Flame Theory: Bloodlines: Book 1

by C.F.E. Black

An imposter. A mafia heir. A dragon race that could kill them both. The perfect mashup of Six of Crows and How to Train Your Dragon.It’s illegal to own a wild dragon. It’s even more illegal to bond with one.

I’ve spent my life scraping by in the city’s underbelly, doing whatever it takes to give my family a better future. So when I’m offered a place at the kingdom’s most prestigious dragon riding academy, I seize the chance—no matter that I’m diving headfirst into dangerous waters. To survive, I have to hide who I am and keep the truth about my dragon buried deep.

But at Cardan Lott College, secrets don’t stay hidden long. Especially not from Rushland Covington—the academy’s golden heir who’s far too clever for his own good. Behind that perfect smile, he’s chasing a forbidden mystery about dragons…and somehow, I’m the key to solving it.

Bound by secrets, we form a reluctant alliance that leads us down a path that will permanently alter our lives and possibly our entire world. Some secrets are meant to be uncovered, and others are meant to stay hidden. But the fire growing between us is the most dangerous truth of all.

If you loved Hiccup and Toothless, but this time you want it set in an elite academy like Maxton Hall where dragon racing is the school sport, then you’re in the right place. The first in an addictive new YA fantasy series, Flame Theory features the start of a no-spice, swoon-worthy romance filled with banter, dragon races, rivalries, and hidden truths.

Welcome to the world of dragon racing.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Romantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Clean Romance, Science Fiction Fantasy

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 27, 2026

Reviews

[OliviaClairereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw a video on Instagram saying this book has HTTYD vibes... I'm sold. Can't wait for this to release, I'll update this review when I have finished the book. ❤️

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh, honestly I wanted to love this book and I was so excited to get the arc. The cover is very cool looking. But it was honestly disappointing. It was pretty confusing and a lot was going on throughout the whole book. I didn’t love or care for any of the characters especially not Rush. I didn’t like his crude comments and behavior. He was drunk a lot and he didn’t seem to change. I didn’t like the partial swear either from Ari’s brother. I almost DNF’d this book multiple times. The author claims to be a Christian, but this book has nothing about that at all. There is a mention of Ari praying to some god, but doesn’t specify. I didn’t care for the cliffhanger either and don’t think I’ll read the second one. I know this was advertised with HTTYD vibes and it was just not there other than it having dragons in it. With all that being said, maybe I’m just not the target audience for this book. I did like reading about the dragons, but I wish it had HTTYD vibes. I have yet to find a book that has that. Overall, it was a disappointing reading start to 2026. Now, with that being said, I’m not saying this to be mean to the author or anything. It just wasn’t the book for me. Her writing is well done and perhaps I’ll try a different book from her in the future.

[Maggie Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ Academia Fantasy (upper YA)

🖊️ “Flame Theory” by C. F. E. Black

🚨 CONTENT & ROMANCE RATINGS
* Kissing: 13&up
* Fade-to-black: none
* Violence: 16&up
* SA: none
* Language: none
* Gangs and gang violence (nothing gory)
* Manipulative father
* Never satisfied mother

#️⃣ 1st in the Bloodlines series

🗓️ FORMAT / AVAILABILITY
* November 30th
* Kickstarter special edition October 6th
* Paperback
* Hardback
* Kindle

♥️ TROPES:
* rivals to lovers
* Dragon racing (legal and illegal night races)
* Academic setting
* Six of crows + how to train your dragon + Harry Potter
* Political chess
* Lower class FMC + High society MMC
* Rival gangs
* Slow-burn
* Mafia vibes
* Forced proximity

📝 REVIEW:
I don’t think there is any way to fully understand what I just read, but I LOVED IT!! There is nothing more exciting than thinking you know the plot and then being proven wrong. All the little details from character back story, the history of their world, the dragon science and flying lessons were so well thought out. I was amazed. Everything flowed so well together that it felt like the book was common knowledge rather than being built from the ground up.
And the ROMANCE!! It flowed so naturally!! There wasn’t a random abrupt change from rivals to lovers. It was a natural progression that just made sense.
I can’t get over this book! They learn to fly dragons, the political chess revolves around dragons, and the romance is everything a girl could dream of. So go add this book on Goodreads and mark your calendars for release day!!

