What do you think?
Rate this book
Firekeeper Saga #2
Wolf's Head, Wolf's Heart
Raised by intelligent, language-using wolves, brought back to the human society at the court of Hawk Haven, young Firekeeper had to learn to cope with human society and its complexities . . . and discovered that, for someone raised in a wolf pack, the politics of a royal court were neither complex nor wholly unfamiliar.
But the happy ending of Through Wolf's Eyes has proved to have consequences. Hawk Haven and Bright Bay are unifying, but the power balance of the neighboring lands is threatened by this prospect. New intrigues abound. The rulers of Bright Bay, it transpires, have been hoarding a collection of forbidden magical artifacts . . . which Queen Gustin took with her when she abdicated, intending to use them to restore her power. Melina Shield is still scheming to obtain them, and she's older, smarter, and more devious than the Queen. And the even-more-devious civil service of neighboring New Kelvin would like to get their hands on that magic as well . . . .
Which will make life very hard for Firekeeper. Because the powers of the world have decided who'll be required to obtain those much-contended-for magical articles. It'll be her.
But the happy ending of Through Wolf's Eyes has proved to have consequences. Hawk Haven and Bright Bay are unifying, but the power balance of the neighboring lands is threatened by this prospect. New intrigues abound. The rulers of Bright Bay, it transpires, have been hoarding a collection of forbidden magical artifacts . . . which Queen Gustin took with her when she abdicated, intending to use them to restore her power. Melina Shield is still scheming to obtain them, and she's older, smarter, and more devious than the Queen. And the even-more-devious civil service of neighboring New Kelvin would like to get their hands on that magic as well . . . .
Which will make life very hard for Firekeeper. Because the powers of the world have decided who'll be required to obtain those much-contended-for magical articles. It'll be her.
608 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2002
74 people are currently reading
1325 people want to read
About the author
Jane Lindskold
128 books653 followersJane Lindskold is the author of more than twenty published novels, including the eight volume Firekeeper Saga (beginning with Through Wolf’s Eyes), Child of a Rainless Year (a contemporary fantasy set in Las Vegas, New Mexico), and The Buried Pyramid (an archeological adventure fantasy set in 1880's Egypt).
Lindskold is also the author of the “Breaking the Wall” series, which begins with Thirteen Orphans, then continues in Nine Gates and Five Odd Honors. Her most recent series begins with Artemis Awakening, released in May of 2014. Lindskold has also had published over sixty short stories and numerous works of non-fiction, including a critical biography of Roger Zelazny, and articles on Yeats and Synge.
She has collaborated with several other SF/F writers, including Roger Zelazny, for whom, at his request, she posthumously finished his novels Donnerjack and Lord Demon. She has also collaborated with David Weber, writing several novellas and two YA novels set in his popular ”Honorverse.” She wrote the short story “Servant of Death” with Fred Saberhagen.
Charles de Lint, reviewing Changer, praised "Lindskold's ability to tell a fast-paced, contemporary story that still carries the weight and style of old mythological story cycles."[1] Terri Windling called Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls "a complex, utterly original work of speculative fiction." DeLint has also stated that “Jane Lindskold is one of those hidden treasures of American letters; a true gem of a writer who simply gets better with each book.”
Lindskold was born in 1962 at the Columbia Hospital for Women, the first of four siblings and grew up in Washington, D.C. and Chesapeake Bay. Lindskold's father was head of the Land and Natural Resources Division, Western Division of the United States Justice Department and her mother was also an attorney. She studied at Fordham, where she received a Ph. D. in English, concentrating on Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern British Literature; she successfully defended her Ph.D. on her 26th birthday.
Lindskold lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband, archaeologist Jim Moore.
Lindskold is also the author of the “Breaking the Wall” series, which begins with Thirteen Orphans, then continues in Nine Gates and Five Odd Honors. Her most recent series begins with Artemis Awakening, released in May of 2014. Lindskold has also had published over sixty short stories and numerous works of non-fiction, including a critical biography of Roger Zelazny, and articles on Yeats and Synge.
