Fireborne

In a post-revolutionary society, orphaned teens Annie and Lee train as dragonriders for the regime that overthrew the brutal aristocracy. Both come from opposite sides of the former social hierarchy but find themselves competing for the top rank in their aerial military force. The story follows Annie and Lee as they navigate their roles as dragonriders while confronting questions about loyalty, justice, and the true cost of revolution. Their personal struggles intertwine with mounting political tensions that threaten their new government's stability. Past and present collide as the two protagonists face difficult choices about their allegiances and identities. Dragons, aerial combat, and military training provide the backdrop for complex relationships between characters shaped by trauma and social upheaval. Through its exploration of revolution, class conflict, and power, Fireborne examines how the weight of history affects both individuals and societies. The novel raises questions about the complexity of social change and the price of breaking cycles of violence.

Readers describe Fireborne as a political fantasy with complex characters and moral ambiguity. The slow-burn relationship development and exploration of class conflict resonated with many fans. Liked: - Dragon riding scenes and training sequences - Dual POV structure between Annie and Lee - Treatment of trauma and survivor's guilt - World-building incorporating elements of Roman history - Nuanced examination of revolution's aftermath Disliked: - Pacing in first third feels slow - Political systems and history can be hard to follow - Some found the romance underdeveloped - Dragon-riding rules and mechanics lack clarity Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 from 6,800+ ratings Amazon: 4.4/5 from 280+ reviews Book of the Month YA: 4.5/5 Notable reader quotes: "Perfect for fans who wanted more political intrigue in Eragon" "Like Red Rising meets How to Train Your Dragon" "The character work outshines the dragons"

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🔥 Author Rosaria Munda drew inspiration from both Plato's Republic and the aftermath of the French Revolution when crafting the political landscape of her dragon-riding society. 🐉 The dragon-riding system in the book was influenced by the author's research into real military aviation training programs and fighter pilot psychology. 📚 The novel explores themes of class warfare and social mobility through a unique system where dragon riders are chosen based on merit rather than bloodline—a stark departure from traditional fantasy tropes. ⚔️ The main characters' relationship was partially inspired by the complex dynamic between Brutus and Caesar, reflecting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and political ideology. 🎓 Before becoming an author, Munda taught English as a second language in Spain and studied political theory at Princeton University, both experiences that influenced the book's themes of education and governance.