FireBird is a fun, fast-paced fantasy romance with great chemistry between the main characters. I am not sure how I feel about it being a slave x slave master book.

I was quite excited to read this initially however unfortunately it didn’t really work for me.

The romance is the main plot point and I just couldn’t find myself rooting for them as I didn’t feel they had the depth o prefer to see in character development and there wasn’t a lot of build up to the romance.

It’s also good to note this is not really “enemies to lovers” and more oppressor/ slave which is a very different dynamic for me so again meant I wasn’t as invested.

"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘴, 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳."

If you love Ancient Rome, dragons, and spicy books - Firebird NEEDS to be on your TBR!

I could not put this down! It's fast-paced, the plot keeps you on your toes, the spice is *chefs kiss* and I am now yearning for the next book already! There are some trigger warnings, so definitely check them out before picking it up.

Thank you so much to @netgalley for the eARC

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy!

Firebird is the first book of a new series set in a fantasy version of Ancient Rome, where noble families are descended by dragon-versions of ancient gods. Eight years after first being dazzled by a Dacian dancer, a commandant finds her again on the battle field and HAS to save her from the hands of his soldiers. He can't help swooping in, because his dragon-self has claimed her as his mate/treasure. He takes her to Rome as his personal slave and tries to protect her from the eyes of his enemies, while other plots are also afoot.

Unfortunately, this didn't work for me. I have to admit to not having read the blurb in detail enough, but being instead swept away by the beautiful cover and the mentioned of dragons and Ancient Rome, or I would have realised it would have probably not been my kind of book. The Ancient Rome mythology was quite interesting and I enjoyed the reimagined myths and gods described throughout the book. I also liked the power given to the FMC and the way she was "fated" to change things.

But that was about it for me. I felt there was too limited a world-building for a fantasy and very little character development, with all the focus put on the insta-lust (it felt significantly more like lust than love) and its development, rather than on bringing the plot forward or giving the characters much more depth. And the romance was something I couldn't get on board with - no matter the redeeming qualities given to the MMC, I struggled with the master-slave dynamics and power imbalance. She literally wears a slave collar throughout it all! The sexual language used in the repeated spicy scenes was also not my favourite.

I can see readers who like a romance-heavy / insta-lust / fated-mates concept, and who don't mind lack of world-building and huge power imbalance, enjoying this romantasy.

3.5⭐️

I had a great time with this book. I loved the world and the unique take on ancient Rome. The magic system is simple without needing much explanation so the storyline can focus on the plot.

Malina is a strong FMC. She’s wilful, independent, and jumps at every opportunity to be a part of the resistance. She has empath powers, and I really hope we see more of this in the next book. Julian is a good man in a bad situation. He’s part of a secret rebellion whilst playing the role of a cold-blooded general. His love for Malina is unwavering. After bringing her into his home to save her from a worse fate, he shows her kindness, compassion, and patience whilst she starts to understand what they are to each other, and what she could be for the rebellion.

I wouldn’t call this enemies-to-lovers; it was more insta-love imo. Julian felt the connection immediately (which is normal for shifter romance), but I felt like Malina softened too quickly considering their dynamic and that she doesn’t know what he’s a part of until later in the book.

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this arc.

I like to dive in head first not knowing what its about. So finding out it was Set in ancient Rome it normally wouldnt be my first pick so its good sometimes just to go in blind.

Still, within the first chapter it got my interest and I found myself wanting to pick the book up to find out what is coming.

Reading some other reviews people dnf because how the set up was, master - slave relation. Actually I was enjoying the dynamic and the tension wich was building.
The idea of the half shifting dragon was something nice and diffirent.

Was it the most high standing plot or story telling/world building, no. But it was a very nice and a typically romantasy read wich I enjoyed very much.

Defenitly I m looking forward to book 2

Firebird is a dark fantasy that’s set in Ancient Rome, featuring dragons. I thought the premise sounded great and a bit different. It was definitely different. I liked the quick plot and pace throughout, and flew through this read.
I felt the world building wasn’t rich enough to really transport me. The mythology was interesting though.
Overall the romance didn’t work for me, it’s dark themes but the execution of this came across as too much of an imbalance for me personally. The characters also didn’t feel real to me, which takes me out of a story.
I think some will enjoy this, the ideas are fresh and fated mates is a popular trope.
I think an audio would probably be a better format for this book to bring it alive more.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

I have to admit that ancient Rome and I have a rocky relationship. I understand stories need action, but violence is not really me thing, especially not the kind of useless violence in ancient Rome. However, I read other books by the author before and loved them. I also really love how the author writes romances, so I really wanted to give the book a chance. Luckily Tor Bramble granted me a digital review copy through Netgalley.

