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Bonded to Beasts #2
A Queen Crowned in Flames: A Bonded to Beasts Novel
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26The rightful queen and her fire-breathing dragon must fight against corruption and overcome the betrayal of the man she loved in the searing conclusion to the Celtic-inspired fantasy romance duology that began with A Fate Forged in Fire.
Aemyra Daercathian is a queen on the run. Having failed to take Àird Lasair and betrayed by her husband-whom she grew to trust and 'and was beginning to fall for during her time in captivity-Aemyra is forced to retreat with a raging desire for revenge. But before she can settle the score and fulfill a sacred promise to kill Fiorean, her forces must rest and replenish their strength.
No one can know the truth.
Even though Aemyra has a fierce dragon and a large army of elemental wielders called Dùileach standing behind her, she has lost what's most important to her-her fire magic. Haunted by her love for her enemy, and unsure if she is even goddess-blessed anymore, Aemyra vows to do right by her people. Even if that means she must make a new kind of alliance, one that could mean winning back her kingdom. At a cost to her heart...
From the ashes, Aemyra must emerge a new kind of queen, but will she be the dawn for her people or the fire that burns everything to the ground?
Aemyra Daercathian is a queen on the run. Having failed to take Àird Lasair and betrayed by her husband-whom she grew to trust and 'and was beginning to fall for during her time in captivity-Aemyra is forced to retreat with a raging desire for revenge. But before she can settle the score and fulfill a sacred promise to kill Fiorean, her forces must rest and replenish their strength.
No one can know the truth.
Even though Aemyra has a fierce dragon and a large army of elemental wielders called Dùileach standing behind her, she has lost what's most important to her-her fire magic. Haunted by her love for her enemy, and unsure if she is even goddess-blessed anymore, Aemyra vows to do right by her people. Even if that means she must make a new kind of alliance, one that could mean winning back her kingdom. At a cost to her heart...
From the ashes, Aemyra must emerge a new kind of queen, but will she be the dawn for her people or the fire that burns everything to the ground?
480 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 26, 2026
17 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Hazel McBride
11 books666 followersHazel McBride is a Scottish author currently living in The Netherlands.
Book one in her upcoming adult fantasy romance duology, A FATE FORGED IN FIRE is being published in early 2025 by Renegade books UK and Dell US with pre-empt deals with Aufbau in German and NeoN Libri in Italian
After gaining her BSc in Psychology at the University of Glasgow, she moved to the Dominican Republic. Switching the laid-back Caribbean for the sun-drenched Canary Islands a year later, she then moved to the South of France and is now fluent in three languages. As a bisexual author, having queer characters feature prominently in her novels, alongside her Scottish heritage is hugely important to her.
Book one in her upcoming adult fantasy romance duology, A FATE FORGED IN FIRE is being published in early 2025 by Renegade books UK and Dell US with pre-empt deals with Aufbau in German and NeoN Libri in Italian
After gaining her BSc in Psychology at the University of Glasgow, she moved to the Dominican Republic. Switching the laid-back Caribbean for the sun-drenched Canary Islands a year later, she then moved to the South of France and is now fluent in three languages. As a bisexual author, having queer characters feature prominently in her novels, alongside her Scottish heritage is hugely important to her.
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June 30, 2025need this book like i need air to breathe
December 10, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Great conclusion to duology that addressed nearly all my issues from first book.
First thank you to Ballantine, Delacorte Press, NetGalley, and Hazel McBride for the eARC, all opinions my own.
This book picks up exactly where A Fate Forged in Fire left off with Aemyra fleeing for her (and her army’s) lives following defeat in battle for Tir Tiene. Aemyra must fight her grief and betrayal (and the loss of her fire magic) to rally allies to fight and take her rightful place as Queen.
I really enjoyed this one and while I do have some issues it was fun, emotional ride. Aemyra’s battle against her anger, grief, confusion, love, and how to be a just ruler, is center stage here and I really enjoyed the overall arc it took. In book 1 I had gotten annoyed with Aemyra’s lack of foresight/impulsivity but after reading this book it does good job working that into how she has changed since her betrayal/defeat.
