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1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Role playing into reality and a really great adventure! Sep 02, 2008
By Jenine Wilson
"Lover of fantasy"
The first thing that struck me when I began reading this novel was the "voice". First person, present tense, it totally blew my mind and I wasn't sure if I would like it. However, after the first few paragraphs the strangeness lapsed into a kind of steady sailing through the story and it flowed much better than I ever thought it could. Instead of making the reading difficult it really turned out to be a rather refreshing change from the norm.
If you have ever watched the '80s cartoon, "Dungeons and Dragons", the concept for this story is a bit like that. We start off with a group of strangers at a role-playing convention who are ready to embark on their "quest". Suddenly they find themselves whisked into another world via a wizard's spell which is a call for help against the demons invading their world. Fortunately for our intrepid gamers, instead of arriving simply as displaced humans each of the group manifests not only the powers of the characters they created, they take on their resemblance as well. The main character and teller of our tale is ArchMage Reba, former housewife turned Master Spellcaster. Reba quickly takes over command of her little band, dubbed "Crusaders of the Light" and discovers her arrival may be the crux of a long held prophesy by the people of the land. Basically this novel takes us from preparation through battle and leaves off begging for a sequel. Looking back, although the story was interesting and not boring at all, it is mostly a tale of preparation. I enjoyed Reba's interaction with the people of the land she finds herself in and although I found her to be a bit self-important in attitude, for the most part I really did like her. I guess you could say she has a good heart which makes me want to excuse her more arrogant personality traits. Easily my favorite character of the book was Prince Szames and I would read a sequel just to find out what happens to him.
Although I think the characterization for the main roles was very well done, some of the side characters seemed to get a little lost in the shuffle. In particular I would have thought to see more of the group who actually traveled from our world with Reba. During the course of the story it did feel as though things went awfully smoothly for Reba. She was perfect at just about everything she tried, everyone loved her and nothing really seemed to be much of a challenge. Although I still found the story to be intriguing, some might enjoy a few more twists and turns in their reading. It is my understanding that this book has been optioned for publication by one of the larger houses and a bit of re-vamping will be done to the story. I believe that Reba might be in for a few more challenges in the revised version, which will be interesting to read and once I've read this edition, I may have to offer a revised review as well!
Also, in view of the revised edition being on the horizon, I'm reluctant to linger on the few other issues with this edition, although in all fairness I did want to make note. In particular, there were a few editing snafus that I expect will be taken care of. The other thing that was slightly jarring were a couple instances where we departed from Reba's first person to make observations she had no part of. It has always been my opinion that once you have picked a POV, you have to stick with it and if there is something else you want to have noted, you have to work it into the story using the formula you start with.
Overall the substance, plot and story make this a very good fantasy read with the unusual "voice" being a definite plus. I am certainly looking forward to reading more about Reba and her companions in the future. To leave off I also wanted to make note of my favorite quote from the book regarding destiny, which has always been a concept I take issue with:
"...I have always considered 'Destiny' the King Trickster and 'Fate' his Court Jester...I choose the path I take, and I don't need fate or destiny to blame for my actions."
4 of 7 found the following review helpful:
 Prophecy of the Flame-Book Two - WOW Jul 12, 2010
By Lorie
I read the manuscript and now I pre-ordered the book. This series is hard to put down. These books are an easy fast pace read with twists that left me wanting more. This series is a must read for the Renaissance Fare crowd. I am so glad that book two is almost here. I feel like a spoiled kid that just wants more of Lynn's writting.
2 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Wonderful Apr 07, 2008
By D. Greenough
I just finished Prophecy of the flame, Love's Dawning and I just loved it. I rushed to clean my house each day so I could get back to reading. It really kept my intrest and flowed very well. I can not wait for the next book to come out and take me away again.
1 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 what happened? Sep 23, 2011
By John Alexander
"John A"
I bought this book to find out what happened with the big attack at the end of the last book and this book didn't tell you anything it just pretended the attack never happened? How can they get away with this crap. So I didn't bother buying the last book nor did I continue reading this book after the first 50 pages If you are going to treat the three books as a continuing story then show the ending of the fight I still can't believe they did that.
1 of 3 found the following review helpful:
This book doesn't let you down. Jul 15, 2008
By Roberta Bowler
The author, Lynn Hardy, passes out flyers as a way of greeting customers where she is conducting a book signing. These flyers boldly state:
"I was up till 2 am, I couldn't put it down...." Yivi M., Toronto Canada
"Love's Dawning makes the realm of magic fascinating to someone who's never read a fantasy novel." Jane F., Durrant, OK
"Prophecy of the Flame brings you back to the wonderment of childhood when you first believed that magic really existed." Jarod G., CA
"This story embodies every RPG player's fantasy." J.R., Chantilly VA
"An extremely well written story."
Gloria: an independent editor in Oakton, VA
After reading Prophecy of the Flame: Love's Dawning I agree whole-heartedly with all these statements.
Here is the simple premise:
Five average Americans are snatched from modern day America and thrown into a world of magic. These nondescript strangers are given the powers and abilities they where pretending to have. The main character is Rebecca who becomes the ArchMage Reba.
Yes, this theme has been done a few times before, but never like this. Lynn writes in a first person PRESENT voice that drew me in right away. I believe the reason First Person works so well for Prophecy of the Flame is that Reba has an empathetic ability. This allows an occasional glimpse into the motives of those around her, while maintaining a first person aspect.
Not only are the Crusaders of the Light endeavoring to save the world, but Reba also struggles to remain true to her wedding vows.
This is a true Fairy Tale for adults, complete with two princes:
Alexandros: Crown Prince in line for the throne believes he must wed or at least bed the ArchMage in order to fulfill the Prophecy of the Flame.
Szames: Younger brother of Prince Alexandros befriends Reba, and quickly falls in love with the fiery heroine.
Negatives:
There could be more hurtles for the heroine. Also, like Eragon, this book is the first of a series and leaves you wanting more. I hate waiting for the next book!
I have given this book five stars:
It is fast paced, a real page-turner, well written and ties every aspect nicely put together. There are a few typos, but being a self-published book I will let those slide. (a good editor is hard to find)
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