She has collaborated with several other SF/F writers, including Roger Zelazny, for whom, at his request, she posthumously finished his novels Donnerjack and Lord Demon. She has also collaborated with David Weber, writing several novellas and two YA novels set in his popular ”Honorverse.” She wrote the short story “Servant of Death” with Fred Saberhagen.
Charles de Lint, reviewing Changer, praised "Lindskold's ability to tell a fast-paced, contemporary story that still carries the weight and style of old mythological story cycles."[1] Terri Windling called Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls "a complex, utterly original work of speculative fiction." DeLint has also stated that “Jane Lindskold is one of those hidden treasures of American letters; a true gem of a writer who simply gets better with each book.”
Lindskold was born in 1962 at the Columbia Hospital for Women, the first of four siblings and grew up in Washington, D.C. and Chesapeake Bay. Lindskold's father was head of the Land and Natural Resources Division, Western Division of the United States Justice Department and her mother was also an attorney. She studied at Fordham, where she received a Ph. D. in English, concentrating on Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern British Literature; she successfully defended her Ph.D. on her 26th birthday.
Lindskold lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband, archaeologist Jim Moore.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 18, 2017
This series rocks. Blind Seer is the coolest wolf ever.
The paperback had a different cover than the hardback--what gives? Now I have to have both.
Susan
The paperback had a different cover than the hardback--what gives? Now I have to have both.
Susan
September 17, 2018
Grrrr who thought having two covers (one for hardback and one for paperback) from Julie Bell would be a good idea? -- have to have BOTH versions, tho...
First read in HC 9/24/2002
re-read 12/31/2003
March 6, 2008
I became so caught up in these books I didn't sleep for weeks! Wolves are just the most awesome animals, and the whole idea of wanting to be one is very fascinating. This just shows how weird and confusing customs and rules that go along with living in this society are and how many of our actions make no sense.
November 10, 2007
I like this whole series. Lindskold is a good storyteller. I need to get the latest in the series.
May 11, 2019
Many years ago, I found this book sitting in a used bookshop. The cover art caught my attention, and the synopsis sealed the deal. It was my first Jane Lindskold, and although it wasn’t the first book in the series, I loved it. The relationship between Firekeeper and Blind Seer was like nothing else I’d ever read. The world building was so rich, and after devouring it in one day, I knew I’d have to continue reading this amazing series.
Now, I have finally been able to finish the series, and rereading Wolf’s Head, Wolf’s Heart for the first time was a wonderful experience- especially since I could finally continue on and see what they got up too next. A very much underrated series that I would recommend to anyone who loves well crafted high fantasy.
Now, I have finally been able to finish the series, and rereading Wolf’s Head, Wolf’s Heart for the first time was a wonderful experience- especially since I could finally continue on and see what they got up too next. A very much underrated series that I would recommend to anyone who loves well crafted high fantasy.
March 20, 2013
FINALLY done with this one.
Much tighter than the first in the series (the quest plot structure is inherently easier to write), and was fairly high-tension for much of the book, but so much of the writing was just... bog-like. The plot itself is pretty clearly an action story, but the writing is downright meditative -- clearly this author is highly confused over what she wants to write.
There are also an alarming density of awkwardly-placed dialogue-tags -- such that they ACTIVELY INTERFERE WITH THE MEANING OF THE DIALOGUE.
Ultimately, I'm left with the feeling that this book is in sore need of a vicious editor with a love of the Red Pen. Trim all the paragraphs of unnecessary or repetitive exposition, and hey! Turns out this is actually a 500-page book.
Mainly giving it three stars to show the vast improvement from the prequel, but I don't care nearly enough to pick up the next in the series, even if it were to fall out of the sky and onto my bookshelf. Not going to waste another month of my life feeling irritated with an editor for being too nice. (That, or sorry for an editor that they had to deal with whatever the manuscript looked like BEFORE their editing cleaned it up even this much.)
