THE FIRST FLAME

Three plucky young people face innumerable dangers in their quest to stop an evil villain.

Fantasy fans, rejoice. Dodd’s follow-up to The Last Ember (2025) is an exciting romp from beginning to end—a sophomore outing that’s far from sophomoric. After their last adventure, science whiz Eva, who has brown skin and black hair, has been sent off to Byrdhaven, a reformatory convent school that breaks young ladies’ spirits. Dusty has been labeled “wanted” by Eoin Parnassus, the authoritarian Director of Kingdom Secrets, after he and Eva foiled Parnassus’ nefarious plans for Rubi, a dragonlike aerimander. But the friends are far from defeated, especially when Eva’s best friend (and former classmate), Myrnie, a budding biologist with the disorder known as Social Hysteria, encounters a hungry, desperate Dusty (both kids are cued white). When the trio is finally reunited, they embark on a mission that will take them to the Northern Isles at the far reaches of the Kingdom. But given that Rubi is still out there, can Parnassus be far behind? And what’s in the mysterious, coffinlike box he’s traveling with? Just like its predecessor, this outing masterfully combines wry humor and moxie with biting social commentary on myriad topics, including inequality, authoritarianism, and war. Returning fans will be delighted; others should start with the first book in order to learn how these appealing protagonists became entangled in each other’s lives.

A fast-paced, witty, and delightful read that’s layered with astute insights.