I love the way Vashti writes, everything is so clear in my mind and I was totally transported to the Wide. During Firesong we discover that sapient animals are in danger, as to is our planet. Themes around the environment and doing what is right are central to this story. The first of the series Brightstorm is currently my favourite book. It was the book that made me love reading children's books and I've been looking forward to reading this installment since it was announced.

We have a new travelling companion for the Brightstorms and their crew, who stays with them much of the book. The niece of briefly appearing kings from BRIGHTSTORM make their exploratory duo a trio, a princess who'd much rather be exploring than learning to rule. It was so nice to have a new character join for a long stretch, add a new layer to the well-established dynamics. The final Brightstorm adventure came with much anticipation and Vashti Hardy certainly did not disappoint. I had real expectations and I loved every second of reading Firesong. Vashti Hardy is an absolute master of world building, putting the reader right inside the action with descriptions that feel so real I could imagine myself on a skyship right next to Arthur and Maudie. I love the conservation theme that shines through as the Brightstorm twins consider their impact on their world and the legacy their missions with leave. The plot was thrilling and twisting with so many moments I was screaming at the twins, wishing them to realise that dastardly Eudora Vane was so close to destroying them for good! The series has slowly focused more and more on protecting the world, exploring it to learn more to help conservation - and that theme is very apparent here. Illegal pitch mining is causing damage and a pro-human/anti-sapient animal group is gaining prominence. The Brightstorm twins aren't just in personal danger, but have to convince well-endowed groups to put aside their personal preferences and short-term gains for the good of all. We also spent more time in Lonton (the explorers, capital.) There is still plenty of exploration to be had, new locations to see (and lots of peril!) but the city got to shine (or rather, not!) this time around. To the point that we got a city map in addition to the continent maps!Growing up is never easy and for the twins that much is clear. They have grown together and grown apart and now they are in their teenage years, both are beginning to realise that they have significant differences. These differences are beginning to draw them apart and it was lovely to see their relationship dynamic explored and how they matured together. The sapient species are again incredibly vividly described and it is interesting to see how many people respond in fear to something they do not understand. Eudora Vane once more delights with her nefarious schemes – I do love a good villain. FIRESONG is the triumphant finale to this exploration-based trilogy full of flying ships, devious explorers (and good one!), and a world in need of protecting. Having headed south and east in previous books, this time we head to the volcanic north, where ice and fire meet! There's adventure, danger, and more of the fabulous world to explore.

Return to Vashti Hardy's "marvelously imagined" world ( Publisher's Weekly ) in this sweeping and propulsive new addition to the Brightstorm series. I received a review copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions. It really does not disappoint, ideally you should read all the books but Vashti is able to weave the past into the book enough to remind you of what happened previously.