Fear The Flames by Olivia Rose Darling Review

Title: Fear The Flames

Author: Olivia Rose Darling

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: Zaffre

Pages: 384

Release Date: 17 September 2024!

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Hello fellow booklovers! Today I’m sharing my review for Fear The Flames by Olivia Rose Darling. Full of danger, betrayal and a reluctant allies to lovers romance brimming with heat (the banter between our MC, Elowen, and her love interest, Cayden is especially good.) Darling’s dragon filled debut is not to be missed!

Synopsis

Princess. Prisoner. Runaway. Queen.

Elowen Atarah, Princess of Imirath, came into the world like a firestorm made flesh. A princess with a link to five dragons should have been a blessing to her kingdom, but her blessing became her curse. The little girl in shackles became a knife wielding woman with a thirst for retaliation.

Now, Queen of Aestilian, a secret kingdom she forged through strength and survival, Elowen needs a way to feed her rising population. She never thought she would have the force to take on Imirath, but when the snarky Commander Cayden Veles of Vareveth, her father’s enemy kingdom, offers her a deal she’s been dreaming of for years, how can she not take it? Even if he ignites her temper like no other, nothing unites two begrudging allies more than a common enemy.

The pair of them, along with three accomplices, will navigate their partnership, politics, and attempt to pull off the greatest heist their world has ever known. Five people, all united through revenge, will have to transcend the odds stacked against them and infiltrate “The Impenetrable Castle” if they want to reap their rewards before someone reaps their souls. Putting aside their differences to accomplish a common goal because everyone knows…vengeance is a promise signed in blood.

Review

I really loved this! The world-building was intriguing (though not nearly as detailed as I would’ve liked) and the political manoeuvring breathtakingly bloody. I wasn’t expecting it to be as violent as it was, but must admit (having started this after watching latest season of House of The Dragon) I wasn’t mad at it.

The violence and bloody scenes were very descriptive, though made total sense (especially for the lives Elowen and Cayden currently lead) but I still advise readers to check the content warnings before picking up.

That being said, I absolutely adored Elowen who reminded me soo much of Arya and Daenerys from Game of Thrones. Like them she’s determined, resilient and willing to do whatever it takes to defeat her enemies (I.e: her tyrannical father) in order to save her dragons.

Elowen’s magical bond with them (there are five dragons in total) is very “Mother of Dragons” coded, but I wish they featured waay more than they did. The first half is mostly just planning the heist to rescue them, and getting all the pieces in place to make it happen. Though, the ending did make up for it (in my opinion) as it was fabulously explosive and full of deliciously backstabby surprises.

We do also (briefly) delve into Elowen’s past and the painful experiences life has dealt her; which goes some way in explaining a lot of her morally grey (and ruthlessly questionable) actions. But her banter and scorchingly sexy chemistry with the brooding, bloodthirsty Cayden (Commander of Vareveth -an enemy kingdom of her father’s) was what really kept me hooked.

The intensity between them was off the charts incredible, and his devoted, “touch her and you die” energy had me savouring every scene he shared with Elowen. However if you’re not overly fond of your romances packed with tropes then you may not enjoy this nearly as much.

Overall, a satisfying read with a hint of spice—that fans of romantasy and badass FMCs should definitely consider checking out.

Also a huge thank you to Ellie Pilcher and Zaffre/ Bonnier Books for the proof.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

About The Author 

Olivia Rose Darling 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 favourite 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.

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