The Forgotten Flame: A Tale of Fire, Forbidden Love, and the Fight for a Kingdom

by Rea Alexandris

In the kingdom of Aeryndor, where magic is forbidden and rebellion simmers beneath the surface, Kaelara Veylin's life as a blacksmith's daughter is upended when she discovers a dormant power within her. Pursued by the king's relentless enforcer, Dain, and guided by the enigmatic mentor Elden, Kaelara is thrust into a world of treacherous politics and ancient magic. As she navigates the complexities of her burgeoning abilities, she finds herself torn between two compelling men, Evric, a charming and fiercely loyal mage who ignites her spirit, and Dain, whose duty-bound exterior hides deeper conflicts.

The Forgotten Flame is a spellbinding blend of epic fantasy and romantic tension, weaving a tale of forbidden magic, political intrigue, and heart-wrenching choices. Be captivated by Kaelara's journey of self-discovery and the intricate dynamics of love and loyalty that challenge her path.

Embark on a journey where ancient gods stir, alliances are tested, and one woman's destiny could reshape the fate of a kingdom. Dive into The Forgotten Flame and let the fires of rebellion and romance consume you.

Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Ebooks, Magic

494 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Rea Alexandris lives in the vibrant city of Brussels with her husband, their three lovely children, and an endlessly curious cat who seems to have stepped straight out of one of her stories. Surrounded by the blend of history and modernity that Brussels offers, she finds inspiration in the whispers of ancient legends and the magic hidden in everyday life.

A lifelong dreamer and avid reader, Rea Alexandris has always found solace and adventure in the pages of fantasy novels. Writing, for her, is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a way to explore the complexities of human emotion, the beauty of resilience, and the power of hope. She believes fantasy allows us to confront real-world challenges through the lens of imagination, where courage and transformation become possible for anyone.

Currently, she is immersed in creating The Chronicles of Aeryndor, a sweeping epic that delves into forbidden magic, rebellion, and the personal journeys of characters caught in the struggle for freedom and self-discovery. The saga is more than a story; it’s a testament to the strength found in embracing who you are and fighting for what truly matters.

But her storytelling doesn’t stop there—Rea Alexandris already has two more sagas outlined, ready to take readers on new adventures in richly imagined worlds.

When she’s not crafting stories, Rea Alexandris can be found chasing after her children, wandering through the streets of Brussels for inspiration, or curling up with a cup of tea and her cat, plotting the next twist in her tales.

Reviews

[Ash’s reading corner ✨🌈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW !! WHAT A GREAT ROMANTASY AHHH I LOVE IT SO MUCH. ♥

This is amazing! I think it's the first time a debut novel has made its way onto my favorites' shelf so easily lol.

The Forgotten Flame tells the story of Kaelara, a young woman raised by her single father and known as the daughter of the blacksmith. She's been living a normal life until her magic sparks to life and revives the power of the forge that was supposed to be long lost. The discovery of her power forces her to make decisions that could change everything. She must uncover the truth about her legacy while battling her undeniable attraction to the man sent to bring about her downfall. In this world, magic is banned, and so she has to run and fight for her survival.

We also follow Dain, the captain of the king's Iron Guard, who’s tasked with capturing Kaelara and bringing her back to the king.

"She was a girl standing against a storm, and somehow, she made him feel like the one caught in its wake."

This book is filled with magic, politics, betrayal, and romantic tension (with a hint of enemies-to-lovers).

The plot is amazing—it flows so naturally, and the world the author built is complex but too fascinating to not fall in love with. Magic is banned, the gods who once fueled it are long gone, and no one knows whether they abandoned humanity or something else happened. One of the main elements of the magic system are the Flamebearers—people whose magic is tied to the forge (which is why Kaelara is such a skilled blacksmith). I loved how unique this magic was, and the way the forge itself felt almost alive, adding an enchanting and almost mysterious atmosphere.

But the forge isn’t the only magical element with a mind of its own—there’s also a mysterious forest that seems to help Kaelara... or does it? I really enjoyed how the author made the magic feel alive, but kept us wondering whether it would help or doom the characters.

We also get a mentor-student dynamic that I absolutely loved. The mentor is the classic tough, somewhat cold figure who secretly cares so much for his student. He’s got this unshakeable loyalty and faith in her, and watching her grow under his guidance was so satisfying. He almost feels like a second dad to her, and honestly, I’m all for it!

