In the Name of the Flame

by Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook

Marking the edge of existence, the lethal wall of the World’s Divide has stood untouched for centuries. In that same time, Virisinigne has been ruled as a single kingdom—until now.

Under siege and sure to lose, the king has only one card left to play and one son who he is willing to risk it on. Despite being largely estranged since a teen, when crown and country demand Captain Niall’s return home, duty compels him to answer.

Niall expects to be enlisted to fight, but when his father hastily commands him to take a pendant, sail through the impenetrable Divide, and plead for mercy from the unknown, he begins to realise how unique his calling is—and wonders if he is truly the man for the job.

But if Niall cannot be the prince he has spent his life trying to ignore and find a way to mend aeons of division in a world where all bow to a deity of fire, everything will burn…

Genres: Fantasy

569 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2024

About the author

Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook is a multi-genre author who lives with her family surrounded by animals in rural Suffolk, UK.

A self-confessed geek, Alexia has always found solace in the natural world and books, often walking her dogs whilst daydreaming stories of her own. However, it wasn’t until 2020 when one voice wouldn’t leave her alone that she stopped saying 'I can’t' and finally wrote her debut dystopian novel, The Minority Rule.

The Minority Rule quickly turned into a trilogy and ideas for new novels flooded in—although not in the same genre, beginning the genre-hopping journey that Alexia is now on.

Although her novels vary, whether epic fantasy, dystopian, paranormal mystery romance, dark psychological thriller, or anything in between, she promises thoughtful, heartfelt stories, rich characters, and worlds to get lost in.

Stay tuned to see what genre-bending novel is coming next by visiting her website and signing up to her newsletter: www.alexiamuellerushbrook.co.uk

Reviews

[C.L. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Name of the Flame is primarily a fantasy novel (clocking in at over 600 pages!), with a clean romance sub-plot. You can expect references to a divine force and appropriate holy-sect behaviour, death, betrayal, war, love, creatures that defy belief, pirates, royalty, LGBTQ+ rep, and more!

Prince Niall sets out to cross the "World's Divide" (A lethal wall separating his home kingdom from... the unknown), however when his home is threatened, he must cross the divide to seek help from whoever is on the other side. The prince will have to face culture shock, literal threats to his life and those he loves, and adjust what he thinks he knows of the world and his own life if he hopes to see his home again...

Really don't want to spoil this by saying more! It is such a good read, and I devoured it in a few days. Alexia continues to prove that she can conquer any genre she puts her pen to, and I can't wait to see what she does next!

[Emma Braddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars are not enough to give this book.
Alexia has done it again.
When I found out alexia was writing a fantasy, I screamed with delight and anticipation. I've loved every book that she has written, and I knew this would be no exception.

A dual world, portal fantasy with a twist, actually quite a few twists.
It follows Niall, the 7th son of the king who has been shunned and sent to see from a young age.
But when it suits his father, he calls upon Niall to save the kingdom.

Can he travel beyond the divide and save his kingdom, and gain his father's respect? You'll have to read it to find out.

Oh, and did I mention the dragons? I didn't did I. Yes, there are dragons. Lots of dragons.

[Iona McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - I'm unsure if I have the talent this author clearly has to use words in a way that gives this book justice! The depth of character development, the intertwining sub plots and descriptive, almighty scenes of sword fights and dragon battles... This book takes fantasy novels to a whole new level I haven't seen before.

All hail Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook, who continues to publish books with astonishing skill and literary talent. Every genre is taken to the very edge of what's possible when put in this author's hands.

Fantasy fanatics and those new to the genre alike will fall in love with this awe-inspiring piece of work!

Clocking in at over 600 pages, this is a beast more than worth slaying!

[David Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is without doubt one of the finest fantasy books I have ever read. And one of the most well written.

If there was ever any doubt about Alexia's abilities to write in multiple genres (there wasn't), then this book will without question brush those concerns aside. The theme of dragons is vastly overused in the modern era, to the point of boredom. Nobody does anything original with them anymore, and to be honest if I see a dragon on the cover (unless it's an indie book) then I will quite happily brush it aside.

But this? This was incredible. And so is the cover. So in terms of judging a book by it's cover? Yeah.

