Review: Her Hidden Fire (Her Hidden Fire #1) by Cliodhna O'Sullivan

*I received an advance reading copy of this book from Frenzy Books in exchange for an honest review.

Her Hidden Fire

(Her Hidden Fire #1)

by Cliodhna O'Sullivan

March 3, 2026

Goodreads Summary:

The first book in a searing new romantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of POWERLESS

If he has the ability to wield magical powers, everyone will rejoice – especially the girl who loves him.

But what happens when they realize she has the gift?

In a world where dragons stalk the skies and magical abilities are an elite privilege, the ruling family of Ailm’s Keep is on a knife can Ionain, the heir apparent, channel magic, or will the family be cast out and replaced by a cruel master from a neighbouring land?

So when Éadha, a servant girl who loves Ionain, discovers that she can draw power, she finds herself in grave danger. It’s extremely rare for a girl to have this talent, and certainly never outside the great families. At Ionain’s moment of truth, Éadha makes a desperate gamble to save him, Ailm’s Keep, and ultimately herself.

As Éadha and Ionain enter a whirlwind of patriarchy, class, heartache and jealousy, they learn about power’s terrible cost – a price others willingly pay to maintain theirs.

How far would you go to empower the one you love?

Review

I don’t read as many YA books as I used to but I’m so happy I took a chance on Her Hidden Fire. It had everything: magic, power struggles, politics, romantic entanglement and life lessons.

Her Hidden Fire had a slow start but before long I was swept into Éadha’s journey. And what an experience it was. The quiet joy, the simmering tension, the dangerous connections and the life-or-death moments all had my heart in my throat. We didn’t get to see a lot of dragons but I’m content for now because I know they’re coming!

Éadha was resilient and resourceful. As she continuously found herself in difficult positions, she did her best to remain calm and collected. But just because she chose acquiescence didn’t mean she was helpless. Éadha silently fought back. She absolutely lived up to her potential. I relished her show of powers when she was pushed beyond her breaking point. Éadha and the dragons have limitless possibilities!

The magic in Her Hidden Fire was fascinating but also brutal. I understood the principle (give and take) but it didn’t make the ugliness of the truth any easier to swallow. The Fodder were cruelly used- nobody deserved such treatment. It’s a testament to humanity that goodness still existed underneath all that pain. “Being able to do something for another is, after all, the essence of living rather than merely existing.” (arc, p. 318) I hope justice comes soon for the takers.

The love triangle in Her Hidden Fire has me conflicted because both love interests have commendable traits. I want to root for Ionáin because as Éadha’s first love, he’s the reason she held on (to hope). His unwillingness to give up Éadha was comforting. Gry, on the other hand, sacrificed so much to protect Éadha. He guided her and shielded her from threats. Éadha has a tough decision ahead of her.

A heart-wrenching tale of love and resilience, Her Hidden Fire exceeded my expectations. “Being surrounded by the blind doesn’t make you invisible.” (arc, p. 65) I’m so invested and will be waiting in agony until the next book. Just the title, Her Rising Flame, has me fired up!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.