Firebird by Juliette Cross: My Review of this Roman-Inspired Romantasy

If you love romantasy books, don’t miss my book review of Firebird by Juliette Cross to see what I think of her new fantasy romance based in Roman times with dragon shapeshifters!

*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Firebird Summary:

A conqueror captivated…A witch prophesied to save them all…A world where dragons rule Rome.

From the moment Roman general and nephew to the emperor Julianus Dakkia laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her, an action that may mean his head on the imperial gate. But he and his dragon know one thing: she belongs to them.

Malina can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality. His prowess as a warrior cannot be denied, yet they don’t reveal the secret he hides. All Malina knows is his protection and gentle touch. And she cannot deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his.

As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.

Firebird: My Review

Firebird made my list of most anticipated romantasy books of 2025 because I loved the storyline but also because of the DRAGONS. I think that reason alone will have people picking up this book (as well as the cover which is STUNNING!).

I have only ever read one paranormal romance from Juliette Cross so I was eager to dive into this one and see what she had up her sleeve when it came to fantasy with shapeshifters.

Ancient Rome is not a time period I’ve ever seen in a romance and I thought that was a really unique setting for this story. The prologue about the myth of Medusa hooked me right in as I wondered how it would play out with Malina and her sisters (more to come on this into the series I’m hoping!).

Malina’s “witchy powers” were another interesting hook – I only wish we got to see her use them more!

Julian was a great hero to love. He is someone who has to put on a public face while plotting in the background to overthrow his uncle. To show how his uncle and his cronies were such decrepit people, there were some scenes that were a bit hard to swallow, so readers should take note of the trigger warnings. I would have loved more of the political intrigue and maneuvering instead of just the one or two clandestine meetings regarding their secret plot so here’s hoping we get more of that as the series goes on.

The dragon shapeshifting abilities were definitely awesome – especially when they came out to save her. But I also loved Julian’s fierce protectiveness to the ones he saved and now have working at his home.

The “meet cute” between Julian and Malina was great. I could envision this man with a dragon inside him bewitched by the young maiden dancing in front of him. But while I loved that initial meeting, the romance between Malina and Julian needed a bit more build-up once they reconnected yet I just went with it.

I am excited to see where this series is headed in the future books and to see even more dragons!

*Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Related Book Lists:

• Best Romantasy Books
• Best Fantasy Romance Books for the Biggest Fans
• Most Anticipated New Romantasy Books of 2025
• Top 10 New Romance Books Releasing April 2025

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