The main character Niall is the Prince and seventh son of Virisinigne, who is sent by his father in a desperate plea, to cross the World's Divide in search of help before their world is decimated by a tyrant hell bent on ruling over everything. The world building begins immediately as we learn all about the 'dogs' and the Flame, and how the people of this other world revere and worship its power.

Niall must undergo a pilgrimage to determine if he is worthy of the flame and the help of his new friends, and along the way he learns a great deal more than he was told by his own father. Full of treachery, exploration, ancient lore, mythical creatures, revolutionary exploration of dragons and their bonds with humanity, and characters so rich that you want each to have their own spin-off, this book is up there with my top reads of 2024, no question.

And the ending? All I will say is I'd better not have to wait too long for the next one, or I'm going to get withdrawal symptoms!

Alexia is firmly one of the greatest writers I have come across in this generation, and the fact she waited until just a few years ago to begin is a tragedy. For one, I'd have the sequel by now! If you haven't read any of her work before, please educate yourself on a true master of the craft, and apparently, every genre she writes!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. How does she keep coming up with these stories? If you love a good quest with quality characters and a well developed plot look no further.
This really deserves a wide audience in age, gender, race. It's fun filled action but some poignant questions are asked along the way.
Judge a book by its fantastic cover design. You won't be disappointed.

[Jessica Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a reader who mostly reads thrillers, I'm always wary about straying out of my comfort zone, but from time to time I do, and mostly, I have a great time. Did I have a great time with this romantasy about dragons, fire and adventure. You bet!

I've read the big title on dragons and fantasy (we all know the one), but the main thing I don't enjoy in those books is the spice. And this book delivered on hardly any spice, so ticked all the boxes for me! If you're a fan of THAT series, then you'll also enjoy this.

It was unique to have a male MC too and the story throws you straight into the action. I didn't feel there were any parts that dragged and that's impressive for such a long book.

Highly recommended for romantasy and fantasy lovers, those who love dragons and adventure.

[Hayley Anderton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexia is such a talented writer and I loved reading her first fantasy novel! It took me a while to get into the story - I always struggle a bit with fantasy and learning new worlds - but I’m glad I stuck with it because it really does have all the makings of a truly epic fantasy tale. There’s quite a significant cliffhanger at the end but it only makes me excited to see what might happen next. The last few hundred pages just flew by so I’m writing my review feeling quite giddy - might have to come back with more fleshed out thoughts 😂

[Abigail Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were likeable, the plot was thrilling, and it had a lot of action and suspense. I love fantasy books and dragons and, although dragons are common in fantasy, the author found a new, unique way of writing them. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because I felt the start was a bit slow and the book potentially could have been shorter without losing anything important, but it quickly grabbed my attention and I’m glad I kept with it!

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is very well written, and the world building is great. This story sucks you in, and it is difficult to stop listening. The Narrator does an Excellent job with the various characters' voices and the entire storyline. I highly recommend this Audible book for others to either read or listen to.

[kassbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting and it’s 600 pages. If that doesn’t explain how good it was, I don’t know what will. I loved the mass amount of dragons, a well developed plot, and characters so well hashed out that I felt as though I had known them for years. I was invested in this story, trying to determine the next twist, and there are plenty, but never able to quite get it correct. I loved the writing so much and the final twist at the end had me itching for more!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful to have received an ARC of this book which I really injoyed. I love a good book with dragons and this is a very refreshing story with an interesting MMC and his quest to safe his kingdom. As the seventh son of the king of Virisinigne without any special skills or powers he has always felt like a spare and now everything depends on him. This book had me hooked from the first page. I really enjoyed Alexia's writing style, the world building, the characters, the plot-twists and the dragons. I am looking forward to reading more about this world and I will definitely be checking out more books from this author.

[Mallory Barron · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book, and it was honestly a DNF for me. I was very interested in the concept, but after the first 100 pages I just couldn’t get into it. Calling the dragons fyre dogs was off putting and on top of that the author just kept pushing it by keeping with that theme, like crops that are called dog grass because they are fertilized by “fyre dogs”, or the dragons kept in kennels, or chameleons being called rainbow dogs. The whole thing just really kept me from getting into the story line at all.

[Iain Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am bereft.

I am never going to be the person who gets to read this book for the first time ever again.

