"I've been blind to it because it was a system that was benefited me."

Whyy do you do this to us Rosaria Munda? I absolutely loved Fireborne and anxiously awaited this second book in the trilogy, Flamefall. And yet now I'm immediately back in the same spot, furiously awaiting the final book. I can already tell that it's going to be absolutely epic. If I had nothing else to live for, this alone would keep me going.

Flamefall takes off right where Fireborne left off. Annie is ready to embrace her new role as Firstrider and Lee is recovering from his duel with Julia. Munda adds a third narrator to the mix for this book, Griff, a Pythian serf. I loved this character and the perspective he adds to the overall plot.

My favorite aspect of Fireborne was the focus on politics and the pitfalls of classism. Flamefall expands on this greatly, which makes this book feel more substantial than most other YA books I've read. Add to this the further deepening of the characters, their plights, and arcs and this book is unputdownable. The reader truly knows each character in and out, and at times you're not even sure who you're rooting for because you love everyone, even when they've become morally gray.

Excellent writing, with the development of both the plot and the characters. I can't wait for the finale!

Disclaimer: The quoted text is from an advanced reader copy I received from Penguin Teen in exchange for my honest review.

One of the things I enjoyed about Fireborne is the intricacy and depth of the plot and story overall. While it took me a bit longer to really “get” into the plot of Flamefall, I found it just as riveting and captivating. We pick up only a few days after Book 1 ended. I liked the contrast of Callipolis and New Pythos, the fighting of the old regime versus the new regime intriguing, as it was something Lee seemed to struggle with internally but now we see this struggle externally and the repercussions of Lee’s actions at the end of Book 1 become a focal point in Flamefall. I admit that I grew frustrated in some instances, especially between Lee and Annie and even with our new character, Griff. I always find it interesting, too, how those who ushered in the “new regime” are still falling back to some aspects on the old regime of Lee’s father and are definitely benefiting from it. It was also a bit of a revelation when I was realized Callipolan’s fleet of dragons are completely made up of teenagers. We don’t see any of the adults taking their spot as riders. This might be a “duh” moment to some, but the amount of power this put into the hands of teenagers is astounding, and they truly do seem to carry the weight of the world–and its future–on their shoulders. I liked how events throughout the book played out, despite how frustrating some may have been and how many times I wanted to smack Lee!

I found the events in New Pythos, involving Griff and the dragonlords there, completely entrancing. Frustrating, for sure, (as that seems to be one of the common themes while reading this book), but also…liberating and brave. I’m really looking forward to see how this evolves, especially as we have a bit more expansion of the world itself beyond Callipolos and now New Pythos.

Right off the bat I was taken aback by the new POV of Griff, a dragonrider of New Pythos, an island that is still stuck in the ways of the old regime despite letting lowborn people ride. Automatically, readers can see what New Pythos lacks and despite giving the ability to ride and have a dragon doesn’t mean people like Griff are treated equally. The sense of yearning and desire between Griff and Delos, Griff’s lord, is felt so keenly as well. The same could almost be said of Lee and Annie. I’ve liked the two of them from the get-go, especially how much they mean to each other, how they’ve confided in one another, and to see that ripped apart in this book was difficult. But there is hope! The revelation regarding Lee is taken pretty well by his fellow dragonriders but even less so by those adults in power. The tension between Lee and Atreus was near palpable, and I found Lee’s anger quite fitting.

I really wanted to like Julia, too. Even though we don’t see her in Book 2, I hoped she was…different. But as we follow along those in New Pythos, we see that wasn’t the case. I’m pretty sure I rolled my eyes and ground my teeth in frustration so much regarding her role at New Pythos. I think I wanted her to be different, that the author would shout, “Kidding!” in regards to the end of Book 1.

I will continue to applaud Munda’s world-building. It’s incredible in this series, which can only mean it’ll get even better in Book 3. These characters and their world really pull you in and we’re left not really sure, in a sense, if this new regime in Callipolis is truly better, or if we’re seeing the faults and cracks in what they thought was “better.” I’m definitely excited to read the final book (even though this one isn’t out yet, haha) and see where we finally land with Lee, Annie, and now Griff.

Flamefall is the kind of book that becomes an intensified experience when you read it under the cover of a rainstorm. I was riveted from the moment I opened this book, and let me just tell you, I couldn’t imagine this story going the way that it did. It’s intricate and so incredibly well thought out. Everything feels like it’s being held back for the right moment to be revealed and when it finally is...wow. It’s simply a phenomenal way to craft a story. On top of that, your connection to the characters will triple. Lee, Annie, and Griff will make you want to weep by the end of this book. And of course, we simply cannot forget the dragons! Get it on your TBR list, because you’re going to want it on your shelf!

If you haven’t read Fireborne yet, what are you waiting for?! Make sure to get it on your list, and come back to this review once you’ve finished it. It will be well worth the wait.

In Flamefall, the Dragonlords fled a revolution and settled in New Pythos, getting ready for the day that they overtake their usurpers and claim the land they believe they have the rightful claim to. They’ll start by destroying the Callipolan food supply, and then coming for the dragonriders. In Callipolis, Annie has become the nation's Firstrider but at the cost of the trust of her people. Lee is struggling to find his footing after the death of his family member, does he keep up with the façade of the regime, or join the revolutionaries? Then there’s Griff, the lowborn dragon rider serving a cruel dragonlord in New Pythos. With his protection gone, he will finally have to make the decision between his oppressor or the freedom of his people with the aid of a certain Callipolan Firstrider. These three are going to have to figure out what to fight for, and who to love.

There’s a certain intensity to this story that I feel can’t really be found in other books. The political aspects and ideologies are something that I didn’t think I would feel connected to, but Rosaria Munda has this incredible ability to make you care for the politics of this book. There are several systems in place that are at odds, and what’s even more fascinating, I feel like readers will get to see the downfalls of even the most well meaning ideologies. Blend this with Annie, Lee, and Griff’s perspectives and you have this phenomenal story that not only combines amazing world building, but that character building is impeccable.

I loved exploring Annie and Lee in more depth than in the first book. They’re both going through a lot, and there’s definitely a shift in their attitudes that I think brings a real connection between the reader and the characters. In Fireborne I feel like I really sympathised with Lee a lot more than Annie, but boy did I change my mind in Flamefall. There’s a line in this book that serves a true gut punch and it's about burying the dead. I couldn’t quite see the inspiration Munda had when writing Fireborne, but it truly shines in Flamefall. Annie’s journey is constantly straddling the edge of a knife’s blade, and much like chess, she’s carefully planning her next move in order to win.

Lee’s decision making gets significantly impacted in this book, and I spent half the book a little mad at him because he seemed to be self-destructing. However, there’s something deeper going on, which is the fact that he’s battling some PTSD on top of anxiety and possibly some depression. As he and Annie begin to disagree on how to achieve their end goals, you start seeing how destabilising it is for Lee’s mental health.

Griff’s perspective is the most heartbreaking of the three, and I felt for him throughout the entire book. Without his perspective though, I feel like we’d miss a lot of the issues that are prevalent from having a hierarchical system.

With everything going on in this book, romance almost doesn’t even seem to be part of the equation, but Munda manages to pull out these sweet moments between certain characters that just tugs at your heart. There’s also the moments of friendship that made my heart so happy, especially because it just emphasizes the relationships that these characters have made can transcend just being people in a room working as part of a squad. Crissa especially shines in this respect, and I cannot wait to see how her character will grow/change in the next book. I wasn’t expecting her to rise up, but when she did, she buffered a lot of the harsh edges that Annie and Lee have.

We absolutely cannot forget the dragons. They’re still amazingly impressive, and Aela is my favourite by far.

The story moves at a fast pace, but does so in a way that feels easy to get through. It’s balanced in terms of action vs. politics vs. character interactions. This book has the time and balance for all of it without being overwhelming in any aspect. I truly feel like this is a versatile book that a lot of readers would enjoy. I certainly have no complaints aside from a wish for Munda to hurry and finish the third book.

Rosaria Munda's Fireborne offered a surprising balm for Game of Thrones fans' hearts when it hit shelves last spring. A complex tale of revolution, politics, and class issues with dragons thrown on top, it certainly wasn't the story I expected when I first picked it up. Its sequel, Flamefall, takes what worked about Fireborne and builds upon it, crafting a surprisingly thoughtful and multifaced story that provokes readers to think in ways that few other YA trilogies are even attempting at the moment.

Now THAT is how you write a sequel. In case you missed it, Fireborne was one of my favorite reads of 2019 and remains one of my all time favorite books to this day. I have so much love for this trilogy. So, it should be not surprise that Flamefall was one of my most anticipated releases of 2021.

And wow. Oh my gosh, wow. I feel like my heart has been torn apart and put back together, From the first page, I was instantly sucked back into this incredible story... I loved how this sequel expanded on the first book. First of all, the addition of a new character POV, Griff, was fantastic. I enjoyed seeing the world continue to expand through his perspective in New Pythos. Then, of course I loved all the characters who have been around. Lee and Annie continue to have my heart and watching them grow through this book was incredible. Their individual personalities and beliefs contribute so much to this story, and I love it.

The author continues to have an incredible cast of well developed side characters in this sequel as well, which was an aspect I enjoyed in the first book. The expansion on Crissa and Power was lovely and of courseeeee. I couldn't get enough of Duck! I love that cinnamon roll boy.

The plot in this was gripping. I think the direction that this trilogy is taking is very interesting and I can't wait to see how it plays out in the third book! I'm already counting down the days until the final book of this trilogy releases, and I'm excited for it and terrified. This trilogy has easily secured a spot on my list of favorites and I cannot get enough of it. I'd highly recommend this trilogy to anyone and everyone who likes dragons, political intrigue, and complicated relationships. This sequel is incredible and I'm so excited for you all to be able to read it soon!

Thank you to Penguin Teen for providing me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am struggling to write a review for this book because it was so epic but I do not want to give too much away. Flamefall picks up pretty much right after the first book, Fireborne, ends. We still are reading from Lee and Annie's POV but a third POV is added from a new character Griff. I was a bit hesitant about this addition of a POV to the book but I really enjoyed Griff's storyline and getting to see the other side of things on New Pythos. He starts out as a bit of an underdog but he is not a character you should underestimate.

The character development was perfect for both Annie and Lee. They are both trying to navigate their world, responsibilities and feelings with each other while basically standing on two different sides of the line. They each have tough choices to make and you can feel how torn they are during this book. My one complaint is that I wish Annie and Lee would just communicate for once!! It is a constant back and forth of them wanting to talk to the other, wanting to support or be with each other but they just stay silent. Majority of the time they are literally thinking the same thing and I just want to knock some sense into them. I love their relationship so much and their chemistry just oozes of the pages of this book.

Flamefall is much like Fireborne where the pacing can sometimes feel a bit slow and drags a bit because of how heavy the politics are in the book. Overall this is exactly what a sequel should be for every series and I am already anxiously waiting for the third book. Flamefall is full of even more action packed dragons, characters and politics that will leave you wanting more.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars.

Flamefall was one of my 2021 most anticipated reads and it exceeded my expectations!

Lee is really struggling after what he did to Julia. He isn’t sure what is right anymore... one thing is for sure, though... he doesn’t want to be part of a regime that hoards rations for certain people and allows others to go hungry.

Annie is the new Firstrider and she is stuck between a rock and a hard place. No longer is she the quiet and reserved girl she used to be. She has a responsibility to the people of Callipolis.

The Pythian people are planning to take back what is theirs from Callipolis and they are starting with the granary... but things quickly get out of hand causing dragon and torch fire to blaze through.

And a new POV is added to the mix. Griff, who I loved, is a lowborn servant but he is also a dragon rider. But his dragon and the rest of the dragons there in New Pythos are muzzled and unable to breathe their flames. Those he serves want to see Callipolis brought to their knees, but Griff feels differently. He longs to help do what is right, leading him to seek guidance from Callipolis’s new Firstrider.

There is an uprising in Callipolis that is gaining traction. We see Lee have to make some really hard decisions as to where he lays his loyalties for the best of the people. And Annie has the difficult job of being an authority figure in a time like this. It makes her job harder, but she still does the very best she can.

Flamefall is an action packed! Annie, Lee and Griff have to maneuver through duty and honor to determine what is best for the people they care about. My heart completely broke for Cor who loses so much in this book. And the romances we see in this were so great. Annie and Lee may not seeing eye to eye but the feelings they have for one another burn just under the surface. While Griff longs so deeply for someone whom his class determines he may not ever be able to be with.

*Review will be published March 18th*

GREAT MIDDLE BOOK.

We all know that sometimes a middle book doesn’t have the same fire as the first. I thought this was a great second book! SO MUCH happened.

This is a high action book. Everywhere I turned there were dragon attacks, a whole lot of fire, backstabbing and betrayals. It was plenty to keep track of and I enjoyed the challenge. I really like the addition of Griff into the story. He was able to provide insight from the other side of the war. I loved his romance sub-plot and how Griff continued to strive for a better solution for his situation and of those he loved.

Getting more of Annie and Lee was the best. I love this push and pull relationship. It doesn’t feel contrived, there’s a lot both characters have to work through. Pain, grief and anger. Lee and Annie had to look within themselves and had wonderful character progression. The tidbits of romance only make me want more and what’s hopefully a long awaited happy ever after!

A high action book filled with tough conversations and reveals. I would definitely lean this towards a darker YA book. There’s war, high loss of lives, and some really twisted individuals. I looooove all of the dragons and this might be one of my top series involving them. I can’t wait for the finale and to know where all of this leads!

Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: murder, mass loss of lives, mass burnings, physical, creature attacks; fairly violent nature throughout the book

Fireborne quickly became one of my favorite books of 2019, and I was absolutely dying to read the sequel. I picked this ARC up as soon as I was approved (thank you, Penguin Teen!) because I couldn’t wait any longer. Flamefall picks up right where we left off, dealing with new threats and old grudges.

After a deadly battle, Lee deals with the aftereffects of killing his own cousin as well as the realization that maybe, in the end, he still doubts the side he chose. He begins to question the good of the People’s Revolution and joins a rebel group that wants a democratic government and the abolition of the metals test. Annie picks up the mantle of Firstrider and has to quell the rising revolts around the city as well as protecting everyone from the constant threat of war. Meanwhile, in New Pythos, Griff is a peasant dragon rider living under a brutal regime. During a battle, he crosses paths with Annie and they begin to communicate throughout the book. As unrest and hunger grows in Callipolis, the threat of New Pythos grows closer and closer.

As in the first book, my favorite part of this book was the characters and their arcs. It was fascinating to see how the three narrators, along with the side characters like Cor and Power, interact and how they reflect each other’s best and worst qualities. Cor’s rashness influences Lee’s rage-filled grief, and the two of them plot along with the rebellion. Meanwhile, Annie does what she thinks is right for the city, and Power surprisingly often sides with her. However, he always goes a little too far, which serves a reminder for Annie as to how much is too much.

Although Annie begins to be villainized in her city, she unknowingly becomes a hero to the serfs in New Pythos, such as Griff, as a former peasant turned Firstrider. Her position of authority lessens Griff’s reluctance towards helping her while endangering his family and the people he cares about. He’s always been contrary by nature, rebelling in small ways, but he ultimately wants his people to be free of the dragonborn.

Another aspect of this series that I love was the precariousness of it all. I will say that some of the tension of the last book is lost now that Lee’s identity is public knowledge. However, that was quickly solved with the suspense Griff’s chapters put me through. Whereas the tension in Fireborne was like dancing along the edge of a cliff, Flamefall walks closer and closer to the edge while not quite knowing just how close it is.

The romance is more and less prevalent, if that makes sense. Annie and Lee no longer have to hide their feelings for one another, but also, they’re starting to grow away from each other in other ways. Griff slowly realizes his feelings for Delo, although they must deal with the uneven power balance of a dragonlord and his squire. I will say that, while Griff was coerced into a relationship with Julia, Delo has never treated him as a servant. Instead, he’s always treated him as a friend even if Griff has rebuffed the familiarity.

I can’t say much about the plot without possibly spoiling it since a big event happens within the first 25%. Basically, though, Annie’s and Lee’s interests begin to diverge. As in the above quote, the two of them start their own separate journeys and keep secrets from each other.

We also see how, despite being fairer than the dragonlord regime, the Callipolan government still ultimately benefits a small subset of people over the community as a whole. This book deals with the fall-out of this as a rebellion spills out. Griff’s narrative serves as a window to New Pythos and as a reminder that even if the People’s Revolution in Callipolis is flawed, the old regime is still bloody and prejudicial and wrong.

The ending honestly made me scream; the first book didn’t end in much of a cliffhanger, so I wasn’t expecting this book to end where it did! Why does book three have to be so far way…

Flamefall was a thrilling sequel, one that lived up to my expectations and then some. I loved the character arcs and dynamics, as well as the writing. The plot was entirely entrancing; I couldn’t put this book down. I can’t recommend this series enough!

I absolutely love Rosaria Munda's writing. She is able to draw out so much emotion and tension and Flamefall did not disappoint. It was so tense that I had to set it aside several times, not being able to handle how stressed I was for the characters.

I love Lee and Annie and this book was painful for me to see them drift apart and keep things from one another. I hated that they weren't able to confide in one another through a lot of this book. Their miscommunication and lack of expressing what was on their hearts- broke my heart. I wanted them to just talk and get a sense of what the other really felt. It was really hard for me to read.

Kudos to Munda for making me so emotional with this book. It was a lot harder a read for me than the first book, with death, miscommunication and the line being drawn between sides.

I am so curious and nervous about where things will go from here.

Thank you for approval of this book! I can't wait to read much more from this author.

I am absolutely in love with this series! The political intrigue, world-building, and characters are all such big hits for me...AND then there are the dragons! Obviously, I can't say enough good things about the Aurelian Cycle and how captivated by this series I am. It has been a while since I've been invested in a good series and wanted to sink into one and really savor it rather than just devour it in a weekend to get to the end. I will truly miss the characters until the next installment. It cannot come quick enough.