I really enjoyed this book!

I loved all the characters, and whilet majority of the story is Tamsyn and Fell getting married and their journey to the borderlands, I really liked it and thought the pacing was well done.

I love a cinnamon roll character, and although Fell didn’t fully open uo, he is definitely a cinnamon roll. I really loved that he was proving everything that Tamsyn was told about him wrong. Also Stig and Fell fighting, honestly I couldn’t help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it, much like Tamsyn when she just went “men”.

The ending - I feel like it was rather abrupt and I know it is setting up for book two, which I am excited to read when it comes out, but I just feel like I needed something a bit more rounded as I feel like I am missing half the story! It was like just getting really into the dragons storyline and then it ended.

Overall, I did really enjoy this book and I am excited for the next one! I am giving A Fire in the Sky 4 stars.

I devoured “A Fire in the Sky” in a day. I loved everything about it, and I would give anything to be able to read it for the first time again.

Tamsyn and Fell have their own points of view, which I really liked. It gave me a chance to understand how they are both feeling and get to know their story.

Tamsyn is such a strong female character. As a whipping girl, she is used to taking punishment, but she will never be ashamed of who she is.

“I would take the long march to the chapel on my own, through the deepening day. I understood this. There were some walks you must go alone in life. This would be one of them.”

And Fell is quite a strong character as well. A leader and a fighter, spreading fear wherever he goes. And yet Tamsyn is slowly getting under his skin and he starts to get a soft spot for her. But he’ll never admit it.

“She was a peculiar thing. A puzzle I could not quite piece together. A non-princess. I didn’t care what they called her. No royal took a beating with a smile and called it duty.”

Their attraction for each other is instantly evident, even though they are both trying to hide it and fight it. The whole tension made this book such an enjoyable read. They go through an incredibly hard journey together, a journey that will change their lives forever.

I won’t reveal anything else, as I don’t want to spoil anything, but I gasped at the big twist. Thinking about it now, I have no idea how I didn’t see that coming. I did, however, anticipate the twist at the end. It turns out, the story doesn’t end here and I can’t wait to come back for more! I loved this book with all my heart. Every single thing about it.

“She had not looked for it. Had not wanted it. And yet it had found her… And when love found a dragon, it could not be denied. Before she knew it, they were bonded. There was no severing them. For as long as she lived, there would be no other for her. Like a seed to the pod, they were a set, a duo, a pair.”

Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me, which I’m so sad about as it was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year.

However I feel like this would be a PERFECT starting place for someone who is new to the genres of fantasy and fantasy romance. If you’re coming from YA fantasy up to NA or adult this would be a perfect stepping stone, it’s got a bit of everything going on some spice, action, tension, secrets & lies!

I really enjoyed this book. It kept my attention from the get go, I was only going to read a few chapters before bed and ended up demolishing the whole thing.

The set up plot is the normal fantasy formula (which works) and is fast paced but a little bit light on lore and mostly you are just introduced to the FMC and some of her backstory and her environment - she has been raised to put everyone else in her family and needs before herself. Then you are introduced to the MMC and we start to get into the main plot.

The spice was good and steamy but slows down for the plot, but will be looking forward to more of it as the series goes on. One scene had me flash back to My Lady Jane, but better. 🌶🌶🌶

The pace slows down in the middle, as does the romance and spice as it focuses more on the plot and gets into the dragons. I saw very early on what was going to happen but was looking forward to the various reveals regardless. I'm looking forward to learning more about the dragons and their story.

The Tamsyn and Fell have good chemistry. I do particularly enjoy Fell and his directness and confidence and will be interested to get some more of his backstory as we go along.

I am very much looking forward to book 2 to continue the story and will now also be looking into the authors other books as well.

- Enemies to Lovers
- Arranged Marriage / Forced Proximity
- Dragons
- Magic / Witches / Shifters / Creatures
- He Falls First
- Hidden Identity
- Found Family
- Spicy

Thank you to Netgalley for this E-Arc!

A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan is a spicy romantasy set in a world where magic is dying, dragons are extinct and witches are outcasts.

The story centres on Tamsyn, the royal family's whipping girl - a young woman who is punished for the princesses misdeeds. Tamsyn struggles to find her place in the world as she’s not quite royalty, but not quite a servant either. Her world is turned upside down as she is promised to Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands instead of one of the Princesses - even though Fell was promised a Penterra princess as a bride.

Unfortunately, this book didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I really enjoyed the lore and the world that this book was set in, but sadly I didn’t quite connect with any of the characters and felt that the spice overshadowed some of the plot.

However, this is coming from someone who prefers fantasy with a sprinkle of romance versus a romance set in a fantasy world, so if you prefer the latter then you might enjoy this!

This was one of my most anticipated reads for the rest of the year. Romantasy, magic & dragons had me sold.

The blurb sounded really interesting and I loved the idea of the plot. It took a little while to get into the main plot, but it wasn't boring. I liked finding out why Tamsyn was a part of the family and wasn't at the same time. She was a complex character who would defend her family even if it meant losing herself. I neither loved nor hated her as a character, she was tolerable but there were definitely parts I would've changed and delved deeper into. I really liked Fell as a character, he was my favourite. Stig irritated me like no-one else. I don't think that his POV needed to be told. I get he wanted to 'save' Tamsyn, but I never felt like his POV added to the story. I just wanted to slap him.

This was relatively short for a fantasy book it was also decently paced. I would say that it feels like some parts were rushed and other parts took far too long to end. When they're travelling north, it felt like it lasted a very long time and a whole load of nothing happened? Even though it did. It's hard to explain unless you read it. Whilst there was a few things I didn't get on with throughout, I did quite like it. I found myself continuing to think about it after I had read it. I wasn't expecting the twist to be what it was, so that was definitely an added bonus.

One thing I did find really difficult to read was the smut scenes. In the beginning I was definitely thrown off by some of the language used, it seemed quite brazen. I also found myself cringing at it often, it wasn't as bad toward the end. But I was definitely not into the whole having to consummate the marriage in front of everyone. The Queen and King being there just watching was really off putting.

The ending was much better than the beginning, it was left on a cliffhanger which is so annoying. Cliffhangers have been the bane of my life lately. I genuinely enjoyed the book, I hope there is another one so the plot with the dragons and a war can actually develop. This book kind of felt like a filler, so that if there is another one you can actually get into the plot with having other questions answered. This didn't live up to what I specifically had in mind but it was an entertaining, quick read, that I finished in less that a day.

Thank you to NetGalley for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I found this quite an easy book to get into. I liked the characters, the world, the relationships. At about 65% I struggled a bit with the story, theres lots going on but this story certainly adds something different to the romantasy genre. Expect more from this author, the books ends of a shocking cliff-hanger.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

I have a new series to read. I enjoyed this one a lot, despite a few obvious flaws.

The biggest thing that threw me was actually the descriptions of the dragons. They seem to have hands and fingers and humanoid faces, but also all the illustrations in the book look like traditional dragons, and they're like 20 feet long. I could not figure out whether I was supposed to be picturing human/dragon creatures or dragons with human hands or what.

I also really wanted at least a slight examination of the trauma Tamsyn must have been through as a child, and some level of working through that. She's just sort of cool with it all and fine, which I just don't buy at all.

The final issue was that the romance was a bit rushed, and although it had its moments, overall, wasn't as well-developed as it could have been.

Also the love interest turns blond at the end... yikes. But! My entertainment factor was high and I still liked and rooted for both Tamsyn and Fell. The plot was interesting, and the world is well-developed. I'm definitely invested in this world, and I'll be signing on for the rest of the series.

Three stars!

Exciting new fantasy that reinvents the idea of dragons. I really enjoyed the book, reveling in its originality and fresh approach. It had all the key elements of a compulsive read - strong, interesting lead characters, great chemistry, intrigue, action, lots of creativity, unexpected plot twists, and of course a great cliff hanger. I can’t wait to read the next book.

This wasn’t for me. Tough to read due to the writing. The plot lost my interest. There are some references to whipping and abuse in the beginning that just served to make me uncomfortable.

A book I enjoyed reading. I liked Jordan’s writing. The plot was simplistic and trope-y but I enjoyed the relationship of Fell and Tasmyn. Stig kind of felt like a waste of space, no real reason for him to have the thoughts and feelings he has except that the author wanted a love triangle and the drama of it. If Stig was to be more important, I would have wanted more development of his and Tasmyn’s feelings. I liked the world building with the dragons and the plot twist around them. The ending felt rushed and just a set up for another book rather than a satisfying ending of one story.

The protagonist, Tamsyn, is caught between two worlds—treated as part of the royal family but also punished for the misdeeds of the princesses she serves. Tamsyn is a likable character, though her role as the royal “whipping girl” is more about her circumstances than her personal growth. While she shows resilience and determination, especially after being forced into marriage with Fell, her character development remains somewhat superficial. When reading you do wish for a deeper dive into her emotions and her struggle to find her place in this world.

Fell, the “Beast of the Borderlands,” is presented as a fearsome warrior, but the book tends to tell us more about his terrifying nature than show it. His relationship with Tamsyn starts with tension, but rather than developing into a slow burn, the romance escalates quickly, which may leave some readers unsatisfied. Fell’s character does offer moments of vulnerability, but his transformation into a more sympathetic figure feels rushed.

Stig, the Captain of the Guard and Tamsyn’s long-time friend, is set up as a potential romantic rival. However, his possessiveness and sudden jealousy once Tamsyn is to be married off feel cringey at times. His “love” for Tamsyn lacks depth, and his reactionary jealousy makes his character seem immature and overly dramatic, especially since there was little between them before the arranged marriage plotline.

The central plot revolves around the extinction of dragons and a kingdom teetering on the edge of ruin. But the real story focuses on Tamsyn and Fell’s forced marriage and the romance that unfolds between them. The concept of a long-forgotten dragon magic and a world where these creatures once ruled is intriguing, but unfortunately, the dragons play a minimal role in the story. The world-building around magic and dragons feels underdeveloped, and those looking for a high-fantasy adventure may be left wanting more.

The romance is very much the focus of the plot, leaning heavily into the “forced marriage that turns into love” trope. While some readers may enjoy the romantic tension, the relationship between Tamsyn and Fell is more about lust than a deep emotional connection. Their attraction is instantaneous, and the romantic development feels predictable. Additionally, not much happens outside of their interactions, making the pacing slow and uneventful at times.

The story does introduce some twists, particularly concerning Tamsyn and the secrets she doesn’t even know about herself, but these revelations come late in the narrative, and by then, the predictability of the romance overshadows the more interesting magical elements.

Sophie Jordan’s writing style is repetitive at times, with frequent inner monologues that slow the pacing of the story. There’s a lot of exposition through Tamsyn’s thoughts, which often restates information the reader already knows. While the prose is easy to follow and relatively simple, it may not offer the level of immersion or complexity some readers look for in a fantasy novel. The descriptions of the world and characters are sometimes vague, making it difficult to fully visualize the settings, especially in a story that could have benefited from richer world-building.

The theme of deception is central to the story, particularly as Tamsyn is forced into marriage under false pretenses. The manipulation and power struggles within the royal court are touched upon but not explored in great detail.

Tamsyn’s journey of self-discovery and her connection to the long-lost dragon magic are key to the plot, though these elements feel underused. Her character arc could have benefited from a deeper exploration of her inner strength and how her powers affect her identity.

A Fire in the Sky is firmly a romantasy, with the romance between Tamsyn and Fell taking center stage. Readers looking for a complex fantasy world or intricate plotlines may be disappointed, as the story leans heavily into romantic tropes and keeps the fantasy elements in the background. The presence of dragons, though intriguing, is minimal, making this more of a romance with light fantasy elements rather than a true high-fantasy epic.

Positives of A Fire in the Sky
The premise of a forgotten dragon magic is intriguing.
Tamsyn is a likable, resilient protagonist.
The romance may appeal to fans of the “enemies to lovers” and “forced marriage” tropes.
Quick and easy to read, making it suitable for a light fantasy escape.
Negatives of A Fire in the Sky
The romance feels more lust-driven than emotionally developed.
Minimal involvement of dragons and magic despite the intriguing premise.
The writing style is repetitive and can slow down the plot.
Predictable storyline with few surprises.
Stig’s possessiveness and jealousy come across as cringey rather than endearing.
A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan is a quick, light romantasy read that may appeal to fans of romance-driven stories with fantasy elements. However, those hoping for a rich, dragon-filled world or a complex plot may find the book lacking. While the premise holds promise and Tamsyn is a character worth rooting for, the story ultimately feels predictable and underdeveloped in terms of both its romance and fantasy elements. If you’re in the mood for a simple, escapist romance with a touch of magic, A Fire in the Sky could be worth picking up – but don’t expect a high-fantasy epic.

