The Firebreather's Curse

Talismans of Teregrin #2

by Katy Metzger

Sometimes salvation comes at too high of a price. Master the Chaos. Oliver and Gemma, along with their new band of friends, begin their hunt for the second talisman they need to escape the island, but Oliver fumbles in his new role as leader, struggling to protect his new teammates with his out-of-control power. Control the Heart. Gemma has become a force with which to be reckoned and the group’s secret weapon. But missing Dominic and unable to move on, she makes a questionable decision that threatens to splinter their team beyond repair. Make a Choice. With the constant threat of Morphers, the lab, and vengeful Aidan, the pressure to succeed reaches dangerous new levels, leading to a suspicious alliance with a rival faction. When the twins learn that acquiring the second talisman will cost a friend more than he’s willing to pay, they must decide if escaping the island means they can’t protect everyone. ____________________ Also by Katy Metzger
The Talismans of Teregrin Series
Book 1: The Talismans of Teregrin
Book 2: The Firebreather's Curse
Book 3: The Menace of the Morphers (Coming soon!)
Book 4: Coming soon! Look out for more books! Join the Future House Publishing newsletter for updates on the latest sci-fi/fantasy releases.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

306 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2023

About the author

Author Katy Metzger began her foray into dark fantasy with a third-grade story about two children who ate too much candy and exploded. When her classmates appreciated her twisted sense of humor, she plunged headfirst into a passion for storytelling. And although she took a brief detour into journalism during high school and college, her love for the fantastical never waned.

Her own adventures in real life included two years abroad in Cambodia and Thailand teaching ESL, an experience that led to teaching high school English for several years and meeting (and marrying) the man of her dreams. When the two welcomed their first son, Katy hung up her teacher’s chalk and once again found inspiration in the stories she loved to tell.

Today, Katy lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids, running for fun, drinking way too much coffee, and finally allowing her twisted imagination to have free reign in her head.

Reviews

[Clarissa lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picking up where book one ended, the newly formed Militia is on the hunt for the second talisman as they try to get one step closer to home and unravel even more mysteries surrounding their gifts. Fans can expect the same action book one offered and some serious character development that really brought out some relationship tensions – both romantic and platonic.

Oliver really struggled to accept his new role as a leader, and his journey to being who the Militia needed was a tough one that not everyone was ready embrace. There were times where I felt like Oliver’s actions were heartless but taking a step back, we also need to acknowledge that he’s a 17-year-old kid who is just as scared and unsure as the rest of them. The only difference is that because he is able to think quickly on his feet, he was voted into a role that will of course make others question his judgment when a tough call has to be made. The phrase “heavy is the head that wears the crown” comes to mind and I later found myself sympathizing for all that Oliver had to endure.

On another character note, I really felt like Gemma is beginning to become that well-rounded character I wanted in book one. In large part this is due to the mistakes she makes along the way. It’s always nice to see a more human side of a character and Gemma’s lingering attachment to the enemy certainly humanized her in a way that wasn’t completely possible in book one. She had to battle between her heart and her head all throughout the book and she had some really amazing moments of making the tough decision that others doubted she could make.

The entire cast of the Militia – Oliver, Gemma, Jessica, Peter, Alex, Patrick, and Lauren – felt more fully fleshed out and their interpersonal relationships began to shine in a big way in this book. I loved seeing the formation of a new group and getting some insights to how they functioned after the double cross in book one. Another critical piece to developing these characters and their group dynamic were their interactions with outsiders that allowed us to explore the world Metzger is creating more fully.

We finally get some more insight into the Knights and learn that they are just as suspicious as the Rebels. Without spoiling too much, it is clear that everyone has their own end goal and that some priorities will overlap to create more opportunities for double crosses and shifting alliances that makes the story an everchanging landscape that no one can fully trust.

With that said, I do have a few critiques regarding the romance of the story. While Gemma’s relationship with Dylan was a given considering how book one ended, there were some extraneous factors that felt a little forced and unnecessary. Lauren’s interest in Oliver felt a little abrupt and superficial when considering the larger conflict he was trying to handle. While the author does acknowledge this in the story, Oliver’s feelings toward her felt weak at best and his ultimate decision to pursue a relationship with her by the end didn’t seem like a reciprocation of feelings. It felt more like a spur of the moment decision because he realized how dangerous their mission to get home was and decided he might as well see where the relationship could take them if they could die at any moment. There was just too little development between them to justify the romantic relationship they end up in.

