Fear the Flames is a debut romantasy novel by Olivia Rose Darling. It follows the story of Elowen who is a princess currently in exile, hiding from her father who imprisoned her as a child and stole her dragons from her. Now an adult; Elowen is determined to seek revenge, rescue her dragons and take back what is rightfully hers.

Wow, this book absolutely blew me away. I was hooked from page 1, it is action packed and a super addictive read. It has dragons, rivals to lovers, found family, forbidden romance, a badass FMC and my new book boyfriend, Cayden 🥵 - what more could you ask for?! I loved the characters so much, especially Elowen, Cayden and their friendship group. They all had great banter and had me laughing out loads at times. There is some difficult topics throughout the book but this made me fall in love with the characters even more and had me cheering them on to succeed with their plans!

I honestly could've kept reading more and more, and I can't wait to read book two next year. Highly recommend to anyone that loves Romantasy books - this is easily one of my top books of 2024!

Thank you so much to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5☆

I absolutely loved Fear the Flames! This is everything I want a romantasy to be.

Tropes:
🐉Dragon Princess x Bodyguard Commander
🌸Touch her/him and die
🐉He's grumpy but he's sweet for her
🌸Stabby FMC and MMC
🐉Found family
🌸Only one bed
🐉Well done spice
🌸Strong and sweet FMC
🐉MMC would burn the world for her
🌸Reluctant allies to lovers (this is NOT enemies to lovers)

I was so hooked on this book like my ARC list has gotten so long and I was trying to catch up but I dragged this out for so long because I didn't want it to end. It's really engaging and I was always entertained!

I loved the characters from the minute I met them. Their friendships and relationships feel so authentic and you can truly feel that they would do anything for each other. There is so much love and affection between them, especially Elowen and Finnian. And the banter between them all is great, it felt very natural. And I loved the dragons. Elowen has five dragons!! And her bond with them is beautiful, seeing how she fights for them and how Cayden helps her through the trauma of what she's been through for them was so emotional.

I would say my only complaints were the writing at times felt a bit clunky and the worldbuilding was a little basic. Don't get me wrong, the writing was beautiful for the most part and I highlighted so many things, but at times it felt a bit too flowery or the sentences were way too long and it took me out of it a bit. And I liked the world we saw but I wanted a bit more.

I adored the romance. Trust me when I say Cayden is your new book boyfriend. They are both stabby psychos but support each others stabbiness and they are so sweet with each other. Dragon princess and bodyguard commander? Reluctant allies to lovers? Sweet only for her? Forbidden love? D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s🫶🏻 and the spice, whew, so good

The ending was really good. I was dreading that it would end on a massive cliffhanger but it actually ends really nicely. It feels wrapped up but there's even more to look forward to!

MY FAVORITE READ THIS YEAR!!

I loved the characters so much!!!!! Elowen is such an interesting character with so much depth. Cayden is EVERYTHING don’t get me started. the world building was so easy to understand and follow along, the moments of strength and vulnerability from Elowen, the delicious spicy moments between Cayden and Elowen, her sweet dragons, Elowen and Finnian’s relationship, everything was PERFECTION!

The banter in this book had me rolling around the floor, screeching, screaming, giggling, cackling like a witch. Cayden and Elowen will live rent free in my head. She’s stabby and he thinks it’s hot to be stabbed by her!! Finnian, my sweet baby. I need him to have the happiest of endings and live forever and ever and ever. I know this a 4 book series and I want this angel thriving in every single one. I was so entertained through this whole book. I can NOT wait for the next one.

This book just had everything!! I can't wait for book two and to jump back into this wonderful universe!

This would be perfect for GOT fans. It's very spicy, MMC is obsessed with FMC. Lots of drama and adventure. Bring on book 2

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc

I had seen such hype for this book but as usual went in blind and I could feel from the beginning it would be the type of book for me

Unfortunately I didn’t like the way it was written it felt like you could tell it was the authors debut novel and the writing was very much telling and not showing. The description lacked a lot for me

I had to dnf the book

Fear the Flames offers a mix of familiar tropes and engaging world-building. If you enjoy a ruthless FMC, found family dynamics, and a war-commander who falls first, you may find this book to be for you.

Fear the Flames is one of those books that wears its inspirations on its sleeve, pulling clear influence from popular series like From Blood and Ash (FBAA) and Throne of Glass (TOG). However, instead of borrowing from the plots of these stories, it felt like the book was pieced together through quotes that sometimes seemed out of place, like the line:
"It's you and me until the end—whatever end that may be."
A very similar resemblance to a famous quote from the TOG franchise.
At times, these moments didn’t match the characters or the tone of the story.

The book has a distinctly modern feel, especially in the protagonist’s characteristics and mannerisms. The main female character (FMC) reads like a typical YA heroine—bold and impulsive—but with more mature, steamy content toward the end. While the world-building is immersive and easy to visualize thanks to the descriptive writing, I found it difficult to connect with the characters.

The chemistry between the two main leads was also lacking. The MMC, a supposed ruthless assassin-turned-commander, falls for the FMC almost instantly, which felt out of sync with his hardened persona. The "he falls first" trope is strong here, but it was hard to believe given his background.

Within 420 pages, Fear the Flames attempts to tackle a lot, perhaps too much. At one point early on in the book, the FMC is revealed to struggle with anxiety and panic attacks, these issues then never resurfacing, making the narrative feel disjointed. The pacing felt clunky at times, jumping between plot points, quests, and character interactions in ways that sometimes felt rushed.

Dragons, while promised, don't play a huge role in the story. Instead, readers are treated to plenty of quests and some enjoyable banter between the characters. The twist near the end was a nice surprise, especially since I expected betrayal to come from someone else entirely.
I will admit a betrayal at the end did surprise me - I was expecting it to be somebody else.

Tropes and Themes include:
-He falls first
-Dragons
-Ruthless FMC
-AssassinxAssassin
-Found Family

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOKS WITH MY WHOLE ENTIRE BEING!! NO NOTES, THIS IS PERFECTION
The tension, the word building, the stabby vibes, the plot twists, the smut, everything was there and written to perfection. My new favourite fanatsy book!

I went into this expecting so many things and it delivered on every single one of them!!! I thought we would get Game Of Thrones kinda dragons, extremely hot and unpredictable mmc, touch her and die vibes and the kind of high fantasy world building that is seen with writers like Sarah J Maas (crescent city and throne of glass) and Jennifer L Armentrout (from blood and ash). Honestly, every single second of this was a delight. There was so much happening all the time, complex characters with lots of depth, an interesting political system and DRAGONS!!!!

This ticks every box when it comes to a romantasy book and was so so so enjoyable. There were so many high stakes and complex decision making moments that had me biting my nails and screaming at my kindle. The heist to rescue her dragons had me on the edge of my seat with so many things that could have gone wrong the second they stepped foot in the castle again!

Another huge aspect of this book that i ATE UP and enjoyed immensely was the forbidden romance between the princess and commander. How was i meant to not like it when he constantly flirts in the most flippant way. The sparks, the chemistry, the banter, it was all so goooood!!! I will honestly not know peace until i find a man like Cayden. He went above and beyond and had me squealing like a little girl with her first crush. The things he was coming out with had me BLUSHING.

I wholeheartedly think that there wasn't a single aspect of this book that Olivia didn't think about. Everything was so well done and delivered. There were no plot holes or slight dependencies that had me confused. Everything was told at the right moment for maximum impact and the themes that she explored she handled so well.
I think my favourite part of this book (outside of the heart stopping romance) was the found family element. It was a huge part of this book and had me nearly sobbing so many times. The relationships that Elowin had formed after her traumatic and abusive childhood were so clearly special to her and meant everything to her, and it was so obvious in the way that the story unfolded. Seeing her friendship with Finnian and the lengths that they would go to for each other was the absolute best. They are the definition of found family who only want the best for each other. The unwavering support and loyalty from the both of them, even when they thought the other was making stupid decisions was just so sweet.
In many ways i am really glad that this book started off with her already having this support unit and found family. It really added something special to the story, and meant that we were able to focus on something other than Elowin finding good people in her life. It meant that there were so many other parts of the story we were able to explore and see inside of!!!

An absolutely phenomenal book with extremely complex and 'real' characters that will brake your heart wide open. I cannot wait to see the direction the author takes this in with book 2!!

A massive thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Olivia Rose Darling for giving me the opportunity to read an arc of this book!! It has been a delight <3

Fear the Flames
Review

“There once was a princess born on a crisp winter night with enough fire in her soul to rival the frost that covered the earth.”

