Heart of Fire

Sera must find the ruby quickly. A large ruby, called “The Heart of Fire” serves as a key to open the hidden city of Arkadia to outsiders. It was Sera who had let the stranger who stole the gem into Arkadia. If it cannot be found soon, the enchanted entrance will close over. When she begins her search for the thief, Sera is captured by Iman Hadar’s men and placed in his harem. Sera is to be offered to Nicholas Rostov, the King of Laurentia, as a virgin. He is on a mission to unite forces with Hadar, who is the ruler of Jehanna. Although Nicholas can’t take his eyes off the small, lush, Hill girl, he does not touch her. He is a man of honour and she is obviously an unwilling captive. During the night when assassins creep into his room, Sera saves his life and is injured. He then demands Hadar release Sera to him and escorts her back to his own kingdom. He fears for her safety and will not free her.

Sera is desperate to continue her search for the thief but Nicholas says he cannot spare the men to escort her home. She constantly attempts to escape but the guards inevitably bring her back. Nicholas experiences an intuitive sensation in her presence and wants to keep her until he understands its meaning. It is also clear that she is a lady not a harem girl. He keeps his distance because he is struggling to control his increasing lust for her. When a nearby town, Selonia is attacked and destroyed by rebels “the Brotherhood”, Nicholas is unsure where to start. It is Sera who comforts and organises the people. Now he insists that Sera must stay because the people love and need her. She has also made firm friends with his shy and lonely sister, Katherine. Nicholas refuses to admit that he is falling in love with Sera. To him, love is a weakness that Kings do not need and should avoid. Of course it is only natural that he desires the girl, but as a betrothed man he can offer her nothing.

Sera is not at ease as Nicholas’s captive, so she begins to rely on her instincts and emotions. She is amazed when her anger causes vases to break and walls to shake. This is a sure sign that she has inherited “the Gift” from her mother. This ability both scares and pleases her. She is not sure of she can control it, but it may help her leave the castle. Sera’s feelings of love and admiration for this strong leader are growing daily, but when she is told of a marriage promise Nicholas made when he was six, she turns away from him. Nicholas knows it is his duty to go ahead with his betrothal and fights his cravings to bed Sera because it would be wrong to lead her on. The strong attraction for Sera is a real torment for a man whose responsibilities weigh heavily.

Heart of Fire is a fantasy romance set in a Napoleonic history setting. The author has taken a few liberties creating some new countries but this is necessary to introduce the mystical world of Arkadia. (Readers who enjoyed Christina Dodd’s Runaway Princess and Someday My Prince will be familiar with this concept.) Details of these countries were slightly distracting from the main storyline for this reader. Mary Lennox has created some very complex and appealing characters, some of the secondary characters also beg for their tales to be told. Nicholas presents to the world the image of a strong, capable man of honour, worthy of being a King. He has the physique of a god and certainly the looks to match. As the author peels back the layers, the insecure little boy inside is shown to be the one in control. He won’t let Sera leave because he fears that she will find another man more deserving. Yet he cannot relax and love her as he sees love to be a weakness. Even if enchanting Sera can get through his thick skin, his controlling ways may be too much for this free spirit to deal with. She can see that he is struggling and tries to assist him without revealing her own quest and identity. There are many unexpected twists and surprise villains on the path to true love and acceptance. Hidden beneath the main plot is an excellent insight into the way childhood events can shape a person. Heart of Fire is a book I would recommend to those who enjoy romantic fairytales with a hint of fantasy and a hint of more to come.

Reviewed by: Naomi