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The Flames of Darkness
Fourth Wing meets Shadow and Bone in this clean, dual-POV YA romantasy, where first love collides with dragons, prophecy, and a secret that could end the world.
A hidden power. A dreaded prophecy.
When Everin Haydon discovers she’s a dragon, she’s immediately summoned to Drakon Academy, only to learn she’s a late bloomer, unable to shapeshift, and under the Council’s watchful eye.
Her only solace is Tariel Fenwick, a fellow late bloomer. Mocked for their struggles, they find strength in each other, and a first love begins to bloom.
But whispers of the Hell’s Fire Dragon, the Feared One, destined to awaken the Demon of Chaos, loom over them.
Will their fragile love survive when the evil they fear may live inside the person they love?
A hidden power. A dreaded prophecy.
When Everin Haydon discovers she’s a dragon, she’s immediately summoned to Drakon Academy, only to learn she’s a late bloomer, unable to shapeshift, and under the Council’s watchful eye.
Her only solace is Tariel Fenwick, a fellow late bloomer. Mocked for their struggles, they find strength in each other, and a first love begins to bloom.
But whispers of the Hell’s Fire Dragon, the Feared One, destined to awaken the Demon of Chaos, loom over them.
Will their fragile love survive when the evil they fear may live inside the person they love?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2025
7 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
La Kayshal
9 books24 followersLa Kayshal is an Australian writer of romance, YA, and children's fantasy novels. She lives with her husband, daughter, and a wild dingo mix-breed in the coastal plains of the Sunny State.
An adventure romance set in the exotic landscapes of India, The Lost Crown was her debut published novel. Her first children's picture book, Sylphie Is Resilient, launched the much-loved Sylph Series. Book two, Sylphie and Her Friends, focuses on conflict resolution and the importance of personal space in friendships. The third book, Procrastie Sylphie, is a Christmas-themed story about overcoming procrastination, accompanied by a fun and practical Christmas Activity Book to help readers build better habits.
A lifelong fan of wizards, magic, dragons, swords, and elementals, she poured all these elements into her debut—an upper middle grade fantasy, Ariston Baker in the Weird Picture Book—a wild, magical journey through realms and riddles.
An adventure romance set in the exotic landscapes of India, The Lost Crown was her debut published novel. Her first children's picture book, Sylphie Is Resilient, launched the much-loved Sylph Series. Book two, Sylphie and Her Friends, focuses on conflict resolution and the importance of personal space in friendships. The third book, Procrastie Sylphie, is a Christmas-themed story about overcoming procrastination, accompanied by a fun and practical Christmas Activity Book to help readers build better habits.
A lifelong fan of wizards, magic, dragons, swords, and elementals, she poured all these elements into her debut—an upper middle grade fantasy, Ariston Baker in the Weird Picture Book—a wild, magical journey through realms and riddles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 18, 2025
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟹.𝟽𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
Actually really enjoyed this.
The Flames of Darkness is a dark fantasy romance with a compelling premise, rich lore, and an academy setting that immediately caught my attention. had a lot of promise with its fantasy romance, dragon shifters, and high-stakes plot. While I did enjoy reading this, some aspects didn't work for me...
This gave me Zodiac Academy and Harry Potter vibes, but without the smut since it's YA—the magical school setting, 'you’re a dragon' reveal, being shipped off to the academy, secret library sections, magical competitions, and a prophecy.
The story follows Everin, a late-blooming dragon shifter, who is sent to the academy to control her powers. I did struggle with the beginning, as some of the dialogue felt cringey and pulled me out of the story, but I quickly became invested! I enjoyed the high-stakes battles, the twist, and the action throughout, which kept me invested once the story fully picked up. The world-building and magic system were solid, and I just love the academy vibes!!
The world-building was one of the book's strengths, and I liked the way dragon lore, magic, and prophecy blended together. The last quarter of the book, especially the twist, was one of the strongest parts; the action picked up, the stakes sharpened, and the atmosphere grew more intense. It reminded me why I love fantasy involving prophecies and dangerous hidden powers.
I also loved the themes: finding identity, navigating power you don’t fully understand, uncovering truths adults have hidden, and the idea that sometimes you can be both the hero and the danger. Those elements were layered nicely and gave the story more emotional weight.
I liked all the characters, though I wish some of them had a little more depth. I loved getting to know more about Everina and her dragon shifter journey! I will say, though was not a fan of Phoenix, the resident “rich” girl; she was constantly on her phone and obsessed with social media, and felt out of place in a fantasy setting.
Now, let's talk about the romance. Everin and Tariel romance was sweet, but it felt rushed. I liked that they were already familiar with each other before the events of the book, but they got together very quickly, and the buildup of their relationship was minimal. They went from semi-aware acquaintances to developing feelings very quickly, and personally, I thought it needed more tension, more internal conflict, and more slow-burning moments to really feel invested. It wasn’t insta-love exactly, but it definitely felt underdeveloped
Overall, besides it's shortcomings, I'm totally invested!! This is an entertaining read if you enjoy magical school adventures, dragon shifters, and action-packed plots!
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥YA
❥dragon shifters
❥magic academy
❥prophecy
❥secrets
❥action
Thank you for the ARC, La Kayshal!
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
│ ⊹ 𝟹.𝟽𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
Actually really enjoyed this.
The Flames of Darkness is a dark fantasy romance with a compelling premise, rich lore, and an academy setting that immediately caught my attention. had a lot of promise with its fantasy romance, dragon shifters, and high-stakes plot. While I did enjoy reading this, some aspects didn't work for me...
This gave me Zodiac Academy and Harry Potter vibes, but without the smut since it's YA—the magical school setting, 'you’re a dragon' reveal, being shipped off to the academy, secret library sections, magical competitions, and a prophecy.
The story follows Everin, a late-blooming dragon shifter, who is sent to the academy to control her powers. I did struggle with the beginning, as some of the dialogue felt cringey and pulled me out of the story, but I quickly became invested! I enjoyed the high-stakes battles, the twist, and the action throughout, which kept me invested once the story fully picked up. The world-building and magic system were solid, and I just love the academy vibes!!
The world-building was one of the book's strengths, and I liked the way dragon lore, magic, and prophecy blended together. The last quarter of the book, especially the twist, was one of the strongest parts; the action picked up, the stakes sharpened, and the atmosphere grew more intense. It reminded me why I love fantasy involving prophecies and dangerous hidden powers.
I also loved the themes: finding identity, navigating power you don’t fully understand, uncovering truths adults have hidden, and the idea that sometimes you can be both the hero and the danger. Those elements were layered nicely and gave the story more emotional weight.
I liked all the characters, though I wish some of them had a little more depth. I loved getting to know more about Everina and her dragon shifter journey! I will say, though was not a fan of Phoenix, the resident “rich” girl; she was constantly on her phone and obsessed with social media, and felt out of place in a fantasy setting.
Now, let's talk about the romance. Everin and Tariel romance was sweet, but it felt rushed. I liked that they were already familiar with each other before the events of the book, but they got together very quickly, and the buildup of their relationship was minimal. They went from semi-aware acquaintances to developing feelings very quickly, and personally, I thought it needed more tension, more internal conflict, and more slow-burning moments to really feel invested. It wasn’t insta-love exactly, but it definitely felt underdeveloped
Overall, besides it's shortcomings, I'm totally invested!! This is an entertaining read if you enjoy magical school adventures, dragon shifters, and action-packed plots!
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥YA
❥dragon shifters
❥magic academy
❥prophecy
❥secrets
❥action
Thank you for the ARC, La Kayshal!
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
October 22, 2025
ARC reader: Definitely gives some Fourth Wing vibes. MFC, Everin Haydon, finds out she is a dragon shapeshifter but is a late bloomer. Along with,MMC, Tariel Fenwick, the headmaster’s son.
Story has great friendships and adventures as well as several twists! This is a no spicy book but very well written. Great read and I cannot wait for book two!
Teen & Young Adult
Story has great friendships and adventures as well as several twists! This is a no spicy book but very well written. Great read and I cannot wait for book two!
Teen & Young Adult
October 23, 2025
This was a short, fun book that is 100% for teenagers and it is super clean. So it is perfect for the school library. Only kissing.
If a student asks for The Fourth Wing, this is a good alternative. It has dragons, academia, adventure and first love romance. It would also suit Harry Potter lovers.
