An Inkling of Flame, at its core, is a grounded, well-paced fantasy novella that very briefly tells the story of a found family facing imminent danger as they are recruited and sent to war.
Written from Layne's perspective, who is a hell-raiser and is telling the story in the present (frame narrative), there are particular nuggets that are really well done, little snippets of wisdom that one can only have if written in this way. And while this route is not my absolute favorite narrative wise, Steele does a great job of subtly reminding you of the present day without being overbearing.
The main conflict is foretold at the beginning, so that's not a surprise. Although, Steele does manage to hook you at the end with something I didn't expect that sets up the first true entry to the series, Whispers of the Storm.
The story itself is constructed well, being trimmed down to only the necessary, and it does as much in <30k words than I've seen in some entire novels. With the shortened length, I think there was a little less attachment than one could have in a novel to these side characters, however, that is to be expected. Overall, I think Steele did really well of delivering a compact narrative that perfectly sets up a larger story.
"We always talk good about the dead. The good is elevated, promoted to epic proportions. One quick joke is ballooned into a lifetime as a comedian. One noble deed is evidence of a saintly life. Our flaws are treated similarly, when they can be used for levity."
4.5/5⭐