 |
A struggle has been ongoing for ages between the forces of light and dark, between the God Nür and the Dark Lord Modórtus. To avenge his expulsion by Nür, Modórtus unleashed a curse upon the children of Wynwa, which led to vampires running amok and a tyrannical reign by the Vampire Emperor. By the time of the Seventh Age, the Vampire Emperor was gone, and order had been restored, yet there was a sense of unease even in peace.
Eäolir is a Voräkin who will take any mission, as long as the price is right. Voräkines are known as mercenaries, not killers for hire. A one-time mission to help find missing woodsmen soon leads Eäolir to Wandöra, a member of the Crimson Flame Order. Despite his initial intent to move on upon his mission's completion, Eäolir finds himself drawn into the cause of the Crimson Flame Order and finds himself feeling closer to the beautiful Wandöra.
A soldier for hire and an aspiring warrior travel through magical and dangerous locales in this epic fantasy tale. The Crimson Flame Knights are the steadfast defenders of the good and righteous in the kingdom of Aerwa. There are those who view Voräkines such as Eäolir with suspicion, hired guns whose loyalty hinges on who pays the higher bounty. Eäolir possesses certain "Han Solo" type qualities which confirm these stereotypes, yet money is not his sole motivation. Whereas Eäolir's strength is unquestionable and desired, Wandöra is an aspiring warrior who believes her place is out in the field. The chemistry that exists between the two helps drive much of this entertaining saga, which proves hard to put down once started. An inspired fantasy epic with appealing characters, exotic lands, and exhilarating action, this is a novel not to pass up.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review