Review: A Kiss of Hammer and Flame by Amy De La Force
I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy of A Kiss of Hammer and Flame (releasing December 2, 2025), but as always, my thoughts are completely my own.
This book was beautifully written—lush, lyrical, and immersive from the very first page. Amy De La Force has a gift for painting vivid imagery without bogging down the pace, and the result is a story that feels both sweeping and intimate.
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The Heroine: Cahra
Cahra is the kind of heroine I love to root for. Strong, independent, and willful, yet not without vulnerability. Abandoned as a child and left to survive in the streets of an oppressive kingdom, her resilience is hard-won. She isn’t waiting for anyone to save her—she forges her own fate, quite literally. But what makes her shine isn’t just her strength—it’s her yearning for belonging, love, and acceptance. That emotional depth gives her character a beating heart beneath the armor.
The Fantasy and the Romance
If you’re drawn to richly woven fantasy worlds and morally grey love interests, this book will absolutely hook you. The world-building is textured with kingdoms at war, shadows of a fallen empire, and whispers of ancient magic. It has that perfect blend of grit and wonder that makes you feel like you could walk right into it.
That said—this is a slow-burn romance. And I mean slow. The fantasy narrative is clearly the focus, and the romance smolders in the background rather than taking center stage. For readers used to romantasy heavy on the heat and angst, consider this a shift in flavor. While it lacks the spice of other romantasy titles (the spice level here is a light 0–1: one kiss, no more), it makes up for it with emotional stakes and the transformational journey of Cahra. Watching her navigate loyalty, trust, and attraction against the backdrop of destiny is where the tension lies.
My Reading Experience
What I loved most was how addictive this book felt once I was immersed. The pacing isn’t flawless—there were a few moments where I was completely engrossed in a scene only for it to cut off too abruptly, leaving me craving more. Still, those moments speak to how invested I was; I wanted to linger in those scenes, which is a testament to De La Force’s storytelling.
The morally grey love interests add just the right amount of pull—you’re never quite sure who Cahra can trust, or even if she should. That uncertainty kept me turning pages late into the night.
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Special Edition Alert!
For fans of beautiful sprayed edges and collectible books, a stunning hardcover special edition of A Kiss of Hammer and Flame is now available for preorder! This deluxe edition releases December 2, 2025—a must-have for your bookshelf or as a gift for the romantasy lover in your life.
About the Author: Amy de la Force
Amy de la Force is a writer of romantasy and speculative fiction, best known for her debut novel, A Kiss of Hammer and Flame, the first book in the Fated for Hael series. Originally from Australia, she now lives in London and has a background in creative roles across tech and advertising, including Apple.
Her work blends richly imagined fantasy worlds with strong, compelling characters, exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and resilience. Amy has been recognized by the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize and the Mslexia Novel Competition, and she is a graduate of Curtis Brown Creative’s novel-writing programme.
You can connect with Amy and learn more about her work on her official website.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I give A Kiss of Hammer and Flame a solid 4/5. It’s beautifully written, compelling, and full of promise for the rest of the series. If you come for the fantasy, stay for Cahra’s journey—you’ll find yourself rooting for her every step of the way.
For romantasy readers who crave spice, this one may not scratch that itch—but if you’re looking for an emotional, slow-burn story set in a vivid and dangerous world, this book will absolutely deliver.
I, for one, cannot wait to see where Amy De La Force takes us next.
Will you be adding this book to your TBR? Let me know in the comments!