The story of Lavan Firestorm, a Herald Firestarter, a merchant's son who was originally enrolled in the same school that trains the Heralds by his parents. Bullied near daily by the older students, it isn't until he releases his gift in self-defense that anyone is aware he even has a gift. He becomes chosen and trained to be a Herald, it is only during a conflict with Karse that everyone learns how truly devastating his gift can be.
Impressions: Personally I love Lackey's Valdemar books, even though they are more aimed at a y.a. audience, and Brightly Burning is no exception. It's nice to see her filling out some of the back history and charcater histories now days. I even cried at the end of this one. Course, my husband would just say I'm a sucker. ;)