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Seize the Fire

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'Seize the Fire' by Laura Kinsale is an epic historical romance novel filled with action, betrayal, and complex characters. The story follows Sheridan, a troubled nobleman with PTSD, and Olympia, an orphaned princess seeking to reclaim her throne. Despite their differences, they embark on a dangerous journey together, facing assassins, shipwrecks, pirates, and more. The plot is fast-paced and intense, with a focus on the characters' emotional struggles and growth throughout their adventures.

Characters:

The characters are multi-dimensional, with a naive heroine and a tortured anti-hero experiencing significant growth throughout the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is emotionally intense and beautifully descriptive, enhancing the complex character arcs and intricate world-building.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative unfolds as an epic adventure, highlighting themes of justice, healing, and complex character dynamics, with a flawed hero assisting a determined heroine.

Setting:

The setting spans historical England and exotic locations, enriching the narrative and providing a vivid backdrop for the adventure.

Pacing:

Pacing is uneven, shifting from fast-paced adventure to introspective moments, making it both unpredictable and intense.
She had been born in England, and had lived as long as she could remember in a substantial brick house with ivy on the walls. Her home fronted on the main street of Wisbeach, facing the north brink of...

Notes:

The book centers on Olympia, an exiled princess, and Sheridan, a retired naval captain.
Sheridan is portrayed as a reluctant hero with a troubled past and PTSD.
Olympia is characterized as naive but passionate about her cause.
The story involves intense adventures including shipwrecks, pirates, and revolutions.
Kinsale's writing is known for its emotional depth and complex characters.
Readers describe the book as heavy with angst and internal conflict.
The romance evolves from infatuation to a deeper emotional connection throughout the story.
Critics note that the handling of race and some plot points can be problematic or 'clunky'.
The ending is described as bittersweet and not traditionally happy, reflecting the characters' trauma.
The book explores themes of grief, guilt, and redemption.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high levels of sensitive themes, including trauma, PTSD, suicidal ideation, references to slavery, and instances of racism.

Has Romance?

The book features a significant romantic arc between the main characters, defined by emotional depth and complexity.

From The Publisher:

A scoundrel is transformed by the love of an innocent princess in this historical romance by the New York Times-bestselling author of Flowers from the Storm.

Summoned to rule the tiny nation of Oriens, Princess Olympia St. Leger appoints the most celebrated man in England to escort her: recently retired war hero Capt. Sheridan Drake. Easily frightened, she is vastly relieved to have Captain Drake's help-until she discovers he's a scoundrel without a drop of honor in his body. In fact, nothing would make her happier than to forget him. Except she cannot seem to get his deep, stirring gaze out of her head . . .

Sheridan has no patience for hero worshipers; war is a game of survival, not gallant deeds. But Olympia, who comes to him with plump cheeks and eyes full of expectation, has money, something of which he is in great need. And though Olympia is impossibly naive, for reasons he can't fathom, she touches him in some obscure, half-forgotten place, until the thought of losing her becomes even more impossible.

Set in Georgian England, Seize the Fire is another exciting tale from the author of For My Lady's Heart, whose work has been praised by Julia Quinn as "unfailingly brilliant and beautiful."

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About the Author:

Laura Kinsale is the award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author of The Shadow and the Star, Seize the Fire, The Prince of Midnight, Flowers From the Storm, For My Lady's Heart, and The Dream Hunter. She and her husband divide their time between Santa Fe and Dallas. Shadowheart won the Romance Writers of America Rita Award for best long historical romance of 2004. Kinsale also won best romance novel of 1990 for Prince of Midnight. Kinsale was 1987-1988 Career Achievement Award Winner from Romantic Times Magazine. She was also Regency Historical Romance 2004 Career Achievement Award Winner from Romantic Times Magazine and the Innovative Historical Romance 1994 RRA Awards Nominee for Best Historical Romance Author.

 
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