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The Riverfall Chronicles #3
The Blue Flames
THE FIRESTORM IS COMING.
A Colonist is dead. Another has been captured. The rest find themselves scattered across Eriaris, each in a different dangerous situation, and with no memory of how they got there. Survival is the first concern. Home is a close second.
The journey won’t be easy. Some must contend with slavers and bandits, others with bounty hunters and vengeful Entrians. A few are even put before the Elders of the High Council. To make matters worse, one of the harshest winters in history has begun, slowing travel and hindering the rescue efforts of those still on Riverfall.
All is not lost, however. Though the Colonists will need every ounce of courage and strength to endure their trials, there is unexpected help along the way, and moments of hope and joy even in the darkest hours. Most surprising is the wealth of secrets they discover, powerful enough to end their nine-year exile and deal a serious blow to their worst foes.
But they must act quickly. The noose is tightening, the fuses are lit, the knives have been sharpened. With enemies closing in on all sides, the peril has never been greater. And no one is prepared for how it will end.
A Colonist is dead. Another has been captured. The rest find themselves scattered across Eriaris, each in a different dangerous situation, and with no memory of how they got there. Survival is the first concern. Home is a close second.
The journey won’t be easy. Some must contend with slavers and bandits, others with bounty hunters and vengeful Entrians. A few are even put before the Elders of the High Council. To make matters worse, one of the harshest winters in history has begun, slowing travel and hindering the rescue efforts of those still on Riverfall.
All is not lost, however. Though the Colonists will need every ounce of courage and strength to endure their trials, there is unexpected help along the way, and moments of hope and joy even in the darkest hours. Most surprising is the wealth of secrets they discover, powerful enough to end their nine-year exile and deal a serious blow to their worst foes.
But they must act quickly. The noose is tightening, the fuses are lit, the knives have been sharpened. With enemies closing in on all sides, the peril has never been greater. And no one is prepared for how it will end.
684 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2023
11 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Hagen
4 books83 followersJacquelyn Hagen is the author of the epic fantasy series "The Riverfall Chronicles". She currently resides wherever the U.S. Air Force needs her to be. In her free time, she devours stories in every form (usually while hanging out with her two big fluffy dogs), but has also been known to play in folk bands, raise chickens, and try to improve her bread-baking skills.
Visit her website at jacquelynhagen.com.
Visit her website at jacquelynhagen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 4, 2024
First read 2023: 5 stars
Second read 2024: 5 glowing stars!! (how was this even better on re-read?!?!?)
After the BRUTAL cliffhanger that ended The Spider Key, I was equal parts nervous and excited to dive into this sequel. And upon reading the first page, I just got completely sucked back in and simply could not stop reading until I had turned the final page. The Blue Flames is truly everything I wanted it to be, and then so much more.
The way that this narrative just keeps building and expanding is nothing short of masterful. This book definitely feels a lot less cozy than its predecessors, but Hagen balances the darkness with the light so well. Within the span of a couple of pages, she can make me cry tears of joy, sorrow, and relief; and all because she has managed to get me so deeply (terribly) emotionally invested in these characters' lives.
You see, this cast of utterly endearing characters is just simply the best found family I have EVER met, and seeing how they were suffering and put through the wringer here, especially at the start, truly pained my soul beyond belief. However, the fact that they are now alone and scattered all over the world doesn't mean that the found family vibes are gone, because their love for and loyalty to each other just continues to drive them all forward.
The character dynamics are only becoming more complex, and I especially loved some of the heartfelt and difficult conversations that some of these characters had with each other. Themes of mental health, love vs. hatred, morality, parenthood, and adult relationships are so beautifully and meaningfully handled in this series, which is exactly why these characters all feel so painfully human and relatable. MY HEART WAS NOT OKAY (and I loved it).
