Anna [Bran. San. Stan]'s Reviews > Blackflame

4.25 stars. Those final 100 pages were insane! To be honest, there were times I was not sure if I wanted to continue with the series at all – people keep saying this installment is much better than the first two and at first I just couldn’t see why. So much time was spent on “leveling up,” which didn’t really keep me invested. I figured, maybe this RPG-like type of fantasy isn’t for me. Then the final 30% happened and let’s just say I’m completely on board now. Wow, just wow.

Of course, there are other things I enjoyed apart from that: For one thing, the action moving to the city of Serpent’s Grave, which is constructed in those huge dragon skeletons, was just really cool, as was the Blackflame Path and how it was used. Also, the duel we are promised keeps me going; I wonder, however, if it’s really going to happen or if we’ll eventually be given something even better.

And most importantly, I still really like the characters – even if character arcs are mostly focused on rank advancements and character growth seems secondary. (Come to think of it, that might be part of the reason why I was slow to completely embrace this progression fantasy. Usually, I prefer the way it is done in Stormlight Archive, when personal growth leads to higher levels of competence.) All things considered, Eithan continues to amaze, intrigue, and delight and he doesn’t even need character growth for me to love him (also I still think he is Ozriel); Lindon, on the other hand, gains some much-needed confidence, and Yerin, our badass fighter who is mostly just along for the ride, finally reconciles herself to the loss of her master.

Now let’s talk magic. I’m generally a fan of hard magic systems and especially those that have a cost. Here, large parts were dedicated to explaining said magic system, which I found a bit tiring; however, they were apparently necessary for stupid little me to finally get a better grip on the complexity of the sacred arts. Also, I really appreciate that rank advancement isn’t merely the culmination of the plot, but a plot beat along the way; I have no clue, though, if that is how progression fantasy is usually structured – this is my first one.

Another thing I really love about this magic system is that it’s hereditary in a universal sense – not just a select few, but the entire society is impacted by those powers. I’m not sure if I have encountered this type anywhere else except in Warbreaker. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy selective hereditary magic systems like in Wheel of Time, Mistborn, or Harry Potter or personality/ability-based ones like in Stormlight, but it’s just such a nice change of pace.

As for narrative techniques, I feel WW has gotten really good at showing us the action through a viewpoint character so that it benefits the story. Only seeing Eithan through the eyes of others, for example, perfectly showcases the mystery that surrounds his character. As I’ve stated ad nauseum in other reviews, I have thing for indirect characterization.

I can only hope that Cradle keeps growing on me as I crave the companionship and commitment a series like this brings with it. Wheel of Time has changed me forever.

Onward!
_______

Some random thoughts:

1. When Lindon feels Jai Chen looks familiar, is it possible it’s because she is the girl Suriel showed him in a vision of his future back in Unsouled?

2. The description of the Sylvan Riverseed as a “tiny woman in a flowing dress, all seemingly formed from azure liquid” really reminded me of Sylphrena.
_______

1 Unsouled – 4 stars
2 Soulsmith – 3.75 stars
3 Blackflame – 4.25 stars