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The Queen's Quarter #3
Beldan's Fire
Two hundred years ago, the Fire Queen destroyed her rival queens of Earth, Air, and Water in the fateful Burning and took power over Oran. No child with a trace of the elemental magic was allowed to live. Years later, the country still trembles under her oppression. But now there are rumors of hope. Four young women escaped—, four who have the powers of Earth, Fire, Water, and Air—, and are even now finding each other. At the same time, a ragtag army of artists and singers, orphans and vagrants, thieves and knifewielders is stealing into the city. Their sign is the bloodred, blade-thin New Moon . . .
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 15, 1993
9 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Midori Snyder
47 books88 followersMidori Snyder is the author of eight books for children and adults, published in English, French, and Dutch. She won the Mythopoeic Award for The Innamorati, a novel inspired by early Roman myth and the Italian "Commedia dell'Arte" tradition. Other novels include The Flight of Michael McBride (a mythic western), Soulstring (a lyrical fairy tale), The Oran Trilogy: New Moon, Sadar's Keep, and Beldan's Fire (imaginary-world fantasy, recently re-published in Vikings's Firebird line), and Hannah's Garden (a contemporary faery novel for young adults). Except the Queen, a novel written in collaboration with Jane Yolen is forthcoming in 2010.
Her short stories have appeared in numerous venues including the The Armless Maiden; Black Thorn, White Rose; Xanadu III; Swan Sister; Borderland; and The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror. Recent stories have appeared in Young Adult anthologies, The Greenman, Tales From the Mythic Forest and Troll's Eye View, A Book of Villianous Tales. Her nonfiction has appeared in Realms of Fantasy and other magazines, and in essay collections including Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Women Writers Explore Their Favorite Fairy Tales.
In addition to writing, she co-directs The Endicott Studio for Mythic Arts with Terri Winding. She co-edited and designed the online Journal of Mythic Arts from 2003 - 2008; and she served as chairwoman on the judges' panel for the 2007 James Tiptree, Jr. Awards.
Midori currently lives in Arizona with her husband, Stephen Haessler.
Her short stories have appeared in numerous venues including the The Armless Maiden; Black Thorn, White Rose; Xanadu III; Swan Sister; Borderland; and The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror. Recent stories have appeared in Young Adult anthologies, The Greenman, Tales From the Mythic Forest and Troll's Eye View, A Book of Villianous Tales. Her nonfiction has appeared in Realms of Fantasy and other magazines, and in essay collections including Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Women Writers Explore Their Favorite Fairy Tales.
In addition to writing, she co-directs The Endicott Studio for Mythic Arts with Terri Winding. She co-edited and designed the online Journal of Mythic Arts from 2003 - 2008; and she served as chairwoman on the judges' panel for the 2007 James Tiptree, Jr. Awards.
Midori currently lives in Arizona with her husband, Stephen Haessler.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 11, 2023
Pretty good, though the Fourth queen, not appearing until the final book, doesn't get much character development.
Also, everyone was just put into a hetero romance, whether it made sense or not. Shedwyn and Eneas were fine, they're an established couple, and Lirrel and Dagar were at least plausible. But Jobber and Wyer? First of all, Jobber has such lesbian vibes (fine, this was published in the nineties, but that's barely an excuse). Second, the author just picked A Guy She Knows and retconned him feeling uncomfortable around her when she was dressed as a boy because he was attracted to her...whatever. And Tayleb and Alwir JUST MET and have never had a conversation outside of a crisis.
Also, Lirrel, who had previously been at least decently intelligent, made some dumbass decisions in this book, like trusting a total stranger and going off with her without even telling her companions who were at most twenty feet away.
Also, everyone was just put into a hetero romance, whether it made sense or not. Shedwyn and Eneas were fine, they're an established couple, and Lirrel and Dagar were at least plausible. But Jobber and Wyer? First of all, Jobber has such lesbian vibes (fine, this was published in the nineties, but that's barely an excuse). Second, the author just picked A Guy She Knows and retconned him feeling uncomfortable around her when she was dressed as a boy because he was attracted to her...whatever. And Tayleb and Alwir JUST MET and have never had a conversation outside of a crisis.
Also, Lirrel, who had previously been at least decently intelligent, made some dumbass decisions in this book, like trusting a total stranger and going off with her without even telling her companions who were at most twenty feet away.
February 2, 2009
I've been sporadically searching for fantasy that includes peasants for a while now, and I am particularly interested in fantasy with peasant rebellions.
This series is one of the few I've encountered. The protagonists are definitely peasants, as compared to the ones in "Mistborn" which were in effet nobles even though they lacked the titles.
Plus it's an interesting set-up- although I think that if the oppressors succeeded in killing all the peasants- as they seem keen to do- they'd be unpleasantly surprised when they had no food. :)
This series is one of the few I've encountered. The protagonists are definitely peasants, as compared to the ones in "Mistborn" which were in effet nobles even though they lacked the titles.
Plus it's an interesting set-up- although I think that if the oppressors succeeded in killing all the peasants- as they seem keen to do- they'd be unpleasantly surprised when they had no food. :)
February 11, 2014
it took me years to find this book, after reading the first 2 in the trilogy - of course that was long before the internet and Amazon - I'm sure people have less trouble now.
I loved this series, I loved the concept and the characters. I've always been disappointed the author didn't write more...
I loved this series, I loved the concept and the characters. I've always been disappointed the author didn't write more...
May 5, 2019
Volume 3 of the trilogy deals with the final confrontation, not only with the Fire Queen Zorah, but with the might of the tyrannical Silean empire who ravage what is left of the land after Zorah withdraws from any interest in her people whatsoever. Always self-absorbed she now cares only about confronting the emerging young Queens who each have a gift aligned with one aspect of Oran magic - fire, earth, air - and now - water. The final young woman is being sought as the story opens, Lirrel, the air Queen, and two companions travelling to the islands to find her.
Meanwhile, the evil regent who is - unbeknown to anyone else - part Oran through his great grandmother and therefore gifted with magic also - continues to plot to become a power in the land but he has turned his attention from Zorah whose fire magic he craved, and Jobber the young Queen in the wings, to a fixation on the water element queen, although it is not really explained why - I can't remember from an earlier book if his own gift is that of water (although he has been stealing others by drinking the blood of gifted children). And the resistence against the tyranny of both Zorah and the Sileans is growing beneath the weight of the deprivations and injustice, and the awareness that with Zorah's manipulation of Oran's magic things are starting to come apart and the very existence of Oran is at stake.
I enjoyed this volume more than volume 2 although not as much as the opening segment of the trilogy. One thing that detracted from my full enjoyment is that I have found Lirrel an increasingly irritating character with her somewhat hypocritical espousal of non violence - whereby those around her are forced to commit violence themselves in order to defend her against enemies. There is quite an emphasis on her character in this final book. It is also a shame that the magical people of the sea - the Namire - have such a small role to play .
There are some real tour de force descriptions of the literal unravelling of the substance of Oran and of various fight scenes, but some other aspects were a little irritating. For example, Kai, one of the chief characters of book 1, who also had quite a role in book 2, is relegated to a small though important couple of cameo appearances, and we don't see her again after her major final appearance , not even in the final scene of city life where she and her sidekick Slipper might be expected to make a token appearance. Her sidelining seems to be due to the amount of book space spent on the new head of the Silean army whose strange appearance and ruthlessness is dwelt on and yet who has a rather damp squib exit - The plot role he performs could have been handled without having to have such a focus on him at the expense of further developing the situation back in the city through the eyes of Kai and her lieutenant.
The final conflict between Jobber and Zorah also seemed to be over too soon, given that the whole of three books had been leading up to it, and I was also not pleased that one of my favourite characters in the series was yet one more in the huge number of characters killed off. Realistic I suppose and yet this was one of the more memorable characters and the body count in this story is really quite alarming. So although I liked this book more than the middle volume I would rate it at 3.5 stars which given Goodreads system has to be rounded down rather than up given that I can't give it the 4 stars that book 1, more enjoyable, earned.
Meanwhile, the evil regent who is - unbeknown to anyone else - part Oran through his great grandmother and therefore gifted with magic also - continues to plot to become a power in the land but he has turned his attention from Zorah whose fire magic he craved, and Jobber the young Queen in the wings, to a fixation on the water element queen, although it is not really explained why - I can't remember from an earlier book if his own gift is that of water (although he has been stealing others by drinking the blood of gifted children). And the resistence against the tyranny of both Zorah and the Sileans is growing beneath the weight of the deprivations and injustice, and the awareness that with Zorah's manipulation of Oran's magic things are starting to come apart and the very existence of Oran is at stake.
I enjoyed this volume more than volume 2 although not as much as the opening segment of the trilogy. One thing that detracted from my full enjoyment is that I have found Lirrel an increasingly irritating character with her somewhat hypocritical espousal of non violence - whereby those around her are forced to commit violence themselves in order to defend her against enemies. There is quite an emphasis on her character in this final book. It is also a shame that the magical people of the sea - the Namire - have such a small role to play .
There are some real tour de force descriptions of the literal unravelling of the substance of Oran and of various fight scenes, but some other aspects were a little irritating. For example, Kai, one of the chief characters of book 1, who also had quite a role in book 2, is relegated to a small though important couple of cameo appearances, and we don't see her again after her major final appearance , not even in the final scene of city life where she and her sidekick Slipper might be expected to make a token appearance. Her sidelining seems to be due to the amount of book space spent on the new head of the Silean army whose strange appearance and ruthlessness is dwelt on and yet who has a rather damp squib exit - The plot role he performs could have been handled without having to have such a focus on him at the expense of further developing the situation back in the city through the eyes of Kai and her lieutenant.
The final conflict between Jobber and Zorah also seemed to be over too soon, given that the whole of three books had been leading up to it, and I was also not pleased that one of my favourite characters in the series was yet one more in the huge number of characters killed off. Realistic I suppose and yet this was one of the more memorable characters and the body count in this story is really quite alarming. So although I liked this book more than the middle volume I would rate it at 3.5 stars which given Goodreads system has to be rounded down rather than up given that I can't give it the 4 stars that book 1, more enjoyable, earned.
March 20, 2018
I don't know why this series ended up taking me so long to read, but it is what it is. I definitely enjoyed the conclusion to the series and felt that the author did a good job in resolving everything she set up. There's going to be a awful lot of rebuilding to do now though.
I'm feeling very pleased with myself not just to have finished a book I've had for so long (since it was published, and that was in 1993), but to have read a paper book with small print and still have managed it. I read so much more easily on my Kindle now - mostly due to weight and ease of grip compared to holding a book open and turning the pages - so reading paper books takes me longer just for physical reasons. Finishing one gives a great sense of satisfaction.
This is a good series. I'm glad I held on to the books though my moves over the years and I'm glad to have finally read them. I shall carry on keeping them.
I'm feeling very pleased with myself not just to have finished a book I've had for so long (since it was published, and that was in 1993), but to have read a paper book with small print and still have managed it. I read so much more easily on my Kindle now - mostly due to weight and ease of grip compared to holding a book open and turning the pages - so reading paper books takes me longer just for physical reasons. Finishing one gives a great sense of satisfaction.
This is a good series. I'm glad I held on to the books though my moves over the years and I'm glad to have finally read them. I shall carry on keeping them.
May 12, 2020
A satisfying end to the trilogy.
May 15, 2022
I enjoyed this better than the second book but the first was my favourite.
This just felt like a slow build-up to the inevitable final confrontation - which was then over .
This just felt like a slow build-up to the inevitable final confrontation - which was then over .
May 19, 2023
Een mooi einde, bitterzoet.
July 7, 2025
still hated the main character's name. waited all trilogy for something to really happen and then the twist that did happen wasn't really that good. kai and sefek were the best parts.
November 19, 2013
Beldan’s Fire is the final showdown between the new Queens’ Quarter and the Fire Queen Zorah, and the plot races along to its conclusion. Midori Snyder doesn’t pull any punches as she wraps up the story, and it does not end the way you probably think it will. She balances beautiful, lyrical writing with gritty characters from the urban underbelly. The characters continue to develop, and are still flawed human beings doing what they have to do, which I think is what makes them interesting, and possibly even truly heroic.
The showdown with Queen Zorah is an epic magical battle for the future of Oran, and is written on a grand scale. This final book is probably the most magical of the three in The Oran Trilogy as the queens start to come into their power and learn how to use it, though magic pervades the whole series.... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The showdown with Queen Zorah is an epic magical battle for the future of Oran, and is written on a grand scale. This final book is probably the most magical of the three in The Oran Trilogy as the queens start to come into their power and learn how to use it, though magic pervades the whole series.... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
July 21, 2012
The final book in the series---but actually the first one I read when I was still a teen. Everything builds up to this moment, but there is a huge twist in the plot. I almost screamed in rage when it happened...I couldn't believe it! One of my most favorite characters! I also feel that this is the time where we can really get a feel for the Fire Queen Zorah's fears and struggles and actually sympathize with her a little. Gosh, just seeing this series again makes me want to snatch it up and re-read it a dozen more times!
April 4, 2013
i had first encountered these in high school, and i think i must have read them out of order at the time; some bit of temporal dissonance still clings to that world in my mind. at any rate, they stand up to being re-read now very well indeed. Synder's prose is tight, lyrical and fast, her characters engaging, complex and multidimensional, her world well-realized and internally consistent. I always appreciate a book that leaves me feeling like i'd like to know at least some of these characters in real life, and the Oran Trilogy does that. Altogether an enjoyable experience.
August 27, 2008
I found this book when I was in high school, loved it then lost it. I spent years searching for it (I had forgotten the title and the author, and didn't know about Novelist), until one of my English major classmates knew what I was talking about.
This would be one of the first times I had read a fantasy novel with strong women that were the main characters. It still rocks!
This would be one of the first times I had read a fantasy novel with strong women that were the main characters. It still rocks!
November 13, 2020
I bought this whole trilogy about two years ago, and still think it is a GREAT fantasy series. LOVED the background, characters, relationships, setting, time, EVERYTHING. It was so good.
(It also helps, of course, that I like the four elements; as a rule. :D)
(It also helps, of course, that I like the four elements; as a rule. :D)
May 23, 2007
Great series, well written/developed, with realistic scenarios and well-developed characters. Great pseudo-history for those that like turning points in history to come alive.
December 2, 2010
Actually, it pretty solidly wraps up a series which I felt, up to this point, fairly ambivalent about.
March 31, 2010
I was pleasantly surprised by this whole series. It was a very creative world and full of interesting characters. I look forward to other books by this author.
July 4, 2010
I actually liked this one better than the first two. Maybe I was starting to keep track of the plot/characters better, or maybe it was just more exciting and a better read.
July 20, 2011
It is so very important to think about the concept of everybody bringing about the change that needs to occur, not just a "chosen" few who will fight against oppression.
September 12, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. A very satisfying ending!
February 14, 2023
Love revisiting old favorites. So many feels.
October 4, 2016
Good ending, although I wish there were more story in a couple places and an epilogue. It would round out the story a bit better.
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April 14, 2008Fantasy
July 18, 2013
One of my all time favourites, which I first read back in the 90s.
January 8, 2016
Out of Print
Age Range: 12 - 16 years
Grade Level: 6 - 11 (Amazon)
Genre Fantasy
Age Range: 12 - 16 years
Grade Level: 6 - 11 (Amazon)
Genre Fantasy
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews