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"Written by teacher Tracy A. Akers, The Fire and the Light is book one of The Souls of Aredyrah series. A fantastic adventure set in a world
where nothing is as it seems, The Fire and the Light follows an ordinary boy and a prince, bound together by bonds of blood and prophecy, in a land cursed by darkness, ignorance, and fear. Both boys crave only a
normal life, but the shadowed world around them is desperate for transformation, even though sparking a rebellion could well bring about their own destruction. A poignant epic fable, highly recommended for all ages.”
--Midwest Book Review
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"A fantastic young adult fantasy! Highly recommended!" -USABookNews.com
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The Fire and the Light, Finalist, USABookNews.com Best Books 2006 Award;
Fiction & Literature: Young Adult
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"The Fire and the Light is a spellbinder, a book to treasure, a novel of rare power and originality, brimming with, yes, fire and light. Its
fascinating, multi-layered plot examines, in mythological terms, a societal system webbed in isolationism and superstition. Sensitive, and richly-textured, the lives of its vividly-realized characters achieve
compelling dimension as they struggle to break free of the prejudices and lies that have distorted their existence.
Tracy Akers is a new talent to celebrate. Here's a classic in the making, with
(happily!) many more adventures to savor in future volumes. Highly recommended."
--William F. Nolan
Award-winning author of the Logan's Run series.
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"Coming from completely different worlds, two young men, one with fiery red hair and a short fuse, and the other with white-blond
hair and a sweet disposition join forces in the fantasy The Fire and the Light, book one in a series by Tracy A. Akers. Although Dayn and Ruairi grow up in separate parts of the region, both of their
lands are ruled by superstition, prejudice, and tradition. Each boy endures a series of tragic events--brought on by romantic feelings for long-time loves--that hurt them physically and emotionally.
Ultimately, however, their tragedies bring them together to form a new bond, one of trust, blood, prophecy, and love for Alicine, Dayn's sister.
The three share adventures together, some comical,
some uncomfortable, some painful, and most of them dangerous. Throughout their adventures they--like all teens everywhere--must come to terms with their physical appearances, and change, challenge, and
define their identities as they struggle to become adults.
The bullying, violence, and budding sexuality help move the story along and are mild
enough not to offend most readers. Young adults
might best identify with the teenaged heroes in this novel, although the story is fast-paced, interesting, and fun for readers of all ages. Unlike many simplistic young adult works that feature adults as
cruel taskmasters and mindless buffoons, The Fire and the Light depicts heroes and victims in all shapes, sizes, sexes, and ages. Off to a wonderful start, Akers is planning five books in her Souls of
Aredyrah Series, with the next to arrive in 2007."
--Leslie Halpern, author of Dreams on Film (McFarland & Company)
and Reel Romance: The Lovers' Guide to the 100 Best Date Moves (Taylor Trade
Publishing)
Trade Publishing)
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"The Fire and the Light is a beguiling novel, with compelling characters and a plot
that will keep you turning the pages to the end and then asking for more."
--E. Rose Sabin, award winning author of A School for Sorcery, A
Perilous Power, and When the Beast Ravens (Tor Starscape Books)
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"...a saga with great promise and relevancy to events current in the world...it
could teach young readers valuable lessons about the cruelty of prejudice..."
--Marlene Y. Satter, ForeWord Clarion Reviews
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"...Akers creates a wonderfully developed world that you are swept into, with a plot that immediately demands your attention. Her characters
are richly developed, their personalities and emotions clearly depicted through their words and actions. The descriptive writing style is never overdone, with just enough flavor to immerse you in the surroundings.
The dialogue is crisp and concise, makes you believe in the characters, and leaves the impression that you are right in the story with them...This is a must read for fantasy lovers of all ages, although with good
news and bad news. The good news is that you will be hopelessly spellbound with this wonderful story. The bad news is you will not be able to stop turning the pages, and then must twiddle your thumbs until the next
book comes out. Highly recommended.”
--Gregg J. Haugland, Allbooks Reviews
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"The Fire and the Light is a fast-paced and intriguing story that wears its message
of tolerance and compassion lightly. Tracy Akers has created vivid characters and a
world with enough complexity to sustain a whole series."
--Kate Constable, author of the Chanters of Tremaris Series
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