is your run-of-the-mill good versus evil novel. The white-clad hero Antiphon Al-Caliph seeks out the black-clad villain Kerebos Ikar in an effort to turn him from his evil ways. We’ve all read this story before, right? Wrong..
| Current Issue | The Archives | Our Top 5 Articles | Ebay Auctions | The Shoppe |
| Delphi Message Board | Company Info | E-Mail Directory | Search YBFREE | Subscribe |
| ©2002 Formerly BANDWIDTH: A Popular Culture E-Zine |
At first glance, Dream of Fire, by Nicholas C. Prata, is your run-of-the-mill good versus evil novel. The white-clad hero Antiphon Al-Caliph seeks out the black-clad villain Kerebos Ikar in an effort to turn him from his evil ways. We’ve all read this story before, right? Wrong..
Dream of Fire is the story of the ruthless Kerebos Ikar leader of the most feared army on the continent of Pangaea, the Black Legion. Striking fear into even the most brave hearted, Kerebos’ army has one goal, to conquer Pangaea in the most destructive manner possible. Death and destruction are passions of Kerebos, ever since he murdered his own Father-an act he finds both guilty and inspiring.
Enter Antiphon Al-Caliph, a priest from the Order of the White Flame, a religious order that parallels the New Testament. Antiphon has been assigned a daunting task by the Grand Master of the Order of the White Flame to confront Kerebos and convert him to the light side. The Grand Master has had dreams which depict Kerebos as the savior often prophesied in their scriptures. Although uncertain of his ability to perform the task, Antiphon sets out with grim determination, praying that he will be strong and convincing enough when the time comes.
When the two meet, Kerebos finds himself torn between the convincing arguments of the priest and his own blood-lust. Kerebos amused at Antiphon’s mission he vows to convert Antiphon instead. Antiphon is made witness to numerous atrocities performed by Kerebos and the Black Legion, all in an effort to shake the priest from his faith. However, his faith was only made stronger. Once Kerebos sees that his attempts are futile, he sets Antiphon free, to everyone’s surprise, he refuses to kill Antiphon, and warns him to never return.
Antiphon returns to his order, convinced that he has failed. Meanwhile, Kerebos begins to question all he has ever believed in. However, as fate has it Kerebos and Antiphon paths cross again when Kerebos goest to Kwan Aharon, home to the Order of the White Flame. Will the murderous master of atrocities become the grace-filled savior foretold by the scriptures of the Order of the White Flame?
I began this novel with some trepidation, but was determined to keep an open mind. Within the first hours of reading, I found myself a quarter of the way through the novel. I was astounded at how absorbed I had become. I literally didn’t want to put the book down. The action junkies out there will love the brutal and bloody fight scenes between Kerebos and his numerous enemies. I was most attracted to the thought-provoking story. Nicholas C. Prata is a gifted writer, combining the world of fantasy with that of religion, without preaching to his readers. The action in the novel is fast-paced, and the non-action scenes are equally absorbing. You’ll find that you can’t put it down. This book comes highly recommended!
Send your comments and or questions about this article to WildKarrde3@cs.com.