The Fire Rose

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Kate Black-Regan

Accepting employment as a governess after hard times hit her family, medieval scholar Rosalind Hawkins is surprised when she learns that her mysterious employer has no children and only wants her to read to him through a speaking tube.

©1996 Mercedes Lackey (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

My heart sings

This reading of my favorite book is both true to the author’s writing and a true representation of the fairytale the book is based on. I have read and re-read this book so many times that I have gone through two paperback copies. Now, thanks to audible; I have this to listen to forever.

mixed feelings about this one

For some reason I thought it was sci-fi when I bought it. A few minutes into it and I thought 'uh oh gothic romance'. But it did grab me and I did enjoy it, although it was of course very predictable and I would have preferred a better ending. The narrator can't do voices, so everyone sounded the same, but she didn't irritate me. I will probably read some more from this author, mainly because I enjoy lighter material sometimes, and being immersed in a slower, less frantic world.

A disappointing rehash of an old classic.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

no... I think there are better works by these authors

If you’ve listened to books by Mercedes Lackey before, how does this one compare?

Very disappointing. It had none of the usual magic that makes her books so compelling. Very bland

What does Kate Black-Regan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

good read and good depth in the characters. very easy to build a picture in your mind

Do you think The Fire Rose needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. this story was flossed out to the extremes just to make it as long as it was. it wasn't done well and a follow up would just be ridiculous.

What's up with the low reviews?

I put off buying this book because of all the mixed reviews, the low one in particular? I'm sorry I didn't purchase it right away. It's the perfect beginning to her Elemental Masters series. And while it doesn't have the totally happy storybook ending, it is completely satisfying and logical. In fact I found it quite enthralling. The characters are deeply complex as is the plot. If you like this series, please don't hesitate like I did. You'll be losing out on a marvelous story.

Very Highly Recommended!

Inappropriate narration

Narrator made it sound like a children’s story. Uneven balance of story elements, and ended almost abruptly.