Legacy of Flame breathes epicness

The sequel to The First Spark by Mallory Moss, one of my fave books of 2025 is out in the world, and oh my goodness, it is a breath-stealing epic ride. Read my 4-star review of the 2nd installment in the Dynasty of Fire saga.

The book jump-starts in the middle of a chase as our fave, fiery mercenary Mira finds a lead to her past and red-eye situation, accompanied by her trusty sidekick and my beloved smart-mouthed aibot, Cybel. The space adventure dial is turned to high, so strap yourself in. The jaw-dropping starts early as I've already gasped more than twice, and it's only page 38.

The lore evolves in this installment and there are a lot of cool stuff like the portraits and the portal, of course, and it is a testament to the author's writing that these objects, despite their awesomeness, feel like they have their natural place in this galaxy. Focused details bring descriptions to life, allowing her to successfully share the world she imagined

In the intimate POVs, the characters' sense of self envelops us, caressing the readers inate feeling to protect their own. It is as if we experience the emotional turmoil that wrenches the characters' insides for ourselves. Kalie's POV always seems to stand out more than the others in that aspect. This installment feels more internal, more psyche-coded.

Does not mean this book isn't rebellion-packed and embellished with heart-in-your-throat action. And we must not forget, dripping with delicious intrigue. The political games and intricacies of diplomacy and the court weave a twisty ball of deception, presenting so many loops, Palpatine himself would be proud. Just when you think you know where the story is going, we are bamboozled with such a turn of events you'd think the author was on death sticks (where is Obi-Wan when you need him?). I literally exclaimed WTF, loudly, many times. I am constantly in awe of what Mallory Moss comes up with, and then I realize it could not go any other way.

Must take note here that I love Zane & Kallie together — they just complement each other. Speaking of, that 'secret' in the middle of the book? We all guessed it, right? Talk about throwing a monumental monkey wrench into the works.

I personally needed the story to breathe more in certain parts. There were sections where I was lost with all that was happening at once, plus new lore and info in the mix. Some explanations needed to be a bit more comprehensive, more in-depth. Also, Mira repeatedly talking or musing about unrequited feelings for a certain someone minimizes the forcefulness of her character. It scratched at my nerves. This was not needed in the beginning chapters. Later in the story, when she is with them, it is justifiable — makes us sympathize. It is essential for me to spotlight that when the narrative harmonizes, which is mostly the case, it is heart-exploding and glorious.

As always, in the midst of a galactic war, through atrocities and loss, this book champions peace. And hope. And change for the better. Change that you need to go after, or it will never happen. It touches the subjects of equality and basic rights for all peoples. It measures the cost of sacrifice. And it emphasizes that we should not judge a book by its cover. Or better yet, a person by their scars.

This is a compelling, get-ready-to-be-tortured-and-like-it sequel. Raising the stakes while the war actually grows even larger in scale, gifting us emotional turbulence of gargantuan proportions and gliding on epicness all the way into the deepest recesses of our hearts, it imprints there, indefinitely.