I am very fond of Kit Rocha’s books. When asked what they wanted readers to get out of their books, the two authors who make up Kit Rocha, Donna Herren and Bree Bridges, said hope and joy. I think they deliver. I found them in 2019, and I genuinely do not know how I would have made it through the last few years without the chaotic, supportive, and fiery communities they have built. Their new series, Bound to Fire and Steel, is pure romantasy (fantasy+romance). I have totally over thought this review, written a thousand words and deleted them and started over a few times. The 15 word review: princess under death threat and assassin girlfriend go to kill dragon god. Mutual seduction ensues.
Sachi has been trained to seduce and Zanya to kill. They were acquired as children with the intent to use them as tools, and that is how they were raised. But the information they have about Ash, the Dragon god is misleading, and over time his legend has evolved from protector to villain. Kit Rocha has built a fascinating world. The magic in it and the creation of gods is unusual. Ash wasn’t born a dragon shifter or a god, but he became one because the Sheltered Lands needed a protector and he was willing. The Everlasting Dream, which made the world can call new gods and others into being as it needs.
Consort of Fire ably sets up the world, the relationships, and the conflict that will drive the series. Kit Rocha has always allowed their characters’ and their relationships to grow over their series. At the end of Consort of Fire Ash, Sachi, and Zanya are a throuple, but the newness of their relationship is evident. I’m glad we’ll get more books to see them evolve.
I enjoyed Ash as a character tremendously. He subverts a lot of the expectations of a dragon shifter god. He is big and manly, but the safety he offers is supportive and freeing rather than abusive and controlling.
Just so you know, this one is coming to me as an ebook, a paperback, and as an audiobook. I have already pre-ordered the second book, Queen of Dreams already. If you would like to hear how growly tones of the narrator for Consort of Fire, click below.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Montlake and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