I liked how the usual 2D stereotypes weren’t relied upon. E.g. the rich, pretty student had a lot of empathy and was supportive (so far) so that was really refreshing. The world building was quite good. A little more on Beth would’ve been great as Everin’s home life is quite a complicated and emotional reality for some readers. I hope that is addressed more in book 2. More on the romance - there wasn’t enough tension for me and I’d like to see why they love each other so much as I felt that was skipped.
I am keen for Book 2 to see how it all goes. That ending! 😱
I received this book as an ARC and all opinions are my own.
If a student asks for The Fourth Wing, this is a good alternative. It has dragons, academia, adventure and first love romance. It would also suit Harry Potter lovers.
I liked how the usual 2D stereotypes weren’t relied upon. E.g. the rich, pretty student had a lot of empathy and was supportive (so far) so that was really refreshing. The world building was quite good. A little more on Beth would’ve been great as Everin’s home life is quite a complicated and emotional reality for some readers. I hope that is addressed more in book 2. More on the romance - there wasn’t enough tension for me and I’d like to see why they love each other so much as I felt that was skipped.
I am keen for Book 2 to see how it all goes. That ending! 😱
I received this book as an ARC and all opinions are my own.
October 16, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
Will be Published October 18, 2025 📚
This YA fantasy features dragons, an academy, strong friendships, and a little romance. Even though this could be categorized as young adult, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and recommend this to all ages. The plot was well paced with enough details to really immerse you in the story. The characters were well written and likable, and I was rooting for them in their adventures throughout.
I look forward to reading more in the next book, especially after that last chapter 😲
Will be Published October 18, 2025 📚
This YA fantasy features dragons, an academy, strong friendships, and a little romance. Even though this could be categorized as young adult, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and recommend this to all ages. The plot was well paced with enough details to really immerse you in the story. The characters were well written and likable, and I was rooting for them in their adventures throughout.
I look forward to reading more in the next book, especially after that last chapter 😲
October 13, 2025
I had the chance to read an ARC of this story, and I truly enjoyed it! The concept feels refreshing and original, mixing elements that I haven’t seen combined before. The writing is engaging and easy to follow, and I was completely hooked from start to finish.
The characters, especially the main trio, are really fun to read about, and their dynamic is one of my favorite parts. I only wish the story had been a bit longer so we could spend more time with them and see their world in greater depth.
Overall, it’s a captivating and creative read that shows a lot of heart and potential. I’m excited to see what the author writes next!
Caro🍄
The characters, especially the main trio, are really fun to read about, and their dynamic is one of my favorite parts. I only wish the story had been a bit longer so we could spend more time with them and see their world in greater depth.
Overall, it’s a captivating and creative read that shows a lot of heart and potential. I’m excited to see what the author writes next!
Caro🍄
October 13, 2025
Arc reader review willingly
Holy dragons meet Harry Potter. It does end with a cliff hanger but my goodness a perfect balance of battles, romance, friendship and the power of friends. 10 out of 10 recommend this book
Holy dragons meet Harry Potter. It does end with a cliff hanger but my goodness a perfect balance of battles, romance, friendship and the power of friends. 10 out of 10 recommend this book
September 26, 2025
I am an ARC reader, and I leave this review voluntarily.
An Epic YA fantasy! Where dragons meet magic and mystery!
If Hogwarts was for dragon shifters, this would be their tale!
An Epic YA fantasy! Where dragons meet magic and mystery!
If Hogwarts was for dragon shifters, this would be their tale!
October 5, 2025
First off I want to start by saying thank you so much to the author for asking me to be an ARC reader for this book, this is going to be an honest review of the book The Flames of Darkness.
WOW! Honestly such and amazing and intriguing read, I was honestly so hooked reading this book, so well written and although there are elements similar to popular book series this is in a league of its own and I loved every word!
So excited for the next one to come out, I hope we don’t have to wait too long as was left on a cliffhanger!! Really enjoyed this one and excited to see where it goes next!
WOW! Honestly such and amazing and intriguing read, I was honestly so hooked reading this book, so well written and although there are elements similar to popular book series this is in a league of its own and I loved every word!
