Everything I loved about the first book carried seamlessly into this sequel. The sharp character dynamics and witty banter remains a highlight, driving the story forward with energy and laughter. The action is as thrilling as ever, balanced wish a new location that brings its own atmosphere and depth. That clever heist-style storyline, which made The Silverblood Promise so memorable, is back and just as engaging here. And then there’s the ending; an excellent cliffhanger that left me eager to see what comes next.

First of all--can I just say: Well done including the recap. I loooved book one, but there were even a few things JL included that I didn't have in the forefront of my mind. I'm hopeful that eventually the author will look into doing maps for future series, but I am largely unbothered by the exclusion of one. Second, The Blackfire Blade was FIIIIIREEEE. Chapter One (Silverblood) pulled me in, but this one kept me hanging on. I am DYING for the release to add this to my shelf!!!

Well done, JL!

Thank you for the opportunity. This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 and it did not disappoint.

3.75⭐️
First, I would like to extend a big thank you to the author, NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing an advanced electronic copy of this book. My thoughts are my own.

After being a fan of the first book, I was very excited for the second. And while I did find this to be well written, concise and clear, it also felt a bit like a drawn out side quest with distractions along the way. The main trio were still entertaining, having plenty of squabbles and bickering but the overall pacing was where I struggled.

This book picks up where the first book left off, with Logan, Ashra and Flea going to retrieve the item in his father’s vault; however, the first half of the book spends far too much time revisiting the past instead of moving the plot forward that it isn’t until the last third of the story where things start to get really interesting and fun.

If you enjoyed the first book, then I highly recommend reading this one. The characters are still fun (even if character growth feels minimal) and the adventure will continue to pull you along without being over described. While I feel there are one or two too many side events that happen, the books does a good job of staying interesting. The very end of the book does set up some very exciting possibilities for the third book, I just hope that the third book stays more focused on moving the main plot forward.

What a fantastic sequel. I had so much fun with this book. I loved exploring new parts of the world and being back with the characters, felt like reuniting with old friends. Highly recommend this whole series.

James Logan came out of the gate with a terrific debut last year with "The Silverblood Promise". And the lightning absolutely strikes twice with "The Blackfire Blade". This book takes everything that worked in the first book and continues those ideas along with a very fascinating plot and interesting worldbuilding.

The first book was (almost) entirely set in Saphrona, which was much more of a mediterranean-like coastal city. This book is set in Korslakov, which is very much influenced by Russian and Ukranian cities. Korslakov was such a great contrast to Saphrona, in that it felt much more quiet, dark, and forboding. I knew there was something brewing in the story with this setting, but absolutely did NOT see what it actually was coming.

The main trio of Lukan, Ashra, and Flea work well here. They don't have quite as great a dynamic as they did in Book 1, mostly because they have gotten used to each others mannerisms and idiosyncrisies. But their dynamic was still fun to read regardless. They almost are like a mini D&D party in a way.

This book continues the concept of "Side Quests" before the main goal of entering the Blackfire Bank Vault. The side quests were excellent, and I was on the edge of my seat. All of them were logical and the twists and reveals with them all were handled excellently.

One thing I love about James Logan's writing is his pacing. No chapter really overstays its welcome, and each chapter and side quest does get our characters closer and closer to their goal.

The climax of the book was fantastically devised. I was shocked at the way that James Logan laid the foundation for it, and the twists and surprises were excellently revealed.

The inciting incident for the main story of the book does utilize the "Idiot Plot" once, and it'll probably be a bit controversial. It's a very small part of the overall book, but that trope can be irksome.

The book does have a few minor elements that I did not appreciate their inclusion in the book. Some were part of the worldbuilding, others were part of minor character designs, but it was a really minor element overall.

Back to a few more positives, there are some great new and recurring characters. I won't delve too much into them for spoiler sake, but one character stood out as a favorite not only in this book, but as a favorite character this year...and this character is only in 2 chapters. (When you meet Clank, you'll see what I mean).

