"Fireborne" by Rosaria Munda

This year, I have been reading a lot of excellent YA fantasy novels. Fireborne is another one that I really enjoyed and highly recommend. The story, according to the author, is inspired by Virgil’s Aeneid and Plato’s Republic. Thus, the world in terms of social class divisions, clothing and customs appears to be very Greco-Roman, although there is also a mention of Highlands/Lowlands that felt more Scottish-inspired. The country – Calleopolis – is located on an island, and has historically been ruled by dragon riders called the dragonborn. However, 10 years prior to the events of the book, some of the patricians from the ruling family’s inner circle led a revolt and brought down the monarchy.

The book is written from the point of view of two orphans. Lee is the youngest  and the only surviving son of the last dragonborn ruler, whose identity remains a secret; and Annie is a former serf whose family was killed by a dragon rider. Lee and Annie, the two misfits at the orphanage, become close friends They are later selected to be part of the elite group of dragon riding guardians meant to protect the country and form the new regime's ruling body.

I really liked this book. I was particularly impressed by Rosaria Munda’s descriptions of the first dragon riding tournament. This book is not all action. There is a lot about politics and structure of the society. At the center of the story, there is an epic moral struggle that Lee faces as he continues to hide his true identity. His character in particular is reminiscent of classical heroes both in terms of his moral courage and strength and the truly impossible situation he finds himself in. Annie’s character undergoes a lot of growth throughout the novel as well. She learns to be confident in her own skin and really shines towards the end as the leader she never thought she was cut out to be. 5 out of 5 stars. I will definitely be picking up the sequel.

An e-ARC was provided by NetGalley.com