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A review by haddyreadshere
Through The Fire by Amaka Azie
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is the second book in the Lagos Plastic Surgeon series, and honestly, I still feel the same way I did about the first — the heavier themes weren’t explored with as much depth as I would’ve liked.
The book touches on really important issues like grief, suicide, abandonment, and later on, even tribalism. But for a large part of the story, these themes felt either glossed over or overshadowed by the romance plot. Then, when the book does circle back to these issues, they’re addressed in a way that felt a bit rushed or surface-level.
I think there was room for more layered conversations between the characters, especially given the gravity of what they were dealing with. I wanted more insight into the why, more emotional complexity, especially once tribalism became a plot point.
That said, the romance wasn’t bad at all, it didn’t feel cringey or forced. And I have to give Amaka her flowers: she knows how to write an engaging story. Her writing draws you in and keeps you hooked. I didn’t want to put the book down, which says a lot.
Overall, I appreciate that she’s taking on these meaningful topics, I just wish they were explored with more depth. That’s really my only critique.
The book touches on really important issues like grief, suicide, abandonment, and later on, even tribalism. But for a large part of the story, these themes felt either glossed over or overshadowed by the romance plot. Then, when the book does circle back to these issues, they’re addressed in a way that felt a bit rushed or surface-level.
I think there was room for more layered conversations between the characters, especially given the gravity of what they were dealing with. I wanted more insight into the why, more emotional complexity, especially once tribalism became a plot point.
That said, the romance wasn’t bad at all, it didn’t feel cringey or forced. And I have to give Amaka her flowers: she knows how to write an engaging story. Her writing draws you in and keeps you hooked. I didn’t want to put the book down, which says a lot.
Overall, I appreciate that she’s taking on these meaningful topics, I just wish they were explored with more depth. That’s really my only critique.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicide, Grief, Suicide attempt