I also had been frustrated in book 1 that many of the side characters felt one dimensional and that was remedied here. New characters like Thear and Riya add depth to Aemyra’s arc and returning ones like Maeve, Sorcha, and even the dragons played larger, and moving, roles in the story. Adarian was still fairly one note but that was ok. The bonds between magic wielders, their magic, and their beasts continued to play large role and was really great.
If I had to complain one thing would be that I think this could have actually been a trilogy instead of duology (or maybe just slightly longer book). I think some of the lore/events could have done with bit more room to breathe and then might seem little less convenient. Similarly the final large battle against Alfred’s forces happens mainly off page. However, overall I think it’s not huge issue.
Also (and I stress that this might just be an eARC issue so please disregard if changed in final version) if places are going to be referenced so frequently they need to be labeled on the map. I spent lot of time looking for places mentioned only to find them missing. But still that’s minor issue.
Overall very enjoyable duology that leaves open lot of potential exploration within the world that I would be very excited to return to.
Great conclusion to duology that addressed nearly all my issues from first book.
First thank you to Ballantine, Delacorte Press, NetGalley, and Hazel McBride for the eARC, all opinions my own.
This book picks up exactly where A Fate Forged in Fire left off with Aemyra fleeing for her (and her army’s) lives following defeat in battle for Tir Tiene. Aemyra must fight her grief and betrayal (and the loss of her fire magic) to rally allies to fight and take her rightful place as Queen.
I really enjoyed this one and while I do have some issues it was fun, emotional ride. Aemyra’s battle against her anger, grief, confusion, love, and how to be a just ruler, is center stage here and I really enjoyed the overall arc it took. In book 1 I had gotten annoyed with Aemyra’s lack of foresight/impulsivity but after reading this book it does good job working that into how she has changed since her betrayal/defeat.
I also had been frustrated in book 1 that many of the side characters felt one dimensional and that was remedied here. New characters like Thear and Riya add depth to Aemyra’s arc and returning ones like Maeve, Sorcha, and even the dragons played larger, and moving, roles in the story. Adarian was still fairly one note but that was ok. The bonds between magic wielders, their magic, and their beasts continued to play large role and was really great.
If I had to complain one thing would be that I think this could have actually been a trilogy instead of duology (or maybe just slightly longer book). I think some of the lore/events could have done with bit more room to breathe and then might seem little less convenient. Similarly the final large battle against Alfred’s forces happens mainly off page. However, overall I think it’s not huge issue.
Also (and I stress that this might just be an eARC issue so please disregard if changed in final version) if places are going to be referenced so frequently they need to be labeled on the map. I spent lot of time looking for places mentioned only to find them missing. But still that’s minor issue.
Overall very enjoyable duology that leaves open lot of potential exploration within the world that I would be very excited to return to.
December 13, 2025
Holy flying f*ck balls…. we were warned. We were gently, lovingly, ominously warned about the trauma. And yet??? I still walked into this book like a fool with hope in my pocket.
Book one ruined my life.
Book two set it on fire, crowned itself in the flames, and made me watch. And I liked it.
This sequel is whiplash central. The emotional damage hits deeper, sharper, and with intent. The twists are absolutely here (and yes, if you’re paying attention you know what’s coming), but that does not make it any less feral, devastating, or satisfying when it finally drops. If anything, the dread marination makes it worse (complimentary).
Hazel McBride said: stakes higher, knives sharper, feelings illegal.
And I ate it up.
By the end, Hazel has officially secured auto-buy author status for me. No questions. No blurbs needed. I will simply show up, emotionally unprepared, every single time. I cannot wait to see what comes next in this universe, even if we’re no longer seeing it through Aems’ eyes (though I would absolutely let her ruin me again).
This book is power claimed, trauma embraced, and crowns earned the hard way.
Burn it all down. I’ll be seated. 🔥👑
PS: That Cho 39 scene???
🥵🥵🥵
Absolutely uncalled for. Completely feral. Next. Level. 🐉
Book one ruined my life.
Book two set it on fire, crowned itself in the flames, and made me watch. And I liked it.