Much tighter than the first in the series (the quest plot structure is inherently easier to write), and was fairly high-tension for much of the book, but so much of the writing was just... bog-like. The plot itself is pretty clearly an action story, but the writing is downright meditative -- clearly this author is highly confused over what she wants to write.
There are also an alarming density of awkwardly-placed dialogue-tags -- such that they ACTIVELY INTERFERE WITH THE MEANING OF THE DIALOGUE.
Ultimately, I'm left with the feeling that this book is in sore need of a vicious editor with a love of the Red Pen. Trim all the paragraphs of unnecessary or repetitive exposition, and hey! Turns out this is actually a 500-page book.
Mainly giving it three stars to show the vast improvement from the prequel, but I don't care nearly enough to pick up the next in the series, even if it were to fall out of the sky and onto my bookshelf. Not going to waste another month of my life feeling irritated with an editor for being too nice. (That, or sorry for an editor that they had to deal with whatever the manuscript looked like BEFORE their editing cleaned it up even this much.)
November 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this sequel!! It seamlessly continued off where the first book ended while maintaining its own plot and introducing new and interesting characters. In fact, it is the characters, rich and imaginative setting and the meticulous sense of detail that sets it apart from epic fantasies rather than its plot. Really to summarize the relatively simple plot - regain stolen magical artifacts and rescue a young princess - it's almost mind-boggling that this story took over 700 pages to tell and that I enjoyed every last page of it. The element of the Royal Beasts is my favorite and I can only imagine how much more even that I would have loved this book had I read it when I was younger. Still, I am so happy that I have the rest of the series ready and waiting for me to keep reading! I can't wait to see where Firekeeper's adventures take her!
February 17, 2015
I enjoyed this one more (than the first one, that is). I have grown to love Firekeeper and cannot wait to learn more about her. Things from her past need to be told. Who brought her to the wolves when she was 4 year old and why was she so important that she absolutely had to live ? Important for what ?
4 books to go so I think I'll have my answers eventually.
4 books to go so I think I'll have my answers eventually.
September 27, 2020
Actual Rating: 4.25
July 17, 2016
Too many POV's for my sanity, but it was somehow worth it.
March 20, 2022
Wolf's Head, Wolf's Heart by Jane Lindskold is the second book in the Firekeeper saga. I had a pretty decent time with Through Wolf's Eye and was pretty curious to see how the story would progress. I had some expectations but unfortunately, the turn of events happening here in the followup isn't enough to keep interested. It's a shame really because I thought character progression was decent for the most part and that they were forced to make some difficult decisions throughout the story. It just didn't provided the push in the storyline to make me want to continue the series, or at the very least right onto the very next book.
"If we do not give them wisdom, we are dooming them to failure." - Royal Elk
Regarding characters, Firekeeper seems to have grown up a bit more. She's obviously the same Firekeeper we love from the first book in that she still thinks and acts like a wolf at times but is starting to learn more about the subtle ways of human interactions and behavior. She's obviously the star of the crew. Derian in my opinion is the same. Wise for his years but not too fun to read about. Elise I felt got more book time here than in the first and at times it felt like she got more than Firekeeper. Her struggles with future responsibilities as a baroness along with her attempt to contain her emotions where Sir Jared is concerned can be repetitive and tiring at times. But I do think because of this, she as a character grew up the most towards the end.
"Puppy! Are you truly nothing but a puppy?" - Firekeeper
What I liked the most about the story this time around is that the characters got to travel more and being able to do more things than in the first book. However, the whole artifacts mission and the turn of events is what is turning me away for now from this series. It's just not what I thought this series would turn into. It was pretty fun while it lasted though. The interactions between Firekeeper and the humans with the Royal Beasts were at times hilarious and kept me invested. For now this series is getting shelved.
