The First Flame (The Aerimander Chronicles Book 2) by Lily Berlin Dodd

What worked:

The same main characters from the first book regroup to save an aerimander from danger. Aerimanders will remind readers of dragons, and the main one in this story is Rubi. Dusty and Eva guarded her egg until she hatched, and they still have a connection with her. Eva and Dusty can sense when the aerimander is near, which comes in handy when they try to locate Rubi in the mountains. The story takes a surprising turn when the characters finally locate her, or rather, Rubi finds them.

Dusty, Eva, and Myrna bring contrasting talents to the story. Dusty grew up in an orphanage before escaping, so he has street smarts and physical skills the others lack. He has other abilities and connections thanks to his time in the Thieves Guild. Eva is book-smart and outspoken, so don’t expect her to hold her tongue. She has a keen eye for details and a talent for creativity. Readers find her in a reformatory for problem girls when she enters this story. Myrna is Eva’s best friend, and her strengths are planning and a sensitivity to nature. Eva is rescued from the reformatory thanks to Myrna’s step-by-step plans.

Several elements of the plot will have readers wondering about upcoming events. Myrna is not immune to aerimander flame, like Dusty and Eva, so it’s dangerous for her to be around them. Eoin Parnassus, the story’s evil antagonist, is searching for Rubi and wants to use her as a weapon. He’s nearing the mountains where Rubi is hiding, and he’s dragging a heavy box along with him. It’s obviously not good news, but what is in the box? Dusty, Eva, and Myrna discover people secretly living in the mountains, and the three kids pass a test to join their school. They’ll learn common school topics, but they’ll learn all about the aerimanders. However, these people seem to know everything about the trio, and Eva wonders how that’s possible. There’s a huge secret they’re not being told.

What didn’t work as well:

Rubi’s size may be confusing. On one hand, Dusty can carry her in his arms, but later she picks him up and flies him away to safety. There’s also a scene later in the book where Dusty and Eva wear a protective covering to complete a ceremony. However, Myrna later walks the same path without the same protection. Confusing. However, overall, this is a solid book.

The final verdict:

Readers should begin with the first book, The Last Ember, to fully understand the backstory. I recommend it for lovers of dragons and adventure.