Book Review: To Bind Fire by D.E. Carlson

In a world wracked by war, a fearful girl named Iris and a reluctant prince named Besaun stand as the only hope. Iris, an outsider with a mysterious past and a fiery secret can control fire but at a devastating cost. Besaun, the heir to the Fire Empire, is more inventor than future king. Bound by fate, both hold the key to the world’s salvation—if Iris can conquer her deepest fears and master her dangerous fire-controlling abilities.

Introduction

I’m one of those people who can’t resist the magnetic pull of a good book. You know the kind; those irresistible narratives that make you forget reality, transporting you straight into their vibrant, pulsating worlds.

One such book that recently caught my eye and captured my heart was To Bind Fire by D.E. Carlson. I spotted it on bookstagram and was instantly smitten – the vivid cover, the tantalizing synopsis, it was just begging to be devoured!

I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC copy, and let me tell you, this book was a ride! Perfect for late-night reading sessions, as it was impossible to put down. Trust me, you’re in for an epic adventure with this one.

Review of To Bind Fire by D.E. Carlson

Plot

I’ll be honest, the story didn’t quite grab me right off the bat. But boy, am I glad I stuck it out! After making it about a third of the way in, everything just clicked into place. The plot suddenly seemed to pick up speed, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

And the dual POV?

Just the cherry on top. So, if you’re like me and you need some time to get into a book, just stick with it — it’s worth the ride!

Strength is found in peace despite suffering.

To Bind Fire by D.E. Carlson

Setting

One of the things that truly rocks about D.E. Carlson’s writing is the worldbuilding – it’s simply out of this world, pun absolutely intended. The magic system? It’s unlike anything I’ve ever come across.

It’s not your run-of-the-mill, wave-a-wand and vamoosh kind of magic. It’s intricate, it’s unique, it’s got depth. I really love how even the magic system can be brought into the battle between good and evil.

And the world Iris travels in? I could practically taste the dust and feel the sun on my skin, it’s that immersive.

Getting both perspectives – the Prince in his castle and Iris among the everyday people. It’s a complete 360 view that truly rounds out the narrative.

Characters

The characters, oh my goodness, they were crafted exquisitely by D.E. Carlson.

I mean, Iris and Prince Besaun? Their growth was phenomenal! Iris especially, she just kept evolving and I was here for it.

There’s a touch of romance, and you’re left wondering who Iris will actually end up with. It keeps you guessing!

But here’s the kicker, the side characters weren’t just fillers, they were as real as they come. I found myself rooting for them, getting tied up in their stories.

It’s not every day that you find a book that makes you care for even its side characters, right? That, my friends, is storytelling at its finest.

I know how hard this is for you to accept, but it is not about her strength. It is about the strength of El in her.”

To Bind Fire by D.E. Carlson

My thoughts on the book

Wow, To Bind Fire seriously hooked me in! It’s a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, hands down. I mean, it was so captivating, just missing that teeny, tiny something to make it perfect.

The characters? Absolutely fantastic!

They breathed life into the story in a way that had me flipping pages like crazy. The backdrop was phenomenal, too, making everything feel so real and intense.

And let’s talk about Iris and Prince Beason – what a pair! I am literally counting days till the sequel comes out.

I cannot wait to dive back into their world and see where their story takes us next. If you’re looking for a riveting read, this book should definitely be on your list.

About the author

Dorothy Emeline Carlson is a force of nature, right from her free-spirited childhood days on the sweeping Dakota plains, through to her present life. Now, she’s living the homesteading dream with her husband, nurturing their two girls with a homeschooling approach, and oh, did we mention she’s also an author?

Yeah, she’s got a knack for spinning words into stories, and she can’t seem to put the pen down – not that she’s complaining! Her tales are packed with all the awesomeness of the Empire of Ash and Song, and they’re one click away at her website. Fancy a chat? Just give her a shout on social media – she’s always thrilled to connect with her readers!

If you love all things fantasy romance, go check out this post here of some of my favorite romantasy novels!