Firebird (The Fire That Binds 1) by Juliette Cross-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 8, 2025

A conqueror captivated…
A witch prophesied to save them all…
A world where dragons rule Rome.

From the moment Roman general and nephew to the emperor Julianus Dakkia laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him 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. But he and his dragon know one thing: she belongs to them.

Malina can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality. His prowess as a warrior cannot be denied, yet they don’t reveal the secret he hides. All Malina knows is his protection and gentle touch. And she cannot deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his.

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.

••••••••

Sandy’s Review: FIREBIRD is the first instalment in Juliette Cross’ adult THE FIRE THAT BINDS paranormal / fantasy romance series. This is dragon shifter and Roman General Julianus ‘Julian’ Dakkia, and Dacian dancer Malina’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Julian and Malina) set in 53 BCE, FIREBIRD follows in the wake of the rescue of our story line heroine. Approximately four years earlier, Dacian dancer Malina would come face to face with dragon shifter General Julianus Dakkia but Rome was at with everyone, and the dragon led armies were gaining control. Fast forward four years, Malina would find herself a rescued slave of our story line hero, a dragon who knew Malina was his fated mate but Mulian’s uncle, Emperor Caesar had declared no marriages between Romans and slaves, and Malina was about to become a pawn in a much larger game.

The world building focuses on the Roman empire’s conquest of Europe; the dragon shifters who ruled the battlefields and the skies, and the betrayal between ruling houses as Malina becomes fodder in a game of winner take all.

The relationship between Julian and Malina begins as slave and master but Julian had never intended for Malina to become a permanent slave. In an effort to protect her from harm, Julian must declare Malina a slave, until such a time he can claim Malina as his own. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and some questionable secondary and supporting characters including Trajan, dragon Prefect Ciprian, Emperor Caesar, as well as several household slaves-Ivo, Stefano, Ruskus, and Kara. The requisite evil has many faces.

FIREBIRD is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, dragons and armies, acceptance and love, set against a backdrop of the Roman Empire at a time when slavery and war were endemic. The premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is fated; the characters are determined and destructive. FIREBIRD ends on a happily ever after-for now.

Barb’s Review: Firebird by Juliette Cross is the first book in her new romantasy, The Fire That Binds series; the story is set in the Roman Empire. Julianus is a pure blooded Roman and therefore, a powerful dragon shifter; he leads his uncle Ceasar’s army.  Roman general Julianus Dakkia finds himself enthralled by one the Dacian dancers, where they felt an immediate connection between them; but he immediately left with his soldiers. Four years later, Julianus will see the beautiful woman on the scarred battlefield, with her life in danger. When one of his soldiers is threatening her, his instinct shifts to the dragon to save her, and kills the soldier.

Malina lost her entire family (clan) the last couple of years, being forced to help the Celts. Malina is a witch, who possesses the ability having a special magic, allowing her to read, manipulate, and control emotions of others. Julianus will save her and fly his dragon to his home. Malina is told to become a slave/maid and work with the other slaves, who are treated very well.  She is assigned to take care of his personal needs. Malina finds that Julianus is very protective of her, and he has a gentle touch; knowing that the connection between them is real. The chemistry between them sizzled. In a short period, the romance between Julianus and Malina escalates, as they fall quickly in love, which will lead into fated mates.

I really liked Malina, who was a great character; watching her magic ability to continue to grow, becoming more of an empath. I also loved Julianus, who was a terrific warrior, as well as strong, determined and feared; knowing how evil his uncle was. He was slowly gaining private allies, who wanted to rid the Roman empire from Ceasar.   I disliked Emperor and Cipranis, who were totally evil. 

Firebird was an engaging, fast-paced, addictive story filled with intrigue, tension and evil threats.  Firebird was so very well written by Juliette Cross. I suggest you read Firebird, as there was wonderful mythology, dragons, witches, and magic.  I look forward to the next book.

Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance–brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

Juliette is a multi-published author, including her Nightwing series with Kensington Publishing and The Vessel Trilogy with Samhain Publishing.

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