First of a trilogy in the epic fantasy tradition. Wilan discovers adventure and himself as he uncovers mysteries behind the shadow in the Flame.
The first book in a trilogy following the epic fantasy tradition.
Wilan is a boy of thirteen when he is called to be a Flamewatcher - one of the guardians of the sacred Flame that powers the wick-magic that keeps the land of Luminaire alive. The trilogy tells of his adventures as he first discovers that the Flame is dying and then seeks the source of the shadow that threatens the magic and the kingdom. It also tells the stories of how the adventuring party set up to rescue the Flame comes together. Magic, politics and war provide the basic themes for this tale of an epic quest.
Wilan's adventures bring him into contact with mages, warriors and street urchins, but above all they enable him to develop his skills and his values as he meets the diverse range of characters that are drawn into the quest to save the Flame. These include the farmer Cartal, the Stetchin soldier Glistorn and Flamemaster Roberdan himself.
The Shadow in the Flame introduces the principal characters and the philosophies behind the magic. The book ends with the revelation that one of the questors is a traitor. But which one and why?