Black Heat is a stunning fantasy novel that manages to take three separate narratives and weave them into a cohesive and compelling whole. It's powerfully written with an enthralling narrative and compelling characters. In short, there isn't much here not to love.

Three powerful and determined women find their feet even as the world is determined to kick them down; Marzei, an exiled princess with an eye for revenge, Rayn, a blacksmith in hiding found by people determined to force her to create a blade from myth, and Elena, a young midwife who loses everything, forced to flee with the clothes on her back and a babe that isn't hers.

This is powerful, emotive and enthralling. I fell in love with the characters through thick and thin and couldn't stop myself turning the pages. It's full of courtly politics, intrigue, warfare and drama. Yet builds on found family, friendships, budding romance and a determination to see things through. An exceptional read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.

Oh.My.God, this book was absolutely brilliant. I ended up devouring this in less than 24 hours and I haven't stopped thinking about it since.

In this one we follow Marzal, Rayn and Elena who were fantastic characters who are living very different lives but each find themselves on similar paths with a mutual goal in mind. This book very much focuses on the way these women are treated by their male counterparts and the revenge they take in order to hold them accountable.

Full of twists and turns I never saw coming, Black Heat is an amazing and thrilling fantasy that had me hooked from the very beginning. I will never stop recommending Bex's books, despite the fact that she manages to tear my heart into pieces every single time.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was already a fan of Bex Hogan after reading the Isles of Storm and Sorrow trilogy and this book firmly cemented her as an auto read author.

The plot was engaging, I was so invested in the characters and loved every page! Can’t wait for her next book!

The first in a new series by Bex Hogan. A dark, feminist thriller, told from three different viewpoints. The characters were believable and the plot had lots of great twists and turns. Due to the content of some scenes, I'll be recommending it to pupils in year 9 and above.

Black Heat is one of those fantasy books that completely consumes you. I am a sucker for a fantasy book with women in power so this was right up my street from the very beginning.

Our three leading ladies come from very different walks of life: Marzal the heir to the throne, Rayn the fierce blacksmith and Elena the gentle midwife. All three of them are absolutely badass in their own way.

I loved reading the different POVs and seeing how their stories ultimately come to a head in a thrilling climax. My only gripe is that it’s a standalone and I’d quite like to read more from this world!

Thank you to Hachette UK, Bex Hogan and NetGalley for my early review copy in exchange of a fair and honest (late) review.

After loving her Viper series, Bex Hogan became an auto buy author fore and in this, her follow up to that sensational series, she once again reaches the heady heights of sublime action adventure.

This was another great book from the author of Viper. Though I didn't like it as much as Viper, the characters were strong, the plot was good and the banter was on point. It was nice to relax into a fantasy world and into the heads of these three characters for a while.

Though I found it a touch predictatable in places, the plot of this book was pretty well thought out. There was nothing out of place about it. Even though I guessed the twist at the end, there was a sense of inevitability about it that just felt right.

I loved how each girl was so different as well. From the manipulative princess who is looking to survive court life, to the rough and ready blacksmith who wants revenge on the empire, to the gentle midwife who wants to heal and help people. They're all drawn together and fit nicely into the rebellion.

I was kindly sent an ARC of this book in return for a honest review.

Black Heat had everything I wanted in a fantasy book & more. Honestly, nobody could've prepared me for how much I was going to love this book - I devoured it.

The story follows three women (a princess, a midwife & a blacksmith) who're all exceptionally strong-willed & talented. There's no room for messing around, these women know exactly what they're doing & they do it to utter perfection.

Whilst reading the book, you're introduced to each of them through their own POV's & follow their individual stories. The structure was very reminiscent of Throne of Glass where you have multiple POV's, running alongside one another, at different positions on the map, that then converge into one at the end. And let me just say, this was done brilliantly. I was fully invested in every single story & couldn't wait to see how their paths crossed.

And when they did eventually cross...my god. This book was full of twists & turns, the way their paths aligned unravelled perfectly & the ending had me sideswiped - SO GOOD!

If you love strong (& a little unhinged) female leads, high stakes & a sprinkling of romance, you will absolutely adore this book. The way it takes off & wraps up is just amazing; with no room for any pacing issues with the plot. I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I finished it, 10/10 would highly recommend.

I went into this book so hyped, as I adored Bex's previous books, and I was NOT let down at all.

