⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A blaze that burns through bone, blood, and belief.

I finished Torchfire with tears dried into my hoodie and a full-body ache that only comes from loving characters too much and watching them be broken open, again and again. There’s no other way to say it: this book gutted me. And I loved every second of it.

Second books in trilogies often feel like bridgework - necessary scaffolding to get us to the Big Finale. Not here. Torchfire is the house on fire, the wind blowing the embers, the ground trembling beneath your feet. Moira Buffini doesn't "build" a middle novel. She detonates it.

From the first page, I was gone. Gone with Lark and her raw determination. Gone with Rye and his impossible hope. Gone with Nightingale, trapped in a golden cage with a monstrous, silk-gloved captor. Every perspective feels lived-in, deeply real, like your own breath syncs with theirs. There’s trauma here, yes. And betrayal. And grief that blooms like bruises. But also resilience, so human and searing you want to stand up and cheer.

This book doesn’t slow down to hold your hand, and thank God for that. Buffini trusts her readers. She gives you pain and poetry in equal measure. She gives you girls who fall in love and boys who flinch from their fathers’ legacy. She gives you queer awakenings and the weight of bodies deemed disposable. She gives you villains who smile like saints, and heroes who barely recognize themselves in the mirror. It’s heavy, yes. But it’s not bleak. Torchfire is about fighting anyway.

And then there’s Swan. Volatile. Gorgeous. Deranged. The kind of villain who makes your stomach knot with fascination and dread. Buffini writes her with such precision that you don’t know whether to pity her or pray someone stops her. Maybe both.

Is this a YA book? Technically. But it’s more honest than most adult fiction I’ve read this year. Buffini doesn’t just ask who we are. She asks who we become when the world tells us what we’re worth - and we decide not to listen.

By the end, I was breathless. Furious that I couldn’t turn the page into book three. Certain that I’ll be rereading this entire series the moment it’s complete. If Songlight lit the match, Torchfire is the inferno.

This book doesn’t let you walk away untouched. Nor should it.

I thoroughly enjoyed stepping back into this world. Eagerly awaiting book 3! 5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and the author.

“I’m the number-one mind-twisting whore of Northaven”

I really enjoyed stepping back into the world of the Torch Trilogy. It doesn’t feel like a filler-book with Second Book Syndrome, it deserved every page of the book and has really effectively set up the story for its conclusions.
In this instalment, we get new POVs and the world grows so much more. Not only do we have characters travelling from their homes, we literally get a new view of the world (I can’t expand on more without spoilers, but it’s so fun!) so the story feels so much bigger.
I loved the new characters we were introduced to - some had different beliefs that were so drastically different to the rest of the characters that you couldn’t see them ever finding peace. But I did love revisiting characters from the first books as their beliefs became so much stronger.
There was some LGBTQ+ rep in this, including the introduction of a transgender character, who was handled really sympathetically.
This book definitely felt like a dystopian. Corrupt politicians and segregated societies, and characters who (struggle to) find hope in the darkness.
I cannot wait to read the final book in the series!

I was looking forward to reading this, the second book in The Torch Trilogy, and once it got going, I wasn't disappointed. This book tells its story of what is happening to different, interconnected people on the same timeline. I found it exciting and really wanted to know what was going to happen next to the characters.

This is a good fantasy story, set in a world engulfed in conflicts about the way people are treated, those who communicate with Songlight and those who don't. It's a fascinating look at the way diversity within communities can be seen differently.

It is a four star read for me because of the first person narrative, which, with so many characters, can become confusing. Other than that, it is a fascinating story and one I did enjoy. I do, however, need to know what happens next!!

My gosh what a follow on!
Songlight was easily one of my best reads of last year so I was very excited to be sent an invite to read the sequel!

The story picks up right where it left off (I needed to give myself a bit of a reminder of who and what was happening again). Lark has now fled her hometown along with her mother and Heron Mikaine, Nightingale is still disguised as a chrysalid and her chapters are often the most tense. I find Sister Swan's character often the most interesting, reminding me slightly of Serena Joy in the handmaids tale. She has power and influence and is often brutal to do what she has to survive at times appearing to lack any empathy, however is also at the mercy of the men in control and being used by them.

The new characters in take the book in a new, slightly more sci-fi direction as we meet the Sealanders. In contrast to the world developed in the story so far, the Sealanders dehumanise those without songlight rather than with. So we get to see the issue from another perspective. Petra's character is a bit younger, less experienced and idealistic than the others. This annoyed me a little at first but I think is necessary to show her character development as she begins to learn more about the world and politics involved within her own community and the wider world.

I am looking forward to the conclusion! Thanks to the author and Faber & Faber for the ARC.

This is the second gorgeous instalment in Moira Buffini’s trilogy, which began with 'Songlight'.

The world set up in the first book features a form of telepathy called songlight, which can be used to find other telepaths, or ‘Torches’, and communicate in images and words. As in the first book, Ayland and Brightland are at war. One values songlight, and gives their Torches important places in society, while the other fears their ability to manipulate the minds of others, and routinely sends them to be lobotomised and used as mindless servants.

In 'Torchfire', the three strong and engaging women at the centre of the first book are joined by Petra, a girl with strong songlight from Sealand, a previously insular society with advanced technology. Petra is traveling with her parents on an airship, exploring the world after the Great Extinction. Her father is a cartographer, and her mother is a scientist, both keen to see Petra matched with Charlus, the son of the airship captain – something Petra is determined to avoid.

When the airship’s exploration reveals unexpected evidence of songlight on the continent below, the crew is drawn into the war, and the complex political intrigues set up in the first book. Their rescue of two fugitives during a mission to the ground brings all the story threads together.

Petra’s story is told alongside the continuing stories of Lark, Nightingale, and Swan, and of Petra’s brother Piper, Kingfisher, and other characters on both sides of the conflict. As their various stories converge, songlight becomes essential to their survival. The second half of the book dials up the political intrigue and physical peril, brings heart-breaking betrayals, and puts familiar characters in impossible and emotionally devastating situations.

I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and I can’t wait for the final book!

I thoroughly enjoyed Songlight and so I was extremely happy to have received an ARC for Torchfire via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oftentimes when I find a five star book I have such high expectations for the second book that it never lives up to my lofty hopes. This was not true of Torchfire. This book was equally amazing.

Moira continued to pull me into her story with her complex characters, questionable decision-making and frustrating political turns. As per Songlight, this book was a mastery of plot pacing and I barely had a chance to guess at any plot twists and turns as I was bodily dragged along for the ride.

The introduction of more POVs and characters in this book somehow failed to detract from the overall story (as I feared it was at risk of doing) and I was equally happy to read each new chapter. All these threads were gradually drawn closer together to weave a story that made sense, if still a little discordant for my liking and I have been left dangling for the outcome in the final installment. Hopefully these off beat threads will eventually come together in a satisfactory harmony though one never knows where Moira will take us next.

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review*

I'd just finished the first book in the trilogy and loved it. On a whim, I thought I'd see if the second book was available as an ARC and have never hit the 'Request' button so hard!

The first book was a rare 5/5 for me and I was a little nervous that the second book might be disappointing after such a good start. I'm so pleased that it was just as good as the first and I can't wait to read the third one whenever it's released.

Strong, believable charcters fighting back against opression in all their different circumstances. Bravery, loyalty, friendship and even a bit of romance.

Absolutely amazing.

I loved Songlight - it set a great foundation for the characters, politics and world-building. Torchfire took the story to the next level.
I absolutely devoured this book, staying up until the small hours, telling myself only one more chapter (who was I kidding)!
The multiple POV'S works - so clearly done it isn't overwhelming or confusing; it adds to the story.
I cannot wait for book 3.

First of all a huge Thank You to the publishers and also Netgalley for the opportunity to read and Arc of this book.
5 stars definatly, i rated book 1 at 4.5stars but this was just that little bit better. I was worried this book might get 'middle book syndrome' or whatever people refer to it as lol, like it would just be a filler to get you to book 3, but its not its so much more.
The story is continuing(obviously) from book 1 and i feel there is a lot of plot and character development in this book, and i especially like the character developments.
Torchfire has muliple POV's, most we met in book 1 (Songlight, if you havent started this series) and in book 2 we are also joined by Petra, who i think im really starting to like already.
For anyone who may be interested there is also some LGBTQIA+ representation as well.
Overall a great 2nd book which i will be buying(to join book 1) when its released.

This is the second book in Moira Buffini's dystopian trilogy. I loved the first instalment, Songlight, giving it a rare 5* rating. This second book is just as good. The same key protagonists appear as in the first book - Elsa Crane and her former love Rye Tern, and Nightingale (Kaira), Elsa's friend who she communicates with from a distance via Songlight. Joining the cast of important characters we also have Kingfisher (from Ayland - a territory at war with the people of Northhaven and Brightland and thus in theory a sworn enemy of Elsa and Rye but who has come with the aim of bringing peace), Heron Mikane (Elsa's husband in name) but who has a close connection to Elsa's mother Curlew (Curl). Piper Crane (Elsa's brother) has a stronger part too - and becomes a more likeable character as he recognises and struggles to overcome his own prejudices/propaganda fed to him since birth. We have the enigmatic Zara Swan - sometimes good, sometimes evil, and clearly vulnerable to the evil of Lord Kite. And from across the seas we also have Sealanders - most notably Petra - one of few sealanders to have a good heart and be able to see past the prejudices of elite Sealanders (those with songlight).
In book 1 we see those with songlight (Torches) discriminated against, considered inhuman - in this book we see how the Sealander Torches themselves can wrongly use their powers to subjugate those who lack songlight. Set against these two harsh and unpleasant regimes we have the Aylish - who it seems, welcome all and treat all equally.
This was a book which I raced through - lots of tension, teen romance and a plot line that really draws you in whilst at the same time using key characters to call out injustice and highlight where prejudice is evident. Left as before on a cliff edge - can't wait to read the next instalment and find out what happens next. Massive thanks to NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this ARC.

Torchfire by Moira Buffini is a brilliant and intense read. The writing is sharp, the characters are strong, and the story pulls you in from the start. It’s emotional, thought-provoking, and beautifully told. A powerful piece that stays with you long after the last page. Highly recommend!

A great follow up from book 2, really interesting. Love when a 2nd book in a Trilogy can stand on its own and not give middle book syndrome. Excited for book 3!

I had very high hopes for Torchfire, as it is the second book in the Torch trilogy and I really loved Songlight, well my expectations were exceeded! This book was amazing! I was constantly on the edge of my seat!

In this book, we got to see more of the world it is set in, exploring it in greater depth, as well as meeting new characters and experiencing their POVs, which I found really exciting. This book was both equally amazing and heartbreaking at times. Buffini is such an eloquent and talented writer that I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't put the book down.

The characters were also really well-developed, which was great because it made me feel more attached to them. It was also interesting to see part of the book written differently from a traditional format. Near the beginning, we get a diary entry from a new character we haven't met before, which I thought was a brilliant way of both introducing this new character and giving us, information without overloading us-while still showing the passage of time.
I cannot wait for the third book. I strongly encourage people to read The Torch trilogy. Songlight was great, and Torchfire was even better!

A great second installment! I love Lark, Nightingale, Rye and Wren, and the representation of different types of love throughout. The wider messaging around society, leadership and acceptance is poignant given the current world order.


As with anything by Moira Buffini, the second installment of her fantasy trilogy is beautifully written. I found this one harder to follow due to the addition of more narrators, especially at the beginning when all the chapters were shorter, but it got easier as the novel progressed.


Some storylines were perhaps a little repetitive for me, but there were plenty of moments where I was on the edge of my seat. I'm excited to find out how it all comes together.

Thank you NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for the arc

Torchfire is the follow on from songlight I loved songlight I already preordered Torchfire on Waterstones was so excited when I got approved for the arc and it lived up expectations I loved it and wanted more hopefully they is a 3rd book in the series as it ends on a cliffhanger

What I loved they was more character development and plot development it was gripping on the get go and engaging and pacing was great and action packed and the different characters POVs and energy and the acceptance of a character coming out basically I loved everything

What can I say it getting better for each book everyone needs to read this series so far
5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

After reading song light, I was so excited for this and it did not disappoint. Such a brilliant and enjoyable read.

This series just gets better and better. No second book syndrome here!

Torchfire was incredible, full of nail biting tension, high stakes drama and impossible to put down. From start to finish I completely forgot I was even reading. The writing is so vivid and descriptive that its like watching a movie in your head. I could see the world and events happening so clearly I never wanted it to end.

The characters are so well fleshed out that you feel you know them all on a personal level so it makes the story that much more impactful. The world is brutal and unforgiving and you can't help but root for them.

The LGBTQ rep in this was done brilliantly in my opinion. The trans rep in particular was handled well. Sometimes it can be abit in your face but this was done in a very real way for people to be able to understand and relate too.

As far as YA Dystopian goes this is one of the best I've read in years!

4.5/5⭐️
Wow! Just wow! An amazing second instalment. While I enjoyed Songlight I wasn’t left feeling very invested, but Torchfire was incredible. So many trilogies are let down by their second book but it was in Torchfire that we really got to see the character development and understand the world in which they live.
I feel so invested in the future of these characters that I cannot wait for book 3! I just want more! I really feel that this was the book where the series really begins to thrive.

We have queer representation, mental health discussion and inner turmoil as just a few of the things explored in this book. This Multi-POV story where we get to explore the politics of Brightland - a country where those with Songlight are persecuted. We are reunited with some of the characters we met in Songlight including Lark and Nightingale while also meeting some new characters. I loved getting to see more of Rye and loved the addition of Petra and her POV to the story. I felt that her side of the story was the hook that was missing in book one. The variety of backgrounds and experiences means we get a fantastic overall understanding of what it’s like to live in a world where you are constantly targeted for being different and for not agreeing with the people in authority.

The only thing that holds this book back is that I felt the different feelings between characters were hard to distinguish from each other. So many different characters developed feelings for each other that the first person prose meant at times it was confusing. I often had to flip back to the start of the chapter to remind myself which character the chapter was about.

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!!!