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The Butterfly Assassin #3
Moth to a Flame
The epic conclusion to the dark, twisting thriller trilogy about a teen assassin’s attempt to live a normal life.
‘An immersive, fast-paced thriller’ The Irish Times
Isabel Ryans has fled Espera, leaving behind her identity as teen assassin the Moth. Now she’s trying to adjust to the reality of the outside world. But her grief and trauma are catching up with her, and surrounded by civilians who will never understand what life is like in the walled city, she feels more alone than ever.
When a journalist is murdered nearby, suspicion automatically falls on Isabel. And inside Espera’s walls, the abolitionist movement is gaining strength. When Isabel’s search for the killer leads to an unexpected reunion, she’s forced to decide whether she can really leave the city behind, and what part the Moth might have to play in the uprising.
Is Isabel Ryans the city’s saviour . . . or its scapegoat?
From award-winning author Finn Longman, an exhilarating voice in YA fiction, comes an addictive trilogy for fans of global phenomena The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Killing Eve and The Hunger Games.
PRAISE FOR THE BUTTERFLY
‘This dark, enthralling thriller is a compulsive debut’ The Guardian
‘An electrifying debut!’ Chelsea Pitcher, author of This Lie Will Kill You
‘A heart-in-your-mouth thriller that grips you from the first page until the very last.’ Benjamin Dean, author of The King is Dead
‘A bold, jagged and uncompromising thriller that will keep you guessing all the way to the end.’ Tom Pollock, author of White Rabbit, Red Wolf
‘Sharp and layered, with a bright beating heart. The Butterfly Assassin will lure you deep into a fascinating and dangerous new world.’ Rory Power, author of Wilder Girls
‘An utterly addictive story. I told myself "just one more chapter" well into the night.’ Emily Suvada, author of This Mortal Coil
‘Fierce, thrilling, and impossible to put down. Packed full of amazing friendships, plot twists and a desperate fight to survive’ C. G. Drews, author of The Boy Who Steals Houses
‘An immersive, fast-paced thriller’ The Irish Times
Isabel Ryans has fled Espera, leaving behind her identity as teen assassin the Moth. Now she’s trying to adjust to the reality of the outside world. But her grief and trauma are catching up with her, and surrounded by civilians who will never understand what life is like in the walled city, she feels more alone than ever.
When a journalist is murdered nearby, suspicion automatically falls on Isabel. And inside Espera’s walls, the abolitionist movement is gaining strength. When Isabel’s search for the killer leads to an unexpected reunion, she’s forced to decide whether she can really leave the city behind, and what part the Moth might have to play in the uprising.
Is Isabel Ryans the city’s saviour . . . or its scapegoat?
From award-winning author Finn Longman, an exhilarating voice in YA fiction, comes an addictive trilogy for fans of global phenomena The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Killing Eve and The Hunger Games.
PRAISE FOR THE BUTTERFLY
‘This dark, enthralling thriller is a compulsive debut’ The Guardian
‘An electrifying debut!’ Chelsea Pitcher, author of This Lie Will Kill You
‘A heart-in-your-mouth thriller that grips you from the first page until the very last.’ Benjamin Dean, author of The King is Dead
‘A bold, jagged and uncompromising thriller that will keep you guessing all the way to the end.’ Tom Pollock, author of White Rabbit, Red Wolf
‘Sharp and layered, with a bright beating heart. The Butterfly Assassin will lure you deep into a fascinating and dangerous new world.’ Rory Power, author of Wilder Girls
‘An utterly addictive story. I told myself "just one more chapter" well into the night.’ Emily Suvada, author of This Mortal Coil
‘Fierce, thrilling, and impossible to put down. Packed full of amazing friendships, plot twists and a desperate fight to survive’ C. G. Drews, author of The Boy Who Steals Houses
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2024
5 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Finn Longman
4 books181 followersFinn Longman is an author and medievalist, originally from London. They write young adult and adult fiction, with a particular interest in genre-bending stories about identity, friendship, and monstrosity – of the metaphorical or the literal sort. They've spent most of their adult life either working as a library assistant or studying for increasingly niche degrees in medieval literature, but when they don't have their head in a book they can usually be found playing folk music in a local pub.
Finn is currently a PhD student at the University of Cambridge, researching friendship and affection in the later Ulster Cycle.
