Book Review: The Torch that Ignites the Stars (Arcane Ascension #3) by Andrew Rowe
As a longtime fan of Andrew Rowe, I was eagerly awaiting the release of The Torch that Ignites the Stars. His previous works, particularly How to Defeat a Demon King and Sufficiently Advanced Magic, have left a lasting impression on me. Rowe has a knack for blending intricate world-building with relatable characters, and I often find myself recommending his books to friends who crave a mix of fantasy and adventure. However, while I approached this latest installment with excitement, I must admit to feeling a twinge of disappointment as I navigated its twists and turns.
In this third book of the Arcane Ascension series, we follow the familiar journey of Corin as he grapples with magical challenges and the weight of expectation that comes with potential greatness. A standout element for me was the imaginative enchanting projects Corin explores early on, which felt both relevant and promising. Yet, I found it frustrating that these plot threads fizzled out, as the focus shifted away from these innovative ideas, leaving me yearning for their revisitation.
Patrick’s character, meanwhile, started to resonate with the sense of neglect that one might feel when sidelined. His diminished relevance felt like a metaphor for friendships that drift without nurturing, which was unfortunate given how much I had appreciated his character in earlier books. It became apparent to me that some characters were used more as plot devices than as multi-dimensional players in the tale, which left a hollow feeling in the story’s core.
The plot took some curious turns that left me scratching my head, particularly with Sera. Initially a character I found intriguing, her arc became troublesome for me. The sheer amount of "luck" and power-ups she experiences felt disproportionate, almost as if Rowe were diverting attention away from Corin. This contributed to a growing frustration as I observed her focusing on her own gains while pushing Corin aside. It felt like I was rooting for the underdog only to see him overshadowed by someone whose selfishness became increasingly grating.
One of the most perplexing moments came with Researcher’s ability to copy books remotely—a powerful tool that screamed for more exploration, yet was barely acknowledged afterward. How tantalizing would it have been if Researcher had been summoned to help uncover vital magical lore? This inconsistency made me question the cohesion of the plot and whether it was simply a temporary filler that would set up future volumes.
Rowe’s writing style remains engaging, full of humor and warmth, making it easy to dive into the world he crafts. However, I couldn’t help but feel that some narrative threads were underdeveloped, leaving gaps that detracted from the overall experience.
In conclusion, while The Torch that Ignites the Stars offers a unique blend of adventure and clever world-building that Rowe is known for, it suffers from pacing issues and character inconsistencies that hinder the overall narrative effectiveness. Fans of the series may find value in seeing familiar faces, but I would caution new readers to start with the earlier books in the series first. Despite my critiques, I remain hopeful for the next installment and the potential for growth and better character arcs. It leaves me pondering: can a series regain its footing after a stumble, or does it echo into the stars unfulfilled? I guess we shall see.
Discover more about The Torch that Ignites the Stars (Arcane Ascension, #3) on GoodReads >>