A review by cloreadsbooks1364
So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole

adventurous fast-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

4.5

This YA fantasy is set in a Jamaican-inspired world, and focuses on two very powerful sisters.

Faron is the Childe Empyrean, 5 years ago she used her ability to channel the gods' power to defeat the dragon-riding Langish forces and free her small island nation, San Irie. Then, at the international peace summit, her sister Elara is shocked to bond with a Langish dragon, Zephyra, and her rider Signey. Faron must figure out how to break the bond and bring her sister home, alongside discovering shocking secrets that could harm everyone.

I liked Elara from the start. She was strong, caring and so lovable. I found myself becoming impatient to return to her pov during the alternating chapters where Faron had her pov. She quickly accepted the bond with Zephyra and fit in well in Hearthstone, the dragon riding school, and I'd have loved to see more of her there.
Faron was very brave, she always spoke her mind, and made very rash decisions. As the Childe Empyrean she was worshipped, which she was quite tired of. 
Reeve, the son of the Langish commander, who helped win the war 5 years ago by telling the Iryans his father's plans, was a very studious, calm, character, who thought before he acted (something I think Faron should've learnt). I enjoyed him as a character.
Signey was a character I liked immediately. Sharp, funny, trustworthy, and loyal, I enjoyed the slow-burn romance between her and Elara immensely.
Zephyra, the sweet sage dragon, was amazing, as most book dragons tend to be. 
Aveline, the young Queen of San Irie, was such a strong character! 

The magic in this book included the Langish dragon powers, the Iryan ancestor-summoning, and the Iryan drakes (flying machines that combat dragons.

I loved this book and will certainly read the sequel upon its release!

Queer rep:
Demisexual mc (Faron)
Sapphic mc (Elara)
Sapphic sc (Signey)

TWs: possession, bullying, death, violence, war, colonisation, racism, blood.

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