Book Review: Wrath of the Dragons by Olivia Rose Darling
Title: Wrath of the Dragons
Author: Olivia Rose Darling
Series: Fear the Flames #2
Page Length: 549
Pub. Date: July 29, 2025
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Synopsis: The second novel in Olivia Rose Darling’s thrilling and steamy romantic fantasy series, following Fear the Flames.
In the explosive sequel to the bestselling romantasy Fear the Flames, two fated lovers must unite against warring kingdoms to defend their home and crowns from those who wish to destroy them.
Cayden Veles, renowned Demon Commander of Vareveth, overthrew the throne to save Elowen Atarah, the woman he searched for since childhood. Now he’s determined to fulfill his quest for revenge against her father, even if it means forcing the only person he’s ever wanted into a marriage of political convenience.
Elowen Atarah has everything she thought she’d ever want. Finally reunited with her dragons, she now has an army to enact vengeance, but as events transpire, she begins contemplating if she wants more. As her father’s only living heir, the Imirath throne is her right and destiny. But fighting and winning a war will require trusting Cayden Veles, her partner in crime and now king to her queen; the man she both longs for and doubts, especially after opening her heart only to become a pawn in his game.
Navigating the shifting allegiances amongst all the kingdoms of Ravaryn will require all their strategy and strength, with devastating and bloody attacks on one side and cutthroat diplomacy for alliances on the other. But Elowen and Cayden must find a way to stand strong within the power they’ve gained, or risk losing everything.
Delving deeper into a vast and ever-changing world, Wrath of the Dragons will take you on a journey filled with epic battles and a tender, angsty love for the ages.
“Even when our souls are forgotten wisps in the wind and the world ceases to exist, I’ll love you.”
Wow. This was such a great follow-up to Fear the Flames! I was really excited to read Wrath of the Dragons, and it did not disappoint. The writing is fantastic, and I found myself highlighting line after line of poignant, powerful, and meaningful text. (I actually have a separate post scheduled that spotlights all of my favorite quotes!)
The romance between Cayden and Elowen was top-notch. I absolutely LOVE their banter! Cayden always knows just what buttons to push to get a reaction from her. He reads her so well and supports her unconditionally. Sometimes the professions of love were over-the-top cheesy, and though I generally don’t love that, it was Cayden. The man can do no wrong! Cayden is so in love with Elowen, and I loved that through the entire book. UGH!!! He’s just gone for her, and he shows it over and over.
I also feel like Elowen really comes into her own in this book. She’s such a layered character, and her journey is compelling. And the found family. Love it! Besides the romance, it’s one of my favorite things about the story. It’s really beautiful, especially when you learn about most of their pasts and all of the struggles, pain, and lack of family they each faced.
And then there’s the ending. I’m still not really sure how I feel about it. It was a massive cliffhanger, which I always love, and there was a huge twist, too, that was completely unexpected. It made me a bit feral for the next book, that’s for sure. lol
“I’ve seen your soul, and the darkness within it just makes the light that much more beautiful.”
Motivation becomes the whetstone that sharpens you against the world.
“For you, my love, I’ll break the world.”
Olivia split her time growing up between New York and Manchester, VT. She developed a passion for writing from a very young age- always scribbling poems onto napkins and short stories into her school notebooks. She graduated from Pace University and attained a degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Lord of the Rings were her favorite movies growing up and formed her fantasy obsession. Being an author and living a life filled with words and magic has always been her dream.
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