White Heat

K.M. Grant (author)

Quercus, UK: 2008; 265pp

ISBN: 9781847244697

Genres: adventure, fantasy, historical fiction

Issues: friendship, justice, religious tolerance

Book 2 in the ‘Perfect Fire' trilogy, 'White Heat' follows Raimon, who escaped the fiery death he was condemned to as a heretic at the end of 'Blue Flame'.

He and the legendary blue flame of the Occitan head for the hills, along with the aged knight, Parsifal, seeking to rouse the people against the coming invasion by the French King and his Catholic army. The innocent acceptance of neighbours and friends of different beliefs has been shattered by the arrival of Catholic Inquisitor and a Cathar Perfectus. Raimon's beloved Yolandah has been trapped into marriage with a French knight, betrayed by her brother Aimery, and is now on her reluctant way to Paris.

Politics, religion, corruption and greed dominate thirteenth century Occitan now and Raimon doubts his ability to save his country, especially as the Blue Flame offers no clear guidance. Times and people change and hard choices must be made.

K.M. Grant has constructed another exciting adventure, mixing history and fantasy genres to construct an appealing narrative people with complex characters. Great care has been taken to create the very believable world in which the series is set, one that portrays a society in the grip of significant change. Some of the issues relating to religious fundamentalism reflect more modern events, recognising that society rarely learns from its mistakes and so condemns itself to a cycle of conflict, as well as the growth of heroes who try to bring about peace.

The complexity of the developing relationships is admirable - and unusual in children's literature. Gifted readers will appreciate the combination of gripping plot and nuanced subtext.