Finn is currently a PhD student at the University of Cambridge, researching friendship and affection in the later Ulster Cycle.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 15, 2024
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
MOTH TO A FLAME is a trilogy ender all about healing, hope, and working towards a better world.
This is a much gentler book than the last two. It is not a constant run of awful, impossible choices and death, Isabel (and the plot) moving at a hundred miles an hour through betrayal and anguish. Instead, it's slower paced as Isabel begins the slow process of recognising and healing from all the trauma she's experienced (so there's a fair amount of anguish still!)
It is a book about healing, tearing down walls, and building back better. It's about acceptance of the past and finding a way to move on. It's about justice and freedom and culpability - how scapegoats are often used to avoid states owning up to the part they had in it all. It's about community and finding less violent ways to enact change.
This all means that, shockingly (for the series) there are very few deaths in this book compared to THE BUTTERFLY ASSASSIN and the bloodbath that was THE HUMMINGBIRD KILLER - only three total by my count. People I like actually get to survive for once (which was a relief my heart!)
I liked getting a book about healing a hope. It is a brutal trilogy about valuing weapons and money over lives, particularly children's, so to end on a strong note of hope that there can be change is very empowering.
MOTH TO A FLAME is a trilogy ender all about healing, hope, and working towards a better world.
This is a much gentler book than the last two. It is not a constant run of awful, impossible choices and death, Isabel (and the plot) moving at a hundred miles an hour through betrayal and anguish. Instead, it's slower paced as Isabel begins the slow process of recognising and healing from all the trauma she's experienced (so there's a fair amount of anguish still!)
It is a book about healing, tearing down walls, and building back better. It's about acceptance of the past and finding a way to move on. It's about justice and freedom and culpability - how scapegoats are often used to avoid states owning up to the part they had in it all. It's about community and finding less violent ways to enact change.
This all means that, shockingly (for the series) there are very few deaths in this book compared to THE BUTTERFLY ASSASSIN and the bloodbath that was THE HUMMINGBIRD KILLER - only three total by my count. People I like actually get to survive for once (which was a relief my heart!)
I liked getting a book about healing a hope. It is a brutal trilogy about valuing weapons and money over lives, particularly children's, so to end on a strong note of hope that there can be change is very empowering.
May 25, 2024
Once again, weeping.
A stellar ending to the trilogy. This one really digs into the complexity of recovery and forgiveness, especially from and for things that can't be undone (like all that murder in TBA and THK).
This is a perfect culmination of Isabel's arc and a beautiful book.
There is significantly less murder than in the first two.
A stellar ending to the trilogy. This one really digs into the complexity of recovery and forgiveness, especially from and for things that can't be undone (like all that murder in TBA and THK).
This is a perfect culmination of Isabel's arc and a beautiful book.
There is significantly less murder than in the first two.
June 16, 2024
This was one of the best books I've ever read!
June 26, 2024
5 stars absolutely adored this series. So damn good.
June 6, 2025
other 2 were better but still a good read
June 7, 2024
“That’s all she ever asked of the world. A chance to get better.”
God this book. This book. Isabel Ryans is a character so close to my heart. Getting to read an entire book of her being treated with kindness and patience and understanding as she grieves and processes her trauma actually healed something fundamental inside me. This book is the perfect culmination of the series and exactly the kind of book I desperately need to read more of, with this mental health & quiet epilogue focus.
God this book. This book. Isabel Ryans is a character so close to my heart. Getting to read an entire book of her being treated with kindness and patience and understanding as she grieves and processes her trauma actually healed something fundamental inside me. This book is the perfect culmination of the series and exactly the kind of book I desperately need to read more of, with this mental health & quiet epilogue focus.
June 4, 2025
I am going to miss Isabel.
July 21, 2025
Book 2 ended on such a cliffhanger I wasn't sure what to expect of this one, but man, this was not it. I sort of knew, going in, that book 3 was going to be more focused on healing than the previous two books, but I was not Prepared.
This was really the perfect ending to the trilogy.
Throughout, Isabel has been determined to get out and be free, and have a normal life, and to live. even as she's struggled with whether she deserves it, her guilt (and survivor's guilt), and grief, and love, and loss - this book picks up where 2 left off, with Isabel at rock bottom, deeply traumatised, in a detention center outside Espera, dissociating, scared, numb, the works. the first 30% or so of the book focus almost exclusively on Isabel's dealing with her trauma (self destructive behaviours and all!) and path to healing, while the Plot takes a back seat. maybe it would even be more accurate to say that the first 70% or so deal with trauma and healing.
the author wrote in their acknowledgements at the end that (and I'm paraphrasing) that sometimes the most narratively interesting thing one can do is write 200k+ long stories about assassins healing from trauma - referencing here multiple fanfics written about Bucky Barnes. I agree. I think, generally speaking, traditionally published novels (and not just in YA, but also adult SFF) tend to sideline trauma recovery in favour of plot - big explosions and punchy characters and pithy takes on evil societal structures. I don't say this to put those stories down. I say it because this trilogy, in contrast, treats complex issues such as revolutions sensitively, and it does it by centering the child soldiers who were part of perpetuating it, and asks hard questions such as 'does a child soldier who has murdered probably 100+ people, including other children, deserve redemption? what does that look like? is there such a thing as 'the real crime'? who should be punished for the crime? is punishment the right way forward?'
This isn't a "standard" YA trilogy with a Chosen One plot leading a revolution and saving the world - there aren't any chosen ones. There are just people, good people, who do good work, and who die. and more people step up and do good work. ordinary people step up and go on strikes. Isabel didn't singlehandedly save Espera - Espera saved itself. Isabel was a part of it, but so was Leo, and Laura, and everyone who died along the way trying to keep the people they care about alive.
I am so, so impressed, and I love this trilogy so much, I can't believe it exists. (I can.) I want everyone to read it. I want everyone to love Isabel and Leo and Laura and Mortimer and Daragh and Emma and Sam and Maggie and James and and and, like I do.
and frankly, in the political climate we live in, this should be required reading. SFF has always been prescient, has always looked at what's going on in society and magnified it, as if to say 'look at this. we can do better.' and we can. and we should.
This was really the perfect ending to the trilogy.
Throughout, Isabel has been determined to get out and be free, and have a normal life, and to live. even as she's struggled with whether she deserves it, her guilt (and survivor's guilt), and grief, and love, and loss - this book picks up where 2 left off, with Isabel at rock bottom, deeply traumatised, in a detention center outside Espera, dissociating, scared, numb, the works. the first 30% or so of the book focus almost exclusively on Isabel's dealing with her trauma (self destructive behaviours and all!) and path to healing, while the Plot takes a back seat. maybe it would even be more accurate to say that the first 70% or so deal with trauma and healing.
the author wrote in their acknowledgements at the end that (and I'm paraphrasing) that sometimes the most narratively interesting thing one can do is write 200k+ long stories about assassins healing from trauma - referencing here multiple fanfics written about Bucky Barnes. I agree. I think, generally speaking, traditionally published novels (and not just in YA, but also adult SFF) tend to sideline trauma recovery in favour of plot - big explosions and punchy characters and pithy takes on evil societal structures. I don't say this to put those stories down. I say it because this trilogy, in contrast, treats complex issues such as revolutions sensitively, and it does it by centering the child soldiers who were part of perpetuating it, and asks hard questions such as 'does a child soldier who has murdered probably 100+ people, including other children, deserve redemption? what does that look like? is there such a thing as 'the real crime'? who should be punished for the crime? is punishment the right way forward?'
This isn't a "standard" YA trilogy with a Chosen One plot leading a revolution and saving the world - there aren't any chosen ones. There are just people, good people, who do good work, and who die. and more people step up and do good work. ordinary people step up and go on strikes. Isabel didn't singlehandedly save Espera - Espera saved itself. Isabel was a part of it, but so was Leo, and Laura, and everyone who died along the way trying to keep the people they care about alive.
I am so, so impressed, and I love this trilogy so much, I can't believe it exists. (I can.) I want everyone to read it. I want everyone to love Isabel and Leo and Laura and Mortimer and Daragh and Emma and Sam and Maggie and James and and and, like I do.
and frankly, in the political climate we live in, this should be required reading. SFF has always been prescient, has always looked at what's going on in society and magnified it, as if to say 'look at this. we can do better.' and we can. and we should.
April 30, 2025
I really didn't want this series to end. Nevertheless, this was a great ending to an already great series!
This book focuses on Isabel's recovery from her severe trauma after running away from Espera. Finally, she got what she deserved after two books of trauma and severely low self-worth. I loved seeing her journey from her low self-esteem at the start of the book and her gradually learning that she can be a good person despite the fact that she has killed many. Meanwhile, the Esperan revolutionaries are uprising. This book is less action-packed than the last 2 books, but it is way more fitting for this story of Isabel's recovery.
We are reunited with the Free Press crew at the library in Espera and we see their life outside the walls of Espera. This book really solidified Sam as a favourite character of mine as she was given more depth other than being a really smart 12 year old who is oppressed by the guild system. Isabel also makes new friends at a bar, which I enjoyed. James was a particular favourite as he is fairly similar to Isabel in that he is going through serious trauma as well.
The best thing about this book by far is the focus on mental health. Yes, we see a lot of Isabel's trauma in the last 2 books, but her recovery is the final piece of the puzzle. We see both the good and the bad of recovery, including destructive coping mechanisms but ultimately Isabel adjusting to a life beyond the guilds. In reality, recovery from trauma is not a linear journey, and Longman showcases that very well.
All in all, seeing Isabel finally feel happy and safe at the end of the series left me incredibly satisfied. I think this book could become really important for its focus on mental health if it was more popular. This series definitely needs to become more known and I hope to see it regularly recommended one day.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book focuses on Isabel's recovery from her severe trauma after running away from Espera. Finally, she got what she deserved after two books of trauma and severely low self-worth. I loved seeing her journey from her low self-esteem at the start of the book and her gradually learning that she can be a good person despite the fact that she has killed many. Meanwhile, the Esperan revolutionaries are uprising. This book is less action-packed than the last 2 books, but it is way more fitting for this story of Isabel's recovery.
We are reunited with the Free Press crew at the library in Espera and we see their life outside the walls of Espera. This book really solidified Sam as a favourite character of mine as she was given more depth other than being a really smart 12 year old who is oppressed by the guild system. Isabel also makes new friends at a bar, which I enjoyed. James was a particular favourite as he is fairly similar to Isabel in that he is going through serious trauma as well.
The best thing about this book by far is the focus on mental health. Yes, we see a lot of Isabel's trauma in the last 2 books, but her recovery is the final piece of the puzzle. We see both the good and the bad of recovery, including destructive coping mechanisms but ultimately Isabel adjusting to a life beyond the guilds. In reality, recovery from trauma is not a linear journey, and Longman showcases that very well.
All in all, seeing Isabel finally feel happy and safe at the end of the series left me incredibly satisfied. I think this book could become really important for its focus on mental health if it was more popular. This series definitely needs to become more known and I hope to see it regularly recommended one day.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 29, 2024
Thank you to Fin for brining us along on this amazing journey though Isabel Ryans tragic but beautiful story. I am so glad that she got the justice she deserved, even though I wish that she had Mortimer, Daragh and Emma there with her to see that she got out.
Thank you so much for this incredible series that has landed to close to my heart (and for brining us a saddened but finally happy ending for Isabel)
Thank you so much for this incredible series that has landed to close to my heart (and for brining us a saddened but finally happy ending for Isabel)
June 10, 2024
One of the best dystopian trilogies I have ever read and truly something special. Filled with healing from trauma and pacifist messages without ever being preachy, this trilogy will stick with me and has made me a loyal reader of anything Finn Longman writes.
February 7, 2025
I don't think a series has ever been more prevelant to what's happening today. Turning on the news, going on social media, reading about all of the horrors that are happening. It all leaves you with so much hurt, so much rage. And so much hopelessness.
But this book. This trilogy.
It gives me hope.
But this book. This trilogy.
It gives me hope.
December 31, 2024
What a trilogy to end the year with.
Fantastically written, not a pleasant story but one that needed to be told with so many reflections of our own world and difficult questions put forward. I loved the use of Esperanto.
After two books of struggle, I'm glad that Isabel Ryan's got a happy ending.
Fantastically written, not a pleasant story but one that needed to be told with so many reflections of our own world and difficult questions put forward. I loved the use of Esperanto.
After two books of struggle, I'm glad that Isabel Ryan's got a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
Somehow both a lot lighter in subject-matter (read; fewer brutal murders), and darker in tone, this felt like the perfect, hopeful shattered-mirror-pieces-glued-together-to-make-something-beautiful kind of ending, and I loved every agonising moment of it.
