Firebird

The Fire That Binds, Book 1

By: Juliette Cross

Narrated by: Blair Dade, Kale Williams

An instant New York Times bestseller!

House of the Dragon meets From Blood and Ash in this epic, scorching dark romantasy.

A conqueror captivated…

A witch prophesied to save them all…

An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.

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.

Fierce and powerful, twenty-one-year old 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.

Content Warning: Firebird is an adult romantasy novel that contains dark themes, including slavery in Ancient Rome, which may be uncomfortable for some listeners.

A Macmillan Audio production from Bramble Books.

©2025 Juliette Cross (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

A Bold Retelling Through a Dark Fantasy Lens

This is very much a dark fantasy, and I think that’s important to recognize before diving in. The book doesn’t shy away from difficult aspects of human history—nor should it. Fantasy, especially when it’s dark, often echoes the real world in sharp, sometimes uncomfortable ways. I found that to be a strength here, not a flaw.

While the prose occasionally stumbled, the emotional connection between the leads really landed for me. Their bond felt raw and real—messy, complicated, but meaningful. That kind of layered romance is something I’ll always be drawn to.

Some of the themes may not be for everyone, but I believe stories like this, which don’t sanitize the past, can offer real value. Remembering the darker parts of history—even through fiction—isn’t something to fear.

All in all, The Firebird gave me a story that burned deeply, both in feeling and in thought. I appreciated that.

Meh-Drags out for too long.

I love pretty much anything written by this author, but this story took entirely too long to get to the point along with several plot holes left. Normally I can listen almost straight through and this took several days even at a sped up speed. It got super boring and dragged. The ending was anticlimactic. It wasn’t enough after all the dragging to make it feel as if the end was worth the wait. I get there is probably going to be another book, but I’m uncertain if I’ll read it, or listen to it. I kinda get the feeling I’ve predicted what’s coming and I’m not willing to put effort into another long boring story. The premise I will say is good, but to me executed almost as if you’re sitting in a class you can’t stand. The teacher lectures in a monotone which puts you to sleep or has you daydreaming to escape the boring lecture. READ OR LISTEN AT YOUR OWN THRESHOLD OF HOW YOU CAN HANDLE DRAGGING BOREDOM. Heck if you’re tired but can’t sleep this book may do the trick whether listening or reading.

Good storyline

Good storyline but very slow getting there. I almost stopped but since I paid for it I finished it. It had a better ending than start. Not sure if I will read the rest of the series

Addicting!!

I absolutely loved Firebird!! The author did a phenomenal job. I simply couldn’t get enough and can’t wait until the next book comes out.

Hail Caesar! Or not…

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The narrators are amazing! It is very captivating and enjoyable. The story is solid. I could have used a bit more tension and slow burn between the FMC and MMC. I've read a lot of reviews concerned about the power dynamics between the couple. That did not bother me. I felt the MMC recognized the power difference and did everything he could to give the FMC choices and agency while keeping them safe from a tyrannical ruler. I loved the Roman backdrop and I always love a story with dragons! This book is a Historical Romantasy, which is the perfect combo for me.

Romantasy

Romance: 🩷🩷🩷🩷
Plot: 📖📖📖📖
Side Characters: 👯‍♂️👯‍♂️👯👯
Pacing: 🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️
Ending: 🎬🎬🎬🎬
MC’s: 👩🏽‍🤝‍👨🏼👩🏽‍🤝‍👨🏼👫👫
Malina- Julian
Tropes:
Forbidden Love
Fated Mates
This book is well paced and entertaining. There’ll definitely be more to overall story of Rome and Caesar. I’ll definitely check out book 2 when it comes out.

I bought the book for the cover and edges

This story is really good. Julian is HAWWWWT. Love the touch her and die vibe. It's rare to find a morally gray mmc that's not as gray as you would have thought.

I thought it was good

I personally like dual narrators and they did great. Witches and dragon shifters, mixed with Roman theme and Greek gods theme👀 after I started I was like how is this going to work?😂 the author made it happen, I was surprised. I also got a hard copy for the art, which has the first chapter of the second book. Looking forward to the next book.

Interesting

Predictable, but interesting enough. Wish there was more action, more curveballs, more character development. Not mad about reading it but does not make it in to my top 2025 read.

Very good.

It’s a slow take but well weaved. You’re able to see where the author planned out the story and it’s well done.