Bradshaw weaves a story of love, war, treachery, and magic set in seventh-century Constantinople. Anna, former concubine of the emperor's disgraced brother, Theodosius, has retired to a quiet life as a perfumer. The only token she has of her former life is her teenage daughter, Theodosia. But when handsome Syrian alchemist Kallinokos arrives in Constantinople, her life is turned upside down. Not only does Theodosia see Kallinokos as a dear friend but Anna finds herself falling in love with him. He is working on a secret weapon--unquenchable fire--that could save the city from the Arab fleet that might attack at any time. Unfortunately, his superior is an insecure man who fears Kallinokos may find favor with the emperor, so he arranges for Kallinokos to be jailed on trumped-up charges. When Theodosia seeks a personal audience with Constantine to plead Kallinokos' case, forces are set into play that change many lives forever. A gripping adventure with a dash of romance, a soupcon of suspense, engaging characters, and vivid historical detail make this genre bender a good choice for historical fiction collections.