Audio Review: Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez

Posted January 27, 2025 by Lillian in Reviews / 4 Comments

I received this book via Audible, the publisher Macmillan Audio, Wednesday Books. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Audio Review: Together We Burn by Isabel IbañezTogether We Burn by Isabel Ibañez
Narrator: Ana Osorio
Published by Macmillan Audio, Wednesday Books on 2022-05-31
Age Range: 13+
Length: 363 pages
Length: 13 hours and 6 minutes
Listening Speed: 2.5x
Reviewing Audiobook, Paperback from Audible, the publisher Macmillan Audio, Wednesday Books
Rating:
Reading Challenges: #NGEW2025, 2025 Audiobook Challenge, 2025 Beat the Backlist

A lush, enchanting standalone fantasy inspired by medieval Spain, filled with romance, adventure, and just the right amount of danger, now in paperback with exclusive bonus scenes!

An ancient city plagued by dragons

Eighteen-year-old Zarela Zalvidar is a talented flamenco dancer and daughter of the most famous Dragonador in Hispalia. People come for miles to see him fight in their arena, which will one day be hers. But disaster strikes during one celebratory show, and in the carnage, Zarela’s life changes in an instant.

A flamenco dancer who must become a dragon hunter to save her family legacy

With the Dragon Guild trying to wrest control of her inheritance from her, Zarela has no choice but to train to become a Dragonador. But when the most talented dragon hunter left in the land -- the infuriatingly handsome Arturo Díaz de Montserrat -- withholds his help, Zarela cannot take no for an answer. Without him, her world will burn.

Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez is a standalone fantasy about a flamenco dancer, a dragon hunter, and dragons. Zarela Zalvidar is the daughter of Hispalia’s most famous Dragonador. During their 500th anniversary show, tragedy strikes leaving her father horribly injured, most of their dragons dead, and some of the audience members as well. Facing exuberant fines from the Dragon Guild, Zarela must find a way to save the area, her ancestral home and inheritance, so she hatches a plan to become the next Dragonador, replacing her father. The only problem is she is terrified of dragons, and her best hope lies in the hands of a Arturo, a handsome dragon hunter who refuses to help. With time running thin, Zarela must learn to fight and, in the process, discover who is out to ruin her family.

I’ll admit, I tried reading this one when it first came out and DNFed it. I struggled to pay attention to what I was reading. However, I’m happy to report that must have just been based on my reading mood at the time because I thoroughly enjoyed it this time. Zarela is an interesting character. She’s headstrong, determined, and fiercely loyal. She will do whatever is required of her to save her father and their ancestral home even fight dragons. Dragons terrify her which is a bit ironic considering her father is a dragon fighter. However, after her mother was killed in an accident with the dragons a few years prior, it is understandable. Now though, she’s pushing her fear aside and determined to do what her father no longer can.

Arturo is a contrasting character to Zarela. He is a dragon hunter, a former dragonador, and believes the practice cruel and archaic. He initially refuses to help her, believing she is a spoiled princess, but her stubbornness wears him down. He eventually agrees, but on arriving at her arena quickly discovers someone is trying to sabotage the Zalvidar legacy. I like how they work together with the dragons and to discover who is behind the destruction. There are plenty of steamy, slow burn moments between them as well as secrets which add to the tension.

I loved the world! The book is set in Hispalia. The dragons and dragonadors are reminiscent of bull-fighting right down to the giant arenas and red capes. I loved the addition of flamenco dancing as well. It is full of heritage. Magic also exists in this world, but it feels more as a side note than the main feature which is dragons.

Overall, I enjoyed Together We Burn. Zarela and Arturo are each others’ complement. Their banter is spot on, and the slow build to their friendship is sweet and full of tension. I loved the addition of the mystery to the story as it makes every character a suspect in the reader’s eyes adding tension to the story. If you are a fan of fantasy and dragons, I highly recommend it.

Audiobook Note: Because I had attempted to read this one before and failed, I opted to listen this time. I’m so glad I did! I really enjoyed Osorio’s narration. She brought Zarela to life. As I know nothing about the language, it also helped to hear how things were pronounced. It’s truly a beautiful language. I listened at a slightly increased speed than my usual at 2.5x and enjoyed every minute of it.

About Isabel Ibañez

Author Isabel Ibañez

Isabel Ibañez is the author of Woven in Moonlight (Page Street), which is a finalist for the William C. Morris Award, and is listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time. She was born in Boca Raton, Florida, and is the proud daughter of two Bolivian immigrants. Isabel has a profound appreciation for history and traveling and loves hosting family and friends around the dinner table. She currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband, their adorable dog, and a serious collection of books. Say hi on social media at @IsabelWriter09.

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