Flame in the Palace
by Seluna Drake is an epic fantasy steeped in romance. The blurb
quickly piqued my interest, along with the title of this book and I
just knew that I had to read this novel. The author weaves such an
engaging tale from beginning to end mixing in some mythical creatures
that left me begging and hoping for more in the future. This is the
first book that I have read by this author, and I look forward to
reading more of her works – especially this series as she continues
to grow and develop her storyline and characters.
Get ready to meet
Myria. She’s just a “simple barmaid” but her life is about to
take a wild turn with the sudden and unexpected appearance of her
distant cousin, Geffrey. She has no idea that the group he travels
with is about to change her life forever – some for the better,
and some...for the worse. The trials ahead will test Myria at every
level. Her dreams, her goals, her desires. But with her past being
shrouded in secrets, she has no idea exactly what is to come. Myria
is to join four other young ladies as they aspire to catch the
prince’s eye in order to be his bride by the end of the season.
Myria has no idea what lies ahead for her, and the path that will be
denied her heart.
This book is a
page-turner!! I’m not joking. I devoured this book and was left
begging for more. The author beautifully details this book, and the
characters are so well done that I could almost imagine them stepping
off the pages, or better yet...me stepping into the book with them.
Watching Myria develop as a character is truly something. She knows
nothing about court, but she has some guidance along the way in the
form of many helpers here and there. She acts without thought at
times, but it all proves to work for her benefit at the end of the
day. It proves her worth where others would wish to dismiss her.
True to form, the
author wastes no effort in reminding readers that this one thing is
true – life at court is fraught with danger. As you read this book,
you’ll see just what I mean as Myria becomes the target for one
particular individual. The author shrouds the reasons in shadows all
the way to the end, but still leaves the answers we’re waiting for
in the shadows. I’m hoping that book two will bring some
revelations because I am desperate for answers. Of course, this just
adds to the twists and mystery buried throughout this book. Myria
gains some answers, but only a few concerning her own history but
there’s more.
The variety of
characters in this book really helps it shine and bring it to life.
You have Myria who is the main character, but there are so many
others to be dazzled with. Of course, there will be those who will
cause you to narrow your eyes at them. I will admit that I raised my
eyebrows a few times at Myria’s naivety. Her innocence works in her
favor on one hand, but it brands her as easy to manipulate on the
other if one should so choose. It does mark her as one who has grown up outside of the courts and their backstabbing ways.
Page by page the
author will draw you deeper into this book and Myria’s world. The
romance builds and builds, but it ends up disappointing me in a way.
LOL! Some will think, that’s typical, but it’s interesting
nonetheless. I wonder where this path that Myria will be forced upon
will lead her though. She’s told – “make the choice yourself before it is made for you.” Just when you think that things will
play out one way, the author will drop a twist that will have your
jaw on the floor. Brace yourself as well, there were a couple of
moments in this book where the author literally had me in tears. I
even had to reread a couple of spots in the story because I was so
shocked by what I read.
Let me end with
this, some twists – you will begin to piece together the puzzle
that the author has in store. Other twists? You won’t see coming a
mile away. This book does end on a cliffhanger, and while some people
hate them – when they are done right? I absolutely love them. I
honestly can’t wait for the next book in Myria’s story. You just
know that she is going to be the “Flame in the Palace.” If you
enjoy epic fantasy novels then I highly encourage you to grab this
book. You will be on a rollercoaster of a ride with these characters and will be left eager for more to come. This author, Seluna Drake,
has acquired herself a new fan/follower. I can’t wait to read what
comes next. I’m rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. Flame in the
Palace shines brightly.
Thank you to the
author, Seluna Drake, and R&R Tours for the opportunity to read
and review this book.
Publication
Date: May 13, 2022
Genre:
Fantasy Romance/ Romantasy/ Epic Fantasy
With
her heritage shrouded in mystery and a future seemingly destined for
obscurity, a young orphan is raised in her grandmother’s roadside
inn. And though she loves her work tending tables, Myria yearns for
more. She learns any magic she can from traveling mages, though this
only serves to kindle her desire to break free from her mundane life.
When
a chance visit to the inn provides an opportunity to learn the magic
of the noble elite, Myria’s life changes. But to join the nobility
and learn their mystical secrets, she must win the prince’s heart
by the end of the summer and become the future Queen of Avalion.
Five
noble ladies contend for the same prize over a season of ritualized
competitions and formal events, and Myria is thrust into a world of
glittering ballrooms, excessive wealth, and charming aristocrats.
