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Scribes #2
Scribes Aflame
Once the water runs out, millions trapped in a mine will die. Unless civil war kills them first.
Mallory Leighyan vows to save them all.
She plans an escape to the surface while falling in love with a prince who teaches her to fight. But as an army of traitors besieges the capital, she hides the royal family in tunnels below the palace.
Problem is, food is running out. And the tunnels swarm with monsters invincible to all but Mallory's weapon powered by alien nanotech. In desperation, she calls to the voice of one she can’t see. He’s guided her out of danger before, but now he keeps silent while enemies close in.
Mallory seeks answers at the bottom of the mine, where others cry for rescue from a volcanic hellscape. Among the flames and toxic gases, something else awaits her. Something from another universe with designs to dominate this one, and it needs to steal a part of Mallory's mind to do it.
Scribes Aflame delivers more of the hard sci-fi, futuristic fantasy, and immersive world building readers have come to love in Scribes’ Descent. Book Two of the Scribes Series.
Mallory Leighyan vows to save them all.
She plans an escape to the surface while falling in love with a prince who teaches her to fight. But as an army of traitors besieges the capital, she hides the royal family in tunnels below the palace.
Problem is, food is running out. And the tunnels swarm with monsters invincible to all but Mallory's weapon powered by alien nanotech. In desperation, she calls to the voice of one she can’t see. He’s guided her out of danger before, but now he keeps silent while enemies close in.
Mallory seeks answers at the bottom of the mine, where others cry for rescue from a volcanic hellscape. Among the flames and toxic gases, something else awaits her. Something from another universe with designs to dominate this one, and it needs to steal a part of Mallory's mind to do it.
Scribes Aflame delivers more of the hard sci-fi, futuristic fantasy, and immersive world building readers have come to love in Scribes’ Descent. Book Two of the Scribes Series.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
6 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Dylan West
4 books68 followersI’m a Jesus lover, web developer, video game developer, former Navy nuclear operator, foreign language nut, and a nut in general. While other people are busy thinking normal thoughts, I’m crafting corny jokes. I live in Chesapeake, VA, with my wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 9, 2023
Shocking twist at the end!
Scribes Aflame is the second book in the Scribes Series and even better than the first. The wild adventure of Mallory, Rain, and Boxer takes them through an increasingly strange and wondrous subterranean realm, with thick forests, magma tunnels, and even a city of metal. They encounter creatures as strange as they’re dangerous, and only through skill, determination, and sometimes luck, they survive and continue their journey toward the final destination. Will they be able to solve the riddle and survive the final test?
Dylan West has created a rich world—above and below ground—and filled it with politics, war, philosophy, science, and a great diversity in flora and fauna. The level of detail is amazing, and I can easily envision the terrain, characters, and different creatures. My favorite monster is the ragna, which was also a popular name among women during the viking age. It comes from the Germanic «ragina», which means «decision». The male counterpart is Ragnar, as in Ragnar Lothbrok of the series Vikings.
The story is fluid and well directed, the excitement and action never let off. As the heroes go deeper, so does the plot. The ending will leave you gasping for air. Can’t wait for the third one!
Scribes Aflame is the second book in the Scribes Series and even better than the first. The wild adventure of Mallory, Rain, and Boxer takes them through an increasingly strange and wondrous subterranean realm, with thick forests, magma tunnels, and even a city of metal. They encounter creatures as strange as they’re dangerous, and only through skill, determination, and sometimes luck, they survive and continue their journey toward the final destination. Will they be able to solve the riddle and survive the final test?
Dylan West has created a rich world—above and below ground—and filled it with politics, war, philosophy, science, and a great diversity in flora and fauna. The level of detail is amazing, and I can easily envision the terrain, characters, and different creatures. My favorite monster is the ragna, which was also a popular name among women during the viking age. It comes from the Germanic «ragina», which means «decision». The male counterpart is Ragnar, as in Ragnar Lothbrok of the series Vikings.
The story is fluid and well directed, the excitement and action never let off. As the heroes go deeper, so does the plot. The ending will leave you gasping for air. Can’t wait for the third one!
September 21, 2023
Scribes Aflame is the second book in the Scribes trilogy, and continues the story of Mallory, Rain, and Boxer, the Scribes foretold in the Book of Books. The adventures and trials they began in book one carry into more critical territory here, putting all their lives—and others, besides—in danger as they struggle to carry out their fated mission.
This is a pretty fast-paced story, with lots of action to keep the reader turning pages. Everything from hostile humans to feral and dangerous animals and otherworldly beings (to us surface-dwellers, anyway!) arise to challenge our heroes. In fact, everything is moving so quickly that the Scribes barely have time to stop and think about what they’re doing; instead, they are obliged to throw themselves at each successive challenge in order to keep going. While there are moments when the pace slows, it’s never for long—just enough to let readers, but not the characters, catch their breath.
The young protagonists, Mallory and Leah, along with their friends, are well-educated, intelligent, rational, thoughtful, and courageous. Mallory, especially, questions everything. It’s rare that she simply accepts something at face value. In addition, they think their way through problems, seeking reasonable and workable solutions that will benefit the most people. I can see how they would serve as excellent role models for YA readers.
Author Dylan West’s imagination takes interesting turns in the descriptions of the story’s subterranean ecosystems. It’s clear he’s given a lot of thought to their creation, and how such environmental marvels might occur in a real-world scenario. Descriptions are accompanied by dialogue between the characters about how they could have evolved in such a setting, explanations that are well-reasoned and totally believable.
Given that the Scribes series is YA Christian fantasy, there are certain expectations set up from the beginning. The Scribes are followers of a religious system called Protectorism, are on a spiritual mission, and are being aided (less often than they would like) by The Voice, to whom they pray for guidance and protection. Through character development, we see the doubt that can creep in, even with the strongest believers, and how faith helps them overcome the hurdles and move on into a deeper connection with the tradition, and with God (though they call Him something else in the story). While I am not a Christian myself, I understand the significance of that connection between the Divine and the religion’s individual practitioners and was thus able to sympathize with the characters in these moments.
I would venture to say that it would be difficult to easily follow book two, Scribes Aflame, if you have not yet read book one, Scribe’s Descent. That said, both books are good, well-paced stories. If you like faith-based fiction, you’ll want to add these books to your list.
This is a pretty fast-paced story, with lots of action to keep the reader turning pages. Everything from hostile humans to feral and dangerous animals and otherworldly beings (to us surface-dwellers, anyway!) arise to challenge our heroes. In fact, everything is moving so quickly that the Scribes barely have time to stop and think about what they’re doing; instead, they are obliged to throw themselves at each successive challenge in order to keep going. While there are moments when the pace slows, it’s never for long—just enough to let readers, but not the characters, catch their breath.
The young protagonists, Mallory and Leah, along with their friends, are well-educated, intelligent, rational, thoughtful, and courageous. Mallory, especially, questions everything. It’s rare that she simply accepts something at face value. In addition, they think their way through problems, seeking reasonable and workable solutions that will benefit the most people. I can see how they would serve as excellent role models for YA readers.
Author Dylan West’s imagination takes interesting turns in the descriptions of the story’s subterranean ecosystems. It’s clear he’s given a lot of thought to their creation, and how such environmental marvels might occur in a real-world scenario. Descriptions are accompanied by dialogue between the characters about how they could have evolved in such a setting, explanations that are well-reasoned and totally believable.
Given that the Scribes series is YA Christian fantasy, there are certain expectations set up from the beginning. The Scribes are followers of a religious system called Protectorism, are on a spiritual mission, and are being aided (less often than they would like) by The Voice, to whom they pray for guidance and protection. Through character development, we see the doubt that can creep in, even with the strongest believers, and how faith helps them overcome the hurdles and move on into a deeper connection with the tradition, and with God (though they call Him something else in the story). While I am not a Christian myself, I understand the significance of that connection between the Divine and the religion’s individual practitioners and was thus able to sympathize with the characters in these moments.
I would venture to say that it would be difficult to easily follow book two, Scribes Aflame, if you have not yet read book one, Scribe’s Descent. That said, both books are good, well-paced stories. If you like faith-based fiction, you’ll want to add these books to your list.
September 7, 2023
Scribes Aflame makes me forget to breathe
Journeys and quests abound in this breathtaking and fast-paced sci-fi fantasy novel. Colorfully detailed imagery enhances the non-stop action as you’re running from scene to scene (or climbing, or swinging through trees) with Malory and her team. The plentiful creatures and sapient species are inventive while not going overboard. The Author does a great job keeping his creativity within, mostly, believable science.
This is the second book in the Scribes series, but Author Dylan West strategically drips information from the first book throughout his story, giving you a handful of “oh yeah!” moments. I recommend reading book one first, but West made sure you wouldn’t be lost if you didn’t.
I have to mention the fighting scenes. West knows how to write a good clear fight sequence without making it “blurry” or dragging it out too long. He knows his audience, and it shows. I’m eagerly awaiting book three.
Journeys and quests abound in this breathtaking and fast-paced sci-fi fantasy novel. Colorfully detailed imagery enhances the non-stop action as you’re running from scene to scene (or climbing, or swinging through trees) with Malory and her team. The plentiful creatures and sapient species are inventive while not going overboard. The Author does a great job keeping his creativity within, mostly, believable science.
This is the second book in the Scribes series, but Author Dylan West strategically drips information from the first book throughout his story, giving you a handful of “oh yeah!” moments. I recommend reading book one first, but West made sure you wouldn’t be lost if you didn’t.
I have to mention the fighting scenes. West knows how to write a good clear fight sequence without making it “blurry” or dragging it out too long. He knows his audience, and it shows. I’m eagerly awaiting book three.
September 17, 2023
An action-packed sequel.
This book was a lot of fun to read. It’s been a while since I read Book 1, so I was a bit fuzzy on some of the smaller details, but the action picks up right away and most of those details came back as I got back into this world and this story.
This book got into the action pretty quickly, which I loved. My only complaint there would be that I felt the characters often acted too rationally, covering all of their bases and voicing every concern before moving forward. It made these conversations feel forced and insincere.
The author ends this story in a terrific place, with so much promise for the next book and leaving the reader wondering how it’s all possibly going to work out.
This book was a lot of fun to read. It’s been a while since I read Book 1, so I was a bit fuzzy on some of the smaller details, but the action picks up right away and most of those details came back as I got back into this world and this story.
This book got into the action pretty quickly, which I loved. My only complaint there would be that I felt the characters often acted too rationally, covering all of their bases and voicing every concern before moving forward. It made these conversations feel forced and insincere.
The author ends this story in a terrific place, with so much promise for the next book and leaving the reader wondering how it’s all possibly going to work out.
September 27, 2023
This story picks up shortly after the end of book one and takes some time to build character relationships and establish the events that ramp up the plot. Then it quickly immerses the reader, drawing them deeper into this wonderfully detailed world along with the lovable characters. I particularly enjoyed seeing what happened with Leah above ground while Mallory and the other scribes journeyed through the bioprison, a plot thread that evolved into a fantastic twist. From the upside-down forest to the searing metal city of Sendia, the author captured my imagination and made me feel like I was right there walking beside the characters, feeling their emotions. Can't wait to see where this goes next.
September 13, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
Scribes Aflame is a great continuation of Scribes Descent, as the titular Scribes continue their quest to save the people below.
Mallory's character development is probably the strongest part of the book as you really root for her to balance her struggles with religion with the loss of her parents. Rain and Boxer, on the other hand, seem mostly there and able to fill any necessary gaps in skill or knowledge. The Leah chapters are also mostly a distraction without much of a payoff.
The creativity is also on full display here. Not many books with multi-faced enemies large enough to climb into. The science details, while sometime extranneous, do add to the detail of the world.
I did struggle with the lack of urgency at times. Why didn't the royals just arrest the Mammoner at the end of Descent or beginning of Aflame? When they went below to hide, I didn't really feel the urgency.
If you liked the first one, you'll like this one, but make sure you read it first!
Scribes Aflame is a great continuation of Scribes Descent, as the titular Scribes continue their quest to save the people below.
