Envoy of the Flame

A Novel

By: Sylvia Engdahl

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Ardith Moran is elated by the prospect of contact with extraterrestrial civilizations, elated enough to stake her life on her conviction that they exist after the exploratory expedition's leaders turn back. The last thing she expects is to fall in love with an alien, much less for their love to play a key role in saving Earth from tyranny and eventual ruin. As a member of the Anthropological Service, he is willing to make sacrifices and expects her to do the same. Can she, influenced by the legacy of the now-legendary Captain of Estel, convince Earthborn people that they can't retreat from the universe? Or will Earth's authorities succeed in killing her to suppress the evidence only she and her fellow envoys can provide?

The first two books in this trilogy, Defender of the Flame and Herald of the Flame, need not be read before this one, as it is complete in itself. However, the backstory it contains includes major spoilers for them. Note that unlike Engdahl's YA novels, these are adult science fiction and contain some material inappropriate for readers below high school age.

Please note: The first edition of this book, with a woman's face on the cover, has been withdrawn. This is a revised edition published in September 2022, which should be considered the official version of Book Three in the Captain of Estel trilogy.