R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 10/15/2013 + 1438 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

When I read Firethorn I thought it was one of the most creative and interesting reads I'd found for some time. This story was a first from an author who had held the tale next to her heart for years until she put it onto paper writing, rewriting and at last completing it to share with those who love fantasy. Now she has given us the second in the series, Wildfire, which takes the reader on very different but just as creative a journey with the willful Firethorn. She follows her lover, Sire Galen, into war. En route to join him, she is struck by lightning which leaves her unable to communicate in any meaningful way because her language is so addled. Nevertheless, Sire Galen treasures and holds her close to his heart.

As a healer, Firethorn helps many, including a friend who dies in childbirth. At this point she is captured by the enemy. The enemy flees across the mountains in the midst of winter. The king leading the army finds himself seeking shelter with his wife's relatives whose welcome is lukewarm at best and perilous at other times. Meanwhile, Firethorn finds herself learning a new language and becoming immersed in a different culture.

The story is complex and surprising in many ways. Firethorn becomes the lowest of the lowest among the population, raises up to become a respected prostitute only to be cast down again. It's a long read which could perhaps have been aided by some skillful editing. Still I found myself walking beside Firethorn and feeling what she felt. Will she ever find Sire Galen again? The answer waits for the next tale. Yes, I do plan to read the next in the series when Micklem shares it with us.

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