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The Flamebearer #1
We Were Made of Fire
Bleed for the crown — or break for it.
In a world shaped by fire and fear, where power is both inheritance and curse, two heirs bound to opposing legacies are drawn into a struggle over what is worth saving… and what must burn.
General Frejara has spent her life waging war in the name of her mother — the Sorcerer Queen who wields her ancestral magic as both weapon and leash. Born into the only bloodline that commands the power of the Dragon Fire but never manifesting it herself, Frejara instead earned every inch of her command by bleeding for it in battle.
Yet as each campaign pulls her deeper into a web of loyalty, duty, and the dangerous secrets her mother has spun around her, the General begins to question the cause she has given her life to — and the cost of every victory in service of it.
Mathias has the Sight — a curse left behind by the long-absent gods, inflicting visions of blood and fire upon those unlucky enough to inherit it. Feared for what he sees and pitied as each revelation steals a piece of him, he is shunned for visions everyone believes will one day drive him mad, just as they have every Seer before him.
As the Queen’s war spreads, Mathias volunteers to cross enemy lines in a desperate act of reconnaissance, determined to take action in a life where so little has ever been his to choose.
One beginning to turn against all she was raised to defend, the other searching for a purpose he can call his own, the soldier and the Seer are drawn toward a reckoning neither is prepared to face — forcing them to question everything they believe about power, prophecy, and each other… and whether the legacies they inherited still bind them, or are at last ready to burn.
With a morally complex heroine, layered relationships, and themes of power, legacy, and identity, Book One of the Flamebearer Series will appeal to readers of One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon.
In a world shaped by fire and fear, where power is both inheritance and curse, two heirs bound to opposing legacies are drawn into a struggle over what is worth saving… and what must burn.
General Frejara has spent her life waging war in the name of her mother — the Sorcerer Queen who wields her ancestral magic as both weapon and leash. Born into the only bloodline that commands the power of the Dragon Fire but never manifesting it herself, Frejara instead earned every inch of her command by bleeding for it in battle.
Yet as each campaign pulls her deeper into a web of loyalty, duty, and the dangerous secrets her mother has spun around her, the General begins to question the cause she has given her life to — and the cost of every victory in service of it.
Mathias has the Sight — a curse left behind by the long-absent gods, inflicting visions of blood and fire upon those unlucky enough to inherit it. Feared for what he sees and pitied as each revelation steals a piece of him, he is shunned for visions everyone believes will one day drive him mad, just as they have every Seer before him.
As the Queen’s war spreads, Mathias volunteers to cross enemy lines in a desperate act of reconnaissance, determined to take action in a life where so little has ever been his to choose.
One beginning to turn against all she was raised to defend, the other searching for a purpose he can call his own, the soldier and the Seer are drawn toward a reckoning neither is prepared to face — forcing them to question everything they believe about power, prophecy, and each other… and whether the legacies they inherited still bind them, or are at last ready to burn.
With a morally complex heroine, layered relationships, and themes of power, legacy, and identity, Book One of the Flamebearer Series will appeal to readers of One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon.
- GenresFantasy
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2026
About the author
Katja Knox
1 book4 followersKatja Knox writes character-driven, emotionally grounded epic and dark fantasy. Finnish by birth and British by marriage, she is currently based in the Netherlands.
A lifelong fantasy enthusiast, Katja discovered the genre early through classic epic fantasy and has remained deeply immersed in speculative storytelling ever since. Her background includes extensive experience in live-action role-play as a world-builder and character writer, and she continues to explore narrative design as a tabletop role-playing game master.
After over a decade shaping stories across Europe as a journalist, copywriter, and content strategist, Katja now turns her experience toward fantasy fiction, focusing on character-driven narratives that explore power, legacy, choice, and the universal, shared experiences, challenges, and fundamental aspects of being human.
A lifelong fantasy enthusiast, Katja discovered the genre early through classic epic fantasy and has remained deeply immersed in speculative storytelling ever since. Her background includes extensive experience in live-action role-play as a world-builder and character writer, and she continues to explore narrative design as a tabletop role-playing game master.
After over a decade shaping stories across Europe as a journalist, copywriter, and content strategist, Katja now turns her experience toward fantasy fiction, focusing on character-driven narratives that explore power, legacy, choice, and the universal, shared experiences, challenges, and fundamental aspects of being human.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 19, 2026
Just… wow ♥️
This book is so incredibly well written, I had to check if it really was a debut several times whilst reading it. It’s like reading a myth written by a poet. It made me feel all the feels like I was actually there. The words tore at my heart in a way I can’t even describe (Katja probably could though).
It’s so beautifully written that I almost didn’t notice I was like a hundred pages in and basically nothing of significance had happened yet.
There is not a whole lot going on in terms of action, that could’ve been better but I suppose this book sets the stage for part two.
I also felt like the spice, although I don’t even think it can be called that, was rushed and impersonal. Maybe even unconvincing? The book was so elaborately descriptive but I have no clue what happened underneath that tree. I don’t need spice in my books so it would’ve been fine if it had been fade to black. That would’ve been less confusing.
The story feels very solid to me and original as well. Really looking forward to see where it will take us. I’m ready to go to Dragna’toch ♥️
This book is so incredibly well written, I had to check if it really was a debut several times whilst reading it. It’s like reading a myth written by a poet. It made me feel all the feels like I was actually there. The words tore at my heart in a way I can’t even describe (Katja probably could though).
It’s so beautifully written that I almost didn’t notice I was like a hundred pages in and basically nothing of significance had happened yet.
There is not a whole lot going on in terms of action, that could’ve been better but I suppose this book sets the stage for part two.
I also felt like the spice, although I don’t even think it can be called that, was rushed and impersonal. Maybe even unconvincing? The book was so elaborately descriptive but I have no clue what happened underneath that tree. I don’t need spice in my books so it would’ve been fine if it had been fade to black. That would’ve been less confusing.
The story feels very solid to me and original as well. Really looking forward to see where it will take us. I’m ready to go to Dragna’toch ♥️
June 3, 2026
A beautifully written, dark and tragic story. I couldn't put it down, and I'm anxiously waiting for the second book!
March 9, 2026
I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC, and I’m grateful to have been able to experience the story ahead of release.
We Were Made of Fire by Katja Knox tells an intriguing story centered around power, legacy, and the remnants of a once powerful sisterhood. While parts of the book were slower for me, the characters and the direction of the story kept me interested enough to see it through.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the main character, Ara. Her journey and perspective make her easy to follow, and I enjoyed learning more about her as the story unfolded. The history of the sisterhood—how they came to exist and how they gained the dragon fire—was also one of the more compelling elements of the story. At first, it seems as though the sisterhood is long gone, leaving only the queen as its final member, though the story gradually hints that there may be more to uncover.
At times, the world-building felt a bit drawn out, which made parts of the story feel slower than they needed to be. The setting and background are interesting, but some sections lingered a little too long, and I occasionally found myself waiting for the story to move forward. Still, it was clear the narrative was building toward something significant.
I also enjoyed Mathias as a character. His presence in the story stood out to me, and I found myself wishing we had been given more time to explore his character and development. He’s the kind of character that leaves an impression and feels like he could have offered even more to the story.
What ultimately made the book stand out for me was the ending—especially the final sentence. It genuinely surprised me and immediately made me want to continue the series. That final line shifted my curiosity into a real need to read the next book and see where the story goes from here.
Overall, while the pacing occasionally dragged for me, the characters, the underlying story, and that unexpected ending made the read worthwhile. I’m giving We Were Made of Fire 4 stars, and I’m definitely interested to see what happens in the next installment.
We Were Made of Fire by Katja Knox tells an intriguing story centered around power, legacy, and the remnants of a once powerful sisterhood. While parts of the book were slower for me, the characters and the direction of the story kept me interested enough to see it through.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the main character, Ara. Her journey and perspective make her easy to follow, and I enjoyed learning more about her as the story unfolded. The history of the sisterhood—how they came to exist and how they gained the dragon fire—was also one of the more compelling elements of the story. At first, it seems as though the sisterhood is long gone, leaving only the queen as its final member, though the story gradually hints that there may be more to uncover.
At times, the world-building felt a bit drawn out, which made parts of the story feel slower than they needed to be. The setting and background are interesting, but some sections lingered a little too long, and I occasionally found myself waiting for the story to move forward. Still, it was clear the narrative was building toward something significant.
I also enjoyed Mathias as a character. His presence in the story stood out to me, and I found myself wishing we had been given more time to explore his character and development. He’s the kind of character that leaves an impression and feels like he could have offered even more to the story.
What ultimately made the book stand out for me was the ending—especially the final sentence. It genuinely surprised me and immediately made me want to continue the series. That final line shifted my curiosity into a real need to read the next book and see where the story goes from here.
Overall, while the pacing occasionally dragged for me, the characters, the underlying story, and that unexpected ending made the read worthwhile. I’m giving We Were Made of Fire 4 stars, and I’m definitely interested to see what happens in the next installment.
April 13, 2026
Imagine being raised to serve one purpose, no matter the cost. Frejara, a fierce general, has spent her life fighting the battles her mother, the Queen, commands, even as doubt begins to creep in.
This story is filled with dangerous secrets, hidden truths, and power used for the wrong reasons. As everything begins to unravel, it raises the question: can one person hold so much power and still choose what’s right?
A quick, engaging read with a strong heroine and compelling moral stakes.
This story is filled with dangerous secrets, hidden truths, and power used for the wrong reasons. As everything begins to unravel, it raises the question: can one person hold so much power and still choose what’s right?
A quick, engaging read with a strong heroine and compelling moral stakes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the first page, We Were Made of Fire captivated me. The writing is evocative, rich with detail and feeling. I was so enthralled by it, I was 85% through the book before I realized no real action had taken place. This is solidly a character-driven fantasy and story of self-discovery.
In a war-torn world steeped in myth and ancient magic, where dragons have fallen and the gods are silent, we have the story of Frejara, a resilient and brave young war general who is the daughter of the cruel Sorcerer Queen Mowgara. Queen Mowgara is seemingly the last living member of the Sisterhood, women gifted with Dragon Fire after it was stolen from dragons.
Despite being raised under the harsh guidance of her mother, who delights in using fire magic to control and cause pain (especially where her fire-less born daughter is concerned), Frejara is a genuinely kind and empathetic person at heart. Her loyalty to her close friends and the soliders she commands, the respect they hold for her despite her being a female general and the royal heir to the tyrant Queen's throne, makes her a likable main character right away.
