Fire Logic by Laurie J. Marks

Fire Logic by Laurie J. Marks

Tor Books: 2002

Overview: Part of a series that will hopefully eventually include four books, Fire Logic follows the story of Zanja, a diplomat turned paladin of sorts in the war-torn land of Shaftal. After her village is attacked by the invading Sainnites, she is taken prisoner and left to rot, until she is rescued by the super buff, half-giant, metalsmith Karis, who has mysterious healing powers and an unfortunate addiction to smoke, a drug that completely deadens her senses. Together with the paladin Emil and a cast of supporting characters, they must find a way to rescue the people of Shaftal before war completely consumes them.

My reaction: Since reading this book, I have become thoroughly obsessed. I’ll admit that the writing was a little difficult to get into at first, and the first few chapters skip through a lot of years, but once I got going, I was hooked. The love story between Zanja and Karis is in parts tragic, in parts extremely sexy and just plain…romantic. I liked that sexuality is never an issue. Not once does anyone comment on any of the characters’ choice of partner; in this world, it appears that people can love whom they please. This allows for the love plot to develop in a way that goes beyond overcoming personal or societal barriers. Yes, they face obstacles to their love, but they are solid fantasy world obstacles. Oh, and the political intrigue is great, as are the meditations on war and peace. I look forward to Karis and Zanja coming more completely into their powers in future installments.

Elemental Logic Series:

Fire Logic, 2002

Earth Logic, 2004

Water Logic, 2007

Air Logic, Forthcoming