I also just adored all the exciting and jaw-dropping revelations we got, both in terms of the long-running mysteries of this world and in terms of some characters' complicated pasts and messy entanglements. There is such an addictive air of intrigue permeating every aspect of this story, which is exactly why I just can't stop devouring this series. And then combine all that with Wayne Farrell's outstanding audiobook performance, delivered as if its a full cast production, and I was just doomed; I inhaled this book in 2.5 days, and I have zero regrets (okay maybe some regrets, because hello book hangover...).
The Blue Flames is the longest book in the series so far, and it absolutely earns every single word in there. The action is beautifully balanced with the more heartfelt and introspective moments, and all the character development is truly magnificent to witness. There are some very unlikely alliances struck in this instalment, and the way that Hagen makes you doubt your own judgement on characters is just masterfully done.
I could gush on and on (and on) about how much I love this series, but I think everything can be summed up in one short sentence: This world feels like home and these characters feel like family.
I feel like I could meet them all on the street right now, and when I turn the last page of one of these books, it truly feels like these characters are just living on.
The Riverfall Chronicles has catapulted to the top of my all-time favourite series list, and I am beyond desperate to see where the story goes from here. This gaslamp mystery fantasy series is truly everything I didn't know I needed, and I think it deserves all the love in the world.
Highest of recommendations, this series is why I read.
Second read 2024: 5 glowing stars!! (how was this even better on re-read?!?!?)
After the BRUTAL cliffhanger that ended The Spider Key, I was equal parts nervous and excited to dive into this sequel. And upon reading the first page, I just got completely sucked back in and simply could not stop reading until I had turned the final page. The Blue Flames is truly everything I wanted it to be, and then so much more.
The way that this narrative just keeps building and expanding is nothing short of masterful. This book definitely feels a lot less cozy than its predecessors, but Hagen balances the darkness with the light so well. Within the span of a couple of pages, she can make me cry tears of joy, sorrow, and relief; and all because she has managed to get me so deeply (terribly) emotionally invested in these characters' lives.
You see, this cast of utterly endearing characters is just simply the best found family I have EVER met, and seeing how they were suffering and put through the wringer here, especially at the start, truly pained my soul beyond belief. However, the fact that they are now alone and scattered all over the world doesn't mean that the found family vibes are gone, because their love for and loyalty to each other just continues to drive them all forward.
The character dynamics are only becoming more complex, and I especially loved some of the heartfelt and difficult conversations that some of these characters had with each other. Themes of mental health, love vs. hatred, morality, parenthood, and adult relationships are so beautifully and meaningfully handled in this series, which is exactly why these characters all feel so painfully human and relatable. MY HEART WAS NOT OKAY (and I loved it).
I also just adored all the exciting and jaw-dropping revelations we got, both in terms of the long-running mysteries of this world and in terms of some characters' complicated pasts and messy entanglements. There is such an addictive air of intrigue permeating every aspect of this story, which is exactly why I just can't stop devouring this series. And then combine all that with Wayne Farrell's outstanding audiobook performance, delivered as if its a full cast production, and I was just doomed; I inhaled this book in 2.5 days, and I have zero regrets (okay maybe some regrets, because hello book hangover...).
The Blue Flames is the longest book in the series so far, and it absolutely earns every single word in there. The action is beautifully balanced with the more heartfelt and introspective moments, and all the character development is truly magnificent to witness. There are some very unlikely alliances struck in this instalment, and the way that Hagen makes you doubt your own judgement on characters is just masterfully done.
I could gush on and on (and on) about how much I love this series, but I think everything can be summed up in one short sentence: This world feels like home and these characters feel like family.
I feel like I could meet them all on the street right now, and when I turn the last page of one of these books, it truly feels like these characters are just living on.
The Riverfall Chronicles has catapulted to the top of my all-time favourite series list, and I am beyond desperate to see where the story goes from here. This gaslamp mystery fantasy series is truly everything I didn't know I needed, and I think it deserves all the love in the world.
Highest of recommendations, this series is why I read.
February 12, 2024
4.5/5 Stars Rounded to 5 Stars
A slow burn turned rollercoaster as Jacquelyn Hagen delves deeper into characters, plot, and lore. The Blue Flames is the third book in The Riverfall Chronicles and sets the stage for continuation of the series beautifully.
Since finishing The Spider Key, I’ve been saving The Blue Flames for “just the right time” which finally struck and did not disappoint! The story continues shortly after the events of The Spider Key, and introduces new POVs, adding new insight into the growing plot the Colonists have faced.
Now there is a lot to break down, and my mind is reeling with all the reveals and developments throughout this 684-page chonker.
First and foremost, I was impressed with the characters and their developments. As the cast is now split up, I loved seeing how their individual arcs developed without the support system they have so heavily relied upon until now. There was also added intrigue as the author delves further into their relationships with nuance.
The first half of the book is a slow burn as events continue to progress and relationships are put to the test. Whereas the second half begins to pick up pace and turns into a whirlwind with thrilling events, satisfying payoffs and new challenges.
Part of the reason I love this series, is how it explores various themes. Including judgment of others, conspiracy, superiority/racism, and what it means to be a good person (and much more). It’s clear that there’s a lot of planning and care put into these themes, how it impacts the characters and the plot. Not only that, but there’s also several points in the book that hit home with meaningful messages.
Now, there’s a romantic subplot explored throughout The Blue Flames and while it wasn’t quite to my reading taste, it did feel earned and well executed. However, the found family throughout this series continues to grow on me and this may be my favourite found family to date.
In reading this series, I’ve come to love the characters, world, story and intrigue within the pages. This is the kind of series that would be perfect for a full spoiler discussion due to its depth and foreshadowing.
I also read this with both the physical copy and audiobook narrated by Wayne Farrell, which was another fantastic performance.
I highly recommend this series for fans of Gaslamp fantasy, with some genre blending, suspense and found family.
A slow burn turned rollercoaster as Jacquelyn Hagen delves deeper into characters, plot, and lore. The Blue Flames is the third book in The Riverfall Chronicles and sets the stage for continuation of the series beautifully.
Since finishing The Spider Key, I’ve been saving The Blue Flames for “just the right time” which finally struck and did not disappoint! The story continues shortly after the events of The Spider Key, and introduces new POVs, adding new insight into the growing plot the Colonists have faced.
Now there is a lot to break down, and my mind is reeling with all the reveals and developments throughout this 684-page chonker.
First and foremost, I was impressed with the characters and their developments. As the cast is now split up, I loved seeing how their individual arcs developed without the support system they have so heavily relied upon until now. There was also added intrigue as the author delves further into their relationships with nuance.
The first half of the book is a slow burn as events continue to progress and relationships are put to the test. Whereas the second half begins to pick up pace and turns into a whirlwind with thrilling events, satisfying payoffs and new challenges.
“Don’t you ever think about revenge?” “…I admit, I do sometimes think about it. But I’ve also seen how fixing on such an idea changes people. I don’t want that. I don’t want to be ruled by anything based in bitterness and anger, no matter how justified it may seem.”
Part of the reason I love this series, is how it explores various themes. Including judgment of others, conspiracy, superiority/racism, and what it means to be a good person (and much more). It’s clear that there’s a lot of planning and care put into these themes, how it impacts the characters and the plot. Not only that, but there’s also several points in the book that hit home with meaningful messages.
“There’s nothing you can’t do that you couldn’t before. It was only a little time you needed. Time and perseverance.”
Now, there’s a romantic subplot explored throughout The Blue Flames and while it wasn’t quite to my reading taste, it did feel earned and well executed. However, the found family throughout this series continues to grow on me and this may be my favourite found family to date.
In reading this series, I’ve come to love the characters, world, story and intrigue within the pages. This is the kind of series that would be perfect for a full spoiler discussion due to its depth and foreshadowing.
I also read this with both the physical copy and audiobook narrated by Wayne Farrell, which was another fantastic performance.
I highly recommend this series for fans of Gaslamp fantasy, with some genre blending, suspense and found family.
January 10, 2024
The Blue Flames made me feel even more than the other two books in the series. I am incredibly attached to these characters.
November 16, 2023
Jacquelyn Hagen continues to impress me with this series. This is gaslamp epic fantasy done by an author who came into the genre ready to pick some pockets, and it's working. She writes with deep ink strokes over a world rife with conflict and deception, and her characters come off the page, holding out their hand with an invitation to choose a side.
Inkwell Featherfield, renegade, reprobate, and orphan, has been adopted by the band of Colonists fleeing from the hammer blow of the law. For better or worse, he is now one of them... or is he? Hagen leads us along through the twists and turns of this third installment with no small amount of suspense. The Colonists were left in dire straits at the cliffhanger end of book two, and my heart was in my throat coming into this book, wanting to know the answers and yet dreading what they would reveal.
The characters have so heavily endeared themselves to me that returning to their world in The Blue Flames felt like going home. I stepped back onto the floating island of Riverfall and realized immediately that I had missed it far more than I anticipated. While in the first two books, our band of misfit fugitives are tightly knit and facing the odds as a group, we come to a crossroads here where the perspectives are ripped apart.
While the characters certainly steal the show here, the world, the magic system, and the themes are a potent side cast. Hagen does not pull punches with her themes, and that's something I've really grown to love about these stories. The deep dive into propaganda, otherness, and mob mentality is difficult to read at times, but it paints the bleak destructive truth of these topics with intentionality.
The fear and hatred that pervades every pore of this story's conflict leaves the reader asking a myriad of questions about the world around them, while still driving home the tether of hope. Even in the darkest moments of the story, that faint light hovers beyond.
With the perspectives pulled apart, there were some jumps between characters that felt difficult to follow, which I think is only natural at this point when we are three books in and trying to get used to a scattered cast. Hagen also delves further into the world, the history, and the details in this book, which I loved, but also slowed the pace down significantly compared to the first two.
Once again, The Blue Flames highlights Hagen's excellent use of characterization to power the story. Her dedication to themes of love vs. hatred, mental illness, found family bonds, and the power of perseverance in the face of incredible odds continues to impress me.
This is a series I anticipate returning to time and time again in the future, and I eagerly await the release of the fourth book.
"Even so, I cannot bring myself to decide whether you are really fox or hound in this hunt."
Ink raised an eyebrow. "Well, then I guess it's a good thing you don't get to decide."
Inkwell Featherfield, renegade, reprobate, and orphan, has been adopted by the band of Colonists fleeing from the hammer blow of the law. For better or worse, he is now one of them... or is he? Hagen leads us along through the twists and turns of this third installment with no small amount of suspense. The Colonists were left in dire straits at the cliffhanger end of book two, and my heart was in my throat coming into this book, wanting to know the answers and yet dreading what they would reveal.
The characters have so heavily endeared themselves to me that returning to their world in The Blue Flames felt like going home. I stepped back onto the floating island of Riverfall and realized immediately that I had missed it far more than I anticipated. While in the first two books, our band of misfit fugitives are tightly knit and facing the odds as a group, we come to a crossroads here where the perspectives are ripped apart.
"We are all lost souls stumbling around in the dark, trying to do what we think is right. What good is there in making life even more difficult by hating one another?"
While the characters certainly steal the show here, the world, the magic system, and the themes are a potent side cast. Hagen does not pull punches with her themes, and that's something I've really grown to love about these stories. The deep dive into propaganda, otherness, and mob mentality is difficult to read at times, but it paints the bleak destructive truth of these topics with intentionality.
The fear and hatred that pervades every pore of this story's conflict leaves the reader asking a myriad of questions about the world around them, while still driving home the tether of hope. Even in the darkest moments of the story, that faint light hovers beyond.
With the perspectives pulled apart, there were some jumps between characters that felt difficult to follow, which I think is only natural at this point when we are three books in and trying to get used to a scattered cast. Hagen also delves further into the world, the history, and the details in this book, which I loved, but also slowed the pace down significantly compared to the first two.
"I know the feeling. I'm not sure any of us makes it to the end of our lives without losing a few pieces. Some more than others..."
Once again, The Blue Flames highlights Hagen's excellent use of characterization to power the story. Her dedication to themes of love vs. hatred, mental illness, found family bonds, and the power of perseverance in the face of incredible odds continues to impress me.
This is a series I anticipate returning to time and time again in the future, and I eagerly await the release of the fourth book.
November 4, 2023
The youngest sibling of SPBO9 finalist The Wickwire Watch is a chunker clocking in at just under 700 pages but in Hagen's capable hands not a page is wasted. I have thoroughly enjoyed this self published series and am looking forward to book no 4 this year. Go on order the wickwire watch and thank me later.
Without Mark Lawrence's competition highlighting self published novels and authors I would not have read this wonderful series and theres plenty other books worth devouring I am certain of it .
Without Mark Lawrence's competition highlighting self published novels and authors I would not have read this wonderful series and theres plenty other books worth devouring I am certain of it .
October 12, 2023
How is it possible that 3 books in a row of the same series are 5 🌟?! I absolutely love everything about this 📖 book, and here we are at another fantastic ending. It's totally different than how book 2 ends but a new cliffhanger nonetheless.
What will you find in this third book?
▪︎ impossible situations our protagonists are experiencing, which will trouble you and make you suffer. The stakes are definitely the highest in this book.
▪︎ Amazing adventures across different parts of the continent.
▪︎ Tears, sadness but also tenderness, joy, and laughter.
▪︎ Pirates and thieves.
▪︎ Reveals and retreats.
▪︎ Conspiracies unfolding.
▪︎ More magic, mystery, and darkness rising.
▪︎ Beautiful writing as usual.
And now to wait for book 4, i am even considering re reading the books again! All in all, perfection.
What will you find in this third book?
▪︎ impossible situations our protagonists are experiencing, which will trouble you and make you suffer. The stakes are definitely the highest in this book.
▪︎ Amazing adventures across different parts of the continent.
▪︎ Tears, sadness but also tenderness, joy, and laughter.
▪︎ Pirates and thieves.
▪︎ Reveals and retreats.
▪︎ Conspiracies unfolding.
▪︎ More magic, mystery, and darkness rising.
▪︎ Beautiful writing as usual.
And now to wait for book 4, i am even considering re reading the books again! All in all, perfection.
May 3, 2025
So many twists and turns, so many emotional moments, starting with seeing each of the Riverfall crew that had been scattered and what became of them. I just love the character writing and the style of prose. The end of this book is like the beginning to a near era, and I can't wait for book 4!
March 5, 2024
An amazing continuation of the series. Kept the atmosphere of the first two books, added in even more suspense, answered questions, and was generally everything I wanted.
I’ll do a longer reviewer later when my brain’s in better order.
I’ll do a longer reviewer later when my brain’s in better order.
May 6, 2024
I can’t handle this. What just happened.
Best installment yet.
SO much to process and sift through and it was BRILLIANT. The Blue Flames has you laughing, crying, and holding your breath for the fate of the Colonists. Those last half dozen chapters had me gripped.
Cannot wait for the audiobook to come out. Hearing the stories adds an extra element that I felt enhanced the first two books.
Fourth book now, pleaseandthankyou.
Best installment yet.
SO much to process and sift through and it was BRILLIANT. The Blue Flames has you laughing, crying, and holding your breath for the fate of the Colonists. Those last half dozen chapters had me gripped.
Cannot wait for the audiobook to come out. Hearing the stories adds an extra element that I felt enhanced the first two books.
Fourth book now, pleaseandthankyou.
June 17, 2024
Loved it
This series just gets better & better, accessible prose, gorgeous world building, utterly compelling characters and a gripping story line. Roll on July for book 4!
This series just gets better & better, accessible prose, gorgeous world building, utterly compelling characters and a gripping story line. Roll on July for book 4!