Almost immediately I became fond of Frejara's "found family," three other soliders she trained with from childhood, the witty Astrid, quiet but perceptive Daen, and cocky Benjadir. Their easy friendship filled with funny antics and love was one of my favorite parts of this book. And then we have Mathias, the Seer, who seemed like a bit of a simpleton at first, and I could not wrap my head around why Frejara was drawn to him. But then he would open his mouth and deliver such introspective lines, and I came to realize that she saw something of herself in him, with his quiet strength and refusal to let the harsh role in society that he was born into steal away his humanity. They had an understanding of each other that made their stolen moments together both beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Queen Mowgara is a formidable villain, and her hateful, blunt lines made her one of my favorite antagonists I've encountered in a fantasy book. She never faltered from her black-hearted and power-hungry persona, and the ways in which she wielded her fire were equal parts terrifying and impressive.
For some reason, this setting and these characters kept bringing to my mind a movie I enjoyed as a child, called Willow. Perhaps it was the concept of the evil sorceress with black magic, the scrying glasses, creepy acolyte creatures, the raven spies and Frejara's identifiable bodymark.
This book is filled with powerful revelations that took me as a reader through as many emotions as those of the characters themselves. I found myself tearing up a number of times and then being caught completely off guard by that ending - albeit a little confused by Benjadir's sudden decision, though this should make for some interesting material for book 2.
Fans of heavy world-building, character-driven, plot-forward fantasies building toward something epic should fall in love with this tale.
Thank you to the author for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book with me; this review is my honest opinion, and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
In a war-torn world steeped in myth and ancient magic, where dragons have fallen and the gods are silent, we have the story of Frejara, a resilient and brave young war general who is the daughter of the cruel Sorcerer Queen Mowgara. Queen Mowgara is seemingly the last living member of the Sisterhood, women gifted with Dragon Fire after it was stolen from dragons.
Despite being raised under the harsh guidance of her mother, who delights in using fire magic to control and cause pain (especially where her fire-less born daughter is concerned), Frejara is a genuinely kind and empathetic person at heart. Her loyalty to her close friends and the soliders she commands, the respect they hold for her despite her being a female general and the royal heir to the tyrant Queen's throne, makes her a likable main character right away.
Almost immediately I became fond of Frejara's "found family," three other soliders she trained with from childhood, the witty Astrid, quiet but perceptive Daen, and cocky Benjadir. Their easy friendship filled with funny antics and love was one of my favorite parts of this book. And then we have Mathias, the Seer, who seemed like a bit of a simpleton at first, and I could not wrap my head around why Frejara was drawn to him. But then he would open his mouth and deliver such introspective lines, and I came to realize that she saw something of herself in him, with his quiet strength and refusal to let the harsh role in society that he was born into steal away his humanity. They had an understanding of each other that made their stolen moments together both beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Queen Mowgara is a formidable villain, and her hateful, blunt lines made her one of my favorite antagonists I've encountered in a fantasy book. She never faltered from her black-hearted and power-hungry persona, and the ways in which she wielded her fire were equal parts terrifying and impressive.
For some reason, this setting and these characters kept bringing to my mind a movie I enjoyed as a child, called Willow. Perhaps it was the concept of the evil sorceress with black magic, the scrying glasses, creepy acolyte creatures, the raven spies and Frejara's identifiable bodymark.
This book is filled with powerful revelations that took me as a reader through as many emotions as those of the characters themselves. I found myself tearing up a number of times and then being caught completely off guard by that ending - albeit a little confused by Benjadir's sudden decision, though this should make for some interesting material for book 2.
Fans of heavy world-building, character-driven, plot-forward fantasies building toward something epic should fall in love with this tale.
Thank you to the author for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book with me; this review is my honest opinion, and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4/5 Stars
This was a solid, gritty fantasy that didn’t shy away from the darker sides of a high-stakes fantasy. It’s a heavy read, but the emotional payoff makes it worth seeing it to the end.
- Heartfelt Writing: The prose is beautiful. It leans into "purple prose" territory at times (getting a bit flowery) but it felt sincere. I really felt the rage and the ache behind the characters' decisions.
- POV Shifts: I liked the switch between 1st and 3rd person to distinguish between perspectives. Along with the chapter tags, it made it easy to follow the different headspaces without getting too lost.
- Flawed Characters & Realism: The world-building is clearly well-thought-out, with deep lore that makes the setting feel fully realized.
- No Perfect Heroes: I really enjoyed a cast where no one is a "goody two-shoes" or a "special snowflake." Everyone is flawed, a bit corrupt, and dealing with the consequences of their actions.
- Gritty Tone: The realism of war stood out here. It didn't feel sanitized; the stakes were high, and the impact of the characters' choices felt permanent.
- The Antagonist & Sisterhood: I felt we could have spent more time exploring the antagonist. She’s a really interesting character that I hope gets more development later. I also wanted more closure or time with the Sisterhood toward the end to fully grasp what happened to them.
- The Ending: The finale actually caught me off guard. It was a surprise, but it made sense for the story, and it definitely set the stage for book two.
At times I felt it took a little too long to get to where we were going, but when we got there, it felt worth the time we took to set the scene. I'll definitely pick up the next installment of this series.
This was a solid, gritty fantasy that didn’t shy away from the darker sides of a high-stakes fantasy. It’s a heavy read, but the emotional payoff makes it worth seeing it to the end.
- Heartfelt Writing: The prose is beautiful. It leans into "purple prose" territory at times (getting a bit flowery) but it felt sincere. I really felt the rage and the ache behind the characters' decisions.
- POV Shifts: I liked the switch between 1st and 3rd person to distinguish between perspectives. Along with the chapter tags, it made it easy to follow the different headspaces without getting too lost.
- Flawed Characters & Realism: The world-building is clearly well-thought-out, with deep lore that makes the setting feel fully realized.
