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Queen of Arcadia #2

Trial by Fire

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I thought my Emergence would be the hardest part of my journey, or maybe juggling a fourth mate. Of course, it's never that easy, well, if you consider becoming the Red Dragon as easy. Fate unfortunately has made other plans, and didn't inform me! I've been snatched away from my mates and taken to Incantatia where I face the evil witch, Maurelle Queen of the Fae.
To make matters worse, I am in heat! Talk about irony!
Will I escape and finally reach Arcadia, or will I be doomed to a life of captivity, never to see my mates again?

Trial by Fire is an 18+ Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance. The second book in the Queen of Arcadia series

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2022

136 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

Dreia Wells

32 books553 followers

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5 stars
238 (56%)
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125 (29%)
3 stars
47 (11%)
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10 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Annette.
3,847 reviews179 followers
April 20, 2022
Sometimes I accept arcs without knowing for sure if I will love the story. It can be the cover convincing me. It can been a certain sentence in the summary. It can just be an ordinary feeling. In this case it was the cover and I was positively surprised by the first book in this series. It had an almost classic old school YA feel (but with sex) and it was quite entertaining. I was therefore quite excited to get my arc of this second book.

The book had a slow beginning. Of course, there were two major reveals, but then it took a little while before the story seemed to move forward. However, it was absolutely and totally worth the wait. Once the pace of the story picks up and once the action starts our characters, and therefore we readers, barely get any time to breath, let alone do other things. For a short while I was afraid things might be solved a little too soon and easily, but luckily that was not the case.

I still think the heroine has a lot more growing to do. Especially after some spectacular reveals in this book it's clear that she's currently not even half the person she can become. At times she therefore feels like a damsel in distress, constantly needing to be saved. Although I personally don't mind that I can't wait for the moment that she grows into her powers, that she can use them fully and that she will be able to take matters into her own hands more.

I however really loved how tangled the politics has become in this book. It's quite clear that more realms are involved than we could imagine and it's also quite clear that this is about way more than just saving the dragon realm and the female dragons being oppressed there. I can't wait to see how everything will come together eventually and I can't wait to see how our characters will take their rightful places, and maybe even a little bit more.
Profile Image for TXBRITGAL.
1,434 reviews33 followers
April 10, 2022
🔥🔥🔥

W O W!! This gem is utterly jam packed from the get go with reveals, twists and turns, action galore, adventure and oh so much more!!! Cordelia and her mates are in for a doozy of a fight, and NEVER underestimate this fearless Queen 😉! Prepare now for a whopper of a cliffy that will indeed leave you all up in your feels desperate for the next book. Yup....it's just that good. I can't wait to see what these brilliant characters will do next in their journey. Go ahead and treat yourself to this wonderful series, you won't regret it. Enjoy!
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,166 reviews71 followers
June 3, 2022
it’s Dragons or nothing for me

Other than at the end when Cordelia’s emotions are strong and the writing gets a little jumbled and clunky, I throughly enjoyed this book. It didn’t quite give me the feels I got in book 1 but this was still a magical ride and kind of emotional. I struggled with my attention span but don’t think it was the book. The writing is mostly dialogue so it’s not a difficult read at all. But it absolutely feed the Dragon obsession I’m in right now. The flying scene at the end, hecks yea!! Oh I also love that Delia is Black AF, the magic and all it possibilities are really cool. I just wish that when her emotions are high that she would be more consistent. Her power seems limitless but we haven’t seen much of it at all. I’m hoping for more and a more badass Delia in book 3.
Profile Image for Seraphia Bunny.
2,114 reviews34 followers
April 26, 2022
Trial by Fire is the second book in Dreia Wells’ Queen of Arcadia series. Cordelia and her men are back, and things are heading for a major shake-up.
Cordelia met three of her mates in book one, but she has yet to achieve her true dragon form. Which means – one more mate is out there. Her current three mates – well, they’re hoping that it’s not true and that it’s just a “glitch” with her and that given time she’ll shift. But that final mate is just around the corner, and then a new range of chaos will begin.
This story begins with a prologue that for a minute had me scratching my head. Just wait for it to come together though because once the pieces came together I devoured this book. The author really threw me a few loops in this novel. Where Gale was my favorite in book one, I had an absolute 180 concerning him in the first half of this book. On a level, I totally forgot that I even liked him in book one because of how much of a jerk he was in this book. Thankfully, he mellows out, but good grief! Don’t worry, I’m still not a fan of Adrien. LOL! But I do have a new favorite...yeah, the new guy. LOL!
This book is really packed with twists, and I appreciate that Cordelia is more balanced in this book. There were a couple moments of where I thought she’d fall for some of the “games” but she shows she’s very perceptive.
Cordelia is really put through a lot in this book, and it had me on the edge of my seat. I kept wondering – what is going to happen next? There is tragedy and some really close calls for the characters, but that’s what really brings it to life. I can’t wait to read what happens in book three. I’m choosing to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Book Dragon.
169 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2022
Dreia Wells is back with a vengeance. I don't think she's taking names either, just kicking butt. And Trial By Fire made me sit up and pay attention. What a read! Talk about feels! When an author can make me cry in one paragraph and then laugh in the next paragraph, well, to me it means they are an incredible author.
Trial By Fire has so many things that work well for it.
What I liked was the multi POV told by all characters. I don't get lost between who is talking and it flows seamlessly into the next chapter with ease.
The twists and turns from Dreia is incredible! She had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through the book.
What I love most about PNR RH is the author can explore the what if element in all its glory, which Dreia did, and left my heart on the floor shattered! This is what made me turn the pages quicker than I can think what happens next? Eek!
The trigger warning was justified, and I can honestly appreciate the deft delivery of the story told without it being crass or in your face. In fact, I think this restraint by Dreia told the story better.
I had a lot of expectations for this book after book one in the Queen of Arcadia series, and all of them were met. So we get some answers to questions in book two, and more is revealed--which made me gasp in shock! But then we have more questions. Will Cordelia lose anyone else close to her? I hope not! The poor character has lost too much already! Talk about feels! See what I mean?
I am eagerly anticipating book three and can't wait.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,351 reviews132 followers
April 24, 2022
The Queen of Arcadia series is back with the second book in the series, Trial By Fire. Dreia Wells has done a fantastic job with the sequel, I loved every minute of it.

Cordelia is taking things fairly well. She's figuring out the supernatural world, understanding the politics, working on her powers, and bonding with her mates. She is hanging in there even when things go to complete crap. It really helps that she has three mates who are absolutely devoted to her and her to them. I love a good fast burn and their relationship feels like it's really solid, like they've known each other for years.

Can I just say how much I love Twyla and Maddox. They are Cordelia's family and they have an undeniably sweet moment in this. Not to mention readers get another peek at what Twyla's life was before she left for Earth with Cordelia. There were also a bunch of new characters that made things very interesting and most of them were a total shock.

As for the story, it was pretty smooth with one major plot twist that was a total shocker. I loved getting more backstory and seeing the fae realm. The fae queen Maurelle is the spawn of the devil. That woman is evil, crazy, and violent, which is a bad combination. The heifer needs to go.

Trial by Fire was a great read. I loved the decadent balls and the flying, it was pretty steamy and most definitely had a few surprises. The story ended on a heartbreaking cliffhanger which will make waiting for the next book to be almost impossible. Up next is Vengeance by Fire.
264 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2022
YA'LL I AM ALL IN!!! This my favorite series so far this year. I love how immersive the storyline is and it just reels you in. I also love how she fleshed out everyone. Cordelia faced many triumphs and tragedies in this book and the rollercoaster of emotions will have you like a tumbleweed in the wind. Her men are pretty amazing and she deserves no less. Of course right now Dravyn is my favorite because I'm always rooting for the underdog / new kid on the block. BUT who knows who will be the fav in the next book. Wells does an excellent job of keeping the balance because my clear favorite in the last book was working my last one in this book lol. I just finished and that ending almost felt like a cliffy because I'm still not completely back to the real world. I am not okay because this next book is not out yet & patience is not one of my virtues. I cannot wait to see how Cordelia is about to take these realms by storm. I feel like she is ready to tap into her inner Daenerys (before the crazy) and BREAK THE WHEEL.
Profile Image for Lena.
245 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2022
The continuation of Cordelia’s journey is a wild ride! Secrets are revealed and new key players emerge in book two. Cordelia continues to learn more about Arcadia and her dragon. Once she fully emerges, she begins to show immense strength that those before her did not possess. The Fae Queen realizes who Cordelia’s father really is and decides that Cordelia must be brought to Incantatia. Despite all the surprises, Cordelia must find her way back to her mates and Arcadia.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am loving Cordelia and her mates. This book brings a lot of answers, but also a touch of sadness to the story. Cordelia continues to grow into her own. She’s going to be a formidable leader when everything is said and done.

Dravyn, Torin, Adrian and Gale continue to be amazing mates. I don’t really have a favorite. Each one brings something different and necessary to the table. (This isn’t even including all the 🔥🔥🔥.)

