Flamefall

February 15, 2021
With war on the horizon and civil unrest brewing at home, what options are left for the dragonriders of Callipolis? Picking up where Fireborne (2019) left off, the dragonlords are eager to start their siege of Callipolis while the Guardians struggle with famine and unrest on their own shores. As Firstrider, Antigone sur Aela is responsible for leading the charge, but with her best rider, Lee sur Pallor, suffering from flameshock, she must change her strategy. As things unfold, Lee and other riders begin to ask questions: Hunger, rationing, and withheld information make them wonder if maybe the rebels are right. In New Pythos, the old regime's dragons have sparked and are ready for war. But will the cruelty of the dragonlords push the humble-riders to rebel? Can the Guardians and the humble-riders work together to build something new? Class rather than race is significant in Callipolis; those who test into Gold or Silver have resources that Bronze and Iron classes can never dream of. While framed as equity, this doesn't sit well with those who remember what came before and is the catalyst for unrest. Point-of-view chapters show complexities, provoking readers to think. In addition to the central will-they, won't-they love story, there is a lovely subplot with a same-sex, cross-class romance. Exciting aerial battles, political machinations, and a bit of romance make this hard for readers to put down. (author's note) (Fantasy. 14-18)

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Starred review from April 9, 2021

Gr 7 Up-Nearly 10 years ago, First Protector Atreus led the people of Callipolis in a bloody revolution, overthrowing and slaughtering the aristocratic rulers and their families. Although the rebellion's intent was to build a new society based on merit rather than noble birth, most citizens still struggle under the new system. Now, as the city's food supplies dwindle and citizens rally for equal rations and free speech, dragonrider Guardians Lee and Annie must balance keeping the peace with serving the people. Meanwhile, on New Pythos, the few surviving dragonborn aristocrats, known as the Triarchy, are forming a dragon army augmented by "humble riders"-poor conscripts trained to ride muzzled dragons into battle. Griff is one such rider, squire to the sadistic Firstrider Ixion. When Ixion attempts to kill Griff's family, Griff's tenuous loyalties snap and he plans to betray his oppressors. Much like its predecessor, this second book in the "Aurelian Cycle" trilogy finds its strength in complex, compelling characters and thought-provoking socio-political intrigue. By interweaving the perspectives of Annie, Lee, and Griff, the author gives readers insight into each character's ethical struggle while keeping the plot moving forward. Amid the politics there are plenty of dragon battles, clandestine missions, and secret meetings to keep readers flying through the pages, ending with a nail-biting cliffhanger. Many readers will also appreciate the authenticity of Griff's romance with his handsome friend Delo. Characters have various skin tones. VERDICT Readers who enjoyed Fireborne are sure to tear through this sequel. Highly recommended for middle and high school readers.-Lara Goldstein, Forsyth Cty. P.L., NC

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Starred review from March 1, 2021
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* "Anyone can start a fire. The problem is what happens after." This second book in Munda's Aurelian Cycle is as swift and sure as the first (Fireborne, 2019). In Callipolis, Lee and Annie have begun a budding romance, but things aren't easy between them. Lee, reeling from betrayal and flameshock (i.e., PTSD), is drawn into the Passi, an underground group protesting the unequal distribution of rations during the famine. He no longer supports Atreus' noble vision--not when it still draws deep divisions between people. Annie is similarly conflicted. As Firstrider, she's sworn to protect, but what does that mean between leading the war against New Pythos and suppressing the one growing at home? In New Pythos, Griff, a lowborn Norcian dragonrider, serves as squire to cruel dragonlord Ixion because he has no choice. When chance brings him into Annie's orbit, they hatch a plot to end the war and free Griff's people. Parallels between totalitarian New Pythos and Callipolis, which overthrew tyranny only to institute their own brand of class injustice, are razor-sharp, highlighting the complexity in building a morally just system. Munda balances nuanced political intrigue and subtle characterizations with thrilling scenes of battle and heartbreaking moments of love and sacrifice. Ending with a series of intense cliff-hangers, this volume will leave readers breathless for more.

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