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I funded this! And, I feel like a proud mom by saying it was a winner and I can't wait for everyone else to read it.

The comps - Six of Crows + How to Tran Your Dragon is accurate. However, I'd go more with Peaky Blinders or something other than Six of Crows.

The world building is one that is uncovered bit by bit. History of dragons and humans is pretty simple: dragon fire bad, get rid of dragon fire = good. Humans + dragons bonded = good. But in the case of our female lead, she is bonded to a wild dragon that can breathe fire. She is also not noble, and noble people can't bond to dragons... but she did. She also has to figure out how the wealthiest family in the city can constantly keep winning in the dragon races. Find the answer, show the world that history can be changed, and maybe something new.

There is a dangerous pull between her and the ML. I liked Rush as a character. He is someone who hides who he truly is and his distaste for her is hidden in his quest to find out the truth regarding dragons. When they realize they're not so different, and that they both are technically on the side of good, you find out the real enemy is the father. And that's when the gang related stuff starts really coming to a boil.

I'm glad I took a chance on this author since the book ended with a reveal and bum-bum-bum! moment for book two. So, yeah. if you like gangs, smart female and male, dragons, slow-burn, magic, hidden history and promising dangerous further installments I recommend the book.

[Leigh | The Naptime Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly! What. A. Ride. An elite academy setting, dragons, secrets with twists and turns, high-stakes, corrupt power, a fascinating, multifaceted cast of characters, rivals to more with so. much. yearning. – this story gripped me and held me to the end (more about that later!)! This is the first book that I’ve read in 2026, but I think it will be a favorite for the year!

It has so many layers that unfold as you read – the twists and secrets, the character development, the world building, the discoveries, the illusions vs. reality. I found the story to be unique (especially compared to anything that I’ve read before) and well-developed.

The world building is wonderful. I knew I liked how Black builds her worlds from The Starlit Prince, and I was not disappointed. The rich descriptions and in-world history give this world so much depth.

This is a darker and more violent story than I usually read. The characters are imperfect and still growing, but they are trying to make positive changes to the world that they were given. The conflict is intense and gritty, and the stakes are high with life and death consequences. Any change, any good, any growth, any light isn’t handed over easily – it’s fought for, and the fight isn’t over yet.

And the ending…I knew it would be a cliffhanger, but I was truly unprepared for how my heart was wrenched. Where are you Book 2?!

Since I’ve never read Six of Crows and have only seen How to Train Your Dragon once, I found there to be a few Harry Potter vibes which I liked.

Content: no-spice/kisses-only romance; one bed (nothing is insinuated or happens); clean language (some in-world cursing, innuendo used as an insult); hardships of poverty; violence, blood, and death; gang violence; hazing; parent death; abusive parents; alcoholism; gambling; character mentions she was "with" a man before marriage – these things aren’t glorified

I backed this book on Kickstarter and received my digital copy before the publication date!

[BookishVibesClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story our dragon-loving romantasy world didn’t know we needed!! But oh my gosh we did ❤️‍🔥 And it is such an exciting ride 🔥

An outcast FMC sent to the dark academia training academy in a dark and dangerous world, but she’s is brave enough and strong enough to take that on 🙌🏻 especially when she gets in too deep with her rival.

This is a thrilling read with mystery and danger. I enjoyed every second of getting to know the characters and the world in the first half of the book. The second half of the book kept me on the edge of my seat with high stakes danger, excitement, tension, and all the big feels. And that twist 😱 and oh that ending ahhhhh!!