🐉 Dragon Queen
🔥 Heist
🐉 Forbidden Love
🔥 Bodyguard x Princess
🐉 Found Family
🔥 Partners in Crime

“I wish to show the world the claws I grew when they clipped my wings.”

If you are craving a Romantasy chock full of high stakes heists that will have your heart pumping, a forbidden romance with so much chemistry you’ll find yourself blushing in public, beautiful imagery you can completely escape into and dragons who will pull at your heart springs… this is exactly the book you need.

From the first line, I was mesmerised. Once you’ve picked up this book, get ready to not be able to put it down. You’ll find the perfect balance of action, romance and tension filled banter within these pages.

“Why do I have a feeling you’re going to be the bane of my existence?”
“Because it’s a title I’ll happily take.”

The romance… the romance is this book was everything. The bickering and the banter… the tension… sizzling chemistry… everything you could ever want in a Romantasy, Olivia delivered in spades.

“Stories have infinite possibilities, but leaving you isn’t written within mine.”

Some men may tell you they adore you, and then you have Cayden… who will make you swoon with his words. Over. And over again. He makes my heart do that little pitta patta.

“You’ve driven me to madness. You haunt me while I sleep and you’re there when I wake. Your presence is agonizing and yet I’ll beg for the pain if it means I can have a moment with you.”

While the romance of this book will have you falling head over heels for our two main characters, it’s the found family that truly makes it just that little bit extra special. Olivia explores the bonds between friends who would do anything for each other. Elowin and Finnian brought me so much joy, their banter, their unparalleled support of each other, their never ending loyalty. I loved it. I live for a good platonic male female friendship. So wholesome and just adds so much to the story! Not to forget Saskia and Ryder who held their own, and made for such solid characters, I can’t wait to explore more of their story!

“We’ve never needed blood to be siblings, and I know the bond we’ve created is something I’ll carry with me into the afterlife or next life, whenever the time comes.”

I love how complex and interesting Elowin is. A princess and a thief, she is pure strength but also so vulnerable. She is so feisty and such a lovable fierce character, I will cheer her on throughout the whole of her revenge arc. No questions asked. I love that she had found a man who not only supports and accepts her but is her kindred spirit. I love these characters and their story so much, I could not be more invested if I tried!

“I’ve often felt like I’m too intense for people, so keeping to myself has always been preferable. My thoughts are my own, but Cayden is looking at me as if they’re made of air and he longs to fill his aching lungs.”

I think I know how Cayden feels, because I feel this way about book 2!

I struggled a little bit with this arc but I still have such high hopes for the story. I will definitely be picking up the published version and giving it another chance.

Firstly, there is room for improvement in the writing. I struggled with the way some things were written. Sometimes I needed to re-read certain sentences to try and decipher what the author meant to say, other times I felt as though there was a line or two missing because we suddenly jumped forward in conversation with no context. It also isn’t clear what characters are present in some of the scenes. For example, there were times when I thought Cayden and Elowen were alone, but then all of a sudden Ryder would start adding to the conversation. It was hard to keep up with what was happening in general at times.

I struggled with the romance between Cayden and Elowen - it felt a little too fast-paced and surface level for me. I was surprised at how quickly they both trusted each other to enter into a bargain and assist each other with no real reservations. I also felt like they went from 0 to 100 in terms of the romance, the pet names, etc. I couldn’t really get a feel for why they liked each other, what they liked about each other, etc. The characters in general felt a little bit one dimensional. I would like for them to be fleshed out a little deeper. For example, by the 35% mark I still didn't really know a lot about Elowen as a character - what motivates her, what her plan is once she gets her dragons, what she’s actually fighting for, how all of this is going to pass. Likewise, some of Cayden’s lines/sweeping statements to Elowen came across a bit corny and just unearned - too much, too soon.

I also had an issue with how much this book was telling me rather than showing me. I felt like we were told a lot about all the different characters and how amazing/skilled they are, but we didn’t really get much chance to see any of it on the page. This made it difficult to really connect with the characters.

I also struggled with trying to picture what the time setting is for this book. It gives medieval vibes but then things like heated curlers, coffee, and leather jackets were mentioned and it just took me out of the story once again.

The magic system wasn’t very well explained so I’m still not sure how it works. The same goes for the religion of the world and the gods. The world-building was also a little lacking - I felt like names were being rattled off and I didn’t know what they were referring to - people, places, etc. It was a little confusing to try and figure out.