Mallory's character development is probably the strongest part of the book as you really root for her to balance her struggles with religion with the loss of her parents. Rain and Boxer, on the other hand, seem mostly there and able to fill any necessary gaps in skill or knowledge. The Leah chapters are also mostly a distraction without much of a payoff.
The creativity is also on full display here. Not many books with multi-faced enemies large enough to climb into. The science details, while sometime extranneous, do add to the detail of the world.
I did struggle with the lack of urgency at times. Why didn't the royals just arrest the Mammoner at the end of Descent or beginning of Aflame? When they went below to hide, I didn't really feel the urgency.
If you liked the first one, you'll like this one, but make sure you read it first!
September 4, 2023
(Full disclosure: I helped edit this book.)
What I really like about this series, and the path Scribes Aflame continues to follow, is how it explores a unique universe with distant vistas. As an editor, I can say there's a lot of texture, history, and worldbuilding the reader can't see directly, but can feel the consequences of in the story. :)
The pacing and flow of this book seemed good to me, and I think the outcome is satisfactory. :)
What I really like about this series, and the path Scribes Aflame continues to follow, is how it explores a unique universe with distant vistas. As an editor, I can say there's a lot of texture, history, and worldbuilding the reader can't see directly, but can feel the consequences of in the story. :)
The pacing and flow of this book seemed good to me, and I think the outcome is satisfactory. :)
April 16, 2024
Great r
Scribes Aflame, Book Two of the Scribes Series, delivers a thrilling blend of hard sci-fi and fantasy, as Mallory Leighyan battles monsters and navigates treacherous paths to save millions trapped in a mine. With immersive world-building and gripping storytelling, this sequel keeps you on the edge of your seats until the very end.
Scribes Aflame, Book Two of the Scribes Series, delivers a thrilling blend of hard sci-fi and fantasy, as Mallory Leighyan battles monsters and navigates treacherous paths to save millions trapped in a mine. With immersive world-building and gripping storytelling, this sequel keeps you on the edge of your seats until the very end.
September 14, 2023
Another fun read by Dylan West. Fast-moving and adventurous, I got lost in the story and kept turning the pages. Dylan’s imagination and detail bring you into Mallory’s and Leah’s worlds and lead you from one escapade to the next.
December 18, 2023
Great second chapter to the story. Our heroes are put through the wringer, tested physically, emotionally, and mentally. The story deepens as more is revealed. And characters who disappeared from book one early on return to be key figures in book three. Looking forward to more!
September 27, 2023
Scribes Aflame ups the ante from book number one, Scribes Descent, by doubling down on the world-building, science, and intrigue. If you're looking for YA science fiction with a focus on world building, then definitely check this one out!
Below are a few excerpts from the story that I loved:
"Just when he was about to respond, a dark figure shot out into view on the field below. It was Galitre, riding a barnit and dangling a chain of sausage links in an upraised fist ... Galitre once clubbed a foe to the ground with a drumstick of grilled hycus, then stepped back as grolnods came and feasted on the poor man."
"Then he widened his mouth into a bulging grin, raising the pitch into the whine of an electric motor. The apple of his throat bobbed wildly, reinforcing his birdlike manner."
"A figure stepped out of the wall. Humanoid, with stony skin and red eyes, it stood at least two and a half meters tall and made Boxer look scrawny by comparison."
"Osygim stepped ashore and raised a fist. Stone shot up through the sandy shore and hardened into a cast around the young man’s greaves, rooting him in place."
The story is not perfect. There were times when it was difficult to suspend my disbelief, and when I thought there were extraneous tid bits about science thrown in just for fun. The biggest thing is, much like book 1, the first half of the story cannot match the second half.
But the second half really pulled me in, starting with the introduction of Osygim (quoted above) and through to the end, which I thought was very strong, setting up book three nicely. The descriptions of the settings were well done, from jungle to volcano, and Lord Drammadon and the Protector were dark and great fun, pulling me into the story. There is a nice twist at the end, and a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommend!
Below are a few excerpts from the story that I loved:
"Just when he was about to respond, a dark figure shot out into view on the field below. It was Galitre, riding a barnit and dangling a chain of sausage links in an upraised fist ... Galitre once clubbed a foe to the ground with a drumstick of grilled hycus, then stepped back as grolnods came and feasted on the poor man."
"Then he widened his mouth into a bulging grin, raising the pitch into the whine of an electric motor. The apple of his throat bobbed wildly, reinforcing his birdlike manner."
"A figure stepped out of the wall. Humanoid, with stony skin and red eyes, it stood at least two and a half meters tall and made Boxer look scrawny by comparison."
"Osygim stepped ashore and raised a fist. Stone shot up through the sandy shore and hardened into a cast around the young man’s greaves, rooting him in place."
The story is not perfect. There were times when it was difficult to suspend my disbelief, and when I thought there were extraneous tid bits about science thrown in just for fun. The biggest thing is, much like book 1, the first half of the story cannot match the second half.
But the second half really pulled me in, starting with the introduction of Osygim (quoted above) and through to the end, which I thought was very strong, setting up book three nicely. The descriptions of the settings were well done, from jungle to volcano, and Lord Drammadon and the Protector were dark and great fun, pulling me into the story. There is a nice twist at the end, and a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommend!
November 19, 2023
Another excellent read
The continuing adventures of the Scribes, just as engaging as the last. Though some parts (primarily toward the end) seemed rushed, the story is well plotted and well executed. I love the myophos!
The continuing adventures of the Scribes, just as engaging as the last. Though some parts (primarily toward the end) seemed rushed, the story is well plotted and well executed. I love the myophos!
September 3, 2025
captivating
Definitely a book that pulls you in and is hard to put down. It will captivate your thoughts and has twist that leave you guessing where the book is taking you.
Definitely a book that pulls you in and is hard to put down. It will captivate your thoughts and has twist that leave you guessing where the book is taking you.
September 15, 2023
Time is running out for the underground denizens in Scribes Aflame. A rupture caused by the quake in book one drains the life-giving Source, endangering the underground cities and cultures. Yet a far more deadly danger lurks, one that demands complete obedience for those it touches. It desires Mallory and will stop at nothing to get her, even preying on her compassion and self-doubt.
Yet Mallory has the support of steadfast companions Boxer and Rain, as well as the budding love of Prince Byron. Support she will need as the Scribes delve deeper in an attempt to contact the Protector and discover the source of the quakes devastating their world. Unfortunately for the Scribes, their arrival in the underground kingdoms isn’t without peril and not everyone welcomes them equally. Caught between the warring factions of the Drammadon Followers and the Protectorists, knowing who to trust grows increasing difficult, especially when the Voice they follow seems to be leading them to trust their enemies over their friends.
This sequel to Scribes Descent is well paced, with breathtaking world building and eerily reminiscent of current trends and events in allegorical format.
Yet Mallory has the support of steadfast companions Boxer and Rain, as well as the budding love of Prince Byron. Support she will need as the Scribes delve deeper in an attempt to contact the Protector and discover the source of the quakes devastating their world. Unfortunately for the Scribes, their arrival in the underground kingdoms isn’t without peril and not everyone welcomes them equally. Caught between the warring factions of the Drammadon Followers and the Protectorists, knowing who to trust grows increasing difficult, especially when the Voice they follow seems to be leading them to trust their enemies over their friends.
This sequel to Scribes Descent is well paced, with breathtaking world building and eerily reminiscent of current trends and events in allegorical format.
September 8, 2023
Dylan’s second book in this unique adventure and world is a strong addition. I read the first book because I was curious and drawn in by the unique storyline. I read this latest addition because I wanted to know where he would take the story. It was totally worth it.
My only critique is the beginning of the book feels rather jarring. It is probably much less so if you go from book one right into book two. For me, it had been a few years since I finished book one so I had to catch up really fast.
Other than that, this second book leaves me still wanting more while continuing to draw me in with new facts and characters. I am fully engaged with bigger questions that need answering after reading this second chapter to his overall series.
I encourage anyone teenage aged and older to give the series a shot. It’s a fun read that you can tell has been meticulously created. I am eager for book three but I anticipate it might be a while before it comes out.
Alas, that’s the draw back of being on the front edge of a new series. Until book three!
