The Fire Priestess: Book 2 of the Bainevah Series

Raised to believe in prophecy and legend, Priestess Naya always knew that she would have an important place in Bainevah’s future.

Naya has been in sanctuary for two years, training to be used as a vessel by the goddess, Mother Matrika, for the good of her people. The end of her period as a Sanctum Bride was marked by a Sacred Marriage Ceremony in which Naya’s body was overtaken by mother Matrika as she spent time with King Nebazz. She had declined his offer to become a concubine because her heart lay elsewhere. Naya was pleased when King Nebazz told her that her closest friend Mayar was already pregnant with the future heir.

Naya’s father, the High Priest Chizhedek, was furious that Naya did not remain with the King. He believed that she was to be the next High Priestess and must wed King Nebazz. He does not know that Naya has plans to find the man that she truly loves as soon as she has served her time as a Sanctum Bride. Shazzur is an older man who once worked with her father. Shazzur is now the King’s Seer. When he asks Chizhedek for permission to court Naya, Chizhedek tells him that she must wed the King. He is concerned that Shazzur may cause Naya to turn from the prophecy and Chizhedek forbids him to speak of his feelings for Naya.

Whilst a Sanctum Bride, Naya had begun to weave huge, prophetic tapestries during states of trance. The Sacred Wedding Ceremony has brought forth Naya’s other gifts from Mother Matrika. Now she can create fire with her thoughts, and in the days that follow other talents will emerge. Naya’s tapestries have been taken to Shazzur and the High Priests for interpretation. Naya looks forward to meeting Shazzur again; but she is unsure if her feelings for Shazzur are returned. Sadly she is let down when Shazzur tells her that he has fallen in love with a woman but is forbidden to tell her. Naya knows that she can love no other man. The people of Bainevah expect Sanctum Brides to wed quickly after they leave their service, but Naya knows that she can only wed for love…and the future of these people may rest on this decision.

Michelle L. Levigne’s Bainevah series has a strong mythological feel. The characters are larger than life, but have very human failings. All put their belief in Mother Matrika and “the Three”; their lives are steeped in duty. Woven through the story of Bainevah is a glorious love story. Naya and Shazzur have prophetic visions and remarkable abilities, but are unable to give themselves the treasure that they seek the most. It is only through sacrifice that they become enlightened. As King Nebazz struggles to maintain his kingdom and court he relies heavily on the advice of the Priests and Priestesses. At heart he is a mortal and easily duped by other kingdoms that send him priestesses disguised as courtesans; all seek to have their own sons rise to the throne and will stop at nothing to achieve this. In the background lurk worshippers of “the Three”, who pose another threat to the prophecies.

The Fire Priestess is a prequel to 10,000 Suns: Book 1 of the Bainevah Series; both are enjoyable as solo reads, but I have found the series to be quite addictive and cannot wait for the next installment. Readers who enjoy this author’s style are also strongly urged to read Michelle L. Levigne’s futuristic Chorillan Series.

Reviewed by: Naomi