Member Reviews
Engrossing from the first page—Kit Rocha's world-building, as always, is top-notch. The tension and heat spark even before the characters' first encounter, and continue to build to intense levels. Can't wait to see more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: warlike situations (past), child abuse (physical and emotional, past), blackmail
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-FFM fantasy romance
-marriage of convenience
-but also I'm supposed to kill you
-opposites attract
-age gap
-slow burn
I had been seeing hype for this one and had to dive in. It was the perfect mix of world building, slow burn of amazing chemistry, and just twists and turns.
Sachi was raised for a marriage with the Dragon, but she's also been in love with Tanya since they were kids. Bound to the Dragon through a ceremony that allows them to feel what the other feels, she's there for a mission but can't help the feelings that build.
I want to be vague to keep the many twists and turns but the mythology aspects, the fantasy, the world building was effortless. I adored how this book was also about the boundless opportunities of dreams and just how quickly they can turn into nightmares.
But my favorite part was the romance. So many queer characters, but the beating heart of this book is Sachi, Zanya and Ash. How they tiptoed around each other but Ash saw what he wanted,re cognized there was no Sachi without Zanya and slowly won them over. The growing intimacy, the sexual tension, the sex so good it rocks the world around some. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Steam: 4
An amazing start for a very promising series.
The book centers around a polyamorous relationship between the three main characters: Sachielle, Zanya, and Ash/the Dragon.
What I liked most was that there was genuine care/affection, rather than solely lust, between the characters. Ash is incredibly respectful of Sachi and Zanya’s existing relationship and unlike many male romance protagonists, actually possesses the self-control to not think solely about his own desire. While Sachi and Ash have an immediate attraction and are then emotionally bonded, Zanya and Ash get together more slowly. I think this book strikes the perfect balance between instant-love and slow burn.
I also loved the side characters who consisted of members of the High Court, the immortal gods of the Everlasting Dream, and the Raven Guard, the personal guards of the Dragon and his consort. I hope we get more of their backstory, particularly of the Siren and the Wolf, in the next book.
I loved the poly representation and how the relationship dynamics were handled. Also, everyone always makes sure to receive enthusiastic consent.
Perhaps I am in the minority for readers of fantasy romances but I wish there was more happening outside of the relationship between the three main characters. The last chapter sets up the villain for the next book (and presumably the series) but we have gotten so little detail about him in the first book that it seems very rushed. Even though we are told that the villain has an extensive history with the High Court, this is never discussed or explored in any detail. Ash, who previously defeated this villain, almost never talks about his past outside of extremely sanitized fireside stories. The chapters in his POV are focused mostly on his interactions with and/or thoughts about Sachi and Zanya. This is a shame because he could/should have been the character setting up the actual plot.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Consort of Fire is another must-read book from Kit Rocha. Love the fantasy world they've built and can't wait to read more from this series. Highly recommend, especially for bisexual and polyamory rep.
Original and engaging plot? Check. Romance with warm fuzzies and tears? Check. LGBTQIA+ representation? Check. Polyamory? Check. Spice? Check check check.
When I read the plot description, I immediately wanted to read this book. The premise seemed to contain a formula that I had read before and had enjoyed. While there were some familiar plot points along the way, I was pleasantly surprised when new and refreshing twists and turns were introduced throughout the story. The mythology of the story, as well as the relationship dynamics between characters, really brought something new to the table.
I also enjoyed how the story introduced an important message that was also integral to the plot. "Darkness is simply darkness. Light is simply light. We need both, just like we need life and death. Creation and destruction." This quote, along with the context surrounding it, taught me something about the world and about myself. Not many fantasy books manage to do that.
My only complaint (and it's a small one!) is that I did not like the spice/plot ratio in the middle of the book. While the first and third act expertly balanced the two, the middle felt like a whole lot of spice without a lot of plot to progress the story. But that is purely personal preference and did not affect my overall enjoyment of the book.
4.5 stars.
This is my second attempt at a Kit Rocha book, and I think I need to accept they just aren't for me... which is sad because horny dragon book with polyamory sounded like lots of fun! Consort of Fire is such a high percentage sex scenes, at a certain point it feels like it's just one after another. Outside of the three central characters there isn't much to hold onto. All the main characters are so emotionally intelligent and respectful towards each other that there isn't much conflict or suspense to drive the narrative forward - the only question is how Sachi and Zanya will get out of the curse, and there are enough hints that the resolution isn't terribly satisfying in my opinion. The plot is really just them all getting to know and trust each other via lots of (well-written) sex.
I so wanted to love this book. But too slow, too predictable. The marketplace has shifted and a book like this would have been great a few years ago. But now, there is just such good material out there that this level of writing and plotting seems too obvious. Nothing felt fresh or unique.
This book felt very reminiscent of some younger YA novels that I read...except there is way more spice in this! The in depth world building took a while for me to get in to, but once I was in...I was IN! I am absolutely loving this theme of dragons in fantasy books lately, they add that extra layer of cozy fantasy for me. Props to Kit Rocha for tackling some a unique and often under developed relationship dynamic in this book, we get to meet LGBTQ+ characters along with a polyamorous relationship that fit so perfectly in this world that it didn't even seem "not the norm." I love seeing healthy depictions of different kinds of relationships. Plus we get to meet multiple strong, badass female characters! The banter in this book was also top notch, you truly get a bit of everything in this book, fantasy, spice, fun characters and interesting world building...I am so excited to continue with this series!
An amazing start to a new series from Kit Rocha. I'd been experiencing a bit of reader indecision and decided to crack this one open on vacation, and boy, did it deliver on the fantasy vibes I'd been wanting recently. More of a relationship-rooted story than anything, so if you want something a bit more reliant on interpersonal dynamics and the ties that bind three people together almost in spite of a greater purpose or mission, this definitely leans into that more than any political machinations. I won't drop any spoilers because I think it's so important to go into this story as in the dark as possible, but I had no idea where these characters would be headed and the reveals at the end left me absolutely GIDDY. Here for whatever these authors want to bring us next in this world, no question.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Having loved the Beyond series and the blurb containing the word dragon (I mean who doesn’t love a dragon romance?) made this a must read for me.
There’s a lot here. A lot of characters and a ton of world building. More than I’d normally expect because the happy couple embark on a tour as soon as they’d bonded. So we get the descriptions of every area as well.
It’s a lot and the book really suffers under the weight of it all. I took a break early on and then returned to it. Hoping the fault was mine and I’d settle. I didn’t and continued to struggle.
There’s some great characters and an interesting story. But the weight of the rest was just too much for it. But then most of the reviews are glowing so maybe it’s just me?
I desperately wanted to love this but I felt like story was lost and I really wanted to know what happened.
But….
Then around the 80% mark I was intrigued and couldn’t put it down. It came into itself and I was hooked. Finally.
While I enjoyed the last part it wasn’t enough for me. Despite the characters, new world and dragon. I won’t be continuing on. And I’m gutted to be giving only 2*.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Be still my queer little heart!!! This book had:
1. Not one, but TWO, badass female main characters who were both strong and compelling in very different ways
2. A polyamorous relationship written respectfully and beautifully
3. A male main character who is non-toxic, not jealous, sexy, and definitely written by women
4. DRAGON
5. GODS
6. SPICINESS 🌶️ (3/5)
7. Authors who lovingly call this book <i>Horny Dragon Book</i>
I loved <i>Horny Dragon Book</i> and I can’t wait for more <i>Horny Dragon Book</i>. I really enjoyed how the authors depicted the relationships in this story. I felt the story was more character-driven than plot-driven, but I’m excited to see where the story goes from here in the next book as there were some mysteries introduced towards the end that leave you curious for more. I’m a huge lover of the Found Family trope, so I would love to see the supporting characters be fleshed out in greater detail. This is a great start to a new series and I’ll be recommending it to others when it releases!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was soo good!! The plot was intriguing and interesting. But that cliffhanger was brutal. I can’t wait enough for the next instalment already!
Sachi and Zanya have been together in this life all the way back to a terrible incident in their childhood. Raised to overthrow a godlike being they have never been given the freedom to love each other or anyone else, always a tool in someone else's game. Their journey to the dragon's keep and into his heart also brings them the freedom to be themselves publicly for the first time. At times dark, spicy, and always engaging this book will grip from chapter 1 and keep you eagerly turning pages until the end where you will hope for a sequel announcement!
Definitely recommend!
I was primarily a fantasy reader in my teens and I've been primarily a romance reader in my adulthood. This book scratches both itches in the best possible way. And by "best possible" what I mean is "This is a Beyond book with dragons and living gods whose most godlike qualities are being incredibly emotionally competent."
If that doesn't sell you on this book, I don't know what will.
I was given an advance reader's copy but that doesn't influence my love of this book.
OH MY this was spicy!!!! in the absolute best way, this tackled polyamory while also delivering a compelling fantasy atmosphere and i was SO HERE FOR IT
i encourage every single one of you to go out and read this book and TRY not to fall in love with these lovely lil characters: spoiler alert, it’s impossible!
This book felt like a present just for me, and I have a feeling you'll like it too. It had so many of my favorite tropes: prophecy, magical mates, a deadly curse, "I came to kill you," religious and political intrigue, and of course my personal favorite "Who did this to you?" If that list hasn't convinced you, there is also a dragon shifter. What else could anyone ask for?
The F/F/M romance was amazing. I fell in love with Kit Rocha when I was first introduced to their Beyond Series. Consort of Fire may be slow burn compared to those books, but that doesn't mean it's not hot. This book features everything I've come to love about this writing duo: romance, emotions, high-stakes, and banter. Lots and lots of sexy banter.
I was so excited to get the chance to read this ARC. It did not disappoint at all and is a wonderful start to a new series. I highly recommend it.
Like all first books in a series it has to explain a little bit of everything, and that certainly weighs it down. The characters are not bad even though there are a large number of them (to get us to read the next books I suppose) and I clearly hardly remember them all. Unfortunately then those who expected, as I did, to find us in front of a new series as fantastic as "Beyond", I think also are not jumping for joy, but this is just my opinion and I'm sure it can improve.
Come tutti i primi libri di una serie deve spiegarci un po' tutto e questo certo lo appesantisce. I personaggi non sono male anche se ce n'é un gran numero (per farci leggere i prossimi libri suppongo) e chiaramente non li ricordo quasi per niente. Purtroppo poi chi si aspettava, come me, di trovarci davani ad una nuova serie fantastica come Beyond, credo anche non stia facendo i salti sulla sedia, ma questa é solo la mia opinione ed i miei gusti, quindi sono sicura che possa migliorare.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
First, let me say I received an ARC in return for leaving a review.
Next, let me say if super steamy books with multiple partners isn't for you, don't read this.
I have read the Beyond series by the genius masterminds that are Kit Rocha. Bree and Donna are the perfect writing duo when it comes to steamy books with powerful women. I also love how much emphasis consent gets in all those steamy scenes. And this book, Consort of Fire, is no different.
I'll admit, when I heard gods and a dragon, I was skeptical. Not sure how I felt about the whole gods thing. But I'm so glad I dove in and I feel a little bad for ever doubting that I would enjoy this book.
I had a bit of a hard time getting into the beginning of the book: learning who's who and how the world works in this book. That's totally normal for me though in books that aren't like real life. But once I learned who's who and how they fit together, I couldn't put the book down. As a matter of fact, it was 2:15am when I finished this book. I just couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next!
Every 100 years, the Dragon has to take a mortal Consort. This time he gets Sachielle. He's hoping that she's the one that the land promised him, and that he'll never be alone again. Sachi comes with her own personal guard and lover, Zanya, that will do any-and everything to protect her, body and soul. Then there's a spell that is threatening to end Sachi's life and soul if she doesn't assassinate the Dragon. The dragon that she's been taught is a horrible, cruel God. Only, when she meets the dragon, she learns that everything she's been taught about him is completely wrong. Will she find it within herself to assassinate him? Will he find out her dark secret? Will she find a way to end the curse? Will Zanya save her? Or maybe Zanya will sacrifice herself to save Sachi? There's so many possibilities.
Ok, this was really fun! I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would and Kit Rocha has a very distinct authorial voice. Cannot wait to read book 2.
I like this writing duo though I just wasn't drawn into some of their previous books. This one however drew me completely in. Unlike many romances these days this one has a plot. It has set itself up for an epic story of a world torn apart by fighting gods, evil kings trying to avoid their oaths and strong women caught up in the gears. Our main characters are two women, a princess and her handmaid, who travel into the home of the gods as a sacrifice to the Dragon Lord. Their relationship as well as the enforced marriage between the princess and the dragon creates a heady love triangle. But underlying it all is the real reason the princess and her handmaid are there. Are the gods in danger or is it the women? And what happened in the war of the past and will it come back to haunt the present day. This story has no cliffhanger which I seriously approve of, I'm sick of all these cliffhanger books. It does however end on a note that springboards it into a second book. The world is vibrantly well designed and the characters written with depth and emotion. It is a great adventure with some romance thrown in. I cannot wait for the sequel. I thank Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced reading copy.