The FMC is determined, brave, willing to do anything to protect her family and friends. She has a big heart and is kind. I loved her and really enjoyed getting to follow her story. The MMC is flirty, confident, protective, a bit morally grey, and a little rebellious… with a bigger heart than he lets on. The best friend is a lot of fun, a little sassy, and a good person to have on her side. I really enjoy the rival and pretend hate to allies dynamic between the main characters. Mutual secret keeping brings them together and the Swoony tension makes them inseparable.

This academy has rich history as culture that makes it feel real. The variety characters you meet there each have their own unique personalities that make them likable (or unlikeable for some) and memorable, which is rare for me to say in a book with so many characters introduced in one place. The house/faction of the academy is dangerous and alluring like the Dauntless faction of Divergent. Writing that makes you feel like you are there 🙌🏻 The feelings captured in the writing fit so well with what someone would experience in that unique situation.


❤️‍🔥 Dark Academia
❤️‍🔥 House System/Factions at Academy
❤️‍🔥 Dragon Racing
❤️‍🔥 Mafia-like Nobility
❤️‍🔥 Dragon Racing Academy
❤️‍🔥 Dangerous Rival MMC
❤️‍🔥 Hidden Identity FMC
❤️‍🔥 Flirty Banter
❤️‍🔥 Illegal Street Races (but make it on dragons)
❤️‍🔥 Mysterious MMC
❤️‍🔥 Dangerous Secrets
❤️‍🔥 One Dragon
❤️‍🔥 Secret late night meet-ups
❤️‍🔥 Touch her and ☠️
❤️‍🔥 Gangs
❤️‍🔥 Family
❤️‍🔥 Found Family
❤️‍🔥 Morally Grey
❤️‍🔥 Rebellion
❤️‍🔥 Pretend Hate

Upper YA, single POV
No Spice | Closed Door 🫑🫑 Swoony with some lightly steamy feels


This I going to give you some feels of Fourth Wing, On Wings of Blood, and How to Train Your Dragon but with characters and a story completely unique and wonderful on its own. I NEED this to be made into a movie or TV show 🙏🏻

[Kysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so intense! I had to pause my reading because I didn’t want it to end and leave me bereft and waiting for the other books!
This world was so vibrant in my mind! As someone who avoided Fourth Wing for content reasons, I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint. I feel as though I’ve walked the halls of Cardan Lott, learned to fly a dragon, and gambled for the highest stakes. I am so eager for the rest of the story!

Thank you for the eARC and the chance to experience this world!


Content:
Definitely some heavier themes but I felt they were handled well and not glorified.
Gambling, alcohol, gangs, violence, death threats, mention of brothels, in world swearing, a little kissing but no spice.

[Hannah DCamp]

No idea what this is, but the blurb is blurbing 👀

[Hannah Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless…I wish I could give this book a billion stars😍

How to Train Your Dragon meets Six of Crows. To name a few elements: academy setting, dragon riding/racing, hidden identity, mafia, rivals to lover (that is done to perfection) and more!

I had the honor of reading a very early copy of this book and I was not disappointed. C.F.E. Black has an amazing way of bringing both worlds and characters to life! From the very beginning, I was intrigued to learn how Arivelle went from such a low class in society to attending the elite dragon racing college of Cardan Lott. Her bond with her wild dragon is the epitome of an animal companion. I have never been through so many emotions in a single book. By the end I was shaking with anticipation and suspense because I had no idea how it was going to end. Did I mention there was rivals to lovers?? C.F.E. Black completely perfected this trope and I still can’t get over the arc of their relationship🫠

If you love the bond between Hiccup and Toothless or the relationship between him and Astrid, and want a fantastic No-Spice fantasy, then you’ll absolutely love Flame Theory by C.F.E. Black! You really don’t want to miss out on this book…I’m pretty sure this is going to become one of my favorite series.

