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Lady Marta is born to a noble family. She grows up in a country manor like any other lady, but she has a secret bloodline--she is sole heir to the throne of Moldavia. Driven out by the Turks, her father took refuge in England as a young man. Here he married and lived quietly, hoping to escape his enemies. There is more than royalty in Marta's background, however, there is magic, too, for she descends from seers. As she matures it becomes clear she too has the "gift" (or perhaps, "curse") of foresight. This is respected in the East, but in England prophecy is dangerous, for it is connected with witchcraft.
As Marta grows to womanhood, every day is filled with danger. First, Turkish assassins, who want the last Christian heir to the Moldavian throne dead, stalk her. Then the handsome, worldly Russian prince who is contracted to marry her arrives with a jealous, murderous lover in tow. When King Henry, the family's protector, dies, his unstable daughter Mary comes to the throne. Queen Mary dislikes Marta and is eager to burn all heretics and "witches." Written in a colorful romantic style, Flames of Prophecy is a fast read, with an engaging, strong heroine and plenty of action. How Marta manages to survive all her trials and to--perhaps--found a line of prophets in the English countryside--makes an intriguing, unusual story.
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