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Noss Saga #4
Feral Flame
Desire fuels a new journey of self-discovery..
After a betrayal, an abduction, and a rushed rescue mission, the wayfarers reach the Ashen Dome only to find that the enemy has beaten them to it—Fjorna Daro is about to take command of the mask of bovids.
Thick-armored half-beasts inhabit the dome, hesitant to form an alliance with Lago-Sterjall and his companions. The horned warriors are proud to display their culture and might, but there is one pivotal secret they are not yet revealing.
The parallel journey of Kitjári and Nalaníri is sending ripples of hope across the lands of Noss, unleashing rebellions and alliances among enslaved tribes—but soon the boar and bear are diverted toward a new mission in lands more treacherous than any they've encountered thus far.
Parting ways after the battle at the Lequa Dome, Banook now begins his own adventure through Negian territory, gathering an ursid army as he marches toward the half-collapsed Heartpine Dome.
Meanwhile, the Red Stag continues his campaign of terror, advancing ceaselessly toward the Scoria Dome, where he hopes to capture the mask of chiropterans—wings could provide him with an uncanny advantage in war, and the bats within the dome are as numerous as the stars.
Feral Flame is the fourth installment of the Noss Saga, an epic LGBTQ+ fantasy series.
After a betrayal, an abduction, and a rushed rescue mission, the wayfarers reach the Ashen Dome only to find that the enemy has beaten them to it—Fjorna Daro is about to take command of the mask of bovids.
Thick-armored half-beasts inhabit the dome, hesitant to form an alliance with Lago-Sterjall and his companions. The horned warriors are proud to display their culture and might, but there is one pivotal secret they are not yet revealing.
The parallel journey of Kitjári and Nalaníri is sending ripples of hope across the lands of Noss, unleashing rebellions and alliances among enslaved tribes—but soon the boar and bear are diverted toward a new mission in lands more treacherous than any they've encountered thus far.
Parting ways after the battle at the Lequa Dome, Banook now begins his own adventure through Negian territory, gathering an ursid army as he marches toward the half-collapsed Heartpine Dome.
Meanwhile, the Red Stag continues his campaign of terror, advancing ceaselessly toward the Scoria Dome, where he hopes to capture the mask of chiropterans—wings could provide him with an uncanny advantage in war, and the bats within the dome are as numerous as the stars.
Feral Flame is the fourth installment of the Noss Saga, an epic LGBTQ+ fantasy series.
600 pages, Paperback
Published November 10, 2025
7 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Joaquín Baldwin
12 books66 followersJoaquín Baldwin writes epic fantasy with a queer touch. As a multidisciplinary artist, he’s been recognized for his work in cinematography, photography, 3D design, and illustration, and his animated shorts have won over 100 awards. He unadvisedly decided that writing novels was the next thing on his list. While at Disney, he worked on films such as Zootopia, Encanto, Frozen and Moana. He spends an inordinate amount of time crafting the complex world of the Noss Saga. Visit him at joaquinbaldwin.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 11, 2025
As a note, I am an early reviewer for this book.
How to encapsulate the themes of this book...I think the title honestly says it all. Feral: wild and filled with emotion both anticipated and unexpected, but hitting hard and raw in those moments meant to tug on heartstrings. Flame: Passion burning, motivations challenged, the will to keep going, and the insanity that comes with power. At the risk of sounding biased for this series, Feral Flame was...well, unbelievable. Incredible. And one of the few books that has made me cry a little.
At risk of this review being too long, I'll split it into sections so you can jump around as needed!
Fantasy genre captured perfectly: Joaquín has an incredible talent of creating a world that's both fantastic and realistic. The world building that he unveils never feels too fast or out of place which is nearly impossible for fantasy novelists to achieve. From the new domes to the revisited domes to the various lands throughout Noss, nothing felt out of place or like it didn't belong. His descriptive writing style paired with the BEAUTIFUL illustrations paint the perfect picture of the novel as it unfolds.
Epic as it is queer? Accurate. VERY accurate!: If you've made it to this point in the series, you're not shy to queer representation. Joaquín is...without adding spoilers to my review? He's managed to make unrepresented identities of the queer community be seen in a normal way. There's no celebration or party or shock at talking about queer identity, it just exists. One conversation in the book in particular made me put it down and actually feel like he captured the perspective and emotions of me as a queer ace kid not having the words for who I was. And Joaquín doesn't make everything perfect and idyllic. There's prejudice and hate in this world as well, but it's addressed. It's challenged. And it makes the people feel real, whether Silvesh, Miscam, or Negian.
Pacing and action is balanced, mostly: As a warning, this book is fast-paced compared to the others. There's a LOT Joaquín has to tackle, and tackle it he does. I feel there was a lot of editing that had to be done to keep this story contained, but that's mostly because I wanted to hear more details, be there for the off-screen conversations, watch the challenges unveiled in the constant transitions. That's unrealistic for a fantasy book, especially one that needs to keep things moving. But WOW there's a lot that happens in this book, and none of it feels out of place. That's one of the reasons I couldn't put this book down, it just kept me guessing and going and wondering and questioning. Though it took me nine days to read? That's fast for me. And that's why I say 'mostly,' because I couldn't keep myself from reading more.
What happens to ___ in the book??: You'll find out, don't worry. Joaquín leaves no stone unturned, so you'll have all of your cliffhangers replaced with brand new shiny cliffhangers that leave you begging for more. The main part I struggled with while reading this book is wanting to keep going with a certain character arc. I didn't want the journey to stop, and where some authors struggle with the pacing of their many, many characters (Not naming names, of course) Joaquín is strategic and fully intentional with where he interrupts the action. It left me needing to keep reading. I stayed up too late on work nights wanting to make sure I got to the next part because I needed to know what happened next for those characters.
What comes next?: Read and find out you goof! Joaquín teases at what's to come, and I'm upset I have to wait to hear what's next. But if I've made it four books in as you have most likely, you trust in his capabilities to create a good and engaging story. Feral Flame leaves off at just the right place, and I have some guesses as to where it'll go next. But even if this book came out WAY sooner than I was expecting, it's not soon enough. I've been hooked since book 1, and I'm on the edge of my seat.
~
So is Feral Flame worth it? Yes. Yes. Yes. Eighteen times yes. It's action-packed, there's romance, there's shock, there's character development...it's what I've been waiting years for in a fantasy series. I can't wait for book 5 whenever it comes out. Highly recommend - you'll love this one if you've gotten to this point, no question.
How to encapsulate the themes of this book...I think the title honestly says it all. Feral: wild and filled with emotion both anticipated and unexpected, but hitting hard and raw in those moments meant to tug on heartstrings. Flame: Passion burning, motivations challenged, the will to keep going, and the insanity that comes with power. At the risk of sounding biased for this series, Feral Flame was...well, unbelievable. Incredible. And one of the few books that has made me cry a little.
At risk of this review being too long, I'll split it into sections so you can jump around as needed!
Fantasy genre captured perfectly: Joaquín has an incredible talent of creating a world that's both fantastic and realistic. The world building that he unveils never feels too fast or out of place which is nearly impossible for fantasy novelists to achieve. From the new domes to the revisited domes to the various lands throughout Noss, nothing felt out of place or like it didn't belong. His descriptive writing style paired with the BEAUTIFUL illustrations paint the perfect picture of the novel as it unfolds.
Epic as it is queer? Accurate. VERY accurate!: If you've made it to this point in the series, you're not shy to queer representation. Joaquín is...without adding spoilers to my review? He's managed to make unrepresented identities of the queer community be seen in a normal way. There's no celebration or party or shock at talking about queer identity, it just exists. One conversation in the book in particular made me put it down and actually feel like he captured the perspective and emotions of me as a queer ace kid not having the words for who I was. And Joaquín doesn't make everything perfect and idyllic. There's prejudice and hate in this world as well, but it's addressed. It's challenged. And it makes the people feel real, whether Silvesh, Miscam, or Negian.
Pacing and action is balanced, mostly: As a warning, this book is fast-paced compared to the others. There's a LOT Joaquín has to tackle, and tackle it he does. I feel there was a lot of editing that had to be done to keep this story contained, but that's mostly because I wanted to hear more details, be there for the off-screen conversations, watch the challenges unveiled in the constant transitions. That's unrealistic for a fantasy book, especially one that needs to keep things moving. But WOW there's a lot that happens in this book, and none of it feels out of place. That's one of the reasons I couldn't put this book down, it just kept me guessing and going and wondering and questioning. Though it took me nine days to read? That's fast for me. And that's why I say 'mostly,' because I couldn't keep myself from reading more.
What happens to ___ in the book??: You'll find out, don't worry. Joaquín leaves no stone unturned, so you'll have all of your cliffhangers replaced with brand new shiny cliffhangers that leave you begging for more. The main part I struggled with while reading this book is wanting to keep going with a certain character arc. I didn't want the journey to stop, and where some authors struggle with the pacing of their many, many characters (Not naming names, of course) Joaquín is strategic and fully intentional with where he interrupts the action. It left me needing to keep reading. I stayed up too late on work nights wanting to make sure I got to the next part because I needed to know what happened next for those characters.
What comes next?: Read and find out you goof! Joaquín teases at what's to come, and I'm upset I have to wait to hear what's next. But if I've made it four books in as you have most likely, you trust in his capabilities to create a good and engaging story. Feral Flame leaves off at just the right place, and I have some guesses as to where it'll go next. But even if this book came out WAY sooner than I was expecting, it's not soon enough. I've been hooked since book 1, and I'm on the edge of my seat.
~
So is Feral Flame worth it? Yes. Yes. Yes. Eighteen times yes. It's action-packed, there's romance, there's shock, there's character development...it's what I've been waiting years for in a fantasy series. I can't wait for book 5 whenever it comes out. Highly recommend - you'll love this one if you've gotten to this point, no question.
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November 12, 2025🎧Available in Audiobook!🎧
Narrated by Magnus Carlssen, with music by Iain James Armour (both of whom did a fantastic job, absolutely stellar).
Find it on ALL platforms here: Feral Flame Audiobook
Narrated by Magnus Carlssen, with music by Iain James Armour (both of whom did a fantastic job, absolutely stellar).
Find it on ALL platforms here: Feral Flame Audiobook
November 11, 2025
“They were surrounded, outnumbered. Betrayed…” Yet, the story has only just begun, in the 4th installment of Joaquin Baldwin’s epic fantasy series, Noss Saga: Feral Flame. The action picks up right where Book III left off, as our heroes find new allies to aid them in their continuing pursuit of stopping The Red Stag’s march of conquest across the continents of Noss, as well as those who have betrayed him seeking their own power. In this book in particular, we come to discover much more about the Tjardur clan, and from them learn more of the true history behind the Acoaposhi peoples so often mentioned before. This true history shows far more nuance about much of what we thought we knew, and helps shape what we will come to learn further as the saga progresses.
With Books I and II of Noss Saga, the stage was set and our heroes started on their quest. With Book III, the group separates, their quest takes different paths for the same goal, the saving of Noss. Now with Book IV, the actions of the different groups begins to bare fruit. Our heroes are learning, growing, adapting, and being readied by the journey for what lies ahead as the saga builds. The story that unfolds makes it evident that Joaquin Baldwin has created a beautifully sprawling epic that combines Robert Jordan’s storytelling, Phillip Pullman’s sensible details, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s fanciful nature. The world-building, the storytelling, the character design, even the included artwork. It all draws the reader in and leaves them with the desire to read more, see more, know more. Baldwin has done a phenomenal job with all of these facets of the story, and even more. Noss Saga is nothing short of wonderful thus far, and I cannot wait for what lies in store for our heroes and for Noss itself, in what has become a truly sprawling and great epic fantasy series.
With Books I and II of Noss Saga, the stage was set and our heroes started on their quest. With Book III, the group separates, their quest takes different paths for the same goal, the saving of Noss. Now with Book IV, the actions of the different groups begins to bare fruit. Our heroes are learning, growing, adapting, and being readied by the journey for what lies ahead as the saga builds. The story that unfolds makes it evident that Joaquin Baldwin has created a beautifully sprawling epic that combines Robert Jordan’s storytelling, Phillip Pullman’s sensible details, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s fanciful nature. The world-building, the storytelling, the character design, even the included artwork. It all draws the reader in and leaves them with the desire to read more, see more, know more. Baldwin has done a phenomenal job with all of these facets of the story, and even more. Noss Saga is nothing short of wonderful thus far, and I cannot wait for what lies in store for our heroes and for Noss itself, in what has become a truly sprawling and great epic fantasy series.
November 11, 2025
This review is based on an early review copy received (which is identical to the final release).
By the time you reach book 4 in a series, things will either be coming together like a perfectly tuned machine or coming apart at the seams. I'm happy to say, Feral Flame is an example of the perfectly tuned machine. At this point, the party has split up and there are multiple threads running through the plot and it all flows quite well.
Something that has become clear by this point of the series is the Noss Saga books are, at their heart, about people trying to do the right thing despite great opposition. Most of the governments on Noss seem to want to emulate The Red Stag despite claiming to oppose him. Its definitely an underlying lesson worth taking inspiration from.
Aside from the characters and the masks, one of the big stars in the series would be the domes. Each one is it's own self contained ecosystem that's been closed off from the outside world. So far I've always felt a lot of eager anticipation when a new dome is entered by the characters to discover whats inside. The Ashen Dome, home of the Bovids, is no disappointment. I'm impressed by how well thought out the diverging societies in the domes are.
Its honestly difficult not to gush in detail about all the events that happen and details crafted into the world, but this is a review and not a synopsis.
If you enjoyed the past 3 books, this is an easy 'Yes' for you. Its not even a gamble. If you're new to the books and this sounds like something that interests you, then read Wolf of Withervale, Masks of the Miscam, Relinquished Realms, and then definitely come back and read this one too.
By the time you reach book 4 in a series, things will either be coming together like a perfectly tuned machine or coming apart at the seams. I'm happy to say, Feral Flame is an example of the perfectly tuned machine. At this point, the party has split up and there are multiple threads running through the plot and it all flows quite well.
Something that has become clear by this point of the series is the Noss Saga books are, at their heart, about people trying to do the right thing despite great opposition. Most of the governments on Noss seem to want to emulate The Red Stag despite claiming to oppose him. Its definitely an underlying lesson worth taking inspiration from.
Aside from the characters and the masks, one of the big stars in the series would be the domes. Each one is it's own self contained ecosystem that's been closed off from the outside world. So far I've always felt a lot of eager anticipation when a new dome is entered by the characters to discover whats inside. The Ashen Dome, home of the Bovids, is no disappointment. I'm impressed by how well thought out the diverging societies in the domes are.
Its honestly difficult not to gush in detail about all the events that happen and details crafted into the world, but this is a review and not a synopsis.
If you enjoyed the past 3 books, this is an easy 'Yes' for you. Its not even a gamble. If you're new to the books and this sounds like something that interests you, then read Wolf of Withervale, Masks of the Miscam, Relinquished Realms, and then definitely come back and read this one too.
November 11, 2025
How well do you know yourself? How secure are you in that image? What are you willing to go through, to do, to sacrifice, to *endure* to maintain that truth (or to discover unknown depths)?
The protagonists of the Noss Saga have surpassed many hurdles on their journey thus far, and the questions I posed above have been rattling around my head since the beginning of the series. Identity, self, and the knowledge and acceptance of both are prominent themes in Noss, and some characters face their mightiest challenges yet. The risk of losing that which makes you who you are is a terrifying prospect indeed, but there are those who can guide you back should you let your heart open to them.
While the wayfarers have been no strangers to dangerous encounters before, the tension and sheer dread in scenes of Feral Flame eclipse what has come prior. In a moment of last resort, Lago subjects himself to his most emotional tribulation yet.
This is not without balance, however, as the whole of the group encounter a clan entirely aware of themselves (who allow the adventurers to open their minds more fully and embrace suppressed desires).
As for the more structural elements of the novel, Feral Flame has the task of following multiple groups across large swathes of the world of Noss. At every junction where I began to wonder what was happening in other quests, a new chapter and perspective shift appeared. I was never left wanting for long and the narrative flowed well between the various parties. Feral Flame is a thoroughly enjoyable read that continues the pattern of excellence of the Noss Saga books.
The protagonists of the Noss Saga have surpassed many hurdles on their journey thus far, and the questions I posed above have been rattling around my head since the beginning of the series. Identity, self, and the knowledge and acceptance of both are prominent themes in Noss, and some characters face their mightiest challenges yet. The risk of losing that which makes you who you are is a terrifying prospect indeed, but there are those who can guide you back should you let your heart open to them.
While the wayfarers have been no strangers to dangerous encounters before, the tension and sheer dread in scenes of Feral Flame eclipse what has come prior. In a moment of last resort, Lago subjects himself to his most emotional tribulation yet.
This is not without balance, however, as the whole of the group encounter a clan entirely aware of themselves (who allow the adventurers to open their minds more fully and embrace suppressed desires).
As for the more structural elements of the novel, Feral Flame has the task of following multiple groups across large swathes of the world of Noss. At every junction where I began to wonder what was happening in other quests, a new chapter and perspective shift appeared. I was never left wanting for long and the narrative flowed well between the various parties. Feral Flame is a thoroughly enjoyable read that continues the pattern of excellence of the Noss Saga books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2025
This is probably the fastest I’ve yet read through any of the books in the Noss saga. Feral Flame begins right where the events of book 3 left off, and it doesn’t let up from there. There are some incredibly well written and tense moments in this book which led to me spending hours saying to myself I would only read one more chapter. As usual, the balance between action, characters, and worldbuilding is done amazingly well. If there is any character you felt attached to from the previous books, then chances are good you will get to see another side of them in Feral Flame. If you’re returning to this series for the high fantasy, then the world of Noss remains as vibrant as ever. Every new book is a reminder of how much there is to love in this series, and I look forward to seeing where that journey goes next.
November 5, 2025
This book draws you deeper into a richly-realized fantasy world, exploring some really cool new corners of the world and slowly ratcheting up the stakes. While it's not as propulsively plotted as the previous entries of the series, I especially enjoyed the new perspectives that different characters brought to the central idea of wearing the transformative animal masks. Those goes both for the bovids, who have a rich and complex society that goes in a totally different direction than any of the other dome-dwellers, and for Puuja and Pol, who continue to be really fun bundles of trouble even as they develop in character and skill. Harrowing scenes early on show the power and peril of connecting with one's feral side, and the examination of the Tjardur provides new wrinkles to the central mysteries of aether and threads.
November 13, 2025
If you've just finished "Relinquished Realms" you don't need to read this review as the cliffhanger at the end of the previous novel will have left you incapable of waiting to see what happens next.
On the other hand, if you're looking to see whether this series holds up now that we're four books in, let me assure you that every novel brings you deeper into the story and characters. Where the previous novel was a fast-paced adventure through new worlds, this latest entry in Baldwin's "Noss Saga" is a more casually paced exploration of his characters as they continue on their journey. That is not to say that there is not peril but it is much more measured in this installment. Now that the party has been split further we get a story told from 5 different perspectives spread across the whole of Noss.
This is an unapologetically queer novel and even among the books so far it stands out for highlighting the power that comes from being authentically yourself.
Disclosure: I received an early review copy of this book.
On the other hand, if you're looking to see whether this series holds up now that we're four books in, let me assure you that every novel brings you deeper into the story and characters. Where the previous novel was a fast-paced adventure through new worlds, this latest entry in Baldwin's "Noss Saga" is a more casually paced exploration of his characters as they continue on their journey. That is not to say that there is not peril but it is much more measured in this installment. Now that the party has been split further we get a story told from 5 different perspectives spread across the whole of Noss.
This is an unapologetically queer novel and even among the books so far it stands out for highlighting the power that comes from being authentically yourself.
Disclosure: I received an early review copy of this book.
October 28, 2025
Returning once again to the world of Noss after the previous installment's riveting cliff hanger was an absolutely wonderful treat! Once I started reading, I did not have a single session that was shorter than three consecutive hours. I ended up finishing my first read through in a late night binge of seven hours straight, as I just could not set the book down once I got to the final third. I am currently giving the book a second read through to see if I can catch anything I might have missed in my ravenous reading through the first time. If you've enjoyed the last few books in the series, I know you'll love this one too!
November 11, 2025
Joaquín has done it again with another fantastic entry into the Noss Saga. The story picks up right where we left off in the 3rd entry and the pacing is much quicker this time around now that more pieces have fallen into place. That being said, there's still a ton of lore to behold as we continue to explore new worlds and see deeper facets of the characters we've come to be acquainted with. I had a great time with this book and I would hope that you get to experience a similar joy.
November 11, 2025
Another wonderful entry in the Noss Saga. Joaquín Baldwin does a wonderful job chronicling our heroes tale. Feral Flame is a story of exploration, discovery, and learning in various forms. There were quite a few standout moments in this book, but the thing I loved most was watching our intrepid adventurers grow in their understandings of themselves and the world. I can't wait for our next journey through the world of Noss!
December 16, 2025
Another book down which brings with it more amazing stories, love, and secrets! But also brings us so close the end of this saga!
While I'm excited with every addition to see where the story will eventually lead, it also hurts to know before we know it we'll have to say good bye to these characters and this world.
That is how much I've enjoyed reading these books and I still can't wait for the next!
While I'm excited with every addition to see where the story will eventually lead, it also hurts to know before we know it we'll have to say good bye to these characters and this world.
That is how much I've enjoyed reading these books and I still can't wait for the next!
November 10, 2025
Another compelling entry in the Noss Saga. As before, once I picked up this book I could hardly put it down; Joaquín's storytelling is exciting, gripping, and takes you on a journey of queer discovery, imagination, and growth, all while telling a compelling story about finding out who you are in a world spinning beyond your control. I cannot recommend this book enough. 💙
November 11, 2025
This fourth book in the series continues the saga. The struggle continues on as the companions travel to a new dome and face newer threats. In the course of events they gain new allies and learn more about themselves. All in all this is an excellent read and the series just keeps getting better. I particularly enjoy meeting the different cultures within each dome that they visit.
December 16, 2025
This series really grabs you by the hips, and ties you up for hours.
Another great book in the adventure. I'm looking forward to the next two.
Another great book in the adventure. I'm looking forward to the next two.
November 3, 2025
There is a lot I could say about Feral Flame.
Like the previous books in the Noss Saga, once you get started, the book will grab you and refuse to let you go. Joaquin is a master at making me yell swear words in the middle of the night when he ends a chapter on a cliffhanger only to swap perspectives.
My primary love of Feral Flame is part of why I loved Wolf of Withervale and Masks of the Miscam: it takes its time to explore an area in depth, allowing us to spend time there. That's not to say things don't happen, LOTS happens regularly, it feels like things are going too fast at times, and yet we still stay in places long enough to get a deeper understanding of the unique cultures of the domes in question.
And we learn a LOT in Feral Flames. I won't spoil what that is, but suffice to say you won't be disappointed in the least.
We're getting close to the end game now.
Like the previous books in the Noss Saga, once you get started, the book will grab you and refuse to let you go. Joaquin is a master at making me yell swear words in the middle of the night when he ends a chapter on a cliffhanger only to swap perspectives.
My primary love of Feral Flame is part of why I loved Wolf of Withervale and Masks of the Miscam: it takes its time to explore an area in depth, allowing us to spend time there. That's not to say things don't happen, LOTS happens regularly, it feels like things are going too fast at times, and yet we still stay in places long enough to get a deeper understanding of the unique cultures of the domes in question.
And we learn a LOT in Feral Flames. I won't spoil what that is, but suffice to say you won't be disappointed in the least.
We're getting close to the end game now.
November 18, 2025
YES YES YES!
While the first three books of the Noss Saga did a great job establishing and progressing the world's cultures, characters, and conflicts, Feral Flame makes it all so much deeper. The worldbuilding and character reveals have left me incredibly excited for what comes next. Gonna have to reread the whole series again and see what these new secrets reveal.
While the first three books of the Noss Saga did a great job establishing and progressing the world's cultures, characters, and conflicts, Feral Flame makes it all so much deeper. The worldbuilding and character reveals have left me incredibly excited for what comes next. Gonna have to reread the whole series again and see what these new secrets reveal.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews