Lady Meghan thinks of sadness when she recalls the death of her parents three years prior because of the Dark Knights. By hiding in a pile of leaves behind the cottage, she had escaped a torturous death. That was a frightening day she will never forget. Meghan was thankful to the dragon Mynos for being victorious that day. She pauses from her laundry when she sees three Wolverines approaching. The one that appears saddened catches her eye and sends shivers down her spine. Sir Ethan of Krey brings bad tidings to Meghan. Her brother Duncan has been killed, and Ethan has promised to protect her in his place. Ethan would love to meet her under any other circumstances and feels despair in breaking the news to her. He would love to grow closer to her but disaster once again strikes. Ethan sets his feelings on hold for Meghan to protect his country from the Dragon’s Flame. The glittering red ruby, known as the Dragon’s Flame, is produced from the body of an evil red dragon. Mynos isn’t even capable of destroying or harnessing the dragon that clouds the minds of anyone that touches it because of it’s supreme power. Even with strong mages and anti-spells, the Flame has a way to consume those trying to take it. Meghan can’t believe that the Dragon Flame is real. While lives are being threatened by the dangerous Flame, Ethan must do all he can to keep Meghan protected.

The Wolverine and the Flame is a classic read. The reader gets caught in the emotions of Meghan and Ethan, especially after they first meet and he tries to console her over the death of her brother. The trepidation that Meghan experiences when Ethan brings the disturbing news is very moving and real. I thought it interesting how she sketches out Ethan’s facial appearance after he carries her inside to her bed, offering her consolation. The way Ethan sought to absorb her despair has a way of leaping into the reader’s heart. When he told Meghan he couldn’t leave her, my heart melted. Rebecca Goings vividly sketches the countryside allowing the reader to experience in the imagery and the ambience of the era. With an innumerable cast, she tells a wonderful story. Skillfully crafted, brilliantly detailed, this story, by a fantastic storyteller, moves the reader in every way with mages, red and black dragons, talisman and characters that soar on every page. She even blends in the love of dragonkind making this a recommended read.

Reviewed by: Linda L.