So excited for the next one to come out, I hope we don’t have to wait too long as was left on a cliffhanger!! Really enjoyed this one and excited to see where it goes next!
October 15, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4
I received a free copy of this YA book and really enjoyed it. The story primarily follows Everin, a late bloomer who finds herself drawn into the world of dragon shifters. It was a fresh and compelling read that kept me hooked all the way through, especially with the twist at the end.
My only critique is that I wanted more background and character development for her main love interest, Tariel. Given his unique abilities, I expected him to have a larger role in the overall story. I also would have liked more closure regarding Everin's life before she was pulled into this new world.
That said, I found all of the main characters to be endearing, and the story itself was very engaging. I’m excited to see where the next book takes us, especially after the unexpected turn of events at the end.
I received a free copy of this YA book and really enjoyed it. The story primarily follows Everin, a late bloomer who finds herself drawn into the world of dragon shifters. It was a fresh and compelling read that kept me hooked all the way through, especially with the twist at the end.
My only critique is that I wanted more background and character development for her main love interest, Tariel. Given his unique abilities, I expected him to have a larger role in the overall story. I also would have liked more closure regarding Everin's life before she was pulled into this new world.
That said, I found all of the main characters to be endearing, and the story itself was very engaging. I’m excited to see where the next book takes us, especially after the unexpected turn of events at the end.
October 28, 2025
I found this to be a really great read. The evil demon, Tynan, is waiting in the wings, ready to be the first demon to usher in Satan and the apocolypse. To try to thwart his advent, the Dragon Council targets three young people of dragon blood who have not shifted yet. Young Everin Haydon doesn't even know that dragons exist until she receives the Dragon's Summon to attend Drakon Academy. Everin, along with Tareil and Phoenix are in for a fantastical journey beyond what they could ever have imagined. The characters are likeable and the book is fast paced. I found that I could hardly put it down. I am really looking forward to reading the next book so I can find out what happens next. This book is suitable for teens or adults who love fantasy and magic. I totally recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
October 15, 2025
I was so excited to be selected as an ARC reader for this one—huge thanks to the author!
This book was such a fun ride from beginning to end. Yes, it definitely gives off magical school vibes (you know which ones), but this story stands on its own, with a more mature tone and characters that feel real and relatable.
What I loved most were the friendships at the center of it all. The dynamics between the characters were heartfelt and believable—I found myself really rooting for them. The world-building was engaging without being overwhelming, and the pacing made it super easy to fly through in just a couple sittings.
Overall, it hit that perfect balance of magical escapism and emotional depth. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
This book was such a fun ride from beginning to end. Yes, it definitely gives off magical school vibes (you know which ones), but this story stands on its own, with a more mature tone and characters that feel real and relatable.
What I loved most were the friendships at the center of it all. The dynamics between the characters were heartfelt and believable—I found myself really rooting for them. The world-building was engaging without being overwhelming, and the pacing made it super easy to fly through in just a couple sittings.
Overall, it hit that perfect balance of magical escapism and emotional depth. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
October 10, 2025
This is a YA academia with dragons and Harry Potter vibes.
Dive into the world of Everin, an underdog teenager who has just learned that dragon shifter blood flows through her veins and is sent to a special academy where she needs to learn to harness and control her powers. It is here she discovers the true meaning of friends, is confronted with conspiracies, end-of-days prophecies, and epic battles and must navigate a budding romance with a boy who would lay the world at her feet.
This is the first book and ends on a cliffhanger with a plot twist!
This story was a fun, entertaining read that has me hoping we don’t have to wait too long for the next
book!
Dive into the world of Everin, an underdog teenager who has just learned that dragon shifter blood flows through her veins and is sent to a special academy where she needs to learn to harness and control her powers. It is here she discovers the true meaning of friends, is confronted with conspiracies, end-of-days prophecies, and epic battles and must navigate a budding romance with a boy who would lay the world at her feet.
This is the first book and ends on a cliffhanger with a plot twist!
This story was a fun, entertaining read that has me hoping we don’t have to wait too long for the next
book!
