A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan

Once upon a time, in a realm not so far from our own, dragons soared through skies painted with magic, and witches wove spells as easily as breathing. But those days are long gone… or are they? Sophie Jordan’s “A Fire in the Sky” blazes a trail back to a world where the embers of magic still smolder beneath the ashes of history. It’s a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, especially for fans of Jordan’s young adult Firelight series.

As I cracked open this book, I couldn’t help but feel a tingle of excitement. You know that feeling when you’re about to dive into a story that promises adventure, romance, and maybe a dragon or two? Yeah, that’s the one. Jordan doesn’t disappoint, serving up a tale that’s part political intrigue, part forbidden romance, and all wrapped up in a delicious fantasy setting. But like any good feast, there are some dishes that hit the spot and others that leave you wanting more.

A Whipping Girl’s Tale: More Than Meets the Eye

Let’s start with our heroine, Tamsyn. Oh boy, where do I begin? She’s a whipping girl—yeah, you heard that right. It’s her job to take the punishment for the royal princesses when they misbehave. Talk about a rough gig. But here’s the kicker: Tamsyn isn’t just any old servant. She’s been raised alongside the princesses, treated like family… except when it’s time for a flogging. It’s a unique twist on the classic “commoner in the royal court” trope, and Jordan uses it to great effect.

Tamsyn’s character is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, she’s strong, resilient, and fiercely loyal. You can’t help but root for her as she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics and her own conflicted feelings. On the other hand, there were moments when I wanted to shake her and yell, “Girl, stand up for yourself!” Her acceptance of her role sometimes borders on frustrating, even if it’s understandable given her upbringing.

Enter the Beast: A Romance with Teeth

Now, let’s talk about Fell, the so-called “Beast of the Borderlands.” He storms into the story like a force of nature, all brooding intensity and barely contained power. Jordan does a great job of making him intimidating without crossing into caricature territory. The chemistry between Fell and Tamsyn is electric from the get-go, even if their relationship starts off on… well, let’s just say it’s complicated.

Their romance is a slow burn that eventually ignites into a full-blown inferno. Jordan knows how to write steamy scenes that’ll make you fan yourself, but she also takes the time to develop the emotional connection between Tamsyn and Fell. It’s not just about physical attraction; there’s a growing understanding and respect between them that feels earned.

Dragons and Deception: A Plot That Takes Flight

The plot of “A Fire in the Sky” is like a dragon in flight—sometimes soaring, sometimes swooping, but always keeping you on your toes. The initial setup with Tamsyn being forced to marry Fell under false pretenses is deliciously tense. You just know it’s all going to blow up in their faces (literally, as it turns out), and Jordan milks that tension for all it’s worth.

Once the truth comes out, though, the story really kicks into high gear. The revelation about Tamsyn’s true nature is a game-changer, and it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Jordan does a great job of balancing the personal stakes of Tamsyn’s journey with the larger political machinations at play.

However, there were a few plot points that felt a bit rushed or underdeveloped. The sudden appearance of other dragons, for example, while exciting, could have used a bit more build-up. And some of the political intrigue in the background felt like it needed more fleshing out to really land.

Worldbuilding: A Mixed Bag of Magic

Let’s talk about the world Jordan has created here. On one hand, it’s rich with potential. The idea of a society recovering from the loss of dragons and magic, with all the political and social implications that entails, is fascinating. The Borderlands, with their harsh climate and warrior culture, provide a great contrast to the more refined court life Tamsyn is used to.

However, I couldn’t help but feel like we only scratched the surface of this world. There were tantalizing hints of deeper lore and history that I would have loved to see explored more fully. The magic system, in particular, felt a bit underdeveloped. How exactly does dragon magic work? What are its limits? These are questions that I hope will be answered in future installments.

Style and Pacing: A Page-Turner with a Few Bumps

Jordan’s writing style is engaging and easy to read. She has a knack for vivid descriptions that bring the world to life without bogging down the pacing. The dialogue, for the most part, feels natural and helps to flesh out the characters’ personalities.

That said, there were a few pacing issues. The first half of the book moves at a pretty steady clip, but things start to feel a bit rushed towards the end. Some pivotal moments, particularly Tamsyn’s discovery of her true nature, could have benefited from more time to breathe and really sink in.

Themes and Depth: More Than Just Dragons and Romance

While “A Fire in the Sky” is definitely a fantasy romance, Jordan doesn’t shy away from tackling deeper themes. Identity is a big one—Tamsyn’s struggle to figure out who she really is and where she belongs resonates strongly. There’s also an interesting exploration of power dynamics, both in personal relationships and on a larger political scale.

The book also touches on themes of prejudice and fear of the “other,” particularly in how dragons and witches are viewed by society. It’s not always handled with the utmost subtlety, but it adds a layer of depth to the story that I appreciated.

Comparisons and Context

For fans of Jordan’s Firelight series, “A Fire in the Sky” will feel like coming home—albeit to a home that’s grown up a bit. The dragon lore and romance elements will be familiar, but the more adult tone and political intrigue add new dimensions to the world.

If you enjoy authors like Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout, you’ll likely find a lot to love here. Jordan’s blend of fantasy, romance, and court intrigue puts her in good company with these popular authors.

The Verdict: A Promising Start with Room to Grow

So, where does that leave us? “A Fire in the Sky” is a solid start to what promises to be an exciting new series. Jordan has laid the groundwork for a rich and complex world, populated by characters you can’t help but root for (or against, in some cases).

Is it perfect? No. There are pacing issues, some aspects of the worldbuilding feel underdeveloped, and certain plot points could use more fleshing out. But the core story—Tamsyn’s journey of self-discovery and her burgeoning relationship with Fell—is compelling enough to keep you turning pages.

The Good:

• Strong central romance with great chemistry
• Intriguing premise and unique take on dragon lore
• Engaging writing style that keeps you hooked
• Themes of identity and belonging that add depth to the story

The Not-So-Good:

• Some pacing issues, particularly towards the end
• Worldbuilding that sometimes feels underdeveloped
• Secondary characters that could use more depth
• Plot points that occasionally feel rushed or underdeveloped

Final Thoughts: To Read or Not to Read?

If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with a dash of political intrigue, “A Fire in the Sky” is definitely worth picking up. It’s not without its flaws, but the strengths—particularly in the character development and central romance—outweigh the weaknesses. Plus, with this being the first book in a series, there’s plenty of room for Jordan to expand on the promising foundation she’s laid here.

Just be warned: once you start, you might find yourself as caught up in Tamsyn and Fell’s story as a dragon caught in a hunter’s net. And unlike our scaly friends, you won’t mind being ensnared one bit.