Avon Books 1989
Sourcebooks 2008, 2010
ISBN-10: 1402213964
ISBN-13: 978-1402213960
Seize the Fire
Naval captain Sheridan Drake is no knight in shining armor, even if he has been knighted for heroism by the King. For him, an exiled princess with revolutionary ideas is just another opportunity to steal her jewels and get himself out of debt. Princess Olympia isn’t precisely fairy-tale royalty herself, she’s plump and a little shy, but she’s desperate to do something of importance in the world. From naive hero-worship to the darkest depths of Sheridan’s battered heart, Olympia must face demons she could never imagine in her dreams of glory.
Look for this beautiful NEW cover from Sourcebooks in 2010!
Discuss this bookSetting:
England, Madeira, Falkland Islands, 1820’s
Mascot Animal:
Napoleon the rockhopper penguin
Laura's Comment:
“It was hell being a hero.” That was the sentence that set Sheridan’s character for me—the cynical anti-good guy. But then he’d do things like adopt an orphaned penguin. Probably it was this book that really boosted my reputation as creator of dark and tormented heroes, but his original inspiration was actually the hilarious lead of the Flashman books by George MacDonald Fraser. For those readers who can take a hero who will stoop to anything, and still remain somehow perversely appealing, Flashman is “The Man.” Sheridan did turn a little dark on me in the end. Turned out he had to have a reason for being what he was. The dedication to the combat vets of Vietnam at the end of the book says it all.
Recognition:
All About Romance Top Ten Hanky Reads - 2009
Romance Writers of America Golden Choice Award—Finalist, Best Romance of 1989
Romance Writers of America Rita Award—Finalist, Best Historical Romance of 1989
Laura's Fave Review:
“This book is an absolute gem, virtually flawless. No historical romance reader should miss it. I can’t find the words to praise it highly enough.” Rendezvous, August 1989.
(Can’t ask for better than that! Thank you! LK)
Old Covers:
Original Avon cover was a painting behind a lacy silk drape
And inside the step-back, the silk was pulled away
[1] Posted by laura kinsale on 01.08.2010
Please feel welcome to discuss this book. All opinions are welcome, positive or negative, but civility and polite language are required for comments to remain. Political or religious references are not allowed, unless directly related to the book under discussion. I do answer questions but I seldom give interpretations about my books or characters, because I enjoy hearing what readers see in them. These comments and discussions replace my old forum at The Terrace. (Note that the spam captcha is an english word interspersed with a number—this may help you tell a letter from a number. If it’s still too hard to see, reload the page for another one.) WARNING: Book discussions may contain spoilers.
[2] Posted by Michelle on 01.15.2010
This is my all time favorite book, I’ve read and re-read it several times. I love the hero’s cynicism, humor, sexiness and his fate of doing the right thing despite himself. The chemistry between Olympia and Sheridan, and especially how their ability to drive each other nuts keeps you riveted. All of their adventures and tragedies build a true understanding between them, and I’m always sad when I turn the last page. The sign of a classic love story!
[3] Posted by Brooke on 01.15.2010
I have to agree with Michelle. Olympia and Sheridan are both fascinating and unusual protagonists, yet stunningly relatable and endearing. Plus any novel that can rock a penguin, a shipwreck, and a displaced princess—and still make me cry and squeal—is an unbelievably rare gem.
[4] Posted by Susan on 01.16.2010
My first Laura Kinsale book, and I was blown away by how amazing it was.
[5] Posted by Scorpio M. on 01.16.2010
I have to give this book a thorough re-read. It didn’t grab me as much as Laura’s other works initially yet, I keep seeing all this great reader feedback.
[6] Posted by Vikki Johnson on 01.22.2010
Yes! Definitely re-read it. And re-read it again and again, as I have. By far one of her finest!