October 22, 2023
This book picks up immediately after the cliffhanger ending of the second book, and from there it just fizzles. Each of the characters ends up in a different location, and then they slowly regroup, as one and two at a time are found again. Each time they are found, the same sequence of events happen - the characters mourn their lost comrades, recount what has happened in the interim to each other, and then debate what the next step should be in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. An unnecessary love triangle is introduced (technically, two). A predictable relationship is revealed. The involvement of clearly evil characters in an overarching evil plot does not cease to astound all who learn of it. The characters' home is falling apart, their enemies are too strong, and many of them are still lost. The main character, despite having decided where his loyalties lie, continues to not tell anybody what he knows, thereby actively hindering the primary quest for no reason beyond that he thinks he can deal with it himself.
I could go on and on, but the main issue with this book is that the narrative structure means that the momentum of the previous books is lost. The strength of the found family - crusading for what they know to be true against the world - is no longer present. The evil characters and their evil plot are revealed much to everyone's (repeated) shock, and still nothing can be done about it. After having read through all of this, as events grew more dire and a final conflict was in sight, I still looked forward to the resolution the book promised - an end to precarity and the next stage of the story. Instead, the book ended before an ending was reached. It seems the next book will be flashbacks, going back to the beginning of the story. Would a traditional prequel have been too much to ask? It has been an interesting trip until now, but I think I might give the next installment a miss.
I could go on and on, but the main issue with this book is that the narrative structure means that the momentum of the previous books is lost. The strength of the found family - crusading for what they know to be true against the world - is no longer present. The evil characters and their evil plot are revealed much to everyone's (repeated) shock, and still nothing can be done about it. After having read through all of this, as events grew more dire and a final conflict was in sight, I still looked forward to the resolution the book promised - an end to precarity and the next stage of the story. Instead, the book ended before an ending was reached. It seems the next book will be flashbacks, going back to the beginning of the story. Would a traditional prequel have been too much to ask? It has been an interesting trip until now, but I think I might give the next installment a miss.
July 11, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. Another fantastic installment of The Riverfall Chronicles.
With the colonists betrayed and scattered, one of their number murdered, their imminent capture seems likely. This book sees them struggling to maintain hope and fight their way back to one another. The character development in this series is on point, and The Blue Flames was no exception. Ink grapples beautifully with his loyalty to the Colonists, his affection for Seherene, and his desire to find his parents. More pieces of the puzzle regarding the slaughter of the Entrians are brought to light as the Colonists work to piece them together, all while they are struggling with their own demons ... and not of the Spektor variety.
I loved everything about this .. everything, that is, EXCEPT that somehow I missed that this series is not, in fact, a completed trilogy as I had previously thought. Nope, it's an ongoing series. While the 4th book just came out earlier this month, I am unsure if it is the penultimate book, nor am I sure how long I will have to wait for the 5th. (shakes an angry fist) Also disappointing is the fact that the 4th book does not currently have the audio completed. I have alternated between reading a listening to this series, and Wayne Farrell does a fabulous job with the narration.
Other than being hoodwinked into reading a series that I thought was complete, I can't complain about this story.
With the colonists betrayed and scattered, one of their number murdered, their imminent capture seems likely. This book sees them struggling to maintain hope and fight their way back to one another. The character development in this series is on point, and The Blue Flames was no exception. Ink grapples beautifully with his loyalty to the Colonists, his affection for Seherene, and his desire to find his parents. More pieces of the puzzle regarding the slaughter of the Entrians are brought to light as the Colonists work to piece them together, all while they are struggling with their own demons ... and not of the Spektor variety.
I loved everything about this .. everything, that is, EXCEPT that somehow I missed that this series is not, in fact, a completed trilogy as I had previously thought. Nope, it's an ongoing series. While the 4th book just came out earlier this month, I am unsure if it is the penultimate book, nor am I sure how long I will have to wait for the 5th. (shakes an angry fist) Also disappointing is the fact that the 4th book does not currently have the audio completed. I have alternated between reading a listening to this series, and Wayne Farrell does a fabulous job with the narration.
Other than being hoodwinked into reading a series that I thought was complete, I can't complain about this story.
January 24, 2025
2 Stars
The Blue Flames was not that enjoyable for me as the first two books. The atmosphere of the setting is still there, maybe this aspect is my favorite thing from the series. To be honest I very much like the prose of the author.
However plotwise, the events that happened in the end of the second book was turning point for me. After the separation of the group the book lost something. The group as a whole is very interesting, the dynamic between the characters is awesome. The way this book starts with every character separated from the others and then spending the whole book trying to gather the group again was absolutely unnecessary. We read so much meaningless chapters like "Shave and a Haircut", there are some plot issues or not so much issues but odd behaviour and decisions from the characters that are not logically sound, it does not fit the setting. The main plot is not moving at all, we follow each of the characters through their hardships, we are dissecting their thoughts, goals, desires, but we do that for the price of the plot. And that was my biggest problem with the book. There were some really obvious connections, the twist at the end was predictable. Why we always have to wait until the end just to be info dumped. There just some things that does not add up. Maybe they will be explained in the final book, but I am not going to found out.
The idea of the series was absolutely unique and not like anything I have read. I enjoyed the first two books a lot, unfortunately, I am not continuing the series.
The Blue Flames was not that enjoyable for me as the first two books. The atmosphere of the setting is still there, maybe this aspect is my favorite thing from the series. To be honest I very much like the prose of the author.
However plotwise, the events that happened in the end of the second book was turning point for me. After the separation of the group the book lost something. The group as a whole is very interesting, the dynamic between the characters is awesome. The way this book starts with every character separated from the others and then spending the whole book trying to gather the group again was absolutely unnecessary. We read so much meaningless chapters like "Shave and a Haircut", there are some plot issues or not so much issues but odd behaviour and decisions from the characters that are not logically sound, it does not fit the setting. The main plot is not moving at all, we follow each of the characters through their hardships, we are dissecting their thoughts, goals, desires, but we do that for the price of the plot. And that was my biggest problem with the book. There were some really obvious connections, the twist at the end was predictable. Why we always have to wait until the end just to be info dumped. There just some things that does not add up. Maybe they will be explained in the final book, but I am not going to found out.
The idea of the series was absolutely unique and not like anything I have read. I enjoyed the first two books a lot, unfortunately, I am not continuing the series.
February 9, 2024
Rating: 3.75 / 5 ⭐
So... I liked this book the least of the series and that really only boils down to a single weird storyline that I absolutely hated and didn't feel like it added anything to the story and felt extremely forced and pointless. Everything else about this book was good...
So... I liked this book the least of the series and that really only boils down to a single weird storyline that I absolutely hated and didn't feel like it added anything to the story and felt extremely forced and pointless. Everything else about this book was good...
July 21, 2024
OK. I need the next book RIGHT NOW. so far my fav of the series. at first i thought ok this is kinda slow but then it gradually starts to get more and more fast paced and crazy and insane. and i realize that that is the beauty of this one. the gradual upscale of everything that has been set up so far, all the fall outs, the reunions i just can’t get enough. I MAY HAVE SHED A TEAR I WONT LIE. the crazy part is that i know this is only the beginning of the end, i can tell there is so much more already. THE END CHAPTER ARE YOU KIDDING ME. i literally could not stop thinking about this book reading it and after finishing it. This is a series i would definitely recommend and tell someone to invest in.
October 3, 2024
Another enjoyable gaslamp fantasy adventure, bordering on the epic! I thought this third book in the series was the best I've read so far.
The Colonists are scattered and face ordeals and peril before they some of them are able to be reunited. The floating village of Riverfall itself is endangered. And we get unexpected romance; revelations about Lady Seherene and her scurrilous mother and suitor, Lord Pallaton; and dark secrets are uncovered about the sinister Lady of the Mysteries and her ghastly Spektors.