"If we do not give them wisdom, we are dooming them to failure." - Royal Elk
Regarding characters, Firekeeper seems to have grown up a bit more. She's obviously the same Firekeeper we love from the first book in that she still thinks and acts like a wolf at times but is starting to learn more about the subtle ways of human interactions and behavior. She's obviously the star of the crew. Derian in my opinion is the same. Wise for his years but not too fun to read about. Elise I felt got more book time here than in the first and at times it felt like she got more than Firekeeper. Her struggles with future responsibilities as a baroness along with her attempt to contain her emotions where Sir Jared is concerned can be repetitive and tiring at times. But I do think because of this, she as a character grew up the most towards the end.
"Puppy! Are you truly nothing but a puppy?" - Firekeeper
What I liked the most about the story this time around is that the characters got to travel more and being able to do more things than in the first book. However, the whole artifacts mission and the turn of events is what is turning me away for now from this series. It's just not what I thought this series would turn into. It was pretty fun while it lasted though. The interactions between Firekeeper and the humans with the Royal Beasts were at times hilarious and kept me invested. For now this series is getting shelved.
January 25, 2023
Firekeeper has been among humans for a relatively long time now. With dangerous magical artifacts in untrustworthy hands, her old life among the royal beasts comes calling. She is tasked with recovering these lost magical items and learn more about why the royal beasts shun humans so. Alongside her, the human country she's become a loose part of faces a dreadful threat: one of them has turned ful traitor to help the enemy study magic. Seems the humans' and the royal beasts' interests align this time around - or?
Despite a lot of detailed descriptions of things that aren't the least vital to the plot and being a very long book with said such details in it, I am still very into this series. I honestly can't explain why. I especially can't explain why both me and my sister are hooked on this. Might be the interesting and lovable characters. Might be the drip feed of intriguing backstory lore (are there still mages about on the other side of the sea? will they ever return? what are the royal beasts truly and who helped the royal wolves raise Firekeeper????). Might be both.
Okay, yeah, it's both those things.
I just want to know more about this world and follow how it develops both on a macro and a micro level. All the characters in here behave like people - they sometimes make stupid decisions like all people do, but they over all act reasonable and go against tired cliches. Thinking back on the first book, I was convinced it was going to be all about Firekeeper being Super Special and the only main character, who everyone falls in love with. Nope! Firekeeper continues to be a human literally raised by wolf who, while she grows and changes as a character, still has no interest in human drama and still dreams of physically becoming an actual wolf. She's just also made plenty of human friends she wants to help out too!
Utterly fascinating, how this can be so By The Numbers fantasy and still feel so fresh. Will most definitely continue this series!
Despite a lot of detailed descriptions of things that aren't the least vital to the plot and being a very long book with said such details in it, I am still very into this series. I honestly can't explain why. I especially can't explain why both me and my sister are hooked on this. Might be the interesting and lovable characters. Might be the drip feed of intriguing backstory lore (are there still mages about on the other side of the sea? will they ever return? what are the royal beasts truly and who helped the royal wolves raise Firekeeper????). Might be both.
Okay, yeah, it's both those things.
I just want to know more about this world and follow how it develops both on a macro and a micro level. All the characters in here behave like people - they sometimes make stupid decisions like all people do, but they over all act reasonable and go against tired cliches. Thinking back on the first book, I was convinced it was going to be all about Firekeeper being Super Special and the only main character, who everyone falls in love with. Nope! Firekeeper continues to be a human literally raised by wolf who, while she grows and changes as a character, still has no interest in human drama and still dreams of physically becoming an actual wolf. She's just also made plenty of human friends she wants to help out too!
Utterly fascinating, how this can be so By The Numbers fantasy and still feel so fresh. Will most definitely continue this series!
February 12, 2020
This is the second book in the Firekeeper Saga and it's just as good as the first one. I swept through all 754 pages in two days and got very little else done--and this is far from the first time I've read the series so that should tell you how good it is.
