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Fire and Death
Aideen's entire life has been plagued with death. When another one of Aideen's friends, Emily, goes missing, nothing will stop her from getting Emily back. After unearthing secret clues, Aideen not only finds a club filled with strangers possessing impossible abilities, but discovers she's one of them. With her reality shattered, Aideen must choose between accepting her lineage in the midst of a violent power struggle, and saving Emily.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2026
About the author
Jenee Dutary
1 book23 followersJenee writes messy, bad-ass characters, who are a lot stronger and crazier than they first appear.
A multi-genre author, Jenee lives in North Carolina with her husband, two brilliant kids, bunny, and poodles, one of which is a professional escape artist. When not writing, she enjoys traveling, and cheering for the NC Hurricanes (hockey, not the storms).
Her Fire and Water urban fantasy series is being published with Alex Parker Publishing and will be available to purchase through all of your favorite stores!
A multi-genre author, Jenee lives in North Carolina with her husband, two brilliant kids, bunny, and poodles, one of which is a professional escape artist. When not writing, she enjoys traveling, and cheering for the NC Hurricanes (hockey, not the storms).
Her Fire and Water urban fantasy series is being published with Alex Parker Publishing and will be available to purchase through all of your favorite stores!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley, opinions are always my own.
Wow. That ending 🤯 I absolutely loved this book! So fast paced it was over before I knew it. But now I cannot wait for the next one.
Aideen hasn't had the easiest life. She lost her mom when she was still young and one of her friends was kidnapped and murdered while she was an early teen. And the worst part is, she knows it's somehow all her fault. So now that college is coming up she's relieved, because she will be leaving her remaining friends behind, so they will be safe. But then one of them goes missing. And things very quickly spiral out of control.
This book had everything you could possibly want from a YA fantasy. Teen angst, check (though not annoying if you're an older reader); romance, check; vampires, check; shifters, dragons and witches check check check 😁. This had an old-fashioned feel (like when the Shadowhunters books just came out) and I'm so here for it. It's YA so perfect for younger audiences (very mild spice) but mostly I think this is perfect for adults who read YA in the era of vampires, Shadowhunters and angels. And I'm so here for it.
The only questions I had while reading is how are the ears moving backward all the time? 😅 That was a description I noticed several times throughout the book and was definitely something I was a little confused about. Do you guys' ears move backward when you have emotions? Because mine don't move at all😂
In conclusion, I highly recommend this for any and all (urban) fantasy lovers but especially the millennials that miss the feeling they got with Twilight and Shadowhunters back in the day. All in all, this was an amazing book and we need book 2 now (or like, yesterday!).
Wow. That ending 🤯 I absolutely loved this book! So fast paced it was over before I knew it. But now I cannot wait for the next one.
Aideen hasn't had the easiest life. She lost her mom when she was still young and one of her friends was kidnapped and murdered while she was an early teen. And the worst part is, she knows it's somehow all her fault. So now that college is coming up she's relieved, because she will be leaving her remaining friends behind, so they will be safe. But then one of them goes missing. And things very quickly spiral out of control.
This book had everything you could possibly want from a YA fantasy. Teen angst, check (though not annoying if you're an older reader); romance, check; vampires, check; shifters, dragons and witches check check check 😁. This had an old-fashioned feel (like when the Shadowhunters books just came out) and I'm so here for it. It's YA so perfect for younger audiences (very mild spice) but mostly I think this is perfect for adults who read YA in the era of vampires, Shadowhunters and angels. And I'm so here for it.
The only questions I had while reading is how are the ears moving backward all the time? 😅 That was a description I noticed several times throughout the book and was definitely something I was a little confused about. Do you guys' ears move backward when you have emotions? Because mine don't move at all😂
In conclusion, I highly recommend this for any and all (urban) fantasy lovers but especially the millennials that miss the feeling they got with Twilight and Shadowhunters back in the day. All in all, this was an amazing book and we need book 2 now (or like, yesterday!).
June 12, 2026
Absolutely confusing but intriguing all at once? Why of course…I wouldn’t expect anything less from a fantasy book🤭
The story line…I didn’t exactly understand what was going on until a quarter way through the book. That’s when everything started coming together.
𝒜𝒾𝒹𝑒𝑒𝓃: I feel for her. She is so stinking strong. I don’t know how she does it. First, the death of her mom, then the death of one of her closest friends and then her best friend gets kidnapped? Yeah, I would have quit life already. Not her though, instead, she searches for her best friend determined to find out what happened to her. What does that get her in return? Well, I can’t tell you obviously….that would spoil the book for you🤭
I will say though…this girl can’t catch a break😭
Now…is miss ma’am kind of implosive?? 100%. Does this possibly cause trouble for her team? That’s for me to know and you to find out;)
𝒥𝑒𝒻𝒻: When he was first introduced into the book, I almost decided not to like him. He seemed kind of cold and like no one else’s feelings were important. Well, I was wrong. I got a few more chapters in and got to know him a lil bit better. Actually screaming crying and dying. Why does he actually have to be so amazing?!? I WAS THE ONE FALLING FOR HIM. He was down and down bad for Aideen. Down so bad that he willingly followed her into a mass of danger. I mean….was it the smartest decision? Definitely not….but….attractive and thoughtful?? Absolutely positively yes. 😏
𝒪𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈:
𝒩𝒶𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒾𝑒𝓁: Yes an no for him. Why must mister be absolutely so annoying 😂
You know that older brother who always gets on everyone’s last nerve but they love him anyway? That’s Nathaniel in this book🙂↕️
𝒩𝑜𝒶𝒽: Stoic. Serious. That’s his outward demeanor anyway. Let’s be honest though….he’s a big ole teddy bear deep down🧸
He’s the responsible one in the group. He ACTUALLY thinks through the plan and doesn’t just barge right in without thinking.
I can’t say that for everyone on his team😭
Overall…I immensely enjoyed this read! It kept me on my toes and had me dropping my jaw a few times if I’m being completely honest 😧🤭
There were parts of the book I had to go back and read just to clear things up, but it didn’t make the book to difficult to understand😌
FAVE QUOTES👇🏻
"ɪ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴡᴀɪᴛ ᴀɴʏᴍᴏʀᴇ. ɪ'ᴍ ɪɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ᴡᴀɪᴛ ᴀɴʏᴍᴏʀᴇ.“
"ɪ ᴀʟᴍᴏꜱᴛ ꜱᴘɪʟʟᴇᴅ ᴀ ꜰʀᴀᴘᴘᴇ ᴏɴ ᴀ ᴄᴜꜱᴛᴏᴍᴇʀ ᴛᴏᴅᴀʏ," ꜱʜᴇ ʜᴀᴅ ꜱᴀɪᴅ, ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀɢ ᴏɴ ᴍʏ ᴋɪᴛᴄʜᴇɴ ᴛᴀʙʟᴇ. "ɴᴏ, ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴀɴ ᴀᴄᴄɪᴅᴇɴᴛ.”
ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴅᴏ ᴛʜɪꜱ, ᴀɪᴅᴇᴇɴ." ᴊᴇꜰꜰ ꜱᴛʀᴜɢɢʟᴇꜱ ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ɴᴏᴀʜ'ꜱ ʜᴏʟᴅ.
"ᴀ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴏɴᴇ ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ. ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ'ꜱ ɴᴏ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ɪɴ ɪᴛ.
ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ”
“ʏᴏᴜ'ʟʟ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜱᴛᴏᴘ ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴍʏ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ɴᴏ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴇʟʟ ᴍᴇ ᴏʀ ᴄʜᴏᴏꜱᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴏ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ʟɪᴇ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʟɪꜰᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ'ʟʟ ʙᴇ ꜱᴛᴜʙʙᴏʀɴ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʟᴀꜱᴛ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʙɪᴛ ᴏꜰ ɪᴛ.
ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʜᴇᴀᴅ. ᴍʏ ᴠᴇɪɴꜱ. ɪ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ. ɪ ᴄʀᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜰɪᴇʀʏ ᴀᴛᴛɪᴛᴜᴅᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱʜᴀʀᴘ ᴛᴏɴɢᴜᴇ. ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ."
𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚—> no (passionate kissing)
𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜—> yes (quite a bit)
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ ♡ ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧s 𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙮:) 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣!
The story line…I didn’t exactly understand what was going on until a quarter way through the book. That’s when everything started coming together.
𝒜𝒾𝒹𝑒𝑒𝓃: I feel for her. She is so stinking strong. I don’t know how she does it. First, the death of her mom, then the death of one of her closest friends and then her best friend gets kidnapped? Yeah, I would have quit life already. Not her though, instead, she searches for her best friend determined to find out what happened to her. What does that get her in return? Well, I can’t tell you obviously….that would spoil the book for you🤭
I will say though…this girl can’t catch a break😭
Now…is miss ma’am kind of implosive?? 100%. Does this possibly cause trouble for her team? That’s for me to know and you to find out;)
𝒥𝑒𝒻𝒻: When he was first introduced into the book, I almost decided not to like him. He seemed kind of cold and like no one else’s feelings were important. Well, I was wrong. I got a few more chapters in and got to know him a lil bit better. Actually screaming crying and dying. Why does he actually have to be so amazing?!? I WAS THE ONE FALLING FOR HIM. He was down and down bad for Aideen. Down so bad that he willingly followed her into a mass of danger. I mean….was it the smartest decision? Definitely not….but….attractive and thoughtful?? Absolutely positively yes. 😏
𝒪𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈:
𝒩𝒶𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒾𝑒𝓁: Yes an no for him. Why must mister be absolutely so annoying 😂
You know that older brother who always gets on everyone’s last nerve but they love him anyway? That’s Nathaniel in this book🙂↕️
𝒩𝑜𝒶𝒽: Stoic. Serious. That’s his outward demeanor anyway. Let’s be honest though….he’s a big ole teddy bear deep down🧸
He’s the responsible one in the group. He ACTUALLY thinks through the plan and doesn’t just barge right in without thinking.
I can’t say that for everyone on his team😭
Overall…I immensely enjoyed this read! It kept me on my toes and had me dropping my jaw a few times if I’m being completely honest 😧🤭
There were parts of the book I had to go back and read just to clear things up, but it didn’t make the book to difficult to understand😌
FAVE QUOTES👇🏻
"ɪ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴡᴀɪᴛ ᴀɴʏᴍᴏʀᴇ. ɪ'ᴍ ɪɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ᴡᴀɪᴛ ᴀɴʏᴍᴏʀᴇ.“
"ɪ ᴀʟᴍᴏꜱᴛ ꜱᴘɪʟʟᴇᴅ ᴀ ꜰʀᴀᴘᴘᴇ ᴏɴ ᴀ ᴄᴜꜱᴛᴏᴍᴇʀ ᴛᴏᴅᴀʏ," ꜱʜᴇ ʜᴀᴅ ꜱᴀɪᴅ, ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀɢ ᴏɴ ᴍʏ ᴋɪᴛᴄʜᴇɴ ᴛᴀʙʟᴇ. "ɴᴏ, ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴀɴ ᴀᴄᴄɪᴅᴇɴᴛ.”
ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴅᴏ ᴛʜɪꜱ, ᴀɪᴅᴇᴇɴ." ᴊᴇꜰꜰ ꜱᴛʀᴜɢɢʟᴇꜱ ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ɴᴏᴀʜ'ꜱ ʜᴏʟᴅ.
"ᴀ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴏɴᴇ ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ. ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ'ꜱ ɴᴏ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ɪɴ ɪᴛ.
ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ”
“ʏᴏᴜ'ʟʟ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜱᴛᴏᴘ ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴍʏ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ɴᴏ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴇʟʟ ᴍᴇ ᴏʀ ᴄʜᴏᴏꜱᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴏ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ʟɪᴇ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʟɪꜰᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ'ʟʟ ʙᴇ ꜱᴛᴜʙʙᴏʀɴ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʟᴀꜱᴛ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʙɪᴛ ᴏꜰ ɪᴛ.
ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʜᴇᴀᴅ. ᴍʏ ᴠᴇɪɴꜱ. ɪ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ. ɪ ᴄʀᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜰɪᴇʀʏ ᴀᴛᴛɪᴛᴜᴅᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱʜᴀʀᴘ ᴛᴏɴɢᴜᴇ. ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ."
𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚—> no (passionate kissing)
𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜—> yes (quite a bit)
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ ♡ ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧s 𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙮:) 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, I'm the author so I'm a bit bias. But either way I had to come here and support my baby!
May 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You know that empty feeling when your entire world is a little bit bleaker after you’ve finished a book because it was so good? Yeah that.
I don’t know where to start, and I apologise in advance if this is just incoherent thought vomit, but I am REELING.
If you haven’t guessed, I absolutely adored this book.
Fire and Death follows Aideen, an anger-prone badass who will do whatever it takes to save her best friend, Emily, after she’s pulled into a hidden world of sangere, shifters, courts, and rebellion. It’s upper YA urban fantasy with high stakes, brilliant humour, and the kind of pacing that makes “this’ll be my last chapter” a frequent lie you’ll tell yourself.
The characterisation was easily my favourite part. Dutary builds relationships perfectly, keeping every dynamic sharp without the story ever dragging. Aideen is fierce, loyal, messy, and painfully relatable. She’s the kind of friend who would burn the world down for the people she loves, but the book also handles her PTSD and anxiety with real care. Her strength never feels glossy or invincible. It feels complicated and earned.
The romance is a side plot, but oh, hook it to my veins. Aideen and Jeff have a slow-burn friends-to-lovers dynamic that is genuinely swoon-worthy. Aideen is terrified to let him in because loving people has never gone well for her, especially after what happens with Emily. But Jeff is ADORABLE. Golden retriever energy: devoted, supportive, and obviously completely gone for her. He complements Aideen’s ginger cat chaos perfectly, and I ate it up.
I also loved how this book plays with familiar dynamics without feeling trope-heavy. There’s a delicious reversal of the usual “touch her and die” energy, with Aideen fully adopting a “touch them and die” approach when it comes to her friends.
The worldbuilding is woven seamlessly into the real world, with a secret society of ‘monsters’ living in the background. The magic system is clear, interesting, and never once left me confused. It’s immersive without requiring a study guide and glossary.
My absolute favourite thing about this book was Nathaniel and Noah. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was golden. The history, the banter, and the sheer entertainment value—I’m not kidding when I say I could have read a thousand more pages of those two bickering and still asked for bonus content.
Nathaniel in particular. Marry me.
The writing is fast-paced, emotional, funny, voicey, and addictive. There wasn’t a single point where the pacing dipped or the story felt rushed. It just moved, and I was very happy to be dragged along by the collar.
This is perfect for upper YA readers, but as someone in my mid-thirties, I had an absolute blast with it. If you like propulsive stories, courts and rebellion, hidden magical worlds, fierce friendships, lovable characters, and emotional stakes, Fire and Death needs to be on your list.
You know that empty feeling when your entire world is a little bit bleaker after you’ve finished a book because it was so good? Yeah that.
I don’t know where to start, and I apologise in advance if this is just incoherent thought vomit, but I am REELING.
If you haven’t guessed, I absolutely adored this book.
Fire and Death follows Aideen, an anger-prone badass who will do whatever it takes to save her best friend, Emily, after she’s pulled into a hidden world of sangere, shifters, courts, and rebellion. It’s upper YA urban fantasy with high stakes, brilliant humour, and the kind of pacing that makes “this’ll be my last chapter” a frequent lie you’ll tell yourself.
The characterisation was easily my favourite part. Dutary builds relationships perfectly, keeping every dynamic sharp without the story ever dragging. Aideen is fierce, loyal, messy, and painfully relatable. She’s the kind of friend who would burn the world down for the people she loves, but the book also handles her PTSD and anxiety with real care. Her strength never feels glossy or invincible. It feels complicated and earned.
The romance is a side plot, but oh, hook it to my veins. Aideen and Jeff have a slow-burn friends-to-lovers dynamic that is genuinely swoon-worthy. Aideen is terrified to let him in because loving people has never gone well for her, especially after what happens with Emily. But Jeff is ADORABLE. Golden retriever energy: devoted, supportive, and obviously completely gone for her. He complements Aideen’s ginger cat chaos perfectly, and I ate it up.
I also loved how this book plays with familiar dynamics without feeling trope-heavy. There’s a delicious reversal of the usual “touch her and die” energy, with Aideen fully adopting a “touch them and die” approach when it comes to her friends.
The worldbuilding is woven seamlessly into the real world, with a secret society of ‘monsters’ living in the background. The magic system is clear, interesting, and never once left me confused. It’s immersive without requiring a study guide and glossary.
My absolute favourite thing about this book was Nathaniel and Noah. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was golden. The history, the banter, and the sheer entertainment value—I’m not kidding when I say I could have read a thousand more pages of those two bickering and still asked for bonus content.
Nathaniel in particular. Marry me.
The writing is fast-paced, emotional, funny, voicey, and addictive. There wasn’t a single point where the pacing dipped or the story felt rushed. It just moved, and I was very happy to be dragged along by the collar.
This is perfect for upper YA readers, but as someone in my mid-thirties, I had an absolute blast with it. If you like propulsive stories, courts and rebellion, hidden magical worlds, fierce friendships, lovable characters, and emotional stakes, Fire and Death needs to be on your list.
Did Not Finish
July 13, 2026Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
Sadly I had to dnf 10% in. I had literally no idea what was happening. I felt there was not enough evidence to back up claims about a characters personalty or flaw. Are we expected to know what is being said to be true. How do we know that without you show us? I also found the use of 'such and such must have happened, this must have happened, that must have happened' incredibly annoying. Youre the author surely you know what happened I dont need characters guessing. I need you to heavily suggest something had happened and let me fill in the blank or say directly that it happened and show me how it happened.
Some sentences gave more detail than was necessary and it made the reading experience clunky and a mouth full. Eg. "The music must have paused at some point in the night because my "little" speaker is silent.." the word little wasnt needed. Also where is the evidence the character sleeps with music on? Just saying the room was silent would have been enough and also suggests that no one was sleeping in there.
Sadly the story was too much tell me rather than show me and everything felt clunky and a mouth full.
I do wish the author good luck and best wishes on release day, this book wasn't for me but im sure others will love it.
Sadly I had to dnf 10% in. I had literally no idea what was happening. I felt there was not enough evidence to back up claims about a characters personalty or flaw. Are we expected to know what is being said to be true. How do we know that without you show us? I also found the use of 'such and such must have happened, this must have happened, that must have happened' incredibly annoying. Youre the author surely you know what happened I dont need characters guessing. I need you to heavily suggest something had happened and let me fill in the blank or say directly that it happened and show me how it happened.
Some sentences gave more detail than was necessary and it made the reading experience clunky and a mouth full. Eg. "The music must have paused at some point in the night because my "little" speaker is silent.." the word little wasnt needed. Also where is the evidence the character sleeps with music on? Just saying the room was silent would have been enough and also suggests that no one was sleeping in there.
Sadly the story was too much tell me rather than show me and everything felt clunky and a mouth full.
I do wish the author good luck and best wishes on release day, this book wasn't for me but im sure others will love it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute pleasure of reading the eARC of this book before it hits shelves, and then I absolutely devoured it in less than a day while doing literally nothing else *but* reading this book. It's one of those books.
