The blackfire blade

In this thrilling second installment, two thieves and a disgraced aristo arrive in the city of Korslakov, chasing the truth behind the murder of Lukan's father. Lukan carries the key to uncovering what his father hid in the Blackfire Bank, until it's stolen by a strange, elusive creature known as the Rook. Determined to retrieve the key, Lukan, Ashra, and Flea are swept into a web of alchemical experiments, technological monstrosities, and political intrigue. Their path soon meets that of Lady Marni Volkova, leading them ever deeper into the dangerous secrets of the Phaeron. This sequel builds on all the charm and daring of The Silverblood Promise, blending mystery and fantasy in an immersive tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Alchemy, golems, and covert schemes fuel a plot fraught with impossible odds, but the highlight is the camaraderie of the core trio. While at first their dynamic crackles with friction, they are pushed to grow in ways that are both moving and meaningful. Lukan's arc is especially compelling, transforming him from insufferable to someone who's easy to root for. VERDICT Smart, emotionally rewarding, and full of sharp wit and scrappy subterfuge, this adventure delivers.--Andrea Dyba

The second installment of Logan's Last Legacy saga, followingThe Silverblood Promise (2024), continues the chronicles of Lukan Gardova, a disgraced heir attempting to solve a mystery revolving around his father's death. With a key that opens a vault at a bank located in the city of Korslakov--in the far north of the Old Empire--that should contain insights into his father's demise, Gardova sets off on the grand adventure with master thief Ashra (aka Lady Midnight) and Flea, a "sharp-tongued street rat" who is deadly with a crossbow. But once they reach their destination, Gardova gets drunk and has the jeweled key stolen from him by an infamous thief known as the Rook. Highly irritated by their companion's bonehead mistake, Ashra and Flea--along with a contrite Gardova--vow to locate the Rook and somehow retrieve the key. Their mission, however, is beset with many perilous side quests, all of which seem to be tied to noble houses attempting to open an ancient portal called the Crimson Door in the side of a mountain left behind by a godlike race. Behind the door could be advances beyond their wildest dreams, or that could annihilate them all. While no novel is flawless, this comes close. Deeply developed and authentic characters (even the supporting cast are adeptly portrayed), nonstop action, immersive worldbuilding, and a plethora of cool fantasy elements (golems, ghouls, rogue alchemists, mythical beasts, sentient swords, and more) make this an undeniable page-turner. Logan achieves this readability in no small part by savvily ending chapters with bombshell revelations, powerful statements, and leading sentences like this one, which will all but compel fantasy fans to keep reading: "And with a terrible slowness, the door began to open." A stay-up-all-night-until-your-eyes-bleed kind of read--a virtually unputdownable adventure fantasy. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.