Firstly, I'd like to say thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this e-arc!

Songfire had my intrigued and Torchfire had me absolutely captivated. Everything about this book is genius. From the story-telling, to the world building and character development, everything had my utterly transfixed. I am obsessed with dystopian era stories and holy shit, this absolutely delivered!

This book is easy to follow, simultaneously being fast paced in plot but nothing felt rushed. Each scene felt perfect and so well thought out, I could imagine everything so vividly and felt like I was in the world with these characters. They are all going through their own stories, their own stages of denial and grief and battling their own ingrained beliefs as the truth unravels before them. Some of these characters take you on such a rollercoaster of emotions, displaying such a realistic representation of unpredictable, volatile behaviour fueled by her will to survive. One moment I'm rooting for her and the next I'm feeling betrayed. These characters are deep and complex, and their stories are not for the faint of heart.

If you're after a YA, high stakes, dystopian novel with complicated characters shaped by lifelong conditioning of hatred and their difficult journey of unlearning these prejudices, this story is for you!!!

Moira Buffini’s Torchfire, the much-anticipated second installment in her dystopian fantasy trilogy, delivers a gripping continuation of the saga that began with a world divided by a powerful force known as "songlight." Buffini masterfully expands her universe, deepening the stakes and introducing new layers of intrigue and conflict.

The novel plunges us back into a fractured world where telepathy—either a blessing or a curse—defines power, allegiance, and survival. Our central characters—Elsa, Nightingale, Piper, and Rye—are each thrown into perilous circumstances. Elsa’s desperate search for refuge, Nightingale’s forced betrayal, Piper’s brutal rise through the Airmen, and Rye’s discovery of a mysterious airship all form riveting narrative threads that intertwine in surprising and satisfying ways.

Buffini's world-building continues to shine, particularly with the introduction of the Sealander Torches—a formidable new threat. The tensions between Brightland, Ayland, and Sealand create a charged political landscape, and the moral questions around the use and suppression of songlight lend the story real weight.

Torchfire is a powerful exploration of power, resistance, and the price of peace. With its rich characters, imaginative lore, and high-stakes drama, this installment raises the bar and sets the stage for what promises to be an explosive finale. A must-read for fans of intelligent, emotionally resonant fantasy.

Okay, so if you don't like love triangles and cliffhanger endings then this isn't the book for you. But if you can cope with the knowledge that relationships are complicated especially in high adrenaline situations (putting it mildly) and are prepared to have to wait for book 3 for any resolution to any one of several plotlines then buckle up for this rollercoaster of a read.
The author mentioned that she was inspired by John Wyndham's dystopian novel The Chrysalids about teenagers who can communicate with their minds, growing up in a fundamentalist world and in Torchfire, the sequel to Songlight, there are some clever nods to her source material. Enter new character Petra (named after a character in The Chrysalids) who hails from Sealand - Wyndham's Zealand. In Petra's world mind speakers are at the top, those who can't communicate that way exploited and very much bottom tier. Meanwhile Lark and Kingfisher are on the run from a society which is vey much the reverse, while Rye is trying to escape to Ayland where everyone is equal. Lark's brother Piper is torn between his loyalty to his homeland and his betrayal of his friend and sister, while Nighingale tries to hide her power while a dangerous coup is carried out around her.
The action doesn't stop in this inventive, fast paced, dystopia. Roll on book three - and in the meantime a Chrysalids reread is in order. Highly recommended.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book early, I’m rating it 5 stars.. if I could rate it 6 I would.

This story remains incredible, I’m in awe. I’m such a huge fan of multi POV and this book does it very well, it gives us such a well rounded story as we follow characters on separate paths.

At many points my heart was on the line, the war is developing at a scary rate, people are more divided than ever. We get introduced to new players on the board who may turn the tables one way or another. There is a lot of loss, tragedy and sacrifice in this instalment of the story and it really builds the emotion and tension. There are some redemption arcs which I’m occasionally a fan of and in this case I liked it, a lot of people are just ignorant in this story and they are guilty of prejudice, but they aren’t evil so the potential for growth is so high and I’m here for it.

I am so excited for the next book, I will be impatiently waiting for it!

I am loving this series. I admit it took a little bit of getting back into the story and remembering the characters and what had happened. Once i was up to speed though, what a ride! There is a lot going on and although it is YA it reads well for adults with twisting plots and plenty of politics.
In this book there is the introduction of a new character and consequently, a new society- where songlight is cherished and those without it looked down on. A good contrast to Brightand, but just as wrong. There are a lot of viewpoints and it works well to highlight the difference between the cultures. We also get to see the motivations for the characters and others views of them. It did leave me feeling very conflicted over Swan, should I hate her, admire her or feel sorry for her? I kept changing my mind and still can’t decide. Hurry up book 3!

The ending. I can’t.

This was incredible. I don’t even know where to begin.

The pacing was spot on - there wasn’t a single dull moment in the entire book. It was action packed, plot driven, whilst also not feeling like anything was moving too quickly.

The queer representation is lovely to see. M/M, F/F, a trans character - and none of it felt shoehorned in, it was all so natural.

The characters relationships have all developed well - I don’t think I could say at this point which couples are endgame (although I’ve obviously got my hopes!).

There was a new main character introduced - their first few chapters I did struggle to understand what was happening. It felt like their POV was in the past or future, and I was struggling to connect it on the story. Once something happened that made it click it was in the same time period, it all made much more sense. Other than that initial little hiccup, this new character is integrated well with the current characters, and the new ‘world’ that they brought with them leaves so many possibilities for the next book that I’m already excited for it.

The world building continued to be brilliant. It’s so intricate at times, broken yet hopeful, and just stunningly portrayed.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Incredible, a fantastic read for 2025! Definitely chasing the back catalogue of this author. Strong female leads, action, dystopian future, magic. Beautifully written, wonderful world building. Thank you so much to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

This book has cured my Hunger Games hangover!

The sequel to Songlight, a YA fantasy dystopian series with a cast of characters set in a world where ‘songlight’ (i.e. telepathic ability) is forbidden. Thank you so much to Faber & Faber for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The book is written from various perspectives, most of whom are in the first book. (**spoilers ahead for anyone who hasn’t read Songlight**) Lark has fled her hometown, Northaven. Nightingale is disguised as a chrysalid by Sister Swan. Rye is on the run, and Piper is promoted up the airforce ranks, but at what cost?

There is also a new perspective added to the book: Petra. Petra is living in an airship, sent from her homeland, Sealand, tasked to explore the land before them. Her people value Songlight and dehumanise anyone who doesn’t have it as a ‘sapien’.

Petra’s perspective adds a new layer to the series, and swings it slightly towards the sci-fi genre.

It took me a few dozen pages to get back into the worlds of Brightland and Ayland, and remember all of the characters and their predicaments. (Can we normalise short summaries of past books at the start?!)

Once I was back in it, I was fully there, living and breathing the story. I really loved having the multiple perspectives, even though some of them (Swan and Piper), weren’t likeable, and were morally grey to say the least.

The plot was fast-moving and action-packed, and the world is beautifully crafted. There is a lot of political commentary and parallels that can be drawn to our world and its inequities.

It goes without saying that I can’t wait for the conclusion of this trilogy!

Torchfire by Moira Buffini is a gripping, atmospheric novel that masterfully blends historical drama with a sense of urgent, emotional storytelling. Buffini’s writing is rich and evocative, drawing readers into a vivid, complex world filled with layered characters and intricate relationships. The pacing builds steadily, balancing moments of action with deeper, introspective scenes that explore loyalty, ambition, and resilience.

The strength of Torchfire lies in its character development; each individual feels fully fleshed out, with motivations and flaws that make them compelling and relatable. Buffini’s background in drama shines through in the dialogue, which feels authentic and sharp throughout. While there were a few moments where the narrative slightly slowed, overall, the tension and atmosphere kept me engaged from beginning to end.

This is a beautifully written, memorable novel that will stay with readers long after the final page. I’m excited to see what Moira Buffini writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with early access to this powerful and moving story.

I honestly stared at a wall after finishing this book, it was that good!
I really enjoyed Songlight but Torchfire just blew it out the water! Amazing character development, the world just drew me back in and kept me hooked from one chapter to the next

Oh wow this was totally brilliant. I loved the first one and was so pleased to be given the second to read. I devoured it in a day and now I can't wait for the third book.

So Songlight was a 5/5 read in 2024 and I was wondering whether the second instalment would live up to the first story… and it did not disappoint.

The end of book one left us on a cliff hanger and all our hero’s are separated. “Elsa is on the run and is urgently seeking a safe haven. Nightingale is being held captive and forced to use her songlight against her own people. Piper has been promoted up the ranks of the Airmen, where nothing but bloodshed is demanded of him. Rye has stumbled across an incredible airship, the likes of which has never been seen before. All four are united by their desire for peace. Who will triumph? Those with songlight, or those without?”

Well, the truth is - we don’t know! In my opinion, the worst thing about this book is having to wait for the third one!

Buffini is an amazing writer who writes believable and flawed characters in a divided YA world that I honestly cannot get enough of. I’m going to be so sad when the series ends. For now, let’s simply say that this is my book of year and it will take some serious beating.

Thank you to netgalley and Faber and Faber for letting me read this pre release copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Summary:
The world is at the verge of another war.
Will our rebels be able to stop it?
And is everyone who they say they are ?
People believed dead are alive, allies turn into enemies and vice versa.
Who will get the  victory in the end ?

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
➡️:
We left our rebels in a tight pinch, and that's where we meet up with them again.
Buffini has a way of storytelling that makes you wish songlight was available to you to use.
It makes you want to know what will happen next, because there's this constant tension.
Well done!

I really enjoyed this second book, which did not disappoint!
The characters are still well fleshed-out, and I really enjoyed the new ones (Petra!) and the idea of songlight powers continues to be brilliant (no pun intended... well, maybe a little). Somehow, this book reminded me of the "Matched" trilogy, which I adored, and I loved seeing more of the world unfold.
The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars was purely the first person narration, and though I was glad to read the point off views of so many different characters, having them all in the first person was slightly confusing to me and I had to go back to the beginning of the chapters to check who was narrating (but it's because I am not used to read books with 1st person pov).

I definitely recommand, and will be there for the final book!

I loved Songlight so was thrilled to have the chance to read Torchfire thanks to NetGalley and Faber.

The writing, the pace, the ideas, the energy are all on a par with Songlight making this a gripping read - and leaving me wanting to read the third instalment as soon as I can.

However, and the fault may be mine (it is after all 9 months since I read Songlight, and I haven't had an agile teenage brain for a long while now!) but I found it much harder to keep track of the different threads, locations and characters in this book. I think it would benefit from some kind of a recap at the beginning - or perhaps a list of characters (with both their names!) and how they are linked. I like the way they all have bird names but at times I did get confused as to which was which, and when some characters only refer to others by their non-bird name, well I just struggled! A sort of cheat sheet for the terminology used by the different people groups, and a list of the places and what they are to each people group as well would help. The map is nice but doesn't really remind me who lives in Reem for example. And, whilst I know it is part of the story and of the characters themselves, but the way in which e.g. Swan is both good and bad, is another element that just added to the slight muddle I felt.

All that aside, I was swept along with the various different elements of the story and each one is exciting in its own right - I am looking forward to seeing how they all tie together in the end.

Grateful to NetGalley and Faber. for the e-ARC.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC!

I am eternally grateful to the author and the publisher for sending me this book. I loved the first volume, it was one of my favorite reads of 2024. I didn’t think it was possible to love the second more. But I did, It’s epic. The pacing is perfectly balanced, the plot hits all the beats. There is not a dull moment; every chapter and every sentence falls in precise order for a reason. The writing is beautiful and flawless, with congruous themes of oppression and discrimination, effortlessly flowing between descriptions, dialogue, and action, moving the story into the anticipated and desired direction. I devoured the book in one sitting and desperately need the third book. I’m breathing this story with my every cell, and I need the resolution.

The plot picks up right where the first book finished. Lark is running away from her village with her mother, Heron, and Kingfisher. She knows who she is, what she wants to fight for, and who she is willing to die for. Being chased by the Brethren militia, and making unlikely alliances, she’s still a young girl falling in love and fighting palpable attraction between her Kingfisher.
Nightingale is locked in the capital, in a scene of betrayal and treason. There is very little happening with her but her placing in the Kite’s palace puts her at the center of events and influences others’ life and death. We meet a Siren who’s trying to atone for her unfortunate situation. Rye’s choices bring a new power into play, and Piper’s redemption when he finally sees the truth. And there is also Petra, an eximian, a teenage naive ingenue who fell in love with an ordinary sapien. An illicit affair that her parents are trying to dismiss and hide as if she disgraced her family. The biggest character growth so far. I find Kite’s ending to be the most just and well-deserved, and I do hope he doesn’t recover. I’m looking forward to seeing Cassandra return to herself and reunite with Raven.

And the most facing portrayal of my favorite, horrifying Swan. Zara is volatile, most deliciously and dangerously. Such a detailed and realistic depiction of unpredictability, psychopathy, and mood swings fueled by survival. I hope she finds peace in the end, but at the same time, characters like that usually end up deceased in books. With a great sacrifice and redemption arc but no happy ending. If it does happen as predicted, I won’t be sad.

I’m glad the Aylish have a chance for peace, and I wish they could influence the future of the planet. Brightland population finally sees through the lies and demands peace. Eximians are the definition of the world the Brethren fear, a physical manifestation of what’s to come.

It’s a story you can’t forget easily; it stays with you and lets you see real life in different colors. It is a description of the world we live in today, full of discrimination and abuse of women, of castes controlling people and telling them they’re inferior. Where a minority, the last surviving members of a group, are exterminated because they’re undesirable. Those with power always oppress and control those without. But what makes them have the power is sometimes just a stroke of sheer luck. Where ordinary humans feared those who were different and subjugated them simply because they felt inferior and threatened by them. Where people with special powers are in charge, and they control and treat sapiens without a song as second-class citizens. It’s a true depiction of humanity at its worst and a true depiction of humanity as it is right now.

This book is truly divine and I’m invested in every aspect of the story, in all the characters. The third book can’t come too soon!

Easiest 5 star review. I loved the first book, and incredibly I think her second trumps the first. The pace never lets up, the characters are captivating and believable and I enjoyed the touch of romance thrown in.

The second novel picks up where the first left off, with Elsa fleeing with her mother and the magnetic Kingfisher.. Rye has evaded capture and is also on the run. Piper is starting to question his beliefs. And the star of show, Nightingale remains captive in the capital but overall seems to be faring well. The author has thrown in additional complexity by adding the return of a another race (Mars??) - they are scouting the Earth with hopes to re-occupy. Petra is our eyes-and-ears and faces issues of her own in an arranged marriage. And amongst this all is songlight which unites and divides, and constantly evolves in terms of what it can achieve.

Its a successful combination of vying politics, dystopian flavour, social commentary and persecution. The adventure is relentless, filled with unpredictable twists and turns and creativity. I felt fully connected to the many individualistic characters and fascinated by the introduction of a new "race".

There is clearly a third book and Ill be front of the queue .

Dystopian fantasy YA perfection! 5/5 stars. I thought I loved book 1 (I did) and book 2 was just a revelation. I could not put it down. I stayed up to finish it till 2am because it was THAT good. These characters will get under your skin and stay there for the foreseeable future. Their grey morality is both alluring and immensely frustrating and I found myself cursing their courageous minds and passionate hearts - and damnable decisions! Do not miss this incredible sequel where a revolution builds and Lark and Nightingale are tested time and again...The future of humanity and society hangs in the balance (and book 3 is to come!).

- Thank you to Faber for providing this ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 3 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

I was delighted to receive an arc for this book. I really enjoyed the first book and the world building is top notch. I enjoyed finding out more of the different type of people in this world. An excellent fantasy story where you can immerse yourself in an alternate reality.