A Kiss of Hammer and Flame: Fated for Hael, Book 1

Fated for Hael #1

by Amy de la Force, Alexandra Boulton (Narrator)

An immortal bound in darkness. A shattered empire at war. And a blacksmith whose heart could tip the scales of fate.

When young blacksmith Cahra is commissioned to forge a sword, she uses her imagination to design its crest. But this symbol unwittingly invokes an age-old prophecy and awakens Hael – an immortal with the power to shape or shatter worlds – sealed away for hundreds of years in a chamber deep in Hael’stromia, the lost capital at the heart of a civil war between three kingdoms.

Now hunted for the sword, Cahra must flee with the very stranger who commissioned it. But can she trust the handsome and charming noble, Terryl?

On the run through the darkly magical Wilds, she is drawn ever closer to Hael, who visits and beguiles her in dreams. With tyrant kings vying to capture and wield him as a weapon, she alone stands between Hael and their deadly ambitions.

A sizzling, action-packed romantasy, perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, The North Wind and The Book of Azrael.

2024 Amy de la Force (P) 2025 DK Audio

Alexandra Boulton can give you multiple accents from around the world and speak fluent French and Mandarin. Her narrating ranges in genres from YA to romance to crime working on the famous crime author, David Baldacci's Strangers in Time. Alongside her narrating she works as an interpreter, journalist and occasionally a cow milker.

Amy de la Force is a queer writer of romantasy, and shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize. Drawing on her expertise as an ex-Apple copywriter and medieval sword fighter, A Kiss of Hammer and Flame is her debut novel in the Fated for Hael trilogy. Amy is an Aussie expat who lives in London.

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

Audible Audio

Published July 3, 2025

About the author

'de la Force loads the twisty plot with betrayal, court politics, lost history, and magical elements that will appeal to fans of Throne of Glass and the Shadow and Bone series... Romantasy fans will be eager to see where this goes.' -- Publishers Weekly

‘An epic start to what promises to be an incandescent trilogy.’ -- Shalini Abeysekara, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of This Monster of Mine

'With an interesting world, as well as plenty of action and romantic tension, it's the perfect read for fans of Sarah J. Maas' books.’ -- The Express

Amy de la Force is a bi writer of romantasy, and A KISS OF HAMMER AND FLAME is her debut and Book 1 in the Fated For Hael series published by Canelo (DK, Penguin Random House). AKOHAF is ons of Penguin Random House's 'Most Anticipated Science Fiction & Fantasy Books of Fall 2025', an Apple Books 'Sizzling Summer Read' and top 10 paranormal romance bestseller, and a Kobo romance #1 bestseller and Best of the Month pick. The book is available in 40+ countries.

A shortlistee of the prestigious Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize, Amy is an Aussie expat living in London. When not writing, she loves reading, art, nature and anything whimsigoth — and used to train in Shaolin kung fu and medieval sword fighting. Follow her on socials at @amydelaforce.

Reviews

[Liana Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

A jinn in a sword! A super fast paced, more on the YA level fantasy (330 pages) with a strong female heroine and potential for growth and more development. But I have to admit..it did not pull me in like I wanted it to.

RTF!!


Thanks to NetGalley, DK Publisher and the author, Amy de la Force for sending me early eARC!

Publication date: December 2, 2025

[Emily Vallance · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Design (cover, title): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Character development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I LOVED everything about this book.

It ticks all the boxes for an epic fantasy story. The plot had depth and backstory that made the world immersive and kept my interest all the way through. I loved the subtlety and growth of the feelings between Cahra and Heal and Cahra and Thierre. For me Cahra and Thierre always gave off friend vibes and nothing more but there was more depth with Heal. The ending suggested at a forbidden love troop for book 2 which is exciting as its the best troop behind enemies to lovers.
The action and battle was well built up and led to a crescendo ending.
The writing was so well done I formed vivid images of the world being built around me.
Even from the use of the spelling "magick" apposed to "magic" shows the depth of this author and the thought that went into the writing. It's not a spelling mistake it's an early modern English spelling for the connection of earth and natural powers not Supernatural ones and is linked to Paganism, which isn't seen or used enough in fantasy worlds. It just made me love this book even more.
Not only would I buy it when it's released but I would gift it, recommend it, urge my friends to read it just to have another person to talk to about it.
I really hope the world loves this as much as I do because this feels like it is going to be the next best romantasy/fantasy series. I already can't wait for book 2 and book 1 isn't even published yet.
The cover is gorgeous, the title is perfect. I can't find a fault with this.
I hope it's the next big story in the bookish community. Wow.
Thank you so much for choosing me for an ARC. I can't wait to get myself a paperback to reread again and again. This review is completely unbiased and done of my own will.

