A Kiss of Hammer and Flame: The Must-Read, Sizzling Romantasy Debut for Fans of Throne of Glass

An immortal bound in darkness. A shattered empire at war. And a blacksmith whose heart could tip the scales of fate.

When young blacksmith Cahra is commissioned to forge a sword, she uses her imagination to design its crest. But this symbol unwittingly invokes an age-old prophecy and awakens Hael an immortal with the power to shape or shatter worlds sealed away for hundreds of years in a chamber deep in Hael'stromia, the lost capital at the heart of a civil war between three kingdoms.

Now hunted for the sword, Cahra must flee with the very stranger who commissioned it. But can she trust the handsome and charming noble, Terryl?

On the run through the darkly magical Wilds, she is drawn ever closer to Hael, who visits and beguiles her in dreams. With tyrant kings vying to capture and wield him as a weapon, she alone stands between Hael and their deadly ambitions.

A sizzling, action-packed romantasy, perfect for fans of The North Wind, Throne of Glass and The Book of Azrael.

(Physically) strong female lead

Love triangle

Slow burn

Forbidden love

Hades x Persephone

Who hurt you?

Fated mates

Age gap (just a couple hundred years...)

Found family

Praise for A Kiss of Hammer and Flame

'De la Force hammers ancient prophecy and royal intrigue into a gripping tale of a lost city, and a destiny that is forged and chosen by a heroine with more inner steel than she knows. An epic start to what promises to be an incandescent trilogy.' -- Shalini Abeysekara, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of This Monster of Mine

'An engrossing tale of resilience with a compelling protagonist, engaging writing, and rising stakes in a world of seers, power, and secrets everything I love in romantasy and more!' -- Maria Z. Medina, author of Mistress of Bones

'An epic romantasy set in a unique and immersive world, A Kiss of Hammer and Flame will sweep readers away with its loveable cast of characters. Filled with action, adventure, and political intrigue, it builds to a thrilling climax that will leave readers clamouring for more' -- Charlotte Ingham, author of A Match Made in Hell

'With an interesting world, as well as plenty of action and romantic tension, it's the perfect read for fans of Sarah J. Maas' books.' The Express

'Clever, powerful and sets the stage for a story that blends destiny, danger, and desire. With brilliant world-building, high emotional stakes, and a heroine you'll root for with your whole heart, A Kiss of Hammer And Flame is everything we want in the genre and more' -- The Debut Digest

'I couldn't put it down'

'Spellbinding'

'Alive with magic and danger'

'Nothing short of spectacular'

'A breathtaking adventure'

'This feels like it is going to be the next best romantasy series'

'Cahra's transformation from a blacksmith into a reluctant hero gripped me'

'I started it late last night. Never did I anticipate I would be staying up until 1am to finish it So darn good!'

'Cahra is not your usual FMC she isn't dainty, she isn't tiny and she doesn't need saving. She is capable and tough It was an absolute joy to read her story'

'This was such a great book I loved the strong female lead'

Author: Amy de la Force
Publisher: Canelo Romance
Published: 12/02/2025
Pages: 336
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.20w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9798217253074


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 10/06/2025

About the Author
Amy de la Force is a bi writer of romantasy, and Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize shortlistee. Drawing on her expertise as an ex-Apple copywriter and medieval sword fighter, A Kiss of Hammer and Flame is her debut novel in the Fated for Hael trilogy. Amy is an Aussie expat who lives in London. Connect on X or TikTok at @amydelaforce.