TOUCH OF FIRE - Maria Zannini
Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60504-031-8
May 2008
Fantasy

What was once the Western United States – the Future

Leda is a full-fledged mage of the Gaia Order of Mages. She has been instructed by Ilia, the Reverend Mother of her Order, to find a book from the before times. Leda does not know what the book is, but she knows where to find the Plainfolk soldier who does…at least she hopes he does.

Greyhawke Tams has landed himself in a brawl with a very large being who is about twice his size. Grey is out of the army and had hoped for peace. Among his interests is finding artifacts from the past, but books are not high on his preservation priorities. He has used pages from a book he found to wrap some small pieces from the same place as the book. So little did he care about the book, he left behind another of the pages with a woman of pleasure. He had no idea that someone would come looking for him.

While he was unconscious after his fight, Leda stepped in and paid for damages to the tavern, effectively making Grey her indentured servant for a proscribed length of time. Needless to say, he is not pleased to find that he is now wearing a spelled collar that binds him to Leda, whom he considers to be a Fae witch. He has personal issues with the Fae. When she tells him she is looking for a book, he considers her out of her mind.

Senosai, Firemage of the Solas Tribe, is a powerful enemy who has the magic to bend others to his will. Totally ruthless, he cares nothing for anyone else and has reasons of his own for wanting Leda for himself. Additionally, he KNOWS what the book is.

So begins TOUCH OF FIRE. Maria Zannini takes readers on an adventure that mixes magic, greed, deception, and twisted historical perceptions. As they find the truth and gravitate toward each other, Leda and Grey must wade through danger and pain to save themselves and others. There are many who want the book.

Trideus, a crazed desert shaman, has encountered Grey before and is hiding many secrets. Seelie, the daughter of Grey's neighbor, Oake Sikes, has water element abilities and invites herself along on the journey with Leda and Grey to find the book. General Tzaka does the bidding of Senosai and is out to capture Leda and Grey. Then there is Liam, a mysterious young mage who may or may not be an ally to Leda and Grey.

For all that TOUCH OF FIRE has a splendid premise, interesting characters, and the author has a very descriptive writing style, I was disappointed with the ending. Still, I recommend it. Mayhap we will get a sequel.

Vi Janaway