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Kenrick of Clairmont, a former Templar knight, is on a mission to find the legendary Dragon Chalice. He's not interested in the extreme power and immortality that the Chalice offers; his only incentive is the burning desire to keep the treasure out of Silas de Mortaine's hands. After spending six months being tortured by the man, Kenrick knows first hand how wicked Silas is and what horrors he could unleash if he had the power of the Chalice under his control. Already, Silas has gained control of one of the four cups of the Dragon Chalice and has at his command a small army of wicked shapeshifting beasts. Should he gain control of the remaining pieces of the artifact, Kenrick fears for the future of all mankind.
Kenrick's search for the Chalice leads him back to the home of his dear friend Rand, with whom he had left an important clue to the puzzle of the treasure's location. He arrives only to find that Rand and his entire family have been murdered, their castle burned, and the clue stolen. The only witness to the atrocity is Haven, a beautiful, wounded waif Kenrick finds in the wreckage of his friend's home.
Although Kenrick is desperate for information, Haven is not much help in piecing together what had really happened at the massacre, and where the clue might be found. She has lost her memory. Images of the horrific night haunt her, and a dangerous secret lies just out of reach, taunting her. Only fragments of terror, sadness and the pain of that night remain as her steady companions.
During her recovery, Haven and Kenrick draw closer, and a tentative trust forms between them. However, when Haven's memory returns, and the awful secret is revealed, both must struggle to find the right path as their worlds are turned upside down.
HEART OF THE FLAME is an engrossing read, fraught with mystery and danger. Author Tina St. John has done a marvelous job of weaving together fantasy, romance and a hint of medieval flavor, making HEART OF THE FLAME one of the best fantasy novels I've read in quite some time. This book has just about everything a fantasy/romance fan could ask for: awesome shapeshifters, a legendary myth complete with a treasure quest, heated romance, a hint of mystery and well-rounded characters combined skillfully with a fast-paced plot. HEART OF THE FLAME is definitely a book fans will want to put on their reading list!
Reviewed by Janean Nusz
for The Road to Romance
July 27, 2005
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