[Katie Zeliger · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 6 stars I would. I absolutely loved reading this story! The characters were dynamic and drew me in immediately. The bonds between dragon and rider were so sweet and felt so genuine.
The plot and pacing was gripping and steady. Nearly every chapter ended in a way that had me staying up late turning the page to find out what would happen next!
The setting was so cool, a mix of magical and otherworldly, while academic and competitive but all the while caught up in a 1920s gangster kinda vibe. It was very picturesque and well done!!
And the swooning? Don’t even get me started. I love when the rivals/enemies stay that way for almost the entire book. And I think CFE Black is the new queen of tension 🤌🏼👏🏼
Did I quote the book line for line to my husband? I absolutely did. I may even name my next child after the MMC bc he was goalllls 🔥😂
I genuinely loved this book and can’t wait for others to read it and fall in love with the story, characters, and world.

*I had the privilege of receiving an early ARC copy from the author.

[Abbi Hovermale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering this has a YA targeted audience, I rounded up from a 4 to 5 ⭐️. My biggest issues were minimal world building and the vibes felt like piggybacks to popular series (Forth Wing, HTTYD, Harry Potter).

That being said, the plot felt really unique and the main female lead was PERFECT. She was your average run-of-the-mill with courage and guts. Not too victim-oriented and not some hidden-special-power superhero. She definitely has her share of trauma, but it’s not brought up in every thought she has.

If you’re looking for a fantasy (with some romance) for teenagers without the language and sex- this is my new recommendation!! Honestly even as an adult, I had a really hard time putting it down.

[Kinsey B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you CFE Black for the Advanced copy of this book. These are my honest opinions.

I really was excited for this book. The idea of dragon riding and racing was so exciting, but this book was just middle of the road for me. It is not spicy at all, which I enjoyed, but the story was just a little all over the place for me. The story felt disorganised and chaotic. I didn’t care for the MMC pretending to be interesting in another girl to keep the FMC safe from his father.

The ending of this book saved the whole thing. The final race was tense and the ending had a decent cliffhanger. I’m glad I had the chance to read this, but I just don’t think it was fantastic.

Tropes:
Elite vs low class
Academia
Dragon races
Rivals to Lovers? (There’s only a kiss)
Hidden magic

Quote:

“I was not going to merely watch from the shadows. Not anymore. Now I was going to light the whole world on fire.”

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 but I'll round up for an indie author!

I rate mostly for vibes, and the vibes here are amazing! I love the dragons, I love the racing, I love the academy setting, but that isn't to say this book doesn't have flaws.

It really is lacking world building in my eyes. We know the city has many different gangs and the gang rivarlly drives some of the plot, but it feels glossed over. Different breeds of dragons are mentioned but never discussed. This story takes place in a school and I feel we missed so many opportunities to learn more about the setting and current events in the classroom since the scenes where the characters are in class get sped through or skipped. One last thing here, I really wish the school's different houses got more spotlight. The sorting system is really cool and feels like a missed opportunity as well.

The pacing also seemed off for me. I can't really explain it but I'll come back to update once my thoughts settle. It did almost cause me to DNF but I'm so glad I pushed through because it does get better.

The plot was good, I loved the side characters, and overall this book was a good experience. I will be looking out for future installments!

[Bethany Troyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the book felt casual, not much adventure. Got a little repetitive and there were mamy times where the scene changed but it wasn't clear that it was a scene change. But UUUGGG THAT ENDING!!!! Having to wait for the next books is agony!!! Gotta applaud that slow build up of attraction and that scene between Rush and Ari in the hallway at the ball.......Golly dang.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

*Series or Connected Books?* 1st book of a series that must be read in order

*Point Of View:* Ari (Arivelle)

*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* it is mentioned that characters curse, but no curse words are used

*Romance?* Yes! Only sweet kisses

*Things To Know:*

-there is some gangs and gang violence in the book

-it is mentioned that a parent passed (past event)

-it is mentioned that a parent is abusive

-there was a character who gambled & was an alcoholic

-there are some mentions of violence (guns & knives), injuries, & death

-it is briefly mentioned that in a different country (we don’t visit in the story or meet a character that also believes it) believes that men having multiple wives/concubines is a mark of strength and power

-it is briefly mentioned that a character was with another before marriage (past event – no further details)

-it is insinuated that a character believes a character slept with another character (incorrectly assumed)

-there is a very brief mention that a character passes a pair of women dressed in very little clothing

Review:

This was SO GOOD! I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it!

There were so many twists and turns! I loved getting to know Cardan Lott College and the residents Ari met along the way. I especially loved Ari’s friendship with her roommate and seeing how much time they spent together all over the campus (and outside of it). It was very interesting to see how the school and dragons mixed! I was pulled in by Ari’s desire to have a dragon bonded to her and seeing the dragon races throughout the book. Ari and her dragon Myth were adorable together and I loved getting to see their bond grow too! I also had fun with Rushland knowing some of Ari’s secrets and them both holding a secret or two over the other’s heads to get their way. It made Ari keep herself on her toes more so than her general discomfort of living the lie she had to live to make a change for people like her.

I wish book two was available now with the ending Flame Theory gave us, but I’ll happily wait for it by rereading this one!

Summary:

Arivelle has scraped by working odd jobs for the sake of her family. But in a world of dragons and dragon racing, she’s always wished for more. And when it finally comes true, Ari finds herself living a lie in a world of impossibilities…

It should be impossible to bond with a wild dragon, and yet Ari’s managed to do it. And with an offer to learn at the prestigious Cardan Lott College presented to her, Ari doesn’t hesitate to accept.

Even though she’ll be living a lie in order to get in.

Even though she’ll have to hide her wild dragon’s nature from the other students and faculty.

Even though she could suffer serious consequences if she’s discovered.

And it’s only a matter of time. Especially since the one person who already suspects the truth will be attending Cardan Lott alongside her.

Rushland Covington – the heir everyone in society bends to – is ruthless, clever, and most certainly won’t let it go once he has the truth. But he’s also investigating a forbidden mystery about dragons. One that he thinks could be solved using Ari’s dragon.

With a reluctant alliance between them for the investigation, Ari knows better than to think her problems are gone. But the deeper they dive into the secrets hidden from society, the more danger arises for both Ari and Rushland. In the end, Ari isn’t sure which will be worse: being discovered to be a fraud or having someone discover they’ve uncovered the truth that was buried.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

*Series or Connected Books?* 1st book of a series that must be read in order

*Point Of View:* Ari (Arivelle)

*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* it is mentioned that characters curse, but no curse words are used

*Romance?* Yes! Only sweet kisses

*Things To Know:*

-there is some gangs and gang violence in the book

-it is mentioned that a parent passed (past event)

-it is mentioned that a parent is abusive

-there was a character who gambled & was an alcoholic

-there are some mentions of violence (guns & knives), injuries, & death

-it is briefly mentioned that in a different country (we don’t visit in the story or meet a character that also believes it) believes that men having multiple wives/concubines is a mark of strength and power

-it is briefly mentioned that a character was with another before marriage (past event – no further details)

-it is insinuated that a character believes a character slept with another character (incorrectly assumed)

-there is a very brief mention that a character passes a pair of women dressed in very little clothing

Review:

This was SO GOOD! I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it!

There were so many twists and turns! I loved getting to know Cardan Lott College and the residents Ari met along the way. I especially loved Ari’s friendship with her roommate and seeing how much time they spent together all over the campus (and outside of it). It was very interesting to see how the school and dragons mixed! I was pulled in by Ari’s desire to have a dragon bonded to her and seeing the dragon races throughout the book. Ari and her dragon Myth were adorable together and I loved getting to see their bond grow too! I also had fun with Rushland knowing some of Ari’s secrets and them both holding a secret or two over the other’s heads to get their way. It made Ari keep herself on her toes more so than her general discomfort of living the lie she had to live to make a change for people like her.

I wish book two was available now with the ending Flame Theory gave us, but I’ll happily wait for it by rereading this one!

Summary:

Arivelle has scraped by working odd jobs for the sake of her family. But in a world of dragons and dragon racing, she’s always wished for more. And when it finally comes true, Ari finds herself living a lie in a world of impossibilities…

It should be impossible to bond with a wild dragon, and yet Ari’s managed to do it. And with an offer to learn at the prestigious Cardan Lott College presented to her, Ari doesn’t hesitate to accept.