James Logan does have some terrific one liners and some really clever phrases and set ups that I really enjoyed. His writing style just works on so many levels.

And the ending of this story just has me on the edge of my seat for the next book. James Logan completely tied up what this book needed to while also setting up something for book 3.

Overall, I LOVED this book. Just as good as book 1 and really continues the story well. James Logan is now a MUST read author. 9.5 out of 10!

Rating 4.5 rounded up.

Quick very high level summary.
Blackfire Blade picks up where Silverblood Promise left off. Lukan, Flea along with Lady Marni set off to find out what his father has in the Blcakfire Bank’s vault. The key to the vault is stolen by the Rook, forcing Lukan to team up with Lady Marni who has an agenda of her own. During the key investigation a deeper conspiracy comes to light involving an alchemical formula that is dangerous.

My Take.
Book 2 starts off running. We are dropped right into the action and that’s the way I like it. I was instantly immersed and obsessed. The humor and wit seems better timed then the first novel and the character development is spot on. This novel just has more heart with the growth in the characters relationships shining through. We have betrayal, family secrets and unchecked technological advancements, what more could you ask for. I found the whole idea of the “lost alchemical formula” super interesting and was not expecting that at all. In my humble opinion this book is better than the first. It seems to have better pacing and secondary character development. The more fluid pacing may be because this book is fast paced and action packed from the beginning but either way I appreciated the difference. The ending was so unexpected and exciting. How long will that wait be? Overall, a very well done book 2 and I look forward to the next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus Books for the eARC

Mr. Logan, you and I are going to need to discuss these cliffhangers, because honestly, what was that? I need to wait x number of years to get the details?

Anyways, the Blackfire Blade is a fun sequel to the Silverblood Promise, where I originally fell in love with Lukan, Flea, and Ashra. It largely takes place in Korslakov, a complete 180 degrees from the sunny, warm climate of Saphrona. Here, the weather is chilly and the people are chillier. This book, for me, was both much better and suffered from second-book syndrome compared to the first. The characters were much more fleshed out, with Lukan developing as a complex character with much more involved feelings. We also get to see more interactions between him and Ashra, but their communication is still sorely lacking. Furthermore, we get some more depth about Ashra and her past, with her discussing in more detail the loss of both her mother and father. I think what really sold me on the characters in this book is seeing the relationship between Lukan and Flea grow, as they now have a third person to communicate the feelings that Flea can't admit to Lukan. Lukan is a hard character to reach with his flippant attitude, but having Ashra there to communicate how much Flea likes to be included and needs to be seen as an adult was really impactful.

The reason I say that this book suffered from second-book syndrome is that I felt like the stakes were much lower, and the plot didn't pick up much until the end with the Crimson door. Through reading this book, you can definitely tell it's all leading to the third book, and I felt like, due to this, the plot was much weaker. So, what we are lacking in plot, we gain in character growth...honestly, not upset about it. I love to see found families come together; it's my favorite trope, and I look forward to further development of characters and interactions between them.

I am excited to read the next installment of the series, but not the wait (as I'm sure goes with any book). What was revealed about the Phaeron has me excited to learn more about the lore. I hope there will be more questions answered, such as the role of the clansmen, more about the Faceless, and the alchemists. I felt like the golems and alchemists weren't touched upon as much as I would've liked, especially considering the large reveal regarding how golems work.

Overall, I had a fun time reading this book and can't wait for the release date! Having it released on my birthday makes it that much more special to me.

Blackfire Blade

Silverblood promise scratched a particular itch I've had in fantasy adventure for a long time. I'm doubly glad that Blackfire Blade also successfully scratches that itch. The characters are so lovable, and you love to see them grow as characters. I really enjoyed the creative husbands Flea befriends.
The pacing was solid for fantasy, the stakes were high, and the writing flows so naturally. I wish some plot lines with the Ghuls and the Clank were more resolved. Now I'm going to be thinking about this zombie-like island with a lonely construct... But otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, and I look forward to the next story!

