The Flame (The Sons of Destiny, Book 7) (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: living host, lord secretary, neap tide, Truth Stone, Queen Kelly, Baroness Teretha (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Seventh in the hot series from the national bestselling author that Jayne Anne Krentz hails as “fabulously fresh.”

Eight brothers, born in four sets of twins, two years apart to the day—they fulfill the Curse of Eight Prophecy. Though no longer trapped in exile, their growing family faces new problems. Now that it’s his turn to look for a bride, Koranen, the seventh-born brother, cursed with a flame that courses beneath his flesh, must find a woman able to endure the literal heat of his passion. Then Danau the Aquamancer arrives, and as everyone knows, fire and water create steam.

About the Author

Jean Johnson is a national bestselling author as well as a singer, designer, and member of the Society for Creative Anachronism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; Berkley Sensation Trade Pbk. Ed edition (December 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425224058
• ISBN-13: 978-0425224052
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #225,413 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 7 in The Sons of Destiny Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars May be my favorite yet!, December 8, 2008

By	Sabrina in VA "SciFi & Fantasy nut" (Woodbridge, VA United States) - See all my reviews

While I have enjoyed all of the "Sons" books, I think "The Flame" may be my favorite, largely because of the development of the hero (Koranen) over the course of the previous 6 books, as well as the development of the heroine, Danau.

While all of the love-interests are well-developed, some of them have been ones I almost had to make myself like/root for (Alys, Amara), and others were almost silly (Serina). However, each lady complemented her chosen mate well. And the guys - well - all of them are well-developed (pun intended). Even when it wasn't "their" book, each brother's own story moved along.

The over-all arc has moved along much better than I thought it would. One enemy was dealt with, with another coming along.

While I look forward w/ bated breath to "The Mage", I do so w/ sadness, that one of my favorite romance series (which also has a healthy dose of rather explicit sex - yum) is coming to its end.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent installment in the series...., January 21, 2009

By	Deborah Wiley (Winter Haven, FL) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Poor Koranen! Fated, or cursed, as a Pyromancer, his mere touch can burn. An ancient prophecy has haunted the eight Sons of Destiny and the kingdom of Nightfall is now taking shape as a result with each brother finding happiness at his appointed time. Koranen is fated to meet a woman who can control THE FLAME and he suspects it is an Aquamancer. Four Aquamancers have arrived at Nightfall. Which one is his destined mate?

Jean Johnson weaves together a magical and surprisingly complex fantasy romance. THE FLAME is the seventh book in the series and I would highly recommend reading the Sons of Destiny series in order. Each book builds upon the last and all the characters reappear in the various tales. Some of the nuances of the story may be lost by reading this series out of order.

Koranen's story is a heartbreaking one. His destined mate is a perfect match for him as they complement each other perfectly. Seeing Koranen's loneliness throughout the series makes this particular happily-ever-after especially enjoyable.

Jean Johnson does a beautiful job at showing the creation of a new civilization. She incorporates all the basic foundations, from the governing bodies, to the religion, to the culture of a new society. The sheer depth of the world building is impressive as Jean Johnson makes the society of Nightfall believable. The various myths and legends she weaves into the plot only enhance the overall story arc as THE FLAME is easily recommended!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars terrific romantic fantasy, December 4, 2008

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The seventh brother Koranen is perhaps the loneliest of the siblings as his skill pyromancy means no passionate touching; he literally burns women. He knows what the prophecy says for him and bolstering his hopes that his bride is an aquamancer as predicted is the recent success of his six brothers in finding their mates. Kor believes she is finally coming to him when four aquamancers from the underwater city of Menomon come to Nightfall to examine the desalinator.

Danau is Kor's polar opposite as her touch leads to frostbite. Although a pariah in terms of personal relationship, she is in charge of the Menomon delegation. Her icy persona hides her lonely heart, but also angers Kor who wants nothing to do with the frozen beauty. However, destiny could not care less what either thinks even as evil has creeped onto the island.

Events are reaching a climax as Johnson delivers the penultimate chapter in her magical Sons of Destiny series. Watching these characters and this new monarchy develop has been pure fun, with practical kingdom-building considerations mixing cleverly with high-risk danger. Johnson's impressive talent is on full display.

Though somewhat a set up for the grand finale tale in this terrific romantic fantasy saga, this seventh Sons of Destiny tale is kept fresh and exciting by the uniqueness of the lead couple as he is fire and she is ice. Separately they are loners as no one can touch them without being burned; together they make a perfect match. However, in spite of being destiny's darlings they must overcome their learned response that touching including passion literally burns. Jean Johnson provides a character driven enjoyable book seven.

Harriet Klausner