Even though she’ll be living a lie in order to get in.

Even though she’ll have to hide her wild dragon’s nature from the other students and faculty.

Even though she could suffer serious consequences if she’s discovered.

And it’s only a matter of time. Especially since the one person who already suspects the truth will be attending Cardan Lott alongside her.

Rushland Covington – the heir everyone in society bends to – is ruthless, clever, and most certainly won’t let it go once he has the truth. But he’s also investigating a forbidden mystery about dragons. One that he thinks could be solved using Ari’s dragon.

With a reluctant alliance between them for the investigation, Ari knows better than to think her problems are gone. But the deeper they dive into the secrets hidden from society, the more danger arises for both Ari and Rushland. In the end, Ari isn’t sure which will be worse: being discovered to be a fraud or having someone discover they’ve uncovered the truth that was buried.

[Taylor Doran · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I'm blown away by this new young adult fantasy! I feel so grateful I got to read it early.

We follow a young girl from the slums who goes from shoveling dragon dung for a mob boss to going to the elite academy for dragon riders. She has to lie about her lineage as well as her dragon's, both of which puts her life in danger. In this kingdom, only the wealthy can bond a dragon, but our FMC is trying to overturn these societal norms for a better life for the poor like her and her family. 

I love how the dragons are a little less fierce than other romantasies, but the high stakes come from the dangerous humans who run the dragon racing sport like the mafia. I absolutely adore an academy setting and dragon bonds in my fantasies and this book delivered both. 

The romance was a highlight for me. These two had to work together to uncover some secrets but really didn't like each other at first. I also liked the "I'll burn the world down for you" energy that the MMC gave, even though they were forbidden to even know each other, or both of their lives were at stake.

I loved the side character Vanya. I hope we get more of her in future books!

I'm still reeling from the cliffhanger at the end and cannot wait to see where the story goes next. I definitely didn't expect it. 

Content note: there is no spice or language, but lots of violence

[gerdenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5*

This book truly delivered. I don't even know where to start...

A romantasy that did not fill it's pages with romance and smut fluff- we had a good relationship that fit into a good plot.

A unique world with political turmoil- oh and dragon racing! (I usually hate the time period this is inspired by but it wasn't super forced and I loved everything else)
I was not bombarded with world building- it felt gradual and as needed.
The pacing was great- I never felt lost or bored or like I missed something from it happening too fast.

She's from the bottom and must blend in and prove her place at the prestigious dragon academy.

He's seen as a privileged heart throb but actually has a backstory/trauma.

The side characters are dynamic- some made to hate others made to love- and it truly made the story more full.

A couple twists I saw coming but that ending got me...
My biggest complaint is that I don't have book two in my hands... (and I could have used a bit more racing action- it was heavier in the beginning and kind of fazed out- yes I know we were not in racing season but I still missed it)

I really loved this world more than I thought I would and am SO excited to see where it goes!

[Christina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I blazed through this book like I was racing! If you enjoy a refreshing storyline that blends fantasy with an oldies style gang vibe, this book does it VERY well. I could tell I was reading something unique and well thought out. The author's passion in this story comes through in spades (pun intended). There was never a time when I was reading when the plot of dragons didn't seem to fit or make sense. The world has been built with dragons in it, and it makes sense from the start. As the plot progresses, the dragons make more sense than ever.

I found myself going back to keep reading over and over, ready for what was next. I really enjoyed the slow-burn chemistry between the main characters, as well as the slow-burn plot boiling underneath. Each chapter served a purpose to push the story along, which made me want to know more and more. I am personally more of a plot/story first, romance second reader, and I felt that this book handed out both in equal measure. I truly enjoyed it, and I am so glad I had the chance to back it in Kickstarter so I can see the gorgeous cover in person, soon!

