Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 25/02/2026
Published by: Arcadia
ISBN: 9781529432855
‘The Blackfire Blade’ delivers an entertaining adventure with endearing character dynamics and developments, making it a fun ride.
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This sequel picks up smoothly from the previous book, with a helpful recap at the start that eased me back into the series. While the larger series plot doesn’t progress much in this book, the simple prose and vivid descriptions allowed me to fly through the constant twists and action. Themes of greed, power and grief are also nicely explored, adding depth to the story. On top of this, the worldbuilding is well developed without overwhelming information dumps, though some parts could use more detail to really enrich the world.
The authentic and cute dynamic between Lukan, Ashra, and Flea was another highlight, providing an engaging balance to the action. Their distinct personalities and backgrounds lead to plenty of banter, teasing, and occasional clashes that drive their growth and infuse the story with heart and humour. The secondary characters also felt just as fully realised, thanks to their realistic and distinct traits.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Do you have any similar book recommendations?
Some similar reads to check out are Godkiller by Hannah Kaner, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, and The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi. These have fascinating worlds, adventure storylines, and endearing, mismatched crews, making them great picks for those who enjoyed this book.
Q: Which part of the story did you find most exciting?
It was the moment when the mysterious Crimson Door was opened, and what was within was revealed. While I had no doubt that the door would be opened, I had absolutely no idea what would be unleashed by its opening. The buildup to that moment and the reveal of the dragon construct were brilliantly done. Plus, the slaughter of Lady Marni and her father helped cement the scene as one of the most memorable parts of the story.
Q: Would you rather live in a really hot or cold city?
Definitely a hot city! Sure, cosy winter days have their charm, but the days of brief daylight can really take a toll. Give me long, sunny days and heat any time, especially if there’s great indoor air conditioning.
Q: How does this sequel compare to the first book?
Q: Do you get seasick? If you do, how do you manage it when you’re travelling over water?
Q: Which character are you most like, and what similarities stand out?
Q: When something bothers you, are you quick to clear the air, or more likely to keep things to yourself and brood in silence?
Q: Have you ever been wrongly accused of something? How did you handle it?
Q: Were the themes of greed and grief explored well throughout the story?
Q: Was there a particular invention – technological or alchemical – that stood out to you?
Q: What did you think of the heists Ashra pulled off?
Q: Did Lord Arima’s struggles win your sympathy, or did you prefer Lady Marni’s ruthless ambition?
Q: Which character was your favourite, and what made them stand out?
Q: Did the reveals about Lukan’s father’s vault feel satisfying or anticlimactic?
Q: Do you think Lukan’s father was right to hide the truth to protect his family, or did his secrecy cause more harm than good?
Q: Any lingering questions or theories about what’s coming next in the series?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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