This sequel is whiplash central. The emotional damage hits deeper, sharper, and with intent. The twists are absolutely here (and yes, if you’re paying attention you know what’s coming), but that does not make it any less feral, devastating, or satisfying when it finally drops. If anything, the dread marination makes it worse (complimentary).
Hazel McBride said: stakes higher, knives sharper, feelings illegal.
And I ate it up.
By the end, Hazel has officially secured auto-buy author status for me. No questions. No blurbs needed. I will simply show up, emotionally unprepared, every single time. I cannot wait to see what comes next in this universe, even if we’re no longer seeing it through Aems’ eyes (though I would absolutely let her ruin me again).
This book is power claimed, trauma embraced, and crowns earned the hard way.
Burn it all down. I’ll be seated. 🔥👑
PS: That Cho 39 scene???
🥵🥵🥵
Absolutely uncalled for. Completely feral. Next. Level. 🐉
December 10, 2025
RTC 5/12/26 per publisher request :)
~ I received this eARC free from NetGalley. Thank you to Ballantine/Delacorte Press and Hazel McBride! My opinions are my own and voluntarily given~
~ I received this eARC free from NetGalley. Thank you to Ballantine/Delacorte Press and Hazel McBride! My opinions are my own and voluntarily given~
December 6, 2025
~Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this e-ARC!!~
I must be honest, I enjoyed A Fate Forged in Fire but it was just ok, not great. A Queen Crowned in Flames however, was spectacular. In Hazel McBride's second book in the Bonded to Beasts series we reunite with our FMC Aemyra who is recovering from a betrayal she never saw coming that makes the path to reclaiming her throne even more tortuous. She finds herself without her goddess blessed powers, and in desperate need of allies. As she battles her way back to her crown she learns to accept and forgive herself, what it means to sacrifice, and to finally trust in others.
I truly felt more connected to Aemyra in this book. We get greater insight into her insecurities, due in large part to her ego taking an enormous hit + endless self-doubt and guilt. Her growth and selflessness drew me in, and I could relate to her emotional turmoil. Her journey to forgive herself was a long one, but was a poignant reminder that even with the greatest intentions no one is perfect.
I was on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster regarding our MMC Fiorean. Of course with the end of the last book I anticipated and eagerly awaited his death at the hands of our Queen, but I didn't actually expect it to happen... Then with the appearance of Thear I was almost convinced Fiorean was actually dead. With Fioreans revival I found myself letting out a breath of relief I didn't know I was holding. With the misunderstandings finally revealed and the subsequent rebirth of their romance we finally are blessed with SPICE.
The intimate scenes in this book, as with the first are open door and appropriately interspersed without overshadowing the major plot points. The scene on the dragon...I have mixed feelings about. Maybe re-reading it a few times will give me better perspective.
And finally the writing and major plot of the book. McBride's writing paints a clear picture to the reader of what the world and its creatures look like. I was halfway through the book and truly was gagged at how much had already happened. The pacing was *chef's kiss* and I never found myself bored or drifting away from the book. Surprise surprise there was more betrayal, grief/loss, and trauma! However, it is also filled with hope, perseverance, and healing. Beyond that every plot line had a satisfying resolution. Though I do wish Sorcha's death had been drawn out a little more.
My one and only major gripe with this book is the phrase "Brenna's tits". Dear lord if we could remove this phrase from the vernacular of romance books. It is so tacky and gave me immediate ick. There is nothing wrong with classic curse words, or even Scottish turn of phrases that are commonly said in moments of exasperation/dread!!
Overall would definitely recommend others pick this book up once it comes out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
This book had me holding my breath, just like A Fate Forged in Fire. The pacing is just right, and the way Hazel McBride writes combat is so vividly done that I could see every movement clearly in my mind.
At the heart of this story is Aemyra being forced to truly reckon with what happened to her at Caisteal Lasair, and that healing journey felt painfully real. Healing isn’t linear or pretty — it’s messy, uncomfortable, and often tangled up in self-doubt and insecurity. This book doesn’t shy away from that. Watching Aemyra confront her trauma while learning how to stand in her power was one of the most impactful parts of the story for me.
