Bloodsinger

The Fire That Binds #2

by Juliette Cross, Blair Dade (Narrator), Kale Williams (Narrator)

New York Times bestselling author Juliette Cross returns with a new scorching dark romantasy in her The Fire That Binds trilogy. The fate of a powerful witch who can control men with one taste of their blood and a fierce dragon collide.

A spellbinding gift...

A plea answered by the gods...

An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.

Lela Bihari’s village was invaded on her wedding night, her betrothed murdered right in front of her. While her sisters were either dragged away or escaped, Lela was sold to Valerius, a consul of Rome.

When she tried to kill Valerius her first night as his slave, her bloodsinger gift manifested… and she was punished for it. Now she’s paraded in front of the other senators for their amusement.

But Trajan Tiberius, the newly elected tribune to the senate, is different. He has no love for the brutality around him. When he frees Lela from enslavement and hides her, Lela is set on a path of vengeance, and using her gift puts her in more danger than ever before.

Now trapped inside the walls of Rome while deathriders circle the skies, how can she possibly trust a Roman dragon? Especially when it is clear Trajan has ulterior schemes of his own? As her powers grow stronger, danger draws closer, and Lela realizes it isn't just her life at stake, but also her heart.

Bloodsinger is a fantasy with some dark themes, including elements of master/slave relationship, attempted sexual assault, and dubious consent—none of which is between the MCs. There is also a scene with self-injury. Listeners who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Dragons, Fantasy Romance, Audiobook, Adult

12 pages, Audible Audio

Expected publication April 7, 2026

About the author

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JULIETTE is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, including the best-selling STAY A SPELL series. As a native of Louisiana, she lives in the heart of Cajun country with her husband, four kids, and sundry animals. When she isn’t working on her next project, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows with her husband and a glass (or two) of red wine or whiskey.

Follow JULIETTE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliettecro...

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Follow JULIETTE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliette__Cross

Reviews

[brittany:)]

Book 1 got a lot of flack, if you’ve read this, what were your thoughts?!🤨

[Marissa☆❀⋆.ೃ࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGGG THE COVER IS SO BEAUTIFUL
I can NOT wait to read this book, I actually really enjoyed the first book

[Zana]

I'm trash 😔

[♡ alison ♡]

whoever designs these books needs a huge raise 😍😍

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloodsinger plunges readers back into the brutal, dragon-ruled world of The Fire That Binds trilogy with heart-pounding drama and rich character development. The story centers on Lela Bihari, a fierce and deeply scarred heroine whose bloodsinger magic, the terrifying ability to command others through the taste of their blood, awakens after her village is destroyed and she’s sold into slavery. From being paraded as a spectacle to reclaiming her bodily autonomy and agency, Lela’s arc is one of trauma, vengeance, and eventual empowerment as she learns to harness her gifts and rebuild her sense of self.

Opposite her stands Trajan Tiberius, a Roman tribune and dragon shapeshifter disgusted by the cruelties of his own society. His evolution from reluctant rescuer to committed ally and romantic partner adds emotional weight to the narrative. His kindness and moral conviction challenge Lela’s hardened worldview and help her see that survival and resistance can be intertwined with trust and connection.

The drama in Bloodsinger is driven by Lela’s internal struggles, balancing vengeance with compassion, and the external pressures of political machinations in a crumbling empire. Cross weaves intense action, dark themes, and a slow-burn romance that deepens both characters’ growth, making this installment a powerful, character-focused continuation that sets the stage for the trilogy’s finale which I'm impatiently waiting for!