I loved this story from start to finish and that's mostly because this story is in the first place a love story. At the centre of everything we have two characters, mated and perfect for each other, and this book is about them falling in love and finding a way to be together. The rest is setting, background and complication. The rest is purely designed to make it hard for these characters to be together, to make them fight for it.

Which doesn't mean that the world-building is not well done. It's just not as detailed as some fantasy readers prefer. And for me that worked. There was just enough Ancient Rome to get what life was like in Ancient Rome. There was just enough violence to understand why both leads were fighting so hard and there was just enough politics to get a slightly forbidden romance vibe, like Romeo and Juliet. Some nasty things were happening, but it never became truly dark.

I also liked the mythology woven into the story. The book started with a very nice prologue and more ancient lore was sprinkled throughout the rest of the novel. I also liked how in this case Minerva had the right motivation to do to Medusa what she did. And I love that this series is gonna follow the interconnected tales format. It means there is less drama to keep characters apart and it means that the next book brings us new and interesting leads and perspectives. I can't wait to read it!

I absolutely devoured this book. From the moment I began, I was unable to put it down. I went on an emotional roller coaster throughout this entire book.

Firebird by Juliette Cross is an absolute triumph — a thrilling, passionate, and beautifully written story that captured my heart from the very first page. Cross delivers a masterful blend of rich world-building, unforgettable characters, and emotional depth that makes this novel completely unputdownable.

The chemistry between the characters is electric, and their growth throughout the story feels both natural and deeply satisfying. Cross has an incredible ability to balance steamy romance with genuine character development, creating a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is exciting. The fantasy elements are vividly imagined, seamlessly weaving magic, danger, and destiny into a narrative that feels both epic and intimate.

Every page of Firebird is packed with heart, tension, and beauty. Juliette Cross proves once again why she is a standout voice in fantasy romance. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see what she gives us next!

Highly recommend to anyone who loves a story filled with fierce love, unforgettable characters, and a touch of magic.

This title has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year ever since I saw it listed on Waterstones. Everything about this seemed so intriguing and so unlike every other romance fantasy that is out there right now.
I was most intrigued by the prospect of this one being like A GAME OF THRONES X ROMAN HISTORY X DRAGON SHIFTERS. You can’t tell me that this doesn’t sound super cool?!?!

For a title that is quite obviously based on history, I really think it did an amazing job of keeping some things quite factual/truthful even when parts were embellished for drama, or slightly tweaked to make more sense in a fantasy setting. It’s just very obvious that the author had done their research beforehand which is something I appreciated immensely.

Overall I also think that the pacing of this one was perfect. We were given just enough right at the start for us to be left with questions, intrigued where the plot was going to go, and excited about the different relationships that might form (even if they can be seen as problematic)
There wasn’t a single moment when reading this that I was bored or dreading to read what was going to happen next, and it felt like just the right mix of romance and fantasy drama.

Another thing that shocked me was just how much I enjoyed this being a slow burn, but then it makes perfect sense when you think about the power dynamics between the two main characters, as well as just how much they were having to overcome. They weren’t really intimate with each other until after the 50% marker other than longing glances, flirting, and possessive behaviour from his dragon.
It was obvious that they were going to have a romantic relationship right from the beginning, but again, I LOVED that they didn’t just jump straight into anything, or that there was any coercion/manipulation for things to happen. I’m obviously saying this because the FMC Malina is captured by the Romans, and more accurately by Julianus, and made to be his body slave for ”protection”. It doesn’t come across as being for her benefit straight away, but as soon as the intentions and behaviours of some of the other characters are revealed, it becomes so blatant that Julianus is actually the good guy here, and has only given her that title to keep people off of their backs, and to also make sure that she is protected and always near him.

There was so much drama all the way throughout this one, and so many interesting parts to the plot and world building that I didn’t see coming either!
I especially loved the fact that Malina wasn’t entirely powerless because she has her own magic that she can use to manipulate the emotions of those around her. It seems like a really freaking cool contrast to their being LITERAL dragon shifters, and even more exciting because of the prospect of gods and goddesses being actual entities in this book (instead of just a religious figure)

Again, I loved this one and was so intrigued the whole way through. I didn’t see the ending coming at all, and can’t wait to see what will happen in the second book (especially because Malina and Julianus have just gotten their happyish ending)

Tropes: Dragon shifters, Empathic powered FMC, Touch Her and Die, Fated Mates, Alternative ancient history timeline

Malina has endured trauma after trauma at the hands of the Roman Empire.  She lost her family, then her adopted Celtic clan.  But when she is saved by the one person she has ever felt a connection to - she grasps onto that little light of hope.

