Chris Cannon’s Trial By Fire is another exciting story as the third book in the Going Down in Flames Series. The story takes place after book two, Bridges Burned. Crossbreed red/blue dragon shifter, Bryn McKenna, goes back at school after someone once again tried to kill her. Her knight, Valmont Fonzoli, is assigned to guard her 24/7. Having no one to ask questions of, they are discovering the side effects of the dragon-knight bond. If that is not enough, she is coping with the potential arranged marriage to Jaxon Westgate; something neither of them wants. Plus, there is the looming possibility of a civil war. To say this story has a lot going on is an understatement. This Contemporary dragon shifter novel is suitable for young adults.

Chris Cannon does a fabulous job with her character development. Bryn has gone through a lot since the first book. Being a hybrid in a society full of purebreds is tough enough. Then she is the first dragon in hundreds of years to form a bond with a knight. She is smart and open minded. She is great at negotiating. It often benefits her that she grew up thinking she was human because she looks at things outside the box. I like Valmont. I think it is great that he is not intimidated by the dragons. He would do anything to protect Bryn. I enjoyed how their relationship developed in this story. As much as Jaxon is supposed to be Bryn’s nemesis, I do think the two make a good team in terms of the Directorate. They are both open minded when it comes to doing what is right for the dragons. Jaxon is a worthy alpha that will protect what is his. I love seeing his softer side around, Rhianna. I also appreciated how Bryn’s relationship grew with both of her grandparents.

I enjoyed the plot. It was full of action, mystery, and conspiracies. I love the discovery in the library. That was a fascinating development. We find out some interesting things about the hybrids and dragon history. The first snow day was fun. Overall, the story was well-written and hard to put down. I am looking forward to the next book.

Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )