Hugh of Draconia is sent to the land of Helios by his brother to spy on the people to make sure they are still allies. Hugh is not happy about the job; he's a warrior not a spy. He finds it hard to blend as he is the largest of the brothers and just naturally stands out. Though despite his misgivings all goes well until one night he senses something and finds to his surprise a very small misformed gryphon. The little Miss looks more like a kitten with wings than the beaked ones he was use to. He takes her to the Inn he is staying to take care of her, for she is freezing and hungry. Little did he know that this rescue would lead him straight to the KEEPER OF THE FLAME.

Valeria, is the KEEPER OF THE FLAME and the Doge of Helios. She had no way of knowing that doing her duty toward little gryphon would change her life so drastically and so wonderfully. Little Miss and Hugh are not what she expects nor does she expect to be interrupted by an assassination attempt. Hugh finds himself deeply involved in the rescue of this woman and their little charge. They must rely on the magic that both share to root out the assassins and the person who hired them. Is this the destiny that is his? The reason he was sent to this land? After meeting Lera, he certainly hopes it is.

KEEPER OF THE FLAME is fantastic! The storyline is fast paced, filled with action and hotter than the flames that Hugh and Lera use as part of their magic. I immediately fell in love with Hugh when he took such gentle care of the baby gryphon; there is something about a big, strong warrior who can be so gentle that tugs at the heart strings. I have read all of the Dragon Knight books and was glad to see past characters returning to this one, I always enjoy catching up with them like they were old friends. I hope author Bianca D'Arc has many more such books up her sleeve, because I am ready and raring to read the next one.