Blackflame
4.7 | 16,047 ratings
Price: 19.27
Last update: 02-23-2026
Product details
- Book 3 of 12 : Cradle
- Listening Length : 11 hours and 10 minutes
- Author : Will Wight
- Narrator : Travis Baldree
- Publication date : September 25, 2019
- Language : English
- Publisher : Audible Studios
- ASIN : B07XLNN7BT
- Version : Unabridged
- Program Type : Audiobook
- Best Sellers Rank:#497 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
- PC-compatible Games
- Sword & Sorcery Fantasy (Books)
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- Customer Reviews:4.74.7 out of 5 stars(16,047)
Top reviews from the United States
- Calvin ParkBlockbuster Fantasy at its BestBlackflame is an incredible fusion of eastern and western ideas. In the third installment of Will Wight’s Cradle series it’s obvious that the author not only loves this world and the characters but is also comfortable enough with them to truly begin spreading his wings. Whether you are a fan of xianxia tales or a complete newbie to the subgenre, Blackflame will entertain you and make you love the characters Wight has crafted.
By the time you get to a third book in a series things can begin to feel formulaic, or at least slightly stale. Wight largely manages to avoid those feelings. He does this by continuing to reveal more about the setting while continuing to offer intriguing mysteries. There is a lot going on in Blackflame from a worldbuilding perspective. It would be easy for this to feel overwhelming, yet somehow Wight ensures that it all feels authentic. As Lindon learns more about his world, Iteration 110 Cradle, we are learning right along with him. This keeps things feeling fresh, which is impressive. Lindon continues to be an underdog in this world, and you’d think that would be wearing thin as well, and yet Wight weaves his story with such skill that—far from wearing thin—it feels quite expected and real for Lindon to continue having the struggles he is having. Wight’s ability to interweave world building and fascinating, deep characters is second to none. Blackflame has world building depth that could give Brandon Sanderson or George R.R. Martin a run for their money, but it’s all packed into a quick read that is fast-paced with little to no down time. Not only is the world building impressive, Wight is really flexing his character muscles in this one, as we begin learning more about both Yerin and Eithan. Not only this, but Wight has given us an interesting, multi-faceted antagonist in Jai Long. All of these are wrapped up in a story that has more than a few twists in it.
If any criticism can be offered for this book, it’s that it definitely feels like it’s part of a series. While the read was satisfying, it certainly didn’t have a self-contained plot, and plenty of threads are left hanging. It’s hardly fair to expect otherwise in a middle book, and yet I do think Wight might have been able to do a little more to give this book its own internal arc.
If you enjoy hopeful fantasy with a blockbuster style, Blackflame will be right up your alley. It’s got all the items you’d expect in a Will Wight book, a fun magic system, deep characters, and complex world building all held together in an excellently paced story that keeps the pages turning. If you haven’t given Wight’s Cradle series a go yet, do yourself a favor and pick up the first book, Unsouled as soon as you can.
4.6/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing - QuinnRead the Cradle series. You won't regret it.What you need to know about the Cradle series: 1) Blackflame and its two predecessors are fantastic (You will enjoy reading these books and may reread them just because) I have personally read each 4+ times. Why so many? Because it is a fun, quick read between other activities and it doesn't weigh me down like other books might. 2) The magic system has some depth to it and it is different than most of the other systems that you find in western literature. Perhaps more importantly, the system is visually appealing to the minds eye and is well explained. Power creep may be a small issue, but it is compensated for by a diverse world 3) The characters pop ... they each have a personality of their own and it infuses the world with depth. Yerin, Eithan, and Lindon each have their own quirks and oddities, but you will love them all. 4) The books so far have been rather clean in the content area. IE. Little swearing, nudity etc. Violence is moderate. I really appreciate this as the book doesn't lean on the crutch of sex and violence. 5) The world is vibrant. The main settings for each book are varied and well described. 6) The book is well edited, for a kindle book. There are a few errors, but nothing that will slow you down.
The negatives: Power creep is a possible problem. The main character tends to jump in leaps and bounds. But less so than many other series that I have seen. Timelines (and powers) are expedited to move the story rather than abilities are gained just to beat the obstacle of the moment.
Actually, the series that I would compare this to is the Belgariad. It is a fun, light read that doesn't get caught up on mountains of detail or super complex characters and situations.
Once I finished the books, I recommended them to my best friend, by brother and brother-in-law. I also recommend the books to you.