The mystery of the story is both thrilling and slightly frustrating to follow. While more avenues are being pursued in terms of who is friend and who is foe, I feel like the story is leaving us with more questions than answers. This is understandable to an extent because we want to be left with some questions to unravel in future books, but there are still so many unanswered questions that it gets difficult to fully appreciate the small snippets of information we are given. Why are Oliver’s powers still going crazy? What other serious repercussions could the Gifted experience if they unlock the full potential of their gifts? What other memories are locked away from them that Gemma is beginning to see? What really happened the day Oliver and Gemma ‘escaped’? Why do the Survivors assume their mystery on the island is not the same as the Gifted? Every breadcrumb meant to get us closer to the truth leaves us feeling further away and I’m hoping we get more concrete answers in book three.

Overall, the book is well written, well-paced, and has well developed characters that see great progression toward the ultimate end goal. The enemies are amassing, hearts are on the line, and lives are always at risk as the Militia fights to get the final talisman and escape the island. Tough decisions will be made, and double crosses are inevitable, but the one thing you can trust is that this is one story that is sure to entertain.

[Lily Engel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this book more than the first one in the series. However, I felt the largest stake of the novel (the aging curse of the Firebreathers) was a waste of time. I don't feel like this was a necessary plot element at all. Perhaps the name just sounded cool. The stakes were not directly related to the main characters (Gemma and Oliver) like they were in book one, so they seemed distant and irrelvant. So what if Peter died? It didn't exactly affect the main characters, so I didn't really care.

I really liked that the novel began and ended with Aidan's perspective. I found that very interesting.

I really liked Jamie's character. I felt he was smart and funny, and he stood up for himself in most cases. I really liked him.

However, the cons outweighed the pros for me. I didn't enjoy Metzger's writing style. I found it lacking in imagery, where she would describe scenes with words lie "awesome" which means nothing to me. Many times, I struggled to visual what the author meant because of her poor choice in words.

Many times throughout the novel, people would be about to say something important, and then they would get cut off and we never hear what they were about to say. This is frustsrating because of th sheer amount of how many times it has happened, especially because sometimes it would happen multiple times in a single chapter. I was very tired of reading the same formula over and over.

In regards to characters, I never really felt like Rainy was a good friend of Gemma in book one. Their friendship felt like it was thrown in in book two to make the story more believable, but Rainy did not get enough time in book one for their friendship to be believable. Regarding Jamie, I felt really bad for him. He risked so much for Gemma, but she didn't like him at all romantically. Jessica suggested Gemma use Jamie to move on from Dominic, which I found incredibly rude and made me dislike Jessica for suggesting that.
Oliver was very heartless throughout the novel, especially around Peter. He claims he would give up his life if he was Peter, but I do not think that is true. Oliver was very unlikable in these encounters with Peter.

The novel was a fantasy romance, one of my favourite genres and yet it did not pull off romance well. The romances felt shallow in my opinion. I felt all these characters fell too hard too fast with not enough valid reason why they actually would like each other. I think we needed to see more time of the characters together to see their chemistry before they say they are "in love" with each other.
In Oliver's case, his feelings about Lauren (and even Jessica whom I feel is a better match for him) are very unclear. There is so little described about how he feels about her, so I don't even know if he likes her or not. It felt like Oliver only considered dating Lauren because she was an option. Throughout his perspective, he would make as if she could be advantageous to date, not like he actually had romantic interest in her.

[Malakoot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:

The Firebreather's Curse, the sequel to The Talismans of Teregrin, continues the adventure of twins Oliver and Gemma. Now leading a group called the Militia, they seek the second talisman to escape their mysterious island. Along the way, they face new challenges, form deeper relationships, and encounter rival factions like the Knights. As they grapple with their powers and leadership roles, they must navigate trust and betrayal to achieve their goals.

Strengths:

The novel maintains a strong connection to the first book, bringing back familiar characters while introducing new ones with more depth and emotional complexity. Oliver's struggle to accept his leadership role and Gemma's evolution into a more confident and powerful character are highlights, showcasing their growth. The dynamics within the Militia and their interactions with outsiders enrich the story, providing a fuller picture of the world Metzger has created.

Metzger's pacing keeps the narrative engaging, with well-timed plot twists and action sequences that drive the story forward. The exploration of the island and its hidden locations adds a layer of intrigue and excitement. The development of interpersonal relationships, both platonic and romantic, adds emotional depth and realism to the characters' journeys.

Wokeness:

The novel delves into themes of leadership, trust, and the complexity of human emotions. It explores the difficulties of making tough decisions under pressure and the impact of these choices on relationships. The portrayal of Gemma's empowerment and the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters add depth to the adventure. Additionally, the book addresses the consequences of scientific experimentation and the struggle for identity and autonomy, resonating with contemporary issues.

