Shiva’s Fire                                        Harper Trophy Publisher, 2001, 270 pages, $5.95

Suzanne Fisher Staples                      ISBN number: 0-06-440979-1

Parvati is a talented young girl, but on the day of her birth, storms wreck her entire village. All villagers then think she is bad luck. Even though she is a “jinx” to the village, Parvati gets the opportunity of her life. She is given the chance to study music and dance, and become a devadasi. She agrees, and is sent to a school where her life changes forever. After a year of hard work and training, Parvati is given the chance to dance for the king of her village. She moves into the palace and meets a handsome prince named Rama. He teaches Parvati the mysterious secret of her past. Parvati’s instructor tells her that she has one duty in life: dance. Torn between love and duty, Parvati learns to make her own decisions under difficult circumstances.

Shiva’s Fire is a wonderfully written novel, and it goes to the heart of any reader. Whether it’s the adventure, the romance, or the dangers, this book will surely quench the reader’s thirst. While reading the novel, a reader’s rusty gears of imagination immediately start cranking while trying to see the characters.

This is certainly a novel worthy of high recommendation. With all the details flooding the pages of the book, this tale is a good read.

                                                -Maggie ‘07