I went into this story expecting to love it, so I’m a little bit disappointed. However, I know that the arc is not the final version and certain things might change or be tidied up before publishing. As such, I will still be picking up the published version and have my finger’s crossed that I will enjoy it a lot more.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an early e-arc of this cosy fantasy book. It is now my favourite fantasy book that I have ever read in my life. I read 80% of the book in one sitting, I loved it that much. I love any fantasy book with dragons in so when I saw it had dragons in, I was so eager to read it.

4 stars... ish!

I adored the beginning of this book. I mean, a Princess bonded to five dragons but then separated from them - genius story. I also loved the characters, there was some great banter (which is a favourite of mine) However, about halfway through I felt that the story was being rushed. Some elements could have had more time spent on them, and some of the incidents at the end I felt were unnecessary.

I would have liked to see the story spread out a bit more, but I still really enjoyed it. The writing was really good, the spicy tension was spot on and the character development between the FMC and the MMC was nicely done.

I love a good romantasy and this had all the typical features of this genre that I enjoy. The narrative was a little choppy in places but the plot pacing was great and the characters were complex and engaging

This was actually so so good!! The world building, the tension, the banter, the friendships and DRAGONS!!

Elowen is such a badass queen, Finnian is the best side character anyone could ask for, Ryder and Saskia are the brother and sister you would want forever and CAYDEN, dear lord I need some holy water after meeting him!

I love the plotline, it’s so different to what I’ve previously read but this book had me giggling, gasping and blushing right left and center. It is a bit sad that we don’t get to see more of the dragons throughout the whole book but it’s also difficult I would guess. But that ending though, when’s book 2 coming out??

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review!

A fun romantasy that is on the dragon bandwagon that new adult novels seem to be going down (it's a fun new trend!)
At times it felt a little predictable and the writing was more of tell-not-show, but overall it fits well into its genre and I found the characters likeable and fun to follow. I also found that the spice scenes did not detract from the overall plot which is always a bonus!

Imagine Daenerys from Game of Thrones in a romantasy.

<b>"If you feel left out, I'll find someone for you to stab later," he calls out over his shoulder.
I cross my arms over my chest. "I'd like to stab you."
His grin widens. "I love it when you sweet-talk me."
</b>
When she was a baby, five dragons broke free from what were thought fossils. A prophecy followed: Princess Elowen would either destroy Imirath or bring it immeasurable glory.
She was four when her dragons were ripped from her, taking her from being a princess to a prisoner overnight.

Elowen vowed to one day turn on the kingdom for all her suffering and what they took from her.
To do so, she forms a tentative partnership with the demon Commander Cayden, her kingdom’s biggest enemy. He is a walking supply of endless innuendos, smirks, and glares.
It's a codependent, vengeance-based alliance, but it's still an alliance.

This is extremely troupe heavy. Pinned against a wall, knives to throat, a cold, handsome Commander. Touch her and you die. Carrying her over glass shards. Buying her gowns and flowers. Sending letters.

For this reason, I know this will blow up!

<b>"What are you?"
“A monster, but for you, never to you."
</b>
Also, the FOUND FAMILY! I am obsessed! This is why I crave romantasy from time to time.
Think the Night Court from ACOTAR, the friendships in Throne of Glass, the collective (funny) darkness of the Crows in Six of Crows…

<b>We're a really fucked up group.
I think I like it.</b>

Bonuses:
- Platonic boy and girl friendship which was extremely endearing and refreshing. I love Finnian so much - their belonging, and knowledge of each other🥺.
- Anxiety and panic attack representation.
- MC loves romance books (Carden reads them to tease her with them).
- "You're a vicious little thing,"
- Angel and Demon nicknames.
- Period representation.

Yes, I admit some parts made me cringe. But know that romantasies normally turn me off as they each feel like carbon copies. This was so refreshing! The BANTER!
Also the spice never overtook the plot (and was very easy to skip without missing key conversations if you are like me and prefer to skim these parts).

Don’t expect amazing world-building - there’s mentions of creatures and gods and cults chucked at you with little explanation, but it was never too confusing - things you could overlook.

One thing to note - there is less focus on the actual dragons rather than them being a goal to retrieve.
Of course, as the series progresses I am sure they will be a more prominent feature.

Thank you to Zaffre for sending me the physical proof in exchange for a review (I love the purple cover)!