Zarela Zalvidar is a flamenco dancer, daughter of a much beloved flamenco dancer and the most renowned Dragonador in Hispalia. That’s right, Dragonador – as in a matador but with dragons. As soon as I read that word, I knew I had to read this book. 

Zarela and her father are still grieving the loss of her mother when disaster strikes at the arena during their 500th anniversary performance. Zarela’s father is severely injured in the incident along with many members of the audience. The Dragon Guild are holding the family responsible and are using this as an excuse to settle old scores. The Zalvidars could lose everything – their livelihood, their reputation, their ancestral family home. 

The only way to save the arena, is for Zarela to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a Dragonador, fighting in the arena herself. But the only man who can train both her and the dragons does not want to help. I’m sure you can see where this is going. In amongst all this, is the quest to find out who sabotaged the family, and why? Zarela faces as much danger outside of the arena as she does while facing down dragons.

Together We Burn does follow some well-worn paths in its use of tropes – we have the headstrong and stubborn young woman, who won’t take no for answer and refuses to stay in the box that people try to put her in, the grumpy, loner romantic interest who fights her every step of the way, and the fight to retain her family’s honour. However, even though these are elements that many of us will be familiar with, the story still feels fresh and exciting. 

The writing is wonderfully immersive. At times when I was reading, I could almost feel the sand of the arena beneath my feet, the sun beating down on my shoulders as I danced and trained and fought alongside Zarela. I love how the history of dragonfighting is woven through the story, and how Ibañez handles discussions between Zarela and Arturo over the tension between honouring tradition and finding a new path. 

The chemistry between the various characters works really well, both with the romantic plotline, but also the friendships and rivalries. The relationships all feel organic and as if they exist off-the-page. This book brings fantasy, mystery and romance to life and I didn’t want to put it down. It’s a stand-alone and wraps up nicely in the end, although I was sad that it was over. Together We Burn was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last. Full of heat, passion and dragons, I can’t recommend it enough.

Together We Burn is out now from Titan Books