I really enjoyed this book. The tale has twists that took Tamsin from being the Royal Whipping girl to an unwanted bride to a warlord from the border counties.
The story had suspense and grit intermingled with passion and magic. The writing meant that I was truly invested in the characters and can't wait for what comes next. An excellent read.

Obsessed. Obsessed. Obsessed.

I loved this book so much, I read it at an unnaturally fast pace for me because I simply couldn’t put it down.

This book kept me guessing in the best possible way, I just loved the story, the characters and the THREE povs were absolute perfection.

This book although it has dragons isn’t comparable in my opinion to Fourth Wing, the story is vastly different and I loved that about it.

🐉 dragons
♥️ enemies x lovers
💒 forced proximity
✨ three povs

The easiest five stars, now I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book in this series!

Thanks to HQ & NetGalley for granting me this wish and giving me the chance to read this wonderful book.

The dragons are finally gone and the world can live in peace. Tamsyn the royal whipping girl is just trying to live her life but it all gets turned upside down with the arrival of Fell. She must trick him into marriage to save her sisters but thats only the beginning of her problems.

Wow what a great start to a series this was. Initially I wasn't too sure but it soon had me hooked and I was devouring the pages. As its a first in the series it doesn't tie all loose ends up but it ends really well, encouraging the reader to want the next book which I shall look out for. Tamsyn is an interesting lead but at times you just want to say don't do it. This is one of those series where it will take time to truly get to know the characters and decide who you can like. I think Fell might grow on me. A brilliant start to a new fantasy series.

Absolutely loved this! Really different vibes and a beautiful twist, and a perfect set up for the series. Sit back, grab a cuppa because this is your go to Autumn read.

Fire in the sky, is the first in what I hope will be a series by Sophie Jordan

I’ve read the author before and loved her YA works and I was super excited to dive into her new Romantasy adult novel.

Fire in the sky follows the life of Tamsyn. A whipping girl for the royal princess’s to be punished when they misbehave. When she is forced to marry the Beast aka Lord Fell in the place of a princess, she becomes complicit in the plot to trick him.

The story is split into 5 parts, each as interesting as the last. I was absolutely hooked from the first page and this was a very well written work. I thought the pacing was great and while I did find the plot predictable at times ( I totally guessed the end) I still found it to be an engaging read.

Tropes include
- hidden identity
- marriage of convenience


This is a predicted fairyloot book for November and I’m excited to get my hands on a special edition.

Highly recommend!

5 Star
3 Spice

- Arranged Marriage
- Dragons

Hooked from the very beginning. Couldn't put it down. I thought I had points figured out but then was surprised I didn't expect what happened and loved it!

Really enjoyed it will be one of my fave Romantasy books of the year, there's light world building but enough to not get lost.
Hopefully the next book will have a bit more back story of the world but I can't wait to find out what happens next especially with how it ended!


Thank you Netgalley and HQ for the eArc

An arranged marriage gone awry, touch her and die vibes, fated mates, trauma filled childhood and medieval Europe/Vikings feel.

Whilst in no way was this book perfect, it did have a lot of good things going for it. The couple may not have started out on the best of terms but I also liked that they didn't fall instantly in love either. Fel may not have loved Tamsyn from the start, she was after all a human "pig in the poke", but he did grow feelings for her and he didn't want harm to come to her. Even at the first "meeting" he attempted to save this stranger from having to "do the deed" in front of strangers.

The pacing was a little off, it did lag in parts, but nothing that would have stopped me finishing the book. It really started to move once Tamsyn went off on adventures on her own. I could have done with a bit more world building but it wasn't lacking anything too necessary to the story. I did think Tamsyn would have finally seen her family for what they were, only one of those people was worth a thought in my opinion, when they basically sold her off.

I did guess most of the plot twists but then there are only so many you can have in a fantasy! Quick read for me with a decent level of spice. I'd certainly happily pick up book 2!

This title was unreadable for me. I’m already slightly dyslexic and the formatting was really weird.