Synopsis
Julian Dakkia, Roman general and nephew to the emperor, has played his role as conqueror well. Yet, the moment he laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him, a captive on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her, an action that may mean his head on the imperial gate.
The rules of their world dictate that he is the conqueror and she is the captured. But he and his dragon know one thing: their bond has nothing to do with the laws of mighty Rome. She belongs to them. And they belong to her.
Malina has survived the loss of her family and she is determined to fight until her dying breath. Still, she can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality…and now holds her life in his hands. Nor can she deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his. Slowly she learns that Julian is caught in his mad uncle’s machinations for domination, and helps him plot the downfall of the empire itself.
As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.
Thoughts
I picked up book one in The Fire that Binds series recently and was delighted to discover its rich foundation in Roman culture and mythology. The world-building is both fresh and immersive, blending dragon shifter lore with the grandeur of a reimagined empire. Malina’s empathic gifts and her connection with Julianus—a powerful Roman general and dragon shifter—created a dynamic, emotionally charged arc. The story thoughtfully explores themes of identity, resistance, and forbidden connection. This book was an unexpected gem that offered both high fantasy and heart.
★★★★☆