Black Heat follows three women who are struggling against a heavily patriarchal society, and it is so impactful and feminist, i loved it. Bex had a quiz up to see which character you were most like - I got Elena, the character i think you spend the least time with (sad). That aside though ;) this really is such an enjoyable book. Some typical fantasy elements in a way, but done in ways that felt new. Plus i feel it’s rare to have three women narrators.

Marzal is our princess, and so full of revenge but with the least freedom. She is fierce and with a spine of steel in ways you don’t fully understand until the end of the book.
Rayn is a blacksmith, but also a daughter from a noble family, and her drive and charisma were fantastic.
Elena is softer in many ways, but still so lovely to see her come into her own as a midwife / wise woman, and so firm about doing the right thing.

I think that’s one thing these women share - doing the right thing, whatever that may be. Marzal’s right thing is definitely an interesting take on life, but it’s hard to argue with really.

I had a great time reading this and definitely recommend that you pick it up, along with the Isles of Storm and Sorrow trilogy ;) 5 stars.

What do a blacksmith, a princess and a midwife have in common? They're all in Bex Hogan's brand new book, and they are not having a good time.

Black Heat is a book packed with feminist rage. Bex has described this as her angry book, and she is not messing around. This book is angry, at times brutal, and always brilliant.

Marzal, Rayn and Elena are furious with the world around them for different reasons.

Marzal has been kept locked up for years, but now she's of age to be married (and deemed useful by her father, the emperor), she's been called back to court. The court politics are ruthless and Marzal has her own agenda. I love all three girls but I think Marzal's journey is my favourite.

Rayn is working as a blacksmith, often mocked for being in a role traditionally held by men, but she's incredibly powerful and good at what she does. There's also a whole magic sword situation that had me screeching (honestly you should see the state of my DMs to Bex).

And then there's Elena, my personal favourite of the girls. She seems quiet and unassuming, but I loved her life with her mentor and how she shows us that traditional female roles (midwifery) are incredibly powerful and badass.

I loved following their individual stories and waiting for them to intersect. And MY GOD WHEN THEY DO. They're all intent on ending the tyranny they, and everyone else in this kingdom, is subjected to. I particularly loved how [redacted] changed towards the end and the choices she made absolutely blew me away.

Black Heat is a brilliantly written, angry, fierce book with incredible twists and deceptions. Absolutely ripped my heart out. Did not put it back together.

{AD|GIFTED} A brutal feminist revenge fantasy with three complex main characters. Inspired by the wives and daughters of Henry VIII, this is a masterful portrayal of the toxicity stemming from a patriarchal society that devalues women. I loved the celebration of sisterhood and the bonds between women. Each of the main characters was fully fleshed out and explored different aspects of womanhood. Their stories eventually converge in an unforgettable denouement that will leave the reader gasping. I can't quite forgive the author for what she did to one character though! 😂

If you haven't read Bex Hogan before, this is a great book to start with as it's a compelling standalone. Her trilogy Viper is another incredible read and full of pirates, magic and romance.

This book demands your attention, I read its entirety in one sitting and still instantly wanted to turn back to page one and start reading all over again.

This is a book about revenge and it will make your feminist soul SCREAM. We have three women rightly out for revenge in a world where women aren’t seen as a threat highlighting all the different ways men can and do underestimate women. This story is a tale of a princess, a blacksmith and a midwife who’s plots converge in the most clever and brutal way.

Black Heat is the start of an all new YA fantasy series from Isles of Storm and Sorrow author Bex Hogan. The story follows three young women – Marzal, the daughter of the Emperor who has spent many years living in a convent and has now returned to take her place at court. Rayn, a blacksmith looking to uncover the truth surrounding the death of her family and take vengeance against those who harmed them, and Elena, a midwife tasked with protecting a secret. Each woman must do all they can to protect those they care about and help their country survive a deadly war.

I really loved Bex Hogan’s Viper so I was intrigued to see whether I would be as engrossed by Black Heat. This story is so captivating, so gripping and pretty fast paced, so I ended up racing through this book in a couple of days. Hogan has a really engaging writing style and I loved that there were lots of twists in the story. It also went places I did not expect. I find myself reading less YA fantasy these days because I often find them a bit predictable, but Black Heat is anything but. The ending of the story had me on the edge of my seat and I am counting down the days until the release of the next book in the series.

The world is really interesting and I really enjoyed the political scheming going on in this story. The world building is solid and I liked getting to see people on both sides of the conflict. Our three main characters are all so different and surprisingly I adored them all. If I had to choose I think Marzal is my favourite, I was so fascinated by the way she manipulates and schemes to get what she wants. Rayn is a fierce and determined character, she will stop at nothing to get her revenge and I loved how strong she was. Elena’s chapters were equally compelling, she is strong and determined to do what’s right, even when she’s scared or uncertain.

Black Heat is a gripping, feminist revenge fantasy and one I could not put down. If you’re looking for a book that’s dark, compelling with fascinating complex characters, then Black Heat is one you will not want to miss.

I thoroughly enjoyed this feminist YA fantasy with three narratives running parallel to each other. Bex Hogan's storytelling is hypnotic and compelling and her plots are twisty, turny, powerful and brutal.
The stories of the three main characters were equally gripping but all very different. I loved the determination and fierceness of the blacksmith, Rayn, the gentleness of Elena and the cleverness of Marzal. There's some unreliable narrating going on, lots of surprises and a heartbreaking yet breathless ending. The text, although fantasy, seemed to be heavily influenced by the reign of Henry VIII and the wars that pockmark our history, making it both escapist yet familiar. There are some shrewd observations and strong themes of woman versus men, women versus women and the power that can be found in the unity of women. If you enjoy YA fantasy, thrilling adventures and feminist texts then this is an incredible read.

Loved this! Bex Hogan has a way with words and characters that just gets you where it hurts. That book left me silenced more than once… and that’s a feat and a half!

Marzal is an exiled princess newly returned to court life and determined to shake things up. Rayn is a talented blacksmith with a dark past and an uncertain future. Elena is a midwife with a dangerous mission. Despite their differences, all three will come together in a war-torn world where a corrupt emperor holds all the power - for now.

Three brilliant and very different protagonists' collide in this edge-of-your-seat YA that kept me guessing throughout! High stakes, court drama and an unreliable narrator made this such a treat to read. I loved all three girls' stories and was never disappointed when the perspective shifted. I also loved how everything came together at the end.

I really didn’t want this to end

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Team Bkmark/Hachette Children’s for my e-arc

The book follows three main characters and I’m taking this straight from the blurb because it does the job -

Exile. Rebel. Healer. Three underestimated women, destined to be brought together by revenge in this YA fantasy

Marzal - an exiled daughter of the Emperor with a plan!
Rayn - a rebel blacksmith with a blade of blood and some rather big secrets
Elena - a gentle midwife, who is so brave but in my opinion underestimates herself.

The story is told from the three points of view of our main protagonists and this is something I really enjoy and keeps my attention as we switch from narrator to narrator. 

This book really gave me “Bridge Kingdom” and “Twin Crowns” vibes.

There’s romance, there’s a quest, there’s forging blades of blood which is pretty cool and most of all we have some amazing FMC’s this is a book about women some who’s morals I’m going to question These women are angry and rightly so!

but they are all ultimately fighting for the same thing in their own way- the downfall of the rather disgusting and despicable Emperor- that Bex Hogan is a villain I can really get behind hating!



I did not see some of the twists coming at all! And that last 10% and the ending did things to my heart!

I’m going to need to sit with this book for a little while.

4.5 stars

This book demanded a fair amount from its reader but knowing the audience for this book they will not have been put off by that. The book has three narrators, each with a very different role to play within the whole story. The world building was rich and interesting, the depiction of war didn't flinch from the horror of it. Not for the faint of heart!

Three women , a princess, a blacksmith and a midwife, on two sides of a bloody war between two misogynistic societies each pursue their individual goals to depose the corrupt Emperor who has caused them personal misery.
The telling from three points of view works very well and the clever way their stories tie together at the climactic conclusion is cleverly managed (tho not everyone will like how it ends... OMG!). The different strengths and weaknesses of each of the main protagonists are masterfully developed and the reader is drawn into their backstories as the plot twists and turns on each of their journeys.
A rollercoaster, deeply feminist thriller that also confronts the themes of war, political intrigue, family and friendship. I was gripped to the last page but found myself feeling frustratingly flattened by the outcome as Rayn was my favourite character! It's exactly what Bex Hogan does to both her characters and her readers. Great stuff

Bex Hogan has been a favourite YA fantasy author of mine for a while, and this book cements that honour. The story was vivid and fast paced, with complex characters and stories woven together to create such an atmospheric and dark fantasy book that I could not put it down, and even when I did, the story stayed with me for the rest of the day. The difference in characters and perspectives was perfectly executed, and really showed the range of Bex Hogan's writing, which I strongly urge everyone to read immediately.