The Fireborne Blade

By: Charlotte Bond

Narrated by: Helen McAlpine

Kill the dragon. Find the blade. Reclaim her honor.

It’s that, or end up like countless knights before her, as a puddle of gore and molten armor.

Maddileh is a knight. There aren’t many women in her line of work, and it often feels like the sneering and contempt from her peers is harder to stomach than the actual dragon slaying. But she’s a knight, and made of sterner stuff.

A minor infraction forces her to redeem her honor in the most dramatic way possible, she must retrieve the fabled Fireborne Blade from its keeper, legendary dragon the White Lady, or die trying. If history tells us anything, it's that “die trying” is where to wager your coin.

Maddileh’s tale contains a rich history of dragons, ill-fated knights, scheming squires, and sapphic love, with deceptions and double-crosses that will keep you guessing right up to its dramatic conclusion. Ultimately, The Fireborne Blade is about the roles we refuse to accept, and of the place we make for ourselves in the world.

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor.com.

©2024 Charlotte Bond (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“A quick, delicious bite of a dragon-slayer fantasy with clever worldbuilding and twists that’ll catch in your throat… if you’re not careful.”–C.L. Clark

“The Fireborne Blade is fresh, well-crafted, and engaging. A knight, squire, and dragon adventure like none you've ever read!”—Juliet Marillier

“A monstrously clever gem, chilling, dark and full of character.”—Adrian Tchaikovsky

a classic trope with a twist

the overall storytelling and ability to have only a few characters and one main plot while giving me an unpredictable twist

Awesome

I honestly didn’t expect much from this short read but it was actually really good. Great plot twist. Definitely reading the second one!

Finally!

My only problem with this book is that it ever too quickly and the next isn’t available yet.
A strong female night, dragons, chauvinist mages and more. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll leave at that. I haven’t been this excited about a series in quite some time.

The entire story

It’s a short listen, but in that amount of time it’s gripping and twisty… I thoroughly enjoyed it

Great 👍

Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Well written and imaginative. Narrator was amazing. I’m moving onto the next book in the series.

Excited for the sequel

This is a rare example of where another hour of world building, sprinkled in throughout, would have been welcomed. Usually, info dumping is taxing, but I am extremely interested in learning more of the lore surrounding this world and its history. That is a testimony to the creativity the author has displayed.

Particularly, in regard to examples of dragons and magics that were name dropped, but not delved into.

Interesting plot, good pacing and engaging characters. I have already bought the pre-order of the sequel, now we wait to see if my questions are answered.

fantastic

Although short I felt like everyone was fully realized and had good motivation that was relatable both in world and outside. the plot was well done, and native structure worked well. My only regret is the lenght as so much world building and characterization happened I want more. It really felt like a completed snapshot story. Although it's very girls against the patriarchy it's not heavy handed and feels the way the struggle of existing while a female in male dominated field vs the rah rah girls stuff I've seen so much of.

Twists and turns

This was an enjoyable fantasy - quest book, with very creative twists and turns.
Engaging, main character also.

I hope there’s a sequel!

The only thing I wish were different, is I wish there were more of the same! I hope we get a sequel in the future - I’d love to see a continuation of these characters and the world they live in.

Dragons & Magic

Good short story. Pace was good. Narration was excellent. Did not see the specifics of twist coming, ending was good.