Vala is the Prince's personal guard, one small mistake during an assassination attempt and she is stripped of her rank and forever dealing with the Queen's suspicious ire. Vala would give her life for her people, but the sentiment may not be returned...did I mention Vala's skin is literally fire? No- well, When Vala is touched she burns. Poor Vala must deal with her feelings for the prince while protecting him and his guest/potential marriage partner who seems to be looking for the island's secrets.
I went into this book thinking it would be very simple. A shadow of some of my favorite fantasies, but it wasn't. Fallen Flame held it's own. Vala's turmoil over whether to trust Xavyn with her life and her secrets was someone what complex. Her relationship with Haidee who had been an estranged resentful sister turns into a sisterly bond full of trust when there should have been doubt, and realizing that the person she loved--who she thought loved in her return may not be the best thing for her. The one thing I must hold a grudge about is Xavyn however. It is clear he goes through quite a process when figuring out whether to trust Vala. Vala however, it doesn't really explain where her trust in Xavyn comes from. To me, it seems that it stems more from the betrayal of the people she was loyal to rather than anything Xavyn did himself. Actually though, where did that love story come from? It feels more like Hero syndrome where she falls for the person who "saves" her.
The plot was predictable but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of reading Fallen Flame. The emotions and betrayal and near-miss moments of being found out kept me on my toes. Definitely a solid fantasy with a unique plot.