I loved Songlight so was thrilled to have the chance to read Torchfire thanks to NetGalley and Faber. The writing, the pace, the ideas, the energy are all on a par with Songlight making this a gripping read - and leaving me wanting to read the third instalment as soon as I can. However, and the fault may be mine (it is after all 9 months since I read Songlight, and I haven't had an agile teenage brain for a long while now!) but I found it much harder to keep track of the different threads, locations and characters in this book. I think it would benefit from some kind of a recap at the beginning - or perhaps a list of characters (with both their names!) and how they are linked. I like the way they all have bird names but at times I did get confused as to which was which, and when some characters only refer to others by their non-bird name, well I just struggled! A sort of cheat sheet for the terminology used by the different people groups, and a list of the places and what they are to each people group as well would help. The map is nice but doesn't really remind me who lives in Reem for example. And, whilst I know it is part of the story and of the characters themselves, but the way in which e.g. Swan is both good and bad, is another element that just added to the slight muddle I felt. All that aside, I was swept along with the various different elements of the story and each one is exciting in its own right - I am looking forward to seeing how they all tie together in the end. Grateful to NetGalley and Faber. for the e-ARC.

This is the second book in the series. The first book was not particularly light, but this book gets very dark, with murder, and genocide themes. A new character, Petra appears and our original characters, well, it’s not good! This is an excellent continuation of the story, with difficult subjects excellently handled., I just hope things turn around for the next book! My thanks to Netgalley and Faber for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was worried about how this book would work. Pacing wise, second books fall short and this didn't have that problem. There's a lot of people, new and old to keep track of, but I came to love the different POVs. Piper was my favourite, he just had a great journey in this, but Wren was a close second. I do have to say if any more bird names crop up I will scream. Because it's getting confusing for my heatwave scrambled brains. Thank you for coming to my TED talk. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

Torchfire throws you straight back into the heart of the Aylish–Brightland conflict—and the stakes have never been higher. •Elsa is fleeing Northaven, desperate to find safety. •Nightingale is held captive by the chilling Sister Swan •Piper has risen through the Airmen’s ranks. •And Rye? He’s discovered an airship unlike anything he’s ever seen. •Four paths. One fragile hope: peace. The character work is rich, the pacing relentless a YA dystopian that reads with the weight and complexity of adult fiction. A dark society where the characters suffer for being different, the prejudice is real. They’re told how to act, think and are punished or used. This second instalment builds beautifully on Songlight, deepening arcs and sharpening moral dilemmas. Expect adventure, betrayal, impossible choices and a growing fear that peace might demand more than anyone is ready to give. The plot was engaging from the start, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. The introduction of new characters adds to the story perfectly. Twist and turns you never see coming told from 6 different POV’s added to the tension. The representation is phenomenal, the stories of each character complex and heart breaking. You love to hate, then, hate to love. If you crave immersive worlds and characters who tug at your heart while breaking it, this is one for your TBR. This is the 2nd book of the Torch Trilogy, and I need book 3 right now!!! Tropes you’ll love: •Found Family – bonds forged in danger •Loyalty vs. Morality – the ultimate choice •Corrupt Leaders – power in the wrong hands •Captive Hero – freedom comes at a price •Multiple POVs – Six voices, one story •High-Stakes Rebellion – lives on the line