Christie Golden Reviews

Added August 6, 2004

The Final Dance Book 1: On Fire's Wings

Author: Christie Golden
Publisher: Luna Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: July 2004
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $13.95
ISBN: 0-373-80208-0
Author Email/Website:www.christiegolden.com
Reviewer: Ayden Delacroix

She was Bai-shi, an illegitimate child born to Khashim Tahmu-kha-Rakyn and his lower-caste lover. But Kevla was not conceived by two people merely slaking their lust; her parents had loved each other deeply. Had her father's clan not been on the verge of destroying themselves, Tahmu would have married his lover.

It had started as any other day; Kevla had dressed, made her way to the market and called out to passersby's, announcing the pleasures they would find in her mother's tent. It quickly became a day she would never forget for the great Khashim Tahmu of the Four Water Clan came to the market looking for her. She is startled, but nonetheless pleased that the great Khashim wants to spend an afternoon with her mother. She leads him to her mother's tent where she leaves so they may speak alone. When she returns, Kevla learns she has been sold into the Khashim's service. The news is devastating. Her mother was all she had in the world and her mother didn't want her.

Tahmu takes her to the stronghold of the Four Waters Clan, wanting desperately to publicly claim her as his daughter. But it cannot be. Nor can Kevla know the truth. He places Kevla in Sahlik's care, the only other person who knows the truth of her heritage. Sahlik trains Kevla to serve as handmaiden to Tahmu's wife Yeshi.

Kevla enjoys serving the beautiful Yeshi and delights in the stories Yeshi tells of her son Jashemi. Her first meeting with Jashemi is unexpected, and she is fearful he will have her punished for daring to speak to me as if they were equals. One look at her face and Jashemi knew the truth, knew they were brother and sister. Becoming friends was easy; they were so much alike.

When Yeshi sees Kevla and Jashemi together, she notices the resemblance and is furious. She forbids Kevla to come into her sight and sentences her to work in the kitchens. It is only through Sahlik's help, Jashemi and Kevla manage to meet in secret.

The years pass and the two both experience odd dreams. Knowing their people will believe them possessed by demons, they do not speak of them to anyone else. But it is not her dreams that frighten Kevla; it is her growing affinity with fire. Able to manipulate and even see images through it, she knows she can never reveal it to anyone, no matter how wonderful she and Jashemi believe it to be. Their friendship has remained strong, even though Kevla still doesn't know the truth of heritage, but Jashemi's upcoming marriage may threaten all they cherish.

Married to daughter of another clan, Jashemi has left the Four Waters Stronghold and Kevla. She is heartbroken and while she mourns their separation, she has a hidden purpose. She must protect Tahmu from Yeshi, who is still angry about Kevla and plots his death with another. When Kevla uses her abilities to prevent Yeshi from poisoning Tahmu, she is sentenced to death. Even Tahmu is unable to protect her from the will of the people.

Knowing instinctively Kevla needed his help, Jashemi left his wife and new family to ride to his childhood home. He arrives in time to rescue Kevla, but in the process they are banished and threatened with death if they are ever caught. Taking refuge in the mountains, Kevla and Jashemi share their love and in their passion Jashemi dies, accidentally burnt by the flames Kevla wields. Horrified by her actions, she makes her way to Mount Bari, home of the great Dragon, hoping to find her death.

Death is not her fate, not yet anyway. For Kevla is the legendary Fire Dancer and Jashemi one of the Lorekeepers. In times before, she has lived and fought against a great evil. Twice she has won and twice fallen. If she fails a third time, darkness will overtake all worlds and all goodness and light forgotten. Now she must seek out other Lorekeepers, rally the clans, work past ancient superstitions, and find the other Dancers before the Enemy attacks with his full strength.

Truly a gifted author, Christie Golden pens a rare tale overflowing with emotion. With carefully chosen words, she draws her readers into the lives of Kevla, Jeshemi and the Arukan clans, imprinting them on our hearts. On Fire's Wings is a work of art, filled with pictures, sounds and colorful characters, all combining to form an unforgettable adventure.

I have long been an avid reader of fantasy novels and while I have read many that touch my heart, none have moved like On Fire's Wings. I cared deeply for these characters, cared so deeply that at times I was forced to stop reading, overwhelmed by emotion. One of the most enjoyable facets of On Fire's Wings, in my opinion, is the great savior (a fantasy requisite) is female. One who remains feminine, but not giggly or fancy; she takes on the role of savior because it is what she was born to do, it is her right. Yet there is also a gentleness and grace in Kevla not often seen in fantasy heroines. Ms. Golden proves it is still possible to be a strong leader and still retain compassion and gentleness.

On Fire's Wings is destined for my keeper shelf where I know it will be reread for many years to come. Do not miss!

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