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Paula Volsky, author of The White Tribunal, returns with a spectacular saga of adventure and intrigue, romance and rebellion -- beginning with a wondrous discovery that could forever alter the fate of the free world.... In the modern, civilized republic of Vonahr, the need for magic seems a thing of the past. But soon the Vonahrish will find that magic is their only hope -- for an imperialistic race of fanatics, intent on conquering the world, now masses on Vonahr's borders. Vonahr's slim chance for salvation lies in a nearby neutral kingdom, where a brilliant savant has conjured up the ultimate weapon: Sentient Fire, a miraculous flame that responds to the command of its maker. Low Hetz's mad, flamboyant king refuses to relinquish the secret -- so the desperate government of Vonahr sends the exquisitely beautiful adventurer Luzelle Devaire to turn his head and change his mind. But to gain an audience, Luzelle must win the Grand Ellipse, a test of endurance, ingenuity, and valor....… (more)
User reviews
Ms. Volsky has a superb imagination when it comes to creating an entertaining alternate universe, which she then proceeds to fill up with some rather two dimensional "stock" characters, beginning with and especially including the heroine of this novel, Luzelle Devaire. And often what seems to be the most important action is taking place elsewhere. As in, we've got an Around the World in Eighty Days analog going on, which is where 90% of the action takes place, while the Prussia-analog (Grewzland) is poised to overrun the world, including the France/Britain-analog of Vonahr. As in, best I can recall, Vonahr was France in Illusion and Britain in India in The Gates of Twilight. There's also a foolish king in what is (possibly) some sort of Dutch analog who has a pet magician who invents a sentient fire, another bit of ingenious plot display from Volsky. There's also a rather silly love triangle that isn't worth mentioning. The book does drag at various points, and the heroine seemingly goes from cynical woman of the world to coy ingenue by the end of the book, but overall a very solid work. Recommended.
Loved the world
A lot of the text was about her indecision between two suitors.