First time books are often more full of promise of what an author can be, giving a hint of masterpieces that will appear as the writer?s style matures. A very few, however, will deliver their maiden novel as a full-blown work, with all the sophistication found in the polished pieces of long time writers. Such is Firethorn, the first novel in a trilogy by Sarah Micklem, which has powerful characters and compelling story lines, all wrapped up in a wonderful universe that is both familiar and strange.

(Source: Scribner)