Title: Fear the FlamesAuthor: Olivia Rose Darling
Series: Fear the Flames #1
Pages: 384
Publication Date: Sept. 17, 2024
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Fantasy / Romantasy
Synopsis:
An exiled princess teams up with the last man she thought she could trust in the start of a dazzling and unforgettable epic fantasy romance series.
As a child, Elowen Atarah was ripped away from her dragons and imprisoned by her father, King Garrick of Imirath. Years later, Elowen is now a woman determined to free her dragons. Having established a secret kingdom of her own called Aestilian, she’s ready to do what’s necessary to save her people and seek vengeance. Even if that means having to align herself with the Commander of Vareveth, Cayden Veles, the most feared and dangerous man in all the kingdoms of Ravaryn.
Cayden is ruthless, lethal, and secretive, promising to help Elowen if she will stand with him and all of Vareveth in the pending war against Imirath. Despite their contrasting motives, Elowen can’t ignore their undeniable attraction as they combine their efforts and plot to infiltrate the impenetrable castle of Imirath to steal back her dragons and seek revenge on their common enemy.
As the world tries to keep them apart, the pull between Elowen and Cayden becomes impossible to resist. Working together with their crew over clandestine schemes, the threat of war looms, making the imminent heist to free her dragons their most dangerous adventure yet. But for Elowen, her vengeance is a promise signed in blood, and she’ll stop at nothing to see that promise through.
An immersive fantasy filled with a sizzling reluctant-allies-to-lovers romance, a world to get lost in, dangerous quests, dragon bonds, and an entertaining band of characters to root for, Fear the Flames marks the stunning debut of Olivia Rose Darling.
This blog uses affiliate links for some book recommendations, and if you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting this little bookish corner of the internet!
“Violence made me a monster, but dedication made me lethal.”
I honestly don’t even know where to begin with this review. I finished the book several days ago and have SO MANY THOUGHTS!
First, I have to talk about the characters. Elowen is a fierce FMC with a horrific past. A princess imprisoned by her father and separated from the dragons she’s bonded to, she’s suffered so much heartache and abuse. I love her stabby vibes and how well-layered her character is. She’s strong and lethal, yet compassionate and kind. She struggles with trauma and anxiety, but she faces her fears to protect those she loves. Now the queen of a hidden kingdom, Elowen is a fantastic leader with drive and determination. She’s a survivor, and she will do anything to get her dragons back. She teams up with Commander Cayden Veles to do just that.
“If you feel left out, I’ll find someone for you to stab later,” he calls out over his shoulder.
I cross my arms over my chest. “I’d like to stab you.”
His grin widens. “I love it when you sweet-talk me.”
Cayden will definitely be added to my list of favorite book boyfriends. Whew, he is just to die for, and his relationship with Elowen is super swoon-worthy! Tentative allies, there’s a spark between them from their first meeting, and it truly feels as if each has met their soul mate. The way Cayden expressed his feelings to Elowen, his fierce protectiveness of his friends and Elowen, his sharp wit and intellect, the way he has a tent in each of his camps decorated just for Elowen, complete with romance books for her to read – there’s so much about him that I adore.
The banter and the tension between Elowen and Cayden is perfection! Some of their conversations are so funny and others are beautifully romantic. Even when they argue, the sexual tension and strong connection are there. Oh my gosh – their nicknames for each other. LOVE!! And the chemistry? Well, on a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate it 110! lol Cayden made my heart melt so many times. And I love how the pair challenges each other. They become a strong support for each other, too, and understand each other on a deep level. This is a couple who accepts each other, faults and all, and their loyalty to each other is super swoon-worthy.
“I’ve never been a religious man, but I will worship you in ways the gods will envy.”
Secondary characters like Finnian, Ryder, and Saskia are fantabulous, too, as is the found family trope. And the DRAGONS!!! I can’t get enough of romantasies with dragons, and their connection to Elowen is lovely. The story also has great world-building that’s vivid and immersive, and the unique dangers and monsters they encounter are great. Then there’s the plot – soooo good! Between the political intrigue, the heist planned to rescue Elowen’s dragons, and the brewing conflicts, there’s never a dull moment. And the story is well-paced, so, even though it’s a longish book, it never drags. Basically, it’s everything I love in a NA romantasy.
Massive thanks to Delacorte Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
“Instead of chastising me for seeking revenge, perhaps you should lament over why I seek it.”
“My home isn’t the place we stand in front of; my home is standing beside me with his arm looped through mine.”
“Improbability is a crutch used by those without the skills to navigate a challenge.”
“You don’t need to surprise me with knives, angel. I’ll bleed for you if you ask nicely.”
“Don’t belittle all you’ve endured for a perception of yourself that someone made you believe you need to be.”
- only one bed
- found family
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn
- touch her and die
- he falls first
Olivia split her time growing up between New York and Manchester, VT. She developed a passion for writing from a very young age- always scribbling poems onto napkins and short stories into her school notebooks. She graduated from Pace University and attained a degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Lord of the Rings were her favorite movies growing up and formed her fantasy obsession. Being an author and living a life filled with words and magic has always been her dream.
Oooooh. This sounds amazing. Adding to my TBR now! 😀
This sounds fun. I’m getting Deal with Dragons vibes with the main female character.