L'Aurora et son équipage partent explorer les îles volcanique du nord où le père d'Arthur et Maudie a autrefois découvert les papillons Brightstorm et où vivrait une espèce d'ours extralucide... Mais l'impitoyable Eudora Vane, qui feignait d'avoir perdu la mémoire, les suit de près. Arriveront-ils à retrouver leur famille perdue et à protéger leurs découvertes naturelles des appétits de leurs ennemis ?
I received a review copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
FIRESONG is the triumphant finale to this exploration-based trilogy full of flying ships, devious explorers (and good one!), and a world in need of protecting. Having headed south and east in previous books, this time we head to the volcanic north, where ice and fire meet! There's adventure, danger, and more of the fabulous world to explore.
The series has slowly focused more and more on protecting the world, exploring it to learn more to help conservation - and that theme is very apparent here. Illegal pitch mining is causing damage and a pro-human/anti-sapient animal group is gaining prominence. The Brightstorm twins aren't just in personal danger, but have to convince well-endowed groups to put aside their personal preferences and short-term gains for the good of all.
After being separated for a fair chunk of DARKWHISPERS, the twins are back together for all of this book, but life it pulling them apart. I liked seeing this aspect of sibling relationships, how life can physically take you in different directions and the ways you can react that make it better or worse for the relationship overall.
We have a new travelling companion for the Brightstorms and their crew, who stays with them much of the book. The niece of briefly appearing kings from BRIGHTSTORM make their exploratory duo a trio, a princess who'd much rather be exploring than learning to rule. It was so nice to have a new character join for a long stretch, add a new layer to the well-established dynamics.
We also spent more time in Lonton (the explorers, capital.) There is still plenty of exploration to be had, new locations to see (and lots of peril!) but the city got to shine (or rather, not!) this time around. To the point that we got a city map in addition to the continent maps!
While this is the final book of the trilogy, the ending (and author's note) hint that there might be space for more books in this world focused on other characters. Fingers crossed for more stories set in this world!
The first of the series Brightstorm is currently my favourite book. It was the book that made me love reading children's books and I've been looking forward to reading this installment since it was announced.
It really does not disappoint, ideally you should read all the books but Vashti is able to weave the past into the book enough to remind you of what happened previously.
The twins are back together and travel North. They are following in their dads footsteps and who knows what they might discover. A mysterious song plays in their mind. New characters are introduced - are they friends or foes? And who is the foe? What about Vane and her memories? (No spoliers here!)
I love the way Vashti writes, everything is so clear in my mind and I was totally transported to the Wide. During Firesong we discover that sapient animals are in danger, as to is our planet. Themes around the environment and doing what is right are central to this story.
Definitely a book to read and one that a class is bound to love. As a reminder make sure to read the epilogue and Vashti's notes at the end as the end may not be want it seems....
What an amazing conclusion to the adventures of the Brightstorm twins. This was the best book in the series. Again, loved the steampunk elements, loved the exploring. The descriptions of the wilderness in all the books in the series is just beautiful - the earth care message is clear throughout the series, but more specifically in this book. And the delivery method is so wonderful and powerful. The sapient creatures are definitely my favourites. I appreciated seeing the twins change and have to make more mature decisions as they grew older rather than just remaining the same kids going on adventures throughout the series. The intrigue is maintained throughout the book, right up to the last sentence. Fingers crossed there may be further adventures with either the Brightstorm twins or the sapient creatures of their world in the future!
The twins and Aurora crew are going on a mission again. Arthur and Maudie have been hearing a song only that they can hear. They are going to the Volcanic North, where there deceased father had found a moth that is their family symbol. Aunt Eudora is still determined to destroy the Brightstorm family name. Why? As the twins and Aurora crew get further north on their journey, theire are long buried secrets revealed. What are these secrets?
The novel is full of adventure. There was a special feeling of adventure that I enjoyed. It’s a story of loyalty and fighting Aunt Eudora. It was fun to read.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from NetGalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
I loved this set so much! It really surprised me how much. I really wasn’t sure when I started whether I would like it or not but I loved everything about it.
This was an amazing conclusion to the Brightstorm trilogy and a joy to read, loads of fun and the writing style just flows really well and is easy to read.
5 stars - I needed a pick me up after a few mediocre books and this was definitely it!
This third book is a wonderful conclusion to the story of the Brightstorm twins.
Another adventure awaits and finally, the mysteries and secrets of their family become exposed, Arthur and Maudie can put the puzzle pieces together, start to understand and then start moving forward.
The final installment of the Brightstorm trilogy sees Arthur and Maud follow in their father's footsteps into the Volcanic North. As ever, their evil aunt Eudora has malevolent plans for them as they go in search of the fabled Brightstorm Moth. As with the previous Brightstorm expeditions, this is a non-stop adventure but with deeper themes of family, friendship and a reflection of the need to look after our environment, just as Arthur is looking after his.
Another smash hit from Vashti Hardy. This is the third in the Brightstorm series and I loved it! The characters have matured yet stayed true to their personalities and relationships.
Read it in 3 days and was so upset when it had ended. I’m worried this is meant to be the end of the trilogy as it has definitely been left on a cliffhanger. I need to know what happens next!!
Whilst I do think that this ending could have been a little bit better I love that it kept it pretty open at the end for a continuation series. I always thought that there was so much you could do with this story/world so I'm glad it isn't over for good yet.
Not my favourite in the series as I found it a little slow in places. However great adventure in a well written world, with great characters. Left open for further books in the series, which I hope will get written as there are so many possibilities from the series.
Best one yet! I loved it - the development of Maudie and Arthur’s relationship, the wider themes of protecting the earth and what it means to be family.
Arthur, Maudie and the rest of the Aurora crew decide to go on an expedition to the Volcanic North and experience the mission that their father did all those years ago. They want to see the Brighstorm moth and discover what was so fascinating in this area. But…Eudora Vane, their evil and manipulative aunt, still desperately wants to destroy the Brightstorm name and she’s prepared to unearth any secrets she can in order to do so.
The final Brightstorm adventure came with much anticipation and Vashti Hardy certainly did not disappoint. I had real expectations and I loved every second of reading Firesong. Vashti Hardy is an absolute master of world building, putting the reader right inside the action with descriptions that feel so real I could imagine myself on a skyship right next to Arthur and Maudie. I love the conservation theme that shines through as the Brightstorm twins consider their impact on their world and the legacy their missions with leave. The plot was thrilling and twisting with so many moments I was screaming at the twins, wishing them to realise that dastardly Eudora Vane was so close to destroying them for good!
Growing up is never easy and for the twins that much is clear. They have grown together and grown apart and now they are in their teenage years, both are beginning to realise that they have significant differences. These differences are beginning to draw them apart and it was lovely to see their relationship dynamic explored and how they matured together. The sapient species are again incredibly vividly described and it is interesting to see how many people respond in fear to something they do not understand. Eudora Vane once more delights with her nefarious schemes – I do love a good villain.
The best yet! Vashti Hardy has absolutely left me wanting more…and fingers crossed we will see this world again. 5 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to Scholastic for sending a copy to review.
Vashti Hardy has quickly become one of my favourite authors for middle-grade fiction. The storytelling in this third opus is still just as strong as the previous books in the series. Can't wait to read Serpent of the Sands.