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The Torch Trilogy #2
Torchfire
The hugely anticipated second instalment in the hottest dystopian fantasy The Torch Trilogy. Who will triumph? Those with songlight, or those without?Welcome back to a world where songlight - or telepathy - is either your greatest power or your greatest curse. Elsa is on the run and is urgently seeking a safe haven.
560 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2025
About the author
Moira Buffini
25 books203 followersMoira Buffini (born 1965) is an English dramatist, director, and actor.
She was born in Carlisle to Irish parents, and studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths. She subsequently trained as an actor at the Welsh College of Music and Drama.
For Jordan, co-written with Anna Reynolds in 1992, she won a Time Out Award for her performance and Writers' Guild Award for Best Fringe play. Her 1997 play Gabriel was performed at Soho theatre, winning the LWT Plays on Stage award. Her 1999 play Silence earned Buffini the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for best English-language play by a woman. Loveplay followed at the RSC in 2001, then Dinner at the National Theatre in 2003 which transferred to the West End and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Comedy.
Buffini wrote Dying For It, a free adaptation of Nikolai Erdman's classic, The Suicide, for the Almeida in 2007. She followed it with Marianne Dreams, a dance play with choreographer Will Tuckett, based on Catherine Storr's book. Her play for young people, A Vampire Story was performed as part of NT Connections in 2008.
Buffini is said to advocate big, imaginative plays rather than naturalistic soap opera dramas, and is a founder member of the Monsterists, a group of playwrights who promote new writing of large scale work in the British theatre. She has been described by David Greig as a metaphysical playwright. All her plays have been published by Faber.
Buffini is also a prolific screenwriter. In 2010 her film adaptation of Posy Simmon's Tamara Drewe was released followed by her adaptation of Jane Eyre for BBC Films and Ruby Films in 2011. The script appeared on the 2008 Brit List, a film-industry-compiled list of the best unproduced screenplays in British film. It received nine votes, putting it in second place. Buffini also adapted her play A Vampire Story for the screenplay of Neil Jordan's film Byzantium released in 2013.
She took part in the Bush Theatre's 2011 project Sixty Six for which she wrote a piece based upon a chapter of the King James Bible.
- Wikipedia
She was born in Carlisle to Irish parents, and studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths. She subsequently trained as an actor at the Welsh College of Music and Drama.
For Jordan, co-written with Anna Reynolds in 1992, she won a Time Out Award for her performance and Writers' Guild Award for Best Fringe play. Her 1997 play Gabriel was performed at Soho theatre, winning the LWT Plays on Stage award. Her 1999 play Silence earned Buffini the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for best English-language play by a woman. Loveplay followed at the RSC in 2001, then Dinner at the National Theatre in 2003 which transferred to the West End and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Comedy.
Buffini wrote Dying For It, a free adaptation of Nikolai Erdman's classic, The Suicide, for the Almeida in 2007. She followed it with Marianne Dreams, a dance play with choreographer Will Tuckett, based on Catherine Storr's book. Her play for young people, A Vampire Story was performed as part of NT Connections in 2008.
Buffini is said to advocate big, imaginative plays rather than naturalistic soap opera dramas, and is a founder member of the Monsterists, a group of playwrights who promote new writing of large scale work in the British theatre. She has been described by David Greig as a metaphysical playwright. All her plays have been published by Faber.
Buffini is also a prolific screenwriter. In 2010 her film adaptation of Posy Simmon's Tamara Drewe was released followed by her adaptation of Jane Eyre for BBC Films and Ruby Films in 2011. The script appeared on the 2008 Brit List, a film-industry-compiled list of the best unproduced screenplays in British film. It received nine votes, putting it in second place. Buffini also adapted her play A Vampire Story for the screenplay of Neil Jordan's film Byzantium released in 2013.
She took part in the Bush Theatre's 2011 project Sixty Six for which she wrote a piece based upon a chapter of the King James Bible.
- Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
October 12, 2025
wow. this series has one of the most unique magic systems and world, i am truly in awe. the multiple povs is done SO well, everything is connected and woven so perfectly together!! and just when i thought i had everything figured out, the plot is expanded into MORE. i truly can’t get enough of this series and i am looking forward to the final book and conclusion to this story! i’m rooting for these characters every step of the way and hope for their peace. 4.5 stars!!
February 26, 2025
No second book curse here !!! Loved this book so much I sent a slightly unhinged email to Faber at 1AM as soon as I finished because I just needed them to know how good it is
As is quite typical in second fantasy/sci-fi books, the characters very much start in one place and finish where they need to be for book three, but I find so often with those you can tell the author chose where they needed to be and just winged how they’d get there, filler books, you know the ones, this is not that. 550 pages felt hefty for a YA dystopia, but she really uses every page. There is so much development, both character and plot, and it’s desperately immersive.
I find a lot of YA really insults its readers by being too simplistic and over-explaining everything in either speech or exposition (“OHHH so if XXXX does XXXX, XXX will happen?!"), and it’s so refreshing to read a book where the author allows its reader to simply be absorbed and come along for the journey. The only character who does this a little is Swan, and there’s a very good reason for that.
There are so many moving parts and several main POVs in this book, keeping them all evenly paced and engaging throughout is quite a feat. I don’t usually enjoy to compare (even generally) to other books/authors during reviews but this is truly one of those reads that makes you realise writing is a craft, a skill, and Moira does it immaculately.
I can tell she’s come from writing screenplays, not in one of those ‘you can tell this was written to try and get a tv show’ ways, but in a ‘I need to see this on my screen immediately because it’s so vivid and utterly immersive’ ways. I could really picture everything that was happening, even though thinking back the book is actually probably lighter on setting imagery than you’d expect.
I sobbed at a trans coming out/acceptance moment (there are many queer awakenings in this series), I was invested for all the characters; you know you’re into it when you sit up when one of them’s in danger. I felt the slow build of everything moving together but it just made me desperate to know more, when so often these second books feel so dragged out and unfleshed.
I cried a little on finishing knowing she’s not even started the third book yet.
Book one is already out, and book two comes in August, so it’s a perfect time to pick up the series.
A side note that I was a little worried before starting book one with the “one spark can start a blaze” tagline on book two that this would be a Hunger Games rip off, and I’m very pleased to report that besides being dystopia and therefore obviously common traits with the genre (like tyrannical governments) their stories are nothing alike. A second side note that while they are very different books and Moira is not Black so please don’t think I’m comparing them thematically, but the last YA book to make me feel this way was Legendborn.
4.5⭐️ - I have a couple of very minor qualms but overall, wow
As is quite typical in second fantasy/sci-fi books, the characters very much start in one place and finish where they need to be for book three, but I find so often with those you can tell the author chose where they needed to be and just winged how they’d get there, filler books, you know the ones, this is not that. 550 pages felt hefty for a YA dystopia, but she really uses every page. There is so much development, both character and plot, and it’s desperately immersive.
I find a lot of YA really insults its readers by being too simplistic and over-explaining everything in either speech or exposition (“OHHH so if XXXX does XXXX, XXX will happen?!"), and it’s so refreshing to read a book where the author allows its reader to simply be absorbed and come along for the journey. The only character who does this a little is Swan, and there’s a very good reason for that.
There are so many moving parts and several main POVs in this book, keeping them all evenly paced and engaging throughout is quite a feat. I don’t usually enjoy to compare (even generally) to other books/authors during reviews but this is truly one of those reads that makes you realise writing is a craft, a skill, and Moira does it immaculately.
I can tell she’s come from writing screenplays, not in one of those ‘you can tell this was written to try and get a tv show’ ways, but in a ‘I need to see this on my screen immediately because it’s so vivid and utterly immersive’ ways. I could really picture everything that was happening, even though thinking back the book is actually probably lighter on setting imagery than you’d expect.
I sobbed at a trans coming out/acceptance moment (there are many queer awakenings in this series), I was invested for all the characters; you know you’re into it when you sit up when one of them’s in danger. I felt the slow build of everything moving together but it just made me desperate to know more, when so often these second books feel so dragged out and unfleshed.
