A Fate Forged in Fire - By: Hazel McBride

As all first books in a fantasy series, the world building was tedious to get through. That being said once I got through that the story was amazing. The only complaint I had while reading was that this is an ARC read and I'll have to wait even longer for the second book. 

Tir Tiene hasn't had a queen in ages and has crumbled under the rule of kings that have allowed the True Religion to take over the land. When the current king dies, Aemyra finally sees her chance to reclaim the throne for her family. She is the first daughter born to her clan and with her fire blessed magic she announces herself the Queen. 

Now she is thrown into a world of politics and on the brink of war with the current royal family as well as the True Religion who seems to have a hold on them. But her greatest adversary is Prince Fiorean. She has to fight off his opposition to her rightful throne, and her growing attraction to him. As she gets deeper into his corrupt family, she discovers that they have more in common and might be fighting for the same thing. As the two of them share an unlikely alliance, will they be able to finally bring peace to Tir Tiene or will their plans blow up in a way they never saw coming. 

Ending on a cliff hanger has me begging to read the second book as soon as possible.