#BookReview : Fire and the Falcon (Starchild #4) by Vacen Taylor @VacenTaylor

Fire and the Falcon (Starchild #4) by Vacen Taylor
Publication Date: June 13th 2019
Publisher: Odyssey Books
Genre: Middle grade / Fantasy
Pages: 136
Stars: ★★★★★

With a treacherous ice journey behind them and Long’s health restored by the Healing Stone, Mai, Akra and Kalin must now find the falcon guard called Tupuck in the fireruler’s city of Calor.

It’s not long before they discover the city is ruled by a ruthless governor who has captured the falcon guard and the daughter of Ignis. The four children become soldiers in a rebellion and aid in a plan to free the falcon guard and Ignis’s daughter. All the while the dark force of Piceptus continues to gather strength.

As the children fight in the rebellion, Piceptus increases his position and readies himself to receive an even greater army. Will the information the falcon guard holds help to bring the children closer to fulfilling the prophecy and stop Piceptus from conquering all of the nations?

*** Note: I received this book from the author as a winner of giveaway. ***

Previous book I read in series:

• The Age of Akra
• The City of Souls
• The Healing Stone

Fire and Falcon was most adventurous in this fantasy series that took children to land of fire where they found many answers.  It was about evils of magic, slavery, fight for justice and freedom, bravery and friendship.

Writing was again fantastic. What I like most about writing is, author don’t waste time in repeating what happened in previous books or re-explaining world and powers or lengthy descriptions. Characters, world, plot and action was vividly described that was easy to imagine even for kids. If I forgot to mention before, this series would make a great animation movie.

It started with children arriving to Land of Bonfar, near Calor, one of the city of firerulers in search of Falcon guard. But as soon as they enter the city and try to find a friend, Ignis, they met on their journey in first book, they got involved in conspiracy and found themselves in dungeon. It turned out Ignis was a leader of rebels against the governor who slaved firerulers to work in mines and forbidden them from using their skills. Children didn’t want to be part of this war against governor until Long was once again lost to them, captured by governor. Governor had powers they didn’t imagine. Moreover, Amual was also on their trail trying to capture Akra and King of Fire, Piceptus, was raising his army.

How they will fight such powerful man and save Long? Will they find falcon guard and get the information that is so important to Akra from the very beginning of this journey?

Mai was stronger now, could use advanced thoughtbanking and soon she could master her skills. Kalin also developed in his skills and views. The relation between these two was turning from friendship to special. He was troubled in this book and I admired him for his decision. Long was different after being saved and healed by healing stone. He was now strong and brave. He understood his skills more and appreciated Mai’s love and efforts. He was more cautious and strong willed this time. All characters played wonderful part. Akra was hero. He never seize to amaze me. In each book he mastered a new skill and helped other characters and nations.

World was great. This time along with characters I got to know more about fireruler’s city and their steam inventions. They also used rifles which was called ‘refell’ here. This hot and dry nation was different from other nation. It was advanced in machineries, costly, people were diverse.

Many things happened in this book that made story exciting. Akra found his answers, he found the real use of Silvershade and its importance in prophecy. Oh and there were some surprising revelations in the middle and end of the book.

Climax was exciting. I guessed it differently. It was tense, action packed and well written. End was sad.  Once again children have to continue their journey with heavy heart. I could imagine lot of action in next book as now only one line of prophecy is remained to be fulfilled. Whether children will stop Piceptus from conquering world or not will be answered in the next book which is yet to release.

Overall, it was fantastic middle grade fantasy filled with action, adventure and lot of magic. I recommend you catch up with this fantastic series before final book is released.

Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Affiliate Link: Book Depository

Let’s discuss!

What do you think about the book and review? Have you read this book already or any book in this series? Are you going to add it to TBR?
Which book you read had hottest/scorching setting?

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