I cried a little on finishing knowing she’s not even started the third book yet.
Book one is already out, and book two comes in August, so it’s a perfect time to pick up the series.
A side note that I was a little worried before starting book one with the “one spark can start a blaze” tagline on book two that this would be a Hunger Games rip off, and I’m very pleased to report that besides being dystopia and therefore obviously common traits with the genre (like tyrannical governments) their stories are nothing alike. A second side note that while they are very different books and Moira is not Black so please don’t think I’m comparing them thematically, but the last YA book to make me feel this way was Legendborn.
4.5⭐️ - I have a couple of very minor qualms but overall, wow
August 9, 2025
my heart hurts finishing this, Rye Tern I am your number one fan
August 4, 2025
EDIT: Yup. My suspicions were correct. It's 6 stars.
___________________________________________________________
Well, I'm 50% of the way through, and I already know this is going to be a 5-star (dare I say 6-star?) read. I'll drop my thoughts up to this point below, and I'll plan to update with my final thoughts upon completion. I'll also hold my star rating until the end, but I. HAVE. THINGS. TO. SAY.
Torchfire drops us right into the fray where Songlight left us off. We learn that long ago, the Great Extinction splintered humanity, setting mankind on two distinct yet frighteningly similar evolutionary tracks: one grows into their Songlight/"truevoice", the other tries in vain to grow away from it. Most harrowing is that despite this extinction-induced crossroads, both grandfather and nurture systems of oppression in their own right; a harsh yet somber reminder that oppression is a specter that walks near to the shadow of civilization… Especially when said civilization has failed to learn from the mistakes of its past. Those timeless, perennial maxims about how “history is a flat circle” and how “🎵the history book on the shelf is always repeating itself🎵” ring ever true.
There are so many things to love about this series, but I’ve managed to identify a few reasons why this series is, in a word, just so dang good:
* Buffini does a lot of things in this series, and she manages to do all of it astonishingly well. You can see where she draws inspiration from - there are evident traces of The Handmaid’s Tale, Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles, just to name a few - and she extracts their central themes and blends them together to create a refreshingly provocative story. And she does a DAMN GOOD job of it, might I add.
* Multi-POV stories often suffer from the fatal flaw wherein one or two characters are irksome, forgettable, or have a narrative voice that is less preferable to the others. This is not true for Songlight - there is no single POV that I dread to read, there are no groans to be heard when I see which name pops up next at the start of each new chapter. I sink deep into every character’s unique story with each chapter, and I still hold excitement for where the others are going to go next. I was so absorbed in each character's journey that I didn't feel like I had to rush to get back to a more interesting POV or to a subplot that I cared more about. They were all interesting!
* Each character is imperfect. Some commit some downright horrific acts. And yet my heart aches for each and every one of these characters, even if they’re more than a few backward steps into the territory of "morally grey." Systems of oppression don’t create identical victims. Some build up their armor, and others sharpen their blades. Others are cut down. This book is a shining reminder that survival is worn differently by everyone, and that oppression doesn't create "bad people," but rather, places vulnerable people into situations where they have to deal with the cards they've been dealt in the best way they know how.
* The plot is always moving. Buffini isn’t loading you up on useless filler. Every plot beat is vital to driving the story forward. We’re constantly hurtling towards the destination, even if we’re out of breath the entire ride (and boy, am I gasping).
Buffini has never heard of second book syndrome. She is immune to it, in fact.
___________________________________________________________
Well, I'm 50% of the way through, and I already know this is going to be a 5-star (dare I say 6-star?) read. I'll drop my thoughts up to this point below, and I'll plan to update with my final thoughts upon completion. I'll also hold my star rating until the end, but I. HAVE. THINGS. TO. SAY.
Torchfire drops us right into the fray where Songlight left us off. We learn that long ago, the Great Extinction splintered humanity, setting mankind on two distinct yet frighteningly similar evolutionary tracks: one grows into their Songlight/"truevoice", the other tries in vain to grow away from it. Most harrowing is that despite this extinction-induced crossroads, both grandfather and nurture systems of oppression in their own right; a harsh yet somber reminder that oppression is a specter that walks near to the shadow of civilization… Especially when said civilization has failed to learn from the mistakes of its past. Those timeless, perennial maxims about how “history is a flat circle” and how “🎵the history book on the shelf is always repeating itself🎵” ring ever true.
There are so many things to love about this series, but I’ve managed to identify a few reasons why this series is, in a word, just so dang good:
* Buffini does a lot of things in this series, and she manages to do all of it astonishingly well. You can see where she draws inspiration from - there are evident traces of The Handmaid’s Tale, Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles, just to name a few - and she extracts their central themes and blends them together to create a refreshingly provocative story. And she does a DAMN GOOD job of it, might I add.
* Multi-POV stories often suffer from the fatal flaw wherein one or two characters are irksome, forgettable, or have a narrative voice that is less preferable to the others. This is not true for Songlight - there is no single POV that I dread to read, there are no groans to be heard when I see which name pops up next at the start of each new chapter. I sink deep into every character’s unique story with each chapter, and I still hold excitement for where the others are going to go next. I was so absorbed in each character's journey that I didn't feel like I had to rush to get back to a more interesting POV or to a subplot that I cared more about. They were all interesting!
* Each character is imperfect. Some commit some downright horrific acts. And yet my heart aches for each and every one of these characters, even if they’re more than a few backward steps into the territory of "morally grey." Systems of oppression don’t create identical victims. Some build up their armor, and others sharpen their blades. Others are cut down. This book is a shining reminder that survival is worn differently by everyone, and that oppression doesn't create "bad people," but rather, places vulnerable people into situations where they have to deal with the cards they've been dealt in the best way they know how.
* The plot is always moving. Buffini isn’t loading you up on useless filler. Every plot beat is vital to driving the story forward. We’re constantly hurtling towards the destination, even if we’re out of breath the entire ride (and boy, am I gasping).
Buffini has never heard of second book syndrome. She is immune to it, in fact.
August 27, 2025
the last few chapters omg, moira knows how to keep you hooked in!! Such complex characters, can’t wait for book 3
October 23, 2025
Fantastic, give me 14 of them right now. An easy five stars.
There's no way this story is worth only a trilogy. I'd like a hefty set of books set in this world and elaborate stories following all my favorite characters for years. For now, I must make do with one of the strongest sequels to a fantasy story that I've read. What do you call the opposite of a second-book syndrome?
This book has a unique magic system, likable and unlikable characters, political conflict, and twists on top of twists—the recipe for books that used to capture and captivate me so completely as a teen. This is stellar YA dystopian fantasy (I believe this is meant for older teens), and even better since it's that rare storytelling that has the potential to be loved by adults too: not just a coming of age, but also a nuanced critique of societal injustices. There's also a messy web of romance, and I can't wait to read the resolutions.
Torchfire is set in a war-torn, post-apocalyptic world where some people are born with telepathic skills. Those people are controlled and persecuted by their own government. Torchfire delves deeper into the political machinations of the people in power, follows the internal conflicts and predicaments of the young protagonists as they navigate this world, picking right up from the ending of Songlight, and introduces new variables to the world, that I will keep under wraps as it was the biggest, well-placed, masterfully executed plot twist by the author.
In short, consider reading if you like dystopian fantasy and/or want to read a deeply entertaining story. Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC!
There's no way this story is worth only a trilogy. I'd like a hefty set of books set in this world and elaborate stories following all my favorite characters for years. For now, I must make do with one of the strongest sequels to a fantasy story that I've read. What do you call the opposite of a second-book syndrome?
This book has a unique magic system, likable and unlikable characters, political conflict, and twists on top of twists—the recipe for books that used to capture and captivate me so completely as a teen. This is stellar YA dystopian fantasy (I believe this is meant for older teens), and even better since it's that rare storytelling that has the potential to be loved by adults too: not just a coming of age, but also a nuanced critique of societal injustices. There's also a messy web of romance, and I can't wait to read the resolutions.