Now, the romance... GOD. DAIN. MY LOVE. This man is so whipped from the moment he sees her, it's almost hilarious. His internal monologues, where he’s all frustrated with himself for being attracted to her, are spot on. His feelings for her—and what her existence means—make him question everything: the orders from his king, his loyalty to the crown, his whole life. It's like he's having an existential crisis because of her, and I’m here for it. The chemistry between them is incredible, and despite being on opposite sides, the longing they share made my heart melt. I was rooting for them from page one.

The only thing I didn’t like was... Evric... or Elvric, I honestly don't even know anymore, lmao. He’s mostly introduced for the love triangle (which I personally hate 9/10), and it didn’t really add anything to the story. I didn’t feel like it brought the angst the author might’ve hoped for. He’s kind of thrown in without much introduction, so I didn’t get a chance to care about him. It felt like, since the moment we met him, we were supposed to KNOW him. I found his character underdeveloped... It was very confusing. Even when the tension with Dain picked up, I wasn’t invested in Evric (or Elvric idk) at all. I don’t think a love triangle was necessary here, at least not with how the romance between Kaelara and Dain was written.

"He was a danger - of that she was certain. Yet there was something in the way he'd let her go, something in the way he hadn't pressed the blade to her throat, that made her hesitate to hate him."

I'd like to sincerely thank Rea Alexandris for sending me a free copy of The Forgotten Flame in exchange for my honest review. It was an amazing read and I truly can't wait for book 2! ♥

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I promised an ARC read for an honest review, so here it is. The story has a good setting and the magic system is unique. The protagonist is strong and believable. I really liked the character Lira.

But there were a lot of issues. First the writing was repetitive, the same scene was repeated over and over, the same sentence written in different ways. For example, the scent of dried fruits mingled with the air was written 3 times within the same chapter in different ways.
Other overused phrases - Breath hitched, trembling fingers, fingers curled into fists, Seemed to hold its breath, Wasn't just/ isn't just.
Everything was described as Unyielding or unrelenting
Forest seemed alive (a forest is alive, plants are living things). Also, a lot of things were described as "seemed alive".
There were a lot of unnecessary metaphors, or they were not well done. The description of her always reaching for the necklace got tiring.

Second, with the plot - the plot twist didn't seem believable and was abrupt, considering how the story progressed slowly. Nor was the love story between Dain and Kaelara.

On the positive, Evric and Kaelara's arc was nice, Kaelara and her mentor's. Kaelara and Lira's friendship was really well written. I would have liked the queer characters to have kissed, because the straight FMC kissed both the men.

Though the beginning was super slow, from Chapter 11, it was nicer to read.

Overall, the book has a good premise and most characters are likeable. The writing needs to get better. Giving 3 stars as it's a debut novel and there is scope for improvement.

[Gelene Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Chronicles of Aeryndor 1 - The Forgotten Flame” by Rea Alexandris

Disclaimer: Was given to me via author this month as an “ARC”. I did not have a good cover photo on my Kindle so we will have to make do!

*CONTAINS SPOILERS*

⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 0/5

I enjoyed this book a lot! If you enjoy romantasy-type novels without much (if any) spice, this book is for you. The plot development is fantastic, with two main character stories that we follow. The romance between the main characters is more of an enemies to lovers trope with most of the book having one yearn for the other. The book is well written; several of the characters have great development.

However, I do feel like Kaelara, the main character, trusted her mentor too easily and vice versa right as they met each other. I wish there was more character development on their end and that they spent more time together before Kaelara asked him to teach her magic etc. As the main heroine, I wouldn’t want her to trust so easily! I also think there could have been more of a love story between Kaelara and Dain… but honestly that might come in book 2!

Overall, a good read. Would definitely recommend reading this book when it comes out!

