Pub: Gollancz. 406 page paperback. Price: £ 6.99 (UK). ISBN: 0-57507-296-2.

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'that sullen little spark of heat began to grow, driving everything before it and filling him with a white hot rage that burned away his thoughts.'

War threatens on the borders of Valdemar and the white-suited Heralds are under increasing pressure to provide support and solutions to the armies holding back the encroaching Karsite army.

Meanwhile, Herald Pol teaching at the Collegium believes he has uncovered a latent talent in someone from the town. His efforts to find this talent are hampered by his concerns for a young boy with foresight, who predicts a rain of fire will engulf Pol.

In another part of town, young Lavan Chitward is being bullied and tormented at his new school. He gradually sinks into a morass of self-loathing. His headaches and memory lapses allow him a few days respite at home but when he returns disaster strikes.

Lavan's talent erupts in an uncontrollable fire that kills his tormentors. Recovering at the Healer's college, he meets Pol and his daughter Elenor, a healer. Lavan also meets his Companion, apparently a white horse, which telepathically bonds with him. Unfortunately, Elenor is destined to fall in love with Lavan but he is unable to reciprocate because the bond with his Companion is for life excluding all others.

Pol has to persuade the Guard that Lavan is now safe enough to train as a Herald as long as his fire-starting talent can be controlled. Lavan is now a valuable secret weapon for the army of Valdemar.

This book although a stand-alone tale forms part of a series about the mythical country of Valdemar. In this place there does not appear to be any technology but the Heralds are all uniquely gifted - some are telepaths and some can predict the future. The Healers have strong spiritual healing skills.

The Companions who serve the Heralds are mysterious horse-like creatures. They are able to communicate telepathically with their riders and gallop for long distances without getting tired.

I found this an enjoyable novel to read and a change from all the authors who feel obliged to write three of four books about their hero. That said, the chronology does indicate that this book falls quite early on in the history of Valdemar so if you decide you like it, this is a good introduction.

The mythical setting seems credible enough and the characters are recognisably human with real emotions and concerns. The moral dilemma of using Lavan's talent while he is still only a schoolboy is dealt with. The changes that Lavan goes through as he develops his gift put an interesting perspective on adolescence.

This boy is not a super-hero!

The descriptive passages flow well and the plot moves along nicely. Don't be put off by the lurid cover, it's a good read and you may well wish to try the others in the series.

Sue Davies