The overall story has enraptured me. I am dying to know how this ends. I want to see Cordelia bring everyone together. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together in the next book!
Profile Image for Amy Hannagan.
761 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2022
I love when a book picks up right where a previous book from the series leaves off, as this one does. It's like I never left the amazing world the author created and I can dive back in without the constant questions of "What was happening here? Who were these characters again?". It just makes for a really enjoyable series reading experience. The author here did it flawlessly! The story of Cordelia and her spicy dragon men moves from book to book, location to location as smoothly as if I were watching a film play out in my head. Of course, there is another cliffhanger in the wait for the climax of book 3, but that is to be expected, right? If you are looking for a spicy series with fabulous characters and a whole new, plot that you haven't seen before, this is the perfect series to start today!
Profile Image for Angela Paton.
117 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2022
Book 2 is finally here and I couldn’t wait to get started. When I got started I just couldn’t put this book down again like the first book in the series. Cordelia finally had all her mates but everything takes a turn. I really do love Cordelia. She is strong and independent when it counts but is constantly doubting herself. Some of her mates I just want to slap them but delia handles them really well and puts them in their place. Delia copes amazing with all the problems and truths popping up in her life. I really want to do same much more of all the going on’s but that would be a ton of spoilers so that won’t be happening. Everything that happened in last few chapters I was not expecting any of it at all. I definitely can’t wait to read book 3.
Profile Image for Weekend Reader_.
1,090 reviews92 followers
October 7, 2023
🐉

Cordelia baby girl can you catch a break? This book the wheels fell off the train. While I think this entry explains things that happened before she was born it felt at times that too many subplots were introduced. Did that stop me from devouring this book nope (but this is more of a 3.5). Also a war is coming how are yall horny at this very moment. I guess Delia needed to forget and that she did. 🤭

The chapters where Cordelia goes into heat were hard to read. The author preps you with a note in the beginning but it still was hard. She is going to be auctioned and essentially on display where several men bid to have sex with her. Thaddeus continues to be an awful character and I understand more and more why his people where banished.

CN: enslavement, torture, child abuse, sexism, hanging (on page), incels-misogony
Profile Image for Ashley.
381 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2022
Is it hot in here? Or is that just this book? Y'ALL! Delia and her dudes are seriously goals. Delia finally learns a bit more about who she is and what she is capable of. We learn who the mystery shadow man is. She meets the incredibly evil Queen Maurelle and hates her as much as I do. But more than anything, we see how Cordelia is surrounded by love. Honestly I LOVEEEEEE that! The love that surrounds her prompts her to be gentle, patient, and compassionate. All great traits for future rulers of the Realm! The story takes some VERY interesting turns and I'm super excited to see what book 3 holds in store for us. If you haven't started this series, this book is a good reason to start today!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,970 reviews63 followers
April 26, 2022
Cordelia (FMC) definitely goes through a hell of a lot in this 2nd book in this series. Shes thrust into a world where people use politics and power to use others to win or lose like chess pieces on a chessboard. Trial by Fire is not as fast paced as the 1st book but the plot twists were just knockout!! There were some questions answered that were unanswered that had been plaguing me from the start of this series. Some shocked the hell out of me. Cordelia grew as a character more in this book i thought. Which she needed to do to cope with what she did in this book. A few tears and a great ending. One which i was a little happy about not being a cliffhanger one but a taste of things to come in the future
Profile Image for Kira Bell.
258 reviews
April 13, 2022
Great second book in the series! Cordelia is finally able to transform into her dragon and finds her fourth mate and that's just the beginning. Secret plots are discovered, plans for war are discussed to end the power grabbing of their enemies, Cordelia learns more about each of her mates and their bonds grow strong. Fast moving, with some great insight into not only the characters (shown through their own POV), but their world as well. Gah! Ends on a cliff hanger making you want the next book now! If you enjoyed book 1, you'll love book 2.
232 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2022
Trial by Fire

Cordelia took us for an unbelievable ride in the second book of this great series! Between revealed secrets, evil Queens and sexy mates, and mate contenders we are taken on a super charged journey that leaves us racing through the pages to uncover all the secrets and spectacular undercurrents that are lurking under the surface just waiting to entrap Cordelia and her mates.

If you enjoy FMC’s who are strong and humble, humorous and make you cry…then this is the book for you!

One click this book now!!!!


Profile Image for Rachel Osborne.
1,093 reviews19 followers
April 24, 2022
Wow, this second book was such a fun read. It was absolutely full of everything a fantasy reader could ask for. And being the second in the series, I was amazed how much the story could get even better than the first book. Cordelia and her mates are in for a tough but fun journey as their story continues. There's lots of twists and turns, drama, action and scenes that will pull on your heart strings. I was hooked from the first page and when I got to the end... I was wishing I had the next book in my hands. Wow! Great second book!
Profile Image for Lexa.
355 reviews
April 14, 2022
I feel for Cordelia. My heart hurts for her. She looses as much as she gains. In this book we learn so much about her ancestry and parents. She meets another mate. It is so much to take in. She also meets her "mom's" mates. They are happy to have her mom back. She gets abducted by her father that no one knew she had. She meets the queen of the Fae. So much happens in this book. I can't wait to see how the next one goes!
324 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2022
This is the second installment and it doesnt disappoint. It picks up right where book 1 ended and continues at the same fast pace. I loved seeing all the different facets of the characters and how they all linked into each other with the new challenges that awaited them. There is new characters to love and hate, even if you're not sure about them at first.

