The Element of Fire (Ile-Rien, #1)

by Martha Wells

The Element of Fire was first published in the US by Tor Books in 1993, and has been published in six languages. This edition has been revised by the author. The kingdom of Ile-Rien is in peril, menaced by magical threats and court intrigue. As the weak King Roland, misled by treacherous companions, rules the country, only his ruthless mother, the Dowager Queen Ravenna, truly guards the safety of the realm. But now Urbain Grandier, the dark master of scientific sorcery, has arrived to plot against the throne and Kade, bastard sister of the king, has appeared unexpectedly at court. The illegitimate daughter of the old king and the Queen of Air and Darkness herself, Kade's true goals are cloaked in mystery. Is she in league with the wizard Grandier? Or is she laying claim to the throne? It falls to Thomas Boniface, Captain of the Queen's Guard and Ravenna's former lover, to sort out who is friend, who is foe in a deadly game to keep the Dowager Queen and the kingdom she loves from harm.

• ISBN10: 0615135714
• ISBN13: 9780615135717
• Publish Date: 13 November 2006 (first published 1 July 1993)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Martha Wells
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 314
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Summary

Ile-Rien is a proud kingdom full of magic, politics, and occasionally treachery. Okay, the last part isn't so ideal. Luckily, people like Thomas Boniface (the Captain of the Queen's Guard) stand between danger and the people.

A dark wizard is taking action again in the kingdom, but things are not as they seem. Somebody must be helping the wizard find a way inside. Worse, the fae have become more active in the area. This might be more than Thomas can handle on his own.

My Review

If you're looking for a book full of magic, politics, and intrigue, The Element of Fire is the book for you. In truth, there's so much going on in this book that it took me some time to truly appreciate it all.

The Element of Fire is split into multiple perspectives. The primary two are Thomas Boniface and Kade (half-fae daughter of the late king). Thomas' side provides politics, investigations, battles, and more. Meanwhile, Kade provides a different perspective on the same world. It's fascinating.

This world is a complex one. We have sorcerers, kingdoms, fae, and different noble families (which means loads of different goals and schemes). It took me a bit to get into the swing of things – probably at least three chapters before I was well and truly invested. But it's worth the time spent, I promise!

It's worth noting that The Element of Fire is Martha Wells' debut novel. So, obviously, we know that Wells has grown a lot as a writer since this book. However, I need to find out how much it's changed for this reprinted version. I thoroughly enjoyed The Element of Fire, regardless.

I would read another dozen books set in Ile-Rien, which is good because there are five in total, plus short stories. However, I'll have to decide if I want to wait for the rest (three and onward) to be republished or if I want to just dive right in.

Highlights:
High Fantasy
Complex World Building
Politics & Magic
Heist Vibes

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