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kayshiddenshelf's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 Stars Rounded to 5 Stars
A slow burn turned rollercoaster as Jacquelyn Hagen delves deeper into characters, plot, and lore. The Blue Flames is the third book in The Riverfall Chronicles and sets the stage for continuation of the series beautifully.
Since finishing The Spider Key, I’ve been saving The Blue Flames for “just the right time” which finally struck and did not disappoint! The story continues shortly after the events of The Spider Key, and introduces new POVs, adding new insight into the growing plot the Colonists have faced.
Now there is a lot to break down, and my mind is reeling with all the reveals and developments throughout this 684-page chonker.
First and foremost, I was impressed with the characters and their developments. As the cast is now split up, I loved seeing how their individual arcs developed without the support system they have so heavily relied upon until now. There was also added intrigue as the author delves further into their relationships with nuance.
The first half of the book is a slow burn as events continue to progress and relationships are put to the test. Whereas the second half begins to pick up pace and turns into a whirlwind with thrilling events, satisfying payoffs and new challenges.
Part of the reason I love this series, is how it explores various themes. Including judgment of others, conspiracy, superiority/racism, and what it means to be a good person (and much more). It’s clear that there’s a lot of planning and care put into these themes, how it impacts the characters and the plot. Not only that, but there’s also several points in the book that hit home with meaningful messages.
Now, there’s a romantic subplot explored throughout The Blue Flames and while it wasn’t quite to my reading taste, it did feel earned and well executed. However, the found family throughout this series continues to grow on me and this may be my favourite found family to date.
In reading this series, I’ve come to love the characters, world, story and intrigue within the pages. This is the kind of series that would be perfect for a full spoiler discussion due to its depth and foreshadowing.
I also read this with both the physical copy and audiobook narrated by Wayne Farrell, which was another fantastic performance.
I highly recommend this series for fans of Gaslamp fantasy, with some genre blending, suspense and found family.
A slow burn turned rollercoaster as Jacquelyn Hagen delves deeper into characters, plot, and lore. The Blue Flames is the third book in The Riverfall Chronicles and sets the stage for continuation of the series beautifully.
Since finishing The Spider Key, I’ve been saving The Blue Flames for “just the right time” which finally struck and did not disappoint! The story continues shortly after the events of The Spider Key, and introduces new POVs, adding new insight into the growing plot the Colonists have faced.
Now there is a lot to break down, and my mind is reeling with all the reveals and developments throughout this 684-page chonker.
First and foremost, I was impressed with the characters and their developments. As the cast is now split up, I loved seeing how their individual arcs developed without the support system they have so heavily relied upon until now. There was also added intrigue as the author delves further into their relationships with nuance.
The first half of the book is a slow burn as events continue to progress and relationships are put to the test. Whereas the second half begins to pick up pace and turns into a whirlwind with thrilling events, satisfying payoffs and new challenges.
“Don’t you ever think about revenge?” “…I admit, I do sometimes think about it. But I’ve also seen how fixing on such an idea changes people. I don’t want that. I don’t want to be ruled by anything based in bitterness and anger, no matter how justified it may seem.”
Part of the reason I love this series, is how it explores various themes. Including judgment of others, conspiracy, superiority/racism, and what it means to be a good person (and much more). It’s clear that there’s a lot of planning and care put into these themes, how it impacts the characters and the plot. Not only that, but there’s also several points in the book that hit home with meaningful messages.
“There’s nothing you can’t do that you couldn’t before. It was only a little time you needed. Time and perseverance.”
Now, there’s a romantic subplot explored throughout The Blue Flames and while it wasn’t quite to my reading taste, it did feel earned and well executed. However, the found family throughout this series continues to grow on me and this may be my favourite found family to date.
In reading this series, I’ve come to love the characters, world, story and intrigue within the pages. This is the kind of series that would be perfect for a full spoiler discussion due to its depth and foreshadowing.
I also read this with both the physical copy and audiobook narrated by Wayne Farrell, which was another fantastic performance.
I highly recommend this series for fans of Gaslamp fantasy, with some genre blending, suspense and found family.
desolation73's review against another edition
5.0
The youngest sibling of SPBO9 finalist The Wickwire Watch is a chunker clocking in at just under 700 pages but in Hagen's capable hands not a page is wasted. I have thoroughly enjoyed this self published series and am looking forward to book no 4 this year. Go on order the wickwire watch and thank me later.
Without Mark Lawrence's competition highlighting self published novels and authors I would not have read this wonderful series and theres plenty other books worth devouring I am certain of it .
Without Mark Lawrence's competition highlighting self published novels and authors I would not have read this wonderful series and theres plenty other books worth devouring I am certain of it .
cyriax's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is, without a doubt, my favorite series of the year. The only story that comes close for me, though it is very different, is the Sun Eater series by Christopher Ruocchio if you would like an example of my reading tastes. Both of these series have compelled me to keep reading more than any others over the last couple years. The Riverfall Chronicles is compelling from the first line of The Wickwire Watch. As the story has progressed the depth of the characters and the world has grown. These characters now feel like family to me. The world feels like a home of sorts. Jacquelyn Hagen’s story has made me feel the full range of emotions. The pacing is just right. There is action but there is also time to sit with the characters and grow to understand their motivations and connections to one another. I feel, at its heart, this is primarily a tale driven by the revelations of its mysteries, both in the world and its characters. If you are looking for a new world to get lost in, you will find none better than this one. If you are an audiobook listener, the narrator is excellent. The audiobook is my preferred way to engage with this story. I will be patiently waiting for the next installment so I can return to this home away from home again.
alisha_karina_elisa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
laura_wska's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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