An action-packed fantasy that brings trials, romance, and simmering tension—perfect for fans of high-stakes competition.
Author: Marion Blackwood
Publication Date: October, 21st 2024
Series: Flame and Thorns , Book 1
Genre: Fantasy Romance
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 1.5
Empire of Flame and Thorns review
Official Description:
A fae rebel. A ruthless dragon commander.
And a deadly trial that will turn their lives upside down.
Trapped in the Seelie Court by a forest of thorns, Selena Hale lives at the mercy of the dragon shifters. Her only chance to gain her freedom is by entering the Atonement Trials: a deadly competition that pits fae magic users against each other. Only three people can win, and Selena intends to be one of them.
There is only one problem. Draven Ryat, the ruthless commander of the dragon shifter army, is determined to make her lose. He symbolizes everything that she hates, and if he finds out that she is also a member of the secret fae rebellion, he will not only mess with her chances to win, he will kill her. But the more time she spends with him, the more she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him.
And nothing is more dangerous in a lethal trial than a distracted heart.
Especially one that beats for the enemy…
Warning: This article contains spoilers!
My Thoughts
Empire of Flame and Thorns by Marion Blackwood is fast-paced, enjoyable, and has just the right amount of steam. If you’re a fan of competition-style plots with high-stakes trials and mysterious alliances, this one will be familiar territory. The story itself doesn’t feel particularly original – think Powerless, The Serpent of the Wing and Night, Fourth Wing, etc. – but honestly, there’s something about the whole "trials and betrayals" formula that just works for me. I love the idea of characters with unique powers thrown into intense challenges, where rivals are always around the corner, and alliances are never fully trustworthy.
So while Empire of Flame and Thorns doesn’t break new ground, it’s still satisfying.
Characters
But let’s talk about Selena, the main character, who frustrated me to no ends. Her emotional magic – which lets her influence others’ feelings – has isolated her all her life, shunned even by her own parents, who blame her for wrecking their marriage when she was just a child. It's heartbreaking, honestly, and it makes sense why Selena’s so desperate for acceptance. Competing in the trials is her chance at a fresh start, and the promise of freedom drives her forward, hoping it might finally bring the sense of belonging she’s been denied. Freedom isn’t her only motivation, though.
She’s been involved with the rebellion, hoping they’d be the place where she’d finally belong, only to find herself underestimated and kept at arm’s length, never allowed to take on any real responsibility. Winning this tournament isn’t just about escaping the city; it’s her chance to prove herself, to gain the trust and respect of the rebellion and finally be more than a sidelined supporter.
But despite this sympathetic backstory, Selena’s lack of self-confidence (and respect) is honestly frustrating. She holds back her power, constantly shrinking to make herself "acceptable" to others, even those who really don’t deserve her loyalty.
Then there’s Draven, the Shadow Dragon commander. He’s the classic "brooding, mysterious bad boy," who irritates Selena just enough to bring out a side of her that’s actually got some spark. With him, she’s snarky, sharp, and shows a strength we don’t get to see elsewhere. There’s undeniable tension between them, and Draven’s interest in her is clear. But he’s as confusing as he is captivating, switching between moments of protectiveness and outright sabotage. Selena is left unsure if he’s someone she can trust or just another obstacle on her path to freedom.
Final Thoughts
And then there’s the twist. For those of you not wanting it spoiled... stop reading now.
Winning doesn’t deliver the freedom she thought it would. Instead, she’s collared, her magic forcibly blocked and drained by the dragon shifters. Turns out, Draven’s interference in the trials was his way of trying to keep her from this fate.
So where does his loyalty really lie? I suspect there’s more to Draven than meets the eye, and that he’s not entirely on the palace’s side...
While Empire of Flame and Thorns isn’t the most original story, it’s an entertaining read with great tension and solid action. That said, I did feel the story could benefit from deeper world-building – more background on the magical system, the rebellion’s origins, and the broader history that shapes this world. The author skims the surface, keeping the focus tightly on Selena’s journey and her tension-filled attraction to Draven. I’m hoping the sequel delves into these missing layers, especially the side characters who, though intriguing, haven’t yet made a strong impact on the story.
I’d give it 3.5 stars, with a spice level of 1.5. If you’re in the mood for an angsty, action-packed fantasy that hits those familiar beats, it’s worth a read.
Empire of Flame and Thorns review
Disclaimer: I have added affiliate links for your convenience so you can directly purchase the book if you are intrigued. This also means that I will receive small commission. This does not affect inclusion in my reviews or the overall rating of the book.
Comments