The Grand Ellipse by Paula Volsky

This collection of excerpts primarily focuses on Luzelle, a woman involved in a grand race called the Grand Ellipse. The narrative follows her challenging journey, which includes navigating difficult terrain, encountering various competitors like Girays v'Alisante and Karsler Stornzof, and dealing with political tensions, particularly the encroaching Grewzian Imperium. Luzelle's participation in the race is linked to a larger goal: obtaining a powerful creation known as Sentient Fire to aid her home country, Vonahr, against the Grewzian threat. The text also features the erratic King Miltzin IX, who controls the Sentient Fire's inventor and becomes entangled in the political maneuvering. Ultimately, the excerpts culminate in a violent confrontation and revelations about alliances and betrayals, highlighting the perilous nature of the race and the high stakes involved.