Title: The Fire’s Stone
Author: Tanya Huff
First published October 3, 1990
287 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780886774455 (ISBN10: 0886774454)
Rating: 4
Overview
In The Fire’s Stone by Tanya Huff, three unlikely heroes must come together to save the city of Ischia from certain destruction. Aaron, a skilled thief and former Clan Heir, has fled his past and his duty after his beloved was killed.
Darvish, the prince of Ischia, is a charming drunkard who must marry for political reasons. Chandra, a princess turned Wizard of the Nine, journeys to Ischia to convince Darvish not to marry her.
When the magical Stone, which protects the city from the volcano’s wrath, is stolen, the three must work together to find it before it’s too late. Can they put aside their differences and save Ischia from a fiery demise?
About the Author
I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and though I left when I was just a toddler, I still consider myself a Maritimer. I think it has something to do with being born near the ocean or maybe it’s just because no one wants to admit they’re from Ontario.
I grew up mostly in Kingston, Ontario during the late 60s and early to mid-70s. It was a unique time in history, and those who lived through it understand what I mean.
Those who didn’t missed out on the chance to wear platform shoes.
I spent three years in the Canadian Naval Reserve as a cook. At the time, they had just opened it up to women, and I thought it would be the first trade to send women to sea.
I was right, but unfortunately, it happened a year after I left. I didn’t get any tattoos.
I graduated from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute with a degree in Radio and Television Arts. Unfortunately, the year I graduated, the CBC laid off 750 employees in Toronto alone, and I had to compete with people who had years of experience.
To top it off, my cat threw up on my degree.
For eight years, I worked at Bakka, the oldest surviving science fiction book store in North America. Change of Hobbit in California was a little bit older, but unfortunately, it closed in ’91 due to the recession.
During my time at Bakka, I wrote seven books (the first seven, except for the original draft of CHILD), and nine short stories while working full-time.
In 1992, after living in downtown Toronto for thirteen years, I moved with my partner and three cats (two large and one small psychotic) to a rented house in the middle of nowhere. Over the years, we’ve purchased the house, buried two of the original cats, acquired three more felines, and unintentionally acquired a Chihuahua.
Don’t ask me how that happened.
I love living in the country and writing full-time. My favorite things include anything by Charles de Lint, Xena, Hercules, and email.
I dislike telephones, electric blankets, and bathroom renovations. I always expect the worst, so I’m usually pleasantly surprised.
Currently, I live with my wife.
Editoral Review
Tanya Huffs The Fires Stone, first published in 1990, is a masterful work of fantasy fiction that explores themes of redemption, identity, and the human condition. Huff is a Canadian author with over 30 years of experience in writing science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and this book showcases her skill in crafting intricate, believable worlds with complex characters.
The Fires Stone takes place in a world where magic and science coexist and where three misfit characters must band together to confront a dangerous magic that threatens their city. The novel is set in the fictional city of Mera, which resembles a medieval European city but with added fantastical elements.
The plot follows Varien, a thief and rogue who has stolen an enchanted gemstone, Chandra, a princess with magical powers, and Jereth, a man with a tragic past who wishes to redeem himself. Together, they must use their skills and wits to stop a powerful wizard from unleashing a devastating magic that could destroy the city.
Huffs writing style is engaging and descriptive, drawing the reader into the characters inner worlds and the vividly imagined city of Mera. She seamlessly blends elements of magic and science, creating a unique and believable world that feels both familiar and fantastical.
The characters are well-rounded and sympathetic, with relatable flaws and struggles. One notable strength of the novel is its exploration of identity and redemption.
Varien is forced to confront his past mistakes and make amends for his misdeeds. Chandra must navigate her position as a princess with magical powers, which is both a source of privilege and vulnerability.
Jereth grapples with guilt and the desire to make things right in the face of overwhelming odds. The Fires Stone offers a nuanced portrayal of characters struggles with societal and personal expectations, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read.
The pacing of the novel is also well-crafted, with a balance between action and character development. The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the outcome of the characters quest.
However, some aspects of the plot and worldbuilding could have been further developed, particularly the villains motivations and the details of the magic system.
Overall, The Fires Stone is an excellent novel that combines fantasy and science fiction elements with a strong focus on character development and interpersonal relationships.
It will appeal to readers who enjoy immersive worldbuilding and stories with complex, relatable characters. While some aspects of the plot and worldbuilding could have been further developed, the novel is still a worthwhile read that showcases Huff’s mastery of the genre.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Recommended for: Fans of fantasy fiction, particularly those who enjoy novels with a focus on character development and themes of identity and redemption.
