The Blackfire Blade

How do you push a story forward? One method used in movies is known as a MacGuffin, a meaningless plot device that someone must find that will drive all their intentions. It does not happen as often in literature, but in the case of The Blackfire Blade by James Logan it has one of the most Macgugginy MacGuffins I have ever seen in the form of a key that will open a family vault. Lukan Gardova and his allies will run all around the city of Korslakov looking for that key after Lukan loses it whilst drunk. A bit of a silly premise, but thankfully one that leads to a wonderful adventures. 

After the events of The Silverblood Promise, Lukan, Flea, and Astra find themselves in a cold city on the other side of the world. With his father’s key in hand, all Lukan must do is open the family vault to see what legacy has been left to him and find any clues about his father’s murder. However, this is Lukan and nothing flows easily when the key is robbed by a mysterious thief. Lukan will do anything to get that key back, and he is going to have to do a lot as old allies and enemies set him tasks to get closer to his goal. 

There is no denying that Blade is a fun piece of fantasy fiction. It has an old school sense of high adventure, with fun characters. It has its dark moments tonally, but it feels inspired by the classic Dungeon & Dragons tales of the 80s. This is reflected in the quipping characters and the easy banter they have. It is also reflected in the narrative, which does feel basic. The key, always just out of reach. The first two acts read like a series of fetch quests you would expect from a 90s point and click adventure; to get the key you need the helm, to get the helm you must first brew the potion, to brew the potion you must first visit the unicorn etc. etc. 

The good news is that all these mini adventures are good fun. We get to meet new characters and explore the city of Korslakov, but we also get to meet some returning characters who are given far more to do in this outing. 

The book is at its most satisfying as it draws to its conclusion. Korslakov is a society of haves and have-nots. Paradoxically Lukan has nothing, but his family ties give him access to high society; hence him being used as an errand for the rich and their dangerous tasks. One of the goals of high society is to open the mysterious door that leads into a mountain. No one has opened it yet, but via various backhanded methods and failed sabotages, someone is going to attempt it once more. This scene is an excellent one, one of the most enjoyable I have read in fantasy for a long time. 

Blade is a very entertaining fantasy novel that is witty and a breeze to read. It has violence but does not stray too far into Low Fantasy; it is more High. It is a book of excellent moments; a mission into part of the city filled with ghouls, discovery the origins of golems, a finale that stands up to any recent fantasy ending I have read recently. The only issue is some of the naivety in the structure; the key feels like a nonsense item that does nothing but drive the story in an unconvincing manner. I can forgive this, as the various adventures it leads to act like tasty short stories that any fantasy fan will enjoy.