[Savanah Moriarty]

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC. I truly appreciate the chance to explore this story and admire the time and dedication the author has poured into it.
Unfortunately, I found it challenging to connect with the book and decided to stop reading at about 20%, typically I would finish a book with ~4 days, whereas I am 5 days into trying to read this book and I don’t have the draw to pick it up and found that I would be distracted and not immersed in the story. For me, the descriptions were overly detailed and repetitive, which slowed down the pacing significantly.
While the attention to detail was commendable, many descriptions repeated or span pages unnecessarily. This made the first 20% feel much longer than needed, as the key actions could have been conveyed more concisely. At times, the descriptions contradicted earlier passages, disrupting the flow.
Although this book wasn't the right fit for me, I can see its appeal to readers who enjoy richly detailed storytelling. I wish the author every success in their career and hope this story finds its audience.

[Kaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I have to say, I really enjoyed this one! I finished it a week ago and took some time to process my thoughts before writing this review.
This book follows Kaelara, a blacksmith’s daughter, on her journey to restore lost magic in the kingdom of Aeryndor. It weaves together themes of moral dilemmas, rebellion, and power struggles. It also features a delicious love triangle and LGBTQ+ representation. I particularly loved the unique magic system, which was centered around forges and flames. It’s the first time I’ve encountered this and it was a fascinating twist. Also, I am always amazed by authors who take a bold choice to write in a language other than their native language, so much kudos to Rea Alexandris.

Spoilers on the way!

To start, this book was very descriptive. It sets the stage for what I assume will be a series. The author paid careful attention to atmospheric details, which made the world feel immersive. However, at some points, certain words and phrases became repetitive.
There is a good balance between showing and telling in this book, and it’s done quite well with enough but not overwhelming dialogue. But with regards to this, I did think again that some words were repetitive and did not necessarily belong to a certain character. For example, “you’re impossible”. The first person to use this phrase was Lira, Kaelara’s best friend. And then it became Kaelara’s go-to phrase, used quite a few times, before circling back to Lira, who uses it again much later although to another character. My knee-jerk reaction then was “Hey, that’s Kaelara’s thing!” I guess you can make the argument that best friends tend to share mannerisms, this kind of repetition stood out to me.

The kingdom of Aeryndor was basically under a reign of terror under King Valdrik. Magic in the kingdom meant things were unpredictable and so to maintain control, magic was banned. This premise worked, but I wish we had explored more consequences of his reign beyond the suppression of magic. Looking back at one of my favourite tv shows Merlin, it had a similar concept in the sense that it was a kingdom where magic was banned, but this did not stop their world from functioning. I would have liked to see in what other ways King Valdrik oppressed the people aside from this.

Kaelara, our FMC was written as a strong woman with a steel will—something I appreciate. However we were able to understand her doubts, fears and insecurities. This made her relatable. But her constant second-guessing became exhausting at times. I love seeing characters struggle with their confidence like a baby deer and then grow into their power, but Kaelara’s internal conflicts felt a bit drawn out, making it frustrating when she didn’t show more self-assurance over time. There were a lot of what-if’s with Kaelara, even when she was doing everything she could do and proving herself right.

This book is a romantasy and I liked the little love triangle thing we had going on. The tension between the love interests was well done. However, I did feel as though Dain’s motivation for leaving his royal post lay more with his interest in Kaelara than with his moral convictions.
That being said, Kaelara’s relationships with both Dain and Evric felt rushed. Evric was overly familiar and banter-y with Kaelara quite early. I eventually settled into it but if I was her, I’d have friend-zoned him ASAP. The relationship between Dain and Kaelara started in their heads, internally if you will, but the switch from predator-prey to love interest did give me a bit of whiplash. But oh my heart broke for Evric when Dain and Kaelara had their first public kiss. I literally went “ouch.”

Speaking of Dain, I liked Dain a lot- I mean dark and brooding is a classic. I liked the way his character was put in a dilemma between fulfilling his duty to his father and the king, and following what his heart truly thought was right. However, I did not fully buy his attraction to Kaelara. While I do not doubt that Kaelara is beautiful, she was not portrayed as this irresistible beauty who enchanted men and had them dropping at her feet, and yet she had him completely fixated on her so much that after a brief first meeting, he could not get her out of his mind. I would have loved to see what exactly about her, beyond the physical attraction, made him so drawn to her. Insta-love is tricky to pull off, especially when it drives major character decisions like betraying his mission. Twice!

Elden was Kaelara’s mentor (and her mother’s). And while he played his role well, this character did not make an impression on me at all. As someone who had experience with past rebellion efforts and having known Kaelara’s mother, I wanted to see more depth in his character. Some storytelling moments, glimpses of hope, or personal vulnerability would have helped make him feel more real. He just seemed to pop in and out of the story, serving to motivate Kaelara and nothing else. When he, Evric, and Kaelara traveled together, I also wanted to see more teamwork between him and Evric since they both shared the goal of helping Kaelara reach her full potential in their own ways.

Now to Lira, the best friend. I loved her! She was probably my favourite side character. While an FMC can be shown to be strong, hardened and brutish like Kaelara, Lira’s strength was in her softness and her heart. Her relationship with Adyn was everything, ahhh! That’s the real romance I was here for. I am partial to a wlw plot and they seem so tender with each other. I was anxious throughout the book that something would happen to either of them. It was a bit unclear if Lira was also a healer herself. We know she dealt with herbs but Adyn was the one who was referred to as the healer.
Also, as a best friend, we didn’t see too much of Lira and Kaelara’s relationship. We had it at first in the beginning, but after they reunited, it felt like they just kind of stayed in their own lanes.

There was not much to say about Garran. He was barely present and I didn’t really miss him, but as her father, I definitely should have. There should have been a bit more anxiety about whether he was alive or not, and some more moves to resolve that. I know if it was my dad, that would take precedence over any quest. You’ve lost your mum and the status of your only living parent is unclear? Nah.

Aldric was an interesting addition to the story. I love the author’s decision to make them gender-neutral, and their presence added some ominousness to the story.

One area I think could have been more fleshed out was in the role of the gods in this world. In a world where we reference gods, I would like to see how the gods affect(ed) the people’s way of life. Do they worship them? Are there shrines or ceremonies to honour them? We know there was a prophecy about a Flamebearer who would rise to reignite the forge and reclaim what was lost. Is that it? From where did the prophecy come? I would have liked to see a priest or a seer character and something more with this religious system being set up.

Chapter 19 felt like a missed opportunity for building tension. It also seemed a bit odd to me how easily Kaelara fell into the war zone— comfortable enough that despite the fact that this was her first fight, she was cracking jokes and taking the battle in stride with Evric and Elden. That felt a bit off.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I definitely recommend it! The world was immersive, the magic system was unique, and the characters were engaging, despite some rushed developments. I look forward to seeing how the series progresses!


I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a review.

[Perilousskyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forgotten Flame is a spellbinding young adult romantasy that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go. At its core is Kaelara, a blacksmith’s daughter with fire in her veins—literally and figuratively. As a hidden Flamebearer, she carries a power long thought lost to myth, one that could either save her fractured kingdom or burn it to ash.

Kaelara is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for—fierce, stubborn, and unapologetically herself. Her journey from an ordinary girl working in the forge to a beacon of hope against the encroaching dark forces is both thrilling and emotionally charged. She’s not just fighting shadowy enemies; she’s battling the weight of destiny, the scars of her hidden past, and the fear of what her power truly means.

The heart of The Forgotten Flame isn’t just the epic battles and magical lore—it’s the tangled, slow-burn romance woven through Kaelara’s quest. Enter Dain, the brooding warrior whose loyalty to the crown is only rivaled by the feelings he desperately tries to suppress. His internal struggle—duty versus desire—adds depth to his character, making every glance and every unspoken word between him and Kaelara feel electric.

The world-building is lush and immersive, filled with forgotten magic, ancient prophecies, and a kingdom scarred by betrayal. Each twist and revelation is perfectly paced, with secrets of Kaelara’s past unraveling in ways that are both surprising and satisfying.

The Forgotten Flame is perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and Serpent & Dove, delivering a powerful mix of magic, romance, and heart-pounding adventure. It’s a story about reclaiming not just a kingdom, but your own identity—and the courage it takes to wield both power and love without being consumed by either.

I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this book and can't wait to start on the second part! Thank you Rea for sharing your ARC edition with me! ❤️

[Eric Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unforgettable Heroine and a Fiery Tale!

From the very first page, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary heroine. As a blacksmith, she breaks traditional gender roles with ease, her skills and talents rivaling any in the trade. Her forge becomes a sanctuary, a place where her indomitable spirit and tenacity shine as brightly as the flames she commands.

Her journey is one of self-discovery, empowerment, and courage. Navigating through the trials of her past and the challenges of her present, she rises as a beacon of hope and strength. The depth of her character is beautifully layered with vulnerability and determination, making her not only relatable but deeply admirable.

Alexandris’ storytelling is nothing short of magical. The world-building is rich and immersive, but it’s the main character who truly steals the show. Her expertise as a blacksmith adds an intriguing dimension to her character, showcasing her intelligence, creativity, and physical prowess.

"The Forgotten Flame" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story with a strong, multifaceted female lead. This novel reminds us that true strength comes in many forms, and sometimes, it’s found in the unlikeliest of places - like the heart of a blacksmith.

[RaeFromTheReadersImprov · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a great fantasy plot. I like the different magic that the author incorporated throughout the book as well. She does a wonderful job being descriptive so you can really feel like you are there seeing what the characters are seeing. I do wish there was more character building between each other. And I did find there to be some repetitive moments. The love interest seemed rushed but I am a reader that can appreciate a slow burn. The two guys Kaelara finds herself loving are definitely characters you can grow to love. I was personally team Dain ;) The banter was great and Kaelara is a FMC that I can respect. You find a lot of FMC to be constantly weak and it can be annoying. Though Kaelara had her moments of doubt in her abilities she dished it back as quick as it was given to her. I am interested to see where this story takes us in the next of this series!

Some of my favorite moments:
“That girl is a spark” ….. “And sparks lead to fire.”

“You are the Kings blade, and blades do not bend. Blades do not break.”

“Let me guess - he was charming, smooth-talking. Made you feel special.” 🤭 Elden cracked me up

[Elizabeth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an ARC read in exchange for an honest review. As the author’s debut novel, writing in a language that is not her first, this is impressive as hell. I was hooked from the beginning by her lyrical prose and rich descriptions. Every nuance of expression and vocal inflection played like a movie in my mind. Our FMC Kaelara is a bold, feisty fire wielding blacksmith who struggles to accept herself as the “chosen one” who will bring back old, forbidden magic. We have a cast of loveable characters who all feel real and multi-faceted. Kaelara has an epic training montage at a magical forge in the midst of a magical labyrinthine forest. Meanwhile a group of rebels make an uncertain alliance with her, and the king’s guard hunt her down. Here we have the hottest love triangle—witty and loyal rebel Evric builds a relationship with Kaelara, while there’s also an unexplainable chemistry between Kaelara and the brooding, serious prince who is hunting her down, Dain.

If you loved Uprooted and Spark of the Everflame, you need to read this.

[bookescape4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a slow burn, enemies to lovers, love triangle and a world with a unique magic system then this is the book for you!

The story follows Kaelara, the blacksmiths daughter and our FMC, on her journey to reignite lost magic. Let’s just say I was sucked in from the start!

I just couldn’t put this down, the writing was so descriptive it was like a movie playing in my mind.

I was captivated by the unique magic of the Flamebearers and needed to know more. If that wasn’t enough, there are also dark forces, shadows and gods not to mention sentient forges and magic forests.

It is slow burn with no spice but honestly I didn’t miss it. I just loved Dain, our MMC and Captain of the Kings Guard, who is tasked with capturing Kaelara. I just loved how frustrated he was with himself for being so drawn to Kaelara. The mutual attraction, the longing and the forbidden romance, I just wanted everything for them.

There is mystery and adventure and plot twits that keep you guessing not to mention the book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2!

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

The Forgotten Flame is a gripping romantasy novel which follows Kaelara Veylin, the daughter of a blacksmith. When Kaelara unintentionally awakens an ancient forge, she also awakens the magic within herself and discovers she may be the key to a prophecy surrounding the long lost Flamebearers.

Magic is forbidden in Kaelara’s kingdom, and the Iron Guard will punish anyone found to be using magic or harbouring anyone with magical abilities. Once Kaelara discovers she has magic, her father does the only thing he can to protect his daughter - sends her in to the dangerous forest to seek a mentor to help her survive.

The Forgotten Flame was filled with interesting plot points, characters and an overall story that hooked me from the beginning. I enjoyed the strong FMC and her development throughout the story.

