Latest in the Dragon Knights series, this tale
introduces
gryphons to the mix. Winged big cats, these beings live in
cliffside caves. But one youngling is following dragon
agent Hugh around town in the sleet. Attracted by his
magical heat, little Miss is also a good judge of
character, for Hugh, masquerading as an ordinary trader in
this foreign land, gets her warm and fed. She's barely able
to talk yet but her parents have dumped her and she needs a
friend. The endearing kitten is soon the source of rumour
and a lady who is called KEEPER OF THE FLAME arrives to
inspect the situation.
Assassins stalk the night and fleeing, the Keeper and Hugh
run into further danger, when even the dragon shapeshifter
needs help from his gryphon friend. Lera the Keeper has
her own innate magic and relief at being safe, plus finding
a like talent, draws her to Hugh in a tender, passionate
romance. But the hired Eyes are still out to get her, and
she doesn't know who she can trust.
Halfway the story does become more tightly linked in to the
earlier books so a knowledge of the affairs of various
countries and magicians would be a help. Bianca D'Arc has
been creating a complex world filled with magical beings
and ordinary folks who just want to get on with their
lives; palaces, temples and inns. While dragonish folk like
flames, sensibly gryphons are afraid of fire, with their
fur and oiled wing feathers. So the disparity makes for
some distrust and compromises among the characters.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the winged cat-girl
and her behaviour, and any cat lover will feel the same.
Many earlier Dragon Knight characters return in this book
and Bianca D'Arc's fans will enjoy this latest instalment,
as KEEPER OF THE FLAME takes off in a different direction
but retains the action, romance and intrigue we have come
to expect.
A warrior, a maiden…and a passion that could set the whole
world aflame.
Dragon Knights, Book 7
Despite the fact he is the largest of his half-dragon
brothers and better suited to fighting, Hugh has been sent
on an undercover mission. Forced to stay in human form, he
must discover if the land of Helios is truly the Draconian
ally it pretends, or something more sinister.
When he witnesses injustice in the form of a misshapen baby
gryphon kicked out into the cold, he cannot remain in the
shadows and watch the child suffer. All he can hope for is
that his act of kindness will go unnoticed so his mission
can continue.
But someone does notice. When Lera cautiously approaches
Hugh, she is drawn to his strange, foreign magic. She is
entranced by its irresistible allure—until assassins come
calling and reveal her true identity.
She is Valeria, queen of Helios, Keeper of the Flame. And
she has been betrayed. Together they must risk everything to
uncover the traitors and reforge the alliance between their
lands. Yet beneath their blazing passion, both are still
keeping secrets. Secrets that the Sacred Flame will
reveal—if their love survives its cleansing fire.
Warning: When a dragon prince and a Flame Keeper come
together, the conflagration is definitely too hot to handle!
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