Firekeeper AKA Lady Blysse is the sole survivor of a lost settlement in a taboo region. Her parentage is uncertain but she ends up being adopted into a noble family and from there here whole life changes. Firekeeper was raised by intelligent 'royal' wolves from a young age and learning how to be human is hard for her but she's doing her best to learn the minimum courtesies expected from a young noble woman, while still maintaining her own unique outlook.
Now court intrigue has sent her to the one nearby country where magic is still accepted, in fact the citizens of New Kelvin are crazy about all things old and mystical. Melina Shield enters into a conspiracy with the former queen of Bright Bay, Queen Gustin, and Firekeeper and her friends have to follow her to get back the magical items she stole.
I love the way she thinks, the mix between human and wolf-- and I adore her relationship with Blind Seeker, her wolf brother. Her conflicting sense of honor when she has to choose between wolves and humans really sucks you in and getting to the end of each book is almost painful. While the books are very thick and wordy they never get boring or seem overly detailed
Firekeeper AKA Lady Blysse is the sole survivor of a lost settlement in a taboo region. Her parentage is uncertain but she ends up being adopted into a noble family and from there here whole life changes. Firekeeper was raised by intelligent 'royal' wolves from a young age and learning how to be human is hard for her but she's doing her best to learn the minimum courtesies expected from a young noble woman, while still maintaining her own unique outlook.
Now court intrigue has sent her to the one nearby country where magic is still accepted, in fact the citizens of New Kelvin are crazy about all things old and mystical. Melina Shield enters into a conspiracy with the former queen of Bright Bay, Queen Gustin, and Firekeeper and her friends have to follow her to get back the magical items she stole.
I love the way she thinks, the mix between human and wolf-- and I adore her relationship with Blind Seeker, her wolf brother. Her conflicting sense of honor when she has to choose between wolves and humans really sucks you in and getting to the end of each book is almost painful. While the books are very thick and wordy they never get boring or seem overly detailed
Read
October 23, 2025A tale of humane wolves, beastly men, and a brilliant heroine who must find her way in a dangerous worldRaised by intelligent, language-using wolves, brought back to the human society at the court of Hawk Haven, young Firekeeper had to learn to cope with human society and its complexities . . . and discovered that, for someone raised in a wolf pack, the politics of a royal court were neither complex nor wholly unfamiliar.But the happy ending of Through Wolf's Eyes has proved to have consequences. Hawk Haven and Bright Bay are unifying, but the power balance of the neighboring lands is threatened by this prospect. New intrigues abound. The rulers of Bright Bay, it transpires, have been hoarding a collection of forbidden magical artifacts . . . which Queen Gustin took with her when she abdicated, intending to use them to restore her power. Melina Shield is still scheming to obtain them, and she's older, smarter, and more devious than the Queen. And the even-more-devious civil service of neighboring New Kelvin would like to get their hands on that magic as well . . . .Which will make life very hard for Firekeeper. Because the powers of the world have decided who'll be required to obtain those much-contended-for magical articles. It'll be her.
December 6, 2022
Surprising myself, I enjoyed this more than the first book in the series. It's slow-paced and hardly full of surprises, but that's partly because its characters consistently make sensible choices based on clearly laid out motivations. Even the villains' desires--for wealth, prestige, security--are relatable; what separates them from the protagonist isn't goals but the methods they're willing to use to achieve them. In a world of big fat fantasy where actions seem too often driven by the needs of the plot, this dedication to emotional realism and keeping things at a largely human scale stands out.
January 26, 2023
I've always enjoyed this sequel. It's not exactly your basic bridge book as it also does some more worldbuilding by introducing more of the world and explaining more of the magic systems. It is a lot slower paced than the first book and sets up the plot of the third book. There is a lot of dialogue and political intrigue. Lots of character growth from the main cast and intros of new characters. Although it is an epic, it's a lot more of a rainy-day book than a winter book. It makes me think about how nations interact and the repercussions that may happen when diplomacy fails or is ignored. It also shows how manipulative people can be both for good and bad.