- No Perfect Heroes: I really enjoyed a cast where no one is a "goody two-shoes" or a "special snowflake." Everyone is flawed, a bit corrupt, and dealing with the consequences of their actions.
- Gritty Tone: The realism of war stood out here. It didn't feel sanitized; the stakes were high, and the impact of the characters' choices felt permanent.
- The Antagonist & Sisterhood: I felt we could have spent more time exploring the antagonist. She’s a really interesting character that I hope gets more development later. I also wanted more closure or time with the Sisterhood toward the end to fully grasp what happened to them.
- The Ending: The finale actually caught me off guard. It was a surprise, but it made sense for the story, and it definitely set the stage for book two.
At times I felt it took a little too long to get to where we were going, but when we got there, it felt worth the time we took to set the scene. I'll definitely pick up the next installment of this series.
April 14, 2026
WE WERE MADE OF FIRE by Katja Knox
ARC review: 4.5⭐ / 🌶️0.5
OMG what an ARC read! Katja can be super proud of her debut book for sure. It was captivating without real action. We start after a battle and follow the time between battles. And that ending! I truly NEED book 2 soon, desperately!
I love fantasy for it’s world building and wonder, a place to escape the real world into a magical place: a true fantasy. And this book showed me exactly what I love in a good fantasy book. It’s a book with great world building and major character development.
Our morally grey FMC is the general in her mother’s (the Queen) army. She is feared by all and respected by the soldiers around her. But she shows compassion too. And during the story you really feel like you get to know her.
We also follow a seer, a young man who lives in a world that’s not safe for him. His story is slower to build bc we follow our general more in the beginning, but when we finally learn more about Frejara, Mathias’s story comes along too. You really feel for both and root for both. While reading the book, you feel their pain and eventho you feel that it’s not the happy ending you wish for them.. you hope it will be with the turn of every page.
And then that ending. I felt all the feels. The story came full circle while ending on a cliffhanger, but it also broke my heart. Yes it surprised me, it leaves you wondering and it sets the story for book 2, but it is an ending that makes sense and fits the story in this book perfectly.
I’m very impatient and excited for the next book!!!
"No one person should wield power like that."
ARC review: 4.5⭐ / 🌶️0.5
OMG what an ARC read! Katja can be super proud of her debut book for sure. It was captivating without real action. We start after a battle and follow the time between battles. And that ending! I truly NEED book 2 soon, desperately!
I love fantasy for it’s world building and wonder, a place to escape the real world into a magical place: a true fantasy. And this book showed me exactly what I love in a good fantasy book. It’s a book with great world building and major character development.
Our morally grey FMC is the general in her mother’s (the Queen) army. She is feared by all and respected by the soldiers around her. But she shows compassion too. And during the story you really feel like you get to know her.
We also follow a seer, a young man who lives in a world that’s not safe for him. His story is slower to build bc we follow our general more in the beginning, but when we finally learn more about Frejara, Mathias’s story comes along too. You really feel for both and root for both. While reading the book, you feel their pain and eventho you feel that it’s not the happy ending you wish for them.. you hope it will be with the turn of every page.
And then that ending. I felt all the feels. The story came full circle while ending on a cliffhanger, but it also broke my heart. Yes it surprised me, it leaves you wondering and it sets the story for book 2, but it is an ending that makes sense and fits the story in this book perfectly.
I’m very impatient and excited for the next book!!!
"No one person should wield power like that."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fighting for hearts and minds
A cruel queen reigns over a fearful country. Through evocative, grim imagery, the tone of this story grinds into the reader. It is not a happy story. War is not fun or glorious when it is an extermination of ideas.
The Queen stands in her castle, clutching at secrets and demanding her due.
The General stands wherever the Queen tells her to stand, bearing the unbearable weight of shame instilled in her by her mother.
The Seer waits in a town which has shunned him, and cannot know piece while the Queen's reign of terror continues.
Reading through the harsh imagery is a useful reminder that these characters are not happy, and may never find happiness. Even at the end of their struggles, for this part of their stories at least, happiness is a step too far. Time and acceptance are threaded through each characters story- reluctantly or otherwise.
I like the care and attention paid to how interpersonal relationships change and grow in healthy and unhealthy relationships. Katja expertly etches the lines of give and take with varying thicknesses to demonstrate where the power imbalance lies. Between queen and subjects. Between General and Soldiers. Between friends. Between mothers and children.
I think this story embodies the gandalf quote about fighting evil being in the small acts of everyday resistance. And how they can move mountains when added up.
I am excited to see what happens next in book 2.
Get your heated blankets, cups of tea or cocoa, and maybe turn all the lights on. You'll need the comfort.
A cruel queen reigns over a fearful country. Through evocative, grim imagery, the tone of this story grinds into the reader. It is not a happy story. War is not fun or glorious when it is an extermination of ideas.
The Queen stands in her castle, clutching at secrets and demanding her due.
The General stands wherever the Queen tells her to stand, bearing the unbearable weight of shame instilled in her by her mother.
The Seer waits in a town which has shunned him, and cannot know piece while the Queen's reign of terror continues.
Reading through the harsh imagery is a useful reminder that these characters are not happy, and may never find happiness. Even at the end of their struggles, for this part of their stories at least, happiness is a step too far. Time and acceptance are threaded through each characters story- reluctantly or otherwise.
I like the care and attention paid to how interpersonal relationships change and grow in healthy and unhealthy relationships. Katja expertly etches the lines of give and take with varying thicknesses to demonstrate where the power imbalance lies. Between queen and subjects. Between General and Soldiers. Between friends. Between mothers and children.