Once again I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the third book.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
April 22, 2022
I don’t really know what to say about this book. Even hours after finishing reading it, I still haven’t managed to put all my reactions and emotions in order. This book is dense with information; there are revelations, twists, and even a few new magic tricks. I am enthralled by the intrigue and political machinations of this world. Also, please note that there are some scenes that take this story to much darker places than the previous one. When all was said and done, the only thing I know for certain is that I’m desperate to get my hands on book three so I can find out what’s going to happen next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Chey.
1,494 reviews50 followers
April 25, 2022
Cordelia finds herself kidnapped by the evil witch and queen of the Fae Maurelle, and on top of that she's in heat. Will she be able to escape and get back to her mates?

Emergence of Fire was a great book, by Trail by Fire? This was by far one of the best this author has written. I loved Cordelia's character and the strength she imbues throughout the story. Her mates she all swoon worthy and treat her like the absolute queen she is. The plot is fun, fast paced, action packed, and not to mention steamy. It has everything you could ever want in a Paranormal RH, and is well worth the read.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,913 reviews116 followers
April 23, 2022
Book two and it’s awesome!! We carry on from where book one left off and we do get a few answers but of course more questions arise as the story progresses. Fast packed and action packed, Cordelia continues to learn more about her powers and Arcadia and her relationships continue to grow and then bam! Twists and turns and surprises come along as well as another mate. It’s a great story and I must love Cordelia and her dragon and it’s Turing out to be one hell of an epic magical adventure.
Profile Image for Kerri Vogel.
586 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2022
What a great 2nd story in this series. It picks up right where book 2 left off with the mystery of the shadow person and takes off from there. I love the character development and the different POVs. There are some great plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your toes. If you like dragon shifters and steamy romance with a great storyline, this is the book for you. Be prepared for another cliffhanger, however.
Profile Image for Monique.
907 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2022
This series…wow. Just….wow. I absolutely loved this book! An explosive start with a few bombshells along the way. I enjoyed seeing Cordelia’s growth and I’m so proud of the woman/queen/kickass she’s become. Fascinating interrelationships going on. Obviously, this series need to be read in order. If you love dragons, fae, multiple love interests, and an overall well written story with grit, this is for you! Looking forward to what’s going to happen next, because, there’s plenty room for more!!
Profile Image for Channy.
592 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2022
Cordelia and her mates are back continuing her story. I enjoyed the pacing of this book and how things unfolded. Drayven has quickly become my favorite and im curious to learn more about him. I enjoyed getting more details about the past and the introduction of some other characters helped to start piecing the story the story together. The ending left me hanging and I NEED to known what happens next!
Profile Image for iliana G.
1,699 reviews27 followers
April 26, 2022
This series just keeps getting better and better!
I am so captivated by this world and these characters.
The author has made an amazing job and the story sucks you in from the first page.
Action packed with a bunch of twists and turns this book will take you in a wild ride and put you through a gamut of emotions.
Be prepared for that cliffy in the end and be prepared to hold your horses cause you will definitely need book 3 like now!
The author has outdone herself!
Profile Image for Denise.
196 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2022
This story picks up literally where we left off in book one and we learn who the shadow man is that had been following Cordelia. Through many different twists and turns the reader is left on another cliffhanger, making it hard to wait to find out what happens with certain characters and the future of Arcadia, Cordelia and her mates.

Dreia Wells knocked this second installment of the Queen of Arcadia series right out of the park! I loved that we saw different points of view in this story and learned more about each of the dragon males at the same time. The world and character building continued as we were able to learn of new characters and new places.

I cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Noelle Woodruff.
830 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2022
I could not put this down! Finished in just one day! 4 mates, an Evil Fae Queen, long lost family, and rage. Pure rage. This will literally make you want to throw your kindle! Don't though lol kind of leaves us on a cliffy but with the promise of vengeance. Can't wait to get the next book!
773 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2022
This book picks up where book 1 left off. There are many twists and turns that Cordelia faces and we learn who the shadow man is.

She is still learning about her magic and coming into her power.

I cant wait to see what is in store for Delia and her guys.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,861 reviews112 followers
April 23, 2022
This book was an amazing read that I enjoyed from the moment that I started. It moves along at a great pace which makes for an enjoyable read. The characters are awesome and you feel as though you know them. You cant help but love them. This book needs to be read and on your list of books. You will not be sorry.
Profile Image for Arceli.
1,584 reviews11 followers
April 24, 2022
This book is really good. I enjoyed the steamy scenes. Our heroine is super kick butt. She is super good. I enjoyed how she took charge. The romance is excellent. The kissing scenes were really awesome.
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