The Element of Fire cover art

The Element of Fire

Ile-Rien Series, Book 1

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The Element of Fire

By: Martha Wells
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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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 Fantasy

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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Good narration, no complaints. The book reads like an action/adventure from multiple POVs, engaging but not too deep.

The story is set in a folklore-fantasy (Seely/Unseely fey) meets renaissance-era (matchlock guns and duelling swords in a royal court) world which I found delightful. All the flavour of court intrigue (those pesky plotting nobles) with human sorcery and fey magic mixed in. Familiar yet mystical, and a good job done to convey the maturity and depth of the world.

The plot was multifaceted and interesting. The characters had sensible motivations and satisfying arcs. I could sense a cohesive world outside of the local setting, lending weight despite not being a focal point (other nations, powers).

Recommended for a light read, I definitely enjoyed it. I would compare to: Curse of Chalion (Bujold), Ill-Made Mute (Thornton).

A light fantasy snack

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