Stealing Sacred Fire

The Grigori Trilogy #3

by Storm Constantine

Peverel Othman has come home, though not as himself. Through the old magic of the Grigori he is now once again Shemyaza, an angel of awesome power who led the rebellion of angles to mate with and enslave humans. Now as this millennium draws to a close Shemyaza calls his followers to him for the final battle to decide who controls the fate of humanity.

Answering his call are: his six Grigori brothers and sisters who once again want to rule humanity for their own pleasure, Daniel his once human vizier who is now also becoming Grigori, and the Yarasadi freedom-fighters who will stop at nothing to see their culture recreated to be the new Eden on earth. As the final battle unfolds to decide the fate of humanity can Daniel remember what it is to be human and convince Shemyaza that humans can share equally in the new millennium with the Grigori before it is too late and we become their slaves forever?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Dark Fantasy, LGBT, Supernatural, Magic, Science Fiction

356 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Storm Constantine was a British science fiction and fantasy author, primarily known for her Wraeththu series.

Since the late 1980s she wrote more than 20 novels, plus several non-fiction books. She is featured in the Goth Bible and is often included in discussions of alternative sexuality and gender in science fiction and fantasy; many of her novels include same-sex relationships or hermaphrodites or other twists of gender. Magic, mysticism and ancient legends (like the Grigori) also figure strongly in her works.

In 2003 she launched Immanion Press, based out of Stafford, England. The publishing company publishes not only her own works but those of new writers, as well as well-known genre writers, mainly from the UK.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked everything about this series except the ending. It was a bit "and everyone lived happily ever after" for my tastes.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this final book of the Grigori trilogy very much. It caught my interest in the first chapter and I found it difficult to put the book down after that. I was surprised that 5 years had passed from the end of Scenting Hallowed Blood until the beginning of this book and that so many of the characters really hadn't done anything much since the end of the last book. But it didn't take too much time for things to start happening. There were plenty of twists and turns to the plot and lots of exciting, peril filled moments. I think the author is really expert at having characters that start out as rather nefarious and end up being essential to the plot and maybe not so bad after all. I was concerned that this book would end in an ambiguous way, but I wasn't disappointed at all with the conclusion. I guess my only negative thought about the second two books of the series is with how the author introduced Owen in the first book, making him a pretty important to the plot, but then he was basically abandoned in the second and third book and really had not part in the plotting. I'm not saying that this was a thread that was dropped, but that he basically became a character with no purpose after the first book. However, I loved this trilogy as a whole and would highly recommend it.

[K.S. Trenten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the culmination of the last two books, the conclusion each has been guiding up towards. At times the prose flowed, enriching the characters, adding depth and intensity to their journeys. At others, it felt forced, almost formulaic. Some marvelous new characters, both strong and flawed; discovered themselves, playing a part in Shemyaza’s quest and destiny, like Tiy, Melandra, Sarpanita, not to mention Lily and Owen’s long-anticipated father, Kashday. Some of the moments with Shemyaza, Daniel, and Salamiel were stronger than they’ve ever been, holding me riveted. At others, they felt contrived in their actions and reactions. Lily’s part shrank, her daughter taking her place in the action, much of Owen’s own part shrank with each book. The setting was the world, the struggle was epic. Large chunks of the book were gorgeous, overall fulfilling the promise of the overall trilogy. If only there weren’t moments when names were dropped and used without personality, weight, and development behind them. In spite of this, it was an engrossing, strong read which held my interest more often than not. Definitely worth finishing.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book of the Grigori series. Though good, not as satisfying as the previous two. However still makes me want more.

[MG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review here.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So joyfully surprised by "second chances"! A so called"evil angel" redeems himself and saves humanity again! This is the most prized upon my bookshelf!

[Alex Cain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Wrapped up a bit too quickly, a bit too neatly. That, and I was bothered by the never-reappearance of a favorite character from the first book.

[Christyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it ending and all. So full of peace and love uniting all people. It was awesome!