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The Element of Fire

Ile-Rien Series, Book 1

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About this listen

The kingdom of Ile-Rien lies in peril, menaced by sorcerous threats and devious court intrigues. As the weak King Roland, flattered and misled by treacherous companions, rules the country, only his ruthless mother, the Dowager Queen Ravenna, guards the safety of the realm. But now rumors arise that Urbain Grandier, the dark master of scientific sorcery, has arrived to plot against the throne. And Kade, bastard sister of King Roland, appears unexpectedly at court. The illegitimate daughter of the old king and the Queen of Air and Darkness herself, Kade's true desires are cloaked in mystery. Is she in league with the wizard Grandier, or is she laying claim to the throne? It falls to Thomas Boniface, Captain of the Queen's Guard and Ravenna's former lover, to sort out who is friend and who is foe in a deadly game to keep the Dowager Queen and the kingdom she loves from harm. But is one man's steel enough to counter all the magic of fayre?

©1993 Martha Wells (P)2013 Tantor Classics Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Magic Royalty

Critic reviews

"Skillfully blending the fantastical and the mundane, Wells delights with deft and sympathetic characterization while demonstrating a fine touch for adventure." ( Publishers Weekly)
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2 main characters that grew on you, was a bit dismayed at a certain predictable story line, but got over it.

interesting world

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I found the story a little hard to follow at first, but as it unfolded details didn’t really matter, everything made sense nonetheless.

Unexpectedly good.

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Sorcery, Fae and court politics loved it.

Great narration again from Derek Perkins I hope he does more fantasy novels.

Fantastic Adventure

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Fast-paced action from the get-go, not a difficult plot but good.fun and a great narrator. Not a deep, complex book. This is one if you want pure escapism that won't tax the brain cells but won't bore you either. Derek Perkins is a fabulous narrator, reading intelligently, at a good pace and with a fine array of character voices. Really enjoyed this one.

Fantasy fun.

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It took some time to get into the story trying to work out who was who. overall it was good but I probably won't continue the trilogy.

the element of fire

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