Book Details

Heart of Fire by Raina Nightingale
Series: Dragon-Mage #1
Published by Independent on April 16, 2023
Genres: Fiction, Dark Fantasy, Magical Realism, Myths & Legends, Young Adult
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 278

A SLAVE DETERMINED TO RIDE A DRAGON. A CHILD CHOSEN TO RIDE THE OBSIDIAN GUARDIAN.

Camilla has always been told that humans are inferior. They cannot use magic. If they bond to dragons, they will doom the creatures to extinction. She has never believed a word of it. She has always known that she can use magic, and she suspects it is the elves who harm the dragons by keeping them to themselves. Now, she is presented with the opportunity of a a dragon's clutch is hatching and while she will earn the wrath of her captors if she is caught, she has the chance to see a dragon hatch and perhaps even to Recognize.

Kario's people have feared dragons since time immemorial. When an unrealistically huge black dragon flies in while she is hunting, she is certain she will die. Instead, her life is changed when Nelexi, Obsidian Guardian of Areaer, chooses her as her final rider. Kario takes the name Flameheart, but she is soon homesick and afraid that she is insufficient to be the partner of a god.

Source: Received from the author or publisher for review.

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Purchase Links for Heart of Fire

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My thoughts on Heart of Fire

Heart of Fire, the first book in the Dragon Mage series by Raina Nightingale, is a captivating fantasy novel that explores the intricate relationships between humans and dragons. The story revolves around two young women, Camilla and Kario, who are thrust into the world of dragons and magic, each with their own unique journey.

Camilla, a slave who has always known that she can use magic, defies her captors to attend the hatching of a dragon clutch. She is determined to ride a dragon, despite being told that humans are inferior and cannot bond with dragons. Meanwhile, Kario, a hunter from a tribe that fears dragons, is chosen by Nelexi, the Obsidian Guardian of Areaer, as her final rider. Kario takes the name Flameheart, but she is homesick and unsure of her ability to be the partner of a god.

Nightingale weaves an intriguing tale of sentient dragons and their relationship with humans. The world-building is thorough and detailed, immersing the reader in a unique and fascinating world. However, the pacing can be slow in the book’s first half as the author introduces the characters and sets up the world. Nevertheless, the well-written characters keep the story engaging, even during slower moments.

One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of relationships. The bond between Camilla and her brother, as well as their connection to the dragons, is touching and well-developed. The story also features many unlikeable characters, which adds depth to the tale.

Overall, Heart of Fire is an enjoyable fantasy novel with a unique world and intriguing use of sentient dragons. While the pacing can be slow at times, the well-written characters and exploration of relationships make it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.

I received a digital copy of the book from the author or publisher to review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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About Raina Nightingale

I (Raina Nightingale) have been writing fantasy since I could write stories with the words I could read (the same time that I started devouring books, too).

I now write “slice of life” and epic dawn dark fantasy for fiction lovers interested in rich world-building, characters who feel like real people, and religious experiences.

I think giant balls floating in space can have the same magic that fairytales teach us to look for in oak trees and stars. I have a lot of universes, and while not all of them have giant balls floating in space, most of them have dragons of one sort or another!

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

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