A Fate Forged in Fire

A queen promises an end to patriarchy in this familiar romantasy duology opener from McBride (the Ocean’s Daughter series). Under its original matriarchy, Tir Teine thrived, but for the past century, kings have sat on its throne, running the country into the ground and weakening its magic. Aemyra Daercathian, daughter of Tir Teine’s exiled Prince Draevan, is the rightful heir to Tir Teine’s throne. When the current king dies, she seizes the opportunity to bond with his dragon and so claim his crown. She almost succeeds, but the patriarchal reigning clan, led by Prince Fiorean, disputes her legitimacy and overthrows her nascent court. She flees, leaving behind her younger brother, Lachlann, who is killed by Fiorean’s army. Fierce, grieving Aemyra marches right back into the castle to avenge him—but instead she’s kidnapped and forced to marry Fiorean, igniting a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance that moves rather too quickly. Though there’s little original about the plot, McBride builds a promising universe and populates it with a fascinating cast, and the feminist themes are welcome. Plus, the angsty ending sets things up nicely for book two. Fans of Sarah J. Maas will be pleased. (May)

Correction: A previous version of this review mischaracterized the circumstances around Lachlann’s death.