February 12, 2023
Firekeeper must recover stolen magic artifact. If there secrets are discovered by the wrong people it could disrupt the peace for the whole region. With her close human friends and her pack brother Blind Seer they go into the heart of enemy territory to find the items. It s a fun book. There is a lot of medieval type intrigue. There is plenty of action. Still the fun part is seeing the world through Firekeeper's eyes. Although she is more used to the world of man, she is still has characteristics of a wolf. A great new heroine for the 21st century.
July 3, 2025
Despite how embarrassingly long it has been since I read book 1 (2012) and reread in 2024, I thoroughly enjoyed book 2. It pulls you in with a large cast, world building and a plot that, when it meanders, is for a good reason. I need to catch up on a few new releases before I delve back into this series but it will most definitely happen. The book is already on the shelf :)
December 25, 2025
Just as good as the first one.
So hoping this 8 book saga keeps momentum!
Such good writing. Funny, in depth characters, compelling plot with sub plots.
Although there are some contradicting or simply missing plot points regarding the necklace from book one to two, I still have high hopes it will become clear in book 3.
So hoping this 8 book saga keeps momentum!
Such good writing. Funny, in depth characters, compelling plot with sub plots.
Although there are some contradicting or simply missing plot points regarding the necklace from book one to two, I still have high hopes it will become clear in book 3.
September 10, 2017
it's a very wordy book. sometimes the author wrote out the full synopsis as if the reader didn't know. it was a bit repetitive in that state as well. like firekeeper, I found myself thinking, "talking too much. needs more action."
July 25, 2022
Fine tail of adventure, danger, pain, victory and sadness.
The running with a giant wolf is a wonderful place to be in the minds eye. Fire keeper in bodies true purity and fierce grace to enjoin the soul.
The running with a giant wolf is a wonderful place to be in the minds eye. Fire keeper in bodies true purity and fierce grace to enjoin the soul.
August 26, 2017
Great read!
I could hardly put it down! Wonderful characters and well-rounded world and story. I always like a book that hasa happy ending, yet has room for another story.
I could hardly put it down! Wonderful characters and well-rounded world and story. I always like a book that hasa happy ending, yet has room for another story.
September 24, 2017
An excellent continuation of the story. Characters show wonderful growth and we get to learn more about the world they live in.
June 21, 2018
I'm fond of this series. Between the multiple storylines, nothing is boring. Firekeeper goes through amazing character development and I feel for her at the end.
November 25, 2019
Even better than the first! What an adventure with characters I love.
January 6, 2020
As involved as book 1 and as thoroughly enjoyable. It took this long to read because it was New Year. Otherwise I wouldn’t have put the book down.now on to book 3 Dragon of Despair.
November 10, 2021
I will say, I am enjoying a lot of these characters, and to be honest, this series is really a lot better than I was expecting it to be. I'm having a lot of fun.
December 21, 2025
What can I say? I have a soft spot for Firekeeper and Blind Seer.
Still don’t like that the chapters are stupid long and will bounce between multiple characters in one chapter.
Still don’t like that the chapters are stupid long and will bounce between multiple characters in one chapter.
July 29, 2011
Queen Valora, formerly Queen Gustin IV, has been sent to rule the Isles, a less powerful kingdom than Bright Bay. Needless to say, she isn't pleased and she won't go down without a fight. There were three magical artifacts that inspired the war that took place in the first book of this series. Now, when King Allister is looking through the royal treasury, he notices that the artifacts are gone. Valora has taken them with her. Magic is feared and hated in the kingdoms of Bright Bay and Hawk Haven, soon to be joined as one, Bright Haven. If Queen Valora can get control of the artifacts, her power could be devastating. Fortunately, she does not have the knowledge or ability to use them.
Sapphire and Shad's wedding draws in dignitaries from all of the neghbouring kingdoms. However, there are people who see their wedding and the creation of Bright Haven to be a danger. What lengths will they go to in order to preserve the old ways? Sapphire and Shad's lives are at risk.
Queen Valora sends an emisary to the wedding with a second purpose. The newly made baron is in posession of the artifacts and he must seek out a rumoured sorceress and then travel with her to the strange northern lands of New Kelvin where the cultural differences are extreme. The sorceress happens to be Melina Shielf, mother of the crown princess, and a diabolical woman who will go to great lengths to gain power. Now that Sapphire is out of her grasp, she clings on to the contorl that she has over her other four children. But for Melina, her children are items to be used and traded for power. Their worth is dependent upon what she can get out of them.
Amidst political turmoil, Firekeeper is summoned to a meeting with the Royal Beasts. They explain to her a bit of the history between the beasts and their original encounters with humans. Their kind was nearly destroyed by magic many years ago. The beasts have learned that Queen Valora escaped with the artifacts and they want Firekeeper to go after them and bring them back. The royal animals want to ensure that humans cannot do the damage to the animals that was done in the past. As much as she does not care to admit it, Firekeeper cannot do this task alone. Blind Seer, her wolf and companion, will go with her, as well as Derian, Doc, Lady Elise and Firekeeper's new maid/helper, Wendee.
They recieve help in unexpected places, are challenged by the New Kelvinese and their extremely different lifestyles, and learn more about themselves. Overall, this story was quite good. THere were some places that dragged on a little and I wished that there was a little more action, a little more romance and a little less crazy political intrigue and thousands of characters and family alliances to remember, but I like the series. Part of me wants either Blind Seer to become human or Firekeeper to become a wolf, but I doubt that that will happen in the series.
Sapphire and Shad's wedding draws in dignitaries from all of the neghbouring kingdoms. However, there are people who see their wedding and the creation of Bright Haven to be a danger. What lengths will they go to in order to preserve the old ways? Sapphire and Shad's lives are at risk.
Queen Valora sends an emisary to the wedding with a second purpose. The newly made baron is in posession of the artifacts and he must seek out a rumoured sorceress and then travel with her to the strange northern lands of New Kelvin where the cultural differences are extreme. The sorceress happens to be Melina Shielf, mother of the crown princess, and a diabolical woman who will go to great lengths to gain power. Now that Sapphire is out of her grasp, she clings on to the contorl that she has over her other four children. But for Melina, her children are items to be used and traded for power. Their worth is dependent upon what she can get out of them.
Amidst political turmoil, Firekeeper is summoned to a meeting with the Royal Beasts. They explain to her a bit of the history between the beasts and their original encounters with humans. Their kind was nearly destroyed by magic many years ago. The beasts have learned that Queen Valora escaped with the artifacts and they want Firekeeper to go after them and bring them back. The royal animals want to ensure that humans cannot do the damage to the animals that was done in the past. As much as she does not care to admit it, Firekeeper cannot do this task alone. Blind Seer, her wolf and companion, will go with her, as well as Derian, Doc, Lady Elise and Firekeeper's new maid/helper, Wendee.
They recieve help in unexpected places, are challenged by the New Kelvinese and their extremely different lifestyles, and learn more about themselves. Overall, this story was quite good. THere were some places that dragged on a little and I wished that there was a little more action, a little more romance and a little less crazy political intrigue and thousands of characters and family alliances to remember, but I like the series. Part of me wants either Blind Seer to become human or Firekeeper to become a wolf, but I doubt that that will happen in the series.
July 23, 2020
This book is long and drawn out. Author drags story out longer than necessary. The whole point of this book is for Firekeeper to find the magical artifacts. Once she does book goes on for another 200 pages with another sub story that added nothing to the original plot. I am still going to continue reading the rest of this series because I want to know what happens to the characters but execution/ writing style is not my favorite.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews