Fire-Heart

Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #2

by C.S. Marks

A Tale of Alterra, The World That Is

This is the tale of Gorgon Elfhunter, a monstrous, mysterious creature who has sworn to destroy all the Elves of Alterra—until none remain. It is the story of Wood-elven heroine Gaelen Taldin, who has sworn to rid her world of the Elfhunter even as she is hunted by him. Filled with moments both tender and terrifying, thrilling yet thought-provoking, it is a timeless epic fantasy suitable for readers young and old.

In the Second of the Tales of Alterra, the World that Is…

…the Company embarks on a thousand-mile odyssey through vast lands both savage and civilized, where they encounter a great variety of strange, sometimes hostile people. Their eyes are opened to many wonders, but evil lurks at every turn as destiny takes them onto unexpected paths. Battling through blood, treachery, fire, and thirst, they reach a safe and peaceful haven only to face the ‘Scourge’—a terrible army of the worst dregs ever to roam the desert—and its nearly insurmountable weapon. Meanwhile, Gaelen of the Greatwood has summoned Gorgon Elfhunter to follow after her, knowing that the journey has only delayed their final reckoning. Should he find her, even the strength and will of the Fire-heart might not be enough!

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Adult Fiction

732 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2006

About the author

C.S. Marks has often been described as a ‘Renaissance woman’. The child of an English professor, Chris has always loved classic literature as well as epic fantasy, and decided to try her hand at writing and illustrating an epic series. The result: The very successful Elfhunter trilogy, which has sold over 40,000 copies both in print and e-book form. This epic trilogy has garnered awards (Reviewer’s Choice Best Fantasy, Best Series) and nearly 200 reviews. She is now hard at work on an exciting new Alterran series, the Undiscovered Realms.

A former field biologist and avid horsewoman, Chris holds a PhD in Biology, and has competed both nationally and internationally in the sport of endurance riding. She is a full professor of equine science at a small liberal arts college in the midwest. She is in demand as a lecturer and presenter at conventions, academic fairs, and publishing workshops.

While Chris has enjoyed an ample measure of success as an independent author, she is now looking forward to a long and productive relationship with Parthian Press, bringing her wonderful Tales of Alterra to an ever-widening group of appreciative readers of all ages.
Find Me On Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/Alterra.CSMarks

Find Me On Google+:
https://plus.google.com/b/10916002233...

Reviews

[S.T. Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone found her groove!

I’m going to have to go with four and a half stars for this fine piece of fantasy because it hit almost every note that is necessary in any good story.

As part two of C.S. Marks’ “A tale of Alterra, the world that is” series, Fire-Heart follows Elfhunter, which I stumbled upon after chatting with the author online. Since reading part one, and then winning part two in a mini contest, I just hadn’t gotten around to reading it.
I’m glad I did.

Writing style:
As stated above, Marks definitely found her groove with this one. Where Elfhunter held a nice narrative with interesting aspects of what was an inspired idea, part two managed to capture and effectively hold me throughout yet another quest through a world of elves, dwarfs and man. Where the narrative was almost stiff in some places in part one, Fire-Heart showed a tremendous growth in this author, whose “voice” relaxed and settled into a pleasant flow that steered me through Alterra on an exciting roller coaster ride.
Though there were some inevitable typos and repetitions, none of it took away my pleasure of reading this particular tale.
Concise and detailed in thoughts, appearances and actions, and sometimes wonderfully “old tongue” (if that makes any sense), Marks got it just right.

Setting:
If I were hard pressed to express a negative aspect of this story, I would have to voice a very personal opinion that I like this realm of man less than I did that of the elves. Though colorfully and even beautifully described, Fire-Heart lingers long within the deserts with all its perils and its often-time oppressive people. But such a thing is subjective, of course. Once they got to their final destination, I was in much better spirits.

Plot:
There are three, for as far as I could discern. Refreshingly straightforward and effective in every way: one quest, one rescue mission, and revenge (continuing on from the foundation that was laid in the first of the series). Fire-Heart, basically being three stories in one, kept me vastly entertained as the author led me capably from one plotline to the next.

Characters:
Like the writing style, Marks got her characters on the pages with a definite flair. Though likeable before (after a time) I had no trouble reacquainting myself with the hunter scouts Gaelen and Nelwyn who had found their loves in part one. Though an old enemy lurked in the back ground once more, both elves showed their loyalty and dedication as they traveled to a world unknown to them…as was in character.
Though there were plenty of familiar faces, Marks managed to insert a nice selection of new characters that kept everything interesting.
On the most part, it was a pleasure seeing the whole “company” back again, albeit through trials and tribulations that made me wonder if Marks was going to off one or two of them. Rather than spill the beans, let’s just say I had happy moments of relief and choked up moments along the way, and leave it at that.
Romantically speaking, Fire-Heart definitely suited more of my requirements than part one, that’s a fact. It was sweet, enduring and a wonderful additional ingredient in the tale.

The Villain:
There were several in fact. Gorgon from part one, of course; still harboring malice towards the poor company, and Gaelen, who has sworn vengeance upon him. Also a couple of new dangers to face, naturally, one of which a slimy traitor set on mischief and an evil dragon of old. Vastly entertaining, in a most villainous way. There were some changes I didn’t see coming in good ol’ Gorgon, but they do hold a promise for more in the next story of Alterra.

Violence:
Marks remained consistent in her descriptions of it, (detail, but tasteful) even though some of her characters appeared to be a bit more blood-lusty than I remember. Since it suited them (and the story) well, it didn’t bother me in the least.

Conclusion:
If you liked Elfhunter, you’ll undoubtedly love Fire-Heart. If you didn’t like the first, I think you should give this one a shot anyway, just to make sure if Marks’ style doesn’t grow on you after all. I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who is in the mood to submerge into a fantasy world that is an absolute pleasure to travel through.

My last and only real grievance with Marks’ Alterra series is definitely that I will just have to buy part three now as well. Darn it!

[Kevis Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, although I thoroughly enjoyed reading Elfhunter, nothing could have prepared me for the epic that is Fire-heart. This book is an epic in every sense of the word: larger than life, featuring a cast of thousands, frighteningly intense, and utterly unforgettable. Not only are the stakes higher than they were in Elfhunter, but they are more personal too, making the battles fought within its pages even more desperate than what is typical for this kind of fiction.

Few fantasy books have bestowed upon me such wonder of the sheer scope of its storytelling. Fire-heart not only rises beyond the Tolkienesque charm of its predecessor, but rightfully stakes its claim as a hallmark in the lexicon of fantasy literature.

It is both difficult and daunting to try to imagine the effort that went into creating this tale. It is neither brief, nor given over to flights of fancy. There is a purpose to this tale that drives it ferociously to its bitter-sweet conclusion.

Many middle chapters of trilogies suffer from lack of author foresight. Like all the great sagas, Fire-heart is but the second movement in a grand opera. And its performers are now iconic figures furiously pitted against one another in the battle between good and evil. Sides are chosen and there is no threat of compromise between the opposing forces.

Fire-heart picks up from where Elfhunter left off, reintroducing us to the members of The Company, a motley band of heroes united in their struggle against the dreaded Gorgon Elfhunter. However, Gorgon was terribly wounded in his last fray with The Company and has taken a respite to regain his strength. The Elven Hunter-scout Gaelen Taldin decides to follow her human companion Orogond Thaylon on his quest to find his brother Hallagond, who was separated from him at childhood. Joining them on this quest is the remainder of The Company: the ageless Elves, Galador and Nelwyn, Fima the Dwarf, the human ranger Thorndil, and of course, a coterie of very charismatic horses.

But this is no light quest. The search for Hallagond will take The Company through strange and perilous lands and test their mettle in ways they cannot imagine. All the while, Gorgon is plotting his fiendish revenge against The Company. And this time, it will take more than luck or skill or even magic for The Company to survive the threats mounting against them.

For most of the reading of Fire-heart, my mouth was left open, eyes wide, and brow furrowed, a helpless captive to the drama unfolding within the pages of this book. Fire-heart is a throwback to the great fantasy tales of old, marrying a contemporary sensibility with its roots firmly planted in the classics. I can't help but believe that Fire-heart is the kind of book that Lewis, Tolkien, Dunsany, and Melville would have read in front of the fireplace voraciously devouring every page with childlike delight. I know I did (minus the fireplace)!

Fire-heart by C.S. Marks is highly recommended, and in my humble opinion, a must-read. Now on to Ravenshade!

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sequel to the first one, Elfhunter, and my favorite out of the three. There are new characters added and they're just as well done as the others. By the time this book is over, you really feel like you know all the charaters, a special feeling that doesn't happen all the time.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having completed the first book in the Alterra series, I was worried for the cast of characters which make up The Company. It wasn't a difficult decision to purchase this book in order to find out what happened since the great battle between the Elfhunter and the army of elves who call the Greatwood home. As with the first book, there was a core group of characters and many of them were introduced in the first book. Yet, this book did a wonderful job of reintroducing those familiar characters without dumping a lot of information into the story at hand. Though this book is the second within the series, the story within helped the book stand on its own so that you needn't have read the first to enjoy it. I would recommend reading the first one as it was a really good read as well.

The story built upon much of what occurred in the previous one but went a different direction than I expected. I was fully prepared for Gaelen and her merry band of companions to pick up the hunt for the Elfhunter in order to end the sense of doom hanging over them. I felt surprised when the story took the group on a quest centered around Rogond and his thirst for knowledge of his family. This quest led them to a region of the world of Alterra that I didn't know existed. It was exciting to experience the new realm alongside the elves who had never been out of the northern lands either. There were many things in the southern lands that the reader may recognize in the world today. I thought it was an interesting twist to combine the real world with Alterra, bringing more life to the world and the characters themselves by doing so.

Action took a little while to get into, but stayed steady until the very last word. There was a steady build-up of excitement as one thing after another befell The Company. Much of the trouble they experienced was forced upon them instead of the usual bringing it upon themselves. For me, this made some of what happened hard to read and at a couple of points, I really had to muster through. My perseverance paid off when the climax of the book happened and much of the resolution gladdened my heart. I say much because there was a door left open that left me wanting more. I will find the answers!

I very much enjoyed this book. It was a great continuation of events that took place within Elfhunter, the first book of the series, but it stood on its own two pages as well. Seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones that played important roles helped to give the book an engaging atmosphere. I feel like many of them are my old friends by now, including the horses which never failed to make me laugh with their antics. They were very much part of the story in both of the books. If you love a good, action-packed, fantasy tale with various species and unexplored lands, I'd say this is the book for you.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire Heart picks up straight after Elfhunter and continues the saga of the she-elves of the Greatwood - Gaelen and Nelwyn. As with the first book, this one is written well and paced so that you gradually learn about new characters and come to know them as the main characters do.

Again, there is a good balance between combat and narrative, you really get a sense of the world of Alterra and see once more the similarities between it and our world. Certain stereotypes appear, but this isn't a bad thing - if someone says elf in the context of a fantasy novel you expect a certain thing and would be most disgruntled if the author started using normal conventions for other things.

Unlike a lot of trilogy:part 2 books, Fire Heart doesn't really suffer from the feeling of tying up the loose ends of part 1 while preparing for part 3. There is still the underlying story continued from Elfhunter and it does lead nicely into Ravenshade, but there is no rushed feeling. There is a solid story to Fire Heart that is allowed to move on and progress without interfering with (or being interfered by) the core storyline of the trilogy and as it moves on you learn more about the major characters and what drives them and why.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fire-Heart: A Tale of Alterra, The World That Is is book two of the trilogy, and it continues the main quest to destroy Gorgon Elfhunter, sworn enemy and menace to all Elven people. This installment includes a side quest to find Orogon's brother, and it takes the company to the far southern reaches of Altera - a hot, unbearable stretch of desert.

As with the first book, this is a long story with many adventures along the way, but you always have the feeling Gaelen, Nelwyn, and the rest of the company will find a means to overcome any adversity.

I think this is a good young adult epic fantasy series, and since it features strong female characters, I think it would be a great choice for girls to read. There is some swordplay, very little of what people would think of magic, but a lot of friendship, love, and devotion between the members of the company to accomplish their mission.

[Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been my experience that books that ramble five-hundred pages or more contain good three- to four-hundred page stories. The rest is unnecessary filler, both distracting and boring. Fire-Heart, weighing in at seven-hundred pages, is one of the few exceptions to that observation. C.S. Marks packs every page with story driving excitement.

In this adventure, we follow The Company southward into lands both unfamiliar and dangerous to the heroes and heroines as they search for Orogond's wayward brother. Marks proves to be a very adept Lore-master and story-teller as she guides the reader through the many trials that face The Company on their way to the page-turning climax of the tale.

Needless to state, I highly recommend this book. It is well worth the read and its size affords the reader some exercise as they immerse themselves into the world of Alterra.

[Mommasaysread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am one lucky lady I received an advanced review copy of Fire-heart from C.S. Marks and could not put this book down. I loved Elfhunter, the Company is so incredibly endearing and being able to spend time with them again was wonderful.

Marks really brings the intensity in this one addressing so many different social issues and how Gaelen and Nelwyn approach some very difficult situations. It is masterfully written and conveys and incredible amount of emotion, strife and triumph. Gorgon of course is still lurking in the background, waiting to strike, waiting for the right opportunity so there is plenty of tension and worry for the members of the company beyond their typical peril faced by doing good while exploring and trying to find Hallagond Rogond’s brother.

If you loved Elfhunter, Fire-heart will not disappoint!

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Company embarks on a thousand-mile odyssey through vast lands both savage and civilized, where they encounter a great variety of strange, sometimes hostile people. Their eyes are opened to many wonders, but evil lurks at every turn as destiny takes them onto unexpected paths. Battling through blood, treachery, fire, and thirst, they must ultimately face the "Scourge"—a terrible army of the worst dregs ever to roam the desert—and its nearly insurmountable weapon. Meanwhile, Gaelen of the Greatwood has summoned Gorgon Elfhunter to follow after her, knowing that the journey has only delayed their final reckoning. Should he find her, even the strength and will of the Fire-heart might not be enough!
This is a great series, I can't wait to start the next book. *I love the length of these books, I know they will last for awhile. Great Reading Everyone.

[pdarnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories like this! Action, adventure, some terror, war, friendships and a wonderful world to explore. From the northern mountains to the southern desert lands a tale of family ties and friendships gained and lost. So much happens within this story it's difficult to begin reviewing without giving away anything. It made me laugh out loud many times and cry. I both love and hate when a book makes me cry. Being a wearer of glasses it's tough to continue reading when tears are smearing the lenses!!!! The ebook format I read was in need of some editing, but not enough for me to boohoo it. I end this with one warning, have book 3 on hand when you complete this story if your of the personality that can't handle a cliff hanger.

[Idgie Boulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Fire King for the second time, and i enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it. I have had the good fortune to read all of C.S. Marks' books, and have loved them all.
The Fire King is the story of a great elven king, Aincor, known as the Fire Heart. It's a story about good versus evil. It's a story about being fearless and stubborn, and the consequences of living life that way. It's a story of great sacrifice.
Even though this is a novella, I felt like I got to know the characters well enough, that my eyes were not dry at the end. I was surprised with the ending, and totally enjoyed the ride. :D

[David Seymour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read this book for several years now and finally received it as a present. The book immediately takes a different path than I expected from the last book. For the first half of the book I wondered where the story was going but, looking back on it, can see some of the reasons. I like the characters best. In particular the dwarf Fima seems like someone I would like to meet in person. Throughout the book there are moments that leave to thinking about things in life. I plan on reading the last book in the trilogy, Ravenshade.

[Marta Scheiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long trilogy

Although I really like all the characters in this trilogy, I think it has too many adventures and secondary characters to each that call for so many lengthy descriptions that I found it tiresome, at times I wished that I could just skip pages, but of course I didn't. I do love the main story, the main characters and the main horses. I found it both likeable and frustrating to read what the horses were talking about, but that was only because the books were already so long. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely.

[Ben & Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found I really enjoyed this part of the story. Ms Marks has woven into Alterra a recognizable - but unusual - desert region with much of the flavor of the medieval middle east. Cultures we don't often explore within the fantasy epic add new spices to the developing relationships of the protagonists. We get to meet some new characters (and say goodbye to a few). I'm very glad that I have book 3 on my shelf already - as there is definitely unfinished business (cliffhanger ending alert).

[Giovanni Ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthy read

This book was very good. While it was slightly long and drug at parts, the characters are really developed and the story is interesting. I also liked how the book examined gender roles and freedom of speech and expression. The main thing this book lacked that book 1 had was Gorgon Elfhunter. He was not as prominent in this book. His "relationship" with the Eólo Gelmyr is fascinating.

[Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 Stars

Fire-heart, the second book of Alterra and a very very good one. The desert part is a little long-drawn, but apart from that it is a beautiful tale and it will probably have you in tears at the end.

It is a fantasy series I can't recommend enough. I return to Alterra again and again and again..

[Elizabeth Sortore · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Anya]

I think that this is an awesome book and one definitely worth reading

[Laura Lond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent fantasy, just as good as the 1st book, maybe even better. :)

[Clarence Champ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not like it as much as the first one. Seemed to lose the main plot that the first book created.

[Dick Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great book with a story line that will keep you reading to the very end.

[Lamar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starts with elfhunter, excellent series

[Mary Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the Elfhunter trilogy. Much darker than the first, far more battles.