The firelight series is a fantastic read. Author does a wonderful job with her writing; she has a way of weaving a tale so beautifully. Her characters feel alive and realistic for their circumstances and ages, and her exploration of the LOS universe and her world-building is excellent. The writing holds ups well and it is very interesting to read overall. Much of the same holds up in Balefire.
There are some detractions, however. It is very long and can drag on at times, or feel rather long-winded to read. Additionally, while Balefire still holds up in quality, the arguments of the characters, while feelings natural to them, tend to get a bit irritating at times and drag on for a while. The story itself can also drag on a bit, and the numerous omens and visions of the Well of Souls feel a bit excessive at times, though they are still effective. We just don't need to see the jackals or the same dream a million times when we know what it's foreshadowing, the visions, and carvings of specific events are much more effective. The length gives the characters and story time to develop, as well as the world, but it feels like parts could have been condensed or shortened.
Additionally, the actions certain characters take in the later part of Balefire can feel frustrating and even a bit infuriating. (What happens with Charla and Nuala) It is still very refreshing in the moments the characters do connect.
Overall, the series as a whole is a epic read and I highly recommend taking a look at it, despite some of the flaws.
Fanfic Very good if long winded
The firelight series is a fantastic read. Author does a wonderful job with her writing; she has a way of weaving a tale so beautifully. Her characters feel alive and realistic for their circumstances and ages, and her exploration of the LOS universe and her world-building is excellent. The writing holds ups well and it is very interesting to read overall. Much of the same holds up in Balefire.
There are some detractions, however. It is very long and can drag on at times, or feel rather long-winded to read. Additionally, while Balefire still holds up in quality, the arguments of the characters, while feelings natural to them, tend to get a bit irritating at times and drag on for a while. The story itself can also drag on a bit, and the numerous omens and visions of the Well of Souls feel a bit excessive at times, though they are still effective. We just don't need to see the jackals or the same dream a million times when we know what it's foreshadowing, the visions, and carvings of specific events are much more effective. The length gives the characters and story time to develop, as well as the world, but it feels like parts could have been condensed or shortened.
Additionally, the actions certain characters take in the later part of Balefire can feel frustrating and even a bit infuriating. (What happens with Charla and Nuala) It is still very refreshing in the moments the characters do connect.
Overall, the series as a whole is a epic read and I highly recommend taking a look at it, despite some of the flaws.