This book absolutely destroyed me in the best possible way! Rosaria Munda has crafted a world that is simply impossible to leave, and DK have packaged this piece of fiction perfectly. Tense and fast paced, I cried, I screamed, and the twist?!?! I'm ready for book 3 immediately, and I'm so glad these are finally in the UK!

Thanks to DK and Netgalley for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own. If you enjoy dragons, political intrigue, found family and fantastic world building then The Aurelian Cycle trilogy is for you. With the world building and political landscape set up in Fireborne, Flamefall dives straight into the story from where it left off and peels back more layers of the setting that is Callipolis. Though a YA book, Flamefall really does dive into some deep themes and questions, probing you to consider these moral complexities that the young characters of Annie and Lee are faced with. Annie really grew on me in this book, with her tenacity, humanity and desire to serve those around her. She really developed as a character overall in Flamefall. Lee’s character is well written, showing his deep rooted trauma and warring elements of his inner workings. Though I must say that Annie and Lee's reluctance to communicate properly with each other made me want to throw my kindle out of sheer frustration. The plot, as before, was well thought out and written. There were so many elements woven together and plot twists, some I saw coming and some I did not. I initially was unsure about the introduction of a new POV, but quickly grew to love Griff’s character. This book truly made my heart ache and had me thoroughly invested emotionally. I absolutely cannot wait to read Furysong after that ending!

Thanks to DK and Netgalley for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own. If you enjoy dragons, political intrigue, found family and fantastic world building then The Aurelian Cycle trilogy is for you. With the world building and political landscape set up in Fireborne, Flamefall dives straight into the story from where it left off and peels back more layers of the setting that is Callipolis. Though a YA book, Flamefall really does dive into some deep themes and questions, probing you to consider these moral complexities that the young characters of Annie and Lee are faced with. Annie really grew on me in this book, with her tenacity, humanity and desire to serve those around her. She really developed as a character overall in Flamefall. Lee’s character is well written, showing his deep rooted trauma and warring elements of his inner workings. Though I must say that Annie and Lee's reluctance to communicate properly with each other made me want to throw my kindle out of sheer frustration. The plot, as before, was well thought out and written. There were so many elements woven together and plot twists, some I saw coming and some I did not. I initially was unsure about the introduction of a new POV, but quickly grew to love Griff’s character. This book truly made my heart ache and had me thoroughly invested emotionally. I absolutely cannot wait to read Furysong after that ending!

The stakes are higher and choices so much more difficult in this second book of the Aurelian cycle! Annie and Lee's viewpoints are now joined by Griff, one of the squires (with an awesome dragon of his own!) for the dragon lords in New Pythos. I do like how we can see how the other land is and let me tell you, it is definitely in as much turmoil as Callipolis! The rich are staying safe and the poor pay the price, in food, and being the first to die. Life is tough for Lee, who found out that Atreus, never actually meant for him to live after the revolution, is drawn to the less fortunate and the rebels looking now to overthrow the new government for equality for all. While Annie looks to protect the whole land from the dragon lords of New Pythos who want to conquer all. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place! I really enjoyed Griff's point of view too, he is a good person also with conflicting choices to make for his family and dragon (that muzzle makes me so mad!) but also looking for a better future, much like Annie and Lee. The second book is full of dragon fights, revolution, tragedy, and I am intrigued by the land of the God King and his daughter with the giant dragon. I really hope we can get that story more complete in the third book. Plus the cliffhanger that this book ends on is a real humdinger and I have all my fingers and toes crossed that Annie, Lee, and Griff can figure out a way through and bring peace to both lands! Or at least a little happiness after all the dark doings that have happened so far!

What a great sequel, this book was a great read. It was fast paced and filled with action. I loved the multiple povs, it gives the story so much more depth. Also the dragons! I always love reading about them and seeing their personalities. I loved the new characters and learning about their motivations. My heart was in my throat at times with all the twists and turns and waiting to see how things unfold. I would definitely recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ebook.