Blackflame

4.25/5 (rounded down to 4/5 for Goodreads)

Blackflame is the 3rd novel in Will Wight's series, Cradle. The story continues to follow Lindon as he attempts to grow strong enough to contend with an impending threat. However, this novel focusses specifically on Lindon training to prepare for a fight against Jai Long which was revealed at the end of the last book. But as he enters the Blackflame Empire, Lindon must work through several trials on a brand new path if he is to become strong enough to fight Jai Long.

Lets start with the things that didn't quite work as well for me so we can end on a high note!
Firstly, the villains weren't built up enough. There are promises made that aren't necessarily fulfilled and the solution feels kind of cheap. The match-up with heroes vs villains also felt a little off as again promises were made but weren't met. Maybe they will be in the future, but to base the whole book on this purpose and then toss it away felt annoying.
The pace was both good and bad too. Bad because it rushes through pretty much a whole year very quickly. But it did keep the story moving, however with little time to breathe and take a break.
Also when the levelling up happened it felt powerful in the previous installments but here it kinda just happened and then the story rolled on.
There is also a distinct lack of real consequences or anything to make me concerned about anyone. People are again pushed to their limits but i don't feel like they're in any danger.

On to the good stuff.
So why the 4.25/5 you ask. Well the action is awesome. It feels powerful and there are cool trials (i love trials a protagonist has to overcome) that Yerin and Lindon go through.
The path of Blackflame is also awesome. A true power upgrade for Lindon and a match for his Pure Madra as well as finally giving him something else to use on his Path of Twin Stars.
More Eithan is always warranted and a definite favourite.
The introduction of Orthos is also cool. He is most definitely the coolest animal companion!
Character development is also good too. Yerin starts to grow a bit as well which is a nice touch.
But more importantly this book feels like it has finally started in a direction. The first two books felt like an introduction and a taster of what's the come, but here we have finally reached what feels like an actual story.
And its for this reason that Blackflame feels stronger, it feels better and it starts to show us just what is in store for Lindon, Yerin, and Eithan.
But the main reason why i rate it higher, is because I enjoyed it more. I devoured this book very quickly. Its an entertaining read and that's just as important of a scale to judge the merit of a novel upon.
It also leaves us questioning some things at the end with an intriguing ending for several characters.

Overall Blackflame is a strong improvement from Book 2, Soulsmith. While there are still a few hiccups here and there I am definitely on board with the overall story and keen to see how it continues in the next book, Ghostwater. Will Wight, don't fail me now!

Music Recommendation: Royal Blood - Back To The Water Below

If you aren't reading this series, you need to get onto is ASAP!