There’s so much I could say about FIRE AND DEATH. The urban fantasy environment is an amazing mix of grounded and mystical - it doesn’t mince words on describing the real-world things you're already familiar with, and even the magical elements like sangere and shifters are explained in a way that’s easy to follow along with while still holding some of that mysterious quality that makes it clear you - and therefore Aideen - don't know *everything.*
And speaking of Aideen - I fell in love with the characters from page one. The author does an incredible job of making it immediately clear that Aideen, Jeff, and Emily would all die for each other; it's made very clear that they're *family*, lack of blood relations be damned. None of the characters are perfect, either, but it's clear *why* the think and feel the things they do. Even a certain bad guy whose name I will not name for spoilers.
I specifically appreciated how there’s a balance between Aideen being realistically overwhelmed with this new world she's discovered and not *overly* panicked. She's never once any kind of fainting damsel - when she is taken out it's under understandable circumstances because she's a badass but she's also human. And of course she's got a lot of angst moments but the ones where she allows herself to be happy are ADORABLE.
All of that to say I cannot WAIT to see what she does in the sequel, especially after that cliffhanger 😭. I want to go back to Eastpointe so. Bad. And I'm sure I'll have to fight to be at the front of the line for that one.
There’s so much I could say about FIRE AND DEATH. The urban fantasy environment is an amazing mix of grounded and mystical - it doesn’t mince words on describing the real-world things you're already familiar with, and even the magical elements like sangere and shifters are explained in a way that’s easy to follow along with while still holding some of that mysterious quality that makes it clear you - and therefore Aideen - don't know *everything.*
And speaking of Aideen - I fell in love with the characters from page one. The author does an incredible job of making it immediately clear that Aideen, Jeff, and Emily would all die for each other; it's made very clear that they're *family*, lack of blood relations be damned. None of the characters are perfect, either, but it's clear *why* the think and feel the things they do. Even a certain bad guy whose name I will not name for spoilers.
I specifically appreciated how there’s a balance between Aideen being realistically overwhelmed with this new world she's discovered and not *overly* panicked. She's never once any kind of fainting damsel - when she is taken out it's under understandable circumstances because she's a badass but she's also human. And of course she's got a lot of angst moments but the ones where she allows herself to be happy are ADORABLE.
All of that to say I cannot WAIT to see what she does in the sequel, especially after that cliffhanger 😭. I want to go back to Eastpointe so. Bad. And I'm sure I'll have to fight to be at the front of the line for that one.
October 21, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fire & Death — Jenee Dutary
🔥 Tropes & Vibes
🔥 YA urban/contemporary fantasy
🖤 Found family
👫 Friends to lovers
🐺 Shifters
🧛 Vampires
🐉 Dragons/Dracon
🧙♀️ Witches & fae
🌎 Hidden supernatural world
🔒 Sealed/hidden powers
🐈⬛🐕 Black cat x golden retriever
❤️🔥 Slow-burn romance
🗡️ Touch them and die
😡 Female rage
🔍 Mystery & missing friend
⚔️ Secret societies / supernatural factions
✨ Anti-hero origin
😱 Cliffhanger ending
❤️ What I Liked
The found family was probably my favorite part. I really enjoyed Aideen, Jeff, Emily, Noah, and Nathaniel together, and their different personalities made the group dynamic fun. There was enough banter and friendship mixed into the darker parts of the story that I became invested in this little crew pretty quickly.
I also really liked the premise of Aideen thinking there is something fundamentally dangerous about her and then slowly discovering this entire supernatural world that has been hiding around her. Vampires, shifters, witches, fae, dragons—there is A LOT packed into a relatively quick read, and it gave me that older-school YA paranormal fantasy feeling.
The mystery surrounding Emily's disappearance kept me reading, and I liked that the romance didn't take over the entire plot. There's definitely something brewing there, but Aideen's search for her friend and discovering who—and what—she really is remains the focus.
And that ending! The final reveals definitely left me with questions and made me curious to see where book two takes everything.
🤔 What Didn't Quite Work for Me
My biggest issue was that I wanted more world-building and more time with the characters. There are so many interesting supernatural elements introduced—the different creatures, powers, factions, courts, history and rebellion—but because the book moves so quickly, I didn't always feel like I completely understood how everything worked.
The pacing was a little uneven for me as well. Some portions moved incredibly quickly while other moments slowed down, and there were a few places where I had to stop and make sure I understood what was happening. I especially would have liked more backstory surrounding Aideen and some of the other characters.
Basically, there were several things I wanted the book to dig into more deeply—which isn't necessarily a bad problem to have because I'm interested enough to want those answers!
📖 Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
Fire & Death was such a fun, fast-paced start to a new YA urban fantasy series! It has a little bit of everything—vampires, shifters, witches, fae, dragons, hidden powers, mystery, found family, and a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance.
One of my favorite parts was the found-family dynamic. I really enjoyed Aideen and the group surrounding her, especially the banter and the different personalities everyone brought to the story. I also liked following Aideen as the world she thought she knew was completely turned upside down. What begins with her trying to find her missing best friend quickly becomes something much bigger as she discovers a supernatural world hiding in plain sight—and realizes she may be far more connected to it than she ever imagined.
The mystery kept me interested, and I appreciated that the romance was present without overshadowing Aideen's search for Emily or her own journey of discovering who she really is.
My biggest issue was that I wanted more depth from the world-building. There are so many interesting creatures, factions, powers, and pieces of history introduced that I occasionally felt like I was getting information faster than I could fully understand it. I would have loved for the story to slow down a little and give us more background on the world and characters. At the same time, the fact that I wanted MORE of this world is a pretty good indication of how intrigued I was by it.
And then there's that ending. 😳 It answered just enough while opening up a whole new set of questions. I'm definitely curious to see where the story goes in book two!
Overall, this was a quick and entertaining read with strong found-family vibes, mystery, supernatural creatures, and that nostalgic YA paranormal fantasy feel. If you grew up loving books filled with vampires, shifters, secret supernatural worlds, and characters suddenly discovering they aren't quite as human as they thought, this one is worth checking out.
🔥 Tropes & Vibes
🔥 YA urban/contemporary fantasy
🖤 Found family
👫 Friends to lovers
🐺 Shifters
🧛 Vampires
🐉 Dragons/Dracon
🧙♀️ Witches & fae
🌎 Hidden supernatural world
🔒 Sealed/hidden powers
🐈⬛🐕 Black cat x golden retriever
❤️🔥 Slow-burn romance
🗡️ Touch them and die
😡 Female rage
🔍 Mystery & missing friend
⚔️ Secret societies / supernatural factions
✨ Anti-hero origin
😱 Cliffhanger ending
❤️ What I Liked
The found family was probably my favorite part. I really enjoyed Aideen, Jeff, Emily, Noah, and Nathaniel together, and their different personalities made the group dynamic fun. There was enough banter and friendship mixed into the darker parts of the story that I became invested in this little crew pretty quickly.
I also really liked the premise of Aideen thinking there is something fundamentally dangerous about her and then slowly discovering this entire supernatural world that has been hiding around her. Vampires, shifters, witches, fae, dragons—there is A LOT packed into a relatively quick read, and it gave me that older-school YA paranormal fantasy feeling.
The mystery surrounding Emily's disappearance kept me reading, and I liked that the romance didn't take over the entire plot. There's definitely something brewing there, but Aideen's search for her friend and discovering who—and what—she really is remains the focus.
And that ending! The final reveals definitely left me with questions and made me curious to see where book two takes everything.
🤔 What Didn't Quite Work for Me
My biggest issue was that I wanted more world-building and more time with the characters. There are so many interesting supernatural elements introduced—the different creatures, powers, factions, courts, history and rebellion—but because the book moves so quickly, I didn't always feel like I completely understood how everything worked.
The pacing was a little uneven for me as well. Some portions moved incredibly quickly while other moments slowed down, and there were a few places where I had to stop and make sure I understood what was happening. I especially would have liked more backstory surrounding Aideen and some of the other characters.
Basically, there were several things I wanted the book to dig into more deeply—which isn't necessarily a bad problem to have because I'm interested enough to want those answers!
📖 Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
Fire & Death was such a fun, fast-paced start to a new YA urban fantasy series! It has a little bit of everything—vampires, shifters, witches, fae, dragons, hidden powers, mystery, found family, and a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance.
One of my favorite parts was the found-family dynamic. I really enjoyed Aideen and the group surrounding her, especially the banter and the different personalities everyone brought to the story. I also liked following Aideen as the world she thought she knew was completely turned upside down. What begins with her trying to find her missing best friend quickly becomes something much bigger as she discovers a supernatural world hiding in plain sight—and realizes she may be far more connected to it than she ever imagined.
The mystery kept me interested, and I appreciated that the romance was present without overshadowing Aideen's search for Emily or her own journey of discovering who she really is.
My biggest issue was that I wanted more depth from the world-building. There are so many interesting creatures, factions, powers, and pieces of history introduced that I occasionally felt like I was getting information faster than I could fully understand it. I would have loved for the story to slow down a little and give us more background on the world and characters. At the same time, the fact that I wanted MORE of this world is a pretty good indication of how intrigued I was by it.
And then there's that ending. 😳 It answered just enough while opening up a whole new set of questions. I'm definitely curious to see where the story goes in book two!
Overall, this was a quick and entertaining read with strong found-family vibes, mystery, supernatural creatures, and that nostalgic YA paranormal fantasy feel. If you grew up loving books filled with vampires, shifters, secret supernatural worlds, and characters suddenly discovering they aren't quite as human as they thought, this one is worth checking out.
Review of advance copy
When the opportunity to receive an eARC for this book presented itself, I had to jump on board the early readers' boat. Jenee is a fantastic writer and truly understands how to tell a story in so many words.
Overall Thoughts:
This was fantastic. I also binged it less two days. I was captivated by the first page until the last. I laughed. I saw myself in it. I made guesses that were right and wrong (lookin at you, you fuzzy animal!) and attached to the cast from the beginning. The way everyone just bounces off each other and the romance doesn't feel forced but real, is so fresh and rewarding. The pacing is snappy, and drags nowhere. Every detail feels earned, and gosh, Jeff is the sweetest skeptic ever. Emily is hilarious but resilient. Aideen is relatable in her grief and internal struggles. And that ending?! Excuse me?! I am HURTING! I knew the twist on my intestines needed to tangle tighter, but damn, rip them out of me why don't you!
I recommend this book to anyone wanting fantasy that lets you live through the characters and how they navigate surprises that aim to take their lives. You won't be disappointed!
Break down of the thoughts:
The worldbuilding:
It's as if you took Shadowhunters and made it digestible in a dark way. You are instantly thrown into a world that's familiar until it isn't. Its not hectic, and it makes sense that things would happen in this way. Nothing is overcomplicated and makes for clean, clear content.
The Plot:
It takes off from page and stays constant throughout. You have a mother whose infant twins have magic that is dangerous and needs to be sealed. You're introduced to a few factions without an info dumpy lore, and it takes off from there with as the ritual implodes into chaos. When Aideen and her relationship with Jeff and Emily is introduced, you understand their goals, their connections and are craving more. Once a particular person disappears, you're on a constant ride of laughter, suspense and turning pages until the end to see where it'll go.
The Main Characters:
I would bleed for them. Each one is unique, and relatable. I found myself laughing, relating and rooting for their success. Every decision they make feels natural for the world they live in and what they feel when its torn apart. One character, despite being mentioned throughout the book, feels like my best friend. I know them. I feel them in how Aideen remembers. Even characters aren't alive feel like they lived in my life. The snark, banter, and outright protection that's given doesn't feel forced but expected from who I'm told these people are. If not reading for the plot, read it for the characters because they are worth it!
The Side characters: Each side character holds a key place in the plot and drives the narrative forward by being real. They aren't there to mess with the protagonist and disappear, but rather play a role in Aideen's development and their own. You will be just as attached to them as you are the main trio!
If I had any criticisms, its that the book is too short, if that even is one. Everything is developed, and I am super impressed with how much is presented and intricately woven in despite the page count. I wanted more! I wanted to see more into the supernatural politics that exists alongside ours, and I wanted to see into the side characters magic and how they interact with the world after living so long in it. None of that is a bad thing, as what we are given tells me everything I need to know, I am just hungering for more because it is that good!
I cannot wait for the second book where I am confident I will see and learn more to love about these incredible people and what's next to happen to them!
Overall Thoughts:
This was fantastic. I also binged it less two days. I was captivated by the first page until the last. I laughed. I saw myself in it. I made guesses that were right and wrong (lookin at you, you fuzzy animal!) and attached to the cast from the beginning. The way everyone just bounces off each other and the romance doesn't feel forced but real, is so fresh and rewarding. The pacing is snappy, and drags nowhere. Every detail feels earned, and gosh, Jeff is the sweetest skeptic ever. Emily is hilarious but resilient. Aideen is relatable in her grief and internal struggles. And that ending?! Excuse me?! I am HURTING! I knew the twist on my intestines needed to tangle tighter, but damn, rip them out of me why don't you!
I recommend this book to anyone wanting fantasy that lets you live through the characters and how they navigate surprises that aim to take their lives. You won't be disappointed!
Break down of the thoughts:
The worldbuilding:
It's as if you took Shadowhunters and made it digestible in a dark way. You are instantly thrown into a world that's familiar until it isn't. Its not hectic, and it makes sense that things would happen in this way. Nothing is overcomplicated and makes for clean, clear content.
The Plot:
It takes off from page and stays constant throughout. You have a mother whose infant twins have magic that is dangerous and needs to be sealed. You're introduced to a few factions without an info dumpy lore, and it takes off from there with as the ritual implodes into chaos. When Aideen and her relationship with Jeff and Emily is introduced, you understand their goals, their connections and are craving more. Once a particular person disappears, you're on a constant ride of laughter, suspense and turning pages until the end to see where it'll go.
The Main Characters:
I would bleed for them. Each one is unique, and relatable. I found myself laughing, relating and rooting for their success. Every decision they make feels natural for the world they live in and what they feel when its torn apart. One character, despite being mentioned throughout the book, feels like my best friend. I know them. I feel them in how Aideen remembers. Even characters aren't alive feel like they lived in my life. The snark, banter, and outright protection that's given doesn't feel forced but expected from who I'm told these people are. If not reading for the plot, read it for the characters because they are worth it!
The Side characters: Each side character holds a key place in the plot and drives the narrative forward by being real. They aren't there to mess with the protagonist and disappear, but rather play a role in Aideen's development and their own. You will be just as attached to them as you are the main trio!
If I had any criticisms, its that the book is too short, if that even is one. Everything is developed, and I am super impressed with how much is presented and intricately woven in despite the page count. I wanted more! I wanted to see more into the supernatural politics that exists alongside ours, and I wanted to see into the side characters magic and how they interact with the world after living so long in it. None of that is a bad thing, as what we are given tells me everything I need to know, I am just hungering for more because it is that good!
I cannot wait for the second book where I am confident I will see and learn more to love about these incredible people and what's next to happen to them!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I mean this with the best of respect. This is a book best enjoyed if you leave your brain at the door (cover page?).
Fire and Death follows Aideen, a soon-to-be college student who has spent much of her life grieving. Loss seems to follow her wherever she goes, leaving her convinced that the only way to escape the ghosts of her past is to leave everything behind.
The book opens with Aideen preparing to up sticks and move to the other side of the country, cutting ties before what little she has left can disappear too. But before she gets the chance, her best friend, Emily, goes missing.
What follows is Aideen’s descent into a supernatural world she never knew existed. Accompanied by an old friend who wants to be more than friends, a vampire, and a shifter, she is drawn deeper into an increasingly dangerous underworld populated by creatures and forces she could never have imagined. At the centre of it all is Emily—and Aideen’s increasingly desperate determination to find her, even as she begins to wonder whether her best friend is still alive.
FAD (the acronym delights me) at its core is an exploration of grief, self-worth mixed into a coming-of-age/chosen one plot. It was a very easy quick read but I do admire just the amount of effort and thought Dutary put into the emotional beats that FAD was full of. Its a very short piece and reads a lot like a rollercoaster ride that's full of loops.
However, for a short page count, Dutary did a phenomenal job of making me both care about the characters (especially Aideen) and invested in the stakes.
The main characters and their ensemble cast are really what makes FAD shine. Aideen reads very authentically late teenager, sarcastic, witty and with slightly questionable self-preservation skills. For a book thick with the inhuman, she gives FAD a very, very human flare. Aideen's relationship with Emily is shown largely off-page which would usually irk me, but we get enough of their past to keep a good fist around your heartstrings. I enjoyed the angst between Jeff and Aideen but really appreciated that Dutary didn't overload the plot with an unnecessary romance.
There were hints there which again felt super authentic to the graduate experience, but didn't take away from the crux of the plot.
I opened this review mentioning this is a book best read brainless. I maintain I don't mean this cruelly. For me FAD plays very fast and loose with the worldbuilding and for me this worked to add to the sense of Aideen's sense of disorientation as she enters this new world. However, if you're a reader who needs concrete rules spelled out to you, I wouldn't say this is the book for you. FAD is by no means a stupid/poorly thought through book. But it rides on the coat-tails of a sense of "what the hell is happening and where is this going." It works for the mystery, but enjoyers of more cemented magic systems may be less forgiving.
There's a lot going on here which most fantasy readers won't bat an eye at. But there's the more urban fantasy elements of vampires and shifters, then there's reference to dragons and broader magic systems. FAD definitely errs more on the lip-service v a fully fleshed out world that you might find in other books of the genre.
There were a few beats here that gave me a good belly chuckle, I would like to have seen more of them. I think the humour worked best in FAD where Dutary didn't try to be too funny.
This is a debut that packed an absolute emotional punch. While I had my issues with it, I have high hopes that Dutary will come back bigger and better.
Fire and Death follows Aideen, a soon-to-be college student who has spent much of her life grieving. Loss seems to follow her wherever she goes, leaving her convinced that the only way to escape the ghosts of her past is to leave everything behind.
The book opens with Aideen preparing to up sticks and move to the other side of the country, cutting ties before what little she has left can disappear too. But before she gets the chance, her best friend, Emily, goes missing.
What follows is Aideen’s descent into a supernatural world she never knew existed. Accompanied by an old friend who wants to be more than friends, a vampire, and a shifter, she is drawn deeper into an increasingly dangerous underworld populated by creatures and forces she could never have imagined. At the centre of it all is Emily—and Aideen’s increasingly desperate determination to find her, even as she begins to wonder whether her best friend is still alive.
FAD (the acronym delights me) at its core is an exploration of grief, self-worth mixed into a coming-of-age/chosen one plot. It was a very easy quick read but I do admire just the amount of effort and thought Dutary put into the emotional beats that FAD was full of. Its a very short piece and reads a lot like a rollercoaster ride that's full of loops.
However, for a short page count, Dutary did a phenomenal job of making me both care about the characters (especially Aideen) and invested in the stakes.