[Michaela Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh where to start! Young teenage me would have eaten this up. Dragon racing, mafia, romance, what's not to love? It starts a little slow but then really amps up half way through. and that ending?? Are you for real telling me the next one isn't out yet??😩

I love that the MMC is blonde, please bring back the blonde male characters!! I'm a sucker for the rescue trope and really enjoyed those elements in this story. Myth sounds like a beautiful dragon and I want one now hehe.

I would have loved to see more delving into the mafia rule of the city. Essentially they rule the city but very little is revealed at least in this first installment. They just kinda feel like a placeholder atm, the "bad" guy for the sake of establishing a bad guy. It's not safe to be out on the streets, theres at least two gangs, but what exactly they want is vague. You get hints towards the end, so I'm anticipating as the series goes we'll see more of this.

If you've got a young teen who loves dragons and romance, maybe wants a bit more of a nitty gritty underdog story, this is a good one. Sweet yearning and no spice, and dragons of course duh. Fourth Wing but for kids.

[Katie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I supported this book on Kickstarter because I love dragon stories and I like the author. I received an early e-book copy of this story with my purchase. The world-building is pretty simple since it’s YA, but the characters aren’t. I like how I went into this story not knowing what to expect from the characters. It made things more surprising for me, so I will try not to give too much away. The FMC is obvious because the story is told from her POV. She’s tough and practical because of her upbringing, but she still has her dreams. The MMC surprised me because he was not who I expected him to be. He is imperfect, but he isn’t all he seems to be at first and he evolves throughout the story into someone special. The relationship between the two of them develops naturally despite their differences and their yearning towards the end is well-done. The relationship between the FMC and her dragon is also strong and has me in tears during many parts of the story. Finally, the story itself is engaging and keeps me interested throughout. The ending leaves us with a huge cliffhanger and some big questions that I can’t wait to read about in book 2.

[Summer Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review:
I don’t know if I have words to describe how amazing this book was! The Maxton Hall/HTTYD vibes were perfect and the fact there’s no-spice makes it ten times better! This book absolutely destroyed me in the best way possible. Rush and Ari were perfect and I love them so much! The relationships between the students and dragons was incredible. And the secrets were insane! I felt like I was apart of the story while reading! The cliffhanger was absolutely brutal. I have so many unanswered questions and I’m so worried for Rush and Ari. Just when their relationship was growing the plot twisted and the book ended! When I say I can’t wait for book 2, I mean I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 2! I need it so badly…

Ratings:
6⭐️
Spice: .5🌶️
Language: none
TW: Death. Blood. Violence. Never satisfied mother. Neglectful parent. Gangs. Secrets and cliffhangers that will keep you up all night 😭🫣
Release date: Feb 27th

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely incredible. Had absolutely everything I love about a good fantasy. Interesting characters, handsome men, plot lines for days. Ugh! I loved it. I cannot believe we only got one kiss scene but there’s the rest of the series…hopefully. I’m literally on pins and needles waiting for book number 2.

This new series has the best inspirations and vibes. Harry Potter vibes with the House sorting. HTTYD vibes with…obviously…dragon riding. Honestly this is a niche reference but it gave so many vibes of that one season of Ever After High where they raced dragons…my inner child loved that.

Honestly this was 10/10, no notes. Finally, us no-spice readers get something comparable to Fourth Wing. I always have to applaud authors when they do something like this and do it well, for us readers that don’t like spice in our books.

Best book of 2026 for me so far

[Kaci Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I was so excited to read this book and could not wait for it to release, but now I am so sad I have to wait for a second book to resolve the ending, what a finale! The book was absolutely incredible! A fun and enticing take on the elite versus lower class with a 1920s gangster vibe in a world with dragons - I love the world building, the political games, and especially the academia settings. I appreciate the initial enemies to begrudging accomplices, and blossoming relationship development. I thought Catherine made an initially arrogant and unlikable character become someone you were rooting for in the end. The ebb and flow and tension around the relationship was fantastic!
I have loved all of her previous work, and this one did not disappoint! The mystery, action, and romance was all on point. 10/10 👌

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

(maybe closer to a 3.5)

I'm a little mixed on Flame Theory. It took me a little while to get invested in the story. Then I was really caught up in the plot. But then I couldn't decide how I felt about the ending. Maybe it was just my reading mood changing? 🤷🏻‍♀️ I will say, I'd just read another book with an academia setting and an MC sent there to discover a secret, so it's possible that I wasn't fully in the mood for the same type of plot. Your reader mileage will vary, of course.

