White Heat

January 1, 2010
Gr 7-10-This sequel to "Blue Flame" (Walker, 2008) begins in 13th-century France with Raimon barricaded in the mountains. The weather is miserably hot, and he and his people are starving. Meanwhile Yolanda, believing Raimon is dead, has been taken to Paris as the unwilling fiancée of Sir Hugh. When she learns that Raimon is still alive, she tries to find a way to return and help save the Blue Flame and the Occitan from the French king. The story is written from the point of view of the Amouroix, a county in the Occitan. This unusual narrator directly addresses readers, and as a result the writing is slightly self-conscious. There are also some inconsistencies, such as a gagged character who is suddenly able to speak. Despite these flaws, this is a much better book than the first. Grant clearly has a gift for description and uses phrases such as "black-toothed acres of mirth" as an image of laughing soldiers. There is also more character development in minor characters such as Sir Hugh, which creates some ambivalence about which side is in the right. The real treasure in this book is a wonderful new character: Laila. This smart-mouthed, kleptomaniac servant with dyed hair and painted skin becomes Yolanda's unexpected ally and friend. Fans of the first book will enjoy the nonstop action and the historical content of this book and will be anxious to get their hands on the final volume of this trilogy."Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2010
Grades 7-10 Grant develops the plight of her thirteenth-century lovers in this sequel to Blue Flame (2008). After escaping the pyre, Raimon takes to the Occitan caves, but despite holding the mythical Blue Flame, his attempts to unify the Catholic and Cathar rebels fail as the reality of being under siege takes hold. Grants writing is deeply rooted in history, and her portrayal of the time period is never dry: vivid details bring the setting to life, while a focus on the characters gives the story emotion and drama. Though the conceit of having the land narrate is even more intrusive, this volume will not disappoint.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)