Publisher's Synopsis
Back in print at last -- the first novel in the groundbreaking fantasy series. Herewiss is the only man in centuries to possess the Power of the blue Flame, but he can't use or control it-not even to help his friend and lover Prince Freelorn, exiled from his native land of Arlen and pursued across the Middle Kingdoms by the usurpers and their allies. Invoking perilous sorceries and the even more dangerous assistance of the fire elemental Sunspark, Herewiss manages to rout the armies besieging Freelorn and his little band of followers. Together they flee eastward to seek temporary refuge in the mysterious lands near the edge of the world they know. But now Herewiss faces a devastating choice. His time to master the blue Fire is running out. Should he abandon his fruitless search and join Freelorn in his fight to regain his kingdom? Or should he seek out the ancient keep in the Waste where doors lead into other worlds-perhaps even the door whose use will teach him to control the Power that he must master or die?... "The Door Into Fire," on the strength of which Diane Duane was twice nominated for the John W. Campbell Award for best new writer in the SF/fantasy field, is the first volume in a critically acclaimed series that has been hailed as a cult classic of fantasy for its unique take on sword and sorcery and its unforgettable characters. "Good strong stuff with the right light touch." -- Terry Pratchett "Expands the limits of the swords and sorcery genre. Exciting, magical, intelligent." -- Publishers Weekly