In conclusion, The Firebreather's Curse successfully builds on the momentum of the first book, offering a captivating blend of action, character development, and thematic exploration. Despite some minor pacing issues, it remains an engaging read that leaves readers eager for the next installment in the series. Fans of dystopian adventure and young adult fiction will find much to enjoy in this well-crafted sequel

[Taji · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started in HEAVY with the action scenes, which I loved!
We open where the last book left off - except it's a flashback through Aidan's eyes to the Great Morphing - to show what happened between some Rebels and how some of them split off and became Morphers. I also love the allusion that shows Aidan may want a little something more in this scene, maybe even to become a Morpher himself, so the ending is not really surprising considering how it all began! I loved the end though.
I loved this flashback and that the action continued even into the first chapter, resuming with our main characters Ollie and Gemma.

I will say though, that I definitely gave this book 3.5 stars because there were some places where it fell short. I like that Gemma's character definitely shone more in this book than in the last book. Even her hesitation because of her romantic feelings toward Dominic still lingering, gives us insight into where she may have a lack of focus or lack of courage to do what needs to be done because of her conflicting emotions.

However, it took a long time to get to the meat of things, in my opinion, which is not very different from the last book I'm afraid. We're several chapters in before we even get more clues toward finding the Omega Talisman. While some may find this is a good thing, I just thought it made the story drag a little longer than it needed to. It's not that I'm looking for back to back action sequences; I'd just loved to have had more clues as to where they come from, their memories, or why the lab even exists and why they're experimenting on teenagers.

I love the story overall, which is why I rounded up my goodreads review to 4 stars instead of leaving it at 3, because it has a great plot, innovative superpower names, and consistently good ideas. I just wish the execution slowly filled us in along the way about their history, how they ended up there, etc. Looking ahead, I see that this may drag on a little longer because it looks like the author anticipates a 5 book series, but I hope she'll leave more breadcrumbs along the way!

[Emily Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel to The Talismans of Teregrin, The Firebreather's Curse, begins with Oliver and Gemma forming a new group named Militia together with their band of new friends all of whom are gifted and are working with Goodweather to sharpen their gifts. Building their hideout in the basement of the grocery store, their one aim is to recover the second Talisman and escape the island. Oliver is the leader of the group and is struggling to protect his new teammates with his out of control power. Through constant threats, struggles, doubts and mistrusts, the Militia ultimately sticks together and recover the second Talisman. The best part is Gemma emerges as the group's secret weapon as well as gets Dominic, the love of her life by her side. The second part ends with Aidan planning revenge on Militia.
I was quite hopeful after reading the first part The Talismans of Teregrin, as it was full of suspense and there was not a dull moment throughout. But I was a little disappointed when I read the second part since I felt there was too much planning and dialogue rather tahn some concrete work. The characters keep making plans which slows down the pace of the novel and sometimes too much dialogue and descriptions make it rather uninteresting. It seemed like the author was dragging the scenes just to bring the action to light. The characters are solid and is spite of the slow pace the writing is mostly handled well. However, the author could have avoided the intense kissing descriptions between Gemma and Oliver by wording it differently since this is a book for young adults. But the ending has really pleased me because the it declares the victory of the best human emotion-that is love, which the Militia has in abundance. And I hope that this will help them conquer all the barriers.

[Ilana Goldman]

What a fantastic sequel! While the first book provided a gripping introduction to the island and its dynamics, The Firebreather’s Curse offers more detailed insight into each character, their powers, and the nature of the world itself. I enjoyed the fact that Gemma and Oliver faced a wide variety of struggles, from battling amongst other groups to drama within the Militia itself. These smaller groups allowed for targeted characterization, where each person felt thoroughly written with their own unique personality and motivations. I also liked the internal conflicts faced by each sibling, where it was very gratifying to watch the growth of Gemma’s confidence and Oliver’s leadership skills in a realistic way.

Several questions from the beginning of the series were carefully resolved, while many new and enduring mysteries took their place: Will we discover what “light” took Shelley and Peter? What does Goodweather know about Oliver’s powers? Why are there ghosts in the farmhouse basement? And of course, who created the town, and why are they all on the island in the first place? I particularly appreciate the balance in how plot points are revealed — sometimes they are straightforward, while other times they are cleverly concealed with subtle hints scattered throughout the books. This approach gives readers the sense that the author respects their intelligence, fostering a mutual trust that the author will guide them through the story.

Ultimately, The Firebreather’s Curse is a compelling continuation that deepens the intrigue and complexity of the series. Once again, I eagerly anticipate the next installment!

[Christine Letizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Firebreather's Curse is another epic adventure in this urban fantasy series which has me hooked!

This is the second book in the Talismans of Teregrin series. It brings us in shortly after the first book left off with the two MC's - Oliver and Gemma - and their faction settled in a new safehouse. As in the first book, the plot is focused on retrieving a talisman (now, the second one) so the kids can escape the island.

As I mentioned in my review for book one, I love books set on islands because of how the island's geography comes into play and the growing tension of being contained and unable to escape. I would like to amend that statement by sharing that I now love a book *series* set on an island. I really enjoyed how The Firebreather's Curse shows us more of the island and unveils secret locations for us to explore.

We also get a chance to meet one of the other factions, The Knights. Katy Metzger expertly handles all of the intricate dynamics between these groups of kids, who have experienced survival, betrayal, and death together. The battles were wonderfully chaotic and fun, and I liked how the kids have grown in their abilities.

At the core, the Oliver and Gemma relationship and their individual struggles grounded this adventure. Their sibling connection and their romantic struggles made this story even more engaging.

I'm so pleased to have read this next installment and am already eagerly waiting for book three! I highly recommend The Firebreather's Curse and this series. It's perfect for teens and YA-loving adults!

[Javin Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many things about this book that I loved.

I loved the characters, how real they felt. How, even though they face danger from many different angles, they’re still people first. There are arguments and tension and teasing and snark from within their group, but when things get dicey, they all have each other’s backs.

Ollie’s internal struggles are really relatable, and show a deeper side of him than we knew from the first book. And how about the relationship between Gemma and Dominic? Ugh, it had me all tingly. The romantic tension that Katy created between the two of them leapt off the page for me.

Basically, if you want to read a story where the characters on the page could be people you know in real life, you’ll want to read this.

The plot was also action-packed. Not a dull moment in THE FIREBREATHER’S CURSE, not a one. Not only do rival groups play a part, but also the lab and the Morphers, and the mystery of unlocking the next Talisman. The pages sped by, and kept me up way later than I intended to stay up.

And let me tell you, that last chapter has me so jazzed for the next book. It’s in the realm of being a cliffhanger, so take that into consideration if final chapter cliffhangers bother you. But as for me, it only teased the flames of curiosity that had been building throughout the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I was given the opportunity to read an advance review copy of THE FIREBREATHER’S CURSE for free. My review is honest, and given freely.

[Alexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the debut novel of this series, this one fell a little flat when comparing the two. I enjoyed the witty banter between the characters and how well they fit together. They each had received good character development, looking back at the first book and comparing the characters to this one, you can see the change they each face and how they grow individually but also together.

I felt like the visual descriptions could have been developed and written better. I could not paint a picture of everything taking place or the world Metzger was showing. There was more telling and not enough showing than there was in the first book.

The romance was a back seat in this book which is perfectly fine because it focused more on the action and adventure than it did with the relationships evolving in this book. It felt more like the romance was forced and not developed enough to get me interested in it, I did not root for anyone. It seemed more like Metzger could have used Gemma's pining for Dominic as a way to grow her character more and build into that loss instead of forcing her to move on.

This was an easy read and did not feel like it dragged on. The writing was good and detailed, but missing certain elements. This book is sure to entertain and keep the reader on their toes guessing what is to come next. The adventure was exciting and the action was great, this book did not miss or disappoint from the first one. The fantasy elements are there and take readers to a new land they are sure to enjoy.

[Aaron Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was a really good follow up to The Talismans of Teregrin. In this book, it was really great to see what happened next in the series.

I really liked the further development of Gemma and Oliver in this book. For Gemma, I continued to find the choices she had to make really interesting. In the first book, that choice was obviously whether or not to follow through with Aidan and Dominic's plan or to execute the double cross. In this book, her choices of her allegiance are very compelling. Should she follow through on her feelings with Dominic? What should she do about Jamie? Should she put all of those feelings aside?

As for Oliver, I liked seeing his development as a leader. The dilemmas he is faced with are very challenging, and I think they will have repercussions for the rest of the series, especially the conflict with Peter and the Firebreather's Curse.

I do think that the Peter storyline could have used some more development, especially considering his dilemma is the title of the story. Because of his sacrifice at the end of the story, I think Peter could have been further developed so that the impact of that moment could be felt deeper.

That's also a small issue I had with the story as well -- some of the background characters don't get fleshed out. Aidan is mostly just someone who is power hungry, and the other members of the Rebels, the Militia, and the Knights also get pushed to the side without much characterization.

Other than that, The Firebreather's Curse was a worthy follow-up to The Talismans of Teregrin!

[Katherine Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Firebreather's Curse is a wonderful read that had me hooked start to finish. Sometimes, sequels can feel like a let down from the first book. They can be slower and feel like fluff or filler, but this is not the case with this book. The plot picks up right where the last book left off with even more conflict, big and small. The author does a good job of balancing the small trials that come with being human, being a part of a group, being a leader, being in a relationship, etc. with the larger, overarching problem that the characters have to face to save themselves and stop Aidan. It makes each chapter interesting, and each character engaging. The characters have clear growth from the beginning to the end, and they're not hard to picture and empathize with. This can be hard to do with as many characters to work with as this author has, but she doesn't miss a beat. From the MC's Gemma, Oliver, and Jessica to more minor characters like Peter, there isn't a weak character who falls through the cracks. Each one is distinct and has their own personality and problems. You'll fall in love with them all! You'll feel for them when they fail, when they're hurt, and you'll root for them to succeed and feel joy when they do! The action throughout keeps the plot moving, so you won't get bored and want to put the book down. Not to mention, the author clearly understands YA and its conventions. The Firebreather's Curse was an amazing sequel to The Talisman's of Teregrin.

[Srinidhi_Mayura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katy Metzger, you got me again.
I was hooked from the beginning to the end.
The Firebreather's Curse is the sequel to The Talismans of Teregrin. It continues the story of twins Gemma and Oliver on their hunt for the talismans.

As in the first book, the characters are well-developed and relatable. Each character is distinct and has their personality and problems. I loved how Metzger portrayed the teamwork and dynamics of the Militia. I liked the atmosphere of the 'Militia' where they had each other's backs no matter what. All of them had their inner battles, but that did not stop them from protecting their friends and fighting for their freedom.

Each chapter contains witty banter, fights, and the intricacy of human feelings. I liked how Katy portrayed that with great power comes not only great responsibility but also great sacrifice. I could witness the characters' growth and how they understand each other amidst their differences. I liked that we get to know more about the island and the lab.

There was never a dull moment. I would rate this book a 4/5. I would love to watch it as a TV series one day. This book reminds me of James Dashner’s The Maze Runner, Veronica Roth’s Divergent, and Stephanie Meyer’s The Host. I will recommend this novel to all fantasy genre fans who love action-packed stories with power and mystery. All we can do now is wait for the upcoming instalments!!

[Robyn Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Firebreather's Curse is definitely a great continuation of the first book from the series. It embodies the same type of action and suspense that leaves the readers wanting more. This book, however, almost feels more insightful than the first book portrays. It was interesting and provided many "ah-ha" moments that really rounded out many of the characters. I enjoyed that there were many of the same characters from the first book, while still adding new characters that did not make the original characters seem obsolete.
This series, and this second installment, is a rather refreshing outlook on protagonists in YA fiction. Metzger has a fantastic way of humanizing the protagonists in this novel. These are teenagers faced with very detrimental and scary obstacles and situations, and yet they still have that snarky and witty humor to them. I also enjoy seeing the way they struggle with decision-making and their actions. It really forces the reader to come face to face with the fact that these are ultimately children. Oliver, in particular, in his new role as leader often portrays the uncertainty of being in the position, and he does make mistakes. The insecurity and unsureness are all normal feelings that come with being that age, or any age really, and it really humanizes them all as the protagonists.
Overall, it was a fantastic read, it was never dull, and kept me on my toes.

[Amanda Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katy Metzger has done it again with the second book in the Talismans of Teregrin series, The Firebreather’s Curse. Picking up right where book one left off, the reader does not have to scramble to understand what happened between any time jumps.

Many of our favorite characters from book one continue into book two. Old friendships and relationships continue to form, and new ones develop. A new group called the militia is formed besides the Rebels and the Knights. Oliver, Gemma, and their many friends continue their quest to escape the island as they search for the second talisman and try to stop Aidan.

The character development gets even deeper as the reader gets to travel alongside the characters in their quest. We see typical teen inner struggles that help make the characters relatable. Getting to know the characters will be sure to enable some sympathy from the reader as the characters overcome inner conflicts and outer obstacles.

The Firebreather’s Curse contains action packed conflicts that continue between the rival groups, the lab workers, and the Morphers. There is a good amount of suspense and mystery that keeps the story flowing. In many cases, sequels can seem dull in comparison to the first book, but this is not the case with Metzger. She does a fantastic job by keeping the series fresh and intriguing. I look forward to reading book three!

[Aliki Bitsakakis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the series did a good job of developing the story and picking up where the first book was lacking! I found myself gravitating towards Oliver and his struggle in becoming the leader of this new group. His internal conflicts where he suppressed his romantic feelings towards Lauren and viewed Gemma and Dominic's relationship with much apprehension because he was always thinking practically was a nice fresh take in a YA novel. He's also very witty and charismatic, and was a bit of a bumbling idiot at times, which I felt made him that more relatable. I also liked Gemma (in the first book as well) and how oblivious she always is to the boys around her, even though she's a Sensor. That's a nice dynamic to her character, and I felt like we got the most human moments from her and her feelings towards Dominic, and her quickness to cry at a stressful situation. I'm still missing a bit of world-building in this story, and I found myself confused at time at their various plans and stakeout missions. I also found a lot of info dumps, mainly from Goodweather, to explain the backstory and what was really going on with the lab. The opening of the novel, seeing a bit of Aidan and Dominic with Rosie still alive, was very intriguing, and I feel like similar flashbacks would be more effective for exposition purposes.

[laura8759 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off where the last one ended with them looking for the second talismans, the story progressed nicely. The newly formed militia have this nice family-like dynamic that rounds out the story nicely. Something about teenagers with superpowers surviving on their own in a strange world is so interesting to me. I think this book drew me in because of the similarities it had to  a book series by Michael Grant  that I loved. The story had great pace, every page had something exciting going on, plus everyone has a skill and unique ability which helps when fighting the morphers or other enemies. The characters had so much emotion and depth to them which I think added a nice touch to the story. I still don't like Aidan. Something is definitely wrong with him and it's not him being power hungry. I wonder why Gemma didn't tell the others she saw goodweather talking with Chloe. That seemed like a big clue that was ignored. I like how Dominic and Gemma are getting closer relationship wise. I can't wait to see how that evolves over time. Also that other group they joined up with are very weird. The ending of the story was set up perfectly leaving the readers wanting more and to see what happens and where the story goes from here. I read 30 chapters in 2 days that is how much I enjoyed this book. Xoxo Laura8759 

[Raeliah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like she does in the first book, Metzger jumps right into action with the Firebreather’s Curse. I will say that the beginning here grabbed my attention much more than the previous one, but it could just be because I already knew the stories and characters. I think Metzger has developed a solid story—I am definitely more hooked on it now than I was when I began the series—but I think there are still a lot of things that could be improved. It mainly deals with the actual writing style. There seems to be a lot of points that are full of descriptions that are either completely unnecessary (way too many scenes can be cut without doing danny damage to the plot) or not written well (the descriptions can either be too vague, lacking any real imagery, or too detailed, distracting the reader from the actual story). The pacing is generally good, but the issue of having a lot of scenes that drag or feel like a waste of time is a big sticking point with both the first and the second book, as well as some of the characters feeling flat or unfinished (the latter is improved quite a bit, right off the bat even, in this novel). I am enjoying the story and very curious as to what comes next, but I wish that there would be more attention given to the developmental issues that a lot of other readers have pointed out.

[Elijah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong entry in the series! This book really focused on deepening character relationships, which it did really well. Romance served as a great source of conflict in a way that felt authentic and and compelling, which I think can be tough to do sometimes. I especially like that the various romantic tensions caused tensions not only between the people with feelings, but the tension rippled through the entire cast of characters. Every character conflict felt very well realized and integrated seemlessly into the broader story.

Relatedly, I'm also enjoying the political intrigue that this book continues to develop between the various groups on the island. The tensions between each of the groups felt earned and logical, and the personal stakes served to heighten the conflicts between the groups.

If I had to critique any aspect of the book, it would have to be the plot. It was a strong plot, but a bit predictable, especially when compared to the plot of the first book. If it's a formula that you enjoy, perhaps this could be seen as a strength--but if you're wanting this book to shake up the plot structure from the first book, don't hold your breath. Perhaps the next book will subvert the established formula--I guess I'll see once it's out!

[Julie Morse · Rating 4 out of 5]

In “The Firebreather’s Curse,” the follow-up to Katy Metzger’s “The Talismans of Teregrin” she weaves an engaging and masterful story once more. Even in an urban fantasy setting, the characters felt real and relatable and pick up wonderfully from the previous book. We follow siblings Oliver and Gemma as they work on their gifts with Goodweather. They are also trying to find the second Talisman. The reader watches the character relationships thicken, while the world-building gets more complex. We see a mix of human problems and inner turmoils with outside conflicts and struggles within the world. The novel is well paced and intriguing throughout. I particularly enjoyed the character development of Gemma. Her romance with Dominic is exciting to read about, as well as her emergence as the secret weapon. I would have liked to see more plot twists, as at times it felt a tad predictable in terms of plot. The second half was a bit slower and was composed of more exposition than the first. However, I thoroughly enjoy Metzger’s style and characters and she has delivered another book in her classically strong YA series, that features a terrific ending and fun joinery throughout the whole novel!

[Ruthvika Sankineni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following in the footsteps of its prequel, Firebreather’s curse excels in plot and characterization. Book 2 delves deeper into the world of Oliver and Gemma, their group of friends and the challenges they face on the island prison. The stakes now higher than ever as they embark on a crucial quest to find the second talisman, that’s key to their escape. Throughout the book each of our leads face their very own set of challenges. Oliver struggles to contain his powers, while grappling with the responsibilities of a leader, while Gemma emerges as a formidable force, her feelings for Dominic threaten the future of the team. The constant threats from Morphers and the lab only add to their problems and create external pressure forcing them to make questionable choices and form forbidden alliances. Throughout the book the twins are faced with a moral dilemma where they are forced to choose between their friendships and future, causing ripples in their relationships, which lead to them making choices with irreversible consequences. Overall, it balances both internal and external struggles well while setting up the story for its future sequels, which I can’t wait to read.

[Beatriz Mamede Da Rocha · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this next installment of the series, Oliver and his group are looking for the Omega talisman in their journey to get out of the island.

It was very fun to read this book. While it was unexpected for me that Oliver would start doubting his role as the leader as he already seemed like one in the last book, I loved his development in this book. All his self-doubt, trying to get better at it, taking feedback in and slowly turning into a great leader. I also liked that he saw the potential that he has to become tyrannical and greedy, so he took measures to avoid that outcome.

I loved the world building in this book and how each character developed their power. It was very interesting to get to know each power's limits and drawbacks. I felt for Peter. He made such a big sacrifice. And I was so surprised when he disappeared. I'm saddened by his departure.

In terms of romance, Dominic and Gemma felt insta-love in the first book, which was doubled down in this book. At first, I didn't buy their love but.... I couldn't help but love their sweet moment though. I did love Lauren and Oliver's relationship as it felt natural and very sweet.

Overall, it was a very good book.

[Serena Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Firebreather’s Curse is a significant step up from its predecessor, The Talismans of Teregrin. The initial book was very good, don’t get me wrong, but this one stood out exorbitantly. The writer, it seems, has finally found her footing. Her voice is clear, concise, and beautiful to read a story through. On top of this, her characters were a lot more defined, and I found myself connected to them on a personal level. The romances, which in the first book felt like they were meandering and didn’t really have my attention, were fleshed out a lot more and had a heart to them that they simply didn’t before. Although I found myself conflicted on multiple occasions about who I wanted Gemma and Oliver with, I appreciated that each of these relationships stood out enough that I cared. I am beyond excited to pick up the next book in the trilogy and will be waiting on bated breath until the release date comes. Until then, I can sit back and digest the massive story that just came at me. I was in love. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars. I have no criticisms. 

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, maybe even more than the first one. I like how we start right in the action again with Aidan's perspective of The Great Morphing. It really caught my attention and made me want to read more! In the first book, we had Gemma's conflict with trying to be useful, and in this book, we get Oliver's struggle with trying to be a good leader. I also loved the romance between Gemma and Dominic. The conflict Gemma faced of trying not to betray Dominic while also trying not to prevent the Militia from trusting her was very well done! We got more of the Knights in this book as well. The Militia's close relationship with each other was also a nice touch!

I love the idea of the Firebreather's Curse and the fact that one person had to sacrifice themselves for the group. The parts with Aidan triggering and even potentially turning into a Morpher at the end were also really interesting! I already want to read the third book! Hopefully they make it off the island in the next one. Overall, this was a very strong second book to such a cool series!

[Caitlin Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the second book in this series, The Firebreather's Curse picks up right where the first book left off in an action-packed story with Oliver and Gemma, and their new group the Militia that they have formed.

I really enjoyed that we got to see more of the supporting characters in this book and that the group dynamic became more established. I think Gemma and Oliver are further developed in this book, and Gemma becomes a more likable character. Similar to the first book, the plot was very fast-paced, and did not feel like there were any parts of the book that were dull or lacking.

I do feel as if heading into the third book, there are still a lot of questions and missing pieces that seem important to the plot that we are not receiving clear answers for, (i.e. Oliver’s powers glitching). While I enjoyed meeting the Knights, there are now a lot of characters and information to keep up with as well.

Overall, I think this was a good follow-up to the first book, and I am curious to see what happens with the characters in the third book.

[Talia B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Firebreather’s Curse is a solid sequel to the first book. The story dives right back into where the first book left off, with the characters on the hunt for the second talisman. With nonstop adventure and action, Metzger’s story moves quickly from one scene to another, allowing the characters of the book to be constantly in motion towards their goal. The fast-paced writing style is gripping and leaves the reader wanting to find out more at the end of each chapter.

I especially love Oliver and Gemma’s newfound group, “The Militia,” which showcases the supporting characters in a way that mixes well with the book’s plotline. Romance plays a bigger role in the second book, which weaves its way into plot themes of trust and sacrifice. However, I found that the romance felt forced at times, which reduced my enjoyment of certain parts of the storyline.

Metzger’s book is a fun, action-packed sequel to the first instalment of the series that leaves the reader looking forward to seeing how the tale unfolds in the third book. 

[J.A. Devereaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Superb!
The Firebreather’s Curse, Book 2 in Katy Metzger’s The Talismans of Teregrin series, is quite possibly the best 2nd book in a series I’ve ever read. No let up; no let down! The characters continue to develop and grow, especially twins Oliver and Gemma, while maintaining those qualities that made you fall in love with them in the first book. Ms. Metzger weaves the right amount of drama (including love interests) among the young heroes while amping up the main plot's action of finding the means to save themselves from their imprisonment on a seriously scary island that harbors seriously scary monster-like creatures, other teens who are enemies, not allies, and laboratory personnel who are a continual threat to their freedom. Ollie’s wing-it style is invigorating, and Gemma’s newfound strength and powers are exhilarating. This really is “edge of your seat” reading. I can’t wait for Book 3!

[Anna McEntire · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Firebreather's Curse is the continuation of the adventure with the scrappy teens from The Talismans of Teregrin, as they uncover the path to find their memories and their way home.

Oliver, easily the comic relief in Book 1, continues to provide laughs, but has begun his transformation as a leader. He makes mistakes, but learns from the others in the group.

His twin, Gemma, has crawled out of the scared shell she lived in as her powers continue to grow. She also finds herself as the love interest of two boys from rival groups!

The characters and their unique abilities will draw the reader into this story, and the intense action will keep them reading! This book is just as exciting and mysterious as the first, and there are hints planted throughout that no doubt are setting up the next book.

This series is a must-read, suitable for teens and enjoyable for adults of all ages!

[mva · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great sequel to The Talismans of Teregrin! The adventure continues, the stakes getting higher, and at the same time both Gemma and Oliver have to deal with their individual struggles. The balance between high-tension action scenes and teenage drama was perfect to keep me turning pages.

In the first book of the series, I mostly paid attention to Gemma and Oliver, and though this book still revolves around the twins, I feel like I got to know many of the other characters better now. Especially Jessica, with her argumentative attitude and insightful advice, has become my favorite. Katy Metzger does a great job in juggling the huge cast of characters and the dynamics between the three groups of teens.

In this book, we got some clues to the mystery of the lab and why they’re all on the island, but I have so many questions and will definitely be reading all the books Katy Metzger writes to get the answers!

[sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me more hooked than the last one. The teamwork and dynamics among the characters, the playful banter, and the way they had each other's backs in tough situations really kept my interest. Gemma evolved into a strong and determined character throughout the story, showing courage in moments of danger. Oliver's leadership took a different turn, and it was interesting to see the struggles he faced in making decisions, revealing how much he cares for his team. The portrayal of the relationship between Gemma and Dominic was beautifully done. I appreciated the glimpse into Aidan's character, and the ending left me hanging, eager to see how Aidan changes in the next book. Overall, it never got boring. Like the previous book, this had a lot of information to keep track of, new characters didn't make it easy for me to remember them all. Nevertheless, this one was a fantastic read that I truly enjoyed.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. Despite the first book in the series setting high expectations, this read was more action filled, engaging and humourous than I expected.

After Gemma's relatable uncertainty on the previous installment of the series we see her become one of the most powerful people on the island. Her abilities are growing and it was wonderful to see her arc and grow on this journey with her.
After the double cross in the last book we also see Ollie taking charge of the Militia. His impulsiveness makes him doubt his own skills as a leader. In this novel, he is a funny and action oriented character. This made his perspective amusing and interactive to read.

Seeing Gemma and Oliver navigate their unstable and growing powers, romantic lives, and search for the second talisman was absolutely riveting.

This book left many questions unanswered, cannot wait to read the next book.