[elizabeth rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kiss of Hammer and Flame was an absolute thrill to read — I couldn’t put it down! The blend of romance, adventure, and dark magic completely swept me away. Cahra’s journey from blacksmith to reluctant hero was captivating, and the world of warring kingdoms and ancient prophecies felt rich with possibility. The dark, enchanted atmosphere was one of my favourite aspects—I only wished for more vivid worldbuilding to fully lose myself in the setting.

With its fast pace, action-packed plot, and unique world, this book had me hooked from start to finish. I’d love to see more stories set in this universe, and I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author. Fans of romantasy filled with danger, destiny, and slow-burning magic will devour this adventure.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.

[targaryen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

A Kiss of Hammer and Flame — a book I couldn’t wait to dive into, and now that I’ve turned the final page, I can say my excitement was completely justified.

This story unfolds in a world unlike any I’ve encountered before, utterly unique and impossible to step away from. Cahra’s transformation from a blacksmith into a reluctant hero gripped me, while the backdrop of warring kingdoms and ancient prophecies brimmed with potential. My only critique? I craved richer, more vivid worldbuilding to fully immerse myself in the setting but everything else was nothing short of spectacular. From beginning to end, this book had me enthralled. "Love at first sight" trope caught me off guard probably because i'm not the biggest fan of it, their romance didn't have much buildup which was kinda disappointing and why I think her ending up having feelings for Hael made so much more sense (personally I felt they had so much more chemistry). I’d eagerly welcome more tales in this universe, and I’ll be keeping a sharp eye out for this author’s next work.

Biggest thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC.

Edit: Changed my rating after considering other books i've read and even thought I enjoyed this book so much and would definitely recommend I found books I enjoy much more.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ ARC Review ~

I absolutely loved this book. It had me hooked from the first chapter and evening turned to 2am before I even noticed. The first time the book had me crying I was just around 10% in because Amy de la Force did an incredible job of making me feel emotional for the characters.

Cahra is not a FMC you read about often - she isn't dainty, she isn't tiny and she doesn't need saving. She is capable and tough but not a Mary Sue. She's just a BAMF. It was an absolute joy to read her story. Terryl and Hael are both in their own way very interesting MMCs - and I'd definitely call them both main characters. Hael has a special place in my heart, he made me very emotional in how he treated Cahra.

The story started off very fast paced and slowed down a bit around the 50% mark - I barely noticed that I had gotten so much of the book already because the plot moved along quickly, but in a way that felt as though we were part of Cahra's group.

I also loved the subtle but definitely there LGBTQ representation. ♥

Really, really loved this, I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Nelly]

Please someone tell me this book is as good as the cover its gorgeousssssss <3

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for access to this ARC 📚.

Genre/Themes: Ancient Prophecy, War Between Kingdoms, On the Run Together, Hidden Identities, Betrayal, Coming of Age, Curvy Heroine, Not Like Other Girls, Forbidden Romance, Forbidden Magic, Long-Lost Royalty, Lost Heir, Insta Love, Love Triangle, Tortured Hero, Unrequited Love, Immortal Beings, Corrupt Officials, Ransom, Stabbing, Set in an Ancient Kingdom
Positives: some decent plot and world-building
Room for Improvement 🔎 : non-engaging FMC, underdeveloped romances, uneven prose and pacing
Rating: 🌕🌕🌖

✍🏻 Full Review - RISK OF SPOILERS 🛑

This was so close to a 3 star, but the plot choices in the last quarter of the book had me annoyed as hell and there were too many occasions where the pacing began to drag.

🧍‍♀️Characterisation:🧍‍♂️
Things I liked about Cahra the protagonist - she didn’t have the stereotypical female body type being top-heavy and muscular, she wanted to fight the injustice faced by the lower classes, she was willing to put herself in harm’s way to protect others and she was a blacksmith, which was just cool. I also liked that she was imperfect, going from someone who couldn’t face killing others to becoming enamoured with the idea once in control of Hael’s powers, and despite vowing to not use said powers for evil the way Hael’s previous scions had, she began to crave the feeling of vengeance and violence. She craved love and affection so much that she would fall for any man who was nice to her, I found that vulnerability relatable. Things I didn’t like about her? She was just BORING. I’ve realised I really struggle to connect to characters who just don’t have a sense of humour whatsoever. The author also had a terrible habit of telling not showing when it came to Cahra - the number of times there was some interesting characterisation, like using mindfulness and the senses to ground herself from panic attacks and to assess danger, would be spoon-fed explained to me with the phrase ‘because she was a beggar’. Yes, we KNOW that. Trust your readers to infer! I also kept being told that Cahra trusted nobody, yet she seemed to instantly trust every character she came across in the novel. Then I was told that she just had lust for Thierre, and love for Hael, I was completely flabbergasted. Because her actions did not show that, AT ALL. Cahra’s mentor and father figure, Lumsden, was again seen far too briefly for me to feel anything about him. I was told that he had ‘loved her, in his own way’. Maybe some flashbacks or memories could have shown me that.
Thierre was by far the most interesting character. He was working to disrupt the traditions of his family and help the less fortunate, risking his life doing so every day. He had feelings for Cahra despite her different class and individual version of femininity, and had her same hatred for violence. He reminded me a bit of Kelsier from Mistborn had he been born into high class royalty and not the streets. He was actually actively trying to change things from within, not just dreaming about it. Cahra’s reaction to his reveal was so immature, honestly. Of course he had to keep his identity secret, when revealing it could have gotten him and his gang killed. I’ll admit some of her inner dialogue about it did show she could consider all of these things, but couldn’t see past the extreme emotions she felt. Their chemistry wasn’t the best I’d ever read, but Cahra’s draw to his genuine kindness and compassion was understandable. Thierre’s commander Raiden was almost like the big brother Cahra never had, protecting her, guiding her but also goading her and bickering with her. The rest of Thierre’s group - Piet, Siral, Queran, Langera and Merali - were very much forgotten background characters. Queran was literally like a stealthy assassin with an arrow, but I don’t even remember if he spoke. Unfortunate.
Thierre’s parents King Royce and Queen Avenais were briefly met, too, both being a bit stubborn and set in their ways much to their children’s frustration. Sylvie, Thierre’s sister, was similar to Cahra in a way. Wearing heavy armour, leading an army, being a fighter - and rejecting the expectations of women. I thought she would have been funnier based on her letter to Thierre, expecting more rebelliousness and sarcasm, but she ended up being boring too. Lady Delicia was honestly a pointless addition to the story. She served as a temporary plot device and then ended up making no real difference to Cahra and Thierre’s relationship anyway.
Hael was interesting as a concept - an immortal being with dark powers from the Netherworld, an insane weapon intended only to serve a Scion, so powerful even a metal was forged from his blood. I liked that they interacted in dreams or in the in-between realm. His powers and his hounds were very cool. And yet, he was not interesting as a person in the slightest. If the author intended for him to be the morally grey Shadow Daddy typical of the genre, it really didn’t work. His chemistry with Cahra was zilch. Zero. When she said she loved him I actually nearly laughed. Love? WHERE? I swear the two only said a few sentences to each other, mostly just instructions. Cahra seeing him giving her all of his memories as ‘opening up to her’ and ‘showing who he really was’, and comparing that to Thierre keeping his truth from her, was ridiculously unfair and disingenuous. Hael literally gained and shared power by sharing suffering - he didn’t do it just to be nice. Thierre wasn’t immortal, he had to protect those he loved, he didn’t have that same privilege. All Cahra seemed to talk about was how attractive Hael was. How was THAT love and Thierre, lust? You can’t just tell me that and expect me to take it as gospel.
The main antagonist of the novel was Atriposte, with his commanders Jarrett and Sullian. He also was in a secret alliance with the Ozumbre twin rulers Decimus and Diabolus. The latter twins only appeared in the final battle, so I didn’t feel much fear or peril from them. The former three were… fine as villains. Jarrett and Sullian had the rivalry between them which made them scary, and Atriposte had murdered his own brother to take power, but they just seemed like those kind of villains who were evil for the sake of being evil. I like my villains charismatic, so much so you almost want to like them or understand where they’re coming from.
Grauwynn, Wyldaern and Thelaema were the three Seers in the book, supposedly some of the last. I was told Wyldaern and Cahra were friends - again - but their only conversations seemed to be instruction or guidance. Thelaema was intriguing, clearly being very powerful yet living in isolation and fear. She seemed to find it hard to have empathy for Cahra’s struggles, being as exposed to the bigger picture as she was. Grauwynn was again a villain only truly introduced at the end, whereas he could have added some more peril into the earlier aspects of the story.

🗺️World-Building:🗺️
The story was based in the tri-kingdoms of Kolyath, Luminaux and Ozumbre, all fighting to regain power over the abandoned capital city of Hael’stromia. The land outside of these cities was known as The Wilds. Seers and their magicks were banned in Kolyath and Ozumbre, but still allowed in Luminaux. Cahra grew up in Kolyath, as a beggar (if you hadn’t figured that out from being told time and time again) before becoming an apprentice blacksmith. I really did feel immersed in Kolyath, imagining the areas of poverty while being overlooked by the ostentatious castles and elite dwellings. I got a sense of the danger, the crimes, by peasants just trying to survive, and the permanent grey over the city. I very much got ‘stonemason’ medieval vibes. Luminaux was immersive too, feeling brighter and greener and cleaner. I imaged a city a bit like Nice or Lisbon. Hael’stromia was definitely inspired by Egypt, with its vast sands and deserts, obsidian pyramid as a tomb and sand-washed buildings. The politics of the cities was a bit more surface level. Atriposte was a Steward, not a King, because he was not an eligible heir and seemed to have a hatred of Kings. All cities wanted Hael’stromia, but it wasn’t clear what Luminaux would do with ‘the weapon’, as opposed to the other two cities wanting it for violence, no doubt. Hael’stromia’s lore was interesting, with Hael a product of Nether-magick and a whole system surrounding his existence. Hael was the Reliquus - I wasn’t entirely sure what that title meant - and Vassal Champion to a Scion - admittedly this position wasn’t clear to me either, it seemed to just be the Emperor or Empress that could control or allow for Hael to have physical form? - who was then guided by the Triad of Oracles known as the ‘Order of Descry’ - Oraculine being the feminine, Oracularus being the masculine, and Oraculant being the neutral. I felt the Oracles and Seers all needed their powers explored a bit more. How did the feminine, masculine and neutral differ in their roles, or their powers? The only magick really mentioned was scrying, which I’m fairly certain we never saw anyone do, unless that was just the name for seeing and interpreting visions, or magick with nature? It felt a bit glossed over. Hael’s powers included summoning shadowy hounds called Hael hounds, or transporting himself like a dusty shadow called Scridoning. Hael’s blood also formed a metal, called Haellium, which was incredibly strong and made up most of Hael’stromia’s infrastructure. I enjoyed his communications with Cahra through the tomb, that was cool. But I don’t remember the story of how Hael ended up with the Nether-magick, or how he ended up being bound to a Scion as their champion. The whole thing with him giving and/or absorbing negative emotions felt a bit unclear, I didn’t really get why that bolstered him. The symbol Cahra ended up with on her foot confused me a bit as well.

📝Prose/Plot:📝
I would say I enjoyed most of the plot, until it got to Cahra and Hael being ‘in love’ but banned from being together. That honestly completely lost me, for reasons I’ve already explained. Love triangles work if their feelings are actually, you know, there? In a way we can see? I was also kind of bummed that Cahra ended up being of royal blood. I thought it would have been cooler for her to be the first low-born Scion, especially because she advocated for them so heavily, but then it turned out she was descended from royalty. That was unfortunate. The reveal of Thierre being a prince made me laugh a bit because I hadn’t realised he wasn’t supposed to be royalty up until then. When it was revealed I was like… oh but he was a Lord so I assumed he was already, lol. The plot dragged the most for me in Luminaux, with the whole Delicia thing and the plotting against the allied Kingdoms. Then their travelling to the Seers hidden enclave, in fact the whole sequence with Thelaema felt a bit slow. Prose wise, as I’ve already said and cannot stress enough, there was far too much telling not showing. Or reiterating already obvious things. One of the final chapters was Cahra just summarising the entire plot and her feelings, which felt like the ending of an After School special. Unnecessary. Dialogue felt a bit stilted sometimes, intentional for the high-born but otherwise because there wasn’t enough personality in any of the characters. There were also a few sentences that could have done with some more editing because they lacked in clarity, I often had to re-read them several times ti get what was being said or because it wasn’t clear who was speaking. Things I did love in the prose though were the colour symbolism, especially with the gemstones. I wish there’d been more gemstones involved, actually.
Overall, I’d probably read the sequel because of the completionist that I am, but I felt there was a very good idea in this novel that just felt a bit short. If you like pseudo-medieval fantasy with a coming of age plot and a strong female FMC then you might enjoy this.

[Kinsey B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect YA book for Fantasy lovers. There is no spice, but future romance is hinted at. Time will tell if any feelings develop into actions in later books. This book kept me engaged and the characters were well written. The ending is completed well and there is very little cliffhanger for the next book. This book was original and enjoyable. Amy de la Force took me on an epic quest through brutal, war-torn moments with excellent writing and character development. A unique book that is an enjoyable read.

Tropes include: found family, quest, prophecy fulfillment, forbidden romantic feelings, hidden royalty, strong FMC, and self-discovery.

My favorite character: Hael. A big baddy that can speak to the FMC in her subconsciousness throughout the book and is fully present at the ending. This character has so much promise for future books. He is one of the romantic interests that may develop in future books.

Read this book if you enjoy Young Adult books focused on character development as the FMC finds her inner strength and purpose.

Summary:
Cahra, a blacksmith apprentice, is thrown into a 400-year-old prophecy to save the capital city, Hael'stromia, and retrieve the greatest weapon. Hael'stromia has been empty and petrified after the last Emperor died the weapon has been lost to the inside of the unreachable black pyramid. Cahra believes she is a low-born commoner, ex-thief turned blacksmith, and traitor to her country Kolyath as she escapes with a Prince and spy after being hunted for the weapon she created. Cahra meets an Oracle that explains she is the answer to the prophecy. Cahra and her guards/acquaintances travel to the capital where they are met with resistance from two of the three countries as they converge on the capital to try and get the ultimate weapon first. Cahra sacrifices herself in a trade and completes the prophecy freeing the weapon while gravely injured. The capital is filled with regrowth and is open to all of the tri-countries as they attempt to find peace among themselves after battling for 400 years.


Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for this opportunity to read A Kiss of Hammer and Flame.

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book. I really enjoyed it. I love a strong female lead that ends up being an amazing character. This book has a ton of action and events. I love all the characters and their different roles. The fact that there was such a huge secret about Cahra's lineage is just amazing. I loved finding out who she actually is and what she can do. I can't wait to see what Cahra and Hazel are able to do in the next book.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
I loved Cahra’s journey in this fabulous debut romantasy A Kiss of Hammer and Flame by Amy de la Force! When we first meet her she is a low-born and blacksmith’s apprentice, she’s strong and capable and not your usual female protagonist. Cahra finds herself on the run after being commissioned to forge a sword for Lord Terryl and accidentally invokes an ancient prophecy.

Cahra is also being visited in her dreams by an immortal stranger and is thrown into a centuries old prophecy. The mystery and Cahra’s adventure will have you turning the pages.

The story was unique and a little haunting, I loved the unsuspected and forbidden romance towards the end of the story. If you love prophecy driven tales, a strong FMC and slow burn romance you’ll need this!

I’m very much looking forward to the next book to see what develops!

Publication Day 01 July 2025
Publisher Canelo

Thank you so much Pantera Press for a copy of the book.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate that I read this as an arc, only because now I’m stuck in the state of desperate yearning for book 2. This book completely swept me away and left me absolutely obsessed and craving more.

Although it’s pitched as a romantasy, and yes, there’s romance (slow burn lovers, this is for you), the focus in this book is very much on the plot and I loved that. The pacing was tight, the world building rich and I found myself flipping the pages at 2AM because I just had to know what happened next.

It’s loosely a Hades x Persephone retelling - not a direct adaption but it pulls in just enough mythological flavour to keep things familiar while building something new. And honestly? It works so well.

Cahra is the kind of heroine I want more in a fantasy - strong, capable. She’s not waiting to be saved. She isn’t portrayed as weak or frail. And then there’s Hael. Shadow daddy. Mysterious. Powerful. Dream-hauntingly good. It’s a yes from me.

Terryl had me charmed at the start - he’s your classic noble sweetheart. But by the end? My heart fully belonged to Hael.

If you love slow burn, found destiny and high stakes fantasy, a kiss of hammer and flame is absolutely worth your time.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I unfortunately didn’t love this book. I wondered at times if I even liked it. While there were some aspects that were interesting, so many others fell flat for me.

When I started reading I felt like I didn’t connect with the characters, but really liked the plot and pacing. I assumed that as I continued reading, I would grow to love or even like the characters, but sadly I felt like they remained unremarkable throughout the book. The main character lacked any distinguishing personality and her relationships with the other characters were shallow. I did not feel any real connection between her and the love interest which is most disappointing.

And that pacing that I initially enjoyed so much slowed to a painful pace. I feel like the concept of the book was good. It had good bones, but I did not like the way that things developed.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cahra is lucky to live the life of a blacksmith apprenticeship. Save from death and the dungeons, she's content in the humble life she leads. Blessed with a stunning gift for crafting weapons, she's tasked to create a sword with no other parameters. Unbeknownst to her, the design that comes to her in her dream state is the first part of a realm wide prophecy. This is where the action and adventure kick into high gear. The world building is phenomenal with such attention to detail that all links together.

Cahra needs to choose what she wants out of life and thus starts the remainder of the prophecy in motion. She is the only one who can wield the ultimate weapon. I'm interested to see where the story goes.

[Quilted.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished A Kiss of Hammer and Flame and wow, I loved it! Cahra’s this badass blacksmith who ends up forging a sword that accidentally wakes up Hael an immortal with the power to change the world. Next thing you know, she’s on the run with a charming noble, being pulled into Hael’s mysterious dreams, and caught in the middle of kingdoms ready to tear each other apart. It’s got danger, romance, and just the right amount of magic to keep you hooked. They’re not lying if you love Sarah J. Maas, you’re gonna be all over this.

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When blacksmith Cahra is commissioned to forge a sword, little does she know that it will mean the start of a centuries old prophecy. Now, she finds herself on the run with Lord Terry, the noble who commissioned the sword. And to top it all off, Cahra is now being visited in her dreams by a mysterious stranger named Hael. As tyrant kings close in, she must decide whether to free Hael, the dangerous immortal who could either save or destroy everything.

Okay, so let me start off by saying that this is NOT a romantasy. I know it’s being marketed as a one so please don't go in thinking you're getting the next big spicy read because you'll be sorely disappointed. It's way more fantasy adventure with a tiny side of "will they, won't they." But honestly? I'm not even mad about it. This book totally won me over. It's the first in the Fated for Hael series, and just so you know, it ends on a cliffhanger that'll leave you immediately hunting down the next book.

You can tell the author actually knows a lot about swords and fighting – like, really knows their stuff – and it makes all the action scenes feel legit and exciting. The writing just flows so nicely that you'll breeze right through it. Yeah, it starts a bit slow (don't they all?), but those last 75 pages or so? Chef's kiss. Pure adrenaline.

If you're into family drama with buried secrets, forbidden crushes that make you go "oh no", found families that give you all the feels, and characters who aren't who they seem, then you're gonna eat this up. Cahra's the kind of strong female lead you actually want to cheer for, and watching her figure out who she really is? Chef's kiss again.

So if you want a solid fantasy adventure that focuses on plot and character growth over steamy scenes, with just enough romantic slow burn tension to keep things interesting, this is definitely worth your time.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Kiss of Hammer and Flame" by Amy De La Force is the first book in a planned trilogy. The story follows Cahra, a blacksmith apprentice, who is unexpectedly thrust into a 400-year-old prophecy that holds the fate of the capital city in its grasp. As she unravels secret after secret, the gripping mystery and her perilous journey kept us eagerly turning the pages.

You will find:
Reluctant hero
Warring kingdoms
Ancient prophecies
Found Family

Spice: 0/5 - romance is a subplot
Worldbuilding: 1/5 – Would like more vivid details to bring the world to life.
Unique Plot Elements: The Key, the Scion, and the Weapon.
Character Development: Would love to see more depth in the side characters and their backstories.
Favorite Character: Hael – His intriguing past and the potential for future romance make him a standout!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story, but the plot twist at the end seemed a bit forced.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you goes to Amy de la Force & Net Galley for letting me read an e-ARC of A Kiss of Hammer and Flame! This is the first book in the Fated for Hael series, & is such a breath of fresh air in the romantasy genre...

Cahra was delighted when she was commissioned to craft a sword, for once without any restrictions. But when she inadvertently awakens the immortal Hael because of her design? A prophecy is set in motion, one which will soon change the world… Hunted for what she’s done, Cahra escapes with Terryl, the man who’d commissioned the sword from her. But not knowing who she can trust, Cahra is caught between vying powers & a brewing war. With Hael visiting her in her dreams, Cahra is lured ever deeper into the workings of the ancient prophecy. Who will emerge victorious in the race to gain the ultimate weapon? Will the lost capital of Hael’stromia finally be restored? And why is Cahra’s heart telling her to stand between Hael & those who are edging ever closer to the black gates?

I do believe we need to put A Kiss of Hammer and Flame on some kind of podium. In first place. With a crown. And roses. Because when you get a story *this* captivating, this haunting with a delicious character like Hael? Where do I sign my name for all of eternity to keep reading a romantic fantasy like this?! Give me a permanent marker right now, I’ll do it! The only question you need to ask yourself is if you want a story featuring a morally grey immortal? And obviously the answer is ‘who wouldn’t’, am I right?!

This isn’t just a normal story, glitterbugs. Really, it isn’t. It’s an immersive experience which steals your breath from your lungs & your heart from your body. And I am completely okay with that...

Want to know more? You can see my FULL REVIEW via my blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/a-kis...

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is as it seems at the start in this fantastic story. Cahra is a blacksmith who makes a sword for lord Terryl not knowing what she has just set into motion. It turns out that she isn’t just a blacksmith who grew up on the streets she is a fighter, scion, and a princess? The sword she made for Terryl unleashed a prophecy and they end up running for their lives, but Terryl is really Prince Thierre. Will Cahra and her new friends and allies be able to keep the ultimate weapon out of the hands of evil and bring back the lost capital Hael’stromia? Read A Kiss of Hammer and Flame by Amy de la Force to find out.
I couldn’t get enough of this amazing romantasy. I loved how strong Cahra is and that she would do anything to save those that she cares for even if it means putting herself in grave danger. I loved Prince Thierre’s character so much and was a little upset that he doesn’t get the girl in the end.

[Eloise Drew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cahra, blacksmith apprentice and our FMC, is thrust into a prophesy after forging a sigil on a blade.
She must save the capital city, free the weapon, ultimately ending the war between the 3 kingdoms.
After a soldier sees the weapon on display Cahra flees the city with the lord who requested the blade only to find, neither of them are who they say they are.

The premise of this book was interesting and original, but for me it fell flat.
The plot was slow and some of the language used was basic. I didn’t find the FMC particularly likeable and the romances were confusing and sprang out of nowhere with not nearly enough build up.
Will not continue with the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for the Arc in return for an honest review.

[Emma Minazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this! The world building, the place names, the characters, everything! It all starts with a blacksmith, Cahra, being commissioned to make a sword, of her own design, for Lord Terryl. Unknowingly starting a whole other side mission together which takes them on a enlightening journey to say the least!

Hael’stromia sounds a powerful city, but it comes with its issues, fights break out between the mortals and immortals of the world and magick is abundant.

I love how fast paced this is, I like the rags to riches aspect and it shows even the underdogs can become the people that shine.

I really like Cahra and Hael, they work well together and I'm excited for the next book!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I went into this book completely blind. The cover and title intrigued me, and im so glad I judged a book by its cover. I loved this book. I finished it in a day. This is one of those books that, when you are not reading it, you are still contemplating what's going to happen next. Due to this being the first book of a trilogy, there is much to still understand, but what a great foundational book setting the stage for what I hope will be 2 equally solid books.

[Bella Fireheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kiss of Hammer and Flame
By Amy De La Force

3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

While I found this book enjoyable, there was something about it that dragged for me. I couldn’t pinpoint what exactly it was that didn’t line up for me but there was something that just didn’t quite mesh. However, I found the overall story intriguing, the promise of a doomed love, there was a uniqueness in the way the world was set up. I love the three sister kingdoms and how it was set up to be overruled by Hael’stromia. Hael himself was the most intriguing character in the whole story and I’d have loved more from him but I feel as though there will be more to come of that in the following book. I think overall it was enjoyable, but there was just character depth missing and something else I can’t put my finger on. I will definitely read the next one though!

[✨Rachel✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this from NetGalley.

3.75⭐️ rounded up to 4!

As a whole this was a good read, though sometimes I struggled with keeping focus.
The second half had me hooked more than the first.

I found Cahra to be a likeable MC who I had no problem cheering for to succeed.
A blacksmith apprentice with no knowledge of her own origins. A mysterious lord orders a longsword made by her, all design in her hands, and everything kickstarts from there.

A Prophecy. A weapon locked in a temple and an abandoned capital. All these things pulled me in.
While there are hints of romance and I am not really inclined to root for either interest at this time.
Hopefully that will change with book 2!

Highly recommend if you are looking for fantasy with lots of action and some mystery!

[Micahla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked on this novel from the first chapter. Spent my time reading the book when I had any down time at work or at home. There is some romance, politics, war and magic of all sorts. So many plot twists that kept me interested throughout the book. Cahra is a force to be reckoned with, I wish she was a bit more confident in the end but I know she will grow to be immaculate when the next book comes out. Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this read!

[stephanie cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kiss of Hammer and Flame is an engaging fantasy with an intriguing premise and well-crafted characters. Cahra, a young blacksmith, unknowingly awakens Hael, an immortal tied to an ancient prophecy, setting off a chain of events that could change the fate of a war-torn world. The world-building is rich, and the civil war between the three kingdoms adds depth to the story.

While there’s no major romance yet, the hints of future tension between characters leave you wanting more. The plot is solid, and the ending is satisfying with minimal cliffhangers, leaving just enough room for the next book.

[Millicent Moon · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐

Okay sooo… this book was honestly a struggle.

First of all, Cahra. I’m sorry but I just didn’t like her. The entire first half she was SO insecure about literally everything, and it just got on my nerves. Yes, maybe it WAS character development, but that doesn't mean I had to suffer through it.
And also, her relationship with the other characters wasn't really that good. The characters felt super flat, and I wasn't that invested in their lives.

Secondly, the world-building. I didn’t get it. At all. I wasn’t even trying to remember all the names because there were WAY too many and nothing stuck in my brain anyway. Half the time I was reading, I didn't know which character was talking to who and where they were.

And the pacing... It dragged on for SO LONG. I actually caught myself dozing off multiple times, and that never happens to me when I’m reading. I had to reread chapters because I couldn’t understand half of what was going on. It wasn’t me, it was the writing.

The only thing I actually liked in this entire book was Hael. He was the only one who kept me going.

So yeah. 2 stars. Not horrible, but definitely not for me.
Safe to say I won't be continuing with this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[BookishWitchReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kiss of Hammer and Flame was everything I love about fantasy. Layered worldbuilding, an ancient prophecy and that perfect blend of danger and heart. It does take a few chapters to find its rhythm, but once it does, you’re completely swept away into dark forests, warring kingdoms and one unforgettable blacksmith caught in the mix of an ancient prophecy.

Cahra’s journey from a humble blacksmith to a reluctant key in an ancient prophecy was everything I didn’t know I needed. I loved watching her courage and determination spark the story into motion. Especially when the sword she forges awakens Hael, an mysterious immortal wrapped in shadows and myth. The idea of crafting a weapon capable of tipping the balance of fate felt familiar yet also unique and I really appreciated how seamlessly the author wove it into a world on the brink of war.

Cahra’s path intertwines with Terryl, the charming yet mysterious noble who commissioned the sword and I found him such an intriguing character. He’s someone who clearly cares for Cahra, yet carries secrets of his own, creating a tension that kept me guessing until the very end. I would have loved to see even more of their chemistry explored more, since their journey together had so much emotional potential and I’m still kind of rooting for them.

Hael and Cahra’s connection also completely fascinated me. It builds slowly, through dreams and whispers, with this quiet emotional pull that hints at something deeper to come. There’s a tenderness in their bond—his honesty, his protectiveness, the way his presence makes her feel safe despite the danger surrounding them. I can’t wait to learn more about his past in book two, because he absolutely has those tortured yet sensitive shadow daddy vibes that I’m obsessed with.

The world itself is enchanting—full of haunted woods, forgotten ruins and kingdoms teetering on the edge of collapse. The author paints every scene so vividly that you can almost feel the chill of the forests and hear the clash of swords. The battle scenes are cinematic and it’s clear how much care went into the details, because every strike and manoeuvre feels authentic and grounded.

For me, this book leans more toward fantasy adventure with romantic undertones than full blown romantasy and honestly, that balance worked perfectly for me. It’s a story about forging your own fate, standing against darkness and finding light in unexpected places.

A Kiss of Hammer and Flame is full of heart, adventure and non stop action. The kind of story that completely consumes you. If you’re like me and love magic, ancient prophecies and secrets powerful enough to topple empires, then this one’s for you. It’s got found family, betrayal, slow burn romance, family secrets and characters who aren’t always what they seem. All wrapped up in a world that lingers long after you turn the final page.

If you’re a fan of The North Wind, Throne of Glass, or The Book of Azrael, you’ll absolutely devour this.

[Liren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - the setting and worldbuilding are interesting and engaging, and I want to learn more about the kingdoms and magic. The characters are lovely, and their relationships with each other felt genuine and strong.
The last 20% of the book covers a lot of plot and moves very fast though. The characters don't get much time to process new feelings, or new information, or any of the events. There's more telling than showing here, and so it feels a little rushed and emotionally distant. Maybe we'll get some of what was missing in the next book, and I'm curious to see where we go from here. 3.5 but rounded up!

*I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

I have really mixed feelings about this book. While the concept had promise and the plot kept me intrigued enough to keep reading, the characters and their relationships fell flat, leaving me disappointed overall.

The main issue for me was the lack of connection with the characters. Cahra, had moments of bravery and selflessness that showed her potential as a strong lead. But just as I started to root for her, she would suddenly shift into sulky and immature behavior, making it hard to truly connect with her.

I was hoping to grow attached to her—or at least to some of the surrounding cast—but unfortunately, none of the characters left a lasting impression. Their personalities and relationships felt shallow, and their interactions lacked the emotional depth needed to make me care about what happened to them.

As a romantasy, I expected the romance subplot to carry more emotional weight. Instead, the connection between Cahra and Terryl felt very insta-lust driven, which usually isn’t my thing—though it didn’t bother me too much at first. What did throw me was the sudden shift in Cahra’s affections near the end, where she seemingly developed feelings for another character with almost no buildup. I needed more development there to believe in that transition.

Beyond the romance, friendships and conflicts between characters often came out of nowhere, which made it hard to follow motivations and emotional arcs.

The first half of the book showed promise. Relationships were given more space to develop, and I enjoyed the pacing and set-up. Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t last. The second half felt rushed and cluttered, with plot developments that lacked clarity and focus.

The world-building was also a bit confusing at times, which only added to my sense of detachment. It felt like the book had all the right ingredients—but they weren’t blended well enough to create something truly satisfying.

Despite an interesting concept and a storyline that kept me reading just to find out what would happen, I found myself more frustrated than engaged. The lack of character development, emotional depth, and cohesive pacing made it hard to truly enjoy. It had good bones, but the execution didn’t work for me.