The female rage here is unmatched. It’s raw, justified, and deeply earned — the kind that makes you want to stand up and scream alongside her. But what makes it even stronger is how that rage is balanced with growth. Aemyra doesn’t just burn; she learns, reflects, and rebuilds herself in the process.
The characters introduced are rich and full of life, and the dragons deserve a special mention — fierce, loyal, and impossible not to love. Their presence adds both emotional weight and wonder to the story in a way that never feels like an afterthought.
This book absolutely tore me to shreds. By the end, I was a puddle. While a few moments were predictable, there were plenty of twists and deceptions along the way that kept me emotionally invested (and occasionally frustrated with Aemyra, in the best way). The humor and banter brought some lightness to heavy moments — it pulled me out briefly at times, but it also felt human, especially in a story so rooted in trauma and healing.
I can’t wait to read more from Hazel McBride. Both A Queen Born in Flames and A Fate Forged in Fire kept me holding my breath from start to finish.
This book had me holding my breath, just like A Fate Forged in Fire. The pacing is just right, and the way Hazel McBride writes combat is so vividly done that I could see every movement clearly in my mind.
At the heart of this story is Aemyra being forced to truly reckon with what happened to her at Caisteal Lasair, and that healing journey felt painfully real. Healing isn’t linear or pretty — it’s messy, uncomfortable, and often tangled up in self-doubt and insecurity. This book doesn’t shy away from that. Watching Aemyra confront her trauma while learning how to stand in her power was one of the most impactful parts of the story for me.
The female rage here is unmatched. It’s raw, justified, and deeply earned — the kind that makes you want to stand up and scream alongside her. But what makes it even stronger is how that rage is balanced with growth. Aemyra doesn’t just burn; she learns, reflects, and rebuilds herself in the process.
The characters introduced are rich and full of life, and the dragons deserve a special mention — fierce, loyal, and impossible not to love. Their presence adds both emotional weight and wonder to the story in a way that never feels like an afterthought.
This book absolutely tore me to shreds. By the end, I was a puddle. While a few moments were predictable, there were plenty of twists and deceptions along the way that kept me emotionally invested (and occasionally frustrated with Aemyra, in the best way). The humor and banter brought some lightness to heavy moments — it pulled me out briefly at times, but it also felt human, especially in a story so rooted in trauma and healing.
I can’t wait to read more from Hazel McBride. Both A Queen Born in Flames and A Fate Forged in Fire kept me holding my breath from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thought this book was the perfect conclusion to wrap up the Bonded to Beasts duology. The cliffhanger that book 1 ended on had me chomping at the bit to know what would happen next. I found that this ARC copy was on NetGalley and got the opportunity to read it early!
December 15, 2025
[SPOILER FREE]
“𝘐𝘯 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵,” 𝘈𝘦𝘮𝘺𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥. “𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘦.”
AQCIF is an incredible conclusion to Aemyra’s story. There was so much heavy grief, sacrifice and loss in this book but it was tempered with forgiveness, hope and acceptance. I’ve fallen completely in love with this world and these characters and it’s been a joy to read books so carefully and beautifully crafted from Scottish lore.
I don’t want to say too much about Thear but my love for him is a testament to Hazel’s writing - I was ready to embrace him with an open heart and open legs. Arms, I mean arms.
The themes in this book are not for the light-hearted but they are handled in a way that is considerate and thoughtful. I’m not someone who cries easily at books but I found myself straight up weeping towards the end. I loved the development of the secondary characters and felt fully satisfied by how the plot progressed and everything came together.
Truly can’t recommend this duology enough! Hazel is for sure joining the ranks of my auto-buy authors and I am so ready to find out where Beira’s winds will blow us next.
Thank you so much to Ballantine for this eARC!
“𝘐𝘯 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵,” 𝘈𝘦𝘮𝘺𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥. “𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘦.”
AQCIF is an incredible conclusion to Aemyra’s story. There was so much heavy grief, sacrifice and loss in this book but it was tempered with forgiveness, hope and acceptance. I’ve fallen completely in love with this world and these characters and it’s been a joy to read books so carefully and beautifully crafted from Scottish lore.
I don’t want to say too much about Thear but my love for him is a testament to Hazel’s writing - I was ready to embrace him with an open heart and open legs. Arms, I mean arms.
The themes in this book are not for the light-hearted but they are handled in a way that is considerate and thoughtful. I’m not someone who cries easily at books but I found myself straight up weeping towards the end. I loved the development of the secondary characters and felt fully satisfied by how the plot progressed and everything came together.
Truly can’t recommend this duology enough! Hazel is for sure joining the ranks of my auto-buy authors and I am so ready to find out where Beira’s winds will blow us next.
Thank you so much to Ballantine for this eARC!
December 16, 2025
5⭐️
3🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an e-arc of this book!
I was an arc reader for book 1 as well and could not wait for this book 2 after book 1’s ending!
This is why I love duologies. We get our anticipated ending without it dragging and having to wait for a third book. This was a great first duology by Hazel in this world!
He betrayed her and took her throne and crown, but she’s not going down without a fight. She doesn’t know why he turned on her but her goal and focus remains the same. She’s taking back her birthright.
Aemyra and Fioeran have this insane chemistry that just has you salivating for more. As in book one, they fight with their all and love with their all. Add in their dragons and it’s just this intense situation neither one of them can run from.
We truly get everything we wanted and needed in this book and I loved every word!
And as with book 1, the spice 🌶️ was great and intense and just had me devouring every second 🥵 while Aemyra may want to be in control of everything in her life, she’s not afraid to let it go during spicy times and I love it 🥵🥵
I’m so curious to see where the next set of duology takes us in this world and where we may explore to next! Back Hazel!
3🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an e-arc of this book!
I was an arc reader for book 1 as well and could not wait for this book 2 after book 1’s ending!
This is why I love duologies. We get our anticipated ending without it dragging and having to wait for a third book. This was a great first duology by Hazel in this world!
He betrayed her and took her throne and crown, but she’s not going down without a fight. She doesn’t know why he turned on her but her goal and focus remains the same. She’s taking back her birthright.
Aemyra and Fioeran have this insane chemistry that just has you salivating for more. As in book one, they fight with their all and love with their all. Add in their dragons and it’s just this intense situation neither one of them can run from.
We truly get everything we wanted and needed in this book and I loved every word!
And as with book 1, the spice 🌶️ was great and intense and just had me devouring every second 🥵 while Aemyra may want to be in control of everything in her life, she’s not afraid to let it go during spicy times and I love it 🥵🥵
I’m so curious to see where the next set of duology takes us in this world and where we may explore to next! Back Hazel!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Queen Crowned in Flames picks up immediately where things ended in A Fate Forged in Fire. Aemyra is reeling from Fiorean's 'betrayal' but has to push most of the hurt aside as she has the all consuming responsibility as queen amidst war. I was surprised to see a new MMC enter the scene but grew to love him. I loved the relationship between Aemyra and her father Draeven. In fact, I think he was one of the more interesting characters in the book for me personally. Aemyra is navigating court and the enormous weight of responsibility that comes with being queen, but she remains true to her fierce spirit and swagger. I don't want to reveal anything but I loved her connection with Fiorean. This was a solid conclusion for this duology with the ending left just open enough for the other books to follow.
Thank you to Ballantine|Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Ballantine|Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
December 9, 2025
Okay, I will do my best to review without spoilers, so here goes!
I tend to be fairly picky with my fantasy heroines, so I was so excited in AFFIF to find Aemyra. Then I began to worry that she would find herself falling into the trap so many protagonists do of losing herself in the sequel. Not really - because Hazel did so magnificently in Book 1. And WHOO BOY has she done it again in Book 2!
Seeing Aemyra struggle with the aftermath of betrayal in AFFIF was tough, but she powered through with steely determination and help from her allies, both familiar and new. Observing the devolvement of the Chosen and their growing grip on Tir Teine definitely reflected real life issues. And yet, we also get to see the amazing fantasy element of dragons and their riders. Terrea's plot twist will change y'all, I'm telling you right now. And the spicy scenes just get better!
