by Brandon Sanderson
Series: Reckoners #2
Narrator: MacLeod Andrews
Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4
Newcago is free. They told David it was impossible, that even the Reckoners had never killed a High Epic. Yet Steelheart—invincible, immortal, unconquerable—is dead. And he died by David's hand. Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life simpler. Instead, it only made David realize he has questions. Big ones. And no one in Newcago can give him answers. Babylon Restored, the city formerly known as the borough of Manhattan, has possibilities, though. Ruled by the mysterious High Epic Regalia, Babylon Restored is flooded and miserable, but David is sure it's the path that will lead him to what he needs to find. Entering a city oppressed by a High Epic despot is risky, but David's willing to take the gamble. Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David's heart. A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived. Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic—Firefight. And now he will go on a quest darker and even more dangerous than the fight against Steelheart to find her, and to get his answers.
Firefight is the second book in the Reckoners series by Brandon Sanderson. I began reading this series, but after listening to the short story, Mitosis, I decided to switch formats. MacLeod Andrews does an awesome job of bringing the characters, particular David to life. If Superheroes and villains make you grin, then you will enjoy the post-apocalyptic world Sanderson has created.
David works with the Reckoners to take down Epics. Through a freaky burst in the sky known as Calamity, ordinary folks gained abilities and it turned most of them corrupt, in their quest for more power. While each book contains a single Epic battle, it is important to note that there is a strong overall arc. Therefore, I recommend these books be read in order of release.
In Firefight, the Reckoners team travels to Babylon Restored, the old borough of Manhattan. Here an Epic named Regalia rules. Regalia may be a tougher opponent than Steelheart with her clever cunning and mischievous schemes. David, Tia and Prof are busy trying to fight Epics and locate Regalia. David has ulterior motives for coming to the city though. Firefight is here and he believes he can help her. Prof and David do not see eye-to-eye causing friendships and the team to be tested.
David is a strong hero with this huge heart. He is passionate but this also causes him to be impulsive and naive. His outlook and willingness to risk for others makes him a hero you can truly root for. Prof is struggling, and despite bullheadedness, he and David make a great team. Tia is just crazy, but I adore the girl.
I loved Sanderson’s rendition of Manhattan. Babylon Restored was a huge underwater city where folks live on the rooftops. Through imagery, he brought the city to life. Here we battle Epics, but also learn more about them and Calamity. The overall arc development shared things that only increased my curiosity. Sanderson does a wonderful job with character growth particularly David’s.
Sanderson knows how to weave a tale and begins with a hook, then slows down to fill in the details and slowly builds to a frenzy. He weaves in twists and turns keeping the reader fully engaged. I enjoyed the unpredictability of the story. The geek in me loves the unique abilities and freaky gadgets. Sanderson’s ability to give the book equal measure ensures he delivers four and five cup rating. He weaves in humor, action, growth, cool characters and geeky goodness creating that perfectly blended tale.
MacLeod Andrews was a brilliant choice for this series and one of the reasons I switched formats. His audio rendition showed David’s frustration, fear, hope and exasperation. It was brilliant and I loved how he captured the snark, banter and quick wit of the characters. Each character had a distinct voice, and I felt he brought them to life. I would have liked a female narrator brought in for the female roles, but MacLeod held his own and did better than most when portraying the opposite sex.
Fans of Steelheart will find Firefight a welcome addition to the Reckoners series. Calamity the third novel is expected to be released in January of 2016. I for one cannot wait!
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia
It seems like this was a brilliant continuation to a series you already loved. Suddenly Brandon Sanderson’s name is popping up everywhere and his fantasy books sound awesome and exactly like the kind of book for me. So onto the TBR this goes!
kimbacaffeinate
He has written adult fantasy for years, but this young adult series has been very successful. For me it gives me my superhero fix 🙂
Micheline
I can’t wait to get my hands on this one. I’ve been thrilled by the positive reviews it’s been getting, as well as the praise for the new setting and characters ♥ The geek in me also loves the different abilities on display in this series so far! Can’t wait to compare notes when I finally get caught up here^^ Awesome review!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, it feeds my superhero fix
blodeuedd
I neeeed this one!
Candace
I’m glad you really enjoyed this one! I have the first on audiobook I believe.
Mary
Oh, I’m pretty darned excited about this one! I liked Steelheart and am curious as to where the author is going to take us in this one and the next (final?). And yay for geek gadgets and assorted geekery!
Stormi
I recently got the audio of the first book but I haven’t had a chance to get to it yet. I can’t wait to get started..one of these days. 🙂
Lauren
I’ve heard this narrator is great, I can’t wait to check this out on audio! I love this series, and Sanderson writes so suspensefully, I’m addicted! Lovely review 🙂
kim { Book Swoon }
I’m so eager to pick Firefight up! I felt just as you mentioned “Sanderson knows how to weave a tale and begins with a hook, then slows down to fill in the details and slowly builds to a frenzy” with Steelheart. I have the book, but boy, I’m tempted by the audio now.
Thanks for the lovely review, Kimba.
Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Cyn
I only skimmed the review, because I haven’t read it yet, but I’m soooo excited for it!! Happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review, Kim!
kindlemom1
This sounds like it would be a fun series, not sure if it would be for me since I do struggle a bit with these but..I don’t know, I kind of want to try it at the same time. 🙂
Red Iza
I see the name of that author everywhere, surrounded by lots of praise ! I must finally get to read him someday 🙂
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
MacLeod Andrews is brilliant! I just listened to three of his narrations in a row and they were all done perfectly. As for the book, I really loved David in this one. He is all heart. But the ending just about killed me. IT’s going to be a looooong year.
Bieke
I love superheroes so I absolutely want to read this series some day! 😀
Michelle
I loved Babylon Restored, such an awesome city to have action scenes and it sounded fairly cool to live in (you know other than having Epics everywhere). I can’t wait for book three!
Christy
I absolutely plan on reading this series, but I want to wait just a little longer so I can read them close together. But I’m so looking forward to it.