Didn’t get the chance to finish The Black Fire Concerto before I had to return it, but the author's mix of music, horror, and dark fantasy intruiged me.

I'm sad to say that I had to DNF this after about 60% because it was too slow and my interest was not interesting anymore.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

Thank you to Mike Allen and Ruadan Books for an advance copy of the book. Although I was given an advance copy, I did not get around to finishing it before the publication date. However, I have now had a chance to read it and would like to give a review. As a fan of horror and fantasy, I felt like this book was a good blend of both. While I tend to not like young MC (especially children), I found that I did not mind Erzelle. I enjoyed being thrown into a tricky situation right away – a young girl is forced to play for monsters that may eat her one day. It set a tone of heavy dread that maintained its presence throughout the story. Allen did an excellent job of building his world organically – I did not feel that it was massive amounts of detail thrown at me and word vomited. Allen also had great pacing in this book with accelerations during his action sequences while also taking the time to build up his character’s interactions. His other character, Olyssa, was a good contrast as well as compliment to Erzelle and their relationship throughout the story was done well. As someone who usually loves the animal companion in the story more than anything else, that was no different here and I liked Reneer. I do think this is a book that I will pick up and read again as well as recommend. It will be a great book to read during spooky season, when the days are short and the weather is colder.

Well, well, well. The Black Fire Concerto by Mike Allen. Where do I even start with this delightfully disturbing ride through Fantasy Gore-Land?

The Good: Finally! A dark fantasy that doesn't involve sparkly vampires or zombies shambling around looking for brains like they're shopping for organic produce. Instead, we get "animated black fire" magic (which sounds way cooler than it probably looks) and creatures that appear to have been assembled by a very creative but slightly unhinged arts and crafts enthusiast. "Honey, pass me more femurs - I'm making a coffee table!"

The Meh: The plot follows paths so predictable, I started placing bets with myself. "Oh, I bet something ominous happens in Chapter 7." Ding ding ding! We have a winner! The relationship between Erzelle (who's supposedly 12 but acts like she has a PhD in Advanced Brooding) and her teacher Olyssa had all the emotional depth of a puddle after a light drizzle. I kept waiting for their bond to spark to life, but it just... didn't. Like trying to start a campfire with wet matches.

The "Holy Guacamole, That's A Lot":
Horror? ✓
Gore? ✓✓✓✓✓ (Extra checkmarks because WOW)
Post-apocalyptic vibes? ✓

But seriously, Mike Allen, did you have a quota of severed limbs to meet? By chapter 10, I was genuinely concerned about the book's cardiovascular system - there was SO MUCH blood, I wondered if the pages might need a transfusion. I mean, I signed up for dark fantasy, not a masterclass in creative dismemberment!

Bottom Line: It's like ordering a spicy burrito and getting one that makes you question your life choices, but you keep eating it anyway because it's definitely not boring. Original concept, decent execution, but maybe dial back the gore from "Tarantino film festival" to "regular Tuesday."

Would I recommend it? If you enjoy dark fantasy with a side of "Oh my, that's... graphic," then sure! Just maybe don't read it during lunch.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

I loved the ideas in this book. The world building was great and I loved the magic. However the pacing felt a bit slow. I also wished the mc felt a bit more fleshed out. Otherwise this was a great book that featured a lot of dark elements.

Mike Allen does such a wonderful job at creating a haunting atmosphere throughout this book. It really did feel like I was going through a concerto at times. The descriptions of the horrors that Erzelle must face in this post-apocalyptic world were top notch. There were a few parts though that I wish had been more fleshed out. I look forward to seeing Erzelle and Olyssa's journey continue in the next book.

I can't believe this is a duet. This was an enjoyable post apocalypse horror with monsters. I would have liked it to be a little "scarier" but other than that it was wonderful.

I really wanted to read this book but I cannot stay engaged and I really couldn't tell you why. I don't know if it is the writing style or just the plot in general that isn't hooking me. I got to 20% and I am having a hard to pick up the book.

DNF 42%

I tried I really did but this book just could not keep my interest.
I do think Part 1 was very good, it was fast paced and shocking. But when we got to part 2, it just started to drag, I had to force myself to pick up the book. I had one chapter left to make it to part 3 and I couldn't even force myself to continue on and the chapter I gave up on ended on a cliffhanger so I should be interested to at least start the next chapter but I just didn't care.

Nothing was ever really explained in this book, so I didn't really understand the world, it's creatures, or the magic system. And from what I did get of the magic system, which is music based, I didn't care about. Personally I didn't find the music magic interesting. And even though nothing was explained there was still so much telling and not showing.

I regards to the characters. They were fine. I didn't care for Erzelle the main character, I found her annoying but she is 13 and most teenagers tend to be annoying in real life so I guess that's authentic. I don't feel like we learned anything about Olyssa at this point of the story, her character was very surface level. And Reneer was probably the only character I liked at this point in the book, but he was only introduced about 20% of the way through and is maybe only on page for like 10% of what I read.

I think if you like fantasy/horror, the idea of a music based magic system interests you, and you don't mind not really understanding the world this book could definitely work for you. I do see the potential but it just isn't working for me, unfortunately.

I did not understand what was going on in this story at all… DNF-ed at 20% because I found every aspect confusing…. and not in a “watch as the mystery unfolds” kind of way.

Such an immersive and unique story.
I could not stop reading.
The characters are very intriguing I highly recommend

I have to say, this story kept me intrigued from the moment I started - it truly throws you into the action, and doesn’t let up for a moment! The more I kept going the more the story made sense, although I do wish there were a few areas that were more fleshed out - specifically the time in between.

I loved remembering that Erzelle was all of twelve years old. She is full of deep emotions that she finds hard to maintain, and it’s entirely explanatory when you remember she is that age. Olyssa came to life in my head, and I’m almost afraid to see representations of her and Erzelle in this world, for the imagery that’s been built up in my head.

I know many have talked about extreme gore in this book, but I didn’t think it was extreme at all - I felt it leant to the subject, and the macabre horror that was the background storyline. The book explores the themes of found families and finding your own way, and I loved the additions they made to the story.

I would love to have further expansion on this universe - I want more characters, more imagery!! I truly enjoyed this story, and look forward to recommending it!

Thank you so much to Ruadan Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title!!

I really wanted to like this more than I did. It has some unique ideas ,like a dark fantasy with a musical angle, and a style that clearly aims to be bold and different, but this one just didn’t click with me. The pacing felt uneven, and the tone was hard to get into. I had a hard time connecting with the characters.
I appreciate books that try something new, There were moments of cool imagery, and I can see how it might appeal to readers who enjoy surreal, genre-blending stories. but in this case, the mix of elements didn’t quite come together in a way that held my interest. I found myself more frustrated than engaged.
Probably better suited for readers who are really into experimental dark fantasy—but not my kind of read.
Rating: 2.25/5

A young girl named Erzelle plays the harp beautifully while waiting to die a horrible death upon a ship where her parents also met their ends; the chef of the ship feeds using the flesh of people to his patrons, and Erzelle expects to be a meal herself. Until the flutist named Olyssa arrives and they both bring new music and new power. Their main goal now is to save Olyssa’s sister who became a wicked witch from herself.

This book is full of vibrant and deep characters with lots of twists and turns to the plot. It is full of adventure that consists of fox people, flying horses, ghouls and more.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

I want to start this off by saying the new cover is absolutely GORGEOUS! It was part of the selling point of me wanting to read this book. Aside from that, I loved the promise of a postapocalyptic world filled with such gruesome horror and fantasy elements.

The intro to the book on the Red Empress was intriguing, action packed, and filled with bits of dark horror elements. The eliteness of the ship to the promise of ghoul meat, and beautifully music crafted a nerve-racking and intense place. We learn early on Erzelle's parents have been murdered and turned into ghouls, which is what the ship specializes in cooking. After learning all this I figured I was in for a great story.

As the story progressed, I found myself dragging through it after they left the Red Empress nearly to the end of the book. There were multiple points where I wanted to stop reading, but felt I had already invested so much time into the book. I ended up finishing it though perhaps I should have put it down sooner. It struggled to keep my interest and I felt there was a lack of details. I was being told what was happening rather than diving into the details of how it was happening, how it made characters feel, and drawing the emotions of the characters on longer to make me truly feel for them.

Though this isn't my favorite book there were pieces of it I did enjoy! The idea of magic being brought through a musical instrument was an interesting and fun concept that was prevalent throughout the entire book. When we got two more characters added to our group they were a breath of fresh air. I especially enjoyed Reneer who was written in a sarcastic yet caring way that made me smile. The more gory parts of the book were written really well and there were a select few scenes I found myself devouring!

"Those assembling in the room would enjoy her desperate lullaby to herself, the same way ticks enjoyed warm blood."

Such an interesting story. I had a great time being immersed into this world and going along with all the different paths this book had to offer.

I have to DNF this one unfortunately, I am finding the writing style not to be to my tastes and think it could have had a little bit more editing done.

DNF at 35%

I just couldn't get into this one. Although, if you like horror and gore, this is definitely for you.

I liked the premise of magic through music. That was pretty cool. Being able to control ghouls and similar undead through the playing of pipe and harp and the music harnessed there was a great concept.

However, I just couldn't get past the very descriptive nature of the writing. It was a bit full on, especially the opening scenes. I pushed forward, but I just couldn't get through it, unfortunately.

Not quite my normal read. More sci-fi than fantasy. Zombies. Ghouls. On a mission to find a missing person. Only 180 pages so a short read.

I think this book is fine for a YA audience. I will be DNF for lack of interest in the story. I think the writing is maybe a little too short and rushed at the beginning not really giving me much of a relationship with the characters.