Torchfire is set in a war-torn, post-apocalyptic world where some people are born with telepathic skills. Those people are controlled and persecuted by their own government. Torchfire delves deeper into the political machinations of the people in power, follows the internal conflicts and predicaments of the young protagonists as they navigate this world, picking right up from the ending of Songlight, and introduces new variables to the world, that I will keep under wraps as it was the biggest, well-placed, masterfully executed plot twist by the author.
In short, consider reading if you like dystopian fantasy and/or want to read a deeply entertaining story. Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC!
March 19, 2025
this book series is mega
October 3, 2026
And now what do I do with my life until volume three? 🥺
September 11, 2025
I searched for this for a while on NetGalley and couldn't find it for some reason. I gave it one last shot and, finally, it popped up for me! I was so excited because I loved Songlight, and it ended on such a cliffhanger. I would periodically think about that book and want to know what happens next.
Torchfire did not disappoint. I was so happy to be back with these characters and to find out what happens to them . At first, I was disappointed to be introduced to a new character when I wanted my characters, but I see the importance of the new perspective, Petra's, to the main events of the novel. Buffini does such a great job of weaving all the points-of-view together and going to the right person at the right time to build suspense and keep the story moving, particularly at the end of the book.
Everything unfolds so well in this second book of the trilogy. The conflicts build, some get resolved, and some deepen. The relationships between the characters develop, tragically in some cases, and beautifully in others. I also love Wren, another new character introduced into the book though one who doesn't have a first-person perspective. My feelings of loathing for some characters has grown, and some events are justified and feel satisfying while others frustrate me and make me want to rant and rave.
What I think Buffini does best, and that's saying a lot, is showing us that it doesn't really matter who is in charge. The people from Sealand mirror the people from Brightland, reverse images of each other, one society favoring the elite "eximians," i.e. Torches, and the other subduing the Torches out of fear and having the "sapiens" dominate society. Both are shown to be detrimental and humiliating, and both lead to conflict, subdued or otherwise. The Aylish are the only ones who get it right, but they're also easy to dehumanize and villainize. The political and social/cultural conflicts escalate.
The world building is really strong in this story, and we get more information about what is impending. The last 20-30 pages were heart-stopping. I barely breathed as I read the last 10 pages, gulping down the text to see what would happen next. The ending is so good. I really can't wait for book three. I need to know what happens and to see how Buffini will resolve all these threads. There is still so much that needs to happen, but this story was masterful in my mind. I loved it.
I strongly recommend this series! It's well-written, heartbreaking, enlightening, interesting, thought-provoking, etc. etc. I can't say enough good about it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this e-version of the book!
Torchfire did not disappoint. I was so happy to be back with these characters and to find out what happens to them . At first, I was disappointed to be introduced to a new character when I wanted my characters, but I see the importance of the new perspective, Petra's, to the main events of the novel. Buffini does such a great job of weaving all the points-of-view together and going to the right person at the right time to build suspense and keep the story moving, particularly at the end of the book.
Everything unfolds so well in this second book of the trilogy. The conflicts build, some get resolved, and some deepen. The relationships between the characters develop, tragically in some cases, and beautifully in others. I also love Wren, another new character introduced into the book though one who doesn't have a first-person perspective. My feelings of loathing for some characters has grown, and some events are justified and feel satisfying while others frustrate me and make me want to rant and rave.
What I think Buffini does best, and that's saying a lot, is showing us that it doesn't really matter who is in charge. The people from Sealand mirror the people from Brightland, reverse images of each other, one society favoring the elite "eximians," i.e. Torches, and the other subduing the Torches out of fear and having the "sapiens" dominate society. Both are shown to be detrimental and humiliating, and both lead to conflict, subdued or otherwise. The Aylish are the only ones who get it right, but they're also easy to dehumanize and villainize. The political and social/cultural conflicts escalate.
The world building is really strong in this story, and we get more information about what is impending. The last 20-30 pages were heart-stopping. I barely breathed as I read the last 10 pages, gulping down the text to see what would happen next. The ending is so good. I really can't wait for book three. I need to know what happens and to see how Buffini will resolve all these threads. There is still so much that needs to happen, but this story was masterful in my mind. I loved it.
I strongly recommend this series! It's well-written, heartbreaking, enlightening, interesting, thought-provoking, etc. etc. I can't say enough good about it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this e-version of the book!
December 23, 2025
I think this is a 3.5 ⭐️
I loved the first book, this one just wasn’t as captivating to me. Petras story confused me. Swans narrative irritated me. But yes, 100% I will read the next.
I loved the first book, this one just wasn’t as captivating to me. Petras story confused me. Swans narrative irritated me. But yes, 100% I will read the next.
August 7, 2025
3.5 stars
I stand by the fact that this absolutely did not need to be 537 pages. The first third dragged enough that I considered DNFing, but I was so curious as to how the greater political landscape would unfold that I ended up toughing it out. I would say the last third made up for it, overall, but you can’t front load a slow plot otherwise readers will drop like flies.
I think there was a little too much instalove / suspension bridge effect for me (there’s like a love hexagon going on because some people think that other people are dead so they start loving new people). I think the most interesting perspectives here were Petra and Rye because they showed us something totally new rather than just an escalation of the previous book. The other characters made it easy to forget that this is a post-apocalyptic society after the fall of human civilization as we know it.
I think all in all, this book was more honest than its predecessor. It called war crimes war crimes and genocide genocide. It was less “fictional dystopia” and more mirror of reality.
And now it’s time to wait and see how this all ends
{Thank you Storytide for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review}
I stand by the fact that this absolutely did not need to be 537 pages. The first third dragged enough that I considered DNFing, but I was so curious as to how the greater political landscape would unfold that I ended up toughing it out. I would say the last third made up for it, overall, but you can’t front load a slow plot otherwise readers will drop like flies.
I think there was a little too much instalove / suspension bridge effect for me (there’s like a love hexagon going on because some people think that other people are dead so they start loving new people). I think the most interesting perspectives here were Petra and Rye because they showed us something totally new rather than just an escalation of the previous book. The other characters made it easy to forget that this is a post-apocalyptic society after the fall of human civilization as we know it.
I think all in all, this book was more honest than its predecessor. It called war crimes war crimes and genocide genocide. It was less “fictional dystopia” and more mirror of reality.
And now it’s time to wait and see how this all ends
{Thank you Storytide for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review}
August 17, 2025
Having read and loved Songlight last year, I was excited to read this one. It didn't disappoint!
I loved this as much as book 1. It was a great continuation from the first book. I've been waiting to carry on reading Elsa's story. I thought the pacing was spot on. I loved finding out what happens next and the new characters added. Great world-building.
I'm a bit hit and miss when it comes to YA. I read book one because of the dystopian element and was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it so much as it wasn't what I initially thought it was going to be. This sequel is a fab addition to the series.
You need to read the first.
Thank you Faber for my invite to read this ARC.
I loved this as much as book 1. It was a great continuation from the first book. I've been waiting to carry on reading Elsa's story. I thought the pacing was spot on. I loved finding out what happens next and the new characters added. Great world-building.
I'm a bit hit and miss when it comes to YA. I read book one because of the dystopian element and was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it so much as it wasn't what I initially thought it was going to be. This sequel is a fab addition to the series.
You need to read the first.
Thank you Faber for my invite to read this ARC.
March 7, 2025
More more more!! Can’t get enough of this series.
April 18, 2025
Oh myyyy god. Not a single lull in 550 pages, I was gripped! Thank you Bridie for lending me your advance copy this was so awesome.
November 20, 2025
DANG
this story is just SO complete! there are so many factors coming into play and its just so COOL how they all come together!!! and omfg I WANT TO KILL AND HUG AT THE SAME TIME. like omg u FINALLY realized what was right and what was wrong, but also WHY'D IT TAKE YOU SO FCKING LONGGGGGGGGGGGG and why didn't you act FASTERRRRRRR
ahem *cough* yeah its a very inspirational and wonderful book and I'm very (im)patiently waiting for the next book
this story is just SO complete! there are so many factors coming into play and its just so COOL how they all come together!!! and omfg I WANT TO KILL AND HUG AT THE SAME TIME. like omg u FINALLY realized what was right and what was wrong, but also WHY'D IT TAKE YOU SO FCKING LONGGGGGGGGGGGG and why didn't you act FASTERRRRRRR
ahem *cough* yeah its a very inspirational and wonderful book and I'm very (im)patiently waiting for the next book
Did Not Finish
July 25, 2026Sorry I was too long between reading books 1 and 2 that I have no idea what is going on
August 16, 2025
I was worried about how this book would work. Pacing wise, second books fall short and this didn't have that problem. There's a lot of people, new and old to keep track of, but I came to love the different POVs.
Piper was my favourite, he just had a great journey in this, but Wren was a close second.
I do have to say if any more bird names crop up I will scream. Because it's getting confusing for my heatwave scrambled brains. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC
Piper was my favourite, he just had a great journey in this, but Wren was a close second.
I do have to say if any more bird names crop up I will scream. Because it's getting confusing for my heatwave scrambled brains. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC
January 14, 2026
Quel tome 2 ! Après un début difficile le temps de me rappeler qui est qui et qui fait quoi, j'ai eu beaucoup de mal à le lâcher. On n'a pas le temps de s'ennuyer, il n'y a aucun temps mort. De l'action en perspective, des révélations, des trahisons, des nouveaux enjeux. Bref, j'ai adoré ! Ça va être long d'attendre le tome 3, ohlala
March 21, 2025
I loved Songlight so was thrilled to have the chance to read Torchfire thanks to NetGalley and Faber.
The writing, the pace, the ideas, the energy are all on a par with Songlight making this a gripping read - and leaving me wanting to read the third instalment as soon as I can.
However, and the fault may be mine (it is after all 9 months since I read Songlight, and I haven't had an agile teenage brain for a long while now!) but I found it much harder to keep track of the different threads, locations and characters in this book. I think it would benefit from some kind of a recap at the beginning - or perhaps a list of characters (with both their names!) and how they are linked. I like the way they all have bird names but at times I did get confused as to which was which, and when some characters only refer to others by their non-bird name, well I just struggled! A sort of cheat sheet for the terminology used by the different people groups, and a list of the places and what they are to each people group as well would help. The map is nice but doesn't really remind me who lives in Reem for example. And, whilst I know it is part of the story and of the characters themselves, but the way in which e.g. Swan is both good and bad, is another element that just added to the slight muddle I felt.
All that aside, I was swept along with the various different elements of the story and each one is exciting in its own right - I am looking forward to seeing how they all tie together in the end.
Grateful to NetGalley and Faber. for the e-ARC.
The writing, the pace, the ideas, the energy are all on a par with Songlight making this a gripping read - and leaving me wanting to read the third instalment as soon as I can.
However, and the fault may be mine (it is after all 9 months since I read Songlight, and I haven't had an agile teenage brain for a long while now!) but I found it much harder to keep track of the different threads, locations and characters in this book. I think it would benefit from some kind of a recap at the beginning - or perhaps a list of characters (with both their names!) and how they are linked. I like the way they all have bird names but at times I did get confused as to which was which, and when some characters only refer to others by their non-bird name, well I just struggled! A sort of cheat sheet for the terminology used by the different people groups, and a list of the places and what they are to each people group as well would help. The map is nice but doesn't really remind me who lives in Reem for example. And, whilst I know it is part of the story and of the characters themselves, but the way in which e.g. Swan is both good and bad, is another element that just added to the slight muddle I felt.
All that aside, I was swept along with the various different elements of the story and each one is exciting in its own right - I am looking forward to seeing how they all tie together in the end.
Grateful to NetGalley and Faber. for the e-ARC.
October 2, 2025
?????? what the hell??????? this book pissed me off.
idk what happened, I really liked the first book in the series so it really surprised me how not good this one was. what I liked about the first book was how different the povs were and how clear every voice was. in this book, we have even more povs, everyone sounds the same, and the writing is??????? bad??????? there's no nuance to the writing, almost every sentence is short and starts with "I". dialogue is fake as hell. the romantic relationships pissed me off. and by the time Raven was introduced, I was sooo over the bird names.
I enjoyed Petra's pov at first because it was so different and it was told from diary entries. and then a few chapters later her pov just turns into 1st person like everyone else. WJAT WAS THE POINT OF IT THEN???
seriously, I have to know if this book was edited. there were no typos but the writing was sooooo elementary school level.
Elsa pissed me off with how she was acting over Kingfisher and then over Swan. Rye pissed me off with his feelings towards Petra and how he and Wren suddenly started calling each other "solder" which was weird and repetitive. Swan pissed me off because she couldn't pick a personality. Nightingale pissed me off because she never fucking did anything. Piper pissed me off because he's a Coward and even though he spends the whole book telling himself he's doing Bad things, he never considers how to stop. do i need to go on?
im disappointed
idk what happened, I really liked the first book in the series so it really surprised me how not good this one was. what I liked about the first book was how different the povs were and how clear every voice was. in this book, we have even more povs, everyone sounds the same, and the writing is??????? bad??????? there's no nuance to the writing, almost every sentence is short and starts with "I". dialogue is fake as hell. the romantic relationships pissed me off. and by the time Raven was introduced, I was sooo over the bird names.
I enjoyed Petra's pov at first because it was so different and it was told from diary entries. and then a few chapters later her pov just turns into 1st person like everyone else. WJAT WAS THE POINT OF IT THEN???
seriously, I have to know if this book was edited. there were no typos but the writing was sooooo elementary school level.
Elsa pissed me off with how she was acting over Kingfisher and then over Swan. Rye pissed me off with his feelings towards Petra and how he and Wren suddenly started calling each other "solder" which was weird and repetitive. Swan pissed me off because she couldn't pick a personality. Nightingale pissed me off because she never fucking did anything. Piper pissed me off because he's a Coward and even though he spends the whole book telling himself he's doing Bad things, he never considers how to stop. do i need to go on?
im disappointed
March 21, 2026
J’avoue que les premières pages m’ont un peu fait peur. Je me suis dit qu’après l’excellent tome 1, celui-ci allait subir la malédiction du tome 2. Mais finalement, pas du tout ! On retrouve le même rythme entraînant et l’histoire prend de l’ampleur avec l’arrivée de nouveaux personnages.
Petit bémol quand même, déjà présent dans le tome 1 et qui s’accentue ici : parfois, tout va trop vite. J’aurais aimé en savoir plus, que certaines émotions prennent davantage le temps de se construire.
J’ai hâte de connaître la conclusion de cette aventure et je vais attendre le dernier tome de cette trilogie avec impatience.
Petit bémol quand même, déjà présent dans le tome 1 et qui s’accentue ici : parfois, tout va trop vite. J’aurais aimé en savoir plus, que certaines émotions prennent davantage le temps de se construire.
J’ai hâte de connaître la conclusion de cette aventure et je vais attendre le dernier tome de cette trilogie avec impatience.
November 1, 2025
*takes a deep breath* Moira Buffini I’m afraid I need to beg you to give me the third book NOW.
This series has me sitting on the edge of my seat 😩 I’m so attached to all of these characters and I am STRESSED. What a story, what a world!
and Moira……. I swear you better give me a HEA for Rye and Elsa, because you put my heart through the WRINGER IN THIS BOOK I’M UNWELL.
This series has me sitting on the edge of my seat 😩 I’m so attached to all of these characters and I am STRESSED. What a story, what a world!
and Moira……. I swear you better give me a HEA for Rye and Elsa, because you put my heart through the WRINGER IN THIS BOOK I’M UNWELL.
August 3, 2025
Not entirely sure how this is possible but Torchfire is even more beautiful and haunting than Songlight.
The writing destroyed me, gave me hope and made me wish we could all be as accepting as Rye Tern.
Thank you to Faber for an advanced copy.
The writing destroyed me, gave me hope and made me wish we could all be as accepting as Rye Tern.
Thank you to Faber for an advanced copy.
August 19, 2025
Thank you so much to Faber and Faber, Moira Buffini and NetGalley for sending me an eARC copy of Torchfire for review!
4.5 stars!
Wow oh wow this hit so hard! I enjoyed Songlight but wasn't super invested in the characters (as much as I wanted to be), but I was intrigued enough to want to continue the series, and my gosh Torchfire blew it out of the water for me! Now I'm thinking a reread of Songlight is in order because how did I not love it on first read?? Blasphemy.
Torchfire follows our main characters after the explosive conclusion to Songlight; we watch them as they try to navigate this new world that they've all been thrown into, still with the threats of being persecuted for a gift that many of them have, songlight. Lark, Rye, Nightingale, Swan and Piper are all trying to survive in a world that seems stacked against them. We also have a new POV addition of Petra, who adds a whole different layer to the story and a new perspective. We follow Petra as her people are flying over Brightland and Ayland trying to resettle what they believe is an uninhabited planet, but they soon find out that the planet is not as it seems.
I love dystopian books, and this new YA series is really gearing up to be a new fave; the post-apocalyptic world feels so intriguing and special, especially with the allusions to the Light People and the technologies that came before the era of Songlight. I'd love a deeper dive into the Light People; maybe we'll get that in the third book in the trilogy.
The characters really hooked me in this instalment. I think one of my main gripes with Songlight was the five POVs, some of which felt like they could have been removed to strengthen the more dominant plots. However, in Torchfire, I truly see why those POVs were necessary, and even welcomed the introduction of Petra's POV to strengthen the story as a whole. Each character had their chance to shine, and I really enjoyed reading from all of them; they're all so well developed and so fleshed out. Lark and Nightingale's relationship really had my heart going; I love their friendship so dang much! Swan also really intrigues me; who knows what that girl will do.
The pacing is also amazing; there never feels like a dull moment. I sped through this book in a matter of days and never felt bored while reading, which I did a bit with Songlight. The book was plot driven definitely, but the characters never suffered for it, in fact they endeared themselves to me so much more for having a fast paced plot to keep up with. Some events had me gasping and wanting to throw my tablet across the room, and others had me so tense waiting to see what would happen to the characters.
I think my least favourite part of this is the romance, which I'm sad about! Some of the will-they-won't-they relationships get a little tedious to read about, and I'm cautious about the way things will turn out when certain characters are reunited/meet for the first time. I'm way more into the friendships in this rather than the romance as I said before, but the romantic plot is definitely not the main plotline at all. However, I really enjoy the queer representation in this series; the world is very much not queer-normative, but it's still lovely to see the different aspects of queerness present in some of our characters.
Overall I really enjoyed Torchfire, it was a stunning sequel that didn't suffer from second book syndrome in the slightest. And after that ending I'm so excited to read the third book, whenever that comes out! I hope it'll be soon! If you're a dystopian fan, definitely pick up Songlight first and then get to this one; it's a real gem of a new series!
4.5 stars!
Wow oh wow this hit so hard! I enjoyed Songlight but wasn't super invested in the characters (as much as I wanted to be), but I was intrigued enough to want to continue the series, and my gosh Torchfire blew it out of the water for me! Now I'm thinking a reread of Songlight is in order because how did I not love it on first read?? Blasphemy.
Torchfire follows our main characters after the explosive conclusion to Songlight; we watch them as they try to navigate this new world that they've all been thrown into, still with the threats of being persecuted for a gift that many of them have, songlight. Lark, Rye, Nightingale, Swan and Piper are all trying to survive in a world that seems stacked against them. We also have a new POV addition of Petra, who adds a whole different layer to the story and a new perspective. We follow Petra as her people are flying over Brightland and Ayland trying to resettle what they believe is an uninhabited planet, but they soon find out that the planet is not as it seems.
I love dystopian books, and this new YA series is really gearing up to be a new fave; the post-apocalyptic world feels so intriguing and special, especially with the allusions to the Light People and the technologies that came before the era of Songlight. I'd love a deeper dive into the Light People; maybe we'll get that in the third book in the trilogy.
The characters really hooked me in this instalment. I think one of my main gripes with Songlight was the five POVs, some of which felt like they could have been removed to strengthen the more dominant plots. However, in Torchfire, I truly see why those POVs were necessary, and even welcomed the introduction of Petra's POV to strengthen the story as a whole. Each character had their chance to shine, and I really enjoyed reading from all of them; they're all so well developed and so fleshed out. Lark and Nightingale's relationship really had my heart going; I love their friendship so dang much! Swan also really intrigues me; who knows what that girl will do.
The pacing is also amazing; there never feels like a dull moment. I sped through this book in a matter of days and never felt bored while reading, which I did a bit with Songlight. The book was plot driven definitely, but the characters never suffered for it, in fact they endeared themselves to me so much more for having a fast paced plot to keep up with. Some events had me gasping and wanting to throw my tablet across the room, and others had me so tense waiting to see what would happen to the characters.
I think my least favourite part of this is the romance, which I'm sad about! Some of the will-they-won't-they relationships get a little tedious to read about, and I'm cautious about the way things will turn out when certain characters are reunited/meet for the first time. I'm way more into the friendships in this rather than the romance as I said before, but the romantic plot is definitely not the main plotline at all. However, I really enjoy the queer representation in this series; the world is very much not queer-normative, but it's still lovely to see the different aspects of queerness present in some of our characters.
Overall I really enjoyed Torchfire, it was a stunning sequel that didn't suffer from second book syndrome in the slightest. And after that ending I'm so excited to read the third book, whenever that comes out! I hope it'll be soon! If you're a dystopian fan, definitely pick up Songlight first and then get to this one; it's a real gem of a new series!
November 15, 2025
Recommended: absolutely!!
If you've already read book one, WHOOO does book two absolutely step it up in plot and characters! And if you haven't read book one, you should jump into this series for overall hopeful explorations of connection in the face of oppression, and a bangin' cool magic to jump into
Thoughts:
It is rare that I read an active ongoing series, largely for the exact issue I had with this book: I completely forgot so much of what was going on! Books often set up some reminders of events and characters in the first few chapters of sequels, which this did, but it could have done a slightly better job reintroducing people, their relationships, and names. Multiple people have two or three names, and it was super confusing trying to remember that Elsa and Lark are the same, and Nightingale and Kiera and dolly are the same, and who the heck is this girl that I somehow forgot an entire character completely but I guess I also forgot Rye so maybe that's not a huge surprise.... Once I sorted it all out with context I got back into the flow, but it did make it hard for the first quarter of the book as I had to piece together not only the actions and events that had happened, but exactly who each person is to each other.
The plot and feeling of this is very much that of a middle-of-series book, in that a lot of this is active journeying from one place to another, from one plot stage to another. There's nothing wrong with that, and it was still engaging and tense while keeping the character development in here. There are a lot more partnerships and teams of people physically together in this one, versus in book one where they were largely isolated. It's nice to see them sharing spaces and getting to know each other in this new dimension as well.
The characters are, as always, SO dynamic. Many of them are not all good or all bad, and many situations are not all good or all bad. People who are abused act badly because of their trauma and internalized paranoia and such. There's a lot of empathy and support even when people are lashing out and causing genuine pain. There's forgiveness and vengeance, and there's mercy and violence. It's done in a way that explores which paths are right, and if there is even an answer to that or if every decision is contextual. Are "bad" things sometimes justified, or is there a hard line that is never worth crossing?
ALSO HOLY SHIT Y'ALL, the story absolutely kicks up. I didn't think there would be a way to raise the stakes even more than they already were considering the active rebellion and shootout at the end of book one, but HOT DAMN are things even more tense and potentially disastrous at an even bigger scale than we ever knew was possible in book one. Look how long this sentence was!! That's how crazy these new developments were!! And all in carefully built up, believable ways. There was one point at the start that felt very abrupt with some of these changes, but again, mostly because I had forgotten some of what happened in book one. If I had read this sooner after or re-read book one, it would have been much smoother and less jarring of a change. It would have been completely thrilling, to be honest, which it eventually was when I fully grasped the significance of what had been introduced.
As we get to know new groups of people, we learn new prejudices as well. In the main society of book one, it's men / women and no songlight / songlight as the primary dichotomies and power hierarchies. In book two, we meet groups that don't necessarily have those same prejudices, but have other issues that are slowly seen and acknowledged as also problems. It's an interesting push/pull of having hope of balance in one area, and dismay at imbalance in another area. It's a painful lesson, but an important one, and I can't wait to see how it plays out in book three.
So in short, YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHH I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!!!!! I am already so excited for book three. And now I know to do some re-reads before starting book three so I can fully remember and enjoy everything that's about to come!!
Thanks to BookSparks and the author for a free copy. This is my honest review!
If you've already read book one, WHOOO does book two absolutely step it up in plot and characters! And if you haven't read book one, you should jump into this series for overall hopeful explorations of connection in the face of oppression, and a bangin' cool magic to jump into
Thoughts:
It is rare that I read an active ongoing series, largely for the exact issue I had with this book: I completely forgot so much of what was going on! Books often set up some reminders of events and characters in the first few chapters of sequels, which this did, but it could have done a slightly better job reintroducing people, their relationships, and names. Multiple people have two or three names, and it was super confusing trying to remember that Elsa and Lark are the same, and Nightingale and Kiera and dolly are the same, and who the heck is this girl that I somehow forgot an entire character completely but I guess I also forgot Rye so maybe that's not a huge surprise.... Once I sorted it all out with context I got back into the flow, but it did make it hard for the first quarter of the book as I had to piece together not only the actions and events that had happened, but exactly who each person is to each other.
The plot and feeling of this is very much that of a middle-of-series book, in that a lot of this is active journeying from one place to another, from one plot stage to another. There's nothing wrong with that, and it was still engaging and tense while keeping the character development in here. There are a lot more partnerships and teams of people physically together in this one, versus in book one where they were largely isolated. It's nice to see them sharing spaces and getting to know each other in this new dimension as well.
The characters are, as always, SO dynamic. Many of them are not all good or all bad, and many situations are not all good or all bad. People who are abused act badly because of their trauma and internalized paranoia and such. There's a lot of empathy and support even when people are lashing out and causing genuine pain. There's forgiveness and vengeance, and there's mercy and violence. It's done in a way that explores which paths are right, and if there is even an answer to that or if every decision is contextual. Are "bad" things sometimes justified, or is there a hard line that is never worth crossing?
ALSO HOLY SHIT Y'ALL, the story absolutely kicks up. I didn't think there would be a way to raise the stakes even more than they already were considering the active rebellion and shootout at the end of book one, but HOT DAMN are things even more tense and potentially disastrous at an even bigger scale than we ever knew was possible in book one. Look how long this sentence was!! That's how crazy these new developments were!! And all in carefully built up, believable ways. There was one point at the start that felt very abrupt with some of these changes, but again, mostly because I had forgotten some of what happened in book one. If I had read this sooner after or re-read book one, it would have been much smoother and less jarring of a change. It would have been completely thrilling, to be honest, which it eventually was when I fully grasped the significance of what had been introduced.
As we get to know new groups of people, we learn new prejudices as well. In the main society of book one, it's men / women and no songlight / songlight as the primary dichotomies and power hierarchies. In book two, we meet groups that don't necessarily have those same prejudices, but have other issues that are slowly seen and acknowledged as also problems. It's an interesting push/pull of having hope of balance in one area, and dismay at imbalance in another area. It's a painful lesson, but an important one, and I can't wait to see how it plays out in book three.
So in short, YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHH I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!!!!! I am already so excited for book three. And now I know to do some re-reads before starting book three so I can fully remember and enjoy everything that's about to come!!
Thanks to BookSparks and the author for a free copy. This is my honest review!
June 27, 2025
Wow! The 2nd installment in the Torch trilogy was fast paced, engaging, and heart wrenching. The story picks up immediately following book 1: Lark is on the run with he mom, Heron Mikane, and Kingfisher. Rye has escaped the chrysalid house and is hoping to escape to freedom in Ayland. Piper is still fighting his feelings of betrayal towards his family as well as trying to understand how to accept himself as gay. Nightingale is stuck with Swan playing her "dolly" while she tries to navigate the death of Peregrine and the new dictator Kite. We also get a new perspective from a 3rd party that is neight Brightland or Ayland, "Petra", who is on a scouting voyage from over the seas. This 3rd party brings a LOT more into the picture.
I really am enjoying this series and feel it is great for older YA readers. I would definitely check triggers warnings before you read this, as it deals with some pretty heavy topics. Most of the women in this society are abused in some way and have absolutely no power, which makes it really difficult to read some parts. There are also a lot of LGBTQ characters as well who are suppressed in this society, and they are also fighting for freedom and for the right to be their true selves. I think the author did a great job navigating such heavy topics in a way that could be understood by a younger audience.
I really enjoyed the fast pacing and the multiple point of views constantly switching back and forth made it so I never felt the book was getting stale. As soon as something exciting happens with one character, it's on to the next one, and you're eager to know what's happening with all the perspectives. The one thing I didn't really jive with were the love interests. I'm not a big fan of kingfisher. Without spoilers, I like Rye's love interest, but I felt like there was no chemistry, it happened too sudden and there wasn't a second for any feelings to grow between them. I'm not really sure if Nightingale is supposed to have a love interest - it keeps being hinted at but I really don't think she has feelings for anyone yet. And Piper and his love interest seem too volatile together- I think they're just too different. The one couple I ship is Heron and Curl!!! Other than that, I really enjoyed the 2nd installment in this series and CANNOT WAIT for the final book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars
I really am enjoying this series and feel it is great for older YA readers. I would definitely check triggers warnings before you read this, as it deals with some pretty heavy topics. Most of the women in this society are abused in some way and have absolutely no power, which makes it really difficult to read some parts. There are also a lot of LGBTQ characters as well who are suppressed in this society, and they are also fighting for freedom and for the right to be their true selves. I think the author did a great job navigating such heavy topics in a way that could be understood by a younger audience.
I really enjoyed the fast pacing and the multiple point of views constantly switching back and forth made it so I never felt the book was getting stale. As soon as something exciting happens with one character, it's on to the next one, and you're eager to know what's happening with all the perspectives. The one thing I didn't really jive with were the love interests. I'm not a big fan of kingfisher. Without spoilers, I like Rye's love interest, but I felt like there was no chemistry, it happened too sudden and there wasn't a second for any feelings to grow between them. I'm not really sure if Nightingale is supposed to have a love interest - it keeps being hinted at but I really don't think she has feelings for anyone yet. And Piper and his love interest seem too volatile together- I think they're just too different. The one couple I ship is Heron and Curl!!! Other than that, I really enjoyed the 2nd installment in this series and CANNOT WAIT for the final book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars
August 11, 2025
There's always a moment before starting a sequel, book or film, where you wonder if it'll have purpose beyond filling the space between the introduction of a world and its narrative conclusion. Often there's new characters or plots added in to fill that space which only serve to mark the passage of time and to fall to the wayside once the large action resumes.
This is not that kind of sequel.
Introducing a new society and characters in this book seemed like a risk and would take away pages from the characters I wanted to hear from. But I forgot what it's like to watch a detailed and purposefully written world to expand. I remember reading Tamora Pierce's Tortal series, The Hunger Games, Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini, and Neal Shusterman's worlds and becoming engrossed in the unsuspecting depth of their saga. Now, The Torch Trilogy.
There are some fantastic turns and trapdoors in this book, as with the first, and I cannot describe them without giving too much away. It's safe to say the book unties and creates more knots in the tangled web Songlight ended in. But it feels natural without being overly predictable, so its not until I've turned the last page and thought back through both book that I've fully realized just how complicated this world has become.
I may have been spared the wait between Songlight and Torchfire (having read them back to back), but I most definitely have opinions about now waiting for book 3.
Thank you Faber for sharing an ARC of Torchfire through Netgalley and Bookfest
This is not that kind of sequel.
Introducing a new society and characters in this book seemed like a risk and would take away pages from the characters I wanted to hear from. But I forgot what it's like to watch a detailed and purposefully written world to expand. I remember reading Tamora Pierce's Tortal series, The Hunger Games, Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini, and Neal Shusterman's worlds and becoming engrossed in the unsuspecting depth of their saga. Now, The Torch Trilogy.
There are some fantastic turns and trapdoors in this book, as with the first, and I cannot describe them without giving too much away. It's safe to say the book unties and creates more knots in the tangled web Songlight ended in. But it feels natural without being overly predictable, so its not until I've turned the last page and thought back through both book that I've fully realized just how complicated this world has become.
I may have been spared the wait between Songlight and Torchfire (having read them back to back), but I most definitely have opinions about now waiting for book 3.
Thank you Faber for sharing an ARC of Torchfire through Netgalley and Bookfest
February 13, 2026
This book wasn't quite as good as the first in my opinion, but it was still really interesting. Again, like the first book, some of the details are a little fuzzy as to whether they were in the first book or the second, so it's a little hard for me to know where to start, but I'll try my best.
I thought this book picked up really well from where the first ended--with one issue. The introduction of Petra, the Celestis, and this weird ass martian sci-fi plot. The first book takes place in some rather nondescript, fantasy-esque setting that is likely a dystopian version of the earth far in the future, so I suppose it's not too out there to introduce these elements of an advanced colony in space, but it was just a weird tonal shift. The books initially read as very fantasy, and now with this, they became science fiction, and I'm just not a big sci-fi fan.
Also, I'm not gonna lie, I just did not like Petra much as a character (POV or otherwise). Her chapters were very boring and didn't add much to the story in my opinion, and she has like zero personality. I couldn't tell you anything about her--what she looks like, how old she is, how she normally acts, anything. She's totally blank. I really disliked how she and Rye are on track to be endgame (or form a weird love triangle/square with Elsa and Kingfisher). Personally, I really liked Rye's dynamic with Wren and secretly hoped that they'd get together, but I suppose it was too much to hope for. (Honestly, I should've known it wouldn't be from the second Wren came out as trans, because it was very clear with the whole ordeal with Piper in the first book that Rye is Very Straight, but I was optimistic anyway.)
Another development on the romance frontier is Elsa and Kingfisher, which I had actually kind of wondered about in the first book (but I naturally assumed I was simply reading into it, because the characters I ship together NEVER end up together sadly), so I was kind of happy about that. Except their relationship seems kinda iffy sometimes and there's like no communication, so I don't know how good it really is. Honestly, they're one of those fictional couples that seem really good until they actually end up together, and then you're just like "hmm, maybe you guys should actually just break up..." (looking at you, Rory and Jess).
Because I'm on the topic of romance, I will say that I'm really glad that the narration doubled down and clarified Kaira's sexuality. I was getting sapphic vibes from her, especially from how she described Cassandra, but honestly just thought I was imagining it. So I'm really happy that I was, in fact, not imagining it and she actually does like girls. I'm kinda disappointed with her romantic prospects, though, because Swan (who she kinda loves) is super fucking toxic, and Cassandra (who she does love) is basically a zombie. Also, can we just talk about the age gaps here for a second? Kaira is seventeen, yet Swan is twenty-two, and Cassandra's age is never stated, but she was a nurse who saved Kaira's life when she was a child, so she's probably at least ten years older than Kaira. I can't be the only one who thinks these are kind of concerning age gaps. I hate how this is never ONCE addressed within the story and is just treated like a normal thing. That's not normal! Your underage YA protagonists should not have love interests who are whole fucking adults!
Anyway.
The plot of this book was a lot more action packed than the first, and if I'm being totally honest, a lot harder to follow. But part of that might have been my own fault, because I tend to skim when I'm reading, and I found myself skimming a lot in the latter half of this book, so I probably missed lots of important details. So I'll definitely have to go back and reread this! (Rather looking forward to it actually lol). But I was definitely getting confused, especially since Elsa, Kingfisher, Heron, Elsa's mother, and a Siren(?) named Bel who was with them spent most of the book on the run. So I definitely was really confused during Elsa's chapters. (Side note, I'm not really sure if I should call her Elsa or Lark, because about halfway through the first book I think, her chapters switched from being titled "Elsa" to being titled "Lark", and she's referred to as Lark on the book flap, so maybe we're supposed to think of her as Lark at this point, but I'm just gonna call her Elsa (and likewise, call Kaira Kaira instead of Nightingale) for the sake of consistency).
Also, I'm not gonna lie, but Piper's basically one-eighty from the first book kinda felt unrealistic (bro tf you mean you hated all Torches and Aylish but now all of a sudden you've just seen the error of your ways?). Like, don't get me wrong, I appreciate his change of heart since he was kind of an asshole before, but it just felt totally out of nowhere. Semi-related, while I do like his relationship with Finch, I just can't make myself like Finch because of how hateful Finch is. He really hates the Aylish and wants to murder all of them, and it just really upsets me. I want to like him, but I just can't get past that. I hope that Piper can manage to change Finch's mind, but even if he does, I'm not sure I'll be able to like Finch anyway.
(By the way, at this point you may be wondering "why the fuck is everyone's name a bird???" (btw Rye's last name is Tern and Elsa and Piper's is Crane, so more birds there too). I too was wondering this, and guess what? It gets explained in this book! Guess what else?? It's a really dumb explanation! I am not satisfied with this. Also, I was bored, so I compiled a list of every bird I noticed in the books for fun lol.)
Anyway, I digress.
Overall, the plot of this book was decent, though not quite as good as the first. I loved the addition of Wren, and think he was sorely underused as a character, especially since he was practically forgetten by the second half of the book. (I reallyyyyy think he and Rye should've ended up together). I wish that the whole Celestis side plot hadn't ever been added in the first place, because it didn't add anything, and all of the characters on the Celestis are truly horrid. Also, I'll say it again, but I just really don't think it fits in with the plot and atmosphere that the first book set up. If it hadn't been in this book, it would've been way better.
All in all, despite the negatives, this was still a really solid sequel to Songlight! As with the first book, the writing was still immaculate, and I just really really like this series. Can't wait for book 3!!
I thought this book picked up really well from where the first ended--with one issue. The introduction of Petra, the Celestis, and this weird ass martian sci-fi plot. The first book takes place in some rather nondescript, fantasy-esque setting that is likely a dystopian version of the earth far in the future, so I suppose it's not too out there to introduce these elements of an advanced colony in space, but it was just a weird tonal shift. The books initially read as very fantasy, and now with this, they became science fiction, and I'm just not a big sci-fi fan.
Also, I'm not gonna lie, I just did not like Petra much as a character (POV or otherwise). Her chapters were very boring and didn't add much to the story in my opinion, and she has like zero personality. I couldn't tell you anything about her--what she looks like, how old she is, how she normally acts, anything. She's totally blank. I really disliked how she and Rye are on track to be endgame (or form a weird love triangle/square with Elsa and Kingfisher). Personally, I really liked Rye's dynamic with Wren and secretly hoped that they'd get together, but I suppose it was too much to hope for. (Honestly, I should've known it wouldn't be from the second Wren came out as trans, because it was very clear with the whole ordeal with Piper in the first book that Rye is Very Straight, but I was optimistic anyway.)
Another development on the romance frontier is Elsa and Kingfisher, which I had actually kind of wondered about in the first book (but I naturally assumed I was simply reading into it, because the characters I ship together NEVER end up together sadly), so I was kind of happy about that. Except their relationship seems kinda iffy sometimes and there's like no communication, so I don't know how good it really is. Honestly, they're one of those fictional couples that seem really good until they actually end up together, and then you're just like "hmm, maybe you guys should actually just break up..." (looking at you, Rory and Jess).
