Wow. The middle book of a trilogy has a lot of weight to carry. Continuing the plot line while setting up for the story to conclude can be a daunting task and can overshadow the book, being its own story and not just a bridge.

Flamefall is anything but just a bridge.

Picking up mere hours after where Fireborne leaves off, the story opens with all of the forward momentum of its predecessor, propelling the plot deeper into the politics behind a revolution. This book is more focused on the characters on the ground, rather than in the air, and builds on the political intrigue of the first novel with a mastery and ease that floored me.

Rosaria Mundas' nuance is incredible. Every characters decision, every new well that is mined from these characters' souls, only strengthens the story and the understanding of just how deeply propaganda influences all. This is a series with a complexity that rivals the greats of high fantasy while still being presented in an easily digestible language.

I cannot wait to see how this series concludes, and to see what Rosaria Munda may have in store for any future releases.

I went into this book and series on the recommendation of my husband, and honestly, I had low expectations. I'm very picky with my fantasy media and when I had attempted to start this book a few months ago really wasn't sure I'd be able to get into the writing style, but God I am so glad I gave it a second chance because this story was enthralling. The characters are layered and real in the most subtle ways while still retaining the air that reminds you of how young they all are. The political intrigue is nuanced and beats through the heart of the story. And the dragon lore created for this series is some of the best I've ever read. There is not a dull moment, the tension is pulled taught from beginning to end and balances nicely between the personal tensions between the riders and the overarching tension of the onset of war. I cannot wait to dive into the next book and see where this world takes me next.