Book review of Soar

by L.R. Friedman (Author)

Updated at: 01/03/2025

In the electrifying conclusion to L.R. Friedman's The Blaze Legacy series, Aislin, Kyleigh, and Redmond face their ultimate test. Soar plunges readers into a final battle where everyone plays a crucial role. Aislin confronts the evil that haunts her, while Kyleigh grapples with the consequences of her actions and races to unlock ancient secrets. Redmond, reclaiming his villainous persona, seeks to understand Inverno's captives. As unexpected magic weaves a deadly plot, the Revered and their champions must fight to break free from the Enchantress's grasp and save Celaria from fiery destruction. This dark portal fantasy romance, brimming with magic, mythical creatures, and intense romance, is a thrilling culmination filled with high stakes and mature content.

4.8 / 20 ratings

Review Soar

Soar, the grand finale of The Blaze Legacy series, left me utterly breathless. It's difficult to articulate just how much this series, and this book in particular, means to me. From the very first page of the first book, I was completely captivated by L.R. Friedman's world-building. Celaria, with its intricate magic system, diverse mythical creatures, and deeply flawed yet utterly compelling characters, became a place I genuinely felt connected to. Saying goodbye to this world is bittersweet, like leaving a home I've grown to love.

Soar itself is a masterpiece of culmination. Friedman expertly weaves together all the dangling threads from the previous four books, creating a narrative tapestry that’s both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The final battle is epic in scope, filled with high-stakes confrontations and breathtaking displays of magical power. The descriptions are vivid, pulling you right into the heart of the action, making you feel the heat of the flames and the weight of the decisions facing our beloved characters.

What truly elevates Soar, and the entire series, is the depth of its characters. Aislin, Kyleigh, and Redmond, along with the rest of the found family they’ve built, are not simply archetypes; they're complex individuals grappling with their past traumas, their inner demons, and the immense responsibility thrust upon them. Their growth throughout the series is remarkable, their flaws making them all the more relatable and their triumphs all the more satisfying. The romantic relationships are equally compelling, filled with passion, vulnerability, and a genuine sense of devotion that transcends the typical tropes. The "delicious tension" and "spice" mentioned in the description are indeed present, but they feel earned and integral to the character dynamics, adding another layer to their already rich emotional journeys.

The ending itself is nothing short of perfect. Every character receives a resolution that feels both fitting and emotionally satisfying. While not every ending is a happily-ever-after in the traditional sense, the narrative provides a clear understanding of the choices made and their consequences, leaving the reader with a sense of closure and perhaps even a quiet sense of peace. The resolution felt incredibly earned, leaving no loose ends or unanswered questions, a rare and highly appreciated feat in fantasy series.

Beyond the plot and characters, I appreciated the attention to detail throughout the series. Little easter eggs and foreshadowing, cleverly woven into the previous books, pay off beautifully in Soar, adding another layer of richness and rewarding long-time readers. The emotional journey is intense; there are moments of heartbreak and tears, but ultimately, Soar is a story of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of love and found family. It’s a story that will stay with me long after I’ve finished reading. I wholeheartedly recommend The Blaze Legacy series, and Soar in particular, to anyone who loves dark fantasy romance with compelling characters, epic battles, and a satisfyingly poignant conclusion.