Once a territory built on matriarchal rule and values, Tìr Teine has since grown frail from a long line of fruitless kings. The most recent of which have ruled under the influence of the True Religion, an oppressive group who have steadily poisoned the region with their anti-magic teachings.
Born to rule and blessed by fire, Aemyra has begrudgingly lived in hiding rather than risk her life in court, waiting in anticipation for the current king’s death so she can bond to his dragon, claim her throne, and protect her people. But when the king dies and Aemyra is ready to take what is rightfully hers, her ambitious plan is foiled and she is thrust into a game of vicious politics and plots.
Her biggest adversary is Prince Fiorean, a dragon-rider and one of the most powerful fire wielders in the territory. Cold, arrogant, and blindly supportive of his corrupt family, he is everything Aemyra despises. But as chaos engulfs the court, they find themselves reluctantly entwined, forced to forge an uneasy alliance—one that quickly ignites into something more dangerous than either of them expected.
Behind enemy lines and slowly falling for her so-called adversary, Aemyra uncovers just how far the rot of corruption has spread, and what she may have to sacrifice to claim her throne.
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First line:
As Aemyra crouched in front of the laboring mother, she came to the sudden realization that she only enjoyed having her face between a woman's legs when she was screaming out in pleasure, not in pain.
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Source:
Source:
eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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Publication Date:
May 27, 2025
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Rating:
4 Forges out of 5
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So much happens in this book, it felt like a whirlwind. It contains everything a fantasy lover needs: dragons, action, magic, political intrigue, he falls first, and betrayal. Aemyra is the only female born to her clan in a hundred years, which makes her the heir apparent. Except the current ruling family doesn't know this. So when the king dies and Aemyra attempts to peacefully take the throne, things go horribly awry. She is left playing a game that she is ill-prepared for. Aemyra must navigate her father's oversight, her love for her people, her desire for a peaceful kingdom, and her drive to protect her kingdom, particularly the magic wielders and women, from the religious cult threatening to take over the land.
However, because so much happens, it felt like there was a bunch of big build ups of tension that were just released anticlimactically. I was surprised about how much happened in this book. I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing and it didn't feel too rushed either. I did feel the same way about Mistborn too and just like that book, I am anxious to learn what happens next for our characters.
I think this book might take off once it releases because of the aforementioned elements. I really enjoyed this one and am anxiously awaiting the sequel!
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