The Element of Fire Audiobook By Martha Wells cover art

The Element of Fire

Ile-Rien Series, Book 1

 Preview
Get this deal Try for $0.00
Offer ends January 21, 2026 11:59pm PT
Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible? Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Just $0.99/mo for your first 3 months of Audible Premium Plus.
1 audiobook per month of your choice from our unparalleled catalog.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, podcasts, and Originals.
Auto-renews at $14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Element of Fire

By: Martha Wells
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
Get this deal Try for $0.00

$14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends January 21, 2026 11:59pm PT.

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $24.09

Buy for $24.09

LIMITED TIME OFFER | Get 3 months for $0.99 a month

$14.95/mo thereafter-terms apply.

The kingdom of Ile-Rien lies in peril, menaced by sorcerous threats and devious court intrigues. As the weak King Roland, flattered and misled by treacherous companions, rules the country, only his ruthless mother, the Dowager Queen Ravenna, guards the safety of the realm. But now rumors arise that Urbain Grandier, the dark master of scientific sorcery, has arrived to plot against the throne. And Kade, bastard sister of King Roland, appears unexpectedly at court. The illegitimate daughter of the old king and the Queen of Air and Darkness herself, Kade's true desires are cloaked in mystery. Is she in league with the wizard Grandier, or is she laying claim to the throne? It falls to Thomas Boniface, Captain of the Queen's Guard and Ravenna's former lover, to sort out who is friend and who is foe in a deadly game to keep the Dowager Queen and the kingdom she loves from harm. But is one man's steel enough to counter all the magic of fayre?

©1993 Martha Wells (P)2013 Tantor Classics Epic Fantasy

Critic reviews

"Skillfully blending the fantastical and the mundane, Wells delights with deft and sympathetic characterization while demonstrating a fine touch for adventure." ( Publishers Weekly)
Engaging Characters • Political Intrigue • Fast-paced Plot • Fantasy World-building • Warm Modulated Voice

Highly rated for:

All stars
Most relevant
I started listening to it because Derek Perkins is my favorite narrator, but I really enjoyed the story as well. I’m looking forward to the next one!

Loved it

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I struggled a bit to get into the story at first, but ended up having a great time after Kade came in. After that it was a really fun ride:D

Pacing struggles but very fun

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Enjoyed it from the start. Can’t wait to open the second book to see what the main characters do next.

Great storytelling

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
ending didn't quite get me but overall the book was good and the performance very well narrated.

the ending was a bit of a letdown but the ride was worth it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The tale involves an interesting cast of characters with multiple villains, protagonists who keep trying despite terrible risks, and important characters with significant weaknesses. The plot gallops along with many twists and turns.
The narration is excellent (though not perfect). Derek Perkins’ voice is lovely and a pleasure to listen to, as is the voices he gives to many of the characters.

Very entertaining

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews