Touch of Fire

By Maria Zannini

Between mage and man lies fire. Leda has been ordered by the House of Ilia to use her fae gifts to find an alchemist's bible, no matter what the cost. In a world where technology has been replaced by... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1605041602
• ISBN13: 9781605041605
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Samhain Pub Ltd
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

A Touch of Fire with more than a touch of genius

Prepare yourself to settle down for a "caliente" read, because this book is that and so much more. From the first line, I was hooked. The author does a wonderful job of introducing Leda, the fae beauty, and Greyhawke Tams, the man she needs to fulfill her quest. The very nature of their relationship helps to build so much tension - sexually and plot-wise - you could slice it with a dagger. Leda's own inner turmoil, battling her facade as an Earth elemental when she's a Fire elemental at heart, certainly brings things to a boil. Adding genius to this spicy recipe is the author's subtle manner of guiding you to what you THINK may happen then POW, she presents another piece of the puzzle that keeps you turning the pages, thirsting for more. Just be aware, this book is not for the chaste. If you desire a book that will keep your mind away from sensuality and sexual attraction, you won't find that here. The author handles the erotic angle tastefully, though I had an "Oh my" moment or two. If you're interested in a read that will provide you with more bang for your buck, then consider this book a great investment.

Captivating!

A beautiful but dangerous fire mage, a book that could destroy the world, and a man who is forced into bondage against his will . . . all combine to create an intriguing story that's impossible to put down. Leda needs help, despite the fact that she is a full fire mage and can read auras--warning her of danger and love alike. When Grey is defeated in a bar brawl, she pays the landlord for damages, unbeknownst to the unconscious Grey, making him her bondsman for three months. Grey, of course, is furious at the beautiful fae woman who has magically tethered him to her like a common servant. The quest--to recover a book of potions discovered, then lost, by Grey. But now the trail of those seeking it is lined with death. Leda must trick Grey into revealing its location, by any means possible, before one of the most powerful mage's finds it for himself. The book contains instructions for creating machines and bombs that could destroy the entire world of this futuristic civilization. The fantasy world created by author Maria Zannini is unique as she weaves a fascinating plot. The story pulled me in from the first page as Leda's character burst into life through Zannini's witty and charming writing style. When Grey woke up from his pummeling, I was hooked. The tension between Leda and Grey is simply captivating. Bravo.

A great read

When I was a boy Fantasy heroes were muscle-bound men aka Tarzan or Conan; then in a later, more ambivalent era we had heroes with flaws, interestingly pale heroes with red eyes, dependent on demons and vampiric swords. Weak or strong all of them were men. Women were victims or trophies, treacherous schemers making up to bald sorcerers, occasionally heroic but never quite making it as a man. Male `Mary Sue's' have been replaced by female `Mary Sue's' as Fantasy readerships has changed but real romance demands strong partners. The protagonist, male or female has to meet their match. Good writers understand this instinctively, and Maria Zannini is one of them. Her heroine in `Touch of Fire is Leda. She is both sardonic and feisty. Her eventual partner, Greyhawk Tams is equally strong minded, chalk to her cheese, and the joy in reading the book is seeing how their relationship develops in a nicely drawn post apocalyptic world. This is important. In Touch of Fire the world building is coherent and real - and ends with a hook that demands a sequel.

A fun romantic fantasy

The first line of "Touch of Fire" clues the reader in on what to expect: "The Reverend Mother used to tell acolytes that if men were going to brawl, they should at least be naked and glistening with oil." This will be a fun, irreverent trip through a fantasy world with a sassy female mage and a good-looking scavenger who's found a treasure he doesn't understand. For me, part of the pleasure was watching for the references to the "last age," that's disappeared under rubble. By page 15, we've seen "Dak'Ota" province and a mention that the scavenger once found a "tiny statue of a mouse" whose name turns out to be Mee-kee. Romance readers should enjoy this one.

Fabulous Fantasy

A great read! Sexy romance together with a terrific adventure. I read it in one sitting. Hot hero and a heroine who knows her own mind and isn't going to be deterred from her mission.