Julianus may be the feared conqueror but he is nothing like his image.  He's strong, determined and a feared warrior.  But he takes no enjoyment from his job, he does not enjoy killing or seizing lands from the so-called enemies of her uncle, the Emperor.  He is well aware of the evil his uncle is spreading and is determined to somehow rid the empire of him.  He is slowly amassing allies but his plans almost unravel when he comes upon Malina fighting off the advances of some of his men.  Men who he had directly ordered NOT to injure, assault or otherwise harm the survivors.

His dragon sends a clear message and whisks Malina off to safety.

There is no glossing over of the politics in this book, it paints the Roman Empire, even one with dragons, as the corrupt society it was.  That even those who tried to do good were also guilty of some other "sin" themselves.

This is not your average Romantasy.  It is darker in tone and even though it has a power imbalance between the two MC's (something I usually loathe) due to the setting of the storyline, there could really only ever be an imbalance unless it was two MC's from the same strata of society.  But there is no time when Julianus uses his "superiority" as a weapon against Malina, in fact he only uses his elevated status as a way to save people.  Does he work within a corrupt and evil-tainted system, yes.  Does he have to do bad things to protect his proto-rebellion? Also yes.  But as an actual ancient historian, I can vouch for the fact that as with any "empire" through history, just because you work within the system, does not mean you blindly obey the system.  For a modern illustration - look no further than the current politics of the world!

So even though there are some elements of the book that might make you squirm or feel uncomfortable, they are there for that very reason.  To make sure you know how privileged you are to be able to dissent, pick at, and hold accountable those very systems. There are many scenes, especially with the Emperor and Cipranis, that are uncomfortable and downright hard to read, especially as a SA survivor myself.  But they are also cathartic as I raged, swore and plotted their ends in my head.

I'm now awaiting book 2 to see how Trajan furthers their rebellion.

🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥🔥

This was my first foray into a historical romance and it was great! Set in Ancient Rome with a dragon twist!
I absolutely think the Medusa and goddesses elements were fantastic.
It’s a little more slow burn that my usual choices however it is a romance and it does develop into a wonderful ending. There are some really sad parts and some bits that make you feel like there is a sense of justice!
It does feature captivity, but the negative reviews make me laugh as in no way does the MMC treat the FMC as a slave. I think it’s quite light on that front and to me was a forbidden love trope.
Can’t wait for the next book and to see how this all works itself out! How I hate the Emperor! I will definitely add some more historical books to me TBR now!

-Slow burn
-Historical
-Ancient Rome reimagined
-Dragon / Witch
-Enemies to loves
-Fated mates
-Forbidden love

3.75 / 5

Firebird is a fantasy novel set in ancient Rome that features magic and dragons.

I appreciated the fantasy twist in the ancient Roman setting and its mythology, and I found the main characters to be well-developed.

However, I wish the politics, magic system, and villains had been explored in greater depth. There were also some awkward phrases during the more intimate scenes.

This book delves into darker themes such as master/slave relationships, attempted sexual assault (not between the main characters), and dubious consent, so I would only recommend it to adult readers.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I am curious about the next book and how the plot will unfold.

Thank you, Juliette Cross and Pan Macmillan, for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

DNF @30%

This is probably my fault. I didn't expect to have such trouble with the master/slave dynamic, but there were a few things I couldn't get past. First, I felt the author didn't write it with a clear understanding of Roman slavery practices. An example would be the fmc being shocked at a slave owning books. Indeed, many were educated and weren't just forced into manual labor. It seemed she was imposing more recent history of slavery onto her fantasy version of Rome. Second, the MMC captured the FMC to save her from SA/inevitable death, but he doesn't have intentions of freeing her. I couldn't see myself coming round to liking him, and the moment his collar went on her I went from being uncomfortable to hating reading this.

Apart from those points, I've read this author before and this is not her best writing. Clunky sentences I had to reread. Overall, the narrative didn't flow.

Firebird by Juliette Cross is a dark fantasy with master/slave romance. I would warn anyone wanting to read this to check the trigger warnings first.

That being said, this books had me emotionally wrecked! I devoured it in 24hours. There were moments I had to but it down because I was so scared for the main characters but then I had to pick it back up because I NEEDED to know what happened next.
This book definitely depicts the brutality of the Roman Empire while adding an interesting dragon twist into the mix. The FMC and MMC are very likeable and I found myself really routing for them. At every twist and turn, I was on the edge of breaking because they just couldn’t catch a break. Not being able to predict or decipher what was going to happen to them was torture especially knowing the atrocities that happened to some of the other characters.

I am so intrigued about where this story will go next and am looking forward to book 2!

Thank you Juliette Cross, Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the ARC!

⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆

ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Firebird
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Juliette Corss
ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ : Book 1 of the Fire that binds series

Firebird is a fantasy with some dark themes so please be aware of these before reading! These including master/slave relationship, attempted SA (not between MCs), and dubious consent (not between MCs).

This book is he falls first, fast burn, who touched, enamines to lovers, fated mates, politics, gods/goddesses her kinda vibe!

Firebird is set in the Roman Empire, our Female Main Character, Malina is a witch who can read & manipulate emotions. During a raid she is captured by the Main Male Character, Julian who is a Roman commander & dragon shifter.

From the moment Julian laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the dancer. 4 Years later, Malina stands before him on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her knowing that she belongs to them, despite what the rules say. Malina can’t believe that the man she has briefly met 4 years ago is the Roman general of legendary brutality. She cannot deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his.

I enjoyed this book, the second half is where it got good for me. There were a few twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting and i like that the characters developed more. The plot was very unique and intriguing, there are a lot of dragon books out there and this was done really good.

Also omg the cover is so cool! its stunning along with the sprayed edges! WOOOOOW!

Looking forward to the next one.

𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚒𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚗 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠

Firebird is a captivatingly beautiful, dark, and dangerous romantasy, blending dragons, history, a fast-paced plot, and spicy romance. The world-building weaves a magical world fraught with danger, political intrigue, and a rich, imaginative, magical setting inspired by the ancient Roman Empire. It's unputdownable and will keep you devouring well past bedtime.

Juliette Cross's characters are gripping and evocative, and they will steal your breath away and make you fall so hard in love with them, with their character energies and wounded souls. Malina is a feisty, powerful, and fierce battle-worn character fuelled by pain and loss, who will do anything for the people she holds dear. Julianus is enthralling, gentle, honourable, and quietly vulnerable under the mask he wears to survive his uncle's tyrannical reign as the Roman Emperor. An incredibly addictive combination with their dual POV telling the story. You know from the moment Malina and Julian collide – these two are going to ignite the world. Flames spark and crackle in the sizzling heat of their fiery chemistry from the moment their eyes meet. Their enemies-to-lovers romance is brutally raw, emotionally charged, powerful yearning and moments of heartwarming tenderness.

I've read it twice now, and I'm still utterly mad in love with this book. Firebird is in the lead for my favourite book of this year! Juliette Cross has earned must-read buying status for me. Again, thank you so much to the fantastic team at @bookbreakuk, who granted my request for a proof of Firebird, and @Juliette Cross for writing this beautiful book.

Please note: This adult fantasy book has some dark themes that may be triggering for readers, including sexual violence, death, gore, and a master/slave romance. It is intended for readers aged 18 years and older.

Firebird by Juliette Cross is an exhilarating, action-packed fantasy that had me completely hooked from the very first page! The book combines swoon-worthy romance, high stakes, and just the right amount of spice to keep you on the edge of your seat. The chemistry between Julianus and Malina is absolutely electric, full of tension and longing that had me kicking my feet and giggling throughout most of the story. Their connection is undeniable and makes their journey all the more engaging.

The world-building in Firebird was immersive without feeling overwhelming. Cross did a fantastic job of creating a world where dragons rule Rome, deathriders burn the skies, and prophecies shape destinies. I loved the balance between romance and plot, which kept the story moving at a great pace throughout most of the book.

However, while the book was nearly perfect, I did feel the pacing faltered a bit towards the end. The build-up was fantastic, but the conclusion felt somewhat rushed and left me wanting more. That said, the sneak peek for the next book had me gasping, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series!

Firebird is definitely a must-read for fans of steamy, dark romantasy with forbidden romance and intense action. The romance and world-building alone are enough to make it stand out, though the pacing hiccup near the end kept me from giving it a full 5 stars. Still, this is a book I highly recommend, and I can’t wait to dive into book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the eARC!

Thank you Juliette Cross, Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the ARC!

The marketting and advertising of this book set me up for the wrong expectations while reading this book. Like many of the new fantasy book, it has all the popular tropes but I personally felt that it wasn't written well. The romance part was not done well. It was more of 'insta love' and 'fated mate'. Ofcourse, these two tropes are sometimes fun to read about but the execution did not justice to it. Overall, it felt like the romance, world-building and characters lacked depth. The premise was strong but the writing execution was done poorly.