October 15, 2025
if you're a fan of the whimsical fantasy series (Netflix Wednesday, Harry Potter, School for good and evil) you're gonna like this book! It has all the reasons to be your new comfort book (personally, the comedic timing of the character won me over 🤣)! and the lore/backstory of the book is really thought out and it's not something thats just there for the plot yk? I mean the main storyline didn't fade into the background after the dynamics of the character progresses into something that's prominent. I recommend book lovers (who are into dragons especially) to read this wonderful book and get lost into the author/writer's imagination!
October 15, 2025
Loved the dragons and the magic!
Flames of Darkness really surprised me in the best way. I loved the dragon shifters — they were powerful, emotional, and honestly my favorite part of the book. The magical school setting was super fun too; I always enjoy that kind of environment, and this one had the perfect mix of danger, mystery, and friendships.
The magic system and language used throughout the story were really unique and made the world feel rich and alive. There were a few slower moments, but overall, the pacing and writing kept me hooked.
If you enjoy academy stories with dragon shifters, secrets, and a touch of darkness, definitely give this one a try!
Flames of Darkness really surprised me in the best way. I loved the dragon shifters — they were powerful, emotional, and honestly my favorite part of the book. The magical school setting was super fun too; I always enjoy that kind of environment, and this one had the perfect mix of danger, mystery, and friendships.
The magic system and language used throughout the story were really unique and made the world feel rich and alive. There were a few slower moments, but overall, the pacing and writing kept me hooked.
If you enjoy academy stories with dragon shifters, secrets, and a touch of darkness, definitely give this one a try!
October 18, 2025
As someone who usually enjoys the romance side of young adult fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed the fantasy genre for a change.
I was hooked from the moment dragons were mentioned, and the story was incredibly gripping. I was also pleasantly surprised by how original the storyline felt.
This book features an academy for newly transitioned or yet-to-transition dragons, strong friendships, and a subtle hint of romance.
The pacing of the plot was well-done, keeping me constantly immersed. I found myself struggling to put the book down at times!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC e-reader copy before its release date!
I was hooked from the moment dragons were mentioned, and the story was incredibly gripping. I was also pleasantly surprised by how original the storyline felt.
This book features an academy for newly transitioned or yet-to-transition dragons, strong friendships, and a subtle hint of romance.
The pacing of the plot was well-done, keeping me constantly immersed. I found myself struggling to put the book down at times!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC e-reader copy before its release date!
October 1, 2025
ARC read. I really enjoyed this book. Was a nice YA read. I loved the storyline and honestly would watch if it was a tv series or movie!
La Kayshal thank you for the great ARC of *The Flames of Darkness! I really enjoyed it and will look forward to book 2 in the series! ❤️🤓📚
La Kayshal thank you for the great ARC of *The Flames of Darkness! I really enjoyed it and will look forward to book 2 in the series! ❤️🤓📚
October 4, 2025
I am an ARC reader and I genuinely enjoyed this YA Fantasy. The dragon storyline was unique to other things I’ve read. I loved the emphasis on friendship. The FMC and MMC are both loveable. Looking forward to the sequel!
October 13, 2025
I’m happy that LA Kayshal reached out and asked me to ARC this book. I really enjoyed the writing, plot line and characters.
On Everin’s 16th birthday she finds out that she’s a dragon shifter and needs to leave her siblings behind to learn more about herself and her potential. I’m a huge fan of shifter stories and this one doesn’t disappoint. The world building was great as was the character development. Can’t wait for book 2.
On Everin’s 16th birthday she finds out that she’s a dragon shifter and needs to leave her siblings behind to learn more about herself and her potential. I’m a huge fan of shifter stories and this one doesn’t disappoint. The world building was great as was the character development. Can’t wait for book 2.
October 15, 2025
Dragon shifters in a academic setting, trying to master their gifts. A fast paced read that will keep you entertained till the end. It's definitely worth a read.
February 3, 2026
As an arc reader this book is giving me a magical vibe think of hogwarts but for dragons that are students who can transform into dragons and what I have read so far OMG it's awesome I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone else into fantasy
October 22, 2025
***ARC READER
Definitely gave some fourth wing meets academia with some twists. I am very excited for book 2 so that I can continue with the story.
Definitely gave some fourth wing meets academia with some twists. I am very excited for book 2 so that I can continue with the story.
October 31, 2025
I am so honored to have received an arc of this book! It was a great read and did not disappoint!
A good dragon story never seems to disappoint and this one was no different. The plot twist was crazy and I did not see it coming. The character development was very well done and I really enjoyed this authors writing style. I loved following Everins story and that cliffhanger ending? Left me wanting more! I'm so excited for the next book to come out!
A good dragon story never seems to disappoint and this one was no different. The plot twist was crazy and I did not see it coming. The character development was very well done and I really enjoyed this authors writing style. I loved following Everins story and that cliffhanger ending? Left me wanting more! I'm so excited for the next book to come out!
January 21, 2026
bloody loved this book such a great original book that I highly recommend great characters and storyline a school for dragon shifters with intrigue and adventure
October 18, 2025
This was an awesome YA story that was like Harry Potter with dragons! It was so fun to see the group of friends grow and interact throughout the book. They kept me wanting more, and that cliffhanger? Oof.
September 25, 2025
Such a great book it’s a great YA book.i love how it gives off fourth wing vibes but has a twist in it
January 23, 2026
Book 1 of Bell's Fire Dragon
This book checks all the boxes for young readers. It points out how important family, friends, and inner strength are.
This book checks all the boxes for young readers. It points out how important family, friends, and inner strength are.
October 17, 2025
I have to admit, I didn't enjoy this book very much, and I feel like I only have myself to blame, as I was clearly not the target audience.
I saw this story marketed as "romantasy" and "perfect for fans of Fourth Wing or Shadow and Bone." Unfortunately, I completely disregarded the fact that this is a clean Young Adult story. I didn't get a vibe even close to the two aforementioned books.
What it did strongly remind me of was Harry Potter. Many elements echoed the HP series: the "you're a dragon" moment, a magical school for kids, a restricted library section, making a secret potion, a magical competition, and a central prophecy. Being reminded of HP isn't a bad thing, as I read and enjoyed those books when I was younger, but readers should be prepared for this particular magical school vibe, rather than the tone of adult romantasy.
I felt like the characters fell a bit flat and seemed to lack depth. I was also frustrated by their overall lack of questioning what was happening around them. However, since this is a book about teenagers (and likely for teenagers), that might be a reflection of the genre rather than a fault in the author’s writing. For fans of clean, magical school YA, this is likely a fun and well-executed read.
I read about three quarters of the book and ultimately decided to Did Not Finish (DNF), as I wasn't invested enough in the story to push through.
Don't be discouraged! Just read the description more carefully than I did to see if this is your cup of tea.
I saw this story marketed as "romantasy" and "perfect for fans of Fourth Wing or Shadow and Bone." Unfortunately, I completely disregarded the fact that this is a clean Young Adult story. I didn't get a vibe even close to the two aforementioned books.
What it did strongly remind me of was Harry Potter. Many elements echoed the HP series: the "you're a dragon" moment, a magical school for kids, a restricted library section, making a secret potion, a magical competition, and a central prophecy. Being reminded of HP isn't a bad thing, as I read and enjoyed those books when I was younger, but readers should be prepared for this particular magical school vibe, rather than the tone of adult romantasy.
I felt like the characters fell a bit flat and seemed to lack depth. I was also frustrated by their overall lack of questioning what was happening around them. However, since this is a book about teenagers (and likely for teenagers), that might be a reflection of the genre rather than a fault in the author’s writing. For fans of clean, magical school YA, this is likely a fun and well-executed read.
I read about three quarters of the book and ultimately decided to Did Not Finish (DNF), as I wasn't invested enough in the story to push through.
Don't be discouraged! Just read the description more carefully than I did to see if this is your cup of tea.
February 1, 2026
English below :
Merci à La Kayshal de m'avoir donné un ARC.
Livre lu par ma fille de 12 ans qui l'a dévoré en 3 jours. Elle adore le fantastique et la romance young adult. Voici sa critique :
Points positifs :
- 💞🫑 La romance (Douce et légère)
- 🐉 Les dragons (Qui ne voudraient pas pouvoir se transformer en dragon ?!)
- 🧙♀️ Everin (Le personnage principal a des faiblesses et elle n'est pas parfait, on l'aime comme ça!)
- 👫La diversité des personnages
- Une fin
Point moins :
- 📔L'intrigue (très prévisible, il y aurait eu place à un peu plus de rebondissements)
Elle attend la suite avec impatience!
English :
Thanks to La Kayshal for giving me an ARC.
My 12-year-old daughter read this book and devoured it in 3 days. She loves fantasy and young adult romance. Here is her review:
Positive points:
- 💞🫑 The romance (Sweet and light)
- 🐉 The dragons (Who wouldn't want to be able to transform into a dragon?!)
- 🧙♀️ Everin (The main character has weaknesses and isn't perfect, but we love her that way!)
- 👫 The diversity of the characters
- The Cliffhanger at the end
The minus :
- 📔 The plot (very predictable; there could have been a few more twists)
She's eager to read the next book !
Merci à La Kayshal de m'avoir donné un ARC.
Livre lu par ma fille de 12 ans qui l'a dévoré en 3 jours. Elle adore le fantastique et la romance young adult. Voici sa critique :
Points positifs :
- 💞🫑 La romance (Douce et légère)
- 🐉 Les dragons (Qui ne voudraient pas pouvoir se transformer en dragon ?!)
- 🧙♀️ Everin (Le personnage principal a des faiblesses et elle n'est pas parfait, on l'aime comme ça!)
- 👫La diversité des personnages
- Une fin
Point moins :
- 📔L'intrigue (très prévisible, il y aurait eu place à un peu plus de rebondissements)
Elle attend la suite avec impatience!
English :
Thanks to La Kayshal for giving me an ARC.
My 12-year-old daughter read this book and devoured it in 3 days. She loves fantasy and young adult romance. Here is her review:
Positive points:
- 💞🫑 The romance (Sweet and light)
- 🐉 The dragons (Who wouldn't want to be able to transform into a dragon?!)
- 🧙♀️ Everin (The main character has weaknesses and isn't perfect, but we love her that way!)
- 👫 The diversity of the characters
- The Cliffhanger at the end
The minus :
- 📔 The plot (very predictable; there could have been a few more twists)
She's eager to read the next book !
October 11, 2025
I read The Flames of Darkness as an eARC. Here's my honest review.
It was entertaining, to say the least. As the first of the series, it was a good introduction. However, I wasn't drawn into the book as much as I thought. It's a dragon shifter fantasy with a little romance. Everin is a late bloomer. Most dragon shifters start shifting to a dragon when they are 12 or 13. When they start their dragon transformation, they get sent to Drakon Academy to control their powers. Little does she know that is she is transforming into the most feared dragon of all.
For a middle school fantasy, it is a good book. I'd recommend it if you enjoy fantasy mixed with dragons
It was entertaining, to say the least. As the first of the series, it was a good introduction. However, I wasn't drawn into the book as much as I thought. It's a dragon shifter fantasy with a little romance. Everin is a late bloomer. Most dragon shifters start shifting to a dragon when they are 12 or 13. When they start their dragon transformation, they get sent to Drakon Academy to control their powers. Little does she know that is she is transforming into the most feared dragon of all.
For a middle school fantasy, it is a good book. I'd recommend it if you enjoy fantasy mixed with dragons
October 13, 2025
ARC READER
The Flames of Darkness by La Kayshal is a dark fantasy romance full of broken loyalties, forbidden desire, and magic that comes with a price. The story follows Emberlyn, a fierce but emotionally guarded warrior bound to protect a kingdom that has never protected her, and Kael, a mysterious prince tied to a cursed bloodline and hunted by the very shadows he commands. When a war fueled by ancient prophecy erupts, these two enemies are forced into a fragile alliance—one that slowly sparks into reluctant trust and dangerous attraction.
The Flames of Darkness by La Kayshal is a dark fantasy romance full of broken loyalties, forbidden desire, and magic that comes with a price. The story follows Emberlyn, a fierce but emotionally guarded warrior bound to protect a kingdom that has never protected her, and Kael, a mysterious prince tied to a cursed bloodline and hunted by the very shadows he commands. When a war fueled by ancient prophecy erupts, these two enemies are forced into a fragile alliance—one that slowly sparks into reluctant trust and dangerous attraction.
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