A Stunning New Fantasy World with Dragons, Fated Love, and Political Intrigue
Firebird
The Fire That Binds (Book 1)
Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Dark Fantasy
Bramble
April 08, 2025
hardcover, audiobook, ebook
400
House of the Dragon meets From Blood and Ash in this epic, scorching dark romantasy.
A conqueror captivated…
A witch prophesied to save them all…
A world where dragons rule Rome.
From the moment Roman general and nephew to the emperor Julianus Dakkia laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her, an action that may mean his head on the imperial gate. But he and his dragon know one thing: she belongs to them.
Malina can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality. His prowess as a warrior cannot be denied, yet they don’t reveal the secret he hides. All Malina knows is his protection and gentle touch. And she cannot deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his.
As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.
Firebird is a fantasy with some dark themes, including elements of master/slave relationship, attempted sexual assault (not between MCs), and dubious consent (not between MCs). Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.
And as history proves, there will always be rebellion and revolution in the face of oppression and tyranny.
The way the Bees collectively clamored for Juliette Cross’ brand new fantasy romance, Firebird, shouldn’t shock any readers of the LitBuzz Hive. One-clicks were hit, special editions have been preordered, and the swooning has commenced. Firebird is something special to be sure and as the first book in a dark, historical fantasy fans should be just as excited as we are at LitBuzz for what Juliette Cross has in store for this series.
pedro pascal bow gif via giphy
Set in Ancient Rome, dragon shifters are at the head of the Roman Empire. Firebird possesses every bit of a grand fantasy romance: a swarthy and swoony centurion hero who also happens to the nephew to the current ruler, a fierce and cunning woman who will stop at nothing to survive even if it means putting herself into the very danger that threatens her existence, and the high stakes thrill of a plot to overthrow the tyranny that comes when power corrupts and in turn subjugates the people of an empire.
“One day your gift will turn the tide of the war. It all help vanquish the enemy. It will strike fear into the hearts of fierce, dangerous men.”
gladiator gif via giphy
Malina and Julian have a star-crossed meeting which results in a dance and Julian gifting Malina a special trinket. Years later, on a war-torn battlefield, Julian comes upon Malina and abruptly shifts into his full dragon, carrying her off the battlefield and to the safety of his home. From there Julian must navigate the jealousy of his nemesis, the need to keep Malina safe and yet satiate the curiosity of his uncle and come to terms with pressing urgency to end his uncle’s cruel reign of terror.
Every single book that Juliette Cross has released I’ve loved with my whole chest. Firebird is no different. I adore the lore that sets the tone for the rest of the story to unfold, and while there is a copious amount of violence (please check the triggers), I felt like it didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the romance. The first books in a fantasy series are notorious for world building and setting the stage for what’s to come, Firebird didn’t drag in the least. I enjoyed the characters we met as well as the storyline. Julian and Malina have a bit of a grey area when it comes to power dynamics but for me it worked.
I knew what was in my heart, the fire of a red dragon’s love. I felt it kindling, burning sweetly every night that I climbed into his bed and lay my head on his chest.
I truly enjoyed Firebird, and I cannot wait for what is to come. The culmination felt more like a pause for what has yet to play out, and I love the tease at the end of the book. I think Juliette Cross has come home to her writing sweet spot with this dark fantasy romance, and I hope other readers will also enjoy Firebird as much as myself and the rest of the LitBuzz Hive.
Jes is a self-proclaimed bookworm, who recently moved from the PNW back to the Midwest. When her nose isn’t in a book, she’s spending time with her husband, two kids, and her three fur babies, or exploring the globe. She also firmly believes that you should start the day with coffee, and end the day in bed with a good book.
