What a cracking book. The chapters are on the longer side so I wasn't sure to begin with but it quickly drew me in and I completely forgot about them. The dragon magic is really unique and I absolutely LOVED how included the dragons were when it came to the story. Usually dragons are the token cool thing to drag people in but are forgotten about in the stories, not this time!
The way Arowyns trauma is dealt with was particularly wonderful. You can tell it comes from a place of experience and really made me care for her, damn I cared for all the characters (apart from the obvious ones which I won't name 😎) which isn't like me!
Easy easy 5 stars, genuinely don't think I can wait for book 2.
I am so blessed to have read this book. Holy cow it kept my interest the whole book. Arowyn is an Ashwalker getting jobs to feed her village with her best friend Briar when she is captured by the mouren soldiers. What happens after that is filled with Dragons, and MMC who shows you what a good book husband can be, by the name of Reave and a whole lot of great banter. I truly enjoyed this book. I’m ready for the next book. 2.5 🌶️
ARC REVIEW: This book has it all, a sassy FMC, a tall dark and broody MMC who secretly likes to bake. You have curses, you have dragons, you have a ride or die best friend who’s always happy to go along with your really bad plans. Gods, the Banter!!!
It’s so intense! The characters are so well written, the story and the world she created is so incredible. Best of all, the story end is satisfying enough to not be a cliffhanger but definitely leaves you ready to read the next book.
This book pulled me in from the very first chapter, and I was emotionally invested in Arowyn's journey from the start.
The mystery surrounding her unfolds piece by piece with each chapter, making it impossible not to keep turning the pages. Her devotion to her found family and community is admirable. She's hardworking, fiercely loyal, and above all, a warrior and survivor in a world devastated by a kingdom favored by the gods; or so she's been led to believe.
The author's writing flows like prose, immersing readers so completely that every setting felt vivid and cinematic, as though I were walking through the scenes myself. Arowyn embodies so many qualities I love in a female protagonist: strength, poise, resilience, and sharp banter. Her friendship with Briar was another highlight for me, adding warmth and humor to an otherwise dangerous world.
I'm a sucker for dragon lore, kingdoms, and powerful female leads, so this story was an easy win. Add in political intrigue, magical bonds, battles, enemies to lovers tension, slow-burn romance, and a baddie bestie, and I was completely hooked.
And then there's the opening line: "We're going to die today, aren't we?" Seven simple words that immediately pull you through the doors of The Burn and leave you desperate to know more.
The twists and turns throughout the story kept me guessing, and that cliffhanger ending left me craving the next installment. Experiencing Arowyn's unfolding story felt magical, and I'm genuinely grateful to have joined her on this journey. She has easily become one of my favorite FMCs, and I cannot wait to see where her story goes next.