Book Review: Saint Fire

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Saint Fire     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Tanith Lee
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Series: Secret Books of Venus # 2
Overlook, Nov 1999, $25.95, 336 pp.

In the Seven Keys Canal of Medieval Venice, Ghaio begins to rape his virgin slave Volpa who rejects his efforts. Somehow, in her fear and anger, Volpa releases a fire from her long, fiery red hair that engulfs her master.

Fra Danielus learns about the strange power of the young woman. He does not care whether her power is divine or sent from Satan. He plans to use her talent to repel the invading infidels Jurneians. He assigns the abduction of Volpa to his holy knights. However, one of them Cristiano has big doubts about harnessing Volpa's powers. To him, the woman seems more than just a mere human, as if she is an angel. Renamed Beatifica, she rides along side the soldiers of God in battle.

As in the first book of this series (see FACES UBNDER THE WATER), Tanith Lee writes an intriguing, thought provoking tale. The story line will excite fans of alternate earth historical fiction with its action-packed, but difficult philosophical questions. The fully developed characters represent various sides of faith, which renders them an intricate part of a parable-like tale. However, what makes this novel so good is that Ms. Lee leaves her audience pondering complex profound aspects of right and wrong of a belief system, but within an entertaining novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner