Black Heat is a YA fantasy standout of the summer for me. It sizzles with suspense and interweaving narrative threads that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Bex Hogan just cemented why she is such a force within YA fantasy for me. She always has such inventive magic systems, lushly described fantasy worlds and intriguing characters. This is a book that truly thrives in its three distinct and fascinating narrative voices. All of their stories allow you to glimpse hints of the larger picture and the wider forces at play. I enjoyed how much of this story was governed by the principle of fate, destiny and the roles we were born to play. This added an element of mystery and suspense, as you were unsure who would end up fitting which part. It also allows for an interesting discussion around free will, which has a meta sort of layer in a fantasy story.

This, like Hogan’s previous books, is not afraid to go there in some incredibly dark and unsettling book. Hogan drenches the book in blood with some scenes that will stay with me for a long time. It is brutally honest about the horrors of war and the way it impacts all those around it, including the innocent. That mesh of politics and ethics into this fantasy narrative is something like catnip to me. It is irresistibly, especially the way that these political machinations have terrible real world consequences that you watch play out in real time across the three narratives. Hogan also delves deep into a world where violence against women is naturalised and institutional sexism runs rife across everything. This adds another element to that discussion of fate and breaking free of your expected role, no matter the repercussions.

Black Heat is taut, thrilling and trepidatious. This fantasy standalone is dark, brooding and bloody - all of the key ingredients needed for a standout on your shelves.

Black Heat is a fantastic book. I really enjoyed how the book was told from three POV’s. Each character so unique and well developed throughout the book. I enjoyed how each character had their own stories and how they ended up tying together by the end. There was so much emotion throughout the book grief , love , deception, heartbreak and more.
The world building was fantastic. I really enjoyed the plot but the start was a little slow but one it got going it really was great. There was so many twists and turns and I did not expect that ending!
This was one of those books that once you start it pulls you in.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Thank you to the Author, Netgalley and the Publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Bex Hogan knows how to write an addictive read! I really enjoyed being on this adventure, it had three super strong female leads - a bunch of morally grey characters. A real adventure, a slow burn romance and even a bit of heartbreak thrown in for good measure!

I initially struggled a bit at first with 3 point of views because the timing felt a little off, but once I'd warmed to this lay out I really devoured the book.

Rayn and Elene are my favourite characters and you'll see for yourself why Marzel didn't make it to the list! great read - recommend!

BLACK HEAT is another brilliant book from Bex Hogan, which of course also shoves a dagger into your heart.

It is a deeply feminist tale of women fighting for change and power in the midst of a war and a deeply misogynistic society that doesn't think they can be clever or strong enough for the jobs they do. The book shows different types of strength in both traditionally feminine roles and in traditionally masculine ones. I also really loved that they're not all heroes - there are definite grey (and very dark grey!) areas to them, with their actions sometimes being underhand and downright ruthless.

Marzal was my favourite of the three. For one, her POV is the one with the political scheming as she manipulates everyone around her. Her character is also really cunning, which I love to read about. She is scheming and clever and absolutely going to smile and make everyone thing that the idea was theirs not hers.

Rayn and Elena are also a lot of fun, a contrast between the fiery, impulsive blacksmith and the quiet, considered midwife. Rayn is a stubborn rebel, throwing herself into situations in order to get her revenge. Meanwhile, Elena is more reserved, trying to save as many lives as she can, and the three women's stories intertwine.

And, given Bex wrote this book, your heart will be stabbed several time. This is a book stuffed with betrayal and not everything is going to end happily for the characters.

Thank you Hachette Children’s Group, Orion Children’s Books and Netgalley for the arc of Black Heat by Bex Hogan in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
I absolutely loved Bex Hogan’s Isle of Storm and Sorrow series and the news that Black Heat is due to be published in July triggered a must read. My hopes were high and I can truthfully say fulfilled.

Black Heat delivers a world in the midst of war, a blood thirsty Emperor determined to retain and increase his empire and power, and conquer his neighbour, irrespective of the cost to his land and more importantly people. Hogan delivers a true aging, terrorising despot and kingdoms of pain and suffering that all stem from him.

The story itself is told from the POVs of three distinct characters, a Princess, a midwife, and a blacksmith, each with their own theme, back story, arc and journey.

Marzal the Princess, finds herself transported to the Emperor’s palace as she reaches marriageable age. Elena, a young apprentice midwife finds her life suddenly changed by events beyond her control and Rayn, the blacksmith is fighting a war to avenge those taken from her. Each character is distinct and as their stories unfold, there are plots with plots that pull you further into the increasing trajectory and path of intrigue, love, war and deception.

This book is a fantastic read, I really didn’t want to put it down - full on, one more chapter syndrome! Hogan creates a steady start, delivering back stories and context, that gradually increases to a dizzying and climactic conclusion. Another fabulous book from Bex Hogan that will excite, intrigue and simultaneously break your heart!

WHAT!!!!! BEX HOW DARE YOU DO THAT!

Three POV'S, Marzal, Elena, Rayn. I absolutely loved each point of view, I found it a little slow at the beginning when I was getting to know each character but after that I flew through, I was so engrossed in it that I couldn't put it down!

I really enjoyed the plot of the book and the ending, it was intense, incredible and heart breaking at the same time.

Highly recommend!

Really enjoyed Hogan’s Isles of Storm and Sorrow series and Black Heat carried on her excellent style in a new setting. I don’t want to get into spoiler territory, especially when the book isn’t due out until July, but the world building was detailed and interesting and the three protagonists were engaging. This was a lot of fun.