I had a roller coaster ride with Firebird. I’m a sucker for dragons and for magical bonds, but what started off a slow build turned into something intriguing. I was a bit skeptical, but there were elements I enjoyed even if I feel it has untapped potential. Keep reading this book review of Firebird for my full thoughts.
Summary
A conqueror captivated…
A witch prophesied to save them all…
A world where dragons rule Rome.From the moment Roman general and nephew to the emperor Julianus Dakkia laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her, an action that may mean his head on the imperial gate. But he and his dragon know one thing: she belongs to them.
Malina can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality. His warrior prowess cannot be denied, yet they don’t reveal the secret he hides. All Malina knows is his protection and gentle touch. And she cannot deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his.
As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
In a fantastical Rome with dragons, Firebird inititally promised me dragons and rebellion. And while the beginning wasn’t an instant hook, once the elements of Caeser and the rebellion brewing started to simmer, I was back into it. But here’s where I was on the fence because there’s this almost gratuitous violence (and often sexual in nature) which was pretty off putting. I know that House of the Dragon is one of the comps and I’d agree with that. However, to me at least in the first book, it lacks the complexity and nuance to handle this?
And secondly, the romance. So while I’m not a fan of fated mates or instant love in that sense – of which I could suspend m disbelief – I couldn’t get behind this enslaved and owner dynamic their relationship has by nature. I wasn’t sure before reading how it was going to be handled and this was another element where I was missing depth and nuance to how their relationship proceeds and develops. The dragon mate thing perhaps complicates the dynamics as well, so in general it was just hard for me to parse apart my reservations.
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An element I did like was the Caesar rebellion ideas brewing. I know this is only book one, so perhaps part of the development is to come, but this is the most promising aspect for me. In general, I have a hard time with romances of enemies to lovers and in this case oppressed and pseudo oppressor. It takes a lot of work to execute and unfortunately I think this was just one of the weaker points in the story. It has dragons, a somewhat historical fantasy idea to it, and I did enjoy Malina’s character arc, but I wish it had more depth in certain areas.
Find Firebird on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.