In her scorching new dark romantasy novel Firebird, Juliette Cross ignites a world where dragons rule Rome with an iron claw, and rebellion smolders beneath scales of oppression. The first installment in “The Fire That Binds” series introduces readers to a reimagined ancient Rome where patrician dragons dominate through terror and tyranny, while the subjugated masses yearn for freedom. Cross weaves a tale that is equal parts political intrigue, forbidden passion, and revolutionary fire—a story that burns bright with both rage and romance.
A Tale of Two Fates Entwined
Firebird by Juliette Cross centers on the unlikely bond between Julian Dakkia, a Roman general and nephew to the tyrannical Emperor Igniculus, and Malina Bihari, a Dacian dancer whose village was destroyed by Roman forces. Their paths first cross when Julian, still a centurion, encounters Malina performing with her family troupe. Something about her fierce spirit captivates him, compelling him to gift her a precious gold aureus coin—a talisman that Malina keeps close through years of loss and hardship.
When fate reunites them on a battlefield where Julian has defeated the Celtic clan sheltering Malina, he recognizes his “firebird” and instinctively saves her from assault by one of his own men. Taking her as his body slave to his Roman villa, Julian fights against his growing feelings for this captive woman who stirs both his human heart and his inner dragon.
Cross skillfully builds tension as Malina, gifted with empathic abilities that allow her to influence emotions, finds herself drawn to the very man who represents everything she despises. Their reluctant attraction develops against the backdrop of Julian’s secret plans to overthrow his monstrous uncle and end Rome’s brutal reign—a revolution that Malina increasingly supports as she witnesses the depravity of the emperor’s rule.
Worldbuilding with Fire and Blood
The novel’s greatest strength is its richly detailed worldbuilding. Cross constructs a compelling alternate Rome where noble-born citizens possess the ability to transform into dragons or half-dragon forms. Society is strictly stratified by dragon lineage, with the red Ignis and black Media Nocte houses at the top of the hierarchy. The author excels at creating a vivid sense of Roman culture while reimagining it through a fantasy lens:
- The houses of dragons form a rigid social structure that determines one’s place in society
- Detailed mythology about the origins of dragons and their divine connections
- Intricate religious practices, including disturbing rituals like the “Rite of Skulls”
- Meaningful exploration of slavery as an institution fundamental to Rome’s power
The brutality of this world never feels gratuitous despite its darkness. Instead, it establishes the high stakes of challenging such an empire and makes the growing revolution all the more necessary. Cross doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrors of conquest and enslavement, grounding her fantasy in the harsh realities faced by those crushed beneath Rome’s boot.
Characters Who Burn Bright
At the heart of Firebird by Juliette Cross are characters with compelling depth and agency, even when circumstances limit their freedom:
- Malina emerges as a captivating protagonist whose strength lies not in physical prowess but in her unyielding spirit. Her empathic magic—allowing her to influence others’ emotions through a mystical “tether”—provides her power even in captivity. What makes Malina particularly refreshing is her journey from viewing her abilities as merely defensive to recognizing them as revolutionary tools. Her fierce loyalty to family, both blood and found, drives her actions throughout.
- Julian presents a nuanced portrayal of a man caught between duty and moral conscience. His internal conflict between serving as the “Coldhearted Conqueror” and planning revolution feels authentic rather than contrived. Cross avoids the trope of instantly redeeming him, instead showing his gradual awakening to the horrors perpetrated in Rome’s name—many by his own hand.
The supporting cast shines equally bright, from Julian’s steadfast ally Trajan to the young dragon-child Stefanos whom Julian protects against imperial law. Even Ciprian, the novel’s primary antagonist, transcends simple villainy to embody the toxic privilege and cruelty fostered by Rome’s system.
Romance That Burns Slow and Hot
Cross crafts a romance that acknowledges the power imbalance between Julian and Malina without glorifying it. Their relationship evolves through meaningful choices and sacrifices, not mere physical attraction. The author handles the master-slave dynamic with surprising nuance, showing how Julian immediately recognizes Malina’s personhood and agency while acknowledging that the very structure of their society prevents true equality.
The tension between them builds organically as mutual respect develops alongside desire. By the time physical intimacy occurs, it feels earned through emotional connection rather than forced by circumstance. Their scenes together crackle with both sensual heat and emotional vulnerability, particularly when Julian recognizes Malina as his “treasure”—his dragon’s fated mate.
Narrative Flight and Occasional Turbulence
Cross’s prose soars highest in action scenes and intimate moments. Her skill at portraying both epic dragon battles and tender exchanges demonstrates versatility that serves the story well. The novel’s pacing generally maintains momentum, though it occasionally falters in the middle sections as characters prepare for their eventual confrontation with Rome’s power structure.
Some weaknesses emerge in the handling of perspective shifts. While the dual viewpoints of Julian and Malina provide necessary insight into both characters, the transitions sometimes jar rather than flow. Additionally, the novel’s climactic confrontation resolves more quickly than its lengthy buildup might suggest, leaving some narrative threads to be continued in future installments.
Themes of Revolution and Reclamation
Beyond romance, Firebird by Juliette Cross explores compelling themes that elevate it within the genre:
- The corrupting nature of unchecked power, shown through Emperor Igniculus’s increasingly depraved behavior
- The possibility of redemption for those who’ve participated in oppression
- The strength found in chosen family when blood ties fail
- The power of narrative and myth to either uphold or challenge tyranny
- The revolutionary potential of love as a force that defies social boundaries
Cross particularly excels at depicting how revolution requires collective action rather than individual heroism. As Julian gradually builds alliances among discontented senators and officers, the novel emphasizes that systemic change demands cooperation across social divides.
Final Verdict: A Fiery Beginning to a Promising Series
Firebird by Juliette Cross burns brightly in a crowded romantasy market by offering more than the standard fare. While it delivers the steamy romance readers might expect, it anchors that relationship in a meticulously crafted world with high stakes and moral complexity. The novel’s ending—with Julian and Malina escaping Rome but committed to returning for revolution—perfectly sets up future installments while providing emotional satisfaction.
For readers who enjoyed Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series or Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash, Cross’s novel will satisfy while offering fresher themes and historical grounding. The book fits somewhere between Rebecca Ross’s Divine Rivals and R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War in terms of balancing romance with political stakes.
Some readers may find certain scenes disturbing, particularly those depicting attempted sexual assault or the brutal realities of enslavement. Cross provides appropriate content warnings, and these elements serve the narrative rather than appearing gratuitous.
Firebird promises a series that will continue exploring liberation—both personal and political—through the lens of an epic love story. As Malina and Julian flee Rome at the novel’s end, readers will eagerly anticipate where Cross takes these characters next in their fight against tyranny and their journey toward creating a more just world from the ashes of empire.
A captivating start to a series that balances romantic heat with revolutionary fire, Firebird establishes Juliette Cross as a voice to watch in dark romantasy. Though occasionally uneven in pacing, the novel’s strengths in worldbuilding, character development, and thematic depth make it a worthy addition to any fantasy romance collection. The teaser for Bloodsinger, featuring Malina’s sister Lela, promises that this saga of revolution and romance has only begun to ignite.
For Fans Of:
- Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series
- Rebecca Ross’s Divine Rivals
- Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash
- Historical fantasy with revolutionary themes
- Dragon-shifter romances with political intrigue