Great stuff.
The Colonists are scattered and face ordeals and peril before they some of them are able to be reunited. The floating village of Riverfall itself is endangered. And we get unexpected romance; revelations about Lady Seherene and her scurrilous mother and suitor, Lord Pallaton; and dark secrets are uncovered about the sinister Lady of the Mysteries and her ghastly Spektors.
Great stuff.
October 15, 2023
I’m biased cuz it’s Victorian fantasy and I’m a slut for that—-also there was so much more spindler content and very little Margaret so I was salivating. There’s still a lot of flaws cuz this is self published and it still suffers from issues I had with the first two, but they’re so much FUN and I haven’t felt that with a lot of books lately so I think it deserves five
July 19, 2024
Rated 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 on Goodreads. Just can't put this book down, the characters are so engaging and you just have to know what is going to happen next. Plot twists galore and they are not frustrating. Highly recommend this series if you like a fantasy light on romance but with lots of adventures. Looking forward to book 4 - The Sundering Hours which has been recently released.
May 20, 2024
This is one of those books I don't feel like I can give a coherent review to, especially not after that last chapter. Really, the last 1/4 of the book was one plot twist after another and then it ended.
I'm really, really glad book 4 is coming out soon-ish. My brain might explode otherwise.
I'm really, really glad book 4 is coming out soon-ish. My brain might explode otherwise.
August 4, 2024
Amazing! After a cliffhanger of an ending in the previous book, The Blue Flames then subverted my expectations on how the story would play out in such an amazing way, keeping me wanting to know what happened to who and how. Heart warming and heartbreaking at times. Can’t wait to read on.
August 19, 2023
Guessed some plot twists but happy they went like this.
October 1, 2023
Can't wait for # 4
April 17, 2024
I began this series on a whim. Book one was a deal somewhere. The series just engaged me more with each book. I am highly anticipating book 4. It is so great to stumble upon a new author.
November 28, 2025
started: ?
finished: feb 7, 2025
if this was a stand-alone, or the first book in the series, i'm sure i'd actually rate it 3★, but it's neither. it's the third book in a series i already like which is why the letdown hit harder and this ended up feeling more like a 2.5★ read.
the humor and found family moments i loved before are almost entirely gone (aside from maybe the last 150-200 pages), and for some reason, the female characters suddenly get treated poorly (by either being underestimated or locked up and waiting to be rescued)—what's up with that? the first 2 books didn’t have this problem. the story is clearly aiming for a more serious tone this time around, but imo it lacks the depth and nuance to make it work. plus, much of the plot becomes predictable as it progresses...
another notable change here is the more frequent switching between multiple POVs. as a result, ink is no longer the mc which is why i was often getting bored reading/listening to this, i always enjoyed his povs the most.
also, what was the point of the whole conflict between ? it came out of nowhere, didn't go anywhere and just disrupted the strong, supportive bond they had going up until then
finished: feb 7, 2025
if this was a stand-alone, or the first book in the series, i'm sure i'd actually rate it 3★, but it's neither. it's the third book in a series i already like which is why the letdown hit harder and this ended up feeling more like a 2.5★ read.
the humor and found family moments i loved before are almost entirely gone (aside from maybe the last 150-200 pages), and for some reason, the female characters suddenly get treated poorly (by either being underestimated or locked up and waiting to be rescued)—what's up with that? the first 2 books didn’t have this problem. the story is clearly aiming for a more serious tone this time around, but imo it lacks the depth and nuance to make it work. plus, much of the plot becomes predictable as it progresses...
another notable change here is the more frequent switching between multiple POVs. as a result, ink is no longer the mc which is why i was often getting bored reading/listening to this, i always enjoyed his povs the most.
also, what was the point of the whole conflict between ? it came out of nowhere, didn't go anywhere and just disrupted the strong, supportive bond they had going up until then
December 19, 2025
Series lost steam.
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