He’s a fire mage who’s lived his entire life on the wrong side of the King’s law.She’s a guard desperate to prove herself.Together, they will enter the legendary Demon Forest. Vethe Scarvian is a direct descendant of the man who almost destroyed humanity. And that plus a couple of coppers will buy him another beer. When his aunt reveals the existence of a long-lost betrothal agreement hidden … existence of a long-lost betrothal agreement hidden somewhere in the ruins of the Demon Forest, Vethe is only interested in how much money the noblewoman betrothed to him would be willing to pay to escape that contract.
He just has to find the contract first.
Lyria Guardia let her family down and got her heart broken. Gods help her, that will never happen again.
After a crushing betrayal by the man she’d built her life around, Lyria abandons her promising career with the Adventurer’s Guild and returns, humiliated and heartbroken, to the Guard’s Guild that her family has run for hundreds of years. Determined to regain her position and prove herself to her five brothers, Lyria is willing to accept any assignment.
Even if that means she has to drag some spoiled noble brat through the Demon Forest in search of a mysterious missing contract.
The Flame and The Blade is the first book in a new romantic fantasy adventure series. Fans of Miranda Honfleur and Sarah J. Maas will love this story of forbidden magic, dangerous adventure, and sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance. more
The Fire and The Blade by Meredith Hart is a real page turner! Vethe and Lyria are both characters you can’t help but love! The chemistry they have isn’t the only thing that will keep you reading, but their perilous journey through the Demon Forest will keep you on the edge of your seat. I am sucker for good character development and Meredith Hart definitely succeeds! If you love magic, fantasy, romance, and quick witted remarks, this is definitely the story for you!
This is the first story in a start of a new series by the fantastic Meredith Hart, who has written this story so well and painted the character perfectly that you can imagine travelling on this journey beside them the entire way. It has wit, humour and realism which makes this a real enjoyable read.
She manages to switch scenes and scenarios so effortlessly that you don’t even question about the fantasy, you only want to read on more.
This is a story about Vethe (whom is the Flame) and Lyria (who is the Blade). Lyria has been trained to lead missions to find and recover items and returning to her home from her last mission she finds her lover in a tricky situation with another woman and this has knocked her sideways. We follow her story to where she meets Vethe who needs to be protected so he can recover a precious document.
Going on to Vethe, he has the power of Fire but instead of the classic hero move in wanting to help others instead he indulges in drinking for most of the time until they start their mission.
The story basically follows these two characters and the way they overcome obstacles, work together and a start of a falling into love or perhaps just lust with each other.
Hart has managed to create an amazing fantasy world that is written with such delicate care that everything works together to make a real masterpiece!
Each character is given a back story and an element that just makes you root for them and want to learn more and I cannot wait for the next book to come out so I can devour that, in the mean time I will just have to reread this fabulous book until then!
This is an amazing fantasy novel. The fantasy realm that has been created for this novel is extraordinary and well written, great descriptions that make the world real in my mind, painting an amazing picture. The interactions between the two main characters are witty, the banter is amazing and improves their relationship over the course of the novel. I love the fantasy elements as well as the motivations and challenges presented to the characters that reveal a depth to them that I had not expected. The need to prove oneself to others is something we all struggle with and it’s good to see that reflected in the characters I am reading. I highly recommend this.
An excellent book. The Flame and the Blade by Meredith Hart made me immediately regret that I am such a fast reader. The story was great, the world-building was great, the characters were awesome. The gradual burn of Lyria and Vethe’s relationship is intense, can’t tell you how that turns out without spoiling the book. This is my first Meredith Hart book, but I can tell you it won’t be my last. Can’t wait for more of the adventure with the characters I’ve met in this story. I will be looking up her other books and you should too. I was so disappointed when I came to the end. I was ready to read more. There is one scene that is rather hot and steamy, may be uncomfortable for some but it comes in very subtle and is tastefully done. I will be reading the next book.
5 Star
The Flame and The Blade (Flame and Blade Series) by Meredith Hart is a romantic fantasy that I loved reading. This is my first read by this Author and definitely not my last. The characters are very well developed and easily relatable and the style of writing is well written and pulls you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. I couldn’t put it down I had to know what was going to happen next. This is the story of Verthe and Lyria ,he’s a descendant of a man who almost destroyed humanity and she’s been sent to help guard him. Will he find what he is looking for? Can she keep him safe? Find out what happens next in this must read.8 can’t wait to read more from this Author.
The Flame and The Blade by Meredith Hart is the first book in what appears to be a fantastic new series. It is exciting and unique, well written and designed to pull you in from the start.
This book definitely has more to tell but I loved getting to know these characters. They were entertaining in more ways than one. I liked the fact the author didn’t just rely on the action and the fantasy for the book, it had so much more about it.
The story was well developed too. The pace was perfect, just building up and building up. You don’t realise just how much you are involved in the book until suddenly it is over and you are wanting to read the next book. I can’t wait to see what else is to come from this series!
I usually demote books a star for swearwords and this has swearwords aplenty. But I can’t bring myself to demote it since I loved it so much! (Note to the author: why have swear words in it? They didn’t add anything to it. And the book would have read fine without them. It belittles the characters that we’re trying to use the crutch of swearwords to strengthen. Not to mention, modern swear words makes the book sound like it doesn’t belong in a medieval setting. Unless the goal is that you want your reviewers to complain about the swearwords.) Swearwords aside, the book is fantastic. I loved Lyria from the moment she had to deal with her cheating lover. And I loved that she didn’t feel the need to win him back. Granted, I am getting a bit tired of everyone having to show how strong a woman is by having her swing a sword. And the mage accompanying is almost always a fire mage. Both very cliché and overdone elements in modern indie fantasy books these days. But Vethe and Lyria… There is so much to say about the two of them character wise. I loved that Lyria had character history to her. And I loved that Vethe wasn’t your basic rich, high-born guy. He had fallen on hard times, he’s an “illegal” unregistered mage, he’s got family problems and his estate is practically a ruin, and because of his near-poverty and being illegal, he has self-confidence issues making relationships nearly impossible. Though the Pride & Prejudice theme has been done to death with two characters not communicating and making wrong stereotypical assumptions about each other (I wouldn’t call this “enemies-to-lovers” since that would imply that they started out as hating each other. Yes, there was frustration between the two and a lot of grumbling, but there was never any actual hate). It still works here. I kept waiting for certain things to come to light and they never did, but then that will just keep me waiting for things to come to light in the next book. I loved the romance between them (FYI, there is sex in this book). There was epic road trip adventure to be had in this book, as well as monsters, and sword fighting, humor, and plenty of magic. And I loved the donkey. (I really hope we get to see him again in the next book). Yes, this is book one in a series, and it ends on a cliffhanger with plenty of open threads waiting for continuation in the next book. But thankfully it does feel like an ending of this particular adventure and doesn’t feel like it cut off mid-scene. So, I am satisfied that it feels like a complete book and am definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
Wildmages 5 stars – Wildmages that makes a battle-trained warrior scream – where is the next book? Can I have the next book yesterday? That’s how good the adventure is in this book. The world-building is great. Lyria’s character is amazing! Give her more demons to battle! [I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.]
This is the first book in Meredith Hart’s Flame and Blade series of romantic fantasy adventure with swords and sorcery and demons. Although this isn’t one of my preferred genres, I loved this book. It’s told from the dual perspective of Lyria, a fighter from an adventurer’s guild, and Vethe, a wildmage. These two get off to a rough start, but as they learn to rely on each other to survive a dangerous journey, a passionate romance develops.
I liked both of the main characters, thought they had great chemistry, and hope that they will eventually find a happy ending, but it doesn’t happen in this book. You will find heartbreak, laughter, romance, horror, suspense, and equines with attitude, all in one delightfully well-told story. I can’t wait for more!
Be aware that there are explicit scenes of sex and violence, as well as somewhat of a cliffhanger ending. While this book completes the main story arc, both characters are left in precarious positions, and plenty of plot threads remain to pick up in the next book.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading romantic fantasy series.
The Flame and The Blade (Flame and Blade Series) by Meredith Hart
5-Stars
The Flame and The Blade (Flame and Blade Series) by Meredith Hart was an excellent fast paced, romantic adventure. I could not put this book down. I loved Vethe and Lyria. They both were strong characters who could hold their own in a fight. The ending of this novel definitely came to fast for me. Fighting demons and traveling through rough terrain these two developed a love for each other. It was amazing and the ending was wow. I can’t wait to read the next book!
The Flame and The Blade was so good, I couldn’t put it down! If you love fantasy romance novels, this one’s for you! I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did while reading this book but I did. I was so enthralled, I couldn’t put it down. Demons, mages and elemental magic makes this novel a super fun read. I got frustrated at the end though, cause I needed more details. I guess that just means I’m going to have to read the next installment!
The Flame and The Blade (Flame and Blade Book 1) by Meredith Hart. I’m a person who truly has to be in the mood for a fantasy type story, it’s seldom that I am but the cover intrigued me so I hopped in. And I’ve got to say I’m rather glad I did. From page one I was on an adventure with the story world created by this author. The characters are complex and relatable and you can connect easily with them. It’s got everything I need for a great fantasy read from action and magic to romance and laughter. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. The characters are well written and detailed nicely. Each character brings something unique to the storyline. I’m excited to see where the author takes readers next. I’m giving this story a four star review and highly recommend it.
Page turning is right!!
When I first wrote a review was not even but 43% into this book & can easily say it rivals a Sarah J Maas or even JR Ward BDB story……. meaning it sucks u in from the start & doesn’t stop until….. the end… Bery hard to put down! This book is beyond HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
I received this book as an ARC for my honest opinion and review. HAPPY READING!!
The Flame and the Blade is an exciting romantic fantasy for adults. It has action, intrigue, romance, and banter. It’s very descriptive with well-fleshed out characters in a survival type story. The author does such a good job describing the scenes that you feel like you’re there with them. You can even feel what the animals are feeling! It’s raw with an imperfect heroine and hero. Please be aware that there are some sex scenes and also lots of swearing. I would have preferred if the author could have created a variety of original swear words that don’t make me cringe for her fantasy world. The book has something of an ending, but it’s definitely not the end. I liked it so much that I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
The Flame and the Blade by Meredith Hart is the first in the series. This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed her book. Her descriptive writing helped me see the Demon Forest in my mind. Her characters are complex and fully developed. The relationship between Vethe and Lyria is beautiful. I can feel what the characters are going through and for me that makes a great story.There are twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat throught the entire story. What will happen to Vethe and Lyria when they enter the Demon Forest? I highly recommend this story.
The Flame and The Blade by Meredith Hart is a fantasy story that you easily become ensconced in. It is well written as were the characters. Meredith paints a vivid picture of her world and the characters within. With magic and thieves, mages and monsters, action and adventure the story is well rounded and enjoyable. I also liked that the Heroine was large and in charge and a take no prisoners attitude.
Lyria returns from a mission only to discover she has been betrayed and returns to the family business. She soon finds herself on what is supposed to be an easy guard, protect and retrieve mission but turns out to be anything but.
Vethe is sent to recover a document by his vicious aunt, one he doesn’t want to find. He is a citizen who has magical abilities with fire but trying to hide it from those who find it unlawful. The person sent to guard him turns out to be so much more and the travels are anything but safe and straightforward.
I look forward to seeing where the story goes.
The first book in the Flame and Blade series a well written story with a great storyline,but it does end with a cliff-hanger. So how soon will the next book be out? I want it like right now! Vethe Scarvian and Lyria Guardia’s story there is suspense, drama, danger, Demon, a desperate ride, twists, turns, magic, Mages, and a Guard.
I hate cliffhangers because it always leave you panting for the next book of the series. Still this is an enjoyable read. Now if only the next book would be available already.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a fantastic beginning to a series I look forward to devouring. Grand world building with relatable characters, Hart has introduced me to a beautiful new universe to dive into. I found the book well paced and beautifully detailed. It felt epic and complete. A wonderful introduction to the author and her series. I can’t wait to continue the saga!
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed it and will be looking for more from her. This is a well written fantasy book that took me on an adventure of romance, magic and action as well as some humor. The characters are connectable and made me feel as if I was part of the story. Lyria and Vethe have great chemistry as well as work well together. They made the story engaging and kept me reading to the last page. I highly recommend their story.