[Jadder]

I started reading a book a while ago and I remember enjoying it, but not finishing it(perhaps it was from the library) and am searching for some help in remembering a title or author. I will try to describe what I can recall of the plot. Book takes place in a time period with simple blackpowder weapons but there was heavy elemental emphasis I think.

One character was an emmissary of her tribal people who lived in some moutains, and were massacred by outsiders with her being one of the few(perhaps only survivor). Somehow she ends up being imprisoned and then rescued by the blacksmith(next character). Then she joins some kind of militia(perhaps rebel) and coordinates the distribution of food from sympathetic townsfolk/families of those fighting. I remember some kind of battle/skirmish on a rocky hillside were the "good guys" were making a stand after running from the bad guys and getting trapped. Perhaps related to the fire element.

Another character I remember was a large female blacksmith with a pet crow/raven. If anything this is the identifying character 'cause she has some kind of drug problem and powers of some sort as I recall. I think she was somehow related to the earth element.

And the last person I remember was a soldier/knight/paladin(or ex). I seem to think he was an older character, but I could be wrong. 15% chance that he to is somehow related to an element.

I also think their enemies were some kind of invading/occupying force. And I distinctly remember a scene with sneaking into a hostile garrison/town and either causing destruction with bombs/firworks or a distraction.

If you think you know a book that resembles this please send me a message, post, or send me an email at jack.random@yahoo.com.

[beenorthern]

You're right, the large female smith with the former drug problem is an easily identified character ... You're looking for *Fire Logic* by Laurie J. Marks . The second of the Elemental Logic series is *Earth Logic*: Water and Air are still in the works.

Although Marks is not one of the better-known fantasists, she is a skilled writer whose plots and characterization are well above the ordinary. I think I have all of her books to date, and I'm waiting patiently for the next one.