Fear the Flames

August 5, 2024
Darling’s uneven romantasy debut follows Princess Elowen Atarah of Imirath, who was born with a soul “forged from the fire of the gods, creating a link to the five dragons that could not be broken by any mortal or god.” When her violent father attempts to break this bond, the dragons attack, killing her mother, and Elowen spends the rest of her childhood imprisoned. As a young woman, she’s saved by her uncle Ailliard, and they flee Imirath to establish their own kingdom, Aestilian. Come winter, the snowed-in kingdom requires a fresh food supply, so Elowen comes out of hiding to sign a treaty with neighboring Vareveth, agreeing to join their war against Imirath in exchange for resources. Part of the deal includes allying with the fearsome Commander Cayden Veles to stage a heist to free Elowen’s dragons from Imirath’s castle. Romance soon sizzles between these two, but the chemistry is not enough to save the meandering story. The central heist feels disappointingly easy and low-stakes, draining the novel of suspense. There’s little to make this stand out in a crowded market. Agent: Jessica Watterson, Sandra Dijkstra Literary.