I’m a massive fan of Alexia’s writing. The way she creates characters solidly grounded into her worlds is second to none. Give those characters a world of dragons, war, betrayal and those characters seep from the page to live in your heart forever more.

The main character, Niall grows so much in this book, learning about himself and what he’s capable of, despite being riddled with self-doubt and second-guessing himself. Flawed, capable, honourable and resolute. It might take him the whole book to realise it, but he really is the one person who can save two worlds.

Surround him with a loyal crew who would sail off the world for him then have him meet the love of his life and he feels even more real. Take him from his world, and put him another, with vastly different mores, with a different religion that calls to him, a different set of values (not all of which he can bring himself to agree with), replace his own royal family with another that feels similar but different, and you want him to win. To save them. To unite them. But can he? He’s the seventh son. A disposable heir, sent on a suicide mission. The alliances he forges are so perfect, from the diminutive pynyt to the Kennel Maid, he needs them, and they complete him.

The story reads like a heroic epic. The quest, the trials, and the combat. It all leads up to an blockbuster climax which almost made me late for work. I couldn’t leave Niall in his final battle while I went off to adult (literally, I sat in the carpark reading). Fortunately, Kindles are wipe clean, as I finished the book eating my lunch, my food forgotten on the fork until it fell off.
And there, in the bloody (meatball covered) aftermath, the final chapter and I prayed to the Flame that Alexia gains superpowers to write the sequel by this evening, so I can return to this multi-layered, textured world.

Five stars? Five thousand stars, and each one aflame.

[Elizabeth Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a bit of an emotional journey for me – I began immediately curious from the premise and then grew sentimental as it reminded me of some classic old-world adventures. It felt like it was going to be a great palate cleanser of a book – so very refreshing – and then…. The dragons showed up! I mean, yes, obviously, there was some sort of dragon from the cover, but they were better than expected. Dragons, adventures, peril, mystery, sacrifice, hard work, faith, perseverance. There is so much to love in this book and I suspected right away that it would be a five-star read.

In the Name of the Flame feels like a classic tale and it starts with a straightforward premise: a country is under attack with only a last-ditch, vague and almost impossible legend to save them, so the youngest prince, a sailor and the captain of his ship, sets out on the thin chance he can locate help. When he finds a nation that could possibly provide the support they need, he is confronted with confusion, delays, and bureaucratic nonsense, all to his intense frustration. Except, there is this one woman who stands apart from the rest of her countrymen….

I really enjoyed the main character, Niall. He is a poor prince but a capable and respected sea captain. He is a confident man, aware of both his strengths and his weaknesses, and he relies on his crew to adjust for that. He has come to terms with the missteps of his past, and while he has some regrets, he is not crippled by them. This combination of traits makes him humble but proud, observant yet stubborn, hot-tempered but cautious, at once both wise and wry, and self-aware enough to admit when he’s floundering. Normally I prefer books with dual POV, but I was very happy to stay with Niall the entire time.

I don’t want to discuss the other characters he meets during his time in Benegnyem so you too can enjoy his discoveries over the course of his journey. But I enjoyed Niall’s observations and objections as he sized up and evaluated his various friends and foes. As in any well-established court, there are a good mix of personalities, and as in any land filled with magic, there are a variety of magical creatures – I certainly have a new favorite.

I loved the writing in this book. It’s a little formal and a little quirky, and that makes it a perfect match between story and character. It’s a rare thing when the main character is continually denied information and yet their frustration isn’t carried over to the reader. I loved how Niall approached his challenges; I enjoyed being in his head. Clearly, Niall is a great character, but he’s not the only one. I enjoyed the other elements of the book as well: character development, side characters, pacing, world building, historical lore, and of course the adventure itself.

The entire time I was reading (aka devouring) this book, I thought it was a stand-alone fantasy. I cannot tell you how exceptionally happy I was when at the veeeeery end, I found out there would be a sequel. I was truly grinning and I still do whenever I think of this book.

[McReadsATon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Niall, the seventh son of a king and a sailor by trade, who embarks on a perilous mission when his kingdom falls under siege. As a prince with little claim to power, Niall is sent beyond a world divider to seek aid in hopes of saving his homeland. What unfolds is a riveting journey centered on growth, faith, found family, love, loss, and, above all, the power of choice.

The author masterfully portrays Niall’s evolution from a humble sailor to a man who must grapple with the weight of his lineage and the responsibility of his mission. The found family he forms along the way is particularly touching, adding layers of emotional depth to the adventure. The story’s exploration of faith and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds is both compelling and inspiring.

While the book had me fully immersed, the only element that kept it from being a perfect 5-star read was the ending. It felt slightly rushed, and I found myself wanting more time to savor the resolution and to see deeper reflections from the characters. A more fleshed-out conclusion would have given this story the closure it deserved.

That said, this is an exceptional novel, and I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a heartfelt adventure filled with meaningful relationships and difficult choices. My rating: 4.75/5 stars.

[Reader Booksandpurrs 📚🐾 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this expecting just another dragon book, but I was so wrong.

The story follows Nyall, the seventh son of the King of Virisinigne, who is sent across the divide to seek help for his people and fathers kingdom. With no idea what lies on the other side, he sets out into the unknown, and that journey unfolds into a gripping, layered fantasy.

The world-building is clear, immersive, and never overwhelming. The beginning feels slower, but it’s deliberate and pays off once the pace picks up. The characters are well-developed, with real depth, and thankfully no whiny FMCs in sight. Peanut completely stole my heart, though I wasn’t convinced by the audiobook voice chosen for him, which didn’t quite match the way I imagined Peanut to be, I need m a Peanut!

At 600 pages, this is exactly the kind of chunky fantasy I love. The book blends dragons, action, mystery, and a touch of romance, including LGBTQ themes, with a MMC who isn’t your typical arrogant prince. There are some excellent unexpected twists, and the build-up to book two is perfectly handled.

Well written, solidly plotted, and far too underrated. If you enjoy immersive fantasy with dragons, action, and heart, this is a gem worth picking up. I can’t wait for the sequel.

⭐️ For me this was a solid 4.3 read, rounded to 4 stars here.

[Jessica Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Name of the Flame by Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook is a fantasy masterpiece that has everything you could ask for—an intricate plot with complex characters, dragons, war, love, and even LGBTQ+ representation. At over 600 pages, it’s a beast of a book, but every word is worth the journey!

Prince Niall, the 7th son of a king, must cross the deadly “World’s Divide” to seek help when his home is threatened. What unfolds is a story filled with twists, literal and cultural divides, and life-or-death battles that test everything he thought he knew. The world-building is top-notch, with a portal fantasy twist that offers so much more than just a typical adventure story. Expect to encounter pirates, royalty, and more supernatural creatures than you can count!

The pacing is perfect, and the intertwining subplots keep you on the edge of your seat. And yes—dragons. Did I mention the dragons? They’re in there, and they are EPIC.

Alexia proves once again that she can conquer any genre she sets her mind to. Her literary talent shines in every sentence, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fantasy writing. If you haven’t picked this up yet, you’re in for a wild, unforgettable ride.

Can’t wait to see what Alexia does next!

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story with strong characters and a unique system of magic.

This story uses the 'chosen one' trope in a different way to what I have seen before. The exploration of a new place is clever, as readers discover the world and unravel its mysteries alongside the characters. I particularly enjoyed the fact that while one world is apparently enlightened and one is not, there were clear flaws and benefits to each; as in reality, neither were perfect, not by a long shot.

Each character has their own strong personality, so it is easy to connect with and adore them all.

The system of magic and bonding isn't one I have seen before, and mixes beautifully with a sort of religion. The political upheaval, the history of war, and the outcome of the plot feels particularly relevant in the current climate.

The twists and turns kept coming, and arguably the biggest twist I absolutely did not expect; it was very well set up!

The storyline is satisfactorily closed in this book, and yet there is a cliffhanger with new information; for that reason I felt that the book is both finished, and yet evidently the first in a series. The hook for the next story is strong - I am really intrigued! I can't wait to see what these characters do next, and in which world!

[Βίκυ Χ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Quill Forged in Dragonfire

Epic fantasy spun by Muelle-Rushbrook where dragons breathe life into legends

My heart is still racing after finishing In the Name of the Flames. Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook weaves a lush world of fire and myth with such vivid detail that I was instantly hooked. Niall, the reluctant hero, is utterly charming in his flaws: “Action was my friend. Words were where I struggled,” he admits, and I couldn’t help but root for him from the start.

The pacing leans into the leisurely beat of epic fantasy, but each moment feels purposefully painted—I was literally lulled to sleep by a dragon’s breath: “It was the first time I’d been lulled to sleep by the breathing of a dragon.”

The humour sparkles behind every corner: “She was always befriending creatures when we grew up. Actually, I think that’s how she met her husband—talking to his horse.” I laughed out loud and felt even closer to this world and its people.

This adventure beyond the Divide is more than a tale of kingdoms at war; it’s a story of heart and wit, of ancient walls and personal growth. If you crave a mesmerizing storyline, richly drawn characters, and moments that will steal your breath—and your heart—this journey is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 In The name of the flame 🔥

⚔️🔥 this book doesn’t ask for your attention it literalllyyyy seizes it 🔥⚔️

Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook doesn’t write stories, she honestly breathes entire worlds. This book is honestly a portal fantasy so vivid, youll swear you smelled the ash and heard roars of dragons echoing in your bones 🐉

Niall is the kind of prince you don’t root for. Disgraced, Exiled. Called back not out of love, but desperation. His journey beyond the World’s Divide is ferallll, soul scorching packed with war, loyalty, identity, and everything sacred and brutal about love and legacy.


Tropessss
Dragons 🐉
Found family 🗡️
Reluctant royal ⛓️
Divine magic 🕯️
Bloodlines and betrayal 🩸
Epic fantasy 👑
Clean romance (but sizzling!) ❤️

It’s 600ish pages of epic glory that feel like 200 because youll read with your jaw clenched and your heart in your throat. Not a single wasted scene. No filler. Just pure, blazing brilliance start to finish.

🏹 don’t walk RIDE A DRAGON TO THIS BOOKkkkk 🐉

#inthenameoftheflame #alexiamuellerushbrook #fantasyreads #portalromance #reluctantroyalty #foundfamilyfeels #cleanromance #fantasywithheart #epicfantasy #bookrecs #dragonsforever

[Abi Taberer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Name of the Flame follows Captain Niall, the somewhat abandoned son of the king, on a journey he has no idea what to expect. With his home under siege and his father, the King’s instructions clear that he should cross the world’s divide to seek help with nothing but a pendant and his crew, he is left doubting his suitability for the role on numerous occasions.

I loved the banter in this book, it added to the adventure and made the characters more lifelike. Captain Niall and his found family are the friends you didn’t think you needed, their loyalty to one another is second to none. Following a few days apart at the request of the new Worlds King to leave his crew behind on their ship, Niall later introduces his crew to a world like none they have encountered before and then takes them along for the mission of their life. With unimaginable obstacles and sarcastic dragons, they have to navigate problems in the new world to get back to their own with help as soon as possible.

I devoured this book and was not ready for it to end!

[The Scribe's Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I rated 4.5/5 but won't let me do .5 of a star😂)

Did this book get me out of a reading slump? YEP!

Dragons. No spice romance. Fantasy. Action. What more could you want?

I don't often read books of this type but I'm glad I did! The world building was amazing and I was hooked just from the first page! Niall's character development was so amazing to see as the story went on and this made me deeply invested in him and his relationships with the other characters. I also loved how the other side characters also had unique personalities which were evident from the very first chapter.

The only tiny negative I noticed was I felt that the ending was rushed a little bit HOWEVER it was still a really enjoyable ending.

If you're looking for a longer fantasy read that will keep you reading all night, this is definitely the book for you!

Favourite quote:
"I decided that if he wanted to dance to our graves, so be it, but I would take him down with me"

[Toni Cabell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy, Faith, Dragons, and Romance - What a Ride!
I thoroughly enjoyed this epic fantasy tale, packed with action, adventure, suspense, romance, betrayal, surprise twists, and some fabulous dragon characters! I really liked Niall, who has a major chip on his shoulder (he's the 7th son of the king and feels pretty useless as a royal), and I appreciate how his character develops through the story. I loved the juxtaposition of dragons, fire, and the divine, and I was waiting for the romance to bloom between Niall and his "fated mate" (and I was not disappointed). I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Brandon J. Peterson, who did an excellent job keeping me engaged in the story.
All in all, this is a wonderful fantasy adventure that I recommend to anyone who loves books about sea-faring princes, cheeky dragons, swords, magic, prophecy, and the need to save the world.

[Kvaszta Borostyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The plot while some parts were predictable so many was not and kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance elment was not overwhelming which I appreciated in this book particularly. I loved the inclusion of LGBTQ and how it can be done with royalty. Also how deafness can be an asset as they have a different set of skills and how they don't hinder someone.
My only complaint of the book is putting the letter "Y" in almost everything to make it sound fantasy enough. Though she did say the Flame does not care for pronunciation but when looking at the guide for it so many times it did not make sense. Adaryvan being pronounced Addavan completely missing the y and r is one example. And this maybe just me being nitpicky.

[Yaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently, I’ve gotten myself into a reading slump which as a reader, that’s such a sad feeling. However, with this book, it seems that I’m slowly starting to leave that slump. It’s an amazing fantasy book that I couldn’t seem to put down. The author did an amazing job in making the reader feel that we were right beside the characters the whole time. A rollercoaster of emotions that had me talking to the pages as if they could hear me. Let’s admit, we all threw the book across our bed or the room and then be like, “omg did that just happen?! What?! Huh?!” And then you go pick up the book to reread and get hit with the feels again. Yeah, that definitely happened with this book. I’d say, give this book a chance!!

[Nicole Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a high fantasy book. The world building was spectacularly done and much like our MMC Niall I felt as if I had been thrown into a new and at times backward world, what kind of “dog” would you have? Because I’d love one of those “fire dogs”. For the most part this story kept me engaged and entranced and I can hardly wait for more.
This is book one in a series with book two coming out October 20th.

The Narration by Brandon was well done, this is only the second audio that I’ve listened to that has a male narrator. His narration was enjoyable, and as this book was from the MMC POV I did like that the narrator was also male. I hear book two will be a duel POV and have Brandon back and a female narrator working together for the story.

[C. K. Andersson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I'm a huge fan of Alexia's work, and her book 'They Call Me Angel' has been one of my absolute favourite books of all time up to this point. Now, I'm obsessed with In the Name of the Flame.

I can't even begin to describe how beautifully and skilfully the world-building has been crafted. The characters jump out from the pages right from the start. They're relatable, their personalities fleshed out brilliantly and the plot... my goodness, the plot, and the romance subplot, so beautifully woven together without one overtaking the other. This is truly an epic fantasy tale, one that I'm going to be rereading again as soon as it has been released.

Please, if you're into fantasy, get this book as soon as it's out. I don't think you'll regret it!

[Athene Z. Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

In In the Name of the Flame, seeking assistance in a losing war, an estranged prince crosses a literal world Divide, where he learns about their shared history, the deity of fire, and a shared threat between worlds. It takes a bit to learn what overall direction this story will take. The world building is fulsome, and the animals and their bonds are endearing. The protagonist shines as the strongest element of the book, a prince and ship captain with clear morals, a complex backstory, and an excellent development arc. The story has a good resolution. This is a wonderful fantasy read.

This review was written voluntarily, after receiving an Advance Reader Copy.

[Melissa Widmaier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a clever and fun take on the typical dragon adventure. I loved the main character. He was perfectly capable and forthright but he was also perfectly human--courageous but humble and nervous. The slow burn romance was nice, too, though I was surprised by the closed (slammed)-door when they finally did admit their love. Maybe I've been reading too many spicy romances. The heroine was well-written as well, I just wish her name didn't invoke a pop-culture reference in my 90s-kid head. LOL. This was well worth the read and I'm looking forward to reading more from this world.

[Sunny Lovestories · Rating 4 out of 5]

With almost 600 pages to tell the story, I’m confused as to why it wasn’t paced better. 50 to 100 pages could be cut easily when you are wanting Niall to accomplish things faster. But then at the half way and then again at the end I felt the author put a sense of urgency into the characters but they seen their energy. At thus length it won’t (probably);get read in one sitting. So where along the way on Niall’s life taking shape will dictate how fast you pick the book back up.
I did like the growth of the characters and the debate of free will versus fate.