Authors: Christie Golden
Tags: #Fiction, #Fantasy fiction, #General, #Romance, #Fantasy, #Epic
“Ms. Golden weaves a splendiferous tale of exotic magic and the courage of the human heart. Her characters stand out within a tapestry of emotions, where hope is the loom upon which love and desire, fear and despair and stubborn perseverance continue to weave. An elemental tale with an amazing, and unforeseen, climax keeps the pages turning seemingly by themselves. This is a definite gem in the world of sci-fi fantasy and a must-read for those who love to hope and hope to love.”
—
The Best Reviews
“
On Fire’s Wings
is a sweeping story peopled by emotionally complex characters—characters the reader is given time to get to know, understand, and either love or despise. Yes, there’s a strong romantic subplot involved, but the story is about Kevla’s life—from her meager beginnings to the days in which she realizes her own inner power and is faced with what that power brings to her…and ultimately takes from her.”
—
Revision 14
“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.”
—
In the Library Reviews
TOP PICK! 4 1/2 stars—“The desert country of Arukan is an original and compelling creation, far from the typical lush forests and medieval villages of fantasy fiction…Golden is not afraid to take risks in her writing, and the resulting unexpected and sometimes uncomfortable twists and turns definitely pay off here.…A gripping and satisfying tale.”
—
Romantic Times
“Christie Golden leads us on a journey across the exotic terrain of fantasy as well as through the complex landscape of the human heart…from its gasp-inducing first pages to a rousing I-can’t-read-this-fast-enough conclusion,
On Fire’s Wings
is a vibrant opener to a richly imagined new series.”
—Mark Anthony, author of The Last Rune
series
“The plot is full of fascinating cross-currents, not just between the emotional and adventurous parts, but also between destiny and stupidity. The story holds an overall pattern, a goal towards which everything wants to flow. But because the culture is badly flawed, a lot of the characters make mistake after ghastly mistake, dragging things off course. The question then becomes can Kevla straighten out the resulting mess before it’s too late?
On Fire’s Wings
holds great appeal for fantasy fans, with its epic plot and exquisitely detailed scenery. Romance fans will enjoy the intricate web of relationships amongst the characters.”
—
Hypatia’s Hoard
www.LUNA-Books.com
First edition September 2005
IN STONE’S CLASP
ISBN 1-55254-360-9
Copyright © 2005 by Christie Golden
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Worldwide Library, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.
All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.
This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
® and TM are trademarks of Harlequin Books S.A., used under license. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.
This one’s for the men—
May it serve to honor the Fisher Kings and wounded heroes who have survived their own seemingly endless winters and emerged, whole, into spring.
Cast of Characters
In Arukan
Jashemi-kha-Tahmu: Tahmu’s son, Kevla’s half-brother and the Flame Dancer’s Lorekeeper, deceased
Kevla-sha-Tahmu, formerly Kevla Bai-Sha: the Flame Dancer
Dragon, the: Kevla’s Companion animal
Meli-sha-Tahmu: Kevla’s half sister
Sahlik: head servant of the Clan of the Four Waters, five-score
Tahmu-kha-Rakyn: Kevla’s father,
khashim
of the Clan of the Four Waters
Yeshi Bai-Sha, formerly Yeshi-sha-Rusan: wife of Thamu, mother of Jashemi and Meli
In Lamal
Hanru:
Taaskali
guide
Ice Maiden, the: legendary coldhearted woman
Ivo: headman of Skalka Valley
Lukkari, Altan: Lamali bard, twin brother to stillborn Ilta
Lukkari, Ilta: stillborn twin to Altan
Lukkari, Ritva: Altan’s mother
Lukkari, Veli: Altan’s father
Ovaak, Larr: Jareth’s boyhood friend
Paiva: wise-woman/healer
Ranin: friend to Olar Tulari
Relaanan, Kivi: wife to Orvo, mother to Taya and Vikka
Relaanan, Orvo: headman of Two Lakes, father to Taya and Vikka
Relaanan, Vikka: youngest daughter of Orvo and Kivi
Tulari, Gelsan: head woman of Arrun Woods
Tulari, Mylikki: daughter of Gelsan
Tulari, Olar: son of Gelsan
Vasalen, Annu: Jareth’s daughter
Vasalen, Jareth: the Stone Dancer
Vasalen, Parvan: Jareth’s son
Vasalen, Taya: Jareth’s wife
Other Players
Advisors to the Emperor
Emperor, the: enemy of the Dancers, very powerful
Ki-lyn, the: magical creature imprisoned by the Emperor