Book Review: The Blackfire Blade
The Blackfire Blade by James Logan is the second book in his Last Legacy series. It releases to the world on November 4th.
I've been looking forward to reading this one since I turned the final page of Logan's first book Silverblood Promise. If you have read Scott Lynch's The Lies of Lock Lamora, Robert Jackson Bennett's The Tainted Cup, or Christopher Buehlman's The Blacktounge Thief you may enjoy this series too.
Before I dive into the main body of the review, I want to thank Logan for providing a synopsis of his previous book at the beginning of this one. I love books that do that. That should become a standard practice. It really helps jog one's memory. I read Silverblood Promise, the first book in this series, more than a year ago when it first came out. Yes, I could reread it, but there is not always time for that. Anyways, onto the review.
Blackfire Blade picks up the story a few weeks after the ending of Silverblood Promise. Lukan, Flea and Ashra (Lady Midnight) have left the City of Saphrona for the icey climes of Korslakov. They have the key to Lukan's father's vault in the Blackfire Bank. Lukan hopes answers to his father's murder lay inside.
After three weeks at sea, tensions are high between our heroes as their ship lands in the new city. Weeks cramped together in a tiny ship's hold will do that. In an effort to blow off some steam Lukan goes on a bender and is robbed by the mysterious thief Rook, who has been causing problems throughout Korslakov in recent months. What follows is a tale of mystery, murder, magic, and monsters as the crew works to reclaim Lukan's key.
This was one of the best second books in a series I have read. Sometimes, those middle books can suffer a bit in quality due to publishing pressure, reader expectations, etc... You will find none of that here. Logan brings his characters to life. The interpersonal struggles are relatable. The plot is excellently paced, and the mystery of it all keeps the pages turning.
I listened to the audiobook adaptation, narrated, again, by Brenock O'Connor, who played a young Olly on Game of Thrones. O'Connor has the perfect voice for Lukan. Despite his gravely narration of Lukan, he does an excellent job at changing his voice for Ashra and Flea when they are speaking. There is an interview between Logan and O'Connor at the end of this audiobook adaptation. I was stunned to discover that Silverblood Promise was O'Connor's first foray into the world of audiobook narration. He does an excellent job.
I really enjoyed The Blackfire Blade. Now, I impatiently await book three of the Legacy Series. 4.5/5 Stars
Thank you Net Galley, Macmillan Audio, and James Logan for the opportunity to review this audiobook in advance of its publication.
7/100