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Flameheart
“A spellbinding tale where grief births magic and stories become reality. Heartfelt, imaginative, and brimming with danger—a must-read for fans of grounded magic and unforgettable heroines.”–Morgan Shamy, Bestselling Author of The Stricken
Out of the pages, he comes.
Into the pages, she must go.
Seventeen-year-old Lia Corvine supports her fracturing family, no matter the cost. It's irrelevant that her father's absence eats away at her false smiles and reassurances, that insecurities plague her mind. Lia's only reprieve is writing stories with her grandfather, where she can escape as a ranger to a floating kingdom with roguish Prince Kayce.
But everything crumbles when her grandfather suddenly passes away. As grief unleashes her barely-bound anxiety, it also unlocks Lia's slumbering magic-and drags Kayce into reality.
However, when barriers fray and dreams come true, so do nightmares. Monsters lurk in the streets. Envious societies hunger for power. And Lia finds herself in the center of a nefarious plot. With ancient orders governing the magic her family never told her about, it seems her grandfather's death was no accident. Only Lia can retrace his steps for answers. But even with Kayce by her side, can Lia embrace who she's only allowed herself to be in fantasy?
For her kingdom's sake, she must face the darkness within and without...before there are no stories left to tell.
Packed with immersive worlds, torturous slowburn romance, and mounting courage, the first installment in the Flameheart Chronicles grants a reader's deepest wish--to step into the stories they call home and to fight for them.
Out of the pages, he comes.
Into the pages, she must go.
Seventeen-year-old Lia Corvine supports her fracturing family, no matter the cost. It's irrelevant that her father's absence eats away at her false smiles and reassurances, that insecurities plague her mind. Lia's only reprieve is writing stories with her grandfather, where she can escape as a ranger to a floating kingdom with roguish Prince Kayce.
But everything crumbles when her grandfather suddenly passes away. As grief unleashes her barely-bound anxiety, it also unlocks Lia's slumbering magic-and drags Kayce into reality.
However, when barriers fray and dreams come true, so do nightmares. Monsters lurk in the streets. Envious societies hunger for power. And Lia finds herself in the center of a nefarious plot. With ancient orders governing the magic her family never told her about, it seems her grandfather's death was no accident. Only Lia can retrace his steps for answers. But even with Kayce by her side, can Lia embrace who she's only allowed herself to be in fantasy?
For her kingdom's sake, she must face the darkness within and without...before there are no stories left to tell.
Packed with immersive worlds, torturous slowburn romance, and mounting courage, the first installment in the Flameheart Chronicles grants a reader's deepest wish--to step into the stories they call home and to fight for them.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
70 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Dalton Bequette
1 book23 followersDalton Bequette has always been a storyteller. From a young age, he was crafting tales of his own. With a passion for history and the natural world, Dalton can usually be found outdoors, from which he draws extensive inspiration for the rich detail of his fantastical worlds. He met his wife, Emily, on a writing website where their mutual love for stories blossomed into a rich relationship. It now is the cornerstone for their debut fantasy novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
June 8, 2025
I loved Inkheart as a teenager. I loved the film version of Prince Caspian. I loved the world-hopping nature and high stakes of the Pendragon series.
Flameheart filled all those boxes for me. This is a truly solid debut novel, with a timid protagonist coming into her own, tender handling of tough themes, and a blend of adventure and romance that never left me bored. While some threads are tied up by the end of the story, enough is left unanswered that I’m eager to read what comes next. It’s stunning, magical, and perfect for readers who love classic YA storytelling.
(And boy have I got some THEORIES…please read so we can discuss!)
Flameheart filled all those boxes for me. This is a truly solid debut novel, with a timid protagonist coming into her own, tender handling of tough themes, and a blend of adventure and romance that never left me bored. While some threads are tied up by the end of the story, enough is left unanswered that I’m eager to read what comes next. It’s stunning, magical, and perfect for readers who love classic YA storytelling.
(And boy have I got some THEORIES…please read so we can discuss!)
May 22, 2025
I will add more to this review later...but I had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of Flameheart. Let me just say, "AHHH!!!" I really wish this book had existed when I was a teenager. I loved it as an adult, but I would have gone CRAZY over it as a teen.
Flameheart is based on the idea that storytellers create REAL fantasy worlds when they write, and that they can not only go to, but pull their favorite characters OUT of said story worlds! Let's just say, our heroine has amazing taste and pulls out an amazing, handsome warrior prince...let the adventures begin!
This story is a wild ride from beginning to end, with a plot that just doesn't stop giving. And the world building? Have I mentioned that? It's...WOW. And the sweet romance/coming of age? Sigh. Flameheart has it all. You'll definitely want to slide this book to the top of your TBR.
Flameheart is based on the idea that storytellers create REAL fantasy worlds when they write, and that they can not only go to, but pull their favorite characters OUT of said story worlds! Let's just say, our heroine has amazing taste and pulls out an amazing, handsome warrior prince...let the adventures begin!
This story is a wild ride from beginning to end, with a plot that just doesn't stop giving. And the world building? Have I mentioned that? It's...WOW. And the sweet romance/coming of age? Sigh. Flameheart has it all. You'll definitely want to slide this book to the top of your TBR.
July 3, 2025
The description for Flameheart captivated me from the moment I read it, and saw the lovely cover art attached to the story. Flameheart is something of a portal fantasy, a book about books and a world containing a vast array of other worlds within it, worlds of which most inhabitants are wholly unaware and unsuspecting. It’s a love letter to stories, and to the weight the hold in our lives.
We first meet Aurelia, or Lia, during a writing session with her beloved grandfather. The two have always had a special bond over the stories they create together. Tragedy strikes, as it so often does. But through the heartache, Lia learns that the imaginary world she crafted as a child is real. And all worlds, including her reality and the home of her heart she once believed fictional, are in danger. It’s a danger that Lia is surprisingly well suited to combat, if she can just get out of her own way.
I instantly related to Lia's melodrama, as well as her desire to suppress it. Largely through her character, we are given some very believable representation of anxiety and the ways it displays itself outwardly, whether through nervous tics, obsessive compulsion, or small acts of self-harm. We also see through her the importance of sharing your grief instead of allowing it to take root and fester.
I like the worldbuilding and how it ties myths, legends, and dreams into reality. We even have a creation myth for dreams and imagination. This is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, though it isn’t explicitly Christian. The idea of the eponymous Flamehearts, creatives tasked with returning creatures that don't belong in our real world to story realms they craft from songs and poems and novels, is a fascinating one. I was especially taken with the idea of the Flamehearts’ weapons—pens forged from stars and memories, capable of taking the form of whatever weapon would be serve in a particular world, against a particular enemy.
There is a burgeoning first-love, star-crossed, friends-to-more romance that serves as an undercurrent throughout the entire story. Our romantic interest, Kayce, has been Lia’s best (if seemingly imaginary) friend for most of her life. When she discovers that he and his world are real, feelings begin to shift. I found Kayce and his family, as well as the world of Norenth, a delight. This is a world of flying ships, oceans in the clouds, and tree roots that pulse with golden light. It was lovely, and I could have spent hundreds of pages exploring it.
An element that didn’t initially work well for me was the prose. I didn't immediately connect with the voice, in spite of how relatable I found Lia. And it felt like I was told more about this world of Flamehearts and its mythos than I was shown. Part of this might have been the way I skewed my own expectations. Because of the synopsis, I went into this expecting something like Inkheart and The Neverending Story, and even the more recent The Unravelling of Emlyn DuLaine. And while I do think those are pretty solid comps in terms of story, Flameheart didn’t bring that same charming, fairytale-like tone to the table. But once I altered my stylistic expectations, I became more deeply invested in the story being told.
Aside from that one nitpicky, subjective complaint, I really enjoyed my time with Flameheart. The story ended on a lovely note, in spite of how much is still up in the air in terms of overarching plot. I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!
(I received an early review copy of this book from the authors. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.)
We first meet Aurelia, or Lia, during a writing session with her beloved grandfather. The two have always had a special bond over the stories they create together. Tragedy strikes, as it so often does. But through the heartache, Lia learns that the imaginary world she crafted as a child is real. And all worlds, including her reality and the home of her heart she once believed fictional, are in danger. It’s a danger that Lia is surprisingly well suited to combat, if she can just get out of her own way.
I instantly related to Lia's melodrama, as well as her desire to suppress it. Largely through her character, we are given some very believable representation of anxiety and the ways it displays itself outwardly, whether through nervous tics, obsessive compulsion, or small acts of self-harm. We also see through her the importance of sharing your grief instead of allowing it to take root and fester.
I like the worldbuilding and how it ties myths, legends, and dreams into reality. We even have a creation myth for dreams and imagination. This is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, though it isn’t explicitly Christian. The idea of the eponymous Flamehearts, creatives tasked with returning creatures that don't belong in our real world to story realms they craft from songs and poems and novels, is a fascinating one. I was especially taken with the idea of the Flamehearts’ weapons—pens forged from stars and memories, capable of taking the form of whatever weapon would be serve in a particular world, against a particular enemy.
There is a burgeoning first-love, star-crossed, friends-to-more romance that serves as an undercurrent throughout the entire story. Our romantic interest, Kayce, has been Lia’s best (if seemingly imaginary) friend for most of her life. When she discovers that he and his world are real, feelings begin to shift. I found Kayce and his family, as well as the world of Norenth, a delight. This is a world of flying ships, oceans in the clouds, and tree roots that pulse with golden light. It was lovely, and I could have spent hundreds of pages exploring it.
An element that didn’t initially work well for me was the prose. I didn't immediately connect with the voice, in spite of how relatable I found Lia. And it felt like I was told more about this world of Flamehearts and its mythos than I was shown. Part of this might have been the way I skewed my own expectations. Because of the synopsis, I went into this expecting something like Inkheart and The Neverending Story, and even the more recent The Unravelling of Emlyn DuLaine. And while I do think those are pretty solid comps in terms of story, Flameheart didn’t bring that same charming, fairytale-like tone to the table. But once I altered my stylistic expectations, I became more deeply invested in the story being told.
Aside from that one nitpicky, subjective complaint, I really enjoyed my time with Flameheart. The story ended on a lovely note, in spite of how much is still up in the air in terms of overarching plot. I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!
(I received an early review copy of this book from the authors. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.)
December 25, 2025
The perfect fantasy for teen bookworms who've always wished they could slip into the world of their stories and become the hero! Flameheart is a complex, slowly building epic with magnificent scale and a beautiful coming-of-age character arc.
Lia is a very relatable, anxiety-ridden and people-pleasing 17 year-old with too much on her plate and the world on her shoulders--literally! Her growth over the course of the story feels natural and touching and I think a lot of teens will see themselves in this daydreaming bookworm who longs for security AND adventure all at once. Kayce is a typical grin-slinging, jokester rogue prince who equally annoys and supports Lia throughout the story and their slow-burn romance was very sweet with plenty of hints of more to come 🥰
Only a few other side characters stood out to me. The members of the Flameheart Order were somewhat of a blur 😅, but I loved the smith and the guardian! My favorite parts of the story by far were the scenes that took place in Norenth and I always found myself reading faster when Lia was there. The modern/real world elements of the story were well written as well, but just not as engaging to me personally.
For the most part, the prose is a good mix of flowery and utility, although sometimes felt a little too heavy on the emotional descriptions for my personal taste. Ironically battles and action felt immersive and vivid, while more simple conversations and downtime weren't always as easy for me to follow.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, but it took me several weeks to get through because it didn't capture my interest for the first hundred pages or so and after that the plot got a lot more interesting, but still dragged from time to time. I think this was mostly a personal issue, though, because I'm not quite in the target demographic and didn't connect as much with the characters and sometimes got lost with certain plot elements.
I recommend this story for teens who love:
✒️ Action-filled fantasy adventure
✒️ Clean YA fantasy with hints of biblical themes
✒️ Slow-burn friends to lovers romance (clean)
✒️ Alternate universes and large scale fantasy realms
✒️ Discovering hidden magic abilities
✒️ Portal fantasy (mix of a fantasy world with real world)
Lia is a very relatable, anxiety-ridden and people-pleasing 17 year-old with too much on her plate and the world on her shoulders--literally! Her growth over the course of the story feels natural and touching and I think a lot of teens will see themselves in this daydreaming bookworm who longs for security AND adventure all at once. Kayce is a typical grin-slinging, jokester rogue prince who equally annoys and supports Lia throughout the story and their slow-burn romance was very sweet with plenty of hints of more to come 🥰
Only a few other side characters stood out to me. The members of the Flameheart Order were somewhat of a blur 😅, but I loved the smith and the guardian! My favorite parts of the story by far were the scenes that took place in Norenth and I always found myself reading faster when Lia was there. The modern/real world elements of the story were well written as well, but just not as engaging to me personally.
For the most part, the prose is a good mix of flowery and utility, although sometimes felt a little too heavy on the emotional descriptions for my personal taste. Ironically battles and action felt immersive and vivid, while more simple conversations and downtime weren't always as easy for me to follow.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, but it took me several weeks to get through because it didn't capture my interest for the first hundred pages or so and after that the plot got a lot more interesting, but still dragged from time to time. I think this was mostly a personal issue, though, because I'm not quite in the target demographic and didn't connect as much with the characters and sometimes got lost with certain plot elements.
I recommend this story for teens who love:
✒️ Action-filled fantasy adventure
✒️ Clean YA fantasy with hints of biblical themes
✒️ Slow-burn friends to lovers romance (clean)
✒️ Alternate universes and large scale fantasy realms
✒️ Discovering hidden magic abilities
✒️ Portal fantasy (mix of a fantasy world with real world)
July 9, 2025
A fun and wild debut novel! Flameheart is an action-packed story filled with descriptive pride and fantastical world-building. This is a read for lovers of fantasy with a hint of science fiction intertwined.
September 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5
Flameheart by Dalton and Emily Bequette is a vivid and heartfelt fantasy debut that completely swept me away. The worldbuilding is rich without ever feeling overwhelming, and the magic system tied to storytelling is both imaginative and beautifully symbolic. I especially loved how the authors blended action, family (both birth and found), and personal stakes! Every chapter carried weight, whether it was an epic confrontation or a quiet, emotional beat.
The characters shine just as brightly as the world around them. They’re flawed, driven, and deeply human, which makes their triumphs and struggles resonate even more. The relationships at the heart of the story give it an emotional core that balances the high-stakes fantasy perfectly.
All in all, Flameheart is an exciting, well-crafted fantasy adventure with a lot of heart. It’s a must-read for fans of character-driven epic tales, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on what Dalton and Emily Bequette do next.
Flameheart by Dalton and Emily Bequette is a vivid and heartfelt fantasy debut that completely swept me away. The worldbuilding is rich without ever feeling overwhelming, and the magic system tied to storytelling is both imaginative and beautifully symbolic. I especially loved how the authors blended action, family (both birth and found), and personal stakes! Every chapter carried weight, whether it was an epic confrontation or a quiet, emotional beat.
The characters shine just as brightly as the world around them. They’re flawed, driven, and deeply human, which makes their triumphs and struggles resonate even more. The relationships at the heart of the story give it an emotional core that balances the high-stakes fantasy perfectly.
All in all, Flameheart is an exciting, well-crafted fantasy adventure with a lot of heart. It’s a must-read for fans of character-driven epic tales, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on what Dalton and Emily Bequette do next.
August 3, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
What writer WOULDN’T be intrigued by a book about an aspiring author who gets to teleport into the world of her creation?
WHAT I LIKED
~The fact that this book was written by a husband and wife team!
~The writer rep! It’s so fun to read books about writers, to laugh at jokes only those in our trade understand, and to feel seen by a character whose sleep-deprived brain is stuffed full of too many ideas.
~REDHEAD REP!!
~The relationship between Lia and her grandfather. Grandparent/grandchild relationships aren’t as popular in fiction as I think they should be, and I loved both the sweet and funny moments between Lia and Julian.
~That this book was set (part of the time) in Seattle! I grew up there, and every time Lia got annoyed because of the rain or mentioned a familiar place made me smile.
~Kayce’s confusion and bluntness about things on Earth. He had me constantly cracking up with his comments on things such as jeans and lipstick.
~The mall scene. Kayce trying Chinese food was everything.
WHAT I WASN’T A FAN OF:
~Lia felt a little bratty at times, which I wasn’t expecting and honestly was disappointed with. And the lack of communication between her and her mom was frustrating!
~The constant reminder that “Lia was drowning but she couldn’t let herself so she had to push all of the grief and anxiety down”. Anxiety is a real issue a lot of teens deal with, and I think it’s great to talk about it in YA fiction. However way it was handled in this book felt repetitive and “tell not show”. It just didn’t hit for me.
~Kayce and Lia’s relationship…when they weren’t fighting (which felt VERY rare) they were falling in love with each other and not admitting it. They were “just friends” until the last two chapters, but throughout the book they were cuddling, Kayce was holding Lia’s hand or touching her face/hair, and that just felt a liiiittle weird when, again, they were seeing each other as “just friends” until the very end.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
The dreaded red pen was poised over the paper, a knife already dripping with her heart’s blood—Melodramatic. But writing was the exception.
Typical Seattle, with rain drops glistening in her copper hair.
“You, my dear, are not a bookmark,” she muttered, scooping up the cat.
And there was chocolate. Praise the skies and seas.
“And don’t even think about calling a fine specimen of a man such as myself a ‘mother hen’ again or so help me…”
“Consider the increased danger a hallmark of my teenage angst.”
“Why do these breeches have teeth?”
“That peace can always be found. You can be still—even in freefall.”
“I don’t care how,” he muttered, surging to his feet as Lia, Kristof, and Kayce rushed over. “But I’m going to marry her.” “Battle first, proposals later,” Jace urged.
Aurelia hadn’t done this for his approval, but skies, to see it in his eyes made her burn in a way she never had.
Blood met like ink, smeared like words, over flesh like parchment.
🔥⚔️🖋️
Thank you for having me on your street team, Dalton and Emily, and congrats on your release!
What writer WOULDN’T be intrigued by a book about an aspiring author who gets to teleport into the world of her creation?
WHAT I LIKED
~The fact that this book was written by a husband and wife team!
~The writer rep! It’s so fun to read books about writers, to laugh at jokes only those in our trade understand, and to feel seen by a character whose sleep-deprived brain is stuffed full of too many ideas.
~REDHEAD REP!!
~The relationship between Lia and her grandfather. Grandparent/grandchild relationships aren’t as popular in fiction as I think they should be, and I loved both the sweet and funny moments between Lia and Julian.
~That this book was set (part of the time) in Seattle! I grew up there, and every time Lia got annoyed because of the rain or mentioned a familiar place made me smile.
~Kayce’s confusion and bluntness about things on Earth. He had me constantly cracking up with his comments on things such as jeans and lipstick.
~The mall scene. Kayce trying Chinese food was everything.
WHAT I WASN’T A FAN OF:
~Lia felt a little bratty at times, which I wasn’t expecting and honestly was disappointed with. And the lack of communication between her and her mom was frustrating!
~The constant reminder that “Lia was drowning but she couldn’t let herself so she had to push all of the grief and anxiety down”. Anxiety is a real issue a lot of teens deal with, and I think it’s great to talk about it in YA fiction. However way it was handled in this book felt repetitive and “tell not show”. It just didn’t hit for me.
~Kayce and Lia’s relationship…when they weren’t fighting (which felt VERY rare) they were falling in love with each other and not admitting it. They were “just friends” until the last two chapters, but throughout the book they were cuddling, Kayce was holding Lia’s hand or touching her face/hair, and that just felt a liiiittle weird when, again, they were seeing each other as “just friends” until the very end.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
The dreaded red pen was poised over the paper, a knife already dripping with her heart’s blood—Melodramatic. But writing was the exception.
Typical Seattle, with rain drops glistening in her copper hair.
“You, my dear, are not a bookmark,” she muttered, scooping up the cat.
And there was chocolate. Praise the skies and seas.
“And don’t even think about calling a fine specimen of a man such as myself a ‘mother hen’ again or so help me…”
“Consider the increased danger a hallmark of my teenage angst.”
“Why do these breeches have teeth?”
“That peace can always be found. You can be still—even in freefall.”
“I don’t care how,” he muttered, surging to his feet as Lia, Kristof, and Kayce rushed over. “But I’m going to marry her.” “Battle first, proposals later,” Jace urged.
Aurelia hadn’t done this for his approval, but skies, to see it in his eyes made her burn in a way she never had.
Blood met like ink, smeared like words, over flesh like parchment.
🔥⚔️🖋️
Thank you for having me on your street team, Dalton and Emily, and congrats on your release!
Read
October 11, 2025This was a fun portal fantasy! Definitely recommend!
August 21, 2025
The best way I can describe Flameheart is the 2000s film Life Size, but literary, meets The Princess Bride. And, yes, it is as phenomenal as it sounds!!
I listened to the audiobook while working in my house and kept catching myself just sitting still, intently waiting to see what was going to happen next—I will be getting a physical copy to reread this epic fantasy before book two releases!
I love the granddaughter/grandfather dynamic as well as the nuances and complexity of relationships in general within the novel. The authors tackle themes of grief, loneliness, self-doubt, and depression in a graceful manner all while offering hope to readers.
Oh, and I didn’t know a slow burn FORBIDDEN romance was something I needed until Flameheart. And let me tell you: I. Am. Here. For. It!
To sum up, I highly recommend this book to fantasy fans who enjoy multiple realms/worlds and detailed world building. So good!
I listened to the audiobook while working in my house and kept catching myself just sitting still, intently waiting to see what was going to happen next—I will be getting a physical copy to reread this epic fantasy before book two releases!
I love the granddaughter/grandfather dynamic as well as the nuances and complexity of relationships in general within the novel. The authors tackle themes of grief, loneliness, self-doubt, and depression in a graceful manner all while offering hope to readers.
Oh, and I didn’t know a slow burn FORBIDDEN romance was something I needed until Flameheart. And let me tell you: I. Am. Here. For. It!
To sum up, I highly recommend this book to fantasy fans who enjoy multiple realms/worlds and detailed world building. So good!
August 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I received this as an advanced reader copy!
I needed this book in my life way sooner but I’m so glad that I was even able to read it now! This debut fantasy novel is impressive! The authors did a great job with world building, developing complex characters, and adding in beautiful elements that fans of Narnia and Inkheart love.
The Bequettes also really got to my heart by including how anxiety plays a role in the FMC’s life and how she over comes it. The description of anxiety is probably one of the most relatable I’ve ever read. Here are just a few examples:
-“Lia sat straighter, anxiety the puppeteer to her strings.”
-“Reading was her getaway from the anxiety, from the pressures to ease everyone else’s burden. ‘It makes me feel…anchored.’”
-“She told me to confront what I’ve been trying so hard to keep away. But it’s like the air is sucked from my lungs and I still can’t stand to feel anything. And I have to hold it all in so no one else will drown when I finally let go.”
Also, there are some great anxiety regulation and reframing tips hidden in the book, which is always a plus in my mind.
If you like these, you’ll enjoy this book:
-The Chronicles of Narnia
-Inkheart
-Teen/Young Adult books
-Coming of age
-Hero’s journey
-Reluctant Hero
-Portal Fantasy
-Sloooowww burn
-Anxiety Representation
-Your story coming alive
I know you want to jump into this story…just as the FMC does in Flameheart. So, make sure you go read this book on July 29th when it is released to all readers!
I received this as an advanced reader copy!
I needed this book in my life way sooner but I’m so glad that I was even able to read it now! This debut fantasy novel is impressive! The authors did a great job with world building, developing complex characters, and adding in beautiful elements that fans of Narnia and Inkheart love.
The Bequettes also really got to my heart by including how anxiety plays a role in the FMC’s life and how she over comes it. The description of anxiety is probably one of the most relatable I’ve ever read. Here are just a few examples:
-“Lia sat straighter, anxiety the puppeteer to her strings.”
-“Reading was her getaway from the anxiety, from the pressures to ease everyone else’s burden. ‘It makes me feel…anchored.’”
-“She told me to confront what I’ve been trying so hard to keep away. But it’s like the air is sucked from my lungs and I still can’t stand to feel anything. And I have to hold it all in so no one else will drown when I finally let go.”
Also, there are some great anxiety regulation and reframing tips hidden in the book, which is always a plus in my mind.
If you like these, you’ll enjoy this book:
-The Chronicles of Narnia
-Inkheart
-Teen/Young Adult books
-Coming of age
-Hero’s journey
-Reluctant Hero
-Portal Fantasy
-Sloooowww burn
-Anxiety Representation
-Your story coming alive
I know you want to jump into this story…just as the FMC does in Flameheart. So, make sure you go read this book on July 29th when it is released to all readers!
September 14, 2025
A magical world filled with adventure and adorable swoon. This is a super sweet YA with all the big Romantasy feels. You get to escape the real world with the FMC as she slips into a fantasy dream world overnight. Physics classes by day, scuffles with pirates and princes overnight. Until dreams and reality start to mix! When the high fantasy dream world starts appearing in the real world, then the mysteries and problems have to be solved and when the FMC can find her strength. This was a fun and adventurous read with lots of events and twists along the way.
✨ Dream world
✨ Adventure
✨ Swoony crushes
✨ High School aged YA
✨ Bookish girl from the real world
✨ Prince from the fantasy world
✨ Mourning to Healing
✨ Mysterious Secret Society
🫑 swoony no spice
✨ Dream world
✨ Adventure
✨ Swoony crushes
✨ High School aged YA
✨ Bookish girl from the real world
✨ Prince from the fantasy world
✨ Mourning to Healing
✨ Mysterious Secret Society
🫑 swoony no spice
June 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️ Emphasis on the emotions, kisses only
💬 Mild, "crap" used a couple of times
❗Death, violence, injuries, loss, grief, bloodoaths, anxiety
.
My thoughts:
I quite enjoyed Flameheart, though it took me longer than expected to finish it 😅 The idea that every story has it's own place in the universe is so fun and it was executed amazingly! I'd love to visit all my favourite characters in their worlds 🥰 While the writing style was a little harder for me to get through in comparison to other English books I read recently (English isn't my native language, so that works differently for me I guess😂), Flameheart is full of beautiful sentences just waiting for you to highlight and frame them 🤩 Lia's arc was also really interesting and fun, I especially liked how her name used in narration resembled her inner self and showed us how far she's changed. My favourite scenes are probably the one in Lia's bedroom (iykyk 😂) and the Forge 😍🥹Oh oh oh, and one thing I especially loved is Lia's relationship with her brother! While it wasn't the main focus of the story it was so refreshing to see that the siblings actually liked and cared for each other, despite occasional bickering 😂 And if we're talking about relationships you can't not talk about Kayce - I loved the sarcastic comments and deep conversations between him and Aurelia 🥰
.
Flameheart releases 29th July 2025! I was gifted this eARC by the authors, but this honest review is voluntary😊
🌶️ Emphasis on the emotions, kisses only
💬 Mild, "crap" used a couple of times
❗Death, violence, injuries, loss, grief, bloodoaths, anxiety
.
My thoughts:
I quite enjoyed Flameheart, though it took me longer than expected to finish it 😅 The idea that every story has it's own place in the universe is so fun and it was executed amazingly! I'd love to visit all my favourite characters in their worlds 🥰 While the writing style was a little harder for me to get through in comparison to other English books I read recently (English isn't my native language, so that works differently for me I guess😂), Flameheart is full of beautiful sentences just waiting for you to highlight and frame them 🤩 Lia's arc was also really interesting and fun, I especially liked how her name used in narration resembled her inner self and showed us how far she's changed. My favourite scenes are probably the one in Lia's bedroom (iykyk 😂) and the Forge 😍🥹Oh oh oh, and one thing I especially loved is Lia's relationship with her brother! While it wasn't the main focus of the story it was so refreshing to see that the siblings actually liked and cared for each other, despite occasional bickering 😂 And if we're talking about relationships you can't not talk about Kayce - I loved the sarcastic comments and deep conversations between him and Aurelia 🥰
.
Flameheart releases 29th July 2025! I was gifted this eARC by the authors, but this honest review is voluntary😊
January 1, 2026
What I loved: This world building was top tier! The descriptions were amazing! You can tell that these authors know how to write a book. I was blown away by the beauty of the world and the cool glimpses we get into Norenth. And I love the humor in the book, especially after Kayce comes to earth XD. That was so funny! I also really like the main characters together. They balance each other out very well. I love what the authors did with the pens!
Why This is a 3 star for me:
Certain characters in this book that are very similar to another book series I have read. I loved that other book and series, but I have major beef with it, so when I was reading this book and saw some of the parallels between Flameheart’s characters and the other series, I just felt let down. “Here we go again”
After realizing the reason I didn’t like this book is partially because of the other series, I feel I need to give this book some grace.
This is also why I will be continuing reading the series. I hope that I am wrong with where I think certain characters are headed and can end up loving this series.
Romance: Kisses
Gore/Violence: There are multiple battles and some wounds
Other scary elements: There is a demon wolf thing in one chapter.
Magic: Yes
Cussing: not that I remember
Why This is a 3 star for me:
Certain characters in this book that are very similar to another book series I have read. I loved that other book and series, but I have major beef with it, so when I was reading this book and saw some of the parallels between Flameheart’s characters and the other series, I just felt let down. “Here we go again”
After realizing the reason I didn’t like this book is partially because of the other series, I feel I need to give this book some grace.
This is also why I will be continuing reading the series. I hope that I am wrong with where I think certain characters are headed and can end up loving this series.
Romance: Kisses
Gore/Violence: There are multiple battles and some wounds
Other scary elements: There is a demon wolf thing in one chapter.
Magic: Yes
Cussing: not that I remember
December 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
I had high expectations for this book and it did not disappoint! I was thankful to grab a free copy while it was available, so a special thank you to the authors! 💕
I've had Flameheart on my tbr for quite a while now and I got to follow the journey of Dalton and Emily on Instagram as they published their first book. They are so sweet and inspiring and I'm honored to have gotten to read their work!
I really enjoyed the unique concept of the story, the characters, and the vivid writing! While it dragged in some places, I would still definitely recommend Flameheart to fantasy lovers of any genre!
✍🏼 Writing/Pacing
The writing style was very unique. It was vivid and I enjoyed it overall. I think the main reason I'm giving this one a solid four stars is because it's also very *wordy.* It could have gone through another round of editing to eliminate extra words and help it flow better.
The pacing was a little rough at times and would either switch scenes too abruptly or start dragging. But other than that -- it was amazing and I loved the vocabulary.
🔥World-building 🖋
I guess we gotta talk about the setting because it was a huge part of the book! It is a portal fantasy which I LOVE -- but what makes it even better is that it's a portal to a HIGH FANTASY WORLD! I thought it was really interesting how the characters discover they can travel to worlds created in their own heads. It's like a writer's legit dream! At times I did struggle to understand some of the rules and terminology, but it didn't hinder me from understanding the important parts of the story and following the characters. 😌
✨The Plot
This was honestly a very character-driven story, even though they were trying to discover the mystery behind her grandfather's death the whole time. I almost wish there was more to the plot and that it didn't drag so much in the middle (because I found myself losing interest sometimes, if I'm being honest). But since this is series, it makes since that a lot of the story was centered around Lia and discovering the world and understanding the basics. So hopefully in the next books we can see more plot!
I will say too, that the climax fell a little flat for me. It felt predictable and not as impactful as it was for the characters. But I still enjoyed the story! Even though the author in me wants to pick out developmental issues, I read books because I enjoy them and I thought Flameheart was great for a debut. There were so many little emotional scenes -- especially between Lia and Kayce that I LOVED --and that's truly the heart of the story.
👥 The Characters
I thought the characters were pretty well-rounded and likable! I can relate to Lia having anxiety and OCD tendencies, and I thought it was cool to see that portrayed in a fantasy book. I love the crap out of Kayce too and how sweet and level-headed he is (expect when he's jealous 🤭). I couldn't really connect to the other characters as well, so I'm hoping to see more of the Order and Kayce's family in later books. I thought Fee was very sweet though and I really loved her too.
💕The Romance
OKAY. I NEED MORE. NOW. I could instantly see the chemistry between Lia and Kayce and I loved seeing her crush develop into something more for him. They were perfect for each other and balanced each other really well. There were plenty of sweet moments but also conflicts too. That was honestly fun to read about to see how they made up to each other.
I was a little confused at first when Lia was calling Kayce her "literary crush" and then when she meets him in real life, they're just friends again.... Yet she notices his muscles and the way he touches her and stuff. 🤔
I still loved it anyway and I can't wait to see more between them!
⚠️Content
This was a very clean book! Of course there were a few mild exclamations (no cuss words) and some violence here and there. This is a YA, so the romance feels a little more serious sometimes, but I would say it's good for ages 13+
✨ Final Thoughts
This was an enjoyable read for me and I was very thankful to finally read it! I'm excited to see Dalton and Emily improve their writing craft as they continue to tell the stories of these characters. (I can't wait for Kayce's story too!!)
I had high expectations for this book and it did not disappoint! I was thankful to grab a free copy while it was available, so a special thank you to the authors! 💕
I've had Flameheart on my tbr for quite a while now and I got to follow the journey of Dalton and Emily on Instagram as they published their first book. They are so sweet and inspiring and I'm honored to have gotten to read their work!
I really enjoyed the unique concept of the story, the characters, and the vivid writing! While it dragged in some places, I would still definitely recommend Flameheart to fantasy lovers of any genre!
✍🏼 Writing/Pacing
The writing style was very unique. It was vivid and I enjoyed it overall. I think the main reason I'm giving this one a solid four stars is because it's also very *wordy.* It could have gone through another round of editing to eliminate extra words and help it flow better.
The pacing was a little rough at times and would either switch scenes too abruptly or start dragging. But other than that -- it was amazing and I loved the vocabulary.
🔥World-building 🖋
I guess we gotta talk about the setting because it was a huge part of the book! It is a portal fantasy which I LOVE -- but what makes it even better is that it's a portal to a HIGH FANTASY WORLD! I thought it was really interesting how the characters discover they can travel to worlds created in their own heads. It's like a writer's legit dream! At times I did struggle to understand some of the rules and terminology, but it didn't hinder me from understanding the important parts of the story and following the characters. 😌
✨The Plot
This was honestly a very character-driven story, even though they were trying to discover the mystery behind her grandfather's death the whole time. I almost wish there was more to the plot and that it didn't drag so much in the middle (because I found myself losing interest sometimes, if I'm being honest). But since this is series, it makes since that a lot of the story was centered around Lia and discovering the world and understanding the basics. So hopefully in the next books we can see more plot!
I will say too, that the climax fell a little flat for me. It felt predictable and not as impactful as it was for the characters. But I still enjoyed the story! Even though the author in me wants to pick out developmental issues, I read books because I enjoy them and I thought Flameheart was great for a debut. There were so many little emotional scenes -- especially between Lia and Kayce that I LOVED --and that's truly the heart of the story.
👥 The Characters
I thought the characters were pretty well-rounded and likable! I can relate to Lia having anxiety and OCD tendencies, and I thought it was cool to see that portrayed in a fantasy book. I love the crap out of Kayce too and how sweet and level-headed he is (expect when he's jealous 🤭). I couldn't really connect to the other characters as well, so I'm hoping to see more of the Order and Kayce's family in later books. I thought Fee was very sweet though and I really loved her too.
💕The Romance
OKAY. I NEED MORE. NOW. I could instantly see the chemistry between Lia and Kayce and I loved seeing her crush develop into something more for him. They were perfect for each other and balanced each other really well. There were plenty of sweet moments but also conflicts too. That was honestly fun to read about to see how they made up to each other.
I was a little confused at first when Lia was calling Kayce her "literary crush" and then when she meets him in real life, they're just friends again.... Yet she notices his muscles and the way he touches her and stuff. 🤔
I still loved it anyway and I can't wait to see more between them!
⚠️Content
This was a very clean book! Of course there were a few mild exclamations (no cuss words) and some violence here and there. This is a YA, so the romance feels a little more serious sometimes, but I would say it's good for ages 13+
✨ Final Thoughts
This was an enjoyable read for me and I was very thankful to finally read it! I'm excited to see Dalton and Emily improve their writing craft as they continue to tell the stories of these characters. (I can't wait for Kayce's story too!!)
May 30, 2025
Flameheart is an exciting, engaging tale from the beginning to the end. The premise of Flameheart is that words have power. Specifically, written words have the power to create fantasy worlds. Writers can go into these worlds and the characters can come out. Combine this portal fantasy with a murd3r mystery and a battle between good and evil, and what more could you ask for?
Aurelia/Lia, the FMC, is real and raw and struggles with anxiety. Her transformation and growth throughout the book is inspiring.
“What did she want? More than anything, she had wanted to be seen. To be wholly understood and read like a book. Not a single word skimmed over, each page or her being.”
“I didn’t realize how much I lost of myself, trying to be everything for everyone.”
Flameheart’s plot twists and turns throughout the tale and leaves the reader wanting more!
I received an eARC copy of Flameheart from the author/publisher, but this is my honest, voluntary review.
Blurb
Out of the pages, he comes.
Into the pages, she must go.
Seventeen-year-old Lia Corvine supports her fracturing family, no matter the cost. It’s irrelevant that her father's absence eats away at her false smiles and reassurances, that insecurities plague her mind. Lia’s only reprieve is writing stories with her grandfather, where she can escape as a ranger to a floating kingdom with roguish Prince Kayce. But everything crumbles when her grandfather suddenly passes away. As grief unleashes her barely-bound anxiety, it also unlocks Lia's slumbering magic–and drags Kayce into reality. However, when barriers fray and dreams come true, so do nightmares. Monsters lurk in the streets. Envious societies hunger for power. And Lia finds herself in the center of a nefarious plot. With ancient orders governing the magic her family never told her about, it seems her grandfather's death was no accident. Only Lia can retrace his steps for answers. But even with Kayce by her side, can Lia embrace who she's only allowed herself to be in fantasy? For her kingdom's sake, she must face the darkness within and without…before there are no stories left to tell.
Tropes
⚔️ bookworm to warrior FMC
👑 roguish prince MMC
🏰 portal fantasy
📖 writing magic
🌌 cosmic story worlds
🐉 creatures & monsters
❤️🔥 slowburn/childhood friends to ???
😏 banter
🫂 mental health rep (anxiety/grief)
🪦 secret societies & murd3r mystery
🌑 light vs. darkness
Aurelia/Lia, the FMC, is real and raw and struggles with anxiety. Her transformation and growth throughout the book is inspiring.
“What did she want? More than anything, she had wanted to be seen. To be wholly understood and read like a book. Not a single word skimmed over, each page or her being.”
“I didn’t realize how much I lost of myself, trying to be everything for everyone.”
Flameheart’s plot twists and turns throughout the tale and leaves the reader wanting more!
I received an eARC copy of Flameheart from the author/publisher, but this is my honest, voluntary review.
Blurb
Out of the pages, he comes.
Into the pages, she must go.
Seventeen-year-old Lia Corvine supports her fracturing family, no matter the cost. It’s irrelevant that her father's absence eats away at her false smiles and reassurances, that insecurities plague her mind. Lia’s only reprieve is writing stories with her grandfather, where she can escape as a ranger to a floating kingdom with roguish Prince Kayce. But everything crumbles when her grandfather suddenly passes away. As grief unleashes her barely-bound anxiety, it also unlocks Lia's slumbering magic–and drags Kayce into reality. However, when barriers fray and dreams come true, so do nightmares. Monsters lurk in the streets. Envious societies hunger for power. And Lia finds herself in the center of a nefarious plot. With ancient orders governing the magic her family never told her about, it seems her grandfather's death was no accident. Only Lia can retrace his steps for answers. But even with Kayce by her side, can Lia embrace who she's only allowed herself to be in fantasy? For her kingdom's sake, she must face the darkness within and without…before there are no stories left to tell.
Tropes
⚔️ bookworm to warrior FMC
👑 roguish prince MMC
🏰 portal fantasy
📖 writing magic
🌌 cosmic story worlds
🐉 creatures & monsters
❤️🔥 slowburn/childhood friends to ???
😏 banter
🫂 mental health rep (anxiety/grief)
🪦 secret societies & murd3r mystery
🌑 light vs. darkness
July 3, 2025
Adventure, mystery, loveable characters, fantasy worlds, magic, and a little bit of romance...the recipe for a delightful read for those who have always dreamed of journeying into their favorite books and stories.
It took me a little while to really get into this book, but that's just because there was a lot of world building, and that's always a bit slow going for me. It's not a bad thing though - it set up the world very well, and it made me want to know what happens next and explore more! The second half of the book is where it really started to pick up for me, and the ending was so sweet.
If you struggle with anxiety or self doubt, you will relate to Aurelia and enjoy her character growth throughout the book. The most relatable part to me was that she picks at the skin around her finger nails - I'm very guilty of doing that, haha! She and Kayce were very cute together, and I loved their friendship throughout the story.
Dalton and Emily did a fantastic job telling this story, and I can't see what comes next in the series. 😊
Thank you to the authors for the ARC copy. All opinions in the review are my own.
Content: death, grief, mentions of murder, moderate violence (fights are described, and some blood is mentioned, but not graphic), semi-detailed kissing only, characters notice each other's physique/attractiveness, two characters wake up in a bed together but not in an inappropriate way - although one character's brother comes into the room a few minutes later and says that he "hasn't learned this in health class yet"
It took me a little while to really get into this book, but that's just because there was a lot of world building, and that's always a bit slow going for me. It's not a bad thing though - it set up the world very well, and it made me want to know what happens next and explore more! The second half of the book is where it really started to pick up for me, and the ending was so sweet.
If you struggle with anxiety or self doubt, you will relate to Aurelia and enjoy her character growth throughout the book. The most relatable part to me was that she picks at the skin around her finger nails - I'm very guilty of doing that, haha! She and Kayce were very cute together, and I loved their friendship throughout the story.
Dalton and Emily did a fantastic job telling this story, and I can't see what comes next in the series. 😊
Thank you to the authors for the ARC copy. All opinions in the review are my own.
Content: death, grief, mentions of murder, moderate violence (fights are described, and some blood is mentioned, but not graphic), semi-detailed kissing only, characters notice each other's physique/attractiveness, two characters wake up in a bed together but not in an inappropriate way - although one character's brother comes into the room a few minutes later and says that he "hasn't learned this in health class yet"
July 30, 2025
5/5⭐️
Every now and then a book comes along that is special. It’s just special. It makes you smile, shed a tear (or tearS!), and reminds you that you aren’t alone. This is Flameheart. What a beautiful story!! And…it’s only the beginning!! This book has been described as a love letter to bookish souls and my gosh, it’s the perfect description! You are going to love this book if you ever have been described as “bookish”; if you’ve ever felt like you aren’t enough; if you’ve ever been doubted; if you know there are those that believe in you but you still don’t believe in yourself; if you’ve ever felt a loss so sharp it physically hurt. You need to read this book! If you’ve ever wished your imagined worlds could be real. This is the book for you. There’s so many reasons to read this book. Lucky for you, it’s also beautifully written and with a sweet romance subplot!
This is a wonderful YA fantasy with a sweet romance. I would love it if my 16 year old read this book!
Tropes
⚔ bookworm to warrior FMC
👑 roguish prince MMC
🏰 portal fantasy
📖 writing magic
🌌 cosmic story worlds
🐉 creatures & monsters
slowburn/childhood friends to ???
😏 banter
🫂 mental health rep (anxiety/grief)
🪦 secret societies & murd3r mystery
⚫️ light vs dark
Thank you to the authors for the complimentary e-arc. I am choosing to voluntarily leave this review of my honest thoughts and opinions about the book.
Every now and then a book comes along that is special. It’s just special. It makes you smile, shed a tear (or tearS!), and reminds you that you aren’t alone. This is Flameheart. What a beautiful story!! And…it’s only the beginning!! This book has been described as a love letter to bookish souls and my gosh, it’s the perfect description! You are going to love this book if you ever have been described as “bookish”; if you’ve ever felt like you aren’t enough; if you’ve ever been doubted; if you know there are those that believe in you but you still don’t believe in yourself; if you’ve ever felt a loss so sharp it physically hurt. You need to read this book! If you’ve ever wished your imagined worlds could be real. This is the book for you. There’s so many reasons to read this book. Lucky for you, it’s also beautifully written and with a sweet romance subplot!
This is a wonderful YA fantasy with a sweet romance. I would love it if my 16 year old read this book!
Tropes
⚔ bookworm to warrior FMC
👑 roguish prince MMC
🏰 portal fantasy
📖 writing magic
🌌 cosmic story worlds
🐉 creatures & monsters
slowburn/childhood friends to ???
😏 banter
🫂 mental health rep (anxiety/grief)
🪦 secret societies & murd3r mystery
⚫️ light vs dark
Thank you to the authors for the complimentary e-arc. I am choosing to voluntarily leave this review of my honest thoughts and opinions about the book.
July 4, 2025
Lia and her Papa are both writers, but there is more to their stories than you know. After her Papa dies, Lia starts dreaming about her characters, and her dreams feel more real than they have ever been. When she brings her main character out of her dreams with her, she realizes she may be something more than just a writer. She discovers she is a Flameheart, a guardian of stories, each of which has its own, very real, world sphere, and something is very, very, wrong.
This was an amazing book, especially for a debut. I was riveted from the first dream on, this story is intriguing. I can't wait for the next book in the series, and this one isn't even out yet. The problems of ARC readers.....
This was an amazing book, especially for a debut. I was riveted from the first dream on, this story is intriguing. I can't wait for the next book in the series, and this one isn't even out yet. The problems of ARC readers.....
July 28, 2025
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
As someone who grew up reading books like Inkheart, this book hit me in a very nostalgic way. I wanted to read this book because I’ve always dreamed of stepping into the pages of the books I read and I was able to live vicariously through Lia. I enjoyed the adventure, the magic, and the underlying story of a fellow people pleaser being challenged to grow and become the person that you hoped was inside you. The mental health themes that were addressed in this book are close to my heart and I found that those were what pulled me in the most. This was a wonderful debut YA fantasy and I absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy adventure, friends to lovers, and a good slow burn.
As someone who grew up reading books like Inkheart, this book hit me in a very nostalgic way. I wanted to read this book because I’ve always dreamed of stepping into the pages of the books I read and I was able to live vicariously through Lia. I enjoyed the adventure, the magic, and the underlying story of a fellow people pleaser being challenged to grow and become the person that you hoped was inside you. The mental health themes that were addressed in this book are close to my heart and I found that those were what pulled me in the most. This was a wonderful debut YA fantasy and I absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy adventure, friends to lovers, and a good slow burn.
September 25, 2025
3.5 I appreciate so much about this book. The representation of grief, and touches of autism. All the battle scenes are well written, as are the fluctuations between dreams and reality and other worlds. The overall idea that she wrote the character of her best friend (and they argue about his actuality) is brilliant, and the ending was right where it should be.
I feel that the world building is weak, when in fact the perfect vehicle to discuss it was more time with The Order.
Creature descriptions are also a little weak, but I let my mind take over the interpretation.
Overall, a good enjoyable pick with some unique features. 🙂
I feel that the world building is weak, when in fact the perfect vehicle to discuss it was more time with The Order.
Creature descriptions are also a little weak, but I let my mind take over the interpretation.
Overall, a good enjoyable pick with some unique features. 🙂
May 30, 2025
What can I say? I love this book so much! Read it and see!
June 20, 2025
4.5⭐️
Great world building. Excellent characters. Enjoyed this debut fantasy novel from authors Dalton & Emily Bequette. The banter, growth, and thrilling adventure make for a captivating read.
Great world building. Excellent characters. Enjoyed this debut fantasy novel from authors Dalton & Emily Bequette. The banter, growth, and thrilling adventure make for a captivating read.
September 21, 2025
4.5 stars
There were a lot of elements I really liked about this book! I don't read a lot of portal fantasy, it's not really my genre- or so I thought. I'm curious to read more after the last couple of books I've read in the genre. XD I loved the message portrayed throughout the book and all of the characters felt so vivid and real. The only thing that pulled me out of the story was some of the romantic aspects and part of Lia's character arc. I found myself getting confused a little more than I'd like, but it's possible I was reading too fast in my haste to find out what happens next, so I think I'll have to give it a reread at some point in the future!
There were a lot of elements I really liked about this book! I don't read a lot of portal fantasy, it's not really my genre- or so I thought. I'm curious to read more after the last couple of books I've read in the genre. XD I loved the message portrayed throughout the book and all of the characters felt so vivid and real. The only thing that pulled me out of the story was some of the romantic aspects and part of Lia's character arc. I found myself getting confused a little more than I'd like, but it's possible I was reading too fast in my haste to find out what happens next, so I think I'll have to give it a reread at some point in the future!
November 15, 2025
This was great! I can’t wait for book two! Perfect YA fantasy! Clean, fast paced, and full of action!
November 29, 2025
the pacing was so off it’s not even funny… but i also fiercely love the world and characters & will def be reading the next one
June 26, 2025
*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
The book is set in a modern time, not what I was expecting but I liked it. Felt like it could happen to me at any moment (I wish haha). It feels very romancing the stone which I think is brilliant, the female writer gets sucked into her story.
“In reality, people sucked” I felt this quote in my soul.
The story is well written, however at times I felt it was overly written, example:
“Ashy depths were rising, pulling like tar.”
Mind you, this is a 17 year old. While yes, she too is writer, it seemed off at times. I like Lia, she’s relatable. She has ocd tendencies and anxiety (I can totally relate) mostly due to the fact that she has had to grow up fast and take care of everything, she has no control over her life which is why probably one reason why she likes to write, she has the control.
It’s was hard to follow at the beginning. The world building is great but I kept getting lost at times. It does start to pick up. I do love the relationship with Kayce. He was written to be swoon worthy lol. The book leans YA.
I think the premise and concept of this book is perfect. I think with some tweaking, it could be a 5 star!
I just want to give a big thank you to the authors so much for letting me read this book. I am in awe of your talent.
The book is set in a modern time, not what I was expecting but I liked it. Felt like it could happen to me at any moment (I wish haha). It feels very romancing the stone which I think is brilliant, the female writer gets sucked into her story.
“In reality, people sucked” I felt this quote in my soul.
The story is well written, however at times I felt it was overly written, example:
“Ashy depths were rising, pulling like tar.”
Mind you, this is a 17 year old. While yes, she too is writer, it seemed off at times. I like Lia, she’s relatable. She has ocd tendencies and anxiety (I can totally relate) mostly due to the fact that she has had to grow up fast and take care of everything, she has no control over her life which is why probably one reason why she likes to write, she has the control.
It’s was hard to follow at the beginning. The world building is great but I kept getting lost at times. It does start to pick up. I do love the relationship with Kayce. He was written to be swoon worthy lol. The book leans YA.
I think the premise and concept of this book is perfect. I think with some tweaking, it could be a 5 star!
I just want to give a big thank you to the authors so much for letting me read this book. I am in awe of your talent.
November 21, 2025
Flameheart was a perfect blend of action and intrigue. Aurelia remained very relatable all the way through; her anxiety felt real, as did her insecurity, and her character growth was immensely satisfying. I also enjoyed the culture and customs of Norenth. The world building around the Eperium and the mystery that tied the whole plot together were beautifully done. I really can't say enough good things about this book!
July 29, 2025
4.5 ⭐️This book was such a fun ride! It was a fantasy story, but at its heart, it was a story that was about grief, love, anxiety, and becoming the person that you know is inside you all along. A true love letter to readers and dreamers.
I absolutely loved the overall premise of this book, that the words that we write and stories we create become real. Aurelia, our FMC, was incredibly relatable, and her struggles with wanting to be seen for who she is, while also wanting other's approval, was something that spoke directly to my heart. And Kayce, her best friend in the world she has created for herself, is the perfect balance of swoonworthy and complex that makes for a perfect love interest.
Such a great debut, and I can’t wait to see what comes next from these authors!! ❤️🔥 Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC and be on your street team 💖 I received this eARC from the author, but my honest review is voluntary.
I absolutely loved the overall premise of this book, that the words that we write and stories we create become real. Aurelia, our FMC, was incredibly relatable, and her struggles with wanting to be seen for who she is, while also wanting other's approval, was something that spoke directly to my heart. And Kayce, her best friend in the world she has created for herself, is the perfect balance of swoonworthy and complex that makes for a perfect love interest.
Such a great debut, and I can’t wait to see what comes next from these authors!! ❤️🔥 Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC and be on your street team 💖 I received this eARC from the author, but my honest review is voluntary.
June 12, 2025
this book was absolutely magnificent, from start to finish. the way it gripped me almost immediately was astounding and i found myself thinking of Norenth, Lia, Kayce and all of the others while at work, sleeping, and every moment in between. this review is gonna be a good one~
THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS. if you haven’t read the book yet, please do, & then come back to this!
The Plot: the idea of being able to travel between the worlds that people create within their dreams is morning i’ve never thought of before. it had me intrigued from the jump, thinking immediately of what kind of spheres could be created from people’s imaginations. the possibilities are truly endless, as told by the countless number of spheres that were described in the book.
along with the underlying plot of the Flamehearts being able to travel between the spheres, the mysterious death of Julian Corvine (AKA Papa) had me on the edge of my seat nearly the entire time. the misdirection that it was Leo convinced me of the same, so when it turned out that the perpetrator was Adrian, my jaw dropped! the way it was woven into the story of Aurelia sparking and the spheres coming under fire from Seekers was done so expertly. it’s really hard to believe that this is a debut novel!
Aurelia: i was so very pleased with her character and how she developed. i related to her so much in the sense that i too find myself putting everyone else’s needs before my own. the very human characteristic of wanting to be there for everybody but to leave yourself by the wayside is so common. it spoke to my Virgo caretaker tendencies in a way that made me feel seen (albeit, too much, hahah). Lia is fiercely intelligent in her design of Norenth and all of its inhabitants, and it’s so interesting to watch her come to terms with the Lia of Earth and the Aurelia of Norenth. watching her come into her own was a delight and i found myself rooting for her every single step of the way. not to mention her hair! curly girls stand up!!!
Kayce: i absolutely ADORE Kayce. he’s snarky, funny, blunt, and charming in a way that always does it for me. the slow burn between the two was absolutely delicious and getting to see how their feelings for each other slowly came into the light was so entertaining. i do love how he’s burdened with purpose when it comes to being a prince of the Norenthian royal family, but he also loves being a ranger and getting himself into trouble with Lia. it’s obvious that he’s strong, but there’s a very human side to him when he gets injured or gets his feelings hurt. he’s such well-rounded character with a sense of justice and belonging to his world and to Aurelia. such a delightful character and love interest.
Cordelia: i definitely understand her need to keep her children safe when it came to keeping secrets, but my gripe with her was how uninterested she seemed to be in giving Lia and Marcus the truth for the longest time. there’s playing your cards close to your chest, and then there’s what Cordelia did for 85% of the book. even near the end of the book, she was revealing secrets she’d been keeping. that being said, she is a very believable mother who wants the best for her children, works hard to put a roof over their heads, and loves them so very much. i would’ve loved to hear a bit more about her journey with the Flamehearts and her ex husband. i will admit, the whole time, i was lowkey waiting for it to be revealed that Aurelia’s father was a Flameheart as well! him leaving seemed so sudden so i feel like there’s definitely more to that part of the story.
Marcus: oh i just love him. he’s the perfect younger brother who gets told everything last and is so nosy that he simply wants to be a part of everything. in a way, he reminds me so much of my younger brother. i love how interested he is in Norenth and all of Lia’s tales right from the jump. he finds comfort in her stories and connects with her through them. i love how supportive he is as well and how obvious it is that he loves and cares for his sister very much. i would love to see more development for him in the next book, for sure!
Norenth: the world was so well developed that it was easy to picture it in my mind without even trying. the sea in the sky definitely reminded me of a video game i love called Bioshock: Infinite, which was a treat for me. the world is very fleshed out, with a rich history, a royal family, shops and commerce, and a bustling environment. it feels alive through the pages and i can see why Aurelia is so attached to it right away. i love the addition of the Lion and Lioness being the King and Queen of Norenth and how their duties, while important, never supersede that of their sons’ health and wellbeing. it’s a very well thought-out world, and i loved all of the adventures within it. cannot wait for more!
all in all, this book was an absolute delight and as i neared its end, i found myself dreading finishing it. i’m not ready to move on from Norenth just yet! :( i’m so honored to have been given the chance to read this and i cannot wait for the next one.
i received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary!
thank you again to the Flameheart team for selecting me for this book. what an absolute delight, 10/10, no notes whatsoever! 🔥🔥🔥
THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS. if you haven’t read the book yet, please do, & then come back to this!
The Plot: the idea of being able to travel between the worlds that people create within their dreams is morning i’ve never thought of before. it had me intrigued from the jump, thinking immediately of what kind of spheres could be created from people’s imaginations. the possibilities are truly endless, as told by the countless number of spheres that were described in the book.
along with the underlying plot of the Flamehearts being able to travel between the spheres, the mysterious death of Julian Corvine (AKA Papa) had me on the edge of my seat nearly the entire time. the misdirection that it was Leo convinced me of the same, so when it turned out that the perpetrator was Adrian, my jaw dropped! the way it was woven into the story of Aurelia sparking and the spheres coming under fire from Seekers was done so expertly. it’s really hard to believe that this is a debut novel!
Aurelia: i was so very pleased with her character and how she developed. i related to her so much in the sense that i too find myself putting everyone else’s needs before my own. the very human characteristic of wanting to be there for everybody but to leave yourself by the wayside is so common. it spoke to my Virgo caretaker tendencies in a way that made me feel seen (albeit, too much, hahah). Lia is fiercely intelligent in her design of Norenth and all of its inhabitants, and it’s so interesting to watch her come to terms with the Lia of Earth and the Aurelia of Norenth. watching her come into her own was a delight and i found myself rooting for her every single step of the way. not to mention her hair! curly girls stand up!!!
Kayce: i absolutely ADORE Kayce. he’s snarky, funny, blunt, and charming in a way that always does it for me. the slow burn between the two was absolutely delicious and getting to see how their feelings for each other slowly came into the light was so entertaining. i do love how he’s burdened with purpose when it comes to being a prince of the Norenthian royal family, but he also loves being a ranger and getting himself into trouble with Lia. it’s obvious that he’s strong, but there’s a very human side to him when he gets injured or gets his feelings hurt. he’s such well-rounded character with a sense of justice and belonging to his world and to Aurelia. such a delightful character and love interest.
Cordelia: i definitely understand her need to keep her children safe when it came to keeping secrets, but my gripe with her was how uninterested she seemed to be in giving Lia and Marcus the truth for the longest time. there’s playing your cards close to your chest, and then there’s what Cordelia did for 85% of the book. even near the end of the book, she was revealing secrets she’d been keeping. that being said, she is a very believable mother who wants the best for her children, works hard to put a roof over their heads, and loves them so very much. i would’ve loved to hear a bit more about her journey with the Flamehearts and her ex husband. i will admit, the whole time, i was lowkey waiting for it to be revealed that Aurelia’s father was a Flameheart as well! him leaving seemed so sudden so i feel like there’s definitely more to that part of the story.
Marcus: oh i just love him. he’s the perfect younger brother who gets told everything last and is so nosy that he simply wants to be a part of everything. in a way, he reminds me so much of my younger brother. i love how interested he is in Norenth and all of Lia’s tales right from the jump. he finds comfort in her stories and connects with her through them. i love how supportive he is as well and how obvious it is that he loves and cares for his sister very much. i would love to see more development for him in the next book, for sure!
Norenth: the world was so well developed that it was easy to picture it in my mind without even trying. the sea in the sky definitely reminded me of a video game i love called Bioshock: Infinite, which was a treat for me. the world is very fleshed out, with a rich history, a royal family, shops and commerce, and a bustling environment. it feels alive through the pages and i can see why Aurelia is so attached to it right away. i love the addition of the Lion and Lioness being the King and Queen of Norenth and how their duties, while important, never supersede that of their sons’ health and wellbeing. it’s a very well thought-out world, and i loved all of the adventures within it. cannot wait for more!
all in all, this book was an absolute delight and as i neared its end, i found myself dreading finishing it. i’m not ready to move on from Norenth just yet! :( i’m so honored to have been given the chance to read this and i cannot wait for the next one.
i received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary!
thank you again to the Flameheart team for selecting me for this book. what an absolute delight, 10/10, no notes whatsoever! 🔥🔥🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2025
I just finished Flameheart and wow—what a journey. At its core, this is a debut portal fantasy that plays with the idea of stories becoming real in a deeply emotional and magical way. Lia (Aurelia) is seventeen and grieving the recent loss of her grandfather, the one person who understood her passion for writing and imagination. What begins as a connection to him through the stories they used to tell together takes a sharp turn when her fictional world—and a certain fictional prince—crosses into her reality. When Prince Kayce steps through the veil between fiction and reality, Lia is forced to face her grief, her anxiety, and the power of the stories she thought were just pretend.
What I loved most about this book was how heartfelt and genuine the emotional threads felt. Lia's anxiety is portrayed with care, not as a gimmick or quirk, but as something that shapes her perspective and decisions. Her grief isn’t melodramatic—it’s quietly devastating, and the authors do a wonderful job showing how creativity can be both a refuge and a burden when you’re mourning someone who helped you build your inner world. There’s also a slow-burn, emotionally rich romance that develops between Lia and Kayce. Their bond feels lived-in because of their shared past—one that’s technically imagined, but also deeply personal to Lia. Watching that unfold gave me all the achey, hopeful feelings I want in a story like this.
The world of Norenth is expansive and imaginative, full of glowing roots, floating ships, and mythical lore. I loved the idea of “Flamehearts” using star-forged pens to craft legendary weapons. The blend of story, memory, and magic felt unique, even if it took a while to orient myself in the lore. The beginning was a little heavy on exposition, and I had to shift my expectations around the writing style—it leans more introspective and lyrical than action-packed—but once I settled into the rhythm, it was easy to get swept up.
Flameheart isn’t a flawless book, but it’s a powerful debut with so much heart. If you’ve ever lost someone who believed in your dreams, or felt like the only way to keep them close was to keep creating, this story will hit you right in the soul. It’s full of raw emotion, big imagination, and the kind of quiet courage that sneaks up on you. I’m so glad I read it, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next one to see where Lia’s journey takes her.
What I loved most about this book was how heartfelt and genuine the emotional threads felt. Lia's anxiety is portrayed with care, not as a gimmick or quirk, but as something that shapes her perspective and decisions. Her grief isn’t melodramatic—it’s quietly devastating, and the authors do a wonderful job showing how creativity can be both a refuge and a burden when you’re mourning someone who helped you build your inner world. There’s also a slow-burn, emotionally rich romance that develops between Lia and Kayce. Their bond feels lived-in because of their shared past—one that’s technically imagined, but also deeply personal to Lia. Watching that unfold gave me all the achey, hopeful feelings I want in a story like this.
The world of Norenth is expansive and imaginative, full of glowing roots, floating ships, and mythical lore. I loved the idea of “Flamehearts” using star-forged pens to craft legendary weapons. The blend of story, memory, and magic felt unique, even if it took a while to orient myself in the lore. The beginning was a little heavy on exposition, and I had to shift my expectations around the writing style—it leans more introspective and lyrical than action-packed—but once I settled into the rhythm, it was easy to get swept up.
Flameheart isn’t a flawless book, but it’s a powerful debut with so much heart. If you’ve ever lost someone who believed in your dreams, or felt like the only way to keep them close was to keep creating, this story will hit you right in the soul. It’s full of raw emotion, big imagination, and the kind of quiet courage that sneaks up on you. I’m so glad I read it, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next one to see where Lia’s journey takes her.
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