The main characters and their ensemble cast are really what makes FAD shine. Aideen reads very authentically late teenager, sarcastic, witty and with slightly questionable self-preservation skills. For a book thick with the inhuman, she gives FAD a very, very human flare. Aideen's relationship with Emily is shown largely off-page which would usually irk me, but we get enough of their past to keep a good fist around your heartstrings. I enjoyed the angst between Jeff and Aideen but really appreciated that Dutary didn't overload the plot with an unnecessary romance.
There were hints there which again felt super authentic to the graduate experience, but didn't take away from the crux of the plot.
I opened this review mentioning this is a book best read brainless. I maintain I don't mean this cruelly. For me FAD plays very fast and loose with the worldbuilding and for me this worked to add to the sense of Aideen's sense of disorientation as she enters this new world. However, if you're a reader who needs concrete rules spelled out to you, I wouldn't say this is the book for you. FAD is by no means a stupid/poorly thought through book. But it rides on the coat-tails of a sense of "what the hell is happening and where is this going." It works for the mystery, but enjoyers of more cemented magic systems may be less forgiving.
There's a lot going on here which most fantasy readers won't bat an eye at. But there's the more urban fantasy elements of vampires and shifters, then there's reference to dragons and broader magic systems. FAD definitely errs more on the lip-service v a fully fleshed out world that you might find in other books of the genre.
There were a few beats here that gave me a good belly chuckle, I would like to have seen more of them. I think the humour worked best in FAD where Dutary didn't try to be too funny.
This is a debut that packed an absolute emotional punch. While I had my issues with it, I have high hopes that Dutary will come back bigger and better.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Aideen killed her mother and her childhood friend. At least that's what she believes.
Death follows her like a curse, and with every loss, her gut whispers the same truth-it's her fault. Determined to keep anyone else from dying, Aideen plans to escape to the West Coast for college and leave her haunted past behind for good.
But when her best friend Emily vanishes without a trace, running is no longer an option.
The police offer nothing but dead ends and empty reassurances, so Aideen takes the search into her own hands-joined by the one boy she's spent years keeping at a safe distance, the one she's most terrified of losing.
Following a trail of cryptic clues Emily left behind, Aideen stumbles into a clandestine world of monsters hiding in plain sight. Stalked by glowing symbols that have shadowed her dreams for as long as she can remember, and hunted by legendary creatures for reasons she doesn't understand, Aideen is thrust into a supernatural war she never asked to fight.
To save Emily, she'll have to trust a ruthless vampire and an unpredictable shifter-and face the most horrifying possibility of all: the thing she's been running from her entire life isn't chasing her at all.
It's inside her.
I was thrilled when NetGalley granted me access to this ARC, and not just because Jenee Dutary is one of my wonderfully talented agent siblings. I love everything this book was promoted to be: intense, action-packed, romantic, and fast paced. It lived up to the promises made by the promotion I've seen, and dare I say it exceeded my expectations.
I'm always wary when I pick up a self-published or indie published novel, as I never know which way things will go with the narrative or how well it will be constructed. That worry was fast to fade while I read Fire and Death. It was everything I hoped for and more.
I love narratives focusing on monstrous woman, and the main character in this novel absolutely fits that bill. She was entrancing, skilled, and intelligent, and it was a treat to see her grow progressively worse throughout the story. The pacing was strong and kept ramping up as the pages went on, and I enjoyed every moment of my readthrough.
Diabolically powerful and devastatingly romantic, Dutary writes the kind of story that encompasses the term "female rage". Jam-packed with heart-pounding conflict, pulse-rending romance, and action sequences that will have readers on the edge of their seats, this narrative is extraordinary and masterful in its composition and its execution. I cannot wait to see what Dutary writes next!
Death follows her like a curse, and with every loss, her gut whispers the same truth-it's her fault. Determined to keep anyone else from dying, Aideen plans to escape to the West Coast for college and leave her haunted past behind for good.
But when her best friend Emily vanishes without a trace, running is no longer an option.
The police offer nothing but dead ends and empty reassurances, so Aideen takes the search into her own hands-joined by the one boy she's spent years keeping at a safe distance, the one she's most terrified of losing.
Following a trail of cryptic clues Emily left behind, Aideen stumbles into a clandestine world of monsters hiding in plain sight. Stalked by glowing symbols that have shadowed her dreams for as long as she can remember, and hunted by legendary creatures for reasons she doesn't understand, Aideen is thrust into a supernatural war she never asked to fight.
To save Emily, she'll have to trust a ruthless vampire and an unpredictable shifter-and face the most horrifying possibility of all: the thing she's been running from her entire life isn't chasing her at all.
It's inside her.
I was thrilled when NetGalley granted me access to this ARC, and not just because Jenee Dutary is one of my wonderfully talented agent siblings. I love everything this book was promoted to be: intense, action-packed, romantic, and fast paced. It lived up to the promises made by the promotion I've seen, and dare I say it exceeded my expectations.
I'm always wary when I pick up a self-published or indie published novel, as I never know which way things will go with the narrative or how well it will be constructed. That worry was fast to fade while I read Fire and Death. It was everything I hoped for and more.
I love narratives focusing on monstrous woman, and the main character in this novel absolutely fits that bill. She was entrancing, skilled, and intelligent, and it was a treat to see her grow progressively worse throughout the story. The pacing was strong and kept ramping up as the pages went on, and I enjoyed every moment of my readthrough.
Diabolically powerful and devastatingly romantic, Dutary writes the kind of story that encompasses the term "female rage". Jam-packed with heart-pounding conflict, pulse-rending romance, and action sequences that will have readers on the edge of their seats, this narrative is extraordinary and masterful in its composition and its execution. I cannot wait to see what Dutary writes next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun read! I was immediately interested in the world and the characters, and once I started reading, I found myself wanting to know more. I really liked how the author introduced the magical elements without making them confusing. The mix of magic, sangere, and shifters was really interesting, and I liked that there was still some mystery surrounding everything. We get to learn about this world along with Aideen, which made it even more enjoyable.
The characters were definitely one of my favorite parts of this book. I loved the friendship between Aideen, Jeff, and Emily. They genuinely feel like a family, and I loved how much they cared about each other. Aideen is stubborn, reckless, and definitely has a talent for getting herself into trouble, but I found myself rooting for her the entire time. I also liked that she wasn’t completely helpless when she was thrown into this new world. She could be overwhelmed and scared, but she was still very much capable of handling herself.
And Jeff! I really liked him. His personality and his relationship with Aideen were probably some of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship has that slow-burn feeling that I really enjoy, and even though the romance isn’t the main focus of the story, I never felt like it was forgotten. Their chemistry kept me wanting more, and I’m definitely interested to see where things go between them.
I also really enjoyed the banter throughout the book. The characters all had their own personalities, and their interactions never felt boring. There were definitely moments that made me laugh, but there were also plenty of moments where I genuinely cared about what was happening to them.
Overall, I really enjoyed Fire and Death. I loved the characters, the friendships, the world, and the slow-burn romance. That ending definitely has me wanting the next book, and I cannot wait to see what Aideen gets herself into next!
The characters were definitely one of my favorite parts of this book. I loved the friendship between Aideen, Jeff, and Emily. They genuinely feel like a family, and I loved how much they cared about each other. Aideen is stubborn, reckless, and definitely has a talent for getting herself into trouble, but I found myself rooting for her the entire time. I also liked that she wasn’t completely helpless when she was thrown into this new world. She could be overwhelmed and scared, but she was still very much capable of handling herself.
And Jeff! I really liked him. His personality and his relationship with Aideen were probably some of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship has that slow-burn feeling that I really enjoy, and even though the romance isn’t the main focus of the story, I never felt like it was forgotten. Their chemistry kept me wanting more, and I’m definitely interested to see where things go between them.
I also really enjoyed the banter throughout the book. The characters all had their own personalities, and their interactions never felt boring. There were definitely moments that made me laugh, but there were also plenty of moments where I genuinely cared about what was happening to them.
Overall, I really enjoyed Fire and Death. I loved the characters, the friendships, the world, and the slow-burn romance. That ending definitely has me wanting the next book, and I cannot wait to see what Aideen gets herself into next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley & Jenee Dutary for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I've finally gotten around to writing the review. When I had the chance to pre-read this, I was so god damn excited.
Fire and Death follows Aideen and her friend(s) as they navigate through mysteries of magic, past and ultimately their self-discovery. The one thing that stood out to me from the beginning was how much care and love was put into each word, each page. The prose feels intentional and every conversation, every banter felt like there was room to breathe.
This book is one of those books.
The dynamic between each character (no matter how small) just shows that everyone has a chemistry. Whether it's Noah and Nathaniel bickering (oh.... boy... it is a lot but it's so funny) or Jeff and Aideen (can we get another cute af golden retriever boy?), every interaction had its own personality.
Aideen is stubborn, reckless and impulsive. Does she also have an incredible talent of running head first into trouble and danger? Absolutely. But I found myself actually cheering and rooting from her from start to finish.
And Jeff? Can we please get more golden retriever MMCs who will follow the FMC into danger more in romantasies please? No hesitation. Just full faith and love.
The romance may be a b-side but boy oh boy, it doesn't feel like an afterthought at all. Aideen and Jeff has this slow burn tension where their relationship develops with the story rather than against it and the end makes it worth the wait.
If the first book can get me to kneel for each character, I cannot wait to see what the sequel has in store.
I've finally gotten around to writing the review. When I had the chance to pre-read this, I was so god damn excited.
Fire and Death follows Aideen and her friend(s) as they navigate through mysteries of magic, past and ultimately their self-discovery. The one thing that stood out to me from the beginning was how much care and love was put into each word, each page. The prose feels intentional and every conversation, every banter felt like there was room to breathe.
This book is one of those books.
The dynamic between each character (no matter how small) just shows that everyone has a chemistry. Whether it's Noah and Nathaniel bickering (oh.... boy... it is a lot but it's so funny) or Jeff and Aideen (can we get another cute af golden retriever boy?), every interaction had its own personality.
Aideen is stubborn, reckless and impulsive. Does she also have an incredible talent of running head first into trouble and danger? Absolutely. But I found myself actually cheering and rooting from her from start to finish.
And Jeff? Can we please get more golden retriever MMCs who will follow the FMC into danger more in romantasies please? No hesitation. Just full faith and love.
The romance may be a b-side but boy oh boy, it doesn't feel like an afterthought at all. Aideen and Jeff has this slow burn tension where their relationship develops with the story rather than against it and the end makes it worth the wait.
If the first book can get me to kneel for each character, I cannot wait to see what the sequel has in store.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)**
First a foremost thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC copy!!
Fire and Death was a strong start to what promises to be a fun urban fantasy series. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you in with fast-paced action and an intriguing mystery. The FMC doesn’t know she’s not human in the beginning and the author does a good job of transitioning the book from a “normal” world to a supernatural world without it feeling overwhelming or obscure.
Aideen is the FMC and while she had mostly good qualities, I did find her a little frustrating at times. She's deeply shaped by grief and determined to protect the people she loves, sometimes to her detriment. The friendships and found family dynamics are well written in this book and I absolutely loved Nathaniel’s character and broody Noah. Golden retriever Jeff was also great as an MMC and am curious where his story goes.
The magical elements are introduced at a steady pace, allowing the mystery to build while still keeping the plot moving. There are enough twists and revelations to keep you guessing, and the stakes continue to rise without ever feeling confusing. And that ending??? Oof. Talk about a cliffhanger.
This is a more plot heavy story but there is some romance that I suspect will amp up in the next book.
The ending leaves plenty to look forward to, and I'll definitely be picking up the next book. If you enjoy urban fantasy with found family, hidden magical societies, strong friendships, and a good mystery, Fire and Death is definitely worth reading.
First a foremost thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC copy!!
Fire and Death was a strong start to what promises to be a fun urban fantasy series. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you in with fast-paced action and an intriguing mystery. The FMC doesn’t know she’s not human in the beginning and the author does a good job of transitioning the book from a “normal” world to a supernatural world without it feeling overwhelming or obscure.
Aideen is the FMC and while she had mostly good qualities, I did find her a little frustrating at times. She's deeply shaped by grief and determined to protect the people she loves, sometimes to her detriment. The friendships and found family dynamics are well written in this book and I absolutely loved Nathaniel’s character and broody Noah. Golden retriever Jeff was also great as an MMC and am curious where his story goes.
The magical elements are introduced at a steady pace, allowing the mystery to build while still keeping the plot moving. There are enough twists and revelations to keep you guessing, and the stakes continue to rise without ever feeling confusing. And that ending??? Oof. Talk about a cliffhanger.
This is a more plot heavy story but there is some romance that I suspect will amp up in the next book.
The ending leaves plenty to look forward to, and I'll definitely be picking up the next book. If you enjoy urban fantasy with found family, hidden magical societies, strong friendships, and a good mystery, Fire and Death is definitely worth reading.
September 23, 2026
Fire and Death by Jenee Dutcher delivers an engaging blend of fantasy, danger, and emotional stakes that keeps readers invested from beginning to end. With a well-developed magical world and a story driven by high-stakes conflict, the novel offers plenty of excitement while also exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and personal growth.
One of the book's strongest elements is its cast of characters. The protagonist's journey feels meaningful, and the challenges they face help shape satisfying character development throughout the story. The relationships are compelling, adding emotional depth to the action and making the outcomes feel important beyond the larger plot.
Dutcher creates a vivid setting filled with magic, intrigue, and looming threats. The world-building is detailed enough to feel immersive without slowing the story's momentum. Action scenes are well-paced and tense, while quieter moments provide opportunities to better understand the characters and their motivations.
Some plot developments may feel familiar to seasoned fantasy readers, and a few secondary storylines could have been explored more fully. There are also moments where the pacing slows slightly as the story establishes important background details. However, these are minor issues in an otherwise enjoyable read.
Overall, Fire and Death is an entertaining fantasy adventure with strong characters, engaging world-building, and plenty of suspense. Fans of magical quests, character-driven storytelling, and high-stakes fantasy will find much to enjoy, making this a solid four-star read.
One of the book's strongest elements is its cast of characters. The protagonist's journey feels meaningful, and the challenges they face help shape satisfying character development throughout the story. The relationships are compelling, adding emotional depth to the action and making the outcomes feel important beyond the larger plot.
Dutcher creates a vivid setting filled with magic, intrigue, and looming threats. The world-building is detailed enough to feel immersive without slowing the story's momentum. Action scenes are well-paced and tense, while quieter moments provide opportunities to better understand the characters and their motivations.
Some plot developments may feel familiar to seasoned fantasy readers, and a few secondary storylines could have been explored more fully. There are also moments where the pacing slows slightly as the story establishes important background details. However, these are minor issues in an otherwise enjoyable read.
Overall, Fire and Death is an entertaining fantasy adventure with strong characters, engaging world-building, and plenty of suspense. Fans of magical quests, character-driven storytelling, and high-stakes fantasy will find much to enjoy, making this a solid four-star read.
September 24, 2026
I really enjoyed Fire and Death by Jenee Dutary. The beginning was so engaging and exciting that I was hooked straight away. It gave me this great sense of suspense and mystery surrounding the characters before jumping nearly two decades into the present.
I really loved the dynamic between Aideen, Emily and Jeff especially getting little flashbacks throughout the story of what Aideen was remembering about Emily. I also really enjoyed that each character had their own distinct voice, it made them feel so much more individual.
The grumpy/sunshine friendship between Nathaniel and Noah was another favorite of mine. I laughed a couple times at some of the things they were saying, their dynamic was so much fun to read.
There was quite a bit of mystery woven throughout the book and I enjoyed watching Aideen work thro7gh it all and uncover what was going on.
I was pleasantly surprised that the author wasn't afraid to get rid of one of the main characters. The fact that it was left unclear if they're actually alive or not has me needing the next book to find out what happened!
That twist near the end was so amazing! And that cliffhanger?! I had been wondering about that throughout the book and I l9ved how it answered some questions without actually giving us the answers - it was so well done.
I can not wait for the next book to see what happens next, and more importantly will Aideen have a different love interest? Because I don't know about you but I'm shipping Noah and Aideen....👀
I really loved the dynamic between Aideen, Emily and Jeff especially getting little flashbacks throughout the story of what Aideen was remembering about Emily. I also really enjoyed that each character had their own distinct voice, it made them feel so much more individual.
The grumpy/sunshine friendship between Nathaniel and Noah was another favorite of mine. I laughed a couple times at some of the things they were saying, their dynamic was so much fun to read.
There was quite a bit of mystery woven throughout the book and I enjoyed watching Aideen work thro7gh it all and uncover what was going on.
I was pleasantly surprised that the author wasn't afraid to get rid of one of the main characters. The fact that it was left unclear if they're actually alive or not has me needing the next book to find out what happened!
That twist near the end was so amazing! And that cliffhanger?! I had been wondering about that throughout the book and I l9ved how it answered some questions without actually giving us the answers - it was so well done.
I can not wait for the next book to see what happens next, and more importantly will Aideen have a different love interest? Because I don't know about you but I'm shipping Noah and Aideen....👀
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fire & Death is a thrill ride that often left me as breathless as one stoic character’s training sessions. Jen Dutary wastes no time kicking the story into high gear as Aideen learns quickly that her suspicions of her childhood being filled with tragedy was beyond being dealt a bad hand in life; that sources familial and fantastical may have actually dealt her cards.
Dutary does a wonderful job drawing distinctive and memorable characters. Further, she gives a few of the side characters moments to shine along with Aideen and Jeff. Nathaniel, and especially Noah, provide great color and substance to juxtapose against the more straightforward protagonists. The villains are drawn memorably as well. I found the catharsis I experienced in receiving their comeuppance felt proportional to how despicable they proved to be. I appreciated that.
Dutary also does a wonderful job laying a groundwork of world-building. She offers enough detail along the way to give context to what is happening but holds back enough to entice the reader to wonder what could come next in the story and what lies below the surface of the lore iceberg she’s developed.
I look forward to what will come next for Aideen and company. Admittedly, I am also curious to learn more of certain memorable characters exploits that occured prior to this story. Hopefully I’ll have the chance to learn more about what happened in Boston in future stories of this series or in potential side stories or a prequel.
Dutary does a wonderful job drawing distinctive and memorable characters. Further, she gives a few of the side characters moments to shine along with Aideen and Jeff. Nathaniel, and especially Noah, provide great color and substance to juxtapose against the more straightforward protagonists. The villains are drawn memorably as well. I found the catharsis I experienced in receiving their comeuppance felt proportional to how despicable they proved to be. I appreciated that.
Dutary also does a wonderful job laying a groundwork of world-building. She offers enough detail along the way to give context to what is happening but holds back enough to entice the reader to wonder what could come next in the story and what lies below the surface of the lore iceberg she’s developed.
I look forward to what will come next for Aideen and company. Admittedly, I am also curious to learn more of certain memorable characters exploits that occured prior to this story. Hopefully I’ll have the chance to learn more about what happened in Boston in future stories of this series or in potential side stories or a prequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2026
i liked the concept and plot of this but a few things just didn’t hit for me.
1. they’re teenagers in a normal world and jeff is just.. not telling his parents that he lives with where they are? he was willing to sacrifice himself without saying bye to his parents knowing his brother also died?
2. her “dad” was the villain? let’s develop that more?? because aideen and her dad never interacted until he shot jeff in the end. no backstory to how he felt discovering the truth and joining the rebellion.
3. no further description of all the different magical creatures? they said there was only sangrene and shifters but then there were witches and fae and do they live in this world? how are their courts in a normal world?
4. aideen had no clue who she was and had no time to process or get more background and still really has no clue who she is and who noah and nathaniel are and just trusts them? she magically unlocks all her powers with no mental training and has very few days of physical training. her character fell short for me multiple times.
overall character description and world building fell short for me and i had a hard time connecting and caring about the characters much at all. cool idea but i just felt like there should’ve been way more descriptions and world building. plus the transition from the prologue to chapter one was very confusing. decent plot line but needed way more development for a book one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fire and Death is the first book in a new fantasy series by Jenee Dutary.
Aideen has always felt responsible for the deaths of her mother and friend. Her decision to move as far away as possible to protect her two other childhood friends from the same fate comes too late. Her friend Emily was kidnapped and Aideen will do anything in her power to find her.
The idea for this story is intriguing, unfortunately, the execution is not perfect. The pacing of the story is fast, a bit too fast at times. I wish the author took some more time to build the world. There are vampires and shifters but little else is revealed about the courts, their laws, politics and history. There is a rebellion but I am unsure what their target is or how they want to reach it. I do like the characters that are introduced and I would like get to know them in more detail. The rushed pace and lack of depth reduced my reading experience quite a bit. I would like more details. I am also not the biggest fan of the writing.
Overall, I see a lot of potential in the storyline and can see why readers with less desire for a well developed world and characters would enjoy the story. For the afore mentioned reasons it is unlikely that I will continue the series though.
Aideen has always felt responsible for the deaths of her mother and friend. Her decision to move as far away as possible to protect her two other childhood friends from the same fate comes too late. Her friend Emily was kidnapped and Aideen will do anything in her power to find her.
The idea for this story is intriguing, unfortunately, the execution is not perfect. The pacing of the story is fast, a bit too fast at times. I wish the author took some more time to build the world. There are vampires and shifters but little else is revealed about the courts, their laws, politics and history. There is a rebellion but I am unsure what their target is or how they want to reach it. I do like the characters that are introduced and I would like get to know them in more detail. The rushed pace and lack of depth reduced my reading experience quite a bit. I would like more details. I am also not the biggest fan of the writing.
Overall, I see a lot of potential in the storyline and can see why readers with less desire for a well developed world and characters would enjoy the story. For the afore mentioned reasons it is unlikely that I will continue the series though.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fire & Death is a lightning-paced adventure in a world bursting with intrigue, passion, and all kinds of monsters (including humans). Aideen, our heroine, has always had the nagging sense that something is wrong with her, that she is cursed, and her determination not to let her friends become collateral damage in an epic conflict beyond her understanding pulls us along with her. The story is wonderfully self-contained while hinting at bigger things to come, and left me wanting more--more of Aideen and Jeff, more of the war between the courts and the rebellion, and more of Dutary's snappy, gut-punching prose. If you like contemporary fantasy, airtight plots with a perfect blend of violence, mystery, and romance, and heroines who earn their place in the story, you'll probably like this one.
I want to highlight that I especially admire how constrained the book is--it felt very much like a story that could fit into a very solid movie. I kept expecting the story and world to balloon out of control to the point where I'd get confused or overwhelmed and it never happened--perfect for an intro to a new series. Hope to see more from it in the future!
I want to highlight that I especially admire how constrained the book is--it felt very much like a story that could fit into a very solid movie. I kept expecting the story and world to balloon out of control to the point where I'd get confused or overwhelmed and it never happened--perfect for an intro to a new series. Hope to see more from it in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fire and Death Review
I finished Fire and Death in one day. Sometimes with fantasy books it starts out slow but not this book. I was hooked from page one and before I knew it I was turning the last page. There isn’t a single part of this story that drags, it’s exciting from start to finish. I love that the magic system and world building is so effortlessly intertwined with the story that it’s not confusing. We’re learning right along side of Aideen.
I LOVED Noah and Nathaniel’s characters! Their banter was hilarious. Aideen’s character felt authentic. So many FMC are “not like the other girls” but Aideen is a badass and genuinely relatable. Jeff is a walking green flag. Holy yearning!!!
This book ripped my heart out just to put it back again so it could destroy me all over again. The last page had my jaw on the floor and now I’m supposed to just go on with every day life like I’m not freaking out internally.
This was by far my top fantasy read of the year and now I’m patiently waiting for book 2.
I finished Fire and Death in one day. Sometimes with fantasy books it starts out slow but not this book. I was hooked from page one and before I knew it I was turning the last page. There isn’t a single part of this story that drags, it’s exciting from start to finish. I love that the magic system and world building is so effortlessly intertwined with the story that it’s not confusing. We’re learning right along side of Aideen.
I LOVED Noah and Nathaniel’s characters! Their banter was hilarious. Aideen’s character felt authentic. So many FMC are “not like the other girls” but Aideen is a badass and genuinely relatable. Jeff is a walking green flag. Holy yearning!!!
This book ripped my heart out just to put it back again so it could destroy me all over again. The last page had my jaw on the floor and now I’m supposed to just go on with every day life like I’m not freaking out internally.
This was by far my top fantasy read of the year and now I’m patiently waiting for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ plot wise.
In emojis: 👶👶☠️🔎😲🤔🔥🙎♀️🙎♀️
In short: This was a fast paced book with a nice plot, I would love to read book 2 in the series.
In long:
If you’re looking for a book that grabs you by the hand and doesn’t let go, this is it. From the very first page, the pacing is electric—short, propulsive chapters and crisp, natural dialogue make for an incredibly easy, almost effortless read. It’s the kind of book you pick up after a long day when you want pure momentum. In that sense, it delivers beautifully.
If you want a book with depth, well thought out characters and complex worldbuilding then I would not recommend. This doesn't dissect the emotional nuances of the characters. This is for the readers who prioritize plot over prose or action over introspection. (You don't feel the fear you just know it exists)
So if you enjoy fast-paced urban fantasy with a resilient heroine, hidden bloodlines, and a mystery that hooks you from page one, and you’re in the mood for a quick, adrenaline-fueled read then this one is for you.
Best of all you can binge it in a day!
In emojis: 👶👶☠️🔎😲🤔🔥🙎♀️🙎♀️
In short: This was a fast paced book with a nice plot, I would love to read book 2 in the series.
In long:
If you’re looking for a book that grabs you by the hand and doesn’t let go, this is it. From the very first page, the pacing is electric—short, propulsive chapters and crisp, natural dialogue make for an incredibly easy, almost effortless read. It’s the kind of book you pick up after a long day when you want pure momentum. In that sense, it delivers beautifully.
If you want a book with depth, well thought out characters and complex worldbuilding then I would not recommend. This doesn't dissect the emotional nuances of the characters. This is for the readers who prioritize plot over prose or action over introspection. (You don't feel the fear you just know it exists)
So if you enjoy fast-paced urban fantasy with a resilient heroine, hidden bloodlines, and a mystery that hooks you from page one, and you’re in the mood for a quick, adrenaline-fueled read then this one is for you.
Best of all you can binge it in a day!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for the Advance Reader Copy! ✨Definite spoilers ahead✨
I’m currently at chapter 3 and it’s reading like a wattpad book. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it does leave a lot to be desired. The plot interesting but I also at this point still have no clue what’s going on. I’m assuming that she is one of these long lost children from the prologue probably the one Noah ran away with. But it goes from this fantasy point of view to a modern day she’s getting ready to leave for college it’s a little confusing and almost is reading as I wanna be cruel print type scenario where they’re pulled from the modern world into a fantasy world and we just may haven’t gotten there yet. When she gets the call from Emily, it’s her muffled and it reads like it’s being described for how actor should play it on screen not as though you’re reading a book. I did not enjoy it at this point. I do feel it needs more editing. I am not DNFing yet because I would like to give it more of a chance. Sadly so far I won’t be giving it more than a 2, I hope she proves me wrong.
I’m currently at chapter 3 and it’s reading like a wattpad book. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it does leave a lot to be desired. The plot interesting but I also at this point still have no clue what’s going on. I’m assuming that she is one of these long lost children from the prologue probably the one Noah ran away with. But it goes from this fantasy point of view to a modern day she’s getting ready to leave for college it’s a little confusing and almost is reading as I wanna be cruel print type scenario where they’re pulled from the modern world into a fantasy world and we just may haven’t gotten there yet. When she gets the call from Emily, it’s her muffled and it reads like it’s being described for how actor should play it on screen not as though you’re reading a book. I did not enjoy it at this point. I do feel it needs more editing. I am not DNFing yet because I would like to give it more of a chance. Sadly so far I won’t be giving it more than a 2, I hope she proves me wrong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
Just finished this interesting book; to be honest this book was a fun read, and it had very interesting characters and topics.
For Example: Aideen lol what a stubborn girl but she was determined to sacrifice everything even herself for the ones she loves. Also, this book was a very fast pace sometimes I felt lost and confused umm I wanted more story of the background of Aideen cause one day she was normal and the second she had powers. But I get it of course also Jeff is a total BFF / Boyfriend we all want Green Flag.
Emily I can't say very much of her only that she was noisy lol but determined to find info of Malcom's death or disappearance.
To be honest I was not expecting a twin thing also the whole shifters Dracon was kind of hot.
Also, Noah and Nathaniel were a good team with Aideen, I wanted more of her father the Dracon, hopefully we will get to hear from him.
It's not a bad book it has potential; I just felt like confused and like not that very engage in it but hey will for sure read the other books when there out.
Just finished this interesting book; to be honest this book was a fun read, and it had very interesting characters and topics.
For Example: Aideen lol what a stubborn girl but she was determined to sacrifice everything even herself for the ones she loves. Also, this book was a very fast pace sometimes I felt lost and confused umm I wanted more story of the background of Aideen cause one day she was normal and the second she had powers. But I get it of course also Jeff is a total BFF / Boyfriend we all want Green Flag.
Emily I can't say very much of her only that she was noisy lol but determined to find info of Malcom's death or disappearance.
To be honest I was not expecting a twin thing also the whole shifters Dracon was kind of hot.
Also, Noah and Nathaniel were a good team with Aideen, I wanted more of her father the Dracon, hopefully we will get to hear from him.
It's not a bad book it has potential; I just felt like confused and like not that very engage in it but hey will for sure read the other books when there out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a gripping read with a tone of mortal instruments/shadow hunter vibes. The writing was so fluid and fast-paced that it was like watching a movie and kept me wanting more.
Their discovery of the supernatural world was done so well, and I loved how she was just thrown straight into the deep end.
Jeff's utter devotion towards aideen and how he tries to stay by her side and protect her despite being human is admirable.
Love Nathaniel and dash, they're just so witty and fun. Like dradly golden retrievers who will always make you laugh.
I can't wait to read more and find out where all this leads, especially with that ending. There are so many different tangents that this could go. I love a book that leaves me with so many theories and things to contemplate, and this does that.
Quotes ♡
“We’ve already been through life and death together, and I’m not going to leave you now. I won’t give up.
He glares at me. “I’ve told you. If you’re running into danger, then so am I. I’m going to be with you until the very end.”
Their discovery of the supernatural world was done so well, and I loved how she was just thrown straight into the deep end.
Jeff's utter devotion towards aideen and how he tries to stay by her side and protect her despite being human is admirable.
Love Nathaniel and dash, they're just so witty and fun. Like dradly golden retrievers who will always make you laugh.
I can't wait to read more and find out where all this leads, especially with that ending. There are so many different tangents that this could go. I love a book that leaves me with so many theories and things to contemplate, and this does that.
Quotes ♡
“We’ve already been through life and death together, and I’m not going to leave you now. I won’t give up.
He glares at me. “I’ve told you. If you’re running into danger, then so am I. I’m going to be with you until the very end.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Aideen was young she lost her mother, and her father left her feeling alone.
Aideen and her group of friends lost one of their own in the past, and it still leaves a mark. When Aideen's best friend, Emily, does not respond to calls after leaving one evening, everyone immediately becomes very concerned, and Aideen is eager to find out what happened.
When Aideen was young she lost her mother, and her father left her feeling alone. Her search for her missing friend not only leads her to learn more about her past, but also confronts her with things she was not prepared for.
Aideen was a character I instantly liked, and her desire for a new beginning, even if it meant leaving her friends behind, was something I could understand. The group of friends, their banter, and the strong connection they shared came across very well.
Going on this journey with Aideen as she learns about her past and discovers her powers made the story entertaining to follow.
It was a fun read for me that has a lot going on but is not too complex overall.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aideen and her group of friends lost one of their own in the past, and it still leaves a mark. When Aideen's best friend, Emily, does not respond to calls after leaving one evening, everyone immediately becomes very concerned, and Aideen is eager to find out what happened.
When Aideen was young she lost her mother, and her father left her feeling alone. Her search for her missing friend not only leads her to learn more about her past, but also confronts her with things she was not prepared for.
Aideen was a character I instantly liked, and her desire for a new beginning, even if it meant leaving her friends behind, was something I could understand. The group of friends, their banter, and the strong connection they shared came across very well.
Going on this journey with Aideen as she learns about her past and discovers her powers made the story entertaining to follow.
It was a fun read for me that has a lot going on but is not too complex overall.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2026
I loved this book! I can't say that enough. At the end, I was holding my breath because I was so anxious to see the end. (Is book 2 ready yet?)
At the start, I wasn't sure if I would like it enough. Starting in a truly fantasy setting, then it moved to a more modern setting with kids getting ready to head off to college. I admit, I didn't see the connection then.
However, I was soon immersed into the world - teens getting ready for college while dealing with shifters, sangere, fairies, witches, and more. You know, everyday occurrences.
That's just it though. Jenee Dutary made it feel like it WAS a normal, everyday problem. Of course these guys you knew were wolf shifters, and you're part sangere & part dracon.
The characters are great! Aideen, Jeff, Emily, and the new "friends" they encounter. I was NOT ready to see who the main villain turned out to be, or the in-your-face stunner of the ending. I can't wait to read book 2!
This review is solely my own opinion. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy.
At the start, I wasn't sure if I would like it enough. Starting in a truly fantasy setting, then it moved to a more modern setting with kids getting ready to head off to college. I admit, I didn't see the connection then.
However, I was soon immersed into the world - teens getting ready for college while dealing with shifters, sangere, fairies, witches, and more. You know, everyday occurrences.
That's just it though. Jenee Dutary made it feel like it WAS a normal, everyday problem. Of course these guys you knew were wolf shifters, and you're part sangere & part dracon.
The characters are great! Aideen, Jeff, Emily, and the new "friends" they encounter. I was NOT ready to see who the main villain turned out to be, or the in-your-face stunner of the ending. I can't wait to read book 2!
This review is solely my own opinion. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fire & Death delivered a fun mix of hidden magic, monsters, action, and found family with a romance that complements the story instead of overshadowing it. The world-building takes a little time to settle into, but once everything starts clicking, the pacing picks up and keeps the pages turning.
The biggest strength is the adventure. There’s plenty of danger, secrets, and supernatural intrigue, with a capable FMC who gets pulled into a world much bigger than she ever imagined. The romance is a slow burn with a genuinely likable love interest, but don’t go in expecting it to be the main focus—or a particularly spicy read.
For me, this lands solidly at 4⭐️. I enjoyed the journey, but it didn’t have quite the emotional punch or obsession factor that pushes a book into five-star territory. If you enjoy urban fantasy with action, hidden magical worlds, and romance as a subplot, this is definitely worth picking up.
The biggest strength is the adventure. There’s plenty of danger, secrets, and supernatural intrigue, with a capable FMC who gets pulled into a world much bigger than she ever imagined. The romance is a slow burn with a genuinely likable love interest, but don’t go in expecting it to be the main focus—or a particularly spicy read.
For me, this lands solidly at 4⭐️. I enjoyed the journey, but it didn’t have quite the emotional punch or obsession factor that pushes a book into five-star territory. If you enjoy urban fantasy with action, hidden magical worlds, and romance as a subplot, this is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I give this 3.5⭐️
Aideen made me laugh out loud more than once. Her sarcasm is the best thing in this book, and it does more work than it first appears to, because she is carrying real guilt underneath it. That combination of grief and a fast mouth makes for a good series lead.
The plot moves quickly, the found family that gathers around her is genuinely appealing, and the romance sits as a solid subplot rather than taking over. If you like urban fantasy where the story keeps its foot on the gas and the relationships build alongside it, this will suit you.
What kept it from being 4 stars for me was wanting more character development. The cast is interesting and the potential for emotional depth is clearly there, but the pace outruns it. I wanted more time with these people before I was asked to care about what happens to them. Book two has room to deliver that, and I would read it.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Aideen made me laugh out loud more than once. Her sarcasm is the best thing in this book, and it does more work than it first appears to, because she is carrying real guilt underneath it. That combination of grief and a fast mouth makes for a good series lead.
The plot moves quickly, the found family that gathers around her is genuinely appealing, and the romance sits as a solid subplot rather than taking over. If you like urban fantasy where the story keeps its foot on the gas and the relationships build alongside it, this will suit you.
What kept it from being 4 stars for me was wanting more character development. The cast is interesting and the potential for emotional depth is clearly there, but the pace outruns it. I wanted more time with these people before I was asked to care about what happens to them. Book two has room to deliver that, and I would read it.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this one. It’s fast-paced, easy to read and had me hooked from the start. I loved the found family we have with Aideen, Jeff, Noah and Nathaniel. They’re all so loveable, and their banter had me laughing so much. I’m excited to see more of their dynamic. I love Aideen and Jeff’s relationship, and I’m enjoying the slow burn between them. And the friendship between Aideen, Emily and Jeff is so beautiful. The heart of this story is how much they care about each other. I do wish the world building and the characters’ backstories were expanded on more. Also, that cliffhanger was great and finally answered the question I had throughout reading.
Overall, I had so much fun reading this book. It’s a very promising start to a new urban fantasy series. So excited for book 2!
I highly recommend this book if you love The Shadowhunter Chronicles and urban fantasy.
Thank you Alex Parker Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
Overall, I had so much fun reading this book. It’s a very promising start to a new urban fantasy series. So excited for book 2!
I highly recommend this book if you love The Shadowhunter Chronicles and urban fantasy.
Thank you Alex Parker Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
October 13, 2026
I just finished this book and WOW. I loved the writing and Aideen’s voice. Her reactions to things happening around her/to her were very believable, and her snark was something I appreciated a lot. She’s determined to protect those she loves, no matter the cost, which I also really enjoyed. The world building is introduced through dialogue and actions in such a way that it doesn’t feel like info dumping, and also is easy to follow. There is almost a nostalgic Twilight vibe when reading it, perfect for an October read! I loved the side characters, finding Noah and Nathaniel’s banter very entertaining. And Jeff!!! The real GOAT. All of his lines are pure gold. I cannot wait to see what happens in the second book!!!
Also want to add that I was fortunate enough to meet Dutary at an event in Chesapeake, VA and she is the loveliest person! Highly recommend this book and author.
Also want to add that I was fortunate enough to meet Dutary at an event in Chesapeake, VA and she is the loveliest person! Highly recommend this book and author.
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