Igniting the Spark of a New Fantasy World
You know that feeling when you crack open a new fantasy novel, and suddenly you’re transported to a world of magic, intrigue, and epic battles? That rush of excitement as you dive headfirst into uncharted territory, ready to lose yourself in a realm where anything is possible? Well, buckle up, fellow book lovers, because Olivia Rose Darling’s debut novel, “Fear the Flames,” promises all that and then some.
But here’s the thing – while this book definitely has its moments of blazing brilliance, it also stumbles a bit along the way. Kind of like watching a newly hatched dragon trying to take flight—there’s potential, sure, but you might want to watch out for those crash landings.
A Princess, a Commander, and a Whole Lot of Dragons
Let’s set the stage, shall we? We’ve got Elowen Atarah, our exiled princess with a chip on her shoulder the size of a dragon egg. Girl’s been through the wringer – imprisoned by her tyrant father, King Garrick of Imirath, and separated from her beloved dragons. But Elowen’s not content to sit around braiding her hair in some tower. Nope, she’s built her own secret kingdom called Aestilian (because why settle for being a regular exile when you can be a queen in hiding?), and now she’s ready to take back what’s hers.
Enter Cayden Veles, the brooding Commander of Vareveth. He’s got a reputation for being ruthless, dangerous, and probably really good at brooding in dark corners. Cayden offers Elowen a deal: help Vareveth in their war against Imirath, and he’ll help her steal back her dragons. It’s a classic “enemy of my enemy” situation, with a heaping side of sexual tension.
When Sparks Fly (Both Literal and Figurative)
Now, I’ve got to hand it to Darling—she knows how to write chemistry. The tension between Elowen and Cayden crackles off the page like, well, dragon fire. Their banter is sharp, their encounters are charged, and you can practically feel the heat radiating from their scenes together. It’s the kind of slow-burn romance that has you yelling, “Just kiss already!” at your book.
But it’s not all smoldering glances and witty comebacks. There’s a heist to plan, a war brewing, and dragons to rescue. Darling weaves these elements together into a plot that keeps you turning pages, even when you should probably be doing something responsible like sleeping or feeding your cat.
Where “Fear the Flames” Soars
A Heroine with Claws
Let’s talk about Elowen for a hot second. This girl? She’s got grit. Darling doesn’t shy away from showing us the scars—both physical and emotional—that Elowen’s past has left her with. But instead of being a damsel in distress, Elowen channels that pain into fierce determination. She’s smart, she’s strategic, and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. In a genre that sometimes falls back on passive heroines, Elowen is a breath of fresh (albeit slightly smoky) air.
A World Worth Getting Lost In
Darling’s worldbuilding is like a rich tapestry, woven with threads of political intrigue, magical lore, and cultural depth. The kingdoms of Ravaryn feel lived-in and complex, each with its own history and motivations. And can we talk about the dragons for a second? The bond between Elowen and her scaly companions is beautifully rendered, adding a layer of emotional resonance to the story that goes beyond your typical fantasy fare.
Supporting Cast That Steals the Show
While Elowen and Cayden might be our main course, the side characters are far from bland appetizers. Finnian, Elowen’s loyal friend and advisor, brings warmth and humor to balance out some of the darker moments. Saskia and Ryder, part of Cayden’s inner circle, are intriguing in their own right. These secondary characters add depth to the world and provide some much-needed perspective when our leads are too caught up in their own drama.
Where “Fear the Flames” Fizzles
Pacing That’s More Stop-and-Go Than a Dragon Race
Okay, let’s address the dragon in the room—this book has some serious pacing issues. The first third drags like a dragon with a broken wing, bogged down with exposition and backstory. Just when you think things are picking up speed, we hit another patch of world-building quicksand. It’s like Darling couldn’t decide if she wanted to sprint or meander through her plot.
Tropes That Feel a Bit… Scorched
Look, I love a good enemies-to-lovers story as much as the next fantasy romance fan. But there are moments when “Fear the Flames” leans so hard into familiar tropes that you can practically hear the creaking. The brooding bad boy with a heart of gold? Check. The misunderstood heroine with a secret power? Double check. It’s not that these elements can’t work—they absolutely can—but sometimes they feel more like boxes being ticked than organic parts of the story.
Dialogue That Sometimes Misses the Mark
For the most part, Darling’s dialogue is snappy and engaging. But there are scenes where it veers into territory that’s either too modern for the setting or just plain clunky. It’s jarring when characters in a high fantasy world start throwing around phrases that sound like they belong in a 21st-century coffee shop. I found myself pulled out of the story more than once, wondering if Elowen was about to whip out a smartphone and start live-tweeting her heist plans.
The Verdict: A Promising Start with Room to Grow
A Debut That Shows Potential
“Fear the Flames” is like that friend who shows up to karaoke night for the first time. There are moments of brilliance where you’re blown away, and other times where you’re cringing a little but still cheering them on. Olivia Rose Darling has definitely got talent—her ability to create complex characters and a richly detailed world is evident. But like any debut author, there are rough edges that could use some polishing.
Who Should Read This?
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance and don’t mind working through some first-book bumps, “Fear the Flames” is worth picking up. It’s perfect for readers who love:
- Strong, complex heroines with a dash of snark
- Slow-burn romances that simmer before they explode
- Political intrigue and heist plots
- Dragons. (Seriously, if you’re here for the dragons, you won’t be disappointed)
It’s also a solid choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into the fantasy romance genre. Darling provides enough familiar elements to ease you in while still offering some fresh twists.
Final Thoughts
“Fear the Flames” is like a dragon still learning to fly—there are moments of soaring majesty interspersed with a few crash landings. But you know what? I’m still eager to see where this series goes. Darling has laid the groundwork for a potentially epic saga, and I’m curious to see how she develops as a writer.
Is it perfect? Nah. But it’s got heart, it’s got fire (literally and figuratively), and it’s got enough intrigue to keep you turning pages well past your bedtime. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need in a fantasy romance.
So grab a copy, find a cozy spot (preferably one that’s fireproof, just in case), and dive into the world of Ravaryn. Just don’t blame me if you end up with a sudden urge to adopt a dragon of your own.
Perfect for fans of:
- “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
- “Four Wings” by Rebecca Yarros
- “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black
- “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini (but with more kissing)
Since this is Olivia Rose Darling’s debut novel, there aren’t previous works to compare it to. However, if you enjoy “Fear the Flames,” you might also like:
- “Throne of Glass” series by Sarah J. Maas
- “The Bridge Kingdom” by Danielle L. Jensen
- “From Blood and Ash” by Jennifer L. Armentrout