I think this story embodies the gandalf quote about fighting evil being in the small acts of everyday resistance. And how they can move mountains when added up.
I am excited to see what happens next in book 2.
Get your heated blankets, cups of tea or cocoa, and maybe turn all the lights on. You'll need the comfort.
May 6, 2026
I received a free copy of this book from Katja Knox in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
We Were Made of Fire by Katja Knox is one of those fantasy books that takes its time, but really pulls you in if you stick with it.
The story follows Ara, who starts out thinking she knows exactly who she is and where she came from… only to find out her entire life is basically built on lies.
The world-building is definitely on the slower side, but it’s very detailed, especially when it comes to the magic system and the whole idea of shared fire and divine markings. It might take a minute to fully click, but once it does, it adds a lot to the story.
Things really start to shift when Ara gets injured and ends up with Mathias, a seer who causes her to question everything she’s ever believed. Their dynamic is a little tense at first, but it ends up being a big turning point for her character.
What I liked most was watching Ara grow. She goes from being this loyal general following orders to someone who starts thinking for herself and taking control of her own story. The final showdown was really satisfying, especially with everything leading up to it.
Overall, it’s a story about power, truth, and breaking free from the life you were told to live. If you like fantasy with strong FMC and development and don’t mind a slower build, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
We Were Made of Fire by Katja Knox is one of those fantasy books that takes its time, but really pulls you in if you stick with it.
The story follows Ara, who starts out thinking she knows exactly who she is and where she came from… only to find out her entire life is basically built on lies.
The world-building is definitely on the slower side, but it’s very detailed, especially when it comes to the magic system and the whole idea of shared fire and divine markings. It might take a minute to fully click, but once it does, it adds a lot to the story.
Things really start to shift when Ara gets injured and ends up with Mathias, a seer who causes her to question everything she’s ever believed. Their dynamic is a little tense at first, but it ends up being a big turning point for her character.
What I liked most was watching Ara grow. She goes from being this loyal general following orders to someone who starts thinking for herself and taking control of her own story. The final showdown was really satisfying, especially with everything leading up to it.
Overall, it’s a story about power, truth, and breaking free from the life you were told to live. If you like fantasy with strong FMC and development and don’t mind a slower build, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have just finished my ARC read of We Were Made of Fire and I am already so desperate for book 2! That ending was powerful, upsetting and infuriating all in one and a cliffhanger for sureee!
We Were Made of Fire had me gripped from the first few pages. I absolutely love when a main female Character is already strong/well trained/knows how to get down to business and that definitely describes this one! Frejara is the General for the Queen's army but also the Queens daughter. Fire is the queen's magic and it should have been Frejara's too but it skips her so instead she trains with steel in the barracks with the rest of the army. Right from word go, our female main character is ruthless, respected and very well known. I absolutely LOVE this.
Of course she isn't on her own, she has her trusty Captain Benjadir who she has grown up with since a child. They trained, bled and fought together through multiple battles and because of that are very close. As well as Benjadir she also has Astrid and Daen at her side. The 4 of them war hardened together.
This storyline follows Frejara and how she handles adversity as well as healing from trauma she didn't even realise she had on top of keeping the Queen happy.
Honestly, this was such a good read and I'm sad that it's already over.
We Were Made of Fire was given to me as an ARC and my review is 100% my own opinion.
We Were Made of Fire had me gripped from the first few pages. I absolutely love when a main female Character is already strong/well trained/knows how to get down to business and that definitely describes this one! Frejara is the General for the Queen's army but also the Queens daughter. Fire is the queen's magic and it should have been Frejara's too but it skips her so instead she trains with steel in the barracks with the rest of the army. Right from word go, our female main character is ruthless, respected and very well known. I absolutely LOVE this.
Of course she isn't on her own, she has her trusty Captain Benjadir who she has grown up with since a child. They trained, bled and fought together through multiple battles and because of that are very close. As well as Benjadir she also has Astrid and Daen at her side. The 4 of them war hardened together.
This storyline follows Frejara and how she handles adversity as well as healing from trauma she didn't even realise she had on top of keeping the Queen happy.
Honestly, this was such a good read and I'm sad that it's already over.
We Were Made of Fire was given to me as an ARC and my review is 100% my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First things first—this is not a happy book. There's no fated love that conquers all, no triumphant victory for the "good ones." Each turn brings pain and sorrow.
Ara is a hardened warrior, and I love her quiet resolve. Mathias, poor doomed Mathias (I'm getting Six of Crows flashbacks with him)—my love, you were too good for that world.I loved the questions that each step raised—even if most of the answers I saw coming through a thin veil of reading similar books. The magic system is unique and well explored, with splendid lore drops. The found family aspect is the most warmth I found in this book (irony intended). Funnily enough, this book felt like a current for me—slow but inevitable, pulling you along even if you aren't sure.I felt the book moved a tad too slow for me in the first half. Yes, it set up the world seamlessly, but it didn't feel like the plot moved much. However, from about 70%, the tears came, and I couldn't stop reading. The ending definitely upped my score—the agency, the prophecy coming true, and Ara taking back what's rightfully hers. The line "No one person should wield power like that" came full circle in the end.
A hard-earned 4 stars
I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion
Ara is a hardened warrior, and I love her quiet resolve. Mathias, poor doomed Mathias (I'm getting Six of Crows flashbacks with him)—my love, you were too good for that world.I loved the questions that each step raised—even if most of the answers I saw coming through a thin veil of reading similar books. The magic system is unique and well explored, with splendid lore drops. The found family aspect is the most warmth I found in this book (irony intended). Funnily enough, this book felt like a current for me—slow but inevitable, pulling you along even if you aren't sure.I felt the book moved a tad too slow for me in the first half. Yes, it set up the world seamlessly, but it didn't feel like the plot moved much. However, from about 70%, the tears came, and I couldn't stop reading. The ending definitely upped my score—the agency, the prophecy coming true, and Ara taking back what's rightfully hers. The line "No one person should wield power like that" came full circle in the end.
A hard-earned 4 stars
I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Katja for allowing me to participate in this ARC!
I have never read anything quite like this before. And I am impressed!
We Were Made of Fire is a rich, character driven epic fantasy that really stayed with me after I finished.
Frejara is a morally gray general serving a ruler she’s slowly realizing may be the villain of the story, while Mathias is a Seer trapped by prophecy and desperate to make a choice that’s actually his. Both perspectives are compelling, and their internal conflicts carry the book more than the action does.
The writing is lyrical without being frantic, and the worldbuilding is introduced naturally rather than through heavy exposition. The pacing is slow and introspective, especially in the middle, but it fits the story.
If you enjoy emotionally grounded fantasy with morally gray characters and a story that asks difficult questions instead of offering easy answers, this one is well worth picking up.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I have never read anything quite like this before. And I am impressed!
We Were Made of Fire is a rich, character driven epic fantasy that really stayed with me after I finished.
Frejara is a morally gray general serving a ruler she’s slowly realizing may be the villain of the story, while Mathias is a Seer trapped by prophecy and desperate to make a choice that’s actually his. Both perspectives are compelling, and their internal conflicts carry the book more than the action does.
The writing is lyrical without being frantic, and the worldbuilding is introduced naturally rather than through heavy exposition. The pacing is slow and introspective, especially in the middle, but it fits the story.
If you enjoy emotionally grounded fantasy with morally gray characters and a story that asks difficult questions instead of offering easy answers, this one is well worth picking up.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an absolutely amazing debut novel. This book sucked me in from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. It is one of those books where you pick it up to start reading and next thing you know, you are over 100 pages in. The writing was absolutely spectacular.
The FMC, Ara, is so well written and you cannot help but love her. She is apologetically herself and realizes that she has committed a lot of wrong in the world while following orders but is still inherently good. There is so much mystery and lore in this book that revolves around Ara and who she truly is and the lies and deceptions of her "mother" are astounding. I completely fell in love with Mathias and his role in this story absolutely broke my heart. While I have a feeling he has done what the author intended, I really hope that there is more to his story. I cannot wait to see where book 2 takes us.
The FMC, Ara, is so well written and you cannot help but love her. She is apologetically herself and realizes that she has committed a lot of wrong in the world while following orders but is still inherently good. There is so much mystery and lore in this book that revolves around Ara and who she truly is and the lies and deceptions of her "mother" are astounding. I completely fell in love with Mathias and his role in this story absolutely broke my heart. While I have a feeling he has done what the author intended, I really hope that there is more to his story. I cannot wait to see where book 2 takes us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
We Were Made of Fire by Katja Knox — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So grateful to have received an ARC of this 🖤
This story is full of fire, power, and the kind of emotional weight that builds quietly and then hits all at once. The tension between duty and identity is woven through everything, and it makes every choice feel heavy and real.
Frejara and Mathias both carry so much — and watching their journeys unfold, and slowly pull toward each other, felt layered, emotional, and incredibly compelling.
This isn’t just a story about war and power… it’s about what those things cost, and what happens when you start questioning everything you’ve been raised to believe.
✨ Read this if you love:
• morally complex characters
• slow-burning tension
• themes of power, legacy, and identity
• character-driven fantasy
Thank you for the opportunity to read this early 🖤
So grateful to have received an ARC of this 🖤
This story is full of fire, power, and the kind of emotional weight that builds quietly and then hits all at once. The tension between duty and identity is woven through everything, and it makes every choice feel heavy and real.
Frejara and Mathias both carry so much — and watching their journeys unfold, and slowly pull toward each other, felt layered, emotional, and incredibly compelling.
This isn’t just a story about war and power… it’s about what those things cost, and what happens when you start questioning everything you’ve been raised to believe.
✨ Read this if you love:
• morally complex characters
• slow-burning tension
• themes of power, legacy, and identity
• character-driven fantasy
Thank you for the opportunity to read this early 🖤
April 15, 2026
We Were Made of Fire is a beautifully written story of pain, betrayal, self-discovery, and the power of uncovering your own truth.
The novel follows Frejara, a princess shaped into a General, as she battles both external forces and her inner conflict—particularly her strained relationship with her mother, the Sorcerer Queen. Her journey explores identity, love, and the immense power she has long kept buried within herself.
But this is not a love story. Not quite. Instead, it unfolds as a slow-burning tragedy, enriched with compelling world-building, layered character development, and subtle touches of fantasy.
While the beginning is slow-paced, everything shifts around the halfway mark. From there, the twists and turns pull you in completely, racing toward the end—only to leave you with the feeling that the story is far from over.
The novel follows Frejara, a princess shaped into a General, as she battles both external forces and her inner conflict—particularly her strained relationship with her mother, the Sorcerer Queen. Her journey explores identity, love, and the immense power she has long kept buried within herself.
But this is not a love story. Not quite. Instead, it unfolds as a slow-burning tragedy, enriched with compelling world-building, layered character development, and subtle touches of fantasy.
While the beginning is slow-paced, everything shifts around the halfway mark. From there, the twists and turns pull you in completely, racing toward the end—only to leave you with the feeling that the story is far from over.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness, this book is an absolute dark delight that left me completely spellbound! The language is so breathtakingly gorgeous that I could feel every ache, every pain, and every flicker of joy... although admittedly, there wasn't a lot of that. While it isn’t a happy story, it pulled at every single heartstring and left me feeling so raw and moved. I appreciated the slower pace because it allowed me to steady myself and fully soak in the vast, intricate worldbuilding and every devastating betrayal. It felt important to linger on every detail to truly grasp the depth of the emotions and the complexity of the world. This was a hauntingly beautiful experience that I’ll be thinking about for a long time—an easy 5 stars!
April 7, 2026
It took me a little while to get invested in this story, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. The slower start paid off as the plot developed and everything began to come together.
There was one scene I had somewhat predicted, but it actually made the story more satisfying rather than taking away from it. I was pretty frustrated with the FMC for a while, struggling to understand her choices, but once everything was revealed, it all made sense and added depth to her character.
I also found myself interested in some of the side characters and was glad we got to learn more about them as the story progressed. The ending was vivid and beautifully written. I could picture it so clearly, and now I’m eager to read the next book whenever it comes out.
There was one scene I had somewhat predicted, but it actually made the story more satisfying rather than taking away from it. I was pretty frustrated with the FMC for a while, struggling to understand her choices, but once everything was revealed, it all made sense and added depth to her character.
I also found myself interested in some of the side characters and was glad we got to learn more about them as the story progressed. The ending was vivid and beautifully written. I could picture it so clearly, and now I’m eager to read the next book whenever it comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Will you serve? Or will you burn?
This was such a beautiful and well written book with complex characters and challenges. A dark fantasy setting with a romance subplot.
Frejara is strong, fierce, and jaded from everything life has demanded and taken from her at the hands of her mother. General of the army she is not a fragile young girl, but a force known throughout the realm.
Mathias is a seer who knows the power he possesses is a curse that haunts him and those who came before. He knows little of peace and happiness but when fate crosses his path with the General, he knows he cannot turn away from destiny.
In a world that will burn under the Sorcerer Queen, how do you know who you can trust, what if everything you knew was just waiting to be shattered.
This was such a beautiful and well written book with complex characters and challenges. A dark fantasy setting with a romance subplot.
Frejara is strong, fierce, and jaded from everything life has demanded and taken from her at the hands of her mother. General of the army she is not a fragile young girl, but a force known throughout the realm.
Mathias is a seer who knows the power he possesses is a curse that haunts him and those who came before. He knows little of peace and happiness but when fate crosses his path with the General, he knows he cannot turn away from destiny.
In a world that will burn under the Sorcerer Queen, how do you know who you can trust, what if everything you knew was just waiting to be shattered.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3 ⭐️ | We Were Made of Fire
This one had a lot of potential for me. The plot itself was interesting, and I could tell there was a ton of care put into the world-building—it was rich, detailed, and immersive.
But unfortunately, it just didn’t fully land for me. The chapters felt long and the paragraphs were very dense, which made it hard to stay engaged. At times, the story became confusing, and I found myself struggling to follow what was happening.
While I appreciated the depth of the world, it often overshadowed the actual storyline. I ended up DNF’ing at 80% because I just couldn’t connect with the story enough to push through.
Overall, a solid concept, but the execution didn’t quite work for me
This one had a lot of potential for me. The plot itself was interesting, and I could tell there was a ton of care put into the world-building—it was rich, detailed, and immersive.
But unfortunately, it just didn’t fully land for me. The chapters felt long and the paragraphs were very dense, which made it hard to stay engaged. At times, the story became confusing, and I found myself struggling to follow what was happening.
While I appreciated the depth of the world, it often overshadowed the actual storyline. I ended up DNF’ing at 80% because I just couldn’t connect with the story enough to push through.
Overall, a solid concept, but the execution didn’t quite work for me
April 14, 2026
I can't believe this is the authors first book! I was able to sign up for an early copy. I didnt expect much but I loved the premise. Ara's story blew me away. She is so well written! She is herself regardless of how other people feel. She's strong but has made some incredibly horrible mistakes. Ara realizes this but she is good. She followed orders. She is complicated and flawed in so many ways and thats why I love her. Some things were not her fault. Well maybe not all. Her "mother" is a disgusting piece of garbage!!! Im so angry at all the deception and lies. I don't even know what to think or where book 2 will go. Between Mathias' actions and the lies and the other characters, i have no clue how book 2 will start or end. There is so many things still left to be answered
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m so happy I got to read this book as an ARC reader! The book pulls you in from the very beginning, and has you hooked through!
You get pulled into a world where so much is happening, and every development throughout keeps pulling you deeper and deeper. The way the characters behave, their development and their stories are explained in such a way that you always want to read further to see what happens next!
This for me has been an emotional rollercoaster, so if you start reading this book, get yourself a cozy blanket and your favorite comfort food and drink! Enjoy the story of a lifetime!
You get pulled into a world where so much is happening, and every development throughout keeps pulling you deeper and deeper. The way the characters behave, their development and their stories are explained in such a way that you always want to read further to see what happens next!
This for me has been an emotional rollercoaster, so if you start reading this book, get yourself a cozy blanket and your favorite comfort food and drink! Enjoy the story of a lifetime!
May 30, 2026
✨️Review of an advanced copy received from the author✨️
WOW. This book was stunning. I was in disbelief that this was a debut. Katja has a vision and a voice, both of which ring through clear as can be in this.
The pacing can feel odd in some places, but it is still well handled. The characters are well developed and we are given so much insight to them in such a small amount of time. Who they are, their connections, their motivations. And more than anything, you want Frejara to be who she is. To step into her power, to wield her trauma not as armor or something to hide behind but as something that strengthens her. The ending has me craving the next book.
WOW. This book was stunning. I was in disbelief that this was a debut. Katja has a vision and a voice, both of which ring through clear as can be in this.
The pacing can feel odd in some places, but it is still well handled. The characters are well developed and we are given so much insight to them in such a small amount of time. Who they are, their connections, their motivations. And more than anything, you want Frejara to be who she is. To step into her power, to wield her trauma not as armor or something to hide behind but as something that strengthens her. The ending has me craving the next book.
Review of advance copy
This story is about Ara finding herself and choosing her own destiny even thou she was raised to walk the path chosen for her. I enjoyed following the inner conflict of duty versus emotional choice, The magic system is unique and well written. This is a dark fantasy with family drama and little spice. Please keep in mind this is a slow read with most of the action saved for the end of the book.
Tropes
Enemies to Lovers
Morally Grey FMC
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Magic comes with a price
Tropes
Enemies to Lovers
Morally Grey FMC
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Magic comes with a price
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a review readers copy of this story, and this is my honest review. This book was a really fun read for me overall, but at times felt really slow or drawn out, and other times paced perfectly, so the inconsistency could have been smoother. I really enjoyed the world building overall, and the characters were really well written! They had depth, wit, banter, and I felt so connected with them that it kept me going through the story. The ending too had me hooked for more too, and I am looking forward to the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a dark fantasy book with great worldbuilding and I enjoyed learning about the world and the magic in it. I could tell how much work and love Katja has put in this and it really shows through the story. Frejara is so interesting to follow and goes through a lot in this. Love the found family feels in this and the relationship with Mathias. The ending was heartbreaking and I can't wait to read more of this world 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of ARC copy received from author.
This was a really dark and depressing fantasy read. With that being said, it was a really well written and interesting story. The FMC, Frejara, is so relatable and I couldn't help myself from hoping she would find her happiness.
The ending did feel slightly rushed but it did make sense for the story.
If you're looking for a dark fantasy with intense family drama and very little spice, this is your book!
This was a really dark and depressing fantasy read. With that being said, it was a really well written and interesting story. The FMC, Frejara, is so relatable and I couldn't help myself from hoping she would find her happiness.
The ending did feel slightly rushed but it did make sense for the story.
If you're looking for a dark fantasy with intense family drama and very little spice, this is your book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an advanced reader copy. I really enjoyed this book. It was my style of book and I immediately was invested in it. I read 70% of the book in a day. I wouldn't have minded if it was even longer! The characters and their relationships were well developed and I cannot wait to read book 2. The end was a nice little insight to a certain character's scruples and the relationship to the FMC. I will enjoy reading how it plays out in the next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If Vikings' first season had dragon magic in it, it would have been this book. Really cool premise and delivery.
Starting with the minus points as usual:
☔ the pacing felt a little slow to me, I got the impression there was more staying still than action and it slowed my reading.
☔ I felt like the relation between developed very abruptly. I'm the kind of reader who needs things spelled out, and I didn't see the romance between them, particularly considering they start as enemies. She's basically a butcher and mass murderer to him, so I needed way more to believe the bond that settled between them. Pity because he was my favourite character
Things I loved:
💓 the WRITING!!!! I kept stopping to save quotes, one cooler than the other.
💓 the settings, loved how they were built with just few hints and still, I could see it. The temples with the red ribbons evoked such a vivid image in mind.
💓 the boys! Loved both Mathias (quiet, patient man AND a seer? I never stood a chance 😍) and Benni. Given the ending, I'm curious to see how things develop for him!
Starting with the minus points as usual:
☔ the pacing felt a little slow to me, I got the impression there was more staying still than action and it slowed my reading.
☔ I felt like the relation between developed very abruptly. I'm the kind of reader who needs things spelled out, and I didn't see the romance between them, particularly considering they start as enemies. She's basically a butcher and mass murderer to him, so I needed way more to believe the bond that settled between them. Pity because he was my favourite character
Things I loved:
💓 the WRITING!!!! I kept stopping to save quotes, one cooler than the other.
💓 the settings, loved how they were built with just few hints and still, I could see it. The temples with the red ribbons evoked such a vivid image in mind.
💓 the boys! Loved both Mathias (quiet, patient man AND a seer? I never stood a chance 😍) and Benni. Given the ending, I'm curious to see how things develop for him!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a good read. It took me a little to get into it, but once the story gets going, it really gets going! That plot twist was nice, I kinda guessed at it. I loved seeing Frejara come into herself and her powers. It was such a good use of magic and very creative, a new one that I haven't seen before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Feel extremely lucky to of gotten to read this as an arc reader & what a treat it was!
(Without giving away spoilers)
The strength of the FMC & the emotional one liners that threw my emotions out the window were insane! I absolutely loved this,
Amazingly written & definitely recommend anyone and everyone to pick up a copy 🤩
(Without giving away spoilers)
The strength of the FMC & the emotional one liners that threw my emotions out the window were insane! I absolutely loved this,
Amazingly written & definitely recommend anyone and everyone to pick up a copy 🤩
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