Because I'm on the topic of romance, I will say that I'm really glad that the narration doubled down and clarified Kaira's sexuality. I was getting sapphic vibes from her, especially from how she described Cassandra, but honestly just thought I was imagining it. So I'm really happy that I was, in fact, not imagining it and she actually does like girls. I'm kinda disappointed with her romantic prospects, though, because Swan (who she kinda loves) is super fucking toxic, and Cassandra (who she does love) is basically a zombie. Also, can we just talk about the age gaps here for a second? Kaira is seventeen, yet Swan is twenty-two, and Cassandra's age is never stated, but she was a nurse who saved Kaira's life when she was a child, so she's probably at least ten years older than Kaira. I can't be the only one who thinks these are kind of concerning age gaps. I hate how this is never ONCE addressed within the story and is just treated like a normal thing. That's not normal! Your underage YA protagonists should not have love interests who are whole fucking adults!
Anyway.
The plot of this book was a lot more action packed than the first, and if I'm being totally honest, a lot harder to follow. But part of that might have been my own fault, because I tend to skim when I'm reading, and I found myself skimming a lot in the latter half of this book, so I probably missed lots of important details. So I'll definitely have to go back and reread this! (Rather looking forward to it actually lol). But I was definitely getting confused, especially since Elsa, Kingfisher, Heron, Elsa's mother, and a Siren(?) named Bel who was with them spent most of the book on the run. So I definitely was really confused during Elsa's chapters. (Side note, I'm not really sure if I should call her Elsa or Lark, because about halfway through the first book I think, her chapters switched from being titled "Elsa" to being titled "Lark", and she's referred to as Lark on the book flap, so maybe we're supposed to think of her as Lark at this point, but I'm just gonna call her Elsa (and likewise, call Kaira Kaira instead of Nightingale) for the sake of consistency).
Also, I'm not gonna lie, but Piper's basically one-eighty from the first book kinda felt unrealistic (bro tf you mean you hated all Torches and Aylish but now all of a sudden you've just seen the error of your ways?). Like, don't get me wrong, I appreciate his change of heart since he was kind of an asshole before, but it just felt totally out of nowhere. Semi-related, while I do like his relationship with Finch, I just can't make myself like Finch because of how hateful Finch is. He really hates the Aylish and wants to murder all of them, and it just really upsets me. I want to like him, but I just can't get past that. I hope that Piper can manage to change Finch's mind, but even if he does, I'm not sure I'll be able to like Finch anyway.
(By the way, at this point you may be wondering "why the fuck is everyone's name a bird???" (btw Rye's last name is Tern and Elsa and Piper's is Crane, so more birds there too). I too was wondering this, and guess what? It gets explained in this book! Guess what else?? It's a really dumb explanation! I am not satisfied with this. Also, I was bored, so I compiled a list of every bird I noticed in the books for fun lol.)
Anyway, I digress.
Overall, the plot of this book was decent, though not quite as good as the first. I loved the addition of Wren, and think he was sorely underused as a character, especially since he was practically forgetten by the second half of the book. (I reallyyyyy think he and Rye should've ended up together). I wish that the whole Celestis side plot hadn't ever been added in the first place, because it didn't add anything, and all of the characters on the Celestis are truly horrid. Also, I'll say it again, but I just really don't think it fits in with the plot and atmosphere that the first book set up. If it hadn't been in this book, it would've been way better.
All in all, despite the negatives, this was still a really solid sequel to Songlight! As with the first book, the writing was still immaculate, and I just really really like this series. Can't wait for book 3!!
August 5, 2025
It’s been a long time since I’ve been so excited about a YA Dystopian trilogy. Bit second book in The Torch Trilogy, Torchfire has me excited. Buffini has created a unique dystopian world where people are oppressed for having Songlight (which are basically telepathic skills). However, it is her characters which really make the story sing.
Like its predecessor Songlight, Torchfire is told through many different characters points of view. I feel like it’s easy to get muddled sometimes when there are so many characters with voices in a book. But each character Buffini has created in this series were unique enough that it made it very easy to differentiate between them all. Even with a whole new character being added into the series in the second book (dare I say my new favourite character?)
The differing points of view really help with the pacing of this book. I literally flew through the new narrative and managed to finish the book in just two days, which is really fast for me. There really is something always something thrilling going on in this story and Torchfire easily avoids becoming the stale second book in a series. The book is full of plot twists. Things I didn’t see coming at all. There are literally no boring bits.
Despite the fast pace the book still has a lot of heart. I love the way different characters connect through Songlight. The way the author describes them talking to each other, even over long distances is pure magic. My heart ached for so many of the characters throughout this book.
The story is so well thought out and put together. I loved the way the world is further developed in this novel with the additional characters and more of an explanation of how the world got to be how it is. I truly believe that Buffini has set this trilogy up for a truly epic ending and I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series.
Like its predecessor Songlight, Torchfire is told through many different characters points of view. I feel like it’s easy to get muddled sometimes when there are so many characters with voices in a book. But each character Buffini has created in this series were unique enough that it made it very easy to differentiate between them all. Even with a whole new character being added into the series in the second book (dare I say my new favourite character?)
The differing points of view really help with the pacing of this book. I literally flew through the new narrative and managed to finish the book in just two days, which is really fast for me. There really is something always something thrilling going on in this story and Torchfire easily avoids becoming the stale second book in a series. The book is full of plot twists. Things I didn’t see coming at all. There are literally no boring bits.
Despite the fast pace the book still has a lot of heart. I love the way different characters connect through Songlight. The way the author describes them talking to each other, even over long distances is pure magic. My heart ached for so many of the characters throughout this book.
The story is so well thought out and put together. I loved the way the world is further developed in this novel with the additional characters and more of an explanation of how the world got to be how it is. I truly believe that Buffini has set this trilogy up for a truly epic ending and I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series.
April 11, 2026
Songlight is one of my favorite YA books ever. EVER. It is dark and devastating and it ripped my heart out and made me cry. This sequel does the same and then expands the world so significantly that I spent the entire time sad, anxious, and desperately invested all at once. My heart ached throughout this one. The magic system and world-building are also unlike anything else I've encountered.
The multiple POVs could easily become overwhelming with this many moving parts, but every character feels so distinct and everything is so woven together, that it never does. Lark is my absolute favorite and I just want to wrap all of these people in something soft and protect them from everything this world keeps throwing at them.
This shows how oppression (in numerous forms) shapes people. What this series gets so right is that none of these characters exist in a vacuum. The things the oppressed do (even the terrible things) make a horrible kind of sense when you understand what shaped them. This world creates impossible situations and then watches people navigate them with whatever they have left. They are desperate and sometime that builds heroes. Sometimes it builds villains who just try to survive and think only of themselves. The writing never lets you forget what made them this way. Survival looks different on everyone and this series understands that completely. It is such a specific kind of storytelling craft that I don't take it for granted when I find it.
I don't want to spoil anything. Just picture me shaking this book at you until you read it.
God tier. Both of them. Start with Songlight immediately.
Thank you to Storygram tours, the publisher, and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The multiple POVs could easily become overwhelming with this many moving parts, but every character feels so distinct and everything is so woven together, that it never does. Lark is my absolute favorite and I just want to wrap all of these people in something soft and protect them from everything this world keeps throwing at them.
This shows how oppression (in numerous forms) shapes people. What this series gets so right is that none of these characters exist in a vacuum. The things the oppressed do (even the terrible things) make a horrible kind of sense when you understand what shaped them. This world creates impossible situations and then watches people navigate them with whatever they have left. They are desperate and sometime that builds heroes. Sometimes it builds villains who just try to survive and think only of themselves. The writing never lets you forget what made them this way. Survival looks different on everyone and this series understands that completely. It is such a specific kind of storytelling craft that I don't take it for granted when I find it.
I don't want to spoil anything. Just picture me shaking this book at you until you read it.
God tier. Both of them. Start with Songlight immediately.
Thank you to Storygram tours, the publisher, and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
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