Ultimately, "A Queen Crowned in Flames" is a dramatic, bittersweet, beyond captivating romantasy book for readers who enjoy conscientious worldbuilding and morally grey characters.
Thank you to Hazel, NetGalley, and the U.S. edition publisher for access to the digital ARC!
I tend to be fairly picky with my fantasy heroines, so I was so excited in AFFIF to find Aemyra. Then I began to worry that she would find herself falling into the trap so many protagonists do of losing herself in the sequel. Not really - because Hazel did so magnificently in Book 1. And WHOO BOY has she done it again in Book 2!
Seeing Aemyra struggle with the aftermath of betrayal in AFFIF was tough, but she powered through with steely determination and help from her allies, both familiar and new. Observing the devolvement of the Chosen and their growing grip on Tir Teine definitely reflected real life issues. And yet, we also get to see the amazing fantasy element of dragons and their riders. Terrea's plot twist will change y'all, I'm telling you right now. And the spicy scenes just get better!
Ultimately, "A Queen Crowned in Flames" is a dramatic, bittersweet, beyond captivating romantasy book for readers who enjoy conscientious worldbuilding and morally grey characters.
Thank you to Hazel, NetGalley, and the U.S. edition publisher for access to the digital ARC!
December 9, 2025
The second book in this amazing duology (first of 5 interconnected duologies, 1-4 can be read alone with the 5th duology tying it all together). Aemyra is the first female Queen in centuries and, after her husband (Fiorean) betrayed her, she is trying to rally her troops and gain new alliances.
This duology is probably my favorite romantasy I have read. This second book had me on the edge of my seat. Draevan has a larger part and so many mixed feelings, Aemrya's betrothal to Thear (who I ended up adoring - which surprised me), Riya in her mentoring of Aemrya, the princesses and Katherine and not knowing where they are and what they stand for. It made me so excited for this new author's entire world series!
This duology is probably my favorite romantasy I have read. This second book had me on the edge of my seat. Draevan has a larger part and so many mixed feelings, Aemrya's betrothal to Thear (who I ended up adoring - which surprised me), Riya in her mentoring of Aemrya, the princesses and Katherine and not knowing where they are and what they stand for. It made me so excited for this new author's entire world series!
December 5, 2025
I decided to take the time to reread A Fate Forged in Fire before starting this book, to get the full experience of reading this beautiful story.
I enjoyed spending my entire day with Aemyra and Fiorean, they are such incredible characters. This book is absolutely amazing. I wish I could reread it immediately, or experience the first read again. Unforgettable and powerful.
Aemyra is such a strong character, it truly is something to admire.
I hope I will be able to read many more stories in this beautiful world, because Hazel McBride’s writing is to die for!
Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read this arc.
I enjoyed spending my entire day with Aemyra and Fiorean, they are such incredible characters. This book is absolutely amazing. I wish I could reread it immediately, or experience the first read again. Unforgettable and powerful.
Aemyra is such a strong character, it truly is something to admire.
I hope I will be able to read many more stories in this beautiful world, because Hazel McBride’s writing is to die for!
Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read this arc.
December 6, 2025
The sequel to A Fate Forged in Fire picks up after the cliffhanger ending to find Aemyra preparing to fight for her throne. The story runs through some of her regrouping and making an alliance before returning to the fight. There is a slightly predictable twist to the plot. Most of the first half of the book is light on romance, limited to a bit of flirting, but it does pick up in the later part of the story. The feel of this conclusion matches the first book of the duology and readers who enjoyed the start of Aemyra's story will likely find the ending they are looking for in A Queen Crowned in Flames. (3.5/5)
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Ballantine, Delacorte Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Ballantine, Delacorte Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
not-released
December 14, 2025Review coming at Gabic Reads. eARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Amazing, thanks Netgalley,, great world building such a fun book 📕
December 21, 2025
4.5 - full rtc
Review of advance copy
This was a bit better than the first.
December 8, 2025
More details to come but I laughed, cried (multiple times), screamed in grief, joy, and shock. Excellent work and a resounding success in completing this duology.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews