Review - Fireborn: Starling and the Cavern of Light

Fireborn: Starling and the Cavern of Light by Aisling Fowler, illustrated by Sophie Medvedeva, published by Harper Collins 

I have loved this series and I'm so sad it's over, but this third and final instalment brings the trilogy to close so well.

 

It has all new dark and deadly monsters and the sort of epic battles we've come to expect from the series (In my mind, Aisling Fowler is the absolute best at writing monsters and battles in MG), but it also has a more reflective and meditative side to it too as we contemplate friendship, forgiveness, foresight and fate, good intentions and tough decisions. 

As such, it's perhaps the most complex of the three books so far, drawing on everything I already loved about the series and adding a philosophical aspect which had me arguing with myself and still undecided on how I felt by the end. There's precious few middle grade books that can claim that.

 

IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS - STOP READING NOW (IN FACT, STOP READING THIS AND START READING THEM!) - SPOILERS AHEAD.

The second book finished with Six captured and - in a truly jaw-dropping ending - Seven inexplicably turning back and not following her friends away from Icegaard and back to attempt to rally the clans of Ember ready to face the Master. 

And so we join a despondent Phoenix and Thorn, refusing to give up on their friends but very much needed as Hoarfrost tries to unite the feuding and doubtful clans and get them to take the imminent threat seriously. 

Meanwhile, we discover Seven's reasons for staying behind and the extent of her sight and visions...

Two quests not just entangled, but reliant on each other leading us, with increasing uncertainty, tension and challenge (both personal and on a wider scale) to an absolutely epic final showdown with an ending that's as shocking, as close to the wire and as heart-breakingly moving as they come. 

I can't say much more for fear of spoilers, but this is one of the most thought-provoking MG fantasy quests I've ever read that also happens to have some of the best beasts, most terrifying trials and most brutal battles. An adrenaline-fuelled adventure without doubt, this series is also a one of friendship, finding - and accepting - yourself, of growth and change, of fate and choices. 

I have loved every minute of this series and I'm so sad it's over, but so glad the ending was such a fantastic finale. I can't wait to see what Aisling Fowler does next!