I received a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Calischarm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forgotten Flame by Rea Alexandria presents a captivating narrative from the outset, complete with lots of mystery and with intrigue. The story begins in a small village where Kaelara, the daughter of a blacksmith, inadvertently awakens an ancient forge believed to be dormant, yet secretly harboring magic and awaiting the arrival of the Flamebearer to fulfill a prophecy.

This pivotal event sets in motion a chain of irreversible occurrences, as the king's Iron Guard descends upon the village the following day, intent on suppressing any magical practices or hiding anyone's magic, warning that those found guilty "will suffer for it." Kaelara's only choice is to run, leading the Iron Guard into a forest known for its haunting reputation, causing unease among the soldiers. However, Dain, the captain, has no fear and is determined to retrieve Kaelara.

Upon arriving at a clearing, Dain instructs his men to wait while he looks around, during which he stumbles upon an ancient, ruined forge. There, he discovers Kaelara, and as the forge awakens in response to her presence, he is faced with the realization that she possesses magical abilities, compelling him to make a choice.

This book proved to be a riveting, fast-paced read, despite considerable attention being devoted to Kaelara's journey of self-discovery, her acquisition of magical knowledge, and mastery of her powers. There is a detailed magic system and an extensive history of the Flamebearer, with comprehension unfolding progressively throughout the book. While the world-building is not extensive, it is sufficient to provide context. A subtle amount of romantic tension with occasional kissing scenes, though no real spicy scenes. Ultimately, this novel can be classified as fantasy adventure or epic fantasy, rather than romantic fantasy. The conclusion definitely leaves you wanting more, I am excited for the next book in this promising series

I would like to thank the author for this gifted ARC.

[Jade Redfern · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into the story but once I was in, I was hooked. I loved the FMC as she seems real - she is strong and determined but also worried and unsure of herself. I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between the FMC and MMC and there is an element of a love triangle - which I also like. The magic is interesting and it’s different from other books within the genre. I think the writing style is very descriptive but does lead to a little repetition throughout the book but overall I enjoyed reading the first book in the series and I’m excited to see where the story develops across the rest of the series.

[Mary Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love seeing a strong fmc that starts off that way, then only gets stronger after learning she has actual power in her. Kaelara caught the attention of the king's guard, but he can't figure out why she's making him question everything he's ever known, so he let her escape. But he's still on the hunt for her. She's training to learn how to control her fire and join the rebellion against the king. Throw in a forest that seems to be alive and a jokester in the rebellion, along with a mentor that holds nothing back in his teaching and you have a fast paced 500 plus page book that you don't want to put down.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author reached out to me a while before this book was released and asked if I wanted to read it. Well, I'm not into fantasy, but once it was released I decided to give it a try and OH MY GOODNESS! I can now say Rea has changed my opinion on romantasy (fantasy not sure what to call it lol) because this was such a good book! The world building and the character development was incredible. And the banter between Kaleara and Evric was fantastic. This book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Happy. Mad. Frustrated. Sad. Happy again but it was all worth it. Loved. It. I'd highly recommend! And the cliffhanger at the end will leave you wanting more😏

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things I liked:
OH MY GOD, EVERYTHING.
A slow burn story.
A conscientious FMC.
The prose is stunning.
The magic system is cool.
The love triangle (ish) thing.
The grumpy teacher.
The banter.
The representation and how it’s not heavy-handed.
All this, and a well-crafted prophecy??
And as a person who does not swoon easy, I bookmarked a zillion things in this freaking book.

Things I didn’t:
The story is touted as enemies to lovers and while I guess that’s true, it’s not really all that seriously enemies to lovers. It’s more like… allegiance realignment paired with adult-level interest.

Overall:
This hit so hard for me.

The writing itself reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater and Rachel Gillig, and the story is an adult, slow burn, significantly more intense kind of Shadow and Bone.

Ugh. All the stars.

[Katelyn Delone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished and whew the ending has me in my feels and the blurb for book 2 has me in my feels. Please please Dain better come back to her or I’m going to be completely shattered my heart won’t be able to take it if he doesn’t. Done get me wrong I like Evric but Dain and Kael they are it, from the tension between them in the beginning to how they leave things he has to come back to her! I really enjoyed this book and I’m on my toes waiting until the next one! 😍

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book.

I really enjoyed the story, the magic system is super unique and I felt like it had the potential to be an epic fantasy romance.

That being said, I do feel that the plot development and characters could use a little bit more refinement. I am so excited to see where this story goes and to watch this author grow and develop with each book she writes, because the base story here is so incredibly good. She has so much potential.

[Unleishd_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rea Alexandris really nailed it with *The Forgotten Flame*! The world-building is so vivid and unique, and the magic system had me hooked right away. The characters felt so real. I loved the blend of mystery and adventure, and the plot twists definitely kept me guessing. Some parts felt a bit predictable, but overall, it’s such a solid, enjoyable read! Can’t wait to see where Book 2 goes!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Βίκυ Χ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound by Fire, Torn by Fate

Rea Alexandris’ The Forgotten Flame is a brilliant opener for The Chronicles of Aeryndor. This captivating romantic fantasy marries heart-pounding action with an adventurous spirit, drawing readers into a richly atmospheric world from the very first sentence.

Right from the start, Kaelara Veylin bursts onto the scene with an irresistible blend of strength and vulnerability. As the intricate, haunting world of Aeryndor unfolds, a host of intriguing characters emerge, each adding layers of depth to the narrative. Kaelara’s perilous mission to save her kingdom—and the people she loves—pushes her to her limits. Although her relentless resolve often saves the day, her personal journey reveals that the matters of the heart are not so easily won.

The breathtaking ending leaves you eager for more. With the second installment already in hand, there’s no time to waste diving back into this epic adventure.

In summary, The Forgotten Flame promises a thrilling journey for any fantasy lover. If you’re looking for a story that combines epic scope, rich world-building, and a heroine who captures your heart and imagination, step into Aeryndor and experience its magic for yourself.

[Reagan Whitaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had potential but this author desperately needs an editor. The love triangle is also so unnecessary. The first part was good but then I was struggling to finish it

[Ciara Bolinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐️ 0/5🌶

A fun new YA romantasy that is an angsty slow burn, with a love triangle and forbidden love that will keep you turning the page. It was a bit slow initially for me, but it ramped up and ended in a cliffhanger continuation to ensure you stayed on the journey with them into book 2.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deserves 10 stars!!!!!

From the first few pages i knew i was going to love this story!! This is my first book from this author and im blown away!! I loved the FMC, and loved the banter she had with both MMCs especially Evric, but im team Dain🤌🏼 The world building was very descriptive and flowed well together to write the perfect story!

Super excited for book 2!

[Sabrina]

DNF (minor spoilers up til the end of chapter 8)

At the end of Chapter 8 and I'm stopping, I can't read this anymore. Maybe it gets better later on, but up until page 124, I've been bored

This book feels extremely cliché and predictable. I feel like the story would have benefited from being written in 1st person with multi POV rather than 3rd person.

While some things are overly explained or there was the same information given multiple times just worded differently, there was also moment that werent explained at all making it feel like while sentences were missing causing confusion while reading.

Also, so many parts contradict themselves. One minute, Kaelara will have put the hammer down, but then suddenly it's in her had again. Or when Dain finds her in the forge in the forest he is looking at her and it's describes how stubbornly she's not breaking eye contact as he walks towards her, but then it goes to her POV and he's back in the doorway and she's dropping her gaze. In the same scene, he approaches her and shouts at her, but then it says he hasn't approached her.
Pg 112 "Dain stepped forward, his movements stiff"
Pg 113 "'Step away,' Dain barked, the sharpness in his tone a wepon in itself. He took a step closer. "
But then pg 114 "He wasn't shouting orders"
And again, on pg 114, "Yet he hadn't moved to harm her.He simply stood there watching."
Examples of repetition in this scene
Pg112 "her lips parted, as though she wanted to speak, but no words came"
Pg114 "his lips parted slightly, as though he wanted to speak, no words came"

[Jessica Milford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a a good book. The author really tells the story with details to a point where you can visualize everything.

I also love that you get different POV's from the characters. A slow burn romance with some pretty funny banter.

[Rea Alexandris]

Hey, I may be biased, but I think this is a great book. I've poured a lot of sleepless nights and gallons of coffee into it and I'm happy I finally get to share Kaelara's story with you! I thank you for everything!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forgotten Flame is a gripping fantasy with outlawed magic, a chosen one, and forbidden attraction… So many great things all rolled into one. It has some really beautiful writing, very metaphorical and almost haunting in places. I highlighted so many passages.

Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is the classic hero’s journey, in the best way. Prophecies, discovering new powers, a grouchy mentor. I loved seeing Kaelara’s struggle with learning to control her power, overcoming self-doubt, and embracing her destiny. I can't wait to see where her journey takes her next.

Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our protagonist Kaelara is a strong-willed, capable blacksmith’s daughter used to doing hard work, but with the weight of the world thrust on her shoulders, she struggles in a very relatable way. As a “chosen one” hero, she strikes a nice balance of being thrust into situations but still making her own choices and guiding the course of the book.

Meanwhile, the supporting cast is excellent. Elden, the grouchy mentor. Dain, the stoic captain of the Iron Guard… and Kaelara’s enemy who she has an undeniable attraction to. Evric, the snarky, charming rebel. I love all of them.

Worldbuilding ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I can’t wait to see more of the worldbuilding in future books. There are a few types of magic mentioned, mostly focused on the Flamebearers’ fire magic. They use incantations and runes to guide their magic. There’s also snippets of shadow magic and other things that I would love to see become more defined as Kaelara learns more about her world’s magic, which the king tried to squash out.

[Elle Wither · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaelara, a fiercely brave blacksmith with fire magic, has been chosen by the forge of the gods to reignite lost magic and spearhead a rebellion. Surrounded by found family who unite under her cause, she finds herself both running away from the king's guard who seek her life, and also running towards her potential as she trains with her lost mother's mentor in a magical sentient forest. But the king is not the true villain, nor is the captain who hunts her down. In an exchange of heated and wordless understanding, Dain--the prince and captain of the guard--soon finds that his encounter with Kaelara has changed him forever. Monsters are unleashed in the magic forest, and a battle between the soldiers and rebels takes an unexpected turn. Kaelara sees visions in the forge that lead her to seek new magic and unleash the gods in a distant land, but there will be a high price to pay. All the while, her heart is torn between the witty, devoted rebel Evric and the magnetic intensity of Prince Dain.

Rea Alexandris presents a debut marked by lyrical prose, deeply vivid characters, an immersive world of mysterious magic, and witty banter that will have you laughing out loud. Although there is no spice, the steamy intensity of the love triangle will have you fanning yourself.

A merciless cliffhanger ending. I need the next one now, please.

[Holly Palermo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could NOT put down The Forgotten Flame! This book had me feeling every single emotion known to man — like, laughter? tears? feral screaming? all of it. The writing is so smooth and immersive, it makes diving into the world and magic feel effortless (and trust me, I usually need a map and emotional support snacks for fantasy books).
Solana is my new favorite chaos queen — fiery, big-hearted, and somehow both relatable and powerful enough to ruin your life. Her magic? Wildly intriguing, and I just know we’ve only seen a fraction of what she can do. She better pop up in the next books, universe, please don’t let me down. 🤞
And the men… where do I even start?! Kai had me thinking I knew him — turns out, I did not. Mouse? Absolute comedic gold. Cormac? Brooding mystery man who slowly melts, yes please. And Solana’s brothers? Peak sibling energy. The banter had me grinning like an idiot.
The villains were perfectly hateable — I wanted to throw hands every time they appeared. And that final moment with Rob? So satisfying I may have fist-pumped. 💪
Then that ending. Oh my god. I sobbed. Like ugly cried. I thought I was done after the first heartbreak, but nope — the epilogue came for my soul.
Bonus points for the natural, effortless representation — disability, LGBTQ+, and all beautifully woven in without feeling forced. Chef’s kiss. 👏

[Giselle Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Forgotten Flame captivates with its immersive world-building and vivid descriptions that transport readers into a kingdom ablaze with tension, romance, and intrigue. The love story at its heart feels genuine and layered, adding emotional depth to the tale.

While the detailed descriptions are a highlight, they occasionally come at the expense of pacing. Those who prefer faster-moving stories may find the momentum lagging in places, as the narrative revisits the same themes or inner monologues.

The Forgotten Flame with ts rich imagery and emotional weight make it a good debut read for fans of romantic fantasy, though readers who crave faster pacing and tighter prose may find themselves wishing for a bit more spark to keep the fire burning.

I received the ARC copy in exchange of the review :)