Review by Booklist Review
What happens when a fire-wielding blacksmith fights to become the kingdom's first queen in centuries? Aemyra has to face off against the True Religion, an antimagic cult, alongside a dragon rider who is not her biggest fan, making for a compelling fantasy story. Aemyra is forced to hide her magic, but she doesn't want to lose her birthright to become Tìr Teine's queen. As forces against her mount--including a prince whom she is later forced to work with and rulers who want to maintain the status quo--she will not back down. But those who seek to ensure chaos are hiding a more sinister plot. Lovers of Rebecca Yarros, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Danielle L. Jensen are going to want to dive into the world of Tìr Teine. The characters are morally gray, giving readers plenty of opportunities to question their motives. Duty and revenge are the backdrop for this Celtic-inspired debut that romantasy readers will enjoy.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A queen promises an end to patriarchy in this familiar romantasy duology opener from McBride (the Ocean's Daughter series). Under its original matriarchy, Tir Teine thrived, but for the past century, kings have sat on its throne, running the country into the ground and weakening its magic. Aemyra Daercathian, daughter of Tir Teine's exiled Prince Draevan, is the rightful heir to Tir Teine's throne. When the current king dies, she seizes the opportunity to bond with his dragon and so claim his crown. She almost succeeds, but the patriarchal reigning clan, led by Prince Fiorean, disputes her legitimacy and overthrows her nascent court. She flees, leaving behind her younger brother, Lachlann, who is killed by Fiorean's army. Fierce, grieving Aemyra marches right back into the castle to avenge him--but instead she's kidnapped and forced to marry Fiorean, igniting a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance that moves rather too quickly. Though there's little original about the plot, McBride builds a promising universe and populates it with a fascinating cast, and the feminist themes are welcome. Plus, the angsty ending sets things up nicely for book two. Fans of Sarah J. Maas will be pleased. (May)Correction: A previous version of this review mischaracterized the circumstances around Lachlann's death.
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Review by Library Journal Review
DEBUT In the first book of McBride's Celtic-inspired fantasy-romance duology, a powerful, fire-wielding blacksmith tries to claim her place as the rightful heir to a kingdom currently ruled by a corrupt king. Born to be the rightful queen of Tìr Teine, a once-powerful matriarchal territory, Aemyra now hides her true identity by working as a blacksmith while watching her kingdom be ruled by men and fall under the influence of a patriarchal, magic-hating group known as the True Religion. When the current king dies, Aemyra's father emerges from hiding and readies Aemyra to claim her birthright. Thrust into a role she thought she was prepared for, Aemyra finds herself fighting her claim to the throne and trying to navigate the corrupt and dangerous court she is found prisoner in, while juggling her hate for and proximity to Fiorean--the broody, fire-wielding, dragon-riding prince whose brother sits on her throne. VERDICT While the novel's premise and many beloved tropes will draw romantasy readers in and keep them till the end, the worldbuilding and character development are lacking.--Rachel Hedderman
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