The premise has clear, high stakes from the outset, and Black does a good job building on the tension. The academy setting was fun, though I wish it had been explored a little more. The dragon racing was cool too.

Overall, Flame Theory was an enjoyable read.

(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts are my own.)

cautions: moderate romance; mentions of illegitimate children; a character was "with" her fiance before the wedding; there's a brief scene where two characters are wrongly assumed to have spent the night together; two characters fall asleep in the same bed, nonsexual; mentions of a character being drunk; non-descriptive moderate/heavy violence

[Kara Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A dragon had picked me. And he was as much an outcast as I was.”

“supposed to hate me, Mr. Covington.” His lips twitched. “I’ve never been a fan of doing what I’m supposed to.”

When @author_cfeblack announced she was writing a book with dragons I was SOOO excited. After reading The Aurelian Cycle I fell in love with them, so I couldn’t wait to read another book with dragons! Flame Theory gave me Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon vibes, but the mafia vibes are what made this book top notch for me. I LOVED every second I spent reading this. The romantic tension was perfection, and Rush is going to go down as one of my favorite MMC’s . The dragon racing brought the adventure, and the politics were so intriguing. I’m both excited and nervous to see where this story is going to go! I cannot wait for book two! This book releases this February 🤩 !

🔥Fantasy/Romantasy
🔥Book 1 in Series
🔥Closed Door
🔥No Swearing
🔥CW: Violence, Death, Gambling, Alcoholism, Abusive Parents

[Stephanie Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up Flame Theory, I was in a reading slump. But this book was almost impossible for me to put down. I thought about it long after I put my Kindle away for the night—which only happened once because I finished the story the next evening. And then, well, talk about a cliffhanger!

Black's writing pulled me in right from the start—it's beautiful, even poetic at times. The characters are full of young adult angst and occasionally make unwise decisions, but they are so endearing in their struggle. I absolutely love Ari, Rush, Vanya, Clarence, and even Prescott. And, of course, Myth.

The idea of a mafia-style, academic book with dragons and dragon racing felt so enticing to me, and this book didn't disappoint. Looking forward to the next book!

[Patty Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! The cliffhanger this ended on!! I need the next book!
Ok, now that I've got that out...lol...
This story had it all! Mystery, gangs, rivalry, found family, private school, gambling, and dragons! Who doesn't love a well done story about dragons, and dragon riders! There's a reason How To Train Your Dragon is such an awesome movie series! The mystery and world building go hand in hand in this story and it keeps you on the edge of your seat! The rivals to more aspect was very well done and keeps you engaged, wondering how it's going to turn out! I have loved every book I've read by C.F.E. Black and this one did not disappoint! I'm now anxiously awaiting the next book!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It has so many things i love including an academic setting, characters to either love or hate, swoony moments and of course dragons. Ari is strong willed and a dreamer. She is offered an opportunity to change the world she lives in and live out her dreams all at the same time. Ari takes the opportunity and ends up at Cardan Lott College the dragon racing school for the privileged. Ari meets Rushland and together they discover all isn't what it seems. Thank you @author_cfeblack for my arc. That ending though, I am already screaming for book 2.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I got the early release kickstarted ebook!Absolutely loved everything about this book. I agree with others it had a HTTYD vibe. Everything was well written and thought out. Warning - there are plot twists I did not see coming! The academia setting and dragon racing was my favorite part. The romance was there and well done but not in my face the whole time. When it was there it was perfect. Highly recommend with the warning that it is book 1 and ends on a cliffhanger 🫣

Edited to add: Release date is 2/27/26 and will be available on KU.