Fell a sleep reading this through the part about Rafe and Rezi talking, another reader highlighted the entire scene, glad for the parts with Micah and Ixbaab. She seems to disappear when this author writes an episode.

It’s the Night of Flames! Which I just realized is probably the Riverside version of Halloween, never mind I’ve read this episode three-ish times. Night of Flames, the festival, is described as “ surviving from the days of old gods” and it’s also when Kaab’s aunt’s funeral is held.

But there is unrest in the Balam compound as everyone doubts Kaab’s ability to take on her new responsibilities and I feel for her.

This concept of assuming a new role, however, is echoed across the season’s heroines, as not just Kaab takes on a new role, but also Tess in Riverside and Diane on the Hill. Kaab struggles to be seen as the new spymaster for her family, as Tess is uncertain in her role in Riverside. Meanwhile Davenant is subtly challenging Diane’s role as Duchess in her own right.

Other highlights of this episode included

Micah wanting to understand people better and her wonderful interaction with Diane (ANOTHER HUG!)
Rafe must be the most beautiful man in existence because every guy falls for him. Will, Florian, Reza, Kaab’s cousin- they’re all into Rafe on some level but what I was trying to mention was that Rafe runs into Reza at the Night of Flames and Florian is jealous.
Tess encourages some street kid’s gang to be smarter in their gang activity and I feel like I’m missing something here
Micah catches some ruffians in Diane’s boudior! It’s intense and Micah is very brave!
That inspector guy is here to inspect the Balam’s business operations and I’ll talk more about that in my next review

Night of the Flames (Tremontaine Season 3 Episode 4)
by Joel Derfner

The amazing aspect of this Mosaic novel is that you can miss episodes and still follow the story line. The aspect of looking at the characters attempting to cope with the cliff hangers from the last season. You find the beauty of characters and this world in every story. The personal struggles of the characters is addictive.
drawing the characters from the series to a height on anticipation, you reconnect to their dreams and their struggles.

PICK

This serial excites me more with each episode. Joel Derfner's first S3 offering delves into all sorts of juicy areas, with a particular emphasis on Kaab's latest challenge, Tess's leadership role, and and Micah's new social project. I'm beyond pleased to see more of Micah and Diane together, too, and Rafe and Reza's new connection has got me all !!!!!!!!!. THIS IS SUCH GOOD STUFF.

While Riverside revels in being released from its siege (and Tess tries to keep it from revelling in ways that would see the siege reinstated), the City – and Rafe – prepare to party through the Night of the Flames. But some fires have a sadder purpose, as the Kinwiinik release Ixsaabim’s spirit to rejoin her ancestors at last. With the Batab's inspector finally at her door, how can Kaab satisfy everyone who is watching her?

This week is about personal development and relationships, and it delivers character building in spades. Buckets and spades. One of the things I particularly like about Joel Derfner's episodes is that you never know what you'll get - here we have introspection, resolution and grief wrapped in beautiful prose. It's also one of those episodes that only gets better the more you read it (because there's so much going on).

While Kaab and Tess are learning to juggle responsibilities and make tough decisions on the fly, Diane - shockingly - appears to be giving in to her FEELINGS and allowing herself to form attachments (get on board, Duchess; the rest of us have adored Micah and Esha since they first appeared, and it didn't take honey to sweeten us up). There are so many big emotional moments this week I'm quite wrung out - and quietly impressed with the way our headstrong youngsters are all growing up (even Rafe is showing signs of maturity creeping up on him).

Great stuff.

I will write a review of the whole season when it is completed.

A bit of a slow chapter where very little actively happens. A lot of setup, little payoff.