But
as she learns that the gleaming palaces of Avalion conceal nests of
vipers, she must decide if joining them is a cost worth paying to
unravel the mysteries of their magic. And the more she learns, the
more she realizes there is a shadow hanging over the kingdom that
cannot be dispelled merely by a Flame in the Palace.
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Excerpt
The
minotaur reveals himself at the mouth of the cave. He is taller than
any man she has seen, with the chest and arms of a human covered in
dense fur. The bull shows in his cloven hooves, horned head, and
elongated face. He must not have been asleep yet, as he watches her
with alert and wary eyes. He is always careful. And she is careful to
finish her music to the end of a major chord—careful to remain
still for him.
When
the last note fades, Myria lowers her flute and smiles.
“Hello
there. I’m sorry. I know it is rather late. I hope you forgive me,
but I brought some people who are keen to meet you.” She doesn’t
know if he understands her, but she always speaks to him as if he
can.
The
minotaur raises his snout and sniffs the air before creeping to her.
Myria remains still and waits for him to finish his inspection. Other
humans have probably not been so kind to him as she, so she is
patient with his trepidation. When his face is inches from hers, the
minotaur stops and gazes at her. The anxious whispers of the men grow
louder, distracting the minotaur. He snorts out a powerful breath
with an uncertain grunt, blowing the hair out of her face. She senses
the minotaur tensing in front of her, and her body coils like a
spring.
She
slowly reaches into her bag to break the tension and offers a peach.
“Here,” she whispers, a slight tremble in her voice. “I know
how much you like them.”
It
is enough to refocus his attention. He is no longer cautious as he
reaches for the fruit and bites into it eagerly. Myria breathes a
sigh of relief and strokes his long snout.
“I
am sorry for my rude friends. Can they come closer? I promise they
won’t hurt you.”
The
minotaur seems to consider her question for some time, chewing on his
peach with his head cocked to the side. Then, amazingly, he nods.
The
others draw near with less certainty than Myria. The minotaur’s
ears flatten back, but he appears no more imposing than that as he
waits for the men to approach.
Myria
introduces each man by handing them a peach to give to the minotaur.
“This is my cousin Geffrey, and his friends: Aryn, Emiri, and
Leor.”
They
stand in line, awaiting their turn to give their offering of peach as
they gape at the towering minotaur. Myria steps back to provide them
with space, crossing her arms and smiling at her handiwork. Emiri
steps back with her as Geffrey hands his peach to the minotaur.
“Do
you do this often?” he asks as he spins the peach in his hands.
“Do
what?” she asks coyly.
“Make
friends with dangerous, magical creatures,” he replies with a
snort.
“No,
the minotaur is the only one I know.”
“You
know it’s crazy, right?” His spinning peach increases in speed.
“Geffrey has us hunting a minotaur, and some barmaid takes us right
to one, plays music for the beast, and feeds him peaches.”
Myria
smirks, remembering his calloused hands. “Some barmaid? Is
it as crazy as a commoner dressed up as a noble?”
Emiri
chuckles, a husky sound that dissipates as he explains, “You are
right; I am not a noble.”
“But
you ride around with them searching for minotaurs? Do you do that
often?” she points out, echoing his initial question.
“Looking
for minotaurs? No. Ride around with them?” He gestures to the group
before them, where Aryn is offering his peach. Emiri hesitates. “Yes,
it happens occasionally.”
“How
did you get so lucky?” Myria sighs.
Emiri
tenses beside her. “I’m not sure if I would call it luck. How did
you even know I was just a commoner?”
“I
wouldn’t call you just a commoner, but if you must know, I
saw your hands.” Myria reaches for one and holds it between the two
of them. She traces the rough edges and lines with two fingers. “You
have callouses, which means you’ve had to work hard in your life at
some point. I have plenty of my own. Your friends don’t have any.”
Emiri
says nothing about the sudden, forward gesture, and merely watches
her. She maintains his piercing gaze with a shy smile. It is an
expression that earns her many tips with the inn’s patrons, but
that is not why she smiles now. The inn and minotaur are far from her
mind as she puzzles out Emiri’s role among his noble friends.
“You
never answered my question,” she points out.
“I—”
Suddenly, a small gasp from the others cuts him off. Myria drops
Emiri’s hand and races back to the minotaur, only to be greeted
with a strange sight.
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About
the Author
Seluna
Drake (she/her) is a high school English teacher, author, poet, and
artist. Most of the time she passes as a chaotic creative who spends
way too much time on video games and not enough time talking to her
therapist. She also considers herself a witch, INFP, and an advocate
for youth and marginalized voices. You can find her primarily on
Twitter: @SelunaDrake.