Thanks to Tor and NetGalley for the eARC in return for an honest review.

I very much enjoyed the continuing adventures of Lukan, Flea, and Ashra, and some other surprise return characters. I had just finished The Silverblood Promise when I saw that this title was available on NetGalley - hooray! It's so satisfying to read books like this back to back, but as another review said this one also ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. So if you have trouble waiting for the next installment, maybe wait awhile?!

Logan once again does a great job with worldbuilding and expands upon the depth of these already established characters. As one might expect, the plot once again involves the mysterious mystical Phaeron and their ancient, forgotten technology. Logan does a good job expanding on our in-world understanding of their influence in the "present day."

I would say this series does well to be compared with the Gentleman Bastards, but not so much Abercrombie (except for maybe the Shattered Sea series). So far this series lacks the grit of the First Law series, leaning more towards the loveable scamps getting their butts out of trouble side of things.

But all in all I really enjoyed this 2nd installment in the Last Legacy series and I can't wait to see where it goes next!

The Blackfire Blade by James Logan, a good well written book. Simply failed to capture my attention as the previous book did. I do think others will enjoy it and thank you for giving me a chance with this book.

I love this series. I liked how the characters grow and each have their time to shine. I did get irritated at the main character for his attitude in the beginning, but then he becomes loveable again. And Flea is just the best.

Thank you to @torbooks, @netgalley, and @jamesloganauthor for the ARC! Expected publication: October 23, 2025.

I’m honestly speechless. This book is everything I wanted and more, and if it’s any indication of what’s to come, this series is about to be huge. Reading it felt like stepping into a film—and not just watching it, but living it. The imagery is vivid, the world crisp with detail, and the stakes? Ice-sharp and sky-high.

We pick up right where the first book left off, and this time we’re swept away to Korslakov—a snow-drenched city of spires, secrets, and sinister alchemy. Lukan is chasing the truth behind his father’s death, but the journey is anything but simple. A mysterious thief, a stolen key, and a new cast of characters (who I loved) set the stage for an adventure full of murder, treachery, and strange science.

And Lady Marni? What a powerhouse. She’s enigmatic, dangerous, and delightfully unpredictable. Her hidden motives added a whole new layer of tension, and watching her clash and collude with Lukan and his friends was one of the book’s biggest joys.

In some ways, I think I liked this installment even more than the first. We’re free from the weight of setup, and the story charges ahead with thrilling momentum. I tore through the last chapters with my heart in my throat. And that ending?? If you’ve read the ARC, message me—because I have thoughts.

Everyone else: pre-order it. Borrow it. Beg a friend for it. (But pay for it if you can—we're not monsters.) Just read it. Trust me.

I liked this one more than the first because they are already a group on a mission, so a lot of intros are not necessary. The chapters present each character on their own doing their best, but the group dynamic is my favorite because Flea makes Lukan a better person. We had a lot of action, politics, intrigue, and society games, as well as humor with Lukan's thoughts. The general idea is that he needs a key to open a family vault and finally read his father's letter. The key gets stolen, and in trying to get it back, he unravels a major plotline with golems, dragons, and constructs, liars, secrets, mistakes, and redemption.
The cover is gorgeous.

I’ve been awaiting this book ever since I read THE SILVERBLOOD PROMISE a few months ago, and as soon as I got it, I blazed through it in a couple of days. Like its predecessor, this one has a fast plot that never lets up and leaves you eagerly awaiting the next one. It's got heists, political intrigues, arcane mysteries, and murder. Lukan gets himself into scrape after scrape but always has the wits (or the friends) to get himself out again. If I had one gripe (in the name of transparency), it’s that the plot structure feels like an episode of season 2 of THE MANDALORIAN. You know, where Mando needs something and spends the whole episode doing an unrelated side quest to get that thing at the end? However, the ride is so fun I didn’t really mind all that much. Best settle in, take it for what it is, and have a great time. All in all, a great read that I picked up whenever I had a spare moment.