Fires in the Sky CL

A time capsule of a magically recreated ancient world, this quietly majestic historical novel focuses on the prelude to the Trojan War--the four long, bitter, draining wars which the Trojans waged against their neighbors, the Mysians. Through the robust monologues of Dymas, a young Trojan commoner who rises to general, we experience the enormity of battle and see how one man's personality is forged through lessons about bravery, politics, sex, intrigue and the quest for immortality. Enslaved in a loveless marriage to King Priam's daughter, the vengeful, licentious, power-mad Atalante, Dymas loves another woman whom he cannot have. His inner turmoil gives a sharp edge to his storytelling. Parotti ( The Greek Generals Talk ) provides strong characterizations and captures the rough-and-tumble collision of cultures in this timely morality tale about the fall of empire. (Sept.)