A maid with a plan.
A squire with a secret.
A missing jewel.
A kingdom in turmoil.
Maven is a maid to Cassandra. Cassandra, daughter of a baron, niece of an airl, has been promised in marriage to Sir Garrick Sharp, Knight Protector of Rennart Castle. This is not a love match it is happening for political and power seeking reasons. Cassandra has not even met Garrick and the wedding is due to take place in just three days.
"Marriage to a young, vital man meant a long life of servitude and obedience. Neither of these were traits for which Cassandra was renowned."
Cassandra has bought with her a special jewel. This is like her dowry. Ownership of the Fire Star is complex. It must pass down the female line and so when Cassandra marries Garrick, the Fire Star will be passed to Lady Anice. All of this manoeuvring is being orchestrated by the father of Anice, the Airl Buckthorn (When I read the word Airl I translated it as Earl). As a powerful male he knows giving the Fire Star to is daughter is equal to giving it to him.
"The stone will technically remain in the hands of a woman - Anice ... but as his daughter, Anice and all her possessions belong to the Airl, bringing him ownership of the Fire Star in all but name."
Cassandra is a striking figure but Mavern is the focus of this story. She is so much more than a mere servant. She is ambitious for Cassandra but also ambitious for herself. She has a plan - a plan that must succeed.
Now onto the other person caught up in these events. Reeve has come to Rennart Castle after his service for many years to Lady Rhoswen, wife of the Airl. He is in fact a wedding present. Reeve will now work for Sir Garrick as Squire of the table.
You have already guessed the Fire Star is stolen but who has done this, why this has happened and the intriguing role of Mavern and Cassandra who have their own complex plans will be sure to surprise and delight you.
I really enjoyed The Fire Star. The under tone of women's rights, feminist beliefs and political intrigue added so much spice to the traditional story of lost treasure, heroes who find the jewels and characters, who in the process of their endeavours, find themselves. You can read an extract here. I think this is a book for readers aged 10+. The complexity comes from the alternating voices of Maven and Reeve which is done through first person (Maven) and third person (Reeve). Once a reader grasps this structure the plot just races along but you do need to read carefully watching all the time for hints about conspiracies, relationships and motives. The simple lifting of a eyebrow can convey so much.
There are some tantalising words in this book: destrier, jongleur, moue, and recalcitrant. I do enjoy stories of knights with their "chivalry, courtesy, etiquette and valour." I am thinking of the book series by Tamora Pierce which begins with First Test.
This book also reminded me of The Quest for the Sun Gem by Belinda Murrell.
The Fire Star is the first book in a series (Maven & Reeve Mystery) but I am so happy to report that this first book has a very satisfying ending so readers are not left "panting" for the next instalment due out in 2021. In this extended video Alison Tait talks about The Fire Star.
I previously talked about Race to the end of the World also by Alison.
The Fire Star has been selected by the CBCA as a 2021 Notable title.
One more thing. The cover? It is appealing BUT I wish it had the symbol of the Beech Circle:
"Inside the circle of the locket, behind the expected miniature portrait of her parents, is a little painting of trees and a red bird. The Beech trees, a symbol of knowledge and wisdom; the robin, which makes its home in hidden places but can fly as it pleases. Roots and wings, all in a circle."
"One of the gowns was shrouded in a light muslin cloth, stamped on the outside with a simple drawing of a tree and a tiny red bird - Lady Cassandra's wedding finery, Reeve assumed, wondering which of the kingdom's finest seamstresses had stamped this mark, which he did not recognise, on the overlay."
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