June 8, 2024
Once I found the time to just sit and read I completed this all in one afternoon, I couldn't put it down once I picked it up. There is so much kindness in this book I couldn't stop crying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 30, 2024Isabel Ryans from The Butterfly Assassin is aromantic asexual!
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July 28, 2025
Great book,but doesn't live up to the others in the series, but would definitely recommend to others
September 18, 2024
TW: death, murder, violence, gore, blood, injury, depression, PTSD, grief, past child abuse, traumatic flashbacks, unsafe sexual activity, drug use, alcohol abuse, self-destructive behaviours
Moth to a Flame is a brave, brilliant and blistering conclusion to an exceptional YA trilogy.
Finn Longman has crafted one of the best YA trilogies I’ve ever read. The Butterfly Assassin, The Hummingbird Killer and now Moth to a Flame together carve out a bloody and brutal tale of revenge, trauma and starting a process of recovery. This has never been a series to hold back from going there and getting knee-deep in guts and gore. However, I adore that Longman ultimately choses to focus on the hope of recovery and healing, as long and arduous as that road may be. This is just as dark and deadly as previous books, primarily grappling with the central theme of justice, forgiveness and absolution. Longman asks what does true justice look like and who gets to wield it?
Someone heavily grappling with that question is Isabel Ryans, who will remain one of my favourite protagonists ever. She is mired in blood and regret from her past actions, but consistently fails to forgive herself within the horrendous circumstances of her past. She is bruised and broken at the beginning of this book and it is only through various forms of love and acceptance that she can start to make amends with herself. I still cannot get over how fantastic and nuanced the disability and mental health representation is within this book. It is heavy reading at times, but it is heart-breaking honest. Even extrapolated to a fantasy space, it rings very true to life. Longman fills a space that has historically been neglected and tells a story that will resonate with so many readers who otherwise do not get to hear their voices reflected.
This conclusion to the trilogy also brings some of the political themes that have always been driving forces of the narrative further into the spotlight. It kind of is a murder mystery/conspiracy narrative that deals with dehumanisation and othering, drawing parallels with our society. Longman has never been shy about speaking out and this continues in fine fashion. Their writing is filled with fury, but also with kindness and a message of being able to face our past & start to heal from it.
Moth to a Flame closes out a spectacular YA trilogy in suitably brilliant fashion. If you’ve not picked up these books by now, you’re missing out on amazing stories and unforgettable characters.
Moth to a Flame is a brave, brilliant and blistering conclusion to an exceptional YA trilogy.
Finn Longman has crafted one of the best YA trilogies I’ve ever read. The Butterfly Assassin, The Hummingbird Killer and now Moth to a Flame together carve out a bloody and brutal tale of revenge, trauma and starting a process of recovery. This has never been a series to hold back from going there and getting knee-deep in guts and gore. However, I adore that Longman ultimately choses to focus on the hope of recovery and healing, as long and arduous as that road may be. This is just as dark and deadly as previous books, primarily grappling with the central theme of justice, forgiveness and absolution. Longman asks what does true justice look like and who gets to wield it?
Someone heavily grappling with that question is Isabel Ryans, who will remain one of my favourite protagonists ever. She is mired in blood and regret from her past actions, but consistently fails to forgive herself within the horrendous circumstances of her past. She is bruised and broken at the beginning of this book and it is only through various forms of love and acceptance that she can start to make amends with herself. I still cannot get over how fantastic and nuanced the disability and mental health representation is within this book. It is heavy reading at times, but it is heart-breaking honest. Even extrapolated to a fantasy space, it rings very true to life. Longman fills a space that has historically been neglected and tells a story that will resonate with so many readers who otherwise do not get to hear their voices reflected.
This conclusion to the trilogy also brings some of the political themes that have always been driving forces of the narrative further into the spotlight. It kind of is a murder mystery/conspiracy narrative that deals with dehumanisation and othering, drawing parallels with our society. Longman has never been shy about speaking out and this continues in fine fashion. Their writing is filled with fury, but also with kindness and a message of being able to face our past & start to heal from it.
Moth to a Flame closes out a spectacular YA trilogy in suitably brilliant fashion. If you’ve not picked up these books by now, you’re missing out on amazing stories and unforgettable characters.
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