Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)

Hello friends! I just finished Bloodsinger by Juliette Cross, the second book in The Fire That Binds series, and wow, do I have a lot of thoughts. I received the audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review, and before we talk about how much I enjoyed it, I want to start with a quick note, this book is not a standalone. You really need to have read Firebird (book 1) to fully understand and appreciate everything happening here.

Also, an important heads-up: this story contains some heavy themes and trigger warnings, including slavery in ancient Rome and self-injury. If those are difficult topics for you, this one may not be the right read.

Now, let’s get into it. This installment centers on Lela, who you might remember as Malina’s sister from Firebird, and Trajan Tiberius, the fierce Roman and dragon who was Julian’s friend and co-conspirator in the first book. The story drops us right into the thick of ancient Rome, where dragons rule and rebellion brews beneath the surface.

When we first meet Lela, she’s enslaved by a dragon master, silenced by a bridle that prevents her from speaking. That image alone tells you just how dark things can get. We soon learn why she’s been restrained, and it’s because her attempt to kill her captor didn’t go as planned. The opening scenes of this story really set a powerful tone for how the book progresses.

Meanwhile, Trajan has his own mission. Though he’s uneasy watching Lela’s treatment, his loyalty to the rebellion forces him to hold his anger and bide his time. His goal remains the same: to take down Caesar and reclaim Rome for the people. But when Trajan returns to finish off the dragon who owns Lela, he discovers she’s already done the job herself. From there, their paths entwine as he whisks her away to safety, and everything changes as the story continues.

What I loved most about Bloodsinger was the intensity of this book; it’s not a gentle romance, but one full of power. Lela and Trajan’s relationship develops alongside the series larger struggle for freedom and in a time when one man rules like a king. Juliette Cross has a gift for balancing the high-stakes drama with the little moments of tenderness and trust.

The audiobook narration by Blair Dade and Kale Williams was phenomenal. They truly brought this dark and emotional story to life. Blair’s voice perfectly captured Lela’s vulnerability and strength, while Kale delivered Trajan’s commanding yet compassionate presence with ease. The performances completely pulled me into the world, and I was hooked from beginning to end.

Thank you, Juliette Cross, for giving readers such an immersive, passionate story. While Bloodsinger may not be for everyone due to its themes, I found it to be an intriguing, powerful continuation of the series. The world-building is extraordinary, the stakes are high, and the characters leave a lasting impression.

If you’re looking for a book with rich world-building and emotional depth, and you aren’t triggered by the darker elements in this story, then definitely give Bloodsinger a listen. I’m very excited to see where this series goes next.