Memory of Fire    by Holly Lisle Order:  USA  Can Eos, 2002 (2002) Paperback Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Holly Lisle has set her latest fantasy adventure series, The World Gates, in a universe whose worlds are sequenced together, each having an upworld and a downworld. When gates are opened between them, those who transfer downworld have godlike powers there, but exploiting them can have dire consequences, along the lines of contagious magic, in the original world. (There are also parallel 'sideways' worlds but they don't have much bearing on this episode.) The first of this series is a tale of two heroines. Molly McColl is kidnapped from her bed and dragged downworld to Oria, where she is welcomed as the long awaited Vodi. Lauren Dane is a widow with a small child, who comes to the attention of Sentinels on Earth, when she reveals her talents as a gateweaver. She gradually recovers the memories that her murdered parents blocked, for her protection, during her childhood. Earth Sentinels have taken oaths to protect their world from the impact of magical events in Oria, and suspect Lauren's implication in those causing a devastating 'flu pandemic. There are regular betrayals, plenty of action, and romance that spans space and time. Though Memory of Fire is not one of the greats of the genre, it serves solid entertainment with strong female leads. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews