Bright Burns the Flame

by Angelina J. Steffort

Welcome to the dark and secretive world of Ashthorn Ward, the kingdom’s most brutal military academy—where weapons aren’t forged of steel, but of people.

Nineteen-year-old Lory has spent her life surviving Dunai’s alleys with blades, wits, and an iron will. Now, caught and conscripted, she must endure Ashthorn, where rivals are lethal, failure is fatal, and obedience comes at the cost of herself.

But Lory is not like the others. When the Ward uncovers a dangerous secret in her blood, she’s offered an impossible survive their trials, and she’ll serve the crown as a weapon honed for war. Fail—and she won’t leave Ashthorn alive.

Overseeing her transformation is Captain Khayrivven Falcrest. Cold, ruthless, and utterly untouchable, he’s the last person she should trust—and the only one who seems to see the person beneath the monster the Ward wants her to become.

As war rises beyond the border and rebellion festers in the shadows, Lory must navigate Ashthorn’s deadly games—and her forbidden gift—before both claim her.

Enemies. Rivals. Lovers.
At Ashthorn Ward, trust is a weapon, love is a liability, and the only way out is through blood.

Bright Burns the Flame is the first installment in a darkly romantic fantasyscape, perfect for fans of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, morally gray heroes who fall first and hard, heroines who fight for their own power, and magical academies filled with secrets and danger.

Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, Quicksilver, and A Court of Mist and Fury.




This series is part of the ALCUNAIRE.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance

544 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 28, 2026

About the author

"Chocolate fanatic, milk foam enthusiast and strict fan of the southern sting-ray. Writing is an unexpected career path for me."

Angelina J. Steffort is a bestselling, award-winning Austrian novelist, best known for her Wings series and her Shattered Kingdom series. With over twenty YA and adult fantasy and paranormal romance books under her belt, Angelina is far from done with inventing and exploring new worlds. That might have something to do with her passion for following the narrative of new characters and getting surprised by the twists they spin on her stories. Angelina has multiple educational backgrounds including engineering, business, music, and acting. Currently, Angelina lives in Vienna, Austria, with her husband and her son.

Find Angelina online: linktr.ee/ajsteffort

Subscribe to Angelina's newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/ajs_zon_nl

Reviews

[S Caudill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this copy as an Early Access reader in exchange for my honest review.

This is a great introduction to our FMC Lory and all things that are in Brestolya. Following this story kept me on the edge of my seat I didnt want to put it down. The MMC is dark and brooding (the best kind) with his share of secrets. If you like academy based settings with a thrill for high stakes this book is definitely for you. I cant wait for the second one!

[April Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author


Loved the FMC Lory and all things that are in the secretive world of Ashthorn Ward, keeping up with the story kept me on the edge of my seat I could not put it down. The MMC however was a different story. He was dark and brooding (the best kind ever) with his share of secrets which MMC doesn't. If you like academy based settings with a thrill, if high stakes pretty sure this book is definitely for you. I cant wait for the second one!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy.

This is my first book from this author and it certainly didn’t disappoint! It was action packed and kept my interest all the way through. I stayed up all night reading it. I loved all the characters especially the friends Lory made in this academy. I didn’t expect the academy to be so brutal so check your triggers before going into it. However I didn’t mind the goriness of it. The world building was decent but I wanted more of it in the book. But I did enjoy the character development and the magic system is really cool. I love a good elemental story. The ending though felt like it was a bit abrupt. I was waiting for something big to happen and I just didn’t quite get that. I was like, that’s it? But it looks like there’s more books to the series and definitely want to continue it when the next book comes out. Overall definitely had a good time with it.

[Amanda Sola]

ARC alert!! :)

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book took off right from the gates. Keeps a good pace. Frost throws a curveball I never saw coming. This book left me with some questions at the end but the ending is such a cliffhanger that I'm not gonna be able to resist the next book. 😁

*received an ARC

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author 


Dive right into a dark academia world where FMC name Lory is forced to attend the academy or lose her life. Here she meets new friends and discover her foes. And wait a minute...Hello Falcrest. 


The book jumps right into the Lorys situation and the world that she's been surviving in. It's read as 3rd POV, something I'm not familiar with, but it was a nice change of face - being an outside observer. The first third of the book was quick pace followed by a slower pace midway (for character development) then jumps right back to being fast pace in the last portion of the story. It definitely keeps you on your toes by writing the story this way.


I love the transition of their relationship, depicted from the nicknames Falcrest calls Lory. I really enjoyed their flirting moments as well as their deeper conversations which ultimately shapes the person they have become for survival.


This was a great Book 1 into the series. I'm excited to see more of the world building and deeper understanding of the Flame borns. The side characters were great, Thal definitely my top favorite while Ricca..oh Ricca. Character done well because I do not like them. 


A huge thank you for Angelina for giving me the opportunity to see this world and characters. I cannot wait for future books!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an eARC and let me tell you friends…

I loved this book! I was literally HOOKED five chapters in and could not put it down! The world building,the story blended so well and I felt had great pacing!

Bright Burns The Flame is dark and brutal and yet, has romance and suspense. It takes place (for the majority) in an academy setting at Ashthorn Ward, and we get to see a really interesting magic system tied into its history, which we loveeee! There is a broody/dark MMC, a resilient/kick-ass FMC and one of my favorite tropes: found family. And honestly, just about all the characters are morally grey but so dynamic, whitty and have depth to them as well as great character development.

So if you like enemies-to-lovers, romantasy, dark academia, slow burn, and super cool magic… this is THEE book for you!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ARC and omg. the best kind of torture, because this book isn't even out yet and I'm DYING for book 2 🥺
This book was impossible for me to put down. I love love LOVE Khay and everything about him (even tho reading his name was a struggle every time it was spelled out fully lol). There are a few moments (mostly 1 in particular) that have the worst similarities to The Empyrean series (not meaning worst as a bad thing just.. IYKYK 😩💔). Lory is adorable, albeit a little naïve, I had to keep reminding myself that she was older than my brain kept trying to make her. I can't wait to see how she develops.

[Sandra's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW ✨️

INFINITY STARS!!!! This dark secret world of Ashthorn Ward was what you call a movie in your mind kind of read! It had me entranced from beginning to end on the edge of my seat! Elory lived on the streets and was caught for stealing. Put on trial to be put to death but was conscripted to Ashthorn Ward instead.Where the weapons were people. Brutal academy of deadly trials. The magical abilities will consume you. The unexpected friendships found family, banter, and lethal secrets were everything. FMC Elory is one badass who just got one bad hand after another and still keeps rising up every time and just gets stronger. MMC Falcrest Captain Hot mentor. You'll get slow burn, forbidden romance, morally gray hero. The world and the characters are so well written. I highly recommend reading Bright Burns the Flame!!!!! 🔥 you dont want to miss this one!!! Releases February 28, 2026

[Ali West · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of Bright Burns the Flame. This book is marketed for readers who enjoyed Fourth Wing and ACOMAF and I can honestly say it hit the mark. While I feel like the academic romantasy setting is being done a lot, I didn’t feel like this felt repetitive and had new aspects of a secret magic academy and definitely has more darker elements than Fourth Wing (ex: school killing people for being late to breakfast). You immediately get hooked into the storyline and it felt impossible to put down. Lory is our fierce FMC who you want to cheer for throughout the book. Falcrest is our broody MMC who hoards secrets and you still don’t really know how many he’s holding onto by the end of the book. Their chemistry was a little fast paced but it was well done! Overall I really enjoyed this and can’t wait for the next book in this installment!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay. im liking it, and would continue the story. I like the plot and the characters, i just don't know why I didn't feel as connected to these characters and im unsure why. I would still continue the series. I like the life or death, and not knowing who to trust. I feel like the 2nd book would be better. maybe this felt more of a build up than anything.. I don't know if any of this makes any sense..

[Kel Bel Bookmonger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book 🙌🏼 I feel so bad for Lory, her life sucks and surviving is literally all she knows. The names were a bit confusing 🫤 Khay became Khayrivven and I couldn’t picture what the leonthor looked like. Over all it was a great story ♥️ I can’t wait to read where Lory’s and Khay’s story goes! 4.5 ⭐️

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright Burns the Flame is an entertaining and suspenseful dark academia romantasy with great world-building and tons of heart-stopping moments. The story follows Lory, who is dragged from life on the streets into Ashthorn Ward, an exclusive and brutal military academy that turns people into weapons. Overseeing her is a ruthless, suspicious, and gorgeous captain who could be her biggest enemy or her strongest ally.

Lory is a tough and resilient FMC with a tragic past. Alone, she lives on the streets and steals to stay alive. I don’t think she has ever had a break or a spot of good luck in her life, and with the trials she goes through in this story, it doesn’t look like any are coming her way anytime soon. But Lory is a survivor, and she never gives up. Luckily, she makes friends who become more like family.

I always love found families in stories, and Lory’s group of friends is fantastic. They fill a hole that’s been missing in her life, and the loyalty and support they show are so wonderful, especially considering their brutal, cutthroat, and deadly surroundings. It reminded me a bit of the school in Fourth Wing (minus the dragons) in its cruel brutality and senseless lethality.

I still don’t know how I feel about the MMC, but I think this has more to do with the fact that I hated his pet name for Lory. Lol Khayrivven’s story is compelling, and I want to be all in, but I don’t know if she should completely trust him. He has a lot of secrets and a hidden agenda, and he sometimes does things that hurt Lory because he’s told to. Even when he doesn’t want to, he always follows commands, but he doesn’t really have a choice. He also finds small, secretive ways to help, not just Lory but others. He’s definitely complex, emotionally and physically stoic, and enigmatic, and it’s hard for Lory to really discern his true intentions, but behind that steely exterior is a man who has suffered as much, if not more than, her.

The romance between Khay and Lory has a ton of chemistry and sexual tension, and it has a slow build that worked really well. It definitely has some enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance feels to it that I loved. I’m really curious to see how their relationship develops as the series progresses because they have so many obstacles standing in their way!

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It’s dark and brutal, suspenseful and violent, with mysterious prophecies, characters you can’t help but root for, and a love story that’s tumultuous and spicy. I did feel that some of the plot elements, magic, and tropes were ones that are very commonly seen in romantasies. This made parts of the story a bit predictable and reminded me of different scenes from Fourth Wing, The Hunger Games, and a few others, but I still ended up thinking it was a pretty entertaining read. Special thanks to Paper Ray Media for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

[Caitlyn Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an e ARC for this book

Summary: Lory has spent her life on the streets of Dunai fighting to stay alive by whatever means necessary. But when she chooses the wrong target to rob, she’s left with a choice - face the gallows or join the Ashthorn Ward, an elite military academy. But when the leaders of Ashthorn discover a secret in her blood, she is faced with the possibility of death once again. She must either survive their trials and serve the crown or she won’t leave the Ward alive. With the help of her new found friends and the mentorship of the mysterious Captain Falcrest, will Lory be able to survive her time at the Ward?

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

Review: This book was actually amazing, and I say that despite the very slow start at the beginning. It took some time for me to connect with the characters and get really invested in the story - to the point I was debating DNFing - but I’m so glad I stuck it out.

Lory and Khayrivven are the perfect leads to the story and - despite a bit of formulaic romance - really had you rooting for them. Their shared past trauma, the lust, the tension all absolutely amazing.

The minor characters, too really stood out which was a refreshing thing to realize. Rather than just being there as the comic relief, or simply as someone for the main characters to speak with, they had their own stories, lives, and personalities. The world building was expansive - almost to the point of being TOO expansive if I’m honest - but that’s too be expected for the first book in a series so I’m not all that mad about it.

My one real gripe was the dialogue, at times, felt very unrealistic. Particularly at the beginning of the book. I’m not sure if that was intentional in the authors part considering a lot of it took places when the characters were meeting each other for the first time, but if it was then she definitely nailed it. But it was still a bit clunky, which is the only real reason this book didn’t get a full five stars.

If you’re a fan of Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, TOG, or military academies and magic in general I can’t recommend this book highly enough! Release day is coming on February 28th, so mark your calendars!

[123_Romantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2🌶️

Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book!

We dive into this brutal world where magic was irradiated in the Great Purge. Lory has grown up on the streets, stealing and doing everything she can to survive. But when a mark goes wrong, she’s sentence to death for the simple crime of stealing from the wrong person. By some grace of the Guardians though, she’s spared and thrown into a brutal military academy. All because of the potential power she might hold. That power? Magic. And she’s not the only one. Nobility of the land have kept secret their magical abilities, all in service to the king who executes normal people for the same abilities. Lory doesn’t have magic…does she?

In an academy where no one will blink to kill her if they can. With the aid of friends she makes along the way and the infuriating captain that gives her more questions with his silence than any answers, she must navigate to survive the academy, but the world as a whole.

The mystery surrounding the world, the magic, and Lory’s background gives a compelling page turner for the first book of this series. Anytime we may get 1 answer for something, 4 more questions pop up.

This definitely gives off major Fourth Wing vibes, minus the dragons. There’s similar themes and aspects that screamed Fourth Wing at me, which doesn’t mean I didn’t like it, but felt a bit unoriginal at points.

Khy is definitely still this very mysterious character to me. I have thoughts and ideas but I kind of liked that he truly played both faces of the coin he has. He has this draw to Lory and to help her, but at the same time, he has other reasons for why he must act and do things the way he does, and Lory coming into the picture doesn’t make him abandon that. I liked that.

Found family is always a favorite of mine and we have the beginnings of some really great characters surrounding Lory.

We have a hint of spice 🌶️ but there’s definitely so much going on, that everything and anything has to be done in secret, even if they don’t want to.

I’m super curious to see where this series goes and can’t wait for book 2!

[Suzanne Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC, so firstly thanks go to the author.

I have eagerly awaited this book after immersing myself in the Alcunaire universe last year. Being new to the books I really enjoyed how each series has progressed & how the writing has evolved. This book is the best written of them yet. I really love the writing style as it flows & begs you to read it quickly, which I did.

Elory is our MFC. She's had a tough life on the streets & scraped a living from surviving on her wits. She is utterly alone in the world. This book starts on one of her missions - stealing from a wealthy patron of a pleasure house - to gain enough money to feed herself. This goes very wrong leading to her capture. Her trial is quick, her punishment final, yet our MMC sees something in her & she is thrown an unexpected lifeline in the form of entry into a secretive academy. Life takes a turn she never sees coming. Academy life is brutal for those who enter. These 'Ashlings' are not children or teens, but grown adults. Some are conscripted, some are voluntarily there. Each is unique. Elory has to learn to survive all over again whilst being inexplicably drawn to the MMC & hoping no one suspects her past.

I very much enjoyed this book. The world building is set up to continue in future books, so I had prepared myself for a potential cliff hanger, which wasn't quite as brutal as I had imagined, but I did guess. I found all the characters made me feel for them, both good & bad. I also loved how I related to the lore. If you have never read another book in this universe, then please do so. It's not necessary for you to do so to enjoy this book, but you are missing out.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series! It is set in the same universe as Wings of Ink (although not at the same time and not involving the crows).

The book centers around Lory, a nineteen year old who had to grow up in the streets and steal to survive. When she steals from the wrong person, instead of death she gets conscripted into Ashthorn Ward, a secret military college for those whose bloodlines possess magic, something no longer found among people but used by the military when it is. There she’s put under the watchful eye of Captain Khayrivven Falcrest.

I like the brutal academy background (like as in it makes for a good high stakes setting). Even late to breakfast is a death sentence.

I love the yearning between Khay and Lory, trying to decide what’s real on his part and will it ever be more. I like the layers to Khay, peeling him back to see who he is and what he has been through. I like how he always wears the zero effs given hard as nails Captain mask even as we see there’s more to him.

I like how Lory struggles to adapt, to find out who she can trust, and find out who she is and why they brought her to this academy in the first place. Does she really have magic? What secrets does her blood hold?

The friends she surrounds herself with are well thought of out characters. I love their backgrounds and what their own struggles are.

Then the ending left so many questions to be answered. This is definitely worth picking up if you are into magic and the academy setting.

[Cinnamon&Pine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashthorn Ward does not educate - it culls. Be late for breakfast and death is a real outcome, not a scare tactic. Admission is limited to an elite or the unwillingly conscripted with dangerous talents and the rules are enforced with military severity.

Elory gets to choose between beheading or the academy. Already unmoored by the death of her twin the academy offers her only extremes: purpose, connection and survival or none of the above. Her journey unfolds in an atmosphere thick with tension, where alliances are fragile and betrayal feels inevitable.

The setting leans fully into militarized magic: rigid hierarchy, brutal consequences and a world that leaves little space for moral clarity. Captaining it, is a moody, broody morally gray MMC in the leadership—very much shadow-daddy coded—whose presence is as unsettling as it is compelling (and yes, he smells of leather and sage).

This is a story driven by mood, power dynamics and survival rather than comfort or romance. Ashthorn Ward knows its niche and executes it well. While waiting impatiently for the sequel I will certainly pick-up the other series of the author.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25 / 5)

For you, if you like:
- deadly academies
- morally gray authority figures
- high-stakes survival

Not for you, if you want:
- verdant greenery instead of gritty desert sands
- clear heroes
- emotional safety

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted arc. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary-Ann I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing. “Bright Burns the Flame” has a riveting plot line interwoven with evocative & vivid detail. It’s a high stakes dark academia with a morally grey MMC. The banter and comic relief are top notch . I couldn’t put it down, finished in less than a day.
This is the first book in a new series set in an already established world system. It’s written in the3rd person POV. So there is alot of secrets, discoveries & unravellings. It’s literally non-stop action.
“Here’s some news, Gutter Gem: Life isn’t safe, and neither is death. It’s the timeline between where you can forge a path for yourself and beg the gods to look the other way.”
Lory, (FMC) thieving street rat is plucked up and inscribed in a secret magical guard school, the alternative was a death sentence. She’s a fiery survivor who’s thrust into complex politics. And she has an array of enemies.
There’s forbidden magic, prophecies, mythical beasts, strong found family -with the most lovable side characters , mentor/mentee relationship, forced proximity and so much yearning!
“Because there are many ways this could play out, Lory. Friends is definitely not one of them.”
Khay (MMC) is the epitome of perfection- gorgeous, muscled , athletic , broody, high ranking , protective , morally grey with at times witty provocative dialogue. He falls hard and fast.
All is definitely not as it seems, however, and I’m so anxious to see what happens next after that cliff.

[Amara F · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*

This is in 3rd person, just fyi to anyone who wants to read it.

It’s really slow at first in my opinion. Couple chapters felt repetitive, wake up, someone is late, kill them repeat and a lot of staring back and forth. I don’t know why she is so defiant. Even when he’s telling her she could die, she still doesn’t listen. I just couldn’t get any sort of personality from the characters which made it hard for me to continue.

I do not like leaving lower star reviews, it hurts my heart. This is nothing on the author and I’m so happy to see others loving it. I’m here to be honest and go give MY opinion which is different from others. That’s what I love about books, we all read and like different things. Personally, I did DNF this at 50%. I wanted to keep reading cause I felt like the last 50% might pick up but I just didn’t have the time to continue reading this book cause it had taken me sometime to get this far to begin with. There was nothing in this story that stood out to me as something new. I just want to thank the author profusely for letting me read this book and wish you nothing but the best for you and this book.

I will still recommend readers to read it and give it a try :)

2-2.5 stars

[Tyleia | Coffee & Lit Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Angelina J. Steffort for providing an advance copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 5/5

“I’ll lie and deceive and watch the world go up in flames if it means you’ll live.”

Honestly, I don’t have a single complaint about this book. From the very beginning, I was fully rooting for the badass FMC and hoping for retribution and justice. The military academy setting and the magic system were both intriguing and kept me on my toes and you truly don’t know who’s friend or foe until the end. This book takes you through all the emotions: you’ll giggle, need a moment to cool off, feel angry, and absolutely get your heart broken along the way.

The MMC is mysterious, aloof, and so hot. The push and pull between the main characters perfectly captures yearning, tension, and a true slow burn. Every interaction just adds to the buildup in the best way.

Final Rating Thoughts: This book hits all the classic romantasy tropes in the best way, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good I’ll burn the world for you moment? Definitely worth the read, and that cliffhanger ending had me immediately needing the next book. My first 5-star read of 2026, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!!

Tropes:
Military academy
Deadly trials
Forbidden love
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
Magic system
Morally gray heroes

[Carlea Hazzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early digital copy of the book prior to release, yay! Overall, id say 4.5/5 stars for this romantasy book personally. I am invested in the characters now and Im excited for Book 2 when that comes out!

the plot especially in the beginning felt pretty typical romantasy....skinny struggling sad past girl gets into more trouble, meets a dangerous gorgeous trainer guy at an military academy for magic users... standard fourth wing w/o dragons kinda stuff. There were 2 spicier scenes i did enjoy and the romance side of things doesnt feel too forced/out of the blue. was it groundbreaking... not yet. The MMC kinda gives Xaden Riorsen meets Four from Divergent vibes in a way... and the plot is leaning TOG vibes in a way. (I did NOT like the FMC's nickname given by the MMC and it was used quite frequently lolz...). but, this is just the first book, so we'll wait and see!

(* semi Spoiler: the Blindfold Scene was one of my favorites)

(* semi spoiler: * for fourth wing readers... the author does kinda pull a "Liam" ... little mad/sad about that lolz....)

but overall, an enjoyable read and I was super happy to get a chance to read this for free before release day! thank you! and im excited to find out what is next in store for our characters. :)

[Erin Masura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright burns the Flame starts off with action right out of the gate. Lory picks the wrong target to steal from and is quickly caught and brought to “the Ashthorn Ward.”
Elory(Lory) is a strong, badass fmc. She may have lived on the streets and had a hard life but she is ruthless and strong. It is beautiful to see her hard shell crack and finally fell love and support with Khay.
Khayrivven Falcrest aka Khay, is a stone cold, ruthless man to everyone but has a soft spot for Lory. His nickname for her had me smiling everytime he said it. Khay maybe loyal to his superior but for his own reasons. He is pure unrelenting hotness.
Lory and Khay are true enemies to lovers and their relationship is a joy to watch grow. “Apparently, you ignite me, little Flame.”
The plot and world building are beautifully written and the spice adds to the story but doesn’t take away from the plot. The book is filled with everything one would want in a fantasy, battles, trials, hot protective mmc that would and could burn the world down for her, strong fmc with unrivaled magic, spice, twists & turns, and an ending that makes you yearn for more.
I need more Lory and Khay!!

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterfully done! This story is so good!
The Slow-Burn in this one is absolutely delicious!

Elory is a thief living on the streets since she was orphaned at a young age. When she steals from the wrong man she is captured, tried and sentenced to die until a mysterious man intervenes and instead she is sent to the secretive Ashthorn Ward, an academy that almost no one in the kingdom knows exists. Because in a kingdom where people born with magic are killed, why would there be an entire academy to train an army of magic wielders?

Captain Khayrivven Falcrest is the youngest captain in the history of the Brestolya military and the Veiled Hand at Ashthorn he also has eyes on Lory and reminds her repeatedly one false move, one mistake and she's dead because failure at Ashthorn has only one result, death. But is there something more to the Captain and his interest in Lory? Does he want her dead or is he inexplicably trying to keep her alive? And if so, why, what are his motivations?

Secrets upon secrets.
Deception and plot twists.
Layers upon layers of story here.

I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Thank you so much Angelina Steffort for the ARC!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an advanced reader copy and am so grateful for Angelina to have chosen me for this opportunity!

Wow! What a ride this book was! I couldn't put this book down, every little twist and turn had me wanting to grab the next chapter! The entire book you just keep rooting for Lory to find her happy place and the challenges they keep throwing at her keep you thinking what next!?

Lory is a very well thought out character with a big heart and while some of her line of thinking and questioning was mildly irritating, coming from her background and trust issues I have to remember why she is the way she is.

The relationships she has throughout the book both friendships and with a love interest are not rushed or forced and had a very good feel to them. And the spicy scene...I won't spoil it but dang more of that in the next one please!

Also Frost is by far my favorite side character in this book. The big brother character she needed for sure.

I am absolutely bummed the second book isn't out yet and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book! this was definitely worth the read and made me a new big fan of Angelina's work!

[Kristen Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best way. While it starts with an academy-style setting, it quickly evolves into something darker and higher stakes, giving strong Hunger Games–style vibes without feeling derivative. The shift in tone kept the story engaging and made it hard to put down.

One of the standout elements for me was the FMC. She wasn’t written as overly reactive or unnecessarily abrasive, which can sometimes feel forced in this genre. Instead, she approached situations with logic and strategy, making her decisions feel grounded and believable. Her emotional responses were present but balanced, which made her growth and resilience feel earned rather than dramatic for drama’s sake.

The pacing was solid, the tension steadily built, and the world felt purposeful rather than overexplained. Overall, this was a strong, enjoyable read that blends familiar tropes with a refreshing execution. I’ll definitely be continuing the series and would recommend it to readers who enjoy academy settings with a competitive, survival-driven edge.

[Jennie Caputo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from the author—and WOW, what a ride!

If you loved Fourth Wing (minus the dragons 🐉) because you’re here for:

✨ Magic & mysterious powers
⚔️ Enemies-to-lovers tension
🫶 Found family feels
🔥 Slow burn romance
🏰 A ruthless academy setting

…then you’ll absolutely devour the first installment in Steffort’s Alcunaire series!


📖 Why I couldn’t put it down:

-Fast-paced from start to finish

-A premise that feels fresh and different from typical fantasy

-Finished in three days because I was that hooked

🖤 Characters to love (and fear):

FMC: Lory, Fiercely independent former thief, a little mean, a total outsider—and forced into a choice that could cost her life.

MMC: Khay, Morally gray, secretive, and seriously mean… giving strong Kingfisher energy but as a powerful academy professor (“Hand” of the Veiled Arts 👀).

⭐ Final thoughts:
Fresh, gripping, and impossible to stop reading. I’m already counting down to the next book to see what happens next!

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review!

4⭐️ 2🌶️

Bright burns the flame is a new Adult fantasy book based in a war college setting.

Stefford has taken the tropes we love and twisted them into a forced proximity, enemies to lovers, protective MMC beauty through exciting and well paced narrative and exceptional world building. This book would be perfect for readers who love Blood of Hercules and Fourth Wing.

Our FMC is a likeable character, with depth that is portrayed within the narrative, and our MMC is a flirtatious git who is definitely up there for new book boyfriend material.

The side characters also deserve a shout out, each one of them was written with personality and definitive differences, allowing the reader to immerse into the relationships they have with our MC’s and add to the world building.

This book does end of a cliff hanger (I need the next book ASAP!

This is one that should be added to your TBR!

[Kristian Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Angelina J Steffort for the Arc!

Bright Burns the Flame is exactly what you need if you’re craving brutal academia, deadly trials, and a slow-burn romance that simmers with tension. Angelina Steffort delivers a dark, high-stakes world where survival isn’t guaranteed and morality is optional.

The story follows Lory, who leaves the streets behind and enters Ashthorn Ward—a place where the rule is simple: do whatever is necessary… or die. Faced with a choice between certain death and probable death, Lory chooses the latter, and that decision pulls her into a vicious system of trials, secrets, and power plays. The world-building is immersive and gritty without being overwhelming, and the side characters feel purposeful and well-developed rather than just background noise.

Enter Khay, the enigmatic MMC. The tension between him and Lory is deliciously slow-burn, layered with unspoken truths and unanswered questions. Their interactions are charged, and the author does a great job letting the chemistry build naturally instead of rushing it.

“I want to find out if you’ll be my savior or my demise.”

Overall, this book delivers on atmosphere, stakes, and intrigue, and it feels like the start of something much bigger. I can’t wait to see where the author takes this story next—but be warned: mind the cliff.

[Tina Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificently written! It grabs you and won’t let go. If I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it. This will live rent free inside my head waiting for the next one!

Elory is a street rat that just wants to survive day by day. When she steals from the wrong person, she is sentenced to death at sunset. At the last minute, she is saved by a mysterious stranger and gets conscripted to a special academy. Now she struggles to survive day by day but for other reasons. What makes her special to be at the academy? Why does this stranger keep steeping in to save her? Will she survive the training?

The twists, the secrets, the action!

TROPES
Academy setting, Badass FMC, Morally Grey MMC, Forbidden romance, Slow-burn 🔥, He falls first, Enemies to lovers 🔥🔥🔥

Special thanks to Angelina J Steffort for the ARC read. I’m so glad to be part of her Royal Guard!