My Five Word TL:DR Review: Mixed Feelings For This One

The Blackfire Blade was without doubt one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 and so I admit that I’ve probably ramped this up a little too much in my own head which inevitably rarely concludes well.  Which isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy this, because I did, I like the way Logan writes, but, I did find the characters frustrating this time around and it felt like the plot lost focus.

I will say that I loved that we have a recap of book 1 before the story even begins.  It would be so good to have something similar in all books that are part of a series.  Also, be aware that this review may contain spoilers for those of you who haven’t read book 1 yet so tread carefully.

The Blackfire Blade begins with our characters arriving in the dark and frosty city of Korslakov in search of answers.  I loved the setting and of course I do enjoy these characters, but, I will say that this instalment felt a little like a side quest, which isn’t so much a problem in itself except it wasn’t quite what I was anticipating and I did feel that the first 40/50% of the book dragged its feet a little.

So, Lukan, Ashra and Flea arrive after a rather frustrating journey across the seas (by all accounts a journey that tested the patience of all three).  Unfortunately, and almost immediately after arrival, Lukan falls prey to a notorious thief and this sets our characters off on a different path than that expected ultimately turning them into the playthings of the nobles.

What I really enjoyed about this.  I do like the writing very much.  I enjoyed the new city and the intrigue.  In fact I enjoyed the side quests to be honest and I do acknowledge that some of my frustration is probably self inflicted as I think in my own head I was expecting something different.  Korslakov is a fascinating place and there are plenty of past events that demonstrate how ruthless its leading nobles really are.

I thought the second half of the book really picks up the pace and the odds and I really enjoyed the quest to find a long lost formula.  The visit to the plague island was really gripping and the inclusion of an automaton called Clank was great.

I also really enjoyed the inclusion of a character we met in book 1 – the General who has fallen on hard times and who takes the three under his wing.

Personally, I felt like this instalment suffered a little from some very questionable behaviour which irritated me.  Lukan, well, he acts like an idiot at times and his behaviour on the first evening in a new city is highly questionable.  His poor choices feel a little too convenient at times as a means to push the plot in a different direction.  Ashra behaved a little petulantly giving Lukan the ‘silent’ treatment and Flea, well, she acted like a child – which she is – so it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.  The thing is.  I like all three characters.  I liked them in the first book and I liked them here but I found their actions frustrating overall.

And, I found myself with more questions than answers at times which I don’t want to go into as it will involve spoilers for other readers.

In conclusion, I didn’t love this instalment as much as the first but I take ownership of the fact that part of this is down to my own expectations.  I thought there was a good deal of convenient idiocy which maybe I should have expected, but didn’t.  And, although I did really enjoy the second half of the book it didn’t quite bring this up to the level of book 1.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.

My rating 3.5 of 5 stars (rounded to 4)