My only critique is the beginning of the book feels rather jarring. It is probably much less so if you go from book one right into book two. For me, it had been a few years since I finished book one so I had to catch up really fast.
Other than that, this second book leaves me still wanting more while continuing to draw me in with new facts and characters. I am fully engaged with bigger questions that need answering after reading this second chapter to his overall series.
I encourage anyone teenage aged and older to give the series a shot. It’s a fun read that you can tell has been meticulously created. I am eager for book three but I anticipate it might be a while before it comes out.
Alas, that’s the draw back of being on the front edge of a new series. Until book three!
June 2, 2024
3.75 Stars ⭐️
I liked the story and while I don’t think it was as good as the first in the series I did enjoy it. The character development needs work and the part of the story set in Triurn really dragged. I wouldn’t have minded so much time there if more characters had been developed but Mallory seems to be the main focus and she wasn’t even developed a ton. I want to know more about the other characters!
While I love the Christian undertones it is a bit much and way too explicit. Let the reader draw the connections don’t slap us in the face with it. The ending was great and loved the twists! When’s book #3 coming out?
I liked the story and while I don’t think it was as good as the first in the series I did enjoy it. The character development needs work and the part of the story set in Triurn really dragged. I wouldn’t have minded so much time there if more characters had been developed but Mallory seems to be the main focus and she wasn’t even developed a ton. I want to know more about the other characters!
While I love the Christian undertones it is a bit much and way too explicit. Let the reader draw the connections don’t slap us in the face with it. The ending was great and loved the twists! When’s book #3 coming out?
September 3, 2023
Highly enjoyable follow-up to Scribes Descent. I continue to enjoy West's characterisation; Mallory, the series' protagonist continues to be a charming, engaging lead. The sheer imagination that powered the first book is also intact here and driving the blend of sci-fi and fantasy ever further. Plotwise, the book picks up straight from the first ended, hits the ground running and doesn't let up. It's a fun read, and I look forward to seeing what happens next.
I was provided with a free ARC in return for this review but, as always, I don't put my name to anything I don't genuinely feel.
I was provided with a free ARC in return for this review but, as always, I don't put my name to anything I don't genuinely feel.
October 22, 2023
(This review is coming a month after I read it, so it's imperfect. The good news was that it is good enough to think about and remember.)
SCRIBES' AFLAME a fast-paced rollercoaster that continues the SCRIBE series. As a sci-fi enthusiast, I found that the narrative had me hooked. There were enough unique elements that gave it a sense of originality without overwhelming me with the unfamiliar.
I remember really enjoying the character development. There was really growth for the characters. The plot had a few unexpected twists, which kept it engaging.
I recommend it for anyone teens and adults. I read the very end of Book 1, SCRIBES' DECENT, before starting Book 2 because it had been a while.
Long story short, you can't go wrong.
SCRIBES' AFLAME a fast-paced rollercoaster that continues the SCRIBE series. As a sci-fi enthusiast, I found that the narrative had me hooked. There were enough unique elements that gave it a sense of originality without overwhelming me with the unfamiliar.
I remember really enjoying the character development. There was really growth for the characters. The plot had a few unexpected twists, which kept it engaging.
I recommend it for anyone teens and adults. I read the very end of Book 1, SCRIBES' DECENT, before starting Book 2 because it had been a while.
Long story short, you can't go wrong.
March 9, 2024
She’s not done yet!
If you thought Mallory had been everywhere and seen everything in Dylan West’s complex fantasy world, you were wrong. Readers (12 and up) will follow Mallory and cohort through more tunnels, levels, and dangers. West brings in a nice religious thread as Mallory begins to learn who she is. I’ve heard there is a book 3 in process, so don’t delay getting this one (as well as book 1) under your belt.
If you thought Mallory had been everywhere and seen everything in Dylan West’s complex fantasy world, you were wrong. Readers (12 and up) will follow Mallory and cohort through more tunnels, levels, and dangers. West brings in a nice religious thread as Mallory begins to learn who she is. I’ve heard there is a book 3 in process, so don’t delay getting this one (as well as book 1) under your belt.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews