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Steel and Fire #5
Night of Flame
An unexpected battle. An undefeated enemy. A final stand to save their home.As the Lantern Maker’s Fireworker army terrorizes the continent, Dara struggles to master her new powers. She’s the only Wielder with a chance of stopping her father, but she doesn’t know if she can face him. As the fiery devastation spreads, she must make a terrible choice.Meanwhile, Siv musters a fighting force to retake his kingdom. His sister Selivia offers help in an unexpected form, but their new allies have hidden agendas and dangerous secrets. Trusting the wrong people could cost them the war.Back in Vertigon, Queen Sora encounters a terrifying new threat. If Siv, Dara, and Selivia make it back to the mountain, they could be too late to save it. The four of them must confront the forces of violence, power, and ambition in a final conflict that will determine the fate of every land on the continent.Read the epic conclusion to the Steel and Fire series!Be sure to check out all eight books set in this vivid fantasy world full of magic, dragons, sword fights, and Steel and Fire1 - Duel of Fire2 - King of Mist3 - Dance of Steel4 - City of Wind5 - Night of FlameThe Fire Queen's Apprentice1 - The Watermight Thief2 - The Thunderbird Queen3 - The Dragonfly Oath
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2017
452 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Rivet
36 books528 followersJordan Rivet is an American author of YA science fiction and fantasy featuring determined heroines, vivid worlds, and daring missions. Originally from Arizona, she lives in Hong Kong with her husband.
Jordan's YA fantasy series include Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse, The Seabound Chronicles, and The Lost Clone.
Jordan's YA fantasy series include Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse, The Seabound Chronicles, and The Lost Clone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 10, 2021
Let me first just say that the other books in this series are all 4-5 stars. Truly wonderful books that I highly recommend you read. It just so happens that the final book in the series has some major problems that are rooted in previous books. If you aren't an analytical reader, you honestly will love this book. However, I'm an analytical reader, so I did have a problem with a few things:
1. It's VERY clear in this final book that this is at least partially inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender. There are some similarities in other books, mainly the idea that someone can wield all of the elements. Those, I thought, were just this author's unique take on elemental magic. After all, Avatar isn't the only media to use elemental magic. However, this book made it abundantly clear. The power-hungry fire lord who takes over the world. The intense nationalism/fascism of the fire-based society taking over the other nations. The nations that are tied to a particular element. The person who can wield/bend all of the elements being the key to ending the war. BUT, it became a straight rip off at the end. Taking the bending/wielding power away from the Firelord as a method of bypassing a death sentence? The fact that Dara literally becomes the chosen one out of nowhere in this last book? The random message of "restoring balance to the world" that literally only pops up in the last 50 pages of the book? Absolutely no excuse.
2. Siv was incredibly out of character in how he dealt with the Lantern Maker. He's built up as a king with an overwhelming sense of justice. He is closer to the people because he essentially is one of the people. He parties with them, duels with them, works with them. He helps them set up camp and trains with the guards just as hard as the soldiers and servants work. Vertigon is held up as this bastion of peace that hasn't had any violence in 4 generations as a great difference to the lands below. So why the hell are there THREE instances of death penalties with no fair trials??? Why would an extremely peaceful kingdom have the death penalty and why would a king who is supposed to be so just carry out TWO barbaric executions without even a trial or council (which is confirmed to be the way things typically go). Either Siv isn't as ready to be king as he thinks he is or he has a serious identity complex where he magically becomes a whole new person the second he sees someone who's personally wronged him then he snaps back once their head is rolling.
3. Deus ex machina -_- If you're going to rip off Avatar, maybe don't rip off the one thing that Avatar is criticized for! Why the hell does Vine Siltine show up at the drop of a hat at the end of every novel to conveniently provide exactly what the protagonists need when they're in a pickle. She disappears about the center of every single book, Siv and Dara fuck shit up, and Vine returns with literal armies. Every. Single. Book. It's a clever spin/twist at first. Then it happens 3 more times, and it becomes a convenient plot device that isn't good literature! I let it pass in literally the other 4 books because Vine is built up as a mysterious and alluring character. I gave the other books the benefit of the doubt that maybe she and her methods would be explained later on. She isn't. She just magically knows in every novel where these convenient armies are located for Siv and Dara's personal use.
4. I just really hated the entire dragons-attacking-Vertigon story arc. The entire series builds up the Lantern Maker as this incredibly evil villain who's hungry for power. He poisons kings, turns entire foreign armies against their own kingdom, usurps heirs, puppetmasters the new queen, abuses women, charms multiple countries into following him, creates weapons of mass destruction to burn entire countries to the ground so that he can rule their wastelands - all in the name of gaining more power for himself. He just likes power. First off....hi Firelord Ozai. Second, he's built up as an amazing villain who's just evil for evil's sake! It was truly fun to see him gain so much power just for the fun of it and be evil just because being evil is fun! So why the hell did the author feel the need to add dragons to the mix when she had a perfectly good and intimidating conflict that was built up over several books already? Why did THIS dragon attach that was introduced in the last bit of the 4th book somehow get the final battle? There are so many amazing endings this arc could have had. But, it just turns into another stop on the way back to Vertigon! Literally, Dara just shows up at the Vertigonian army camp, tells her father she wants the army, shows she can use fire and water magic together....and Rafe is just like OK the army's yours! They travel all the way back to Vertigon, Rafe attacks her with a huge reserve of fire SHOCKINGLY after Dara sends him the get the fire from the well! and deus ex machina. It's like a chapter...then the characters nonchalantly turn around and are like OK! Back to the dragons! This isn't the final battle I was promised in literally every other book.
This book was just not a good ending to an all-around great series. Honestly, if you aren't a critical reader...well you probably haven't made it this far. But, the book is still well-written, action-packed, and the magic is truly amazing. You'll love it just as much as the others if you've made it this far in the series. The final battle with the dragons, though it isn't the Lantern Maker, is still the culmination of all of Dara's magic/dueling training. It's an amazing battle that the author has shown time and time again to be very talented at writing. From a literary perspective, it just was not a strong or sensical direction to go in. Still read it, but maybe think about some of the choices the author has made.
1. It's VERY clear in this final book that this is at least partially inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender. There are some similarities in other books, mainly the idea that someone can wield all of the elements. Those, I thought, were just this author's unique take on elemental magic. After all, Avatar isn't the only media to use elemental magic. However, this book made it abundantly clear. The power-hungry fire lord who takes over the world. The intense nationalism/fascism of the fire-based society taking over the other nations. The nations that are tied to a particular element. The person who can wield/bend all of the elements being the key to ending the war. BUT, it became a straight rip off at the end. Taking the bending/wielding power away from the Firelord as a method of bypassing a death sentence? The fact that Dara literally becomes the chosen one out of nowhere in this last book? The random message of "restoring balance to the world" that literally only pops up in the last 50 pages of the book? Absolutely no excuse.
2. Siv was incredibly out of character in how he dealt with the Lantern Maker. He's built up as a king with an overwhelming sense of justice. He is closer to the people because he essentially is one of the people. He parties with them, duels with them, works with them. He helps them set up camp and trains with the guards just as hard as the soldiers and servants work. Vertigon is held up as this bastion of peace that hasn't had any violence in 4 generations as a great difference to the lands below. So why the hell are there THREE instances of death penalties with no fair trials??? Why would an extremely peaceful kingdom have the death penalty and why would a king who is supposed to be so just carry out TWO barbaric executions without even a trial or council (which is confirmed to be the way things typically go). Either Siv isn't as ready to be king as he thinks he is or he has a serious identity complex where he magically becomes a whole new person the second he sees someone who's personally wronged him then he snaps back once their head is rolling.
3. Deus ex machina -_- If you're going to rip off Avatar, maybe don't rip off the one thing that Avatar is criticized for! Why the hell does Vine Siltine show up at the drop of a hat at the end of every novel to conveniently provide exactly what the protagonists need when they're in a pickle. She disappears about the center of every single book, Siv and Dara fuck shit up, and Vine returns with literal armies. Every. Single. Book. It's a clever spin/twist at first. Then it happens 3 more times, and it becomes a convenient plot device that isn't good literature! I let it pass in literally the other 4 books because Vine is built up as a mysterious and alluring character. I gave the other books the benefit of the doubt that maybe she and her methods would be explained later on. She isn't. She just magically knows in every novel where these convenient armies are located for Siv and Dara's personal use.
4. I just really hated the entire dragons-attacking-Vertigon story arc. The entire series builds up the Lantern Maker as this incredibly evil villain who's hungry for power. He poisons kings, turns entire foreign armies against their own kingdom, usurps heirs, puppetmasters the new queen, abuses women, charms multiple countries into following him, creates weapons of mass destruction to burn entire countries to the ground so that he can rule their wastelands - all in the name of gaining more power for himself. He just likes power. First off....hi Firelord Ozai. Second, he's built up as an amazing villain who's just evil for evil's sake! It was truly fun to see him gain so much power just for the fun of it and be evil just because being evil is fun! So why the hell did the author feel the need to add dragons to the mix when she had a perfectly good and intimidating conflict that was built up over several books already? Why did THIS dragon attach that was introduced in the last bit of the 4th book somehow get the final battle? There are so many amazing endings this arc could have had. But, it just turns into another stop on the way back to Vertigon! Literally, Dara just shows up at the Vertigonian army camp, tells her father she wants the army, shows she can use fire and water magic together....and Rafe is just like OK the army's yours! They travel all the way back to Vertigon, Rafe attacks her with a huge reserve of fire SHOCKINGLY after Dara sends him the get the fire from the well! and deus ex machina. It's like a chapter...then the characters nonchalantly turn around and are like OK! Back to the dragons! This isn't the final battle I was promised in literally every other book.
This book was just not a good ending to an all-around great series. Honestly, if you aren't a critical reader...well you probably haven't made it this far. But, the book is still well-written, action-packed, and the magic is truly amazing. You'll love it just as much as the others if you've made it this far in the series. The final battle with the dragons, though it isn't the Lantern Maker, is still the culmination of all of Dara's magic/dueling training. It's an amazing battle that the author has shown time and time again to be very talented at writing. From a literary perspective, it just was not a strong or sensical direction to go in. Still read it, but maybe think about some of the choices the author has made.
February 19, 2019
The build up of this series was amazing. I enjoyed myself so much! I cannot wait for more in this world and to see what happens with my babies.
Siv, Dara, Sel, and Sora are in my favs for life!
A little more in depth:
I was very impressed with how this series build up. The difference in what I thought the plot was going to be in book 1 compared to where we ended up was so different! I have to say that, although I have enjoyed myself through the whole series. (Giving it an average of 4.5 per book!) I thought it would be pretty predictable where everything went. That was not the case!
I loved the magic system. How we expand into all the elements and I thought how it was used was very well expanded upon. Dara became a little too good in my opinion, but that is something that happens in YA Fantasy and not so much a sin against this novel particularly.
I loved the relationships! The romances are all adorable but they by no means take over any of the books. The characters all have clear motivations to save their country and although there are moments of swoon, it never overpowers the story.
I loved the Dragons!!!!! I am a big old softy for dragons in any story. I loved that these ones had unclear motivations and had personalities and goals. I won't say too much more because the dragons have a large part to do with the final plot.
All up, this series is one of my favorites I have read lately. I think I will always have a soft spot for them in the future.
5 stars for me!
Siv, Dara, Sel, and Sora are in my favs for life!
A little more in depth:
I was very impressed with how this series build up. The difference in what I thought the plot was going to be in book 1 compared to where we ended up was so different! I have to say that, although I have enjoyed myself through the whole series. (Giving it an average of 4.5 per book!) I thought it would be pretty predictable where everything went. That was not the case!
I loved the magic system. How we expand into all the elements and I thought how it was used was very well expanded upon. Dara became a little too good in my opinion, but that is something that happens in YA Fantasy and not so much a sin against this novel particularly.
I loved the relationships! The romances are all adorable but they by no means take over any of the books. The characters all have clear motivations to save their country and although there are moments of swoon, it never overpowers the story.
I loved the Dragons!!!!! I am a big old softy for dragons in any story. I loved that these ones had unclear motivations and had personalities and goals. I won't say too much more because the dragons have a large part to do with the final plot.
All up, this series is one of my favorites I have read lately. I think I will always have a soft spot for them in the future.
5 stars for me!
May 25, 2017
A fast paced and exciting ending to a great series. I really enjoyed the conclusion to this series starting off with surprises from the very first chapter. While some may say it was overly idealized, I really only enjoy a book with a good ending, there are already too many problems in the world. After completing this series, I can't wait to see what her new fantasy series will be like, as well as the spin off that she mentioned at the end.
April 18, 2022
Enjoyable read and the series overall was 3.5
The ending was disappointing and a bit predictable. It would have been nice to have a longer epilogue // KU
The ending was disappointing and a bit predictable. It would have been nice to have a longer epilogue // KU
September 24, 2020
3.5 stars
Night of Flame marks the ending of the series. Going into this book, I expected this last instalment to be fast-paced and full of events just like in the climax of (almost) every other book before that. The pace was definitely faster than the previous instalments, and yet not as much as I would've liked it. The beginning was a bit slow, but then the action picked up and events kept happening without too much breathing room in between.
I really appreciated this instalment. It still had many flaws hence why I can't give it more than 3.5 stars, but it was an enjoyable end to an enjoyable series.
The characters are meant to be portrayed as intelligent and yet keep falling into good old traps and being betrayed by people they should not have trusted in the first place.
The magic did not surprise me one bit, nor did Dara's role in all of that. Of course she was gonna be targeted by a prophecy, cause no hero ever defeats the great evil if there's no prophecy to assure them victory in fantasy fiction nowadays. You know what I want to read about? Everyday heroes who decide to save the world when a million people could do it, but they're the only ones to have the guts to sacrifice themselves and save the others. I would find it much more compelling.
I liked Vine Stilltine's character throughout the series... but that romance with Rollendar is just yuck. Her Air power turns her into a Deus Ex Machina to save heroes whenever they're in a bad position.
As for the ending, I found it very... convenient.
I didn't quite like the fight with the dragons. I felt it was unnecessary and too dramatic. It was just an occasion for Dara to showcase her use of the three powers combined as one, as had not happened in thousands of years... and can we know how she learned to use Air, please? When did she become a Sensor?
Talking about Dara and the three powers...
In the end, I was disappointed by the happy ending. The good guys all got what they wanted, the bad guys were all defeated. I guess I prefer bittersweet endings because they feel more real and impactful. I like how they make you wonder if all of this was worth it. When endings are just happy, it removes the stakes of the story. Had Dara died it would've been impactful and shocking. As much as I like having Siv and her end up together, I'm mildly disappointed she made it out okay.
Night of Flame marks the ending of the series. Going into this book, I expected this last instalment to be fast-paced and full of events just like in the climax of (almost) every other book before that. The pace was definitely faster than the previous instalments, and yet not as much as I would've liked it. The beginning was a bit slow, but then the action picked up and events kept happening without too much breathing room in between.
I really appreciated this instalment. It still had many flaws hence why I can't give it more than 3.5 stars, but it was an enjoyable end to an enjoyable series.
The characters are meant to be portrayed as intelligent and yet keep falling into good old traps and being betrayed by people they should not have trusted in the first place.
The magic did not surprise me one bit, nor did Dara's role in all of that. Of course she was gonna be targeted by a prophecy, cause no hero ever defeats the great evil if there's no prophecy to assure them victory in fantasy fiction nowadays. You know what I want to read about? Everyday heroes who decide to save the world when a million people could do it, but they're the only ones to have the guts to sacrifice themselves and save the others. I would find it much more compelling.
I liked Vine Stilltine's character throughout the series... but that romance with Rollendar is just yuck. Her Air power turns her into a Deus Ex Machina to save heroes whenever they're in a bad position.
As for the ending, I found it very... convenient.
I didn't quite like the fight with the dragons. I felt it was unnecessary and too dramatic. It was just an occasion for Dara to showcase her use of the three powers combined as one, as had not happened in thousands of years... and can we know how she learned to use Air, please? When did she become a Sensor?
Talking about Dara and the three powers...
In the end, I was disappointed by the happy ending. The good guys all got what they wanted, the bad guys were all defeated. I guess I prefer bittersweet endings because they feel more real and impactful. I like how they make you wonder if all of this was worth it. When endings are just happy, it removes the stakes of the story. Had Dara died it would've been impactful and shocking. As much as I like having Siv and her end up together, I'm mildly disappointed she made it out okay.
November 25, 2017
To see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
I have not finished a book in about 3 weeks you guys. I've been in a book slump/reading slump -call it what you may- of incredible proportions. Leave it to Jordan Rivet's final book in the Steel and Fire series to end my terrible curse.
There is so much good in this book: strong family bonds, trusting and swoon-worthy relationships, maturing characters, and a desire for good and peace to win over evil and destruction.
If you enjoy all those things and dragons by the butt-load, you need to pick up this series ASAP! Each book gets better and better! Granted, the final book was a little slow starting. I got a wee bit bored with all the in-fighting and distrust among allies of various regions. But finally- when they got to the finally battle DAMN WAS IT GOOD.
I have not finished a book in about 3 weeks you guys. I've been in a book slump/reading slump -call it what you may- of incredible proportions. Leave it to Jordan Rivet's final book in the Steel and Fire series to end my terrible curse.
There is so much good in this book: strong family bonds, trusting and swoon-worthy relationships, maturing characters, and a desire for good and peace to win over evil and destruction.
If you enjoy all those things and dragons by the butt-load, you need to pick up this series ASAP! Each book gets better and better! Granted, the final book was a little slow starting. I got a wee bit bored with all the in-fighting and distrust among allies of various regions. But finally- when they got to the finally battle DAMN WAS IT GOOD.
April 20, 2020
Stunning conclusion to this series!
So much has built up to this book I was worried it wouldn't stand up to the pressure. But this book managed to surpass expectations. Fighting and dragons and so many twists and turns!
This book has it all. Deadly, desperate battles. Magically power barely kept in check. A king trying to reclaim his throne. Treachery. Dragons. Magical swords.
Seriously, if you haven't already, check out this series. If you love books with adventure, dragons, swordbattles, a slowburn romance, and really cool magic systems, then this series is for you!
Also, Caitlin Kelly does an amazing job as the audiobook narrator!
So much has built up to this book I was worried it wouldn't stand up to the pressure. But this book managed to surpass expectations. Fighting and dragons and so many twists and turns!
This book has it all. Deadly, desperate battles. Magically power barely kept in check. A king trying to reclaim his throne. Treachery. Dragons. Magical swords.
Seriously, if you haven't already, check out this series. If you love books with adventure, dragons, swordbattles, a slowburn romance, and really cool magic systems, then this series is for you!
Also, Caitlin Kelly does an amazing job as the audiobook narrator!
March 17, 2024
I totally don’t realize this was the 5th (?) book in the series and it’s the 1st one I read so I was a tad bit super confused but honestly really good regardless of literally having 0 context for most of it!! Tea!!!!
October 28, 2021
I have...mixed feelings. But rounding 3.5 stars up to 4 because I want to preface this with two things 1) my mood has been off and I've been struggling to read and that may have colored my experience of this book, and I kinda woke up weirdly grumpy today before even finishing this book, and 2) one aspect I personally disliked really strongly but it is a personal thing that others may disagree with my interpretation of. That's fine, you don't need to, just walk on by and ignore me. It's also why this review is so long winded.
SHORT VERSION: though this had some weaknesses and I really didn't like how this series handled the Ruminors family dynamic, but the romance storylines were good, story was overall interesting, worldbuilding was great, and the ending was essentially satisfying. I mostly recommend this series (TW for toxic/abusive/problematic parents and some subtle messaging of "but they're still family").
Full version:
So we come at last to the end. Now, I'm usually all for upping stakes and making things worse, but 5 books into making things worse, I got sort of fatigued with things getting worse. This book practically was apocalyptic in nature with the amount of destruction and I'm frankly surprised the kingdoms recover all.
There's some minor continuity issues like vanishing horses, a point where it felt like two characters were forgotten about until finally the book is like "oh, yeah, by they way, they're fine," and Siv was prepared to give a speech and was cut off so many times I'm beginning to suspect Rivet just hates writing speeches.
In the forth book and especially in this one it turned into a Chosen One story and I'm meh on that trope. Personal taste.
I felt like some developments and resolutions were so obvious it was annoying how long it took to get there, but again...my mood was off so I was kinda forcing myself to finish this before my KU expired.
I didn't like how much pressure Siv put on Dara with his blind trust, especially in the beginning. Maybe because I've been in the position where people just are like "duh you'll do the thing and be great and not fail" while I wasn't so sure and my second-hand discomfort and insecurity and overwhelm on Dara's behalf was intense.
I got a bit annoyed with Sora a couple times in this, and also figured out her eventual course/ending like 1/4 of the way through the book, so the drama after the final battle was obnoxious.
There are some plot weaknesses and I agree with other critiques of Vine fixing things all the time.
But there were good things! The romances are all great (aside from some moments of Siv being a bit unperceptive and stupid--oh, and Vine/Vex, I keep blocking that one out of my mind, it doesn't count...). There are other moments I really loved Sora. Selivia really shone in this one. Siv grew so much (I mean, I went from "IDK if Siv should be king" to "give this man his crown back already"). Dara kicked butt and overcame the temptation of power. The ending was overall satisfying (aside from my "how are they not worse off than this"--not that I wanted them to be, but it seems like the population of the world was liked, halved?) and happy. (Minor spoilers: I was gonna be salty if after 5 books of this all the MCs and their love interests didn't make it, and that didn't happen, so yay!)
The magic was pretty cool. The worldbuilding was really good (even though I tired of the in-world animals metaphors. For real. As tired as a hybernating cullmoran or something, idk, haha). There's some good moments and lines. Overall, the story itself is solid and I'd recommend it with a caveat of "you might have issues with or experience triggers in the series if you've struggled with being estranged from problematic family members." I AM interested in trying more from Rivet eventually, so there's that.
But there is one thing that really annoyed me. SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT for this series and this book and trigger warning for abuse and a rant warning:
The Ruminors. I believe I've mentioned in reviews of the previous books I didn't like how Dara was so hung up on "but they're my parents 🙁," but I chalked it up to trauma. Well, this book clarified it wasn't just Dara's aching for love but gave the message of "but they're still your family/parents so you aren't allowed to hate or dislike them, you are required to love your abusive family member because family."
Rafe and Lima were abusive to Dara specifically in the second book (emotional and verbal, and I'd argue she experienced emotional neglect and some abuse her entire life) and Rafe tries to kill her at least 3 times. Both are horrible people in general who have committed many heinous crimes that Dara feels sick contemplating.
So why in the heck is Dara's reticence to kill Rafe not about disliking death (she doesn't like it but kills when necessary), not about the possibility of more violence resulting, and not even framed as the fear of abandonment or longing for love or such that abuse victims often feel toward their abusers? (It is in the first couple books, but by now, Dara is well aware she doesn't need or really want her parents' love or acceptance.) It's barely even framed as unhealthy, only as sadly impossible (as if it's understandable Dara wants to reconnect and such a shame her parents can't stop being evil and if they'd repented they could have all moved on as a happy family as if none of the abuse and murder and war had happened...). Dara and Rafe work together for a short while and she trusts him (bad idea), and Dara walks "next to" Lima up the Fissure when there was absolutely no reason for that, and it undermined her "I don't need Lima's approval or love" thing when Dara is walking beside her apparently by choice and later asks Siv not to have Lima executed. It isn't even just "I don't want to kill them myself," which I would understand--she balks at the notion of them dying AT ALL. At one point, Dara literally thinks "Even after everything her father had done, she still hoped to stop him without actually killing him" and entertains hopes he'll be redeemed and "atone" for what he's done. Dara remembers (I think something Rafe said, possibly right before trying to kill her the first time, or a Vertigonian saying) "You are my flesh and blood and fire." Dara is sad when Rafe finally dies for his crimes. Other characters talk a bit about how awful Rafe is to everyone else is but little is done to help Dara with her personal hurts or to break free of the idea she owes Rafe anything because he is "the man who raised her." I'll allow that at least it wasn't Dara wanting nothing to do with her parents and other people telling her "but they're still your parents" and in the end, Dara does decide her parents have no power over her, but FIVE BOOKS worth of "but they're my parents" came across to me as abuse-enabling "[abuser] is still your family" and "blood is more important" and "overlook everything when it's family." There are definitely good moments of "I don't need their validation or love to be happy or fulfilled," but to me the emphasis is off and there's still hints of codependency right up until the end. As someone who thinks family relationships are not a right and people don't need to keep positive feelings toward people who hurt them because of arbitrary DNA because people's behavior matters regardless of blood status, the handling of Dara's relationship with her abusive, murdering, manipulative, power-hungry parents just rubbed me the wrong way personally. 🤷♀️
SHORT VERSION: though this had some weaknesses and I really didn't like how this series handled the Ruminors family dynamic, but the romance storylines were good, story was overall interesting, worldbuilding was great, and the ending was essentially satisfying. I mostly recommend this series (TW for toxic/abusive/problematic parents and some subtle messaging of "but they're still family").
Full version:
So we come at last to the end. Now, I'm usually all for upping stakes and making things worse, but 5 books into making things worse, I got sort of fatigued with things getting worse. This book practically was apocalyptic in nature with the amount of destruction and I'm frankly surprised the kingdoms recover all.
There's some minor continuity issues like vanishing horses, a point where it felt like two characters were forgotten about until finally the book is like "oh, yeah, by they way, they're fine," and Siv was prepared to give a speech and was cut off so many times I'm beginning to suspect Rivet just hates writing speeches.
In the forth book and especially in this one it turned into a Chosen One story and I'm meh on that trope. Personal taste.
I felt like some developments and resolutions were so obvious it was annoying how long it took to get there, but again...my mood was off so I was kinda forcing myself to finish this before my KU expired.
I didn't like how much pressure Siv put on Dara with his blind trust, especially in the beginning. Maybe because I've been in the position where people just are like "duh you'll do the thing and be great and not fail" while I wasn't so sure and my second-hand discomfort and insecurity and overwhelm on Dara's behalf was intense.
I got a bit annoyed with Sora a couple times in this, and also figured out her eventual course/ending like 1/4 of the way through the book, so the drama after the final battle was obnoxious.
There are some plot weaknesses and I agree with other critiques of Vine fixing things all the time.
But there were good things! The romances are all great (aside from some moments of Siv being a bit unperceptive and stupid--oh, and Vine/Vex, I keep blocking that one out of my mind, it doesn't count...). There are other moments I really loved Sora. Selivia really shone in this one. Siv grew so much (I mean, I went from "IDK if Siv should be king" to "give this man his crown back already"). Dara kicked butt and overcame the temptation of power. The ending was overall satisfying (aside from my "how are they not worse off than this"--not that I wanted them to be, but it seems like the population of the world was liked, halved?) and happy. (Minor spoilers: I was gonna be salty if after 5 books of this all the MCs and their love interests didn't make it, and that didn't happen, so yay!)
The magic was pretty cool. The worldbuilding was really good (even though I tired of the in-world animals metaphors. For real. As tired as a hybernating cullmoran or something, idk, haha). There's some good moments and lines. Overall, the story itself is solid and I'd recommend it with a caveat of "you might have issues with or experience triggers in the series if you've struggled with being estranged from problematic family members." I AM interested in trying more from Rivet eventually, so there's that.
But there is one thing that really annoyed me. SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT for this series and this book and trigger warning for abuse and a rant warning:
The Ruminors. I believe I've mentioned in reviews of the previous books I didn't like how Dara was so hung up on "but they're my parents 🙁," but I chalked it up to trauma. Well, this book clarified it wasn't just Dara's aching for love but gave the message of "but they're still your family/parents so you aren't allowed to hate or dislike them, you are required to love your abusive family member because family."
Rafe and Lima were abusive to Dara specifically in the second book (emotional and verbal, and I'd argue she experienced emotional neglect and some abuse her entire life) and Rafe tries to kill her at least 3 times. Both are horrible people in general who have committed many heinous crimes that Dara feels sick contemplating.
So why in the heck is Dara's reticence to kill Rafe not about disliking death (she doesn't like it but kills when necessary), not about the possibility of more violence resulting, and not even framed as the fear of abandonment or longing for love or such that abuse victims often feel toward their abusers? (It is in the first couple books, but by now, Dara is well aware she doesn't need or really want her parents' love or acceptance.) It's barely even framed as unhealthy, only as sadly impossible (as if it's understandable Dara wants to reconnect and such a shame her parents can't stop being evil and if they'd repented they could have all moved on as a happy family as if none of the abuse and murder and war had happened...). Dara and Rafe work together for a short while and she trusts him (bad idea), and Dara walks "next to" Lima up the Fissure when there was absolutely no reason for that, and it undermined her "I don't need Lima's approval or love" thing when Dara is walking beside her apparently by choice and later asks Siv not to have Lima executed. It isn't even just "I don't want to kill them myself," which I would understand--she balks at the notion of them dying AT ALL. At one point, Dara literally thinks "Even after everything her father had done, she still hoped to stop him without actually killing him" and entertains hopes he'll be redeemed and "atone" for what he's done. Dara remembers (I think something Rafe said, possibly right before trying to kill her the first time, or a Vertigonian saying) "You are my flesh and blood and fire." Dara is sad when Rafe finally dies for his crimes. Other characters talk a bit about how awful Rafe is to everyone else is but little is done to help Dara with her personal hurts or to break free of the idea she owes Rafe anything because he is "the man who raised her." I'll allow that at least it wasn't Dara wanting nothing to do with her parents and other people telling her "but they're still your parents" and in the end, Dara does decide her parents have no power over her, but FIVE BOOKS worth of "but they're my parents" came across to me as abuse-enabling "[abuser] is still your family" and "blood is more important" and "overlook everything when it's family." There are definitely good moments of "I don't need their validation or love to be happy or fulfilled," but to me the emphasis is off and there's still hints of codependency right up until the end. As someone who thinks family relationships are not a right and people don't need to keep positive feelings toward people who hurt them because of arbitrary DNA because people's behavior matters regardless of blood status, the handling of Dara's relationship with her abusive, murdering, manipulative, power-hungry parents just rubbed me the wrong way personally. 🤷♀️
April 29, 2020
I do think, perhaps, that my rating each of these books 4 stars is a little generous; while I really liked the first one, there are a number of small issues I have with each of the subsequent books that probably bring down their ratings to a 3 1/2 or so. While I did find a lot of Night of Flame satisfying, there were a few things that fell short for me. (For instance, I thought that adding the dragon plot cut some of the tension/importance of the political/invading plotline--it just felt like it made the story too sprawling and meandering).
Overall, I still enjoyed these books a lot, they just probably won't make my all-time favorites list.
Overall, I still enjoyed these books a lot, they just probably won't make my all-time favorites list.
June 23, 2024
I'm afraid this turned out to be another one of those series that start out strong, but then gradually lose their momentum and fade into mediocrity. I really, really liked Dara and Siv in the first book, enjoyed seeing how their relatively small-scale problems suddenly became something much bigger, and was happy to see elemental magic handled a bit differently than what I was used to. In the next books, Siv's sisters held up the fort.
Now, though... Sigh. I wasn't happy at all that the war of conquest was solved with the sudden appearance of a new threat and a marriage agreement that mostly felt like an excuse to pair off the last unattached main character. I was extremely unhappy with the way too overpowered Dara, who was originally so likeable and relatable precisely because she didn't have any special powers. I was bored with the battles, too, even if they involved an ungodly amount of magic. The relationship between Dara and Siv was still really sweet, but you can't use it to keep readers invested if you separate them for long periods of time, again.
Overall, I'm not sorry I read this series, but I am a little disappointed that it failed to deliver what the first book led me to expect.
Now, though... Sigh. I wasn't happy at all that the war of conquest was solved with the sudden appearance of a new threat and a marriage agreement that mostly felt like an excuse to pair off the last unattached main character. I was extremely unhappy with the way too overpowered Dara, who was originally so likeable and relatable precisely because she didn't have any special powers. I was bored with the battles, too, even if they involved an ungodly amount of magic. The relationship between Dara and Siv was still really sweet, but you can't use it to keep readers invested if you separate them for long periods of time, again.
Overall, I'm not sorry I read this series, but I am a little disappointed that it failed to deliver what the first book led me to expect.
July 23, 2020
4.5 stars
This series is bomb. It's got some great characters, some surprising and shocking plot twists and a great magic system that feels natural and believable in the rich world Jordan Rivet has created. The series isn't perfect (which is why I haven't given it 5 stars). My primary complaint is that there are issues with the pacing of the plot through the books, which made some of the POV seem pointless and boring at times. However, it is still a great fantasy series overall and I would definitely recommend it to any YA fantasy lovers.
This series is bomb. It's got some great characters, some surprising and shocking plot twists and a great magic system that feels natural and believable in the rich world Jordan Rivet has created. The series isn't perfect (which is why I haven't given it 5 stars). My primary complaint is that there are issues with the pacing of the plot through the books, which made some of the POV seem pointless and boring at times. However, it is still a great fantasy series overall and I would definitely recommend it to any YA fantasy lovers.
May 30, 2017
An amazing work!
I have loved this series it's thrilling all the way through! So well written! Way to be clean and sassy and clever Jordan rivet!
I have loved this series it's thrilling all the way through! So well written! Way to be clean and sassy and clever Jordan rivet!
December 1, 2018
Overall, I really enjoyed the Steel and Fire series, but I was rather disappointed by this finale.
Dara's arc was generally well done and I like how her encounters with her parents were depicted and the resolution to her family relationships were rather well done. I also liked Sora's and Sel's storylines and I think that Siv was actually the weakest link regarding the main characters.
What I didn't like in "Night of Flame" was how clean the ending was. None of the main characters were lost, there weren't any major sacrifices, and the resolution to Sora's and Siv's dual reign felt unsatisfying.
This was definitely the weakest part of the series to me.
Dara's arc was generally well done and I like how her encounters with her parents were depicted and the resolution to her family relationships were rather well done. I also liked Sora's and Sel's storylines and I think that Siv was actually the weakest link regarding the main characters.
What I didn't like in "Night of Flame" was how clean the ending was. None of the main characters were lost, there weren't any major sacrifices, and the resolution to Sora's and Siv's dual reign felt unsatisfying.
This was definitely the weakest part of the series to me.
August 18, 2021
It's not that I thought this book was terrible or anything - there were portions I enjoyed. However, it felt that after the last four books, some of these characters lost all their senses. I haven't been a fan of Siv since the first book, and barely tolerated him this entire series. His arc felt somewhat hollow for me, and I would have been fine if Dara had either ended this series by herself or with another love interest. Vine felt horribly underused and her romance with Vex came out of left field for me. The Avatar elements (no pun intended) were rather glaring, and I do wish the final showdown with her father was tied more to the true dragons to really justify their appearance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
This isn't really a review but more a stream of consciousness that I wrote while reading the book. Sometimes I do like to take notes while reading and I felt this book warranted it, so I didn't forget anything.
It will probably feel a bit disjointed, sorry! And there will be spoilers but I will hide them. Sorry again.
The short, spoiler free version is that this book was awesome, epic and pyrotechnic and everyone should read this series and be in awe of Dara, the Amintelles, Mav and the cur-dragons as much as I am!
***
King Sevren was mentioned quite a lot in this book. He had a huge role in Siv's life but I loved how his shadow lingered. His life had impact beyond his death on so many people and it's sad to know that such a good man was cut down for ambitions of power. And Siv is his worthy son, no doubt. The way he accomplished what he did left me in awe.
Some things were resolved off page and I'm not sure I liked it. I know you can't have everything on page but still, I missed those scenes. I wanted ALL of them 😂
Dara's initial confrontation with her father surprised me.
I knew there would be casualties but my heart clenched with every one who died. They were all heroes and I bid them farewell with pride for everything they did.
I had to read the But that scene with Mav and the cur-dragons? That was everything. It has to be one of my favorite scenes in the book!
One thing I didn't really like was the
The ending was maybe a bit rushed but it closed the series with hints of things to come. Still, I wish there had been a better resolution for
Anyway, the ending touched all the characters I wanted to know about so I was good.
I loved this series, I loved the stakes, the way the characters tried to navigate through everything that was thrown at them, I loved the world building, the magic system, the different settings.
I loved the characters.
Steel and Fire is definitely a series that everyone should know ❤️
It will probably feel a bit disjointed, sorry! And there will be spoilers but I will hide them. Sorry again.
The short, spoiler free version is that this book was awesome, epic and pyrotechnic and everyone should read this series and be in awe of Dara, the Amintelles, Mav and the cur-dragons as much as I am!
***
King Sevren was mentioned quite a lot in this book. He had a huge role in Siv's life but I loved how his shadow lingered. His life had impact beyond his death on so many people and it's sad to know that such a good man was cut down for ambitions of power. And Siv is his worthy son, no doubt. The way he accomplished what he did left me in awe.
Some things were resolved off page and I'm not sure I liked it. I know you can't have everything on page but still, I missed those scenes. I wanted ALL of them 😂
Dara's initial confrontation with her father surprised me.
I knew there would be casualties but my heart clenched with every one who died. They were all heroes and I bid them farewell with pride for everything they did.
I had to read the But that scene with Mav and the cur-dragons? That was everything. It has to be one of my favorite scenes in the book!
One thing I didn't really like was the
The ending was maybe a bit rushed but it closed the series with hints of things to come. Still, I wish there had been a better resolution for
Anyway, the ending touched all the characters I wanted to know about so I was good.
I loved this series, I loved the stakes, the way the characters tried to navigate through everything that was thrown at them, I loved the world building, the magic system, the different settings.
I loved the characters.
Steel and Fire is definitely a series that everyone should know ❤️
September 13, 2019
The final confrontation is about to begin. Siv and Dara prepare to face off against Rafe, while unbeknownst to them the true dragons have awakened and taken over Vertigon.
The book is like “Avatar - The last Airbender” meets “The Song of Ice and Fire” (more commonly known as Game of Thrones). The conflict between nations wielding elemental magic and the ruler of the fire nation trying to conquer the world is straight of Avatar. While their squabbles blinding them to a greater threat is from GoT.
However, the books aren't as well crafted as their models. The series had some minor issues that became rather annoying in the final volume. These issues were:
imbalance of power
from apprentice to master in three seconds flat
inconsequential behavior
Vine's eyelash-batting to the rescue
introducing a big plot element with a prophecy
The fate of the world rests on Dara’s shoulders. And the author makes damn sure it's only hers. First, the Amintelles are harbingers of death. Everyone who forms an alliance with them practically dies within seconds. Why do they bother? Non-magic fighters are so useless in combat that you can’t help wonder why Rafe (and also Khrillin) went to such great length to appease the villagers after taking over. When Latch joined the party, I hoped that the author would finally achieve a balance like Avatar. While Aang was special because he could control all four elements and was stronger than the most benders when in Avatar state, everyone in his party and their allies mattered in the final conflict. But in this series, it always came down to Dara’s power.
Which brings me to my next criticism. At the beginning of the book, Dara caused many people to die because she choked. Since she only had very basic training in both elements, the responsibility and uncertain grasp of her abilities proved too much. By the end of the book, she had enough control to hold two armies hurting no one. Vanquishing a master worker who perfected his craft all his life. Barely an inconvenience. Why? Because she had an insight. And she is a child of prophecy. While this isn’t an unusual trope for fantasy novels, it was incredibly badly done in this series. Take Avatar as an example again. Yes, he didn’t spend all his time on-screen training with the other elements. However, as he traveled with his teachers, he surely did a lot more training off-screen.
I also can’t help the feeling that the author didn’t really plan her characters' actions. For example, Siv and Dara flee from Pendark. Some pen fighters join them. But Siv doesn’t trust them because their leader works for Khrillin. This changes without apparent reason on practically the same page. There are multiple instances where antagonists ceased their aggression immediately after either Siv gave them an excuse to leave or Vine batted her eyelashes at them.
Last but not least, the attack of the true dragons seemed tacked on. As Dara’s final confrontation with her father reminded me less of Aang’s battle with the fire lord and more of the death of the night king in the last season of GoT (yes, it’s that bad), the author needed a standin. Enter the dragons. And then I started to skip. Because there was a lot of violence and the conclusion wasn’t very satisfying either. As usual everybody dies, because Siv’s only plan is Dara, who then saves the day.
A very dissatisfying ending to a mostly good series.
The book is like “Avatar - The last Airbender” meets “The Song of Ice and Fire” (more commonly known as Game of Thrones). The conflict between nations wielding elemental magic and the ruler of the fire nation trying to conquer the world is straight of Avatar. While their squabbles blinding them to a greater threat is from GoT.
However, the books aren't as well crafted as their models. The series had some minor issues that became rather annoying in the final volume. These issues were:
imbalance of power
from apprentice to master in three seconds flat
inconsequential behavior
Vine's eyelash-batting to the rescue
introducing a big plot element with a prophecy
The fate of the world rests on Dara’s shoulders. And the author makes damn sure it's only hers. First, the Amintelles are harbingers of death. Everyone who forms an alliance with them practically dies within seconds. Why do they bother? Non-magic fighters are so useless in combat that you can’t help wonder why Rafe (and also Khrillin) went to such great length to appease the villagers after taking over. When Latch joined the party, I hoped that the author would finally achieve a balance like Avatar. While Aang was special because he could control all four elements and was stronger than the most benders when in Avatar state, everyone in his party and their allies mattered in the final conflict. But in this series, it always came down to Dara’s power.
Which brings me to my next criticism. At the beginning of the book, Dara caused many people to die because she choked. Since she only had very basic training in both elements, the responsibility and uncertain grasp of her abilities proved too much. By the end of the book, she had enough control to hold two armies hurting no one. Vanquishing a master worker who perfected his craft all his life. Barely an inconvenience. Why? Because she had an insight. And she is a child of prophecy. While this isn’t an unusual trope for fantasy novels, it was incredibly badly done in this series. Take Avatar as an example again. Yes, he didn’t spend all his time on-screen training with the other elements. However, as he traveled with his teachers, he surely did a lot more training off-screen.
I also can’t help the feeling that the author didn’t really plan her characters' actions. For example, Siv and Dara flee from Pendark. Some pen fighters join them. But Siv doesn’t trust them because their leader works for Khrillin. This changes without apparent reason on practically the same page. There are multiple instances where antagonists ceased their aggression immediately after either Siv gave them an excuse to leave or Vine batted her eyelashes at them.
Last but not least, the attack of the true dragons seemed tacked on. As Dara’s final confrontation with her father reminded me less of Aang’s battle with the fire lord and more of the death of the night king in the last season of GoT (yes, it’s that bad), the author needed a standin. Enter the dragons. And then I started to skip. Because there was a lot of violence and the conclusion wasn’t very satisfying either. As usual everybody dies, because Siv’s only plan is Dara, who then saves the day.
A very dissatisfying ending to a mostly good series.
June 29, 2022
Did anybody read this book and just thought to themselves: "Dara deserves better!".
Because I sure did.
Siv was ALWAYS relying on Dara to save him or others or just manage all his problems and then instead of being humbled by the strength she lends him freely and being grateful for everything she does for him he still keeps acting entitled the ENTIRE book!
Hello Siv, time wake up, without Dara you would be NOTHING.
I felt like Dara was just giving Siv all she could, always believed in him and he in contrast ran away from everything at the beginning and then just took all Dara did for him for granted and kept relying on her throughout the book.
I wished at some point Siv would take a step back to reflect and think: "Maybe I don't deserve this crown, but Dara because SHE is essentially the one doing all the work."
Or maybe: "Maybe I am not worthy of her" instead of him kind of looking down at her and GRANTING her to be Queen because he loves her. Without her you would be NOTHING!
I didn't feel like Siv deserved Dara or even really appreciated what he had in her. In their relationship he was in a way still stuck in the king-bodyguard mindset and didn't evolve into a relationship of equal standing - a standing where maybe she was the more powerful one and he should just appreciate everything she has done for him and be humbled by the fact she chose to be with him.
Yeah I don't like Siv's actions too much and had to rant about it a bit.
Does anyone agree or am I the crazy one?
Please enlighten me.
Because I sure did.
Siv was ALWAYS relying on Dara to save him or others or just manage all his problems and then instead of being humbled by the strength she lends him freely and being grateful for everything she does for him he still keeps acting entitled the ENTIRE book!
Hello Siv, time wake up, without Dara you would be NOTHING.
I felt like Dara was just giving Siv all she could, always believed in him and he in contrast ran away from everything at the beginning and then just took all Dara did for him for granted and kept relying on her throughout the book.
I wished at some point Siv would take a step back to reflect and think: "Maybe I don't deserve this crown, but Dara because SHE is essentially the one doing all the work."
Or maybe: "Maybe I am not worthy of her" instead of him kind of looking down at her and GRANTING her to be Queen because he loves her. Without her you would be NOTHING!
I didn't feel like Siv deserved Dara or even really appreciated what he had in her. In their relationship he was in a way still stuck in the king-bodyguard mindset and didn't evolve into a relationship of equal standing - a standing where maybe she was the more powerful one and he should just appreciate everything she has done for him and be humbled by the fact she chose to be with him.
Yeah I don't like Siv's actions too much and had to rant about it a bit.
Does anyone agree or am I the crazy one?
Please enlighten me.
September 2, 2021
Ahhhhh! I was all for this! Furious and intelligent dragons, armies, revenge, political intrigues and alliances, love and magic....this had it all!
Dara was still getting on my nerves with her trying to save her father but....after he tried to kill her AGAIN, the issue was FINALLY settled. Siv won back some of the loyalty from his army, even if half the reason was Dara's power. She also realized she had to let go of power to get it and that final battle with Surri was epic. I loved that dragon and her end saddened me but she was beautiful and brave and deserved MONUMENT!
Sel was also a hero in this story, working with a True Dragon to keep her people safe and communicating with the Air and making bargains for her brother. She was so brave and kind, who wouldn't love Princess Selivia? I'm so happy that in the end she and Latch actually like each other hehe
Sora.... *sigh*. I was starting to think she was finally putting her people first instead of her nonexistent power she imagined. And yet, after all the good she did, in the end she was still debting Siv for the throne! He, Dara, Vine, Sel, 4 other nations! Were all fighting to put Siv back on the throne and save the continent but OH NO, "I was a GREAT QUEEN! I do not want to lose my power", what a selfish brat! The ONLY reason she backed down was because they offered up her grandfather's nation! Ugh, I can't STAND her! Of all the selfish..... Im done.
Alas, all ended well and Dara ended up queen and Vine as advisor and Sel bethroned and Mav and Rumy talking and protecting them. It was such a good ending!
I can't say enough how much the dragons MADE THIS BOOK! Their involvement and strength and communication made the story SO much MORE, I LOVED THEM! Well, Mav, Rumy and Surri to be specific but....still lol
The other dragons made for very action filled and intense sense.
And may I just say....RIP OAT 😭
They didn't even MENTION him at the end! Hes another that deserves a monument. Love you Oat!
Dara was still getting on my nerves with her trying to save her father but....after he tried to kill her AGAIN, the issue was FINALLY settled. Siv won back some of the loyalty from his army, even if half the reason was Dara's power. She also realized she had to let go of power to get it and that final battle with Surri was epic. I loved that dragon and her end saddened me but she was beautiful and brave and deserved MONUMENT!
Sel was also a hero in this story, working with a True Dragon to keep her people safe and communicating with the Air and making bargains for her brother. She was so brave and kind, who wouldn't love Princess Selivia? I'm so happy that in the end she and Latch actually like each other hehe
Sora.... *sigh*. I was starting to think she was finally putting her people first instead of her nonexistent power she imagined. And yet, after all the good she did, in the end she was still debting Siv for the throne! He, Dara, Vine, Sel, 4 other nations! Were all fighting to put Siv back on the throne and save the continent but OH NO, "I was a GREAT QUEEN! I do not want to lose my power", what a selfish brat! The ONLY reason she backed down was because they offered up her grandfather's nation! Ugh, I can't STAND her! Of all the selfish..... Im done.
Alas, all ended well and Dara ended up queen and Vine as advisor and Sel bethroned and Mav and Rumy talking and protecting them. It was such a good ending!
I can't say enough how much the dragons MADE THIS BOOK! Their involvement and strength and communication made the story SO much MORE, I LOVED THEM! Well, Mav, Rumy and Surri to be specific but....still lol
The other dragons made for very action filled and intense sense.
And may I just say....RIP OAT 😭
They didn't even MENTION him at the end! Hes another that deserves a monument. Love you Oat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2018
I just finished this series and boyyy ,I SO LOVED IT.Jordan is truly talented.It is the kind of series that keeps you turning pages.There are very frequent and incredible plot twists.The series is FULL of action and adventure including romance but it doesn't take over the plot.There is no love triangle but STILL the story is sooo GOOD.We have our fair share of sword fighter princes,dragon riding princesses and independent ,witty ,strong and badass power wielding female duelists. Annnd there are DRAGONS too.I reallly like the new out take on elements 😍.It is unlike any story I have ever read.Except for one(Soole), we get to visit every single country in the book and get to experience their lifestyle.The fights and battles are full of action and incredible.It is an AMAZING book.Jordan has produced a masterpiece.The only downside was that this was the longest that took me to finish a series.It is VERY detailed and dragged out.I would give this series 4 stars.I would recommend this to everyone.This is a series that should not be missed.
A FEW SPOILERS AHEAD!!
.
.
.
.
.
- SORA and KEL??Never saw it coming.
- I would love to read more about Latch and Selevia.I hope you write some spin-off series/book about them.
-The prophecy about child of fire and rain was never clarified.
-Kel was Dara’s friend but they never had a proper reunion nor did they talk again. It really bothered me. Dara wasn't even made aware of Oat's death. They were totally forgotten. It's like they never were friends. ☹️
Siv and Dara are😍
-I had no idea Tirra would survive.
LOOOVED THE ENDING!!
A FEW SPOILERS AHEAD!!
.
.
.
.
.
- SORA and KEL??Never saw it coming.
- I would love to read more about Latch and Selevia.I hope you write some spin-off series/book about them.
-The prophecy about child of fire and rain was never clarified.
-Kel was Dara’s friend but they never had a proper reunion nor did they talk again. It really bothered me. Dara wasn't even made aware of Oat's death. They were totally forgotten. It's like they never were friends. ☹️
Siv and Dara are😍
-I had no idea Tirra would survive.
LOOOVED THE ENDING!!
May 6, 2021
What A Wonderful Series
Adventure, magic, intrigue, dragons and the best sword fighting described anywhere. Chapter after chapter completely delighted my imagination to such an extent I had a hard time putting every book down.
The small bit of fighting training I experienced in 2 disciplines in my lifetime put me in awe of the beautiful descriptions of the hard work and discipline of sword fighting and dueling. Before I read the author’s background, I knew she was a swordswoman because that’s what it took to describe the footwork, sensations and skills of the amazing female heroine, Dara Ruminor and the handsome Prince Siv Amintelle.
Beautifully written with excellent character development, deep family ties and divisions, friends, allies and foes, diverse locations and detailed scenery description topped off by a steady stream of adventures neatly tying into each other creating a smooth arc to the entire series. I feel completely satisfied. An exceptional find on Kindle Unlimited.
Adventure, magic, intrigue, dragons and the best sword fighting described anywhere. Chapter after chapter completely delighted my imagination to such an extent I had a hard time putting every book down.
The small bit of fighting training I experienced in 2 disciplines in my lifetime put me in awe of the beautiful descriptions of the hard work and discipline of sword fighting and dueling. Before I read the author’s background, I knew she was a swordswoman because that’s what it took to describe the footwork, sensations and skills of the amazing female heroine, Dara Ruminor and the handsome Prince Siv Amintelle.
Beautifully written with excellent character development, deep family ties and divisions, friends, allies and foes, diverse locations and detailed scenery description topped off by a steady stream of adventures neatly tying into each other creating a smooth arc to the entire series. I feel completely satisfied. An exceptional find on Kindle Unlimited.
March 9, 2022
Wonderful Story
This is the final book of a great sseries. It is a story of love, greed, discipline, power, ambition and magic.
The story is a saga, that starts with a group of young people from different backgrounds whose rivalry and friendship leads them on a journey of discovery.
A royal family struggles to hold onto their kingdom and remain true the thier father's legacy of working for good.
A girl who thinks her only worth is through her skills as a duelest and the friends she has makes along the way.
The story evolves as the characters grow into the best version of themselves as they fight adversity and the magic of greedy men.
The heroine struggles with the power of her gifts, her own nature and the love she holds for her parents.
The story captivates.
This is the final book of a great sseries. It is a story of love, greed, discipline, power, ambition and magic.
The story is a saga, that starts with a group of young people from different backgrounds whose rivalry and friendship leads them on a journey of discovery.
A royal family struggles to hold onto their kingdom and remain true the thier father's legacy of working for good.
A girl who thinks her only worth is through her skills as a duelest and the friends she has makes along the way.
The story evolves as the characters grow into the best version of themselves as they fight adversity and the magic of greedy men.
The heroine struggles with the power of her gifts, her own nature and the love she holds for her parents.
The story captivates.
May 25, 2020
First half of the book incredible. 5 stars. The second half duindled down a bit specially as the final battale approached. Even though the main characters lost some of the charm they obtained in book 4, the rest of the party came through spectacularly. To those characters also 5 stars. The stakes were never high for the main characters in the end so it disappointed in that respect and the fall out after the final battale wS also a letdown. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful story with new information and world building growing with each book. It is entertaining and keeps the teen drama to the minimum so it is a very good ya in that respect. All in all I highly recommend this read. Specially now that we have time to Bing through it in one go.
December 25, 2024
I hate to say it, but I’m so glad to have finally finished this series. There was a lot of potential and a lot of great things throughout the series, but there also seemed to be a lot of filler that made this a bear to get through.
I mostly wanted to finish the story because the promise of dragons and to see how they were going to harness water and fire together, but even that was a little anticlimactic. There were definitely some really great points to this final installment (that I won’t get into because spoilers) but unfortunately there was just so much happening that I didn’t care about. It took me over a month to read after having put it down a couple times before seriously starting this book.
I mostly wanted to finish the story because the promise of dragons and to see how they were going to harness water and fire together, but even that was a little anticlimactic. There were definitely some really great points to this final installment (that I won’t get into because spoilers) but unfortunately there was just so much happening that I didn’t care about. It took me over a month to read after having put it down a couple times before seriously starting this book.
January 21, 2025
Good book, good series. My biggest complaint? Grammar: dragonsback instead of dragonback really irritated me since my first dragon novel was a Dragonriders of Pern novel. There were also missing and added words, as well as punctuation issues. But, honestly, it probably won't bug most people and is still well worth reading.
For my clean readers: language-some, but no f-bombs. Violence-fighting, attempted murder, torture, murder, execution, some gore descriptions, kidnapping, fighting for money, and war crimes, but no descriptions of what war crimes are committed. Romance-kissing, some touching beyond platonic, but no sexual innuendos or connotations beyond someone saying that a character has taken someone to their bed.
For my clean readers: language-some, but no f-bombs. Violence-fighting, attempted murder, torture, murder, execution, some gore descriptions, kidnapping, fighting for money, and war crimes, but no descriptions of what war crimes are committed. Romance-kissing, some touching beyond platonic, but no sexual innuendos or connotations beyond someone saying that a character has taken someone to their bed.
May 22, 2018
Excellent series
I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series! I read right through them. Sometimes with series books you lose interest because it becomes difficult to maintain your attention with new challenges while keeping the characters interesting. I love the growth of the characters and how each had just enough time and representation. There were difficult choices to be made throughout the series, not black and white or good over evil. There were gray areas, concessions had to be made, not all predictable. Just as in life, though hopefully without such grave repercussions. That’s another aspect of the depth of the story that made it almost real.
I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series! I read right through them. Sometimes with series books you lose interest because it becomes difficult to maintain your attention with new challenges while keeping the characters interesting. I love the growth of the characters and how each had just enough time and representation. There were difficult choices to be made throughout the series, not black and white or good over evil. There were gray areas, concessions had to be made, not all predictable. Just as in life, though hopefully without such grave repercussions. That’s another aspect of the depth of the story that made it almost real.
October 24, 2020
Oh god I absolutely loved this book and this series aa a whole. And I'm really sad that it's the end. That feeling of emptiness...
The characters are just all amazing. I'm so happy to see them succeed but also the sad over some characters we lost.
The relationships. Oh god I love them. And I'm so glad they didn't overshadow the story.
Also Queen Sora. King Siv. I love that they both got to rule. They're great rules.
I just love this book and all the characters. And I'm going to miss them so much.
We have new characters set in the same world in another book?? Might just read those I love Rivet's writing.
The characters are just all amazing. I'm so happy to see them succeed but also the sad over some characters we lost.
The relationships. Oh god I love them. And I'm so glad they didn't overshadow the story.
Also Queen Sora. King Siv. I love that they both got to rule. They're great rules.
I just love this book and all the characters. And I'm going to miss them so much.
We have new characters set in the same world in another book?? Might just read those I love Rivet's writing.
February 2, 2021
Long story short, I’ve noticed that Rivet has a habit of making her characters make some really dumb decisions for the sake of the plot, but my god you’d think that they’d learn by now. Add to that the fact that Rivet kept sprinkling in hints about what would happen in previous books, only to go, “wait that’s not happening” right at the beginning of the next book and veering off into allowing magic do all the work for her. I love Dara, Siv, and Sora, and that’s literally the only reason I was able to finish this book.
Also the payoff at the end made sense— you’ve been building up the Lanternmaker this whole series, only for the final battle/conflict to be with the true dragons?
Also the payoff at the end made sense— you’ve been building up the Lanternmaker this whole series, only for the final battle/conflict to be with the true dragons?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
Here ends the series of Steel and Fire all tied up in a bow. Siv is trying to get back to Vertigon to help with the fires that are emerging all around, started off by a force only a few knew may happen. Dara comes face to face with her father and has to make a difficult choice. Sora must lead her people to safety, and Selvia with Max also tries to get back to Vertigon.
Full of action and yes more eye-rolling moments, but also exciting and sad in places. Of the character growth, Siv and his sisters have the most going on here. Although don't count out Dara, she learns a few lessons along the way.
July 23, 2019
Plain wonderful!
The character development of this story is pure awesome. Admitting your weakness takes courage, and moving forward through it takes a lot more strength and courage. And we see that on our characters, and they never gave up even though it almost seem like they'd have no chance. We should hold on to that knowledge, setting them as an example.
I was quite nervous about Dara. She'd seem like a step away from being a villain (oops?). And Siv, oh my dear Siv, you're a cupcake in a cinnamon roll!
P.S. I want more Latch & Sel scenes!!! They are so cute!
The character development of this story is pure awesome. Admitting your weakness takes courage, and moving forward through it takes a lot more strength and courage. And we see that on our characters, and they never gave up even though it almost seem like they'd have no chance. We should hold on to that knowledge, setting them as an example.
I was quite nervous about Dara. She'd seem like a step away from being a villain (oops?). And Siv, oh my dear Siv, you're a cupcake in a cinnamon roll!
P.S. I want more Latch & Sel scenes!!! They are so cute!
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