Fireblood: The Frostblood Saga, Book 2 Elly Blake – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Fireblood: The Frostblood Saga, Book 2 Elly Blake

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2018

72%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Fire vs. ice magic, a love triangle, and a bloodthirsty demon—YA fantasy comfort food with decent world-building and nonstop action.

Fireblood: The Frostblood Saga, Book 2 Elly Blake

book

2018

72%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Fire vs. ice magic, a love triangle, and a bloodthirsty demon—YA fantasy comfort food with decent world-building and nonstop action.

4.6

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Screenwise Verdict

Fireblood is solid, entertaining YA fantasy that doesn't reinvent the wheel but executes the formula well. Ruby's journey into Fireblood territory expands the world in satisfying ways, and the elemental magic system keeps things visually interesting. The trials structure gives the plot momentum, and the looming Minax threat adds urgency.

That said, this is comfort food, not a literary feast. The love triangle is predictable YA fare, and while Ruby's internal conflict about trust and loyalty has potential, it often takes a backseat to action sequences and romantic tension. Common Sense Media confirms the violence is present but not gratuitous—think magic blasts and sword fights, not gore.

It's a great pick for kids who need a page-turner to stay engaged, and the 4.6 Amazon rating suggests readers are having fun. Not groundbreaking, but a reliable pick for fantasy fans in the 12-15 range who want adventure, romance, and a heroine learning to control her power.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-16, the sweet spot for YA fantasy with romance and action. Confident 10-11 year olds who've read similar series (Throne of Glass lite, Percy Jackson grads) could handle it, but the love triangle and combat might feel older than typical middle-grade.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Ruby's journey involves loyalty, tough choices between duty and love, and mastering her powers through discipline. The love triangle adds romantic tension but stays age-appropriate. Some emotional complexity around trust and betrayal, but models perseverance and courage. No gratuitous content, though the stakes are high and relationships are tested.

Imaginative

The fire-and-ice magic system is visually compelling, and the expansion into Sudesia (the Fireblood homeland) adds world-building depth. The trials to gain the Fireblood queen's trust offer creative challenges. The Minax as a bloodthirsty entity haunting the kingdom is a solid fantasy hook. Not groundbreaking in YA fantasy terms, but solid execution of elemental magic and political intrigue.

Safe

Common Sense Media notes fighting with frost/fire magic, some swords and daggers, and some deaths—but only injuries to main characters. Less arena violence than the first book. No sexual content, minimal romance (sparks fly but stays PG). The Minax is a threatening supernatural force but not gratuitously gory. Age-appropriate for the teen audience it targets, though younger sensitive readers might find the combat and death scenes intense.

Enriching

Explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the cost of power. Ruby must master her abilities through structured trials, which models discipline and growth. The political tension between kingdoms and the moral complexity of choosing whom to trust offer some depth. However, it's primarily plot-driven YA fantasy—entertaining and engaging, but not particularly thought-provoking beyond standard genre fare. The love triangle is a distraction from deeper themes.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fast-paced and action-packed—the series is noted as great for reluctant readers who need constant momentum
Elemental magic system is visually engaging, and the expansion into Fireblood culture adds depth to the world
Ruby's trials to prove herself offer structure and a sense of earned growth, not just random power-ups
Strong 4.6 Amazon rating suggests readers genuinely enjoy the ride
Appeals to both boys and girls, which is always a win for family libraries

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What to Watch For

Magic combat includes deaths (though not gratuitously described) and injuries—fine for most teens, but younger or sensitive kids might find it intense
The love triangle (Arcus vs. Kai) is a classic YA trope that some readers will eat up and others will roll their eyes at
This is book 2, so you'll want to read Frostblood first or you'll be lost on who the Frost King was and why Ruby matters

Conversation Starters

"Ruby has to choose between her homeland and the person she loves. Have you ever had to choose between two things that both mattered a lot to you?"
"The Fireblood queen doesn't trust Ruby at first. Why do you think trust has to be earned, especially between people from different backgrounds?"
"Ruby's fire powers are dangerous but also part of who she is. What's something about yourself that feels powerful but also a little scary to control?"
"If you could have fire powers or ice powers, which would you pick and why?"

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