I am here for Meg Long’s SF worlds. After loving Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves, I was so excited for this companion novel. It’s action packed from beginning to end with heart and tension. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
After a mission gone awry two years ago, Remy Castell has been desperately searching across worlds to find the friend she failed to save—the friend who changed her life by helping her overcome the brainwashing she was subjected to as a genetically engineered corporate agent.
Since then, she’s been chasing the only lead she has: fellow genopath Kiran Lore, the same secretive ex-squadmate who left her for dead when she compromised that mission. She nearly caught up to him on Tundar before joining the infamous sled race alongside outcast Sena and her wolf companion Iska. Now, all three of them have tracked Kiran back to Maraas, the jungle planet where Remy lost everything. But nothing on Maraas is how it was two years ago. Syndicates and scavvers alike are now trying to overthrow a megalomaniac corpo director, which Remy wants nothing to do with; fighting against corpos is as useless as trying to stay dry in the middle of the giant hellstorm that encircles the planet. But the storm—and the rebellion—are growing stronger by the minute.
When Remy finds Kiran, he doesn’t run away like she expects. Instead, he offers her a deal: help with the revolution and he’ll reunite her with her friend. But can she really trust the boy who betrayed her once before? With the entire planet on the edge of all-out war, Remy will have to decide just how far she’s willing to go to save one girl before the impending storm drowns them all.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
So while Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame is a companion novel, to get the best experience I’d definitely read the first beforehand. Not only will it unlock things about the side characters which are worth it, but it will also give you a taste of what Remy’s been through recently. That being said, this sequel takes us in a different direction which I love! Is there a world Meg Long can’t write??
I immediately loved that not only is Remy thrown into hot water from the first page basically, but she’s also forced to confront her past. I think that often when we are trying so hard to run from the past, we end up on a treadmill. There comes a point when we have to face our past. To confront our mistakes, our regrets, and the chances to make peace with it. For ourselves. And for Remy, that is Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame.
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
I absolutely love the contrast between Remy’s current partner, and the re-emergence of her old one. The ways they differ, but also the ways in which they can call each other. This companion novel also explores the genopath concept more. Long introduces a question – if we ever have friends or are just using or being used – and applies science. It’s one of my favorite themes throughout the book. Additionally, I loved the idea of reckoning. Of personal sacrifice, rebellion, and what we are willing to do for the ones we love.
Overall,
Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame is full of betrayals and deals behind closed doors. It follows the thread of responsibility from end to end. We are forced to question not only our direct actions, but also our complacency. To examine our actions, and consequences, and be forced to deal with them. It’s also a story which puts the importance of free will at the forefront. How important choice is – and what it means to chose without knowledge. Find Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org, & The Book Depository.