Firebird

by Juliette Cross

First published 2025

Julian Dakkia commands Roman legions as his emperor uncle's nephew and trusted general. On a battlefield littered with the dead, he finds Malina among the Dacian prisoners. Years ago, this same woman danced before him and received his secret talisman. Now she stands captive, her life hanging by a thread. Julian transforms into his dragon form to protect her, defying imperial law that could cost him his head. Malina recognizes the centurion who once showed her kindness, though she struggles to reconcile that memory with his reputation for brutal conquest. She has lost her family and sworn to fight until death takes her. As Julian reveals how his uncle manipulates him in schemes for greater power, Malina joins his plot to bring down the empire from within. Dragons soar overhead in a world where flying deathriders burn cities and claim territory. Their forbidden connection grows stronger even as Rome's laws declare them conqueror and conquered. Their love threatens to ignite consequences that will end in heartbreak, death, or both.

Genres: romance, historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action

Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, intimate, suspenseful

Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forbidden-romance, found-family

Setting: Dacia, Rome

Period: Ancient

400 pages · Hardcover · Bramble

Content warnings: violence

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