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed this is even better than the first book! I love when a series stays in the same world but follows different couples as the main plot still moves along kinda in the background. Are we still working towards tearing down Rome and its inequality for a better world yes! And characters pop back in at parts from the first book to help make the world feel more cohesive. Love that we’re following three powerful sisters as they find love and master their power. This story was great I really love Trajan and Lela’s romance. The gentle way he cared for her and earned her trust and the easy and natural way the relationship built was phenomenal. Both narrators did a great job adding emotion and bringing the characters to life. Thanks to the author publisher and Netgalley for this ALC

[Dawn Cates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloodsinger by Juliette Cross is the second book in the Fire That Binds Series and I absolutely loved it! I enjoyed the first book, Firebird, but this one was even better. I loved how this one centered around a different couple (Lela and Trajan), but still dived deeper into the world building and the political intrigue of the main plot. The romance was a slow burn and so well done that it had me rooting for them from beginning to end. I also loved how Lela took back control of her own fate early on in the book. Now I need to figure out how to wait for book 3! Thank you to @NetGallery @MacmillianAudio and @JulietteCross for the ARC for a honest review, I loved it!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lela is a Dacian dancer whose goddess blessed bloodsinger trait manifests after she is captured on her wedding night and enslaved by Valerius, a consul of Rome. If Lela tastes a man's blood, she can command him to do her will. So Valerius keeps her muzzled with an elaborate gold headpiece. When Trajan Tiberius, senate tribune, sees her, he's appalled at her treatment and wants to help save her from Valerius as much as he wants to bring Valerius down himself. As Trajan begins to make his political moves, Lela takes her freedom into her own hands. In the dangerous world of a Rome where the powerful are also dragon shifters, Lela and Trajan work to make the right alliances that could eventually lead to the downfall of the Emperor.

Like Firebird, this is created to binge: the fantasy elements are interesting but uncomplicated, and the worldbuilding is well-constructed for an easy read. I find the series a compelling romantasy, and appreciate the way Juliette Cross gives Lela agency to reclaim her bodily autonomy. Her bloodsinging power not only allows her to protect herself, but enables her to be a part of the solution.

It's always a little harder to review a second book in a series, since much of the analysis relies on knowledge from the first book. Bloodsinger doesn't add much extra depth to the series, but maintains the momentum of the series in this dark reimagined ancient Rome. If you liked the first book, you'll like this one. The relationship between Trajan and Lela is different from that of Julius and Malina from Firebird: while there is a power differential of dragon and someone who has been enslaved, there is a dynamic of equals because Trajan has never owned Lela and he immediately offers her his blood, demonstrating he is willing to submit to her power.

The audiobooks for this series are narrated by Blair Dade and Kale Williams, and are an enjoyable experience for anyone who loves to listen to their books. I do find that the worldbuilding is light touch enough on details that it's still easy to digest if you listen.

Thank you to Bramble for an eARC and MacMillan Audio for an ALC. Bloodsinger is out 4/7/2026.

[Tiffany's TBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book—Roman Empire with dragons. How could I not be intrigued?

This story has so many of my favorite tropes:

First-person, dual POV

Dragon shifters

Magic

Roman Empire–inspired world

Fated mates

Strong “touch her and die” energy


It was a great read overall. The only thing I didn’t completely love was that we didn’t get much page time with the characters from Book 1. That said, after reading other books by this author, that seems to be her style, so it didn’t ruin the experience for me.

I’m guessing the next book will focus on the third sister, and I’m really hoping we finally get answers about sister #4 as well. I’m also very eager to see who ends up freeing Caesar’s sister and what the fallout from that will be.

Definitely a fun, immersive read, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook ♾️
Spice 2🌶️
Story ♾️
One word: Phenomenal

Bloodsinger by Juliette Cross is book 2 in The Fire That Binds Trilogy. While in the first book we just scratch the surface of the world building and politics of this fantastic Roman Empire, in this book we go deeper into it, we get closer to the Cesar and his tyranny over the people. We learn more about the magic system and the style of magic existent. I will have to say this book is a beautiful fantastic metaphor, however, I will let you figure out why.
This time we follow a different couple. Lela and Trajan, who stole my heart, and the connection with the first book is so coherent and makes me so excited for the last book of the series.
Lela is such a strong FMC, with a very dark past. Juliette has created a complex character, with trauma that gets her autonomy back, and finds herself again. She is a very powerful witch, with quiet strength, bravery and putting out phenomenal fight. Feminine rage is one of my most favourite tropes and this woman builds back her backbone.
Now let's talk about one of the most adorable, delicious dragon shifters ever written. Trajan is a kind soul, with his dragon-side loving Lela, deeply and unashamedly. He is sweet and protective in the most adoring way.

Audiobook: We are reunited with Kale Williams as Trajan and Blair Dade as Lela and they are absolutely magical. While this is a dual style, they did an amazing job immersing us and themselves in these characters and giving us a splendid performance.

[Raven Journeay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am who I was destined to be."
OMG Juliette!!
I have to wait until Winter 2027 for the next one?!?!
Firebird was just a little dip in the pool compared to this cannonball straight into one of Neptune's whirlpools in the Bermuda Triangle.
FROM THE BEGINNING
I was MAD 🤌🏻 crushing on Lela. Like wow, can I please be her??? Her magic is unmatched and this might be my favorite magical power yet (also gives off D&D vibes).
And Trajan? ofc I would be OBSESSED with the most respectful, wealthy, water-type dragon shifting MMC. It's like a crutch of mine.
And that end fight scene? YES.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the most wonderful ARC read.

[Kris Diehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced readers’ copy (ARC) of the audiobook of this book.

It was truly a delight to listen to. The narrators were fantastic. In the first book there were some concerns about the MMC being too possessive. This is definitely toned down on the second book.

I initially was hoping that the story would continue with the same characters but truthfully enjoyed this pair more. Looking forward to book 3!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨

So I really enjoyed Firebird last year and have been waiting for the next book. In Blood Singer we're introduced to a new FMC and previous MC. I will say check trigger warnings because there are some traumatic themes.

Lela is forced into slavery after her village is burnt to the ground by the Dragons of Rome. It's been three years of servitude before something strikes her to make a difference. Trajan takes an interest in Lela and gives her refuge in his home. Together they plot to change Rome. This is very much a slow burn and learning to trust again. There's a lot of political intrigue and I find the mix of Ancient Rome and Dragons fantastic. Also, the narration was great!

Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to listen to the audiobook ARC. Bloodsinger is the phenomenal sequel to Firebird (One of my favorite fantasy books of 2025). It picks up with different FMC/MMC but continues with an overarching plot line. I loved the history element of the Roman Empire but if there were dragons, its high stakes, action and love story rolled in one. Could not put this book down!

I highly recommend Firebird first and then Bloodsinger. I cannot wait for book 3!

[Amanda Farris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful to have received an ARC for this one! While I liked the first book in this series, this one truly captured me and I really couldn’t stop reading. Love seeing the magic develop. Also truly appreciated the authors handling of past traumas and how that shapes us. So many good elements. Will be eagerly waiting for the 3rd!

[Kelly Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

First of all, I want to say thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ability to hear one of my most anticipated reads of 2026 much sooner than I dared dreamed. This is my first time listening to an audiobook and I was very worried because I did not want to be biased on my review since I am not an avid audiobook listener. But because Bloodsinger is one of the few anticipated books on my list for the year, I could not pass this once in a lifetime opportunity. As we progress in the overall storyline, the sequel is much darker in my opinion than the first book and really progressed the plots development. There were so much pain, sorrow, forgiveness, and acceptance that came in Lela's story. Trajan really was there for her and helped her realized that she could be happy after everything that she has endured. When it came to the romance, the main and side character's development, it made me not only root for them but also, I felt true hate to the villainous characters in the story. I was immersed and devoured this book in two days!! How I mentioned before this was my first time listening to an audiobook. The experience was not what I was expecting, and I really am considering giving other books a try. Bloodsinger was such a positive experience, and the narrators did a well job. I truly believe that the author really does know how to empower her main female characters well and she does it right. I am so happy I got to read this before the release date but now (begrudgingly) must wait even longer for the third book. 2027 needs to come here fast!

[Jimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloodsinger is a nonstop, high-energy read that refuses to slow down. Just when you think the story has reached its conclusion, it pushes forward again layering action and revelations in a way that keeps the momentum strong without feeling excessive. Cross seamlessly ties characters and events from Book One into Book Two, creating cohesion without overdoing the connections.

Lilla is a powerful and resilient main character, especially after enduring unimaginable trials. Her strength feels authentic and well-earned. Teagan is equally compelling, balancing dual roles with depth and integrity, a genuinely good man whose complexity adds emotional weight to the story.

The world-building expands even further in this installment, offering impressive depth and detail that enrich the overall series. Readers should be sure to check the trigger warnings, as the book explores darker themes and includes some coarse language.

By the end, Bloodsinger leaves you wondering about the other sisters…their paths, their futures, and how their stories will ultimately be brought together. It’s a gripping continuation that builds anticipation for what’s coming next

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Macmillan for this ALC!

Bloodsinger is book two in The Fire that Binds series. Each story follows a different FMC and MMC but the storyline is connected and the books do need to be read in order.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! It’s dual narration which really helps your deep dive into the characters. I loved the emotional immersion and absolutely recommend experiencing this book/series with the audiobook edition.

This is a dark romantasy book and deals with some harder themes so I encourage you to check out the content warning before reading. That being said, I think this book was very well done and handled the trauma and tragedy in such a way that you really feel for these characters and what they are fighting for.

If you love magic, dragon shifters, fated mates and a fight for social injustices then this book (and series) is for you.

[Hannah (The Book Snek) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher - I listened to this as an audiobook via NetGalley.

This was gory, emotionally messy, fast paced read. I loved the dual POV narrators; the male narrator, in particular, was exactly what I’d imagined when I first encountered his character in Firebird.

​Much like Firebird, this story handles some very dark themes. I’d recommend checking the content warnings online first. I really appreciated that the romantic dynamic in this instalment leaned more towards consent and healing. While themes around power dynamics were still present, they felt like less of a focal point.

​It was brilliant to see the wider plot from new angles. It made me want to go back and reread Firebird, as I’d lost a bit of context in the gap between releases. I’ll definitely be doing a full series reread around the time that the third instalment releases.

[KayTheBookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was even better than the first book!

Leela was such a strong character and I loved that it showed the dark side to her emotions and the strength to keep fighting against those who wronged her.

I can't wait to get my hands on the 3rd book because I need to know what happens next!

[MsMn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just Firebird and I am ready to find out what Trajan is up too.

[Dayna Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I begin I would like to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own for this honest review.

I have tried to keep this as spoiler free as possible but I do feel the need to reiterate the Trigger Warnings present. This book has them, please read them and listen to them. Bloodsinger contains scenes of graphic sexual assault and slavery. These moments are woven into the the story as a whole and are, personally speaking, deeply affecting. They are there and there is a reason for them. I do believe Juliette handled them with as much care as possible, but I would say (knowing the comments Firebird received last year) that this is more significant within Bloodsinger and experienced by the FMC Lela (not by our wonderful MMC Trajan, to be clear).

As this is an ALC, let's start with the narration! The performances were done by Blair Dade and Kale Williams, both returning from also doing the narration in Firebird. Important to note, because I know it is important for some, this was dual POV and dual narration. Like I said, I know it matters to some, but I really don't mind dual narration, especially when it's done by such wonderful and talented voice actors like Blair and Kale. I’m glad they were able to return for Bloodsinger, they did such a great job the first time around that it was quite comforting to hear them back again, even though the main characters were different.

Firebird was one of my top reads from last year and I have been very much looking forward to reading the followup. After completing my re-read of Firebird, I was kind of expecting to jump right back in with Melina and Julian, but Bloodsinger surprised me by introducing "new" protagonists, Lela and Trajan (who we did meet last book). Though it took a moment to reorient, this shift made sense in hindsight given Firebird's Epilogue and ended up being a really compelling extension of the world.

I would say Bloodsinger is, without question, a darker and a heavier book. Firebird definitely had its controversial, deep and difficult themes, this instalment leans more deeply into feminine rage and reclaiming one's power, and survival through unimaginable trauma. Lela is a character who has been through hell and still her strength comes a deep desire to survive, even when everything seems to be coming to an end. She may falter, but she still chooses to rise. She’s vulnerable, battle-worn, but unbreakable. Even with everything she herself has been through she is also able to find it in herself to try and save those who suffer a similar fate to hers, I really admired her.

I also really enjoyed Trajan's character in this one. I wouldn't called him a stereotypical morally grey alpha, but there are definitely some shades. He's a part of the moment for sure, but it's meeting Lela that really spurs him to commit himself fully to the cause. He's a character that's willing to admit his faults, learn and grow. While I do wish it hadn’t taken falling in love to finally solidify his aforementioned commitment to the cause, I do appreciate anyone that's willing to change regardless of their motivation.

I felt really intrigued with the "bloodsinger" magic system. Juliette did a really great job of making the magic feel emotional, visceral, and also very rooted in the world. I'm really loving how the power of each sister feels to be symbolic of their trauma and their resilience. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the continuation with the system as they learn and really come into their powers

I don't want to give any spoilers, but I can't stop thinking about one very important moment that completely undid me. Nearing the end of the book, it was everything that I wanted reading through this and really just made the entire book for me. It was beautiful and it was perfect and it was everything that I really needed for my soul.

I do have the deluxe edition of Bloodsinger already preordered and I can guarantee that I will absolutely be keeping it! I think my only regret in reading this ALC is that I have read it early and now I'm going to have an extra long wait for the next book! If you liked Firebird then I do think that Bloodsinger is a very worthy followup in the world.

As mentioned in the beginning, I received an ALC of this audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review. Having said that, all thoughts are my own.

[Ashton V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really liked Bloodsinger and enjoyed it more than the first book! What I love about Juliette Cross is she does an excellent job of writing series that follow a different couple each book but still moves the main plot forward throughout. Bloodsinger picks up following the aftermath of Malina and Julian abandoning the empire and fleeing Rome in the first book. Bloodsinger centers around Lela Bihari, an enslaved witch with blood magic, and Trajan Tiberius, the newly elected tribune to the senate. In this world of inequality and cruelty Trajan, similar to Julian, wants nothing to do with the Emperor and the corrupt all around him. When Trajan begins his political schemes and plans he comes across Lela who took her freedom into her own hands by killing her master. Trajan takes Lela with him to keep her safe and as their time together grows and trust begins to form they slowly begin to work together in the hopes of starting the downfall of Rome.

What I enjoyed about this sequel was the continued worldbuilding. It isn't complicated but with each book we are unraveling more and more about the emperor and the secret groups rebelling against Rome. The momentum is carried in this book and never felt like it stalled our slowed down. In my opinion we even see more political intrigue/maneuvering in Bloodsinger which I loved! I'm a huge fan of fantasy books where politics plays a large role and is definitely one of my favorite parts of this series. I definitely preferred the romance between Trajan and Lela when compared to the first book. Although I enjoyed Julian and Malina's story, the relationship between Trajan and Lela felt more like equals since Trajan has never owned Lela, unlike Julian and Malina. This made their relationship feel more believable and natural, especially with how often Trajan offers his blood so she could control him or know if he's telling the truth. I loved this aspect and enjoyed all of the slow burn moments where we see their connection grow throughout the story.

I'm excited to see what comes next! It's nice to see every FMC gain their freedom and come into their power and become so strong. Now that we are introduced to the third and final FMC in this book I can't wait to see her story. As well as learn more about the emperor's sister who's stuck in dragon form. Her story has been touched on every book so I can't help but hope for her to play a large part in the final book! Romantasy fans will love this series but check trigger warnings as their are darker themes!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author for the ALC!

[Debi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloodsinger by Juliette Cross (Audiobook), the second installment in The Fire That Binds series, is described as a "nonstop, high-energy read that refuses to slow down." Set in an alternate Ancient Rome where dragons rule, the story follows Lela, a witch who can "control men with one taste of their blood."

Performance and Dual Narration
The audiobook features dual narration by Blair Dade and Kale Williams. This production choice allows each chapter to be "narrated by the character whose perspective it is from."

The Narrators: While Blair Dade is noted for a solid performance, listeners have specifically highlighted that Kale Williams "really carried the story with his different accents and voices" (Goodreads). Williams is praised for his "low, rumbling timbre" which helps radiate the "dominance" of the male lead, Trajan.

Tone: The production effectively captures the "scorching dark romantasy" elements of the series, balancing "fierce passion with emotional vulnerability."

Narrative Depth and Themes
The story is commonly noted for being better than book one, offering a "slow burn" that helps build the central relationship with more maturity.

The Protagonists: Lela is portrayed as a "powerful and resilient main character" who finds an unlikely ally in Trajan, a "compelling" dragon-shifter described by fans as a "total cinnamon roll."

Listeners are cautioned that the book "contains dark themes, including slavery in Ancient Rome and self-injury." However, critics note that Cross "seamlessly ties characters and events from Book One into Book Two," creating a world with "impressive depth and detail."

Final Verdict
For those who enjoy dark romantasy with "royal debauchery, political machinations, and hot sex," the Bloodsinger audiobook is a highly immersive choice. It is recommended for listeners who appreciate interconnected standalones where the romance feels like natural part of the story.

Additional Sources
Audible. Bloodsinger Audiobook by Juliette Cross.
Goodreads. User Reviews: Bloodsinger (The Fire That Binds, #2).
Library Journal. Editorial Review: Firebird / The Fire That Binds Series. (Cited via Pan Macmillan)
Pan Macmillan. Bloodsinger by Juliette Cross - Synopsis and Details.
Risingshadow. Book Profile: Bloodsinger (The Fire That Binds #2).

[Leilani · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 Early Listen Copy of the Audiobook
6 intense stars

This book grabbed me by the throat and did 👏 not 👏 let 👏 go.

Bloodsinger is dark, intense, and emotionally demanding, and it is all the better for it. Juliette Cross does not shy away from hard truths. Themes of self-harm, sexual abuse, and trauma are woven into the story in meaningful ways, not for shock value, but to show survival, rage, and reclamation. Please check your triggers before going in. This is heavy in places, and it deserves to be approached with care.

What I loved most is how fiercely this story centers smart, strong women who rage into their power. Their anger is not something to be contained or corrected. It is valid, earned, and turned into fuel. Watching them grow, fight back, and refuse to be broken was deeply satisfying.

I love an MMC that supports, protects, and stands beside the FMC without diminishing or losing himself in the process. There is devotion without erasure, strength without domination, and partnership that actually feels authentic.

Underneath the romance and the darkness is a compelling larger narrative about resisting a corrupt regime and reclaiming agency in a world designed to strip it away. This gives the story real weight and stakes beyond the romance, and it made me emotionally invested from start to finish... especially, well... you know why.

The narrators Blair Dade & Kale Williams were perfect for this story. I am one of those people who struggle picturing stories in their head, but when a story is written well, and the narrators deliver the way these two did... I can FEEL it. I felt the pain, tension, fear, and rage.... They made it feel intimate and raw.

I was on the edge of my seat during this entire audiobook, not sure if I wanted to speed it up because i HAD to know what happend next or slow it down to savor it.

I am grateful for stories that trust their readers with darkness while still offering strength, solidarity, and fire.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the Early Listen Copy. (as well as the sneak peek for book 3!) All thoughts are my own.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 Audio/ALC Review: I very much enjoyed both narrator’s for this story!

📝 Story Review: The first book in this series blew me away and was an instant 5 star read for 2025! So I was very excited to dive into book 2.

This story is following side characters mentioned in book 1, while everyone is still trying to orchestrate a rebellion against the tyrannical Roman emperor. I quite enjoyed finding out that the FMC was alive (I’d guessed at it in book 1) and what her magical ability was. I also really like the MMC in this story and am glad he got to be front and center here in book 2. However, I was a little disappointed with this second installment.

Book 1 had so much action and suspence and I loved how the relationship developed between the MC’s and character development. In book 2, I felt it lacked the same amount of character development and I wanted a little more from their growing relationship. Also, it seemed very mild compared to the action and suspence in book 1, most of the excitement happening towards the end of the story instead of throughout it.

Despite the fact that book 2 was a little disappointing, I’m excited for what comes next, because I have a feeling book 3 will be very action packed and the preview of it at the end of book 2 has me extra excited for the characters that’ll be MC’s in the next book (which I assume will be the final book in the series)!!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5

Tropes 👇

- Enemies to lovers
- True mates
- Slow burn
- He falls first
- Touch her and ☠️
- Dragon shifters
- Blood Magic
- Familial reunion
- Roman Empire on precipice of revolution
- FMC that isn’t afraid to save herself

CW’s 👇

- Slavery
- Mention of non-con between master/slave
- Torture/death
- Tyrannical ruler

Audio Release Date: April 6, 2026
Audio Run Time: 10 hrs, 45 mins
Narrated By: Blair Dade & Kale Williams
Series: The Fire That Binds, Book 2
Genre: Romantasy
POV: Dual; Mix of 1st & 3rd Person.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC in return for my honest review.

[Jowls & Java - Bulldog Book Reviewers · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2🌶️
🎧 (Narrator: Blair Dade & Kale Williams; 5/5 🎤)
Themes/Tropes: Ancient Rome Based, overthrowing authority, corrupt politics, escaping slavery, blood magic

Firstly, a big thank you to Juliette Cross, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to do an advanced copy listen to Bloodsinger. Second, worth noting, I for some reason thought this book continued the story of Julian and Malina from Firebird. SURPRISE (in case you’re clueless like me) it is an interconnected standalone series. This book, in fact, follows Lela who was Malina’s sister who was getting married in book 2 when their family was attacked and who Malina thought was dead. Second SURPRISE, not dead, but another slave of the dragon nobility of Rome.

So, the audiobook narrators are the same from Firebird, so if you dug them in that narration you will be pleased. I am a big fan of continuity of narrators between books, so I was pleased. They did a nice job.

Stick with me here, I was actually a bit of a critic of book one (3 ⭐️ rating) and not for the reasons a lot of people took issue. I think that even though the slavery topic is one that should always be handled with care, I thought that it was not treated poorly. I did however think that it was VERY insta-love and that gives me a big ick.

This book on the other hand, I thought was much better than book one. It continues the plot of working to overthrown an authoritarian ruler, but better balances the plot and romance. It was more of a slow burn than book one and helped to build the relationship better. This still has a lot of slave/owner content, so if that is triggering for you, you may want to skip this particular read. I think it’s important to know though that at the heart of these stories is the injustice of slavery and dictatorial rule, so it in no way supports or condones slavery.

There was a fun sneak peak of book three at the end of this read and looking forward to the next installment.

[Philae_02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloodsinger by Juliette Cross
Audience: Adult
Plot: 5 out of 5
Characters: 5 out of 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5
Keywords: Dark Fantasy, Romantasy, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Enslaved persons, Witches, Blood Magic, Ancient Romans
Narrators: Blair Dade ; Kale Williams
Tea Pairing: Chocolate Earl Grey by Cliche Teas – deliciously sinful

I received a copy of this audiobook from MacMillan Audio through NetGalley, as well as a print copy from Bramble. Thank you! All opinions are my own.

I finished this amazing book a couple of days ago, and absolutely loved it. If readers have read Firebird, then this book picks up around the same time as Firebird left off. There are so many amazing quotes from this book, but I have the uncorrected proof, so I'll add those later when the official book is released. *Please check the content warnings for this book – it deals with some heavy topics.

What can I say about this book: This is 100% female empowerment -- a story about one woman's survival in an absolutely unforgiving and brutal Roman world. I felt the feminine rage in Lela, who has been subjected to so much as an enslaved woman. I cheered when she broke her chains, and let loose her magic as a bloodsinger. Trajan Tiberius, the Roman tribune who rescues her, is disgusted by the brutality of Rome and its emperor. He dreams of a better Rome, where everyone is free from the tyranny of the emperor. But they realize that they are more powerful together, and Lela realizes that there's more to life than vengeance -- hope and love.

Seriously, this is the book we all need right now. I loved it, and it's my first 5-star read of the year. Everything from the emotional connection to the pacing, it was perfection, especially The Mother Song. The audiobook narrators were a perfect choice. The performance of Blair Dade and Kale Williams was amazing, they read with power and emotion, and I felt every word. Well done! I can't wait for the next book.

[Shannon Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Listeners Copy of this title through NetGalley.

Rated 4.5 stars (unfortunately Goodreads does not allow for half stars). I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Having read Firebird, I loved how it naturally continued with Lela. I appreciated the disclaimer in the beginning that set expectations for the type of story being told and provided potential trigger warnings. I found that while this story does still have elements of a master/slave dynamic, it is much more subdued than the first book. The romantic partnership between Trajan and Lela felt like a more equal partnership as Trajan never owned Lela and makes a conscious effort to show that he is willing to submit to her power.

The story itself was very easy to listen to as a whole. I don’t think it added a lot of new depth, but it continued the momentum of Firebird toward an eventual conclusion. The fantasy elements are easy to understand, and I do love the combination of Roman influence and Dragons. I also thought that Lela’s power was unique and powerful, which made her a real player in her own right.

For the technical side of listening this in audiobook format, I was very satisfied. I enjoyed the dual narration and separate voice actors for Trajan and Lela. Both were easy to understand and pleasant to listen to. I did find the narration at the default 1x speed to be rather slow, but that I think is more personal preference. I did listen to a couple chapters at that speed to get a feel for the actors and their voices, but listened to the majority of the audiobook on 2x speed. I didn’t feel like the voices lost quality or changed my experience on a higher listening speed.

Overall I think Bloodsinger is a great second book in a series. If you enjoyed Firebird or fantasy with Roman elements and Dragons, I would definitely consider picking this up when it releases.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to Bloodsinger before release.

[Charlee Umstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ 2🌶️ 5🎧

Thank you to MacMillan Audio for the ALC! I thoroughly enjoy the narration by Blair Dade and Kale Williams! They do an excellent job conveying emotion, using varying voices and just overall bringing the story to life!

Bloodsinger begins after the events of Firebird and Malina & Julian’s escape from the city. It focuses on Malina’s sister Lela and Julian’s friend Trajan. I like how we get little nod backs to Firebird throughout this story which kept it all feeling connected and the flow of the overarching story moving forward with the end goal to bring down the tyrannical Caesar. The dragon politics were engaging and I appreciate that Lela made Trajan work a bit harder to earn her trust in this installment. My favorite part was definitely the reunion of the past and present MCs because the sister���s definitely deserve this after years apart! I just wish we had been able to spend more time with them!

I fear I do have the same critiques as with Firebird. While moving the plot along in a fairly fast paced way, the depth to the story felt lacking. I wasn’t convinced by the romance. Yes, Lela made him work a little more than Malina did with Julian but it seems the author falls back too hard on the “we’re fated mates so we immediately love each other even though we don’t know each other” trope and it’s boring. Also, despite touching on some heavy topics (self-harm, suicidal ideation), it lacked emotional depth and all felt very surface level. The plot was also surprisingly close to book 1.. which I understand because we had the same setup (slave x dragon counsel member) but maybe it could have been varied just a tad more. I am very intrigued by book 3 (there was a snippet at the end of the audio!) and it seems like this one is being setup to be much different! Yay!

Overall it was just good but I’m waiting for that WOW factor still… If you really enjoyed Firebird, I think you will also very much enjoy Bloodsinger!