Part 2 of The Firebird and The Wolf has Teeth

🌅As a fan of Elizabeth Hunter, I have been waiting for the next installment in The Firebird and the Wolf series and pre-ordered it from her website when it was announced. I can honestly say Crimson Oath did not disappoint. What I thought I was getting was a continuation of Tatyana and Oleg’s story, but the bonus was a retelling and behind-the-scenes of Dawn Caravan, a book I read four years ago. What was great about this version was that it brought back familiar faces and relationships, expanding the rich, elemental world they inhabit. At the same time, it built on the foundation of Blood Mosaic, deepening the story of Tatyana and Oleg. It holds to the genre of a rich fantasy romance that doesn’t shy away from complexity—emotional, political, or magical.

The story picks up nearly a year after the events that turned Tatyana into a vampire against her will. Still reeling from the loss of her humanity, she seeks refuge in the Fire King’s court, where she grapples with her bloodlust, her new elemental powers, and the looming question of who she wants to be now that her mortal life is behind her. Her choice to stay away from Oleg, the ancient fire vampire who changed her life forever, isn’t just emotional—it’s strategic. Tatyana is determined to hold onto her independence, even as she navigates a world that seems built to take it from her.

Oleg, for his part, is torn between duty to his empire and his desperate need to find Tatyana again. As his businesses begin to suffer mysterious attacks and his inner circle grows restless, it becomes clear that her absence is more than just personal—it might be connected to a much larger threat. When her hand is forced, Tatyana seeks sanctuary in the secretive and nomadic society of the Dawn Caravan, a hidden haven for vampires seeking to disappear. The world-building here is exquisite: the Caravan is more than a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right, brimming with tension, tradition, and the promise of transformation.

(Note: I went back to see when I last read Dawn Caravan and was surprised to see it was 2021. It feels like it was only last week. That’s how long the characters like Ben and Tenzin and the story will stick with you.)

What makes Crimson Oath stand out isn’t just the slow-burn romance—though that’s incredibly well done—it’s how Hunter handles themes of autonomy, trauma, and identity. Tatyana and Oleg are both flawed, stubborn, and beautifully human (not human😉) in the ways that matter most. Their chemistry crackles with every encounter, but it’s the emotional stakes that make their relationship so compelling. The power imbalance between them is addressed head-on, and the story doesn’t take shortcuts to easy resolution. Their dynamic is messy, complicated, and real.

If there's any critique to be made, it’s that this book isn’t a standalone and doesn’t offer all the closure some readers might crave. Several plot threads remain unresolved, and the story ends with a sense of anticipation rather than finality. (Watch out, Ivan) But that’s also part of what makes the experience so satisfying—it’s a world you want to return to, and characters you’re not ready to let go.

Crimson Oath is a rich, layered, and emotionally resonant continuation of Tatyana and Oleg’s story. Elizabeth Hunter delivers a tale that’s equal parts fantasy and heartache, steeped in romance, mystery, and political intrigue. I hope she continues to pepper it with our favorites Elemental characters like B&T and Bea & Gio, and maybe even Carwyn & Brigid. It’s a must-read for fans of mature fantasy romance with teeth.