature/animal gore and blood, knife fight with some blood, murder, gun violence resulting in death/some blood
Substance Use: Mild-drinking and some smoking (by adults), a main character appears drunk (other main character does not condone their behavior)
Prejudices: Social classes-higher classes feel they are much more superior
Religious Content: mythical gods
Other: living in poverty, difficult relationships with family, controlling/manipulative father, gambling/betting
Book Info:
Series: Bloodlines book 1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Romance Level: Kissing only
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Indie
POV: Single first person
Thank you to the Author for the gorgeous paperback copy. All thoughts are my own.
March 12, 2026
dragon riding school + annoying hot guy = immaculate vibes
this book started slow and at times it felt like we lost the plot, but i was lowk eating it up anyway.
our mc was decent, maybe a bit naive and clueless on how to pull off a secret identity well, but she was likeable.
our love interest was the classic arrogant rich guy with daddy issues but like 100x cooler bc he comes with a dragon
if you like:
-elite boarding school settings
-illegal night racing
-victorian era vibes
-underdog mc
-slow burn “enemies” to lovers
-and ofc, dragons
you might enjoy this! although you will have to suspend your belief for certain plot points
the ending kind of annoyed bc it ended in the middle of like an action scene but alas…i will prob pick up the next book bc i need more myth and rush in my life
this book started slow and at times it felt like we lost the plot, but i was lowk eating it up anyway.
our mc was decent, maybe a bit naive and clueless on how to pull off a secret identity well, but she was likeable.
our love interest was the classic arrogant rich guy with daddy issues but like 100x cooler bc he comes with a dragon
if you like:
-elite boarding school settings
-illegal night racing
-victorian era vibes
-underdog mc
-slow burn “enemies” to lovers
-and ofc, dragons
you might enjoy this! although you will have to suspend your belief for certain plot points
the ending kind of annoyed bc it ended in the middle of like an action scene but alas…i will prob pick up the next book bc i need more myth and rush in my life
January 23, 2026
Holy moly! What. A. Ride. An elite academy setting, dragons, secrets with twists and turns, high-stakes, corrupt power, a fascinating, multifaceted cast of characters, rivals to more with so. much. yearning. – this story gripped me and held me to the end (more about that later!)! This is the first book that I’ve read in 2026, but I think it will be a favorite for the year!
It has so many layers that unfold as you read – the twists and secrets, the character development, the world building, the discoveries, the illusions vs. reality. I found the story to be unique (especially compared to anything that I’ve read before) and well-developed.
The world building is wonderful. I knew I liked how Black builds her worlds from The Starlit Prince, and I was not disappointed. The rich descriptions and in-world history give this world so much depth.
This is a darker and more violent story than I usually read. The characters are imperfect and still growing, but they are trying to make positive changes to the world that they were given. The conflict is intense and gritty, and the stakes are high with life and death consequences. Any change, any good, any growth, any light isn’t handed over easily – it’s fought for, and the fight isn’t over yet.
And the ending…I knew it would be a cliffhanger, but I was truly unprepared for how my heart was wrenched. Where are you Book 2?!
Since I’ve never read Six of Crows and have only seen How to Train Your Dragon once, I found there to be a few Harry Potter vibes which I liked.
Content: no-spice/kisses-only romance; one bed (nothing is insinuated or happens); clean language (some in-world cursing, innuendo used as an insult); hardships of poverty; violence, blood, and death; gang violence; hazing; parent death; abusive parents; alcoholism; gambling; character mentions she was "with" a man before marriage – these things aren’t glorified
I backed this book on Kickstarter and received my digital copy before the publication date!
It has so many layers that unfold as you read – the twists and secrets, the character development, the world building, the discoveries, the illusions vs. reality. I found the story to be unique (especially compared to anything that I’ve read before) and well-developed.
The world building is wonderful. I knew I liked how Black builds her worlds from The Starlit Prince, and I was not disappointed. The rich descriptions and in-world history give this world so much depth.
This is a darker and more violent story than I usually read. The characters are imperfect and still growing, but they are trying to make positive changes to the world that they were given. The conflict is intense and gritty, and the stakes are high with life and death consequences. Any change, any good, any growth, any light isn’t handed over easily – it’s fought for, and the fight isn’t over yet.
And the ending…I knew it would be a cliffhanger, but I was truly unprepared for how my heart was wrenched. Where are you Book 2?!
Since I’ve never read Six of Crows and have only seen How to Train Your Dragon once, I found there to be a few Harry Potter vibes which I liked.
Content: no-spice/kisses-only romance; one bed (nothing is insinuated or happens); clean language (some in-world cursing, innuendo used as an insult); hardships of poverty; violence, blood, and death; gang violence; hazing; parent death; abusive parents; alcoholism; gambling; character mentions she was "with" a man before marriage – these things aren’t glorified
I backed this book on Kickstarter and received my digital copy before the publication date!
October 19, 2025
This is the story our dragon-loving romantasy world didn’t know we needed!! But oh my gosh we did ❤️🔥 And it is such an exciting ride 🔥
An outcast FMC sent to the dark academia training academy in a dark and dangerous world, but she’s is brave enough and strong enough to take that on 🙌🏻 especially when she gets in too deep with her rival.
This is a thrilling read with mystery and danger. I enjoyed every second of getting to know the characters and the world in the first half of the book. The second half of the book kept me on the edge of my seat with high stakes danger, excitement, tension, and all the big feels. And that twist 😱 and oh that ending ahhhhh!!
The FMC is determined, brave, willing to do anything to protect her family and friends. She has a big heart and is kind. I loved her and really enjoyed getting to follow her story. The MMC is flirty, confident, protective, a bit morally grey, and a little rebellious… with a bigger heart than he lets on. The best friend is a lot of fun, a little sassy, and a good person to have on her side. I really enjoy the rival and pretend hate to allies dynamic between the main characters. Mutual secret keeping brings them together and the Swoony tension makes them inseparable.
This academy has rich history as culture that makes it feel real. The variety characters you meet there each have their own unique personalities that make them likable (or unlikeable for some) and memorable, which is rare for me to say in a book with so many characters introduced in one place. The house/faction of the academy is dangerous and alluring like the Dauntless faction of Divergent. Writing that makes you feel like you are there 🙌🏻 The feelings captured in the writing fit so well with what someone would experience in that unique situation.
❤️🔥 Dark Academia
❤️🔥 House System/Factions at Academy
❤️🔥 Dragon Racing
❤️🔥 Mafia-like Nobility
❤️🔥 Dragon Racing Academy
❤️🔥 Dangerous Rival MMC
❤️🔥 Hidden Identity FMC
❤️🔥 Flirty Banter
❤️🔥 Illegal Street Races (but make it on dragons)
❤️🔥 Mysterious MMC
❤️🔥 Dangerous Secrets
❤️🔥 One Dragon
❤️🔥 Secret late night meet-ups
❤️🔥 Touch her and ☠️
❤️🔥 Gangs
❤️🔥 Family
❤️🔥 Found Family
❤️🔥 Morally Grey
❤️🔥 Rebellion
❤️🔥 Pretend Hate
Upper YA, single POV
No Spice | Closed Door 🫑🫑 Swoony with some lightly steamy feels
This I going to give you some feels of Fourth Wing, On Wings of Blood, and How to Train Your Dragon but with characters and a story completely unique and wonderful on its own. I NEED this to be made into a movie or TV show 🙏🏻
An outcast FMC sent to the dark academia training academy in a dark and dangerous world, but she’s is brave enough and strong enough to take that on 🙌🏻 especially when she gets in too deep with her rival.
This is a thrilling read with mystery and danger. I enjoyed every second of getting to know the characters and the world in the first half of the book. The second half of the book kept me on the edge of my seat with high stakes danger, excitement, tension, and all the big feels. And that twist 😱 and oh that ending ahhhhh!!
The FMC is determined, brave, willing to do anything to protect her family and friends. She has a big heart and is kind. I loved her and really enjoyed getting to follow her story. The MMC is flirty, confident, protective, a bit morally grey, and a little rebellious… with a bigger heart than he lets on. The best friend is a lot of fun, a little sassy, and a good person to have on her side. I really enjoy the rival and pretend hate to allies dynamic between the main characters. Mutual secret keeping brings them together and the Swoony tension makes them inseparable.
This academy has rich history as culture that makes it feel real. The variety characters you meet there each have their own unique personalities that make them likable (or unlikeable for some) and memorable, which is rare for me to say in a book with so many characters introduced in one place. The house/faction of the academy is dangerous and alluring like the Dauntless faction of Divergent. Writing that makes you feel like you are there 🙌🏻 The feelings captured in the writing fit so well with what someone would experience in that unique situation.
❤️🔥 Dark Academia
❤️🔥 House System/Factions at Academy
❤️🔥 Dragon Racing
❤️🔥 Mafia-like Nobility
❤️🔥 Dragon Racing Academy
❤️🔥 Dangerous Rival MMC
❤️🔥 Hidden Identity FMC
❤️🔥 Flirty Banter
❤️🔥 Illegal Street Races (but make it on dragons)
❤️🔥 Mysterious MMC
❤️🔥 Dangerous Secrets
❤️🔥 One Dragon
❤️🔥 Secret late night meet-ups
❤️🔥 Touch her and ☠️
❤️🔥 Gangs
❤️🔥 Family
❤️🔥 Found Family
❤️🔥 Morally Grey
❤️🔥 Rebellion
❤️🔥 Pretend Hate
Upper YA, single POV
No Spice | Closed Door 🫑🫑 Swoony with some lightly steamy feels
This I going to give you some feels of Fourth Wing, On Wings of Blood, and How to Train Your Dragon but with characters and a story completely unique and wonderful on its own. I NEED this to be made into a movie or TV show 🙏🏻
December 24, 2025
I funded this! And, I feel like a proud mom by saying it was a winner and I can't wait for everyone else to read it.
The comps - Six of Crows + How to Tran Your Dragon is accurate. However, I'd go more with Peaky Blinders or something other than Six of Crows.
The world building is one that is uncovered bit by bit. History of dragons and humans is pretty simple: dragon fire bad, get rid of dragon fire = good. Humans + dragons bonded = good. But in the case of our female lead, she is bonded to a wild dragon that can breathe fire. She is also not noble, and noble people can't bond to dragons... but she did. She also has to figure out how the wealthiest family in the city can constantly keep winning in the dragon races. Find the answer, show the world that history can be changed, and maybe something new.
There is a dangerous pull between her and the ML. I liked Rush as a character. He is someone who hides who he truly is and his distaste for her is hidden in his quest to find out the truth regarding dragons. When they realize they're not so different, and that they both are technically on the side of good, you find out the real enemy is the father. And that's when the gang related stuff starts really coming to a boil.
I'm glad I took a chance on this author since the book ended with a reveal and bum-bum-bum! moment for book two. So, yeah. if you like gangs, smart female and male, dragons, slow-burn, magic, hidden history and promising dangerous further installments I recommend the book.
The comps - Six of Crows + How to Tran Your Dragon is accurate. However, I'd go more with Peaky Blinders or something other than Six of Crows.
The world building is one that is uncovered bit by bit. History of dragons and humans is pretty simple: dragon fire bad, get rid of dragon fire = good. Humans + dragons bonded = good. But in the case of our female lead, she is bonded to a wild dragon that can breathe fire. She is also not noble, and noble people can't bond to dragons... but she did. She also has to figure out how the wealthiest family in the city can constantly keep winning in the dragon races. Find the answer, show the world that history can be changed, and maybe something new.
There is a dangerous pull between her and the ML. I liked Rush as a character. He is someone who hides who he truly is and his distaste for her is hidden in his quest to find out the truth regarding dragons. When they realize they're not so different, and that they both are technically on the side of good, you find out the real enemy is the father. And that's when the gang related stuff starts really coming to a boil.
I'm glad I took a chance on this author since the book ended with a reveal and bum-bum-bum! moment for book two. So, yeah. if you like gangs, smart female and male, dragons, slow-burn, magic, hidden history and promising dangerous further installments I recommend the book.
January 25, 2026
This was so intense! I had to pause my reading because I didn’t want it to end and leave me bereft and waiting for the other books!
This world was so vibrant in my mind! As someone who avoided Fourth Wing for content reasons, I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint. I feel as though I’ve walked the halls of Cardan Lott, learned to fly a dragon, and gambled for the highest stakes. I am so eager for the rest of the story!
Thank you for the eARC and the chance to experience this world!
Content:
Definitely some heavier themes but I felt they were handled well and not glorified.
Gambling, alcohol, gangs, violence, death threats, mention of brothels, in world swearing, a little kissing but no spice.
This world was so vibrant in my mind! As someone who avoided Fourth Wing for content reasons, I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint. I feel as though I’ve walked the halls of Cardan Lott, learned to fly a dragon, and gambled for the highest stakes. I am so eager for the rest of the story!
Thank you for the eARC and the chance to experience this world!
Content:
Definitely some heavier themes but I felt they were handled well and not glorified.
Gambling, alcohol, gangs, violence, death threats, mention of brothels, in world swearing, a little kissing but no spice.
March 17, 2026
I have very mixed feelings about this book.
There were some points when I was obsessed with it. There was nothing to stop me from reading. But then other times I was just meh. However, I think this series has a lot of potential so therefore I shall read more of it🙂↕️
There were some points when I was obsessed with it. There was nothing to stop me from reading. But then other times I was just meh. However, I think this series has a lot of potential so therefore I shall read more of it🙂↕️
March 22, 2026
OH MY GOSH THIS WAS AMAZING
I’m still in book shock
This was magnificent
The story did have some leaps of faith at the beginning but understandable
The characters and their relationships were so so good 😭
And the plot twists actually caught me off guard
Plus it was a dark academia dragon book soooo
5⭐️
Language 0/10
Suggestive content/Romance 3.25/10
Violence 4/10 (many much murder)
Recommended age 15+ (some darker topics were discussed)
Would 100% recommend it’s a clean dark academia enemies to lovers dragon book that reminded me of six of crows 😁
I’m still in book shock
This was magnificent
The story did have some leaps of faith at the beginning but understandable
The characters and their relationships were so so good 😭
And the plot twists actually caught me off guard
Plus it was a dark academia dragon book soooo
5⭐️
Language 0/10
Suggestive content/Romance 3.25/10
Violence 4/10 (many much murder)
Recommended age 15+ (some darker topics were discussed)
Would 100% recommend it’s a clean dark academia enemies to lovers dragon book that reminded me of six of crows 😁
March 16, 2026
Close your eyes. Wait— don’t. You can’t read with your eyes closed.
Now, imagine if How To Train Your Dragon, Six of Crows, and Harry Potter had a baby… and that baby was born into Dauntless.
That’s the best way to summarize and pitch this book.
I don’t normally recommend a song for books… but Bloodline by Alex Warren is PERFECT for this (even down to the title, considering the series name).
Content warnings:
Sexual content: a kiss, allusions to bad men wanting to do things to women (and talk of women being heard screaming in the streets at night), a woman mentions having been with a man before they were married, a man asks another man “how was she” in reference to a girl (nothing happened), a man ogles a woman and is scolded for it.
Language: none.
Violence and gore: People mention dragons being killed (and getting their throats slit), people try to kill dragon, death mentioned, people get shot, gang violence, torture of a dragon and its rider (short scene), gang shootings, etc.
If you want something to scratch that itch of “man I want to read Fourth Wing but I can’t bc there’s spice”… here you go. This is your book.
I LOVED the rider/dragon relationships in this so much!!!
Myth gave Toothless vibes a lot. I want a Myth. please. He’s so precious!!
Ari was a pretty good FMC. Normally I’d BEG for a duel POV, but a single POV fit well for this bc of things surrounding the MMC (though I think there should be a duel POV in the next book now that we know things about the MMC in this one). I would have loved for some of the side characters to get POVs, but it wouldn’t have been necessary to the story.
There was not really any slowing down in this book. Genuinely, there were maybe three slow chapters, but I breezed through them bc I had to know what was gonna happen with everything.
Something I had to get used to, though, was the writing. It felt a little clipped. Like, scene would switch per paragraph. Black seemed to move on as soon as she was done with whatever a scene had to offer. You know people that make videos and stop it every three seconds? It felt a little like that at first. Some people may like that, but personally, I enjoy more elaboration. After I got used to it it was fine, though.
Overall, this was a really good book! I bought the hardcover copy and am planning on lending it to a friend (and make my sister read it).
Now, imagine if How To Train Your Dragon, Six of Crows, and Harry Potter had a baby… and that baby was born into Dauntless.
That’s the best way to summarize and pitch this book.
I don’t normally recommend a song for books… but Bloodline by Alex Warren is PERFECT for this (even down to the title, considering the series name).
Content warnings:
Sexual content: a kiss, allusions to bad men wanting to do things to women (and talk of women being heard screaming in the streets at night), a woman mentions having been with a man before they were married, a man asks another man “how was she” in reference to a girl (nothing happened), a man ogles a woman and is scolded for it.
Language: none.
Violence and gore: People mention dragons being killed (and getting their throats slit), people try to kill dragon, death mentioned, people get shot, gang violence, torture of a dragon and its rider (short scene), gang shootings, etc.
If you want something to scratch that itch of “man I want to read Fourth Wing but I can’t bc there’s spice”… here you go. This is your book.
I LOVED the rider/dragon relationships in this so much!!!
Myth gave Toothless vibes a lot. I want a Myth. please. He’s so precious!!
Ari was a pretty good FMC. Normally I’d BEG for a duel POV, but a single POV fit well for this bc of things surrounding the MMC (though I think there should be a duel POV in the next book now that we know things about the MMC in this one). I would have loved for some of the side characters to get POVs, but it wouldn’t have been necessary to the story.
There was not really any slowing down in this book. Genuinely, there were maybe three slow chapters, but I breezed through them bc I had to know what was gonna happen with everything.
Something I had to get used to, though, was the writing. It felt a little clipped. Like, scene would switch per paragraph. Black seemed to move on as soon as she was done with whatever a scene had to offer. You know people that make videos and stop it every three seconds? It felt a little like that at first. Some people may like that, but personally, I enjoy more elaboration. After I got used to it it was fine, though.
Overall, this was a really good book! I bought the hardcover copy and am planning on lending it to a friend (and make my sister read it).
March 20, 2026
My teens loved it! So did I :).
March 1, 2026
This book had EVERYTHING I have been craving!! Dark academia with rivals to lovers is probably my top tier trope, I just love everything about it!! Add in that this was a dragon rider academy in a world where dragons aren’t used for war but used for racing! It was simply SO good!! 👏🏻👏🏻 I absolutely loved the world and the 1920s mafia setting. I loved how organic the rivals became lovers and it wasn’t just this random switch up that happened. 🤌🏻 The slow burn was definitely slow and I’m dying to see what will happen next!! So many twists and turns and betrayals!
That cliffhanger has me needing book 2 ASAP 😭 I can’t wait to have the physical copy in my hands because I’m obsessed with the cover!! 😍 Also obsessed with all the character art!! 🙌🏻
If you love:
♠️Dragon Rider Academy
♠️Rivals to Lovers
♠️Forced Proximity
♠️Forbidden Romance
♠️Mafia Nobilty
♠️First Person POV
♠️Found Family
♠️No Spice College Romance
That cliffhanger has me needing book 2 ASAP 😭 I can’t wait to have the physical copy in my hands because I’m obsessed with the cover!! 😍 Also obsessed with all the character art!! 🙌🏻
If you love:
♠️Dragon Rider Academy
♠️Rivals to Lovers
♠️Forced Proximity
♠️Forbidden Romance
♠️Mafia Nobilty
♠️First Person POV
♠️Found Family
♠️No Spice College Romance
March 3, 2026
If you love fantasy and haven’t bought this book, what are you doing 🔥 this book was everything and more ❤️🔥 every promise made was delivered AND THEN SOME 👏🏻 I was up until 2AM finishing this book bc it was that good 🤩
Ari. What an amazing FMC ❤️🔥 I loved her grit and drive. I LOVED her relationship with Myth 🖤 and her friendship with Vayna 👑 and her wit? OH MY GOSH she is hilarious! 😂 watching her grow over this book was absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to see what she does in book 2!
Rush. Evil Duke’s son? YES!! Rush BROUGHT 👏🏻 THE 👏🏻 ANGST 👏🏻 I loved all the mystery surrounding him from the very first meeting to the last 🩵 I never knew what he was going to do or his motives and I loved being along for the ride 💕 and the ENDING???? Literally felt my heart rip out of my chest 😭 he’s so amazing.
Guys I cannot gush about this book enough 🔥 the banter, the dragons, the world building, the grit, just everything will keep you hooked from page one to the end! 🔥
⚠️ CW: this is a fantasy and so there is violence relating to gangs etc, the author puts CW at the start of the book. Closed door and no swearing ⚠️
Ari. What an amazing FMC ❤️🔥 I loved her grit and drive. I LOVED her relationship with Myth 🖤 and her friendship with Vayna 👑 and her wit? OH MY GOSH she is hilarious! 😂 watching her grow over this book was absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to see what she does in book 2!
Rush. Evil Duke’s son? YES!! Rush BROUGHT 👏🏻 THE 👏🏻 ANGST 👏🏻 I loved all the mystery surrounding him from the very first meeting to the last 🩵 I never knew what he was going to do or his motives and I loved being along for the ride 💕 and the ENDING???? Literally felt my heart rip out of my chest 😭 he’s so amazing.
Guys I cannot gush about this book enough 🔥 the banter, the dragons, the world building, the grit, just everything will keep you hooked from page one to the end! 🔥
⚠️ CW: this is a fantasy and so there is violence relating to gangs etc, the author puts CW at the start of the book. Closed door and no swearing ⚠️
April 14, 2026
┊ ➶ ｡˚
dnfed at 2%
*⑅୨୧* 🐉 °
i've waited months for this book to come out and was excited to read it!! but, as soon as i started to read it, it was just spewing info at me like a textbook. i don't wanna waste my time on this if i know there will be other amazing books to read. no hard feelings! :)
.
.
.
.
┊ ➶ ｡˚ pre-read *⑅୨୧* 🐉 °
i waited for the release and i finally have time to read it!! 🥹 excited to get back into the fantasy and dragons groove--let's hope this delivers!!! 😋
i've waited months for this book to come out and was excited to read it!! but, as soon as i started to read it, it was just spewing info at me like a textbook. i don't wanna waste my time on this if i know there will be other amazing books to read. no hard feelings! :)
.
.
.
.
┊ ➶ ｡˚ pre-read *⑅୨୧* 🐉 °
i waited for the release and i finally have time to read it!! 🥹 excited to get back into the fantasy and dragons groove--let's hope this delivers!!! 😋
Want to Read
August 19, 2025No idea what this is, but the blurb is blurbing 👀
October 5, 2025
I am speechless…I wish I could give this book a billion stars😍
How to Train Your Dragon meets Six of Crows. To name a few elements: academy setting, dragon riding/racing, hidden identity, mafia, rivals to lover (that is done to perfection) and more!
I had the honor of reading a very early copy of this book and I was not disappointed. C.F.E. Black has an amazing way of bringing both worlds and characters to life! From the very beginning, I was intrigued to learn how Arivelle went from such a low class in society to attending the elite dragon racing college of Cardan Lott. Her bond with her wild dragon is the epitome of an animal companion. I have never been through so many emotions in a single book. By the end I was shaking with anticipation and suspense because I had no idea how it was going to end. Did I mention there was rivals to lovers?? C.F.E. Black completely perfected this trope and I still can’t get over the arc of their relationship🫠
If you love the bond between Hiccup and Toothless or the relationship between him and Astrid, and want a fantastic No-Spice fantasy, then you’ll absolutely love Flame Theory by C.F.E. Black! You really don’t want to miss out on this book…I’m pretty sure this is going to become one of my favorite series.
How to Train Your Dragon meets Six of Crows. To name a few elements: academy setting, dragon riding/racing, hidden identity, mafia, rivals to lover (that is done to perfection) and more!
I had the honor of reading a very early copy of this book and I was not disappointed. C.F.E. Black has an amazing way of bringing both worlds and characters to life! From the very beginning, I was intrigued to learn how Arivelle went from such a low class in society to attending the elite dragon racing college of Cardan Lott. Her bond with her wild dragon is the epitome of an animal companion. I have never been through so many emotions in a single book. By the end I was shaking with anticipation and suspense because I had no idea how it was going to end. Did I mention there was rivals to lovers?? C.F.E. Black completely perfected this trope and I still can’t get over the arc of their relationship🫠
If you love the bond between Hiccup and Toothless or the relationship between him and Astrid, and want a fantastic No-Spice fantasy, then you’ll absolutely love Flame Theory by C.F.E. Black! You really don’t want to miss out on this book…I’m pretty sure this is going to become one of my favorite series.
October 24, 2025
If I could give this book 6 stars I would. I absolutely loved reading this story! The characters were dynamic and drew me in immediately. The bonds between dragon and rider were so sweet and felt so genuine.
The plot and pacing was gripping and steady. Nearly every chapter ended in a way that had me staying up late turning the page to find out what would happen next!
The setting was so cool, a mix of magical and otherworldly, while academic and competitive but all the while caught up in a 1920s gangster kinda vibe. It was very picturesque and well done!!
And the swooning? Don’t even get me started. I love when the rivals/enemies stay that way for almost the entire book. And I think CFE Black is the new queen of tension 🤌🏼👏🏼
Did I quote the book line for line to my husband? I absolutely did. I may even name my next child after the MMC bc he was goalllls 🔥😂
I genuinely loved this book and can’t wait for others to read it and fall in love with the story, characters, and world.
*I had the privilege of receiving an early ARC copy from the author.
The plot and pacing was gripping and steady. Nearly every chapter ended in a way that had me staying up late turning the page to find out what would happen next!
The setting was so cool, a mix of magical and otherworldly, while academic and competitive but all the while caught up in a 1920s gangster kinda vibe. It was very picturesque and well done!!
And the swooning? Don’t even get me started. I love when the rivals/enemies stay that way for almost the entire book. And I think CFE Black is the new queen of tension 🤌🏼👏🏼
Did I quote the book line for line to my husband? I absolutely did. I may even name my next child after the MMC bc he was goalllls 🔥😂
I genuinely loved this book and can’t wait for others to read it and fall in love with the story, characters, and world.
*I had the privilege of receiving an early ARC copy from the author.
January 23, 2026
Thank you CFE Black for the Advanced copy of this book. These are my honest opinions.
I really was excited for this book. The idea of dragon riding and racing was so exciting, but this book was just middle of the road for me. It is not spicy at all, which I enjoyed, but the story was just a little all over the place for me. The story felt disorganised and chaotic. I didn’t care for the MMC pretending to be interesting in another girl to keep the FMC safe from his father.
The ending of this book saved the whole thing. The final race was tense and the ending had a decent cliffhanger. I’m glad I had the chance to read this, but I just don’t think it was fantastic.
Tropes:
Elite vs low class
Academia
Dragon races
Rivals to Lovers? (There’s only a kiss)
Hidden magic
Quote:
“I was not going to merely watch from the shadows. Not anymore. Now I was going to light the whole world on fire.”
I really was excited for this book. The idea of dragon riding and racing was so exciting, but this book was just middle of the road for me. It is not spicy at all, which I enjoyed, but the story was just a little all over the place for me. The story felt disorganised and chaotic. I didn’t care for the MMC pretending to be interesting in another girl to keep the FMC safe from his father.
The ending of this book saved the whole thing. The final race was tense and the ending had a decent cliffhanger. I’m glad I had the chance to read this, but I just don’t think it was fantastic.
Tropes:
Elite vs low class
Academia
Dragon races
Rivals to Lovers? (There’s only a kiss)
Hidden magic
Quote:
“I was not going to merely watch from the shadows. Not anymore. Now I was going to light the whole world on fire.”
February 15, 2026
Favorite Quote:
“I was not going to merely watch from the shadows. Not anymore. Now I was going to light the whole world on fire.”
Wowza! This book had a little bit of everything! Dragon racing, mafia, secret passage ways, mystery, slow burn romance!
It was a little slow for me in the first 20%, but after that, the tension seemed to pick up and I really enjoyed the rest of the book! But that ending?! 😨 I don’t know how long we have to wait for book 2, but I need it now!!
🚨-mentions of gang violence, parent death, abusive parents, effects of alcoholism and gambling.
“I was not going to merely watch from the shadows. Not anymore. Now I was going to light the whole world on fire.”
Wowza! This book had a little bit of everything! Dragon racing, mafia, secret passage ways, mystery, slow burn romance!
It was a little slow for me in the first 20%, but after that, the tension seemed to pick up and I really enjoyed the rest of the book! But that ending?! 😨 I don’t know how long we have to wait for book 2, but I need it now!!
🚨-mentions of gang violence, parent death, abusive parents, effects of alcoholism and gambling.
March 16, 2026
Good book!
This book is unique and creative, and I am now dying for book 2 and will be reading it as soon as it releases!
This book is unique and creative, and I am now dying for book 2 and will be reading it as soon as it releases!
March 29, 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
This was so good and I had a hard time putting it down—I loved it! The academic setting and dragon racing was fun and I loved the friendships. The romance is a slowwwww burn and doesn’t even really start burning by the end of this one, but I’m here for it!
Can’t wait for book 2!
Content: kissing
This was so good and I had a hard time putting it down—I loved it! The academic setting and dragon racing was fun and I loved the friendships. The romance is a slowwwww burn and doesn’t even really start burning by the end of this one, but I’m here for it!
Can’t wait for book 2!
Content: kissing
December 30, 2025
Considering this has a YA targeted audience, I rounded up from a 4 to 5 ⭐️. My biggest issues were minimal world building and the vibes felt like piggybacks to popular series (Forth Wing, HTTYD, Harry Potter).
That being said, the plot felt really unique and the main female lead was PERFECT. She was your average run-of-the-mill with courage and guts. Not too victim-oriented and not some hidden-special-power superhero. She definitely has her share of trauma, but it’s not brought up in every thought she has.
If you’re looking for a fantasy (with some romance) for teenagers without the language and sex- this is my new recommendation!! Honestly even as an adult, I had a really hard time putting it down.
That being said, the plot felt really unique and the main female lead was PERFECT. She was your average run-of-the-mill with courage and guts. Not too victim-oriented and not some hidden-special-power superhero. She definitely has her share of trauma, but it’s not brought up in every thought she has.
If you’re looking for a fantasy (with some romance) for teenagers without the language and sex- this is my new recommendation!! Honestly even as an adult, I had a really hard time putting it down.
January 3, 2026
Most of the book felt casual, not much adventure. Got a little repetitive and there were mamy times where the scene changed but it wasn't clear that it was a scene change. But UUUGGG THAT ENDING!!!! Having to wait for the next books is agony!!! Gotta applaud that slow build up of attraction and that scene between Rush and Ari in the hallway at the ball.......Golly dang.
March 29, 2026
3.5 rounded up because I really like this author and could see in every page the effort and skill that went into this book. I’ll share pros and cons below!
Overall, an incredibly fun story about a girl who poses as an elite dragon rider to learn secrets from her peers at the top dragon riding school set in a 1920’s-esque fantasy world. I honestly could not put this story down, and though others found it slow or lacking action at first, I enjoyed the gradual worldbuilding and academic setting before the action really got serious.
Pros- Likeable characters, awesome dragons, some great phrases overall, great pacing that never felt dull or boring, friendship and romance that supported but never overshadowed the plot.
Here were some things that worked really well for me:
I loved the complexity of the side characters and the peak into different family dynamics. I liked that Ari had a complex relationship with her family, and I felt in my soul the disappointment she felt when she visited to find her mom in exactly the same situation. I also enjoyed how the school classes allowed us to get to know our characters and learn about the world in a really fun way.
The similes and turns of phrase were also so very good. Some of the sentences were so well crafted.
Cons- I find a lot of indie authors really suffer from the lack of extensive professional editing, regardless of their editing process. I honestly think the problem isn’t just indie authors but a lot of YA books being published could use some harsher editing to make the story and pacing shine.
Here were the issues I saw in this book that really took me out of the story. Honestly all of these were small editing problems which makes them even more frustrating because they could be so easily remedied:
1. Scene transitions- rather than using a transition phrase between actions, Black often jumped immediately from dialogue to something happening later. It felt choppy at times and could have been solved with a small transition phrase. (Personally it didn’t bother me a ton because I read a lot of non-linear fiction but for this type of story, it impacts the fast-paced flow and a lot of other reviews have mentioned it).
2. Inconsistencies or unclear motivation- Overall, Flame Theory handled character motivation wayyyy better than Black’s Blade of Ash series, but there were moments when small adjustments would have solved what felt like inconsistencies. Example, when Ari first talks about Duke Covington’s dragon and says the dragon is only upset when people mess with her offspring and then immediately turns around and says she had never seen the dragon upset. Just adding a “My coworkers have said….” could solve this discrepancy.
On this point, Rush’s character suffered from some of this in a way that didn’t work well despite his claim to be “acting”. Namely, that in several portions he seemed to enjoy making Ari uncomfortable such as when he was shirtless. It would have worked way better if he had been totally oblivious or indifferent as if she was beneath his attention rather than that he wanted her to be uncomfy (which just makes him a creep honestly, though it was supposed to be flirty).
The sorting was another section where it was unclear what was actual deduction and what were Ari’s theories. It was ….confusing. As the reader, I honestly couldn’t tell what was going on and really disliked this part. Probably my least favorite part.
3. Repetition- Black should have cut out one of the many scenes when Rush and Ari argued about whether he would tell her why he wanted Myth’s flame. They argued about it several times and all the conversations were the same. We needed the conversation and to know Ari’s growing frustration but it felt rehashed instead of escalating. Accidental repetition of words happened a few times as well in a clunky way but nothing that notable.
A repetition that worked really well and Black should have continued was when Ari would think “Don’t die Ben” when leaving her brother. I only wish she had done this throughout the book.
4. Letting big moments be big moments- Another pacing complaint, but sometimes Black did this so very well! But other times, the big reveals almost didn’t land for me. When Myth did magic for the first time, the scene felt underwritten. I could have used more confusion and then clarity from Ari’s perspective so I as the reader understood what happened. I had to re-read the scene. I wanted to sit in it a little more and while we sometimes got a lot of exposition from Ari on other things (Fairfax, Rush and Scarlett, etc.), this felt rushed.
Overall, a great story for anyone who enjoys ya fantasy, academia stories, dragons, and a bit of romance.
Overall, an incredibly fun story about a girl who poses as an elite dragon rider to learn secrets from her peers at the top dragon riding school set in a 1920’s-esque fantasy world. I honestly could not put this story down, and though others found it slow or lacking action at first, I enjoyed the gradual worldbuilding and academic setting before the action really got serious.
Pros- Likeable characters, awesome dragons, some great phrases overall, great pacing that never felt dull or boring, friendship and romance that supported but never overshadowed the plot.
Here were some things that worked really well for me:
I loved the complexity of the side characters and the peak into different family dynamics. I liked that Ari had a complex relationship with her family, and I felt in my soul the disappointment she felt when she visited to find her mom in exactly the same situation. I also enjoyed how the school classes allowed us to get to know our characters and learn about the world in a really fun way.
The similes and turns of phrase were also so very good. Some of the sentences were so well crafted.
Cons- I find a lot of indie authors really suffer from the lack of extensive professional editing, regardless of their editing process. I honestly think the problem isn’t just indie authors but a lot of YA books being published could use some harsher editing to make the story and pacing shine.
Here were the issues I saw in this book that really took me out of the story. Honestly all of these were small editing problems which makes them even more frustrating because they could be so easily remedied:
1. Scene transitions- rather than using a transition phrase between actions, Black often jumped immediately from dialogue to something happening later. It felt choppy at times and could have been solved with a small transition phrase. (Personally it didn’t bother me a ton because I read a lot of non-linear fiction but for this type of story, it impacts the fast-paced flow and a lot of other reviews have mentioned it).
2. Inconsistencies or unclear motivation- Overall, Flame Theory handled character motivation wayyyy better than Black’s Blade of Ash series, but there were moments when small adjustments would have solved what felt like inconsistencies. Example, when Ari first talks about Duke Covington’s dragon and says the dragon is only upset when people mess with her offspring and then immediately turns around and says she had never seen the dragon upset. Just adding a “My coworkers have said….” could solve this discrepancy.
On this point, Rush’s character suffered from some of this in a way that didn’t work well despite his claim to be “acting”. Namely, that in several portions he seemed to enjoy making Ari uncomfortable such as when he was shirtless. It would have worked way better if he had been totally oblivious or indifferent as if she was beneath his attention rather than that he wanted her to be uncomfy (which just makes him a creep honestly, though it was supposed to be flirty).
The sorting was another section where it was unclear what was actual deduction and what were Ari’s theories. It was ….confusing. As the reader, I honestly couldn’t tell what was going on and really disliked this part. Probably my least favorite part.
3. Repetition- Black should have cut out one of the many scenes when Rush and Ari argued about whether he would tell her why he wanted Myth’s flame. They argued about it several times and all the conversations were the same. We needed the conversation and to know Ari’s growing frustration but it felt rehashed instead of escalating. Accidental repetition of words happened a few times as well in a clunky way but nothing that notable.
A repetition that worked really well and Black should have continued was when Ari would think “Don’t die Ben” when leaving her brother. I only wish she had done this throughout the book.
4. Letting big moments be big moments- Another pacing complaint, but sometimes Black did this so very well! But other times, the big reveals almost didn’t land for me. When Myth did magic for the first time, the scene felt underwritten. I could have used more confusion and then clarity from Ari’s perspective so I as the reader understood what happened. I had to re-read the scene. I wanted to sit in it a little more and while we sometimes got a lot of exposition from Ari on other things (Fairfax, Rush and Scarlett, etc.), this felt rushed.
Overall, a great story for anyone who enjoys ya fantasy, academia stories, dragons, and a bit of romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2026
This book was an unexpected delight!
Warnings/Triggers: Violence, gang violence, animal cruelty, guns, alcohol abuse, gambling, discussion of rape and sexual assault, but it doesn't happen in the story, death, child abuse, grief/loss, abandonment, bullying, kidnapping.
The book has very mild romance, and the most that is experienced is some intimate touches of hugs and kissing. This is a slow-burning romance.
I know the trigger warnings are a lot, but I will say most of this fits with the times of gangs and the Roaring 20s and the industrial feel of this story. It is the new age vs. the old traditions. West Side Story, How to Train Your Dragon, & Harry Potter all rolled into this story. So those kinds of actions in this very well-written Young Adult read, which is based on them going to a gifted dragon riding college academia.
The book took a little getting into. The characters at first seemed very youthful and a little hard to connect with, but as the story unfolds and develops, things get more interesting, and I become fully invested. This is a large and expansive world; there is a lot to it, so it does take a bit of time to get to the point of the story where we start to see the characters change and grow. A lot of elements to juggle for these characters, but by the end, I was shocked at how much these characters went through.
This was very well done, and I couldn't put it down. I read the Kindle version of this book, and I will be buying the hard copy for my shelf. I am excited to see where this series goes!
Warnings/Triggers: Violence, gang violence, animal cruelty, guns, alcohol abuse, gambling, discussion of rape and sexual assault, but it doesn't happen in the story, death, child abuse, grief/loss, abandonment, bullying, kidnapping.
The book has very mild romance, and the most that is experienced is some intimate touches of hugs and kissing. This is a slow-burning romance.
I know the trigger warnings are a lot, but I will say most of this fits with the times of gangs and the Roaring 20s and the industrial feel of this story. It is the new age vs. the old traditions. West Side Story, How to Train Your Dragon, & Harry Potter all rolled into this story. So those kinds of actions in this very well-written Young Adult read, which is based on them going to a gifted dragon riding college academia.
The book took a little getting into. The characters at first seemed very youthful and a little hard to connect with, but as the story unfolds and develops, things get more interesting, and I become fully invested. This is a large and expansive world; there is a lot to it, so it does take a bit of time to get to the point of the story where we start to see the characters change and grow. A lot of elements to juggle for these characters, but by the end, I was shocked at how much these characters went through.
This was very well done, and I couldn't put it down. I read the Kindle version of this book, and I will be buying the hard copy for my shelf. I am excited to see where this series goes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2026
🔥 Flame Theory by @author_cfeblack 🔥
Oh. My. Word. This book!!! I was absolutely hooked from page one! This book is set in the 1920's Mafia Era and is brought to life with such vivid details, I felt as if I were there. The rivals-to-lovers tension is perfectly written, and the two MC's stole my heart. I love a protective MMC, and this book delivered it all. Oh and the banter!! 😍.
This book easily earns 6 stars. I cannot wait for book two to come out!! If you love Dragons and Dark Academia with rivals to more, check out Flame Theory!!!
[Content: violence, mild torture, no spice, no language.]
@author_cfeblack
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𝐀𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐀 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫. 𝐀 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡.
It’s illegal to own a wild dragon. It’s even more illegal to bond with one.
I’ve spent my life scraping by in the city’s underbelly, doing whatever it takes to give my family a better future. So when I’m offered a place at the kingdom’s most prestigious dragon riding academy, I seize the chance—no matter that I’m diving headfirst into dangerous waters. To survive, I have to hide who I am and keep the truth about my dragon buried deep.
But at Cardan Lott College, secrets don’t stay hidden long. Especially not from Rushland Covington—the academy’s golden heir who’s far too clever for his own good. Behind that perfect smile, he’s chasing a forbidden mystery about dragons…and somehow, I’m the key to solving it.
Bound by secrets, we form a reluctant alliance that leads us down a path that will permanently alter our lives and possibly our entire world. Some secrets are meant to be uncovered, and others are meant to stay hidden. But the fire growing between us is the most dangerous truth of all.
If you loved Hiccup and Toothless, but this time you want it set in an elite academy like Maxton Hall where dragon racing is the school sport, then you’re in the right place. The first in an addictive new YA fantasy series, Flame Theory features the start of a no-spice, swoon-worthy romance filled with banter, dragon races, rivalries, and hidden truths. 🔥
Oh. My. Word. This book!!! I was absolutely hooked from page one! This book is set in the 1920's Mafia Era and is brought to life with such vivid details, I felt as if I were there. The rivals-to-lovers tension is perfectly written, and the two MC's stole my heart. I love a protective MMC, and this book delivered it all. Oh and the banter!! 😍.
This book easily earns 6 stars. I cannot wait for book two to come out!! If you love Dragons and Dark Academia with rivals to more, check out Flame Theory!!!
[Content: violence, mild torture, no spice, no language.]
@author_cfeblack
__________________________
𝐀𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐀 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫. 𝐀 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡.
It’s illegal to own a wild dragon. It’s even more illegal to bond with one.
I’ve spent my life scraping by in the city’s underbelly, doing whatever it takes to give my family a better future. So when I’m offered a place at the kingdom’s most prestigious dragon riding academy, I seize the chance—no matter that I’m diving headfirst into dangerous waters. To survive, I have to hide who I am and keep the truth about my dragon buried deep.
But at Cardan Lott College, secrets don’t stay hidden long. Especially not from Rushland Covington—the academy’s golden heir who’s far too clever for his own good. Behind that perfect smile, he’s chasing a forbidden mystery about dragons…and somehow, I’m the key to solving it.
Bound by secrets, we form a reluctant alliance that leads us down a path that will permanently alter our lives and possibly our entire world. Some secrets are meant to be uncovered, and others are meant to stay hidden. But the fire growing between us is the most dangerous truth of all.
If you loved Hiccup and Toothless, but this time you want it set in an elite academy like Maxton Hall where dragon racing is the school sport, then you’re in the right place. The first in an addictive new YA fantasy series, Flame Theory features the start of a no-spice, swoon-worthy romance filled with banter, dragon races, rivalries, and hidden truths. 🔥
February 18, 2026
CFE Black has done it again. She has delivered yet another epic fantasy romance set in a fun, gritty, dangerous, imaginative world filled with dragon racing and mob bosses. In this world, only the elite topsiders can bond with dragons and become dragon racers, while the impoverished bottomdwellers must live in their shadow and merely dream of glory. Wild dragons are considered vermin and cannot bond to riders, and therefore must be eradicated. Ari is a bottomdweller working two jobs to support herself, her mother, and her younger sister. One of these jobs is cleaning the dragon dens belonging to the biggest mob boss in the kingdom. One day she has a run in with both the boss’ second son and a mysterious wild dragon. After saving the son, he swears her to silence on his presence in the den and sends her home. Before she can make it home, however, she is swept into a life changing conspiracy by one of the elite’s own members. Overnight, she goes from being a den cleaning lady and a waitress, to a student attending the most prestigious school for dragon riders. If her identity is discovered, she will be imprisoned or worse. But hers is not the only life at stake. The dragon she bonded with is a wild dragon who still has his flame. If he is discovered he will be exterminated. What follows is an exciting, intense adventure filled with danger, challenging classwork, blackmail, and “will they won’t they” romance. If you are a fan of Fourth Wing, How to Train Your Dragon and Harry Potter, you will fall in love with this book. Imagine if Hiccup, once he found Toothless, went to Hogwarts but had to conceal who he and his dragon were. I loved every word of this book. The only problem I have with it is that it ended on a huge cliffhanger and now I have to wait for the next book! The characters are fleshed out beautifully and the world building is well done. As a mild spoiler, Ari gets very little sleep during the first few days at school, and reading her thoughts on not getting rest was making me sleepy! Ari’s relationship with her dragon is beautiful. They are both outcasts in a place they are not supposed to be, and they form a bond outside of their dragon/rider bond because of it. Let’s talk about the romance! Oh my goodness the romance. It is an absolute slow burn, but the fireworks still happen and I am absolutely here for it. In fact, it is very much Violet and Xaden without the spice. But then again maybe I’m just a sucker for “he’s out of your league” type romances. The romance, the academic setting, the friendships, the dragon riding, it is everything! I cannot wait to read the next book in this story!
April 11, 2026
Wow. I've been a fan of CFE Black's writing for awhile now, but this one was AMAZING.
Honestly, probably because it was all plot and action and the romance was only a sub-plot. That's how I like my books. Anyway, the plot was a wild ride. It didn't go quite where I expected it to (which I adored, I love when books surprise me), but it was fun and the stakes kept rising higher. One small problem, there was SO MUCH in this world- lots of characters and potential for additional plotlines - and very little of that happened. It is okay that the book stayed focused on its primary plot, but there could have been a lot more development that I'm sure was sacrificed for pacing and to keep the book from reaching unwieldy lengths.
In the end, a few bumps along the way but nothing that really stopped me from enjoying the book.
The ending, well.... that thing I said about stakes keep rising... it means that even though most plot threads are wrapped up it's still a pretty big cliffhanger.
Content: Kissing only romance. Physical and gun violence. Not graphic or gory, but wounds are described. Drinking/drunkenness. Appropriate for the intended YA audience, but probably most appropriate for mid-teens on up.
Honestly, probably because it was all plot and action and the romance was only a sub-plot. That's how I like my books. Anyway, the plot was a wild ride. It didn't go quite where I expected it to (which I adored, I love when books surprise me), but it was fun and the stakes kept rising higher. One small problem, there was SO MUCH in this world- lots of characters and potential for additional plotlines - and very little of that happened. It is okay that the book stayed focused on its primary plot, but there could have been a lot more development that I'm sure was sacrificed for pacing and to keep the book from reaching unwieldy lengths.
In the end, a few bumps along the way but nothing that really stopped me from enjoying the book.
The ending, well.... that thing I said about stakes keep rising... it means that even though most plot threads are wrapped up it's still a pretty big cliffhanger.
Content: Kissing only romance. Physical and gun violence. Not graphic or gory, but wounds are described. Drinking/drunkenness. Appropriate for the intended YA audience, but probably most appropriate for mid-teens on up.
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