Black Flames, Bright Twists
Kamalika_Reads 48
How I came to know about this book:
What the book is about :
The Black Flames is a fast-paced thriller that unfolds within the tight frame of a day and a half, proving that sometimes chaos does not need time but only the right spark. Ishita Nigam builds her narrative around Kiara, whose quiet retreat in a woodland cabin is violently interrupted when she witnesses an air crash right in front of her eyes. From that moment on, the story plunges headfirst into danger, secrets, and steadily escalating twists.
As events unravel, the plot pulls in Kiara’s parents, transforming what initially seems like a survival thriller into something far more layered. Family history, buried truths, and sudden revelations collide with the central mystery, keeping the pace brisk and the stakes high. The book rarely pauses for breath, and just when the reader thinks they’ve found solid ground, another twist waits around the corner.
What I have loved about the book :
What I particularly enjoyed was how the novel does not rely solely on suspense. Between the thrills, it weaves in strands of romance and family drama, adding emotional texture to an otherwise adrenaline-heavy narrative. These moments soften the sharp edges of the plot and give the characters space to feel human rather than merely functional pieces of a thriller puzzle.
The writing does its job well. The book is clean, engaging, and difficult to put down. The story moves with intent, and by the time it ends on a cliffhanger, I found myself wanting more. That sense of unfinished urgency works in the book’s favor, even if it leaves the reader slightly unsettled.
What I felt could have been better :
There were, however, aspects that didn’t fully convince me. The characterization of Kiara’s mother felt particularly hard to believe. She is portrayed as intensely dynamic and deeply involved, yet the narrative insists she was constantly present for Kiara and her brother throughout their lives, especially during their father’s absence. Balancing such a secretive, action-driven life with uninterrupted maternal presence strains credibility, and the novel does not entirely bridge that gap.
Another point of confusion lies in the very element that gives the book its title. The “black flames,” explained as being caused by sodium layering, did not feel meaningfully integrated into the story. While the visual idea is intriguing, the fascination with black fumes and their narrative significance remain underexplored. Given the prominence of the title, I expected the motif to carry more symbolic or functional weight in the plot.
Why one should read or not read this book:
Overall, The Black Flames is a decent and enjoyable read for thriller enthusiasts. If you are in the mood for a high-speed narrative involving secrets, science, and the tantalizing promise of an elixir for cancer, this book offers a gripping ride engaging enough to keep you turning pages till the very end.
Dive into the book at https://amzn.in/d/95P3M3s
Winter nights for me definitely callls for thriller or horror. What do you prefer more?
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