The Last of the Firedrakes

Book two in the firedrake series was a success. I was really pleased by the progression the characters and plot made. There was a lot going on in this book, including back-stabbing, political maneuvering, and fighting for survival. The story really started building, and I enjoyed the magical attributes.

The writing is really well done, and definitely enhances the experience! It’s easy to listen to or read this one in a single sitting! I was impressed by the creativity and unique moments in the story, and how the author incorporated so many things into a see less story.

All together, this was a spectacular sequel that builds on the first book and sets the reader up for a thrilling conclusion! Yet, book two doesn’t feel like a filler at all and is very exciting.

Really can’t get enough of this book, should definitely be turned into a movie 🎥 10/10 recommendation

This is the story of a feisty teenager named Aurora, who was pulled through a tapestry into a different world. A magical world with 7 kingdoms full of mystery and adventure. The fast paced story, the world and the characters had me hooked right away. And with many twists and turns I found it very hard to put down. It is my favorite book of the year.

First off, the world-building is wonderfully vivid. I enjoyed hearing about all of it: Avondale’s history, ancient magic, the fae, mages, royalty, politics, magical creatures (including a very special Pegasus) to the descriptions of meals and even some whimsical strawberries. Just be careful to grow them properly, otherwise beware of what gnomes might do.

“I walked through the rows of plants, looking at the labels that were written next to them. There were strawberry plants in a small tray, growing wonderful, juicy strawberries, each one of which had a...” The rest of the sentence is surprise.

There are all types of characters in this book. My favorite is the Black Wolf. He’s a handsome and mysterious guy who could be described as a different kind of Robin Hood. And because he is mysterious that’s all I will say....

“A shadow moved through the trees - the Black Wolf. With his dark, tousled hair, shining gray eyes, and ebony cloak rippling about him as he walked carefully and purposefully toward the guards, he looked like a sleek black panther ready to pounce on its prey.”

“He was dressed formally in a midnight-blue doublet and hose with silver embroidery on the cuffs and collar. His boots were high and polished to perfection. And as usual, he looked devastatingly handsome.”

I really enjoyed Aurora. She has a mind of her own and will fight for her cause and what is right. She is also like a fairy tale princess and a regular teenager in many ways. She is very trusting and she makes a few mistakes. And like most YA heroines, she takes too many risks. Thankfully, she has new friends to help her maneuver through her new world.

Many YA authors write fictional heroines to be a better version of ourselves. They are good at everything. I prefer a more realistic character like Aurora. She was the star of her story, but she was not perfect. The fantastic supporting characters did just that...they supported her and each other.

“How will you ever know the magnitude of your courage if you have never through experienced the hopelessness of fear?”

“I sighed deeply. He was right, I was being foolish. How could I ever have thought that I would do all these things? I would have liked to think that I could, but the road ahead sounded impossible.”

I highly recommend the audiobook of this novel. I believe the narrator (Fiona Hardingham) makes the story even more enjoyable. I love her accents. This is the second time I have listened to this book this year. I loved it just as much the second time. I originally listened to the series on Scribd and plan to purchase all 3 books in August.

This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary unbiased review. Thank you Farah Oomerbhoy! I hope you will be publishing another series soon.