Star of the Morning (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 1)

I love Lynn Kurland's writing style- the humor, the local color, drama, and of course, the romance. Typically, I'm not a big fan of fantasies or science fiction books; I find them too confusing with the made-up languages, long names, and too many characters with too long names that just complicates the story- making it harder to read. I tend to get frustrated because I feel lost, like I missed something and need to re-read but usually give up because the story just doesn't interest me anymore. Too much effort, too much work for pleasure reading... Here, though, there are some made-up words and one long name (that gets shortened to Miach so it's ok), I didn't feel lost or confused. The story kept my interest secured through to the end. Morgan is a mercenary by trade and is sent on a quest by her mentor/father-figure, Nicholas, to bring a magical blade to the king of Neroche. Shortly upon setting out, Morgan comes upon Adhemar, who she believes is an arrogant, blathering oaf (on which you will readily agree), but what she doesn't know (but we do) is that he is actually the king that she is seeking. Adhemar is seeking a wielder for his own magical sword to help save his country and as it turns out, Morgan just may be what he is looking for. The interactions between Adhemar and Morgan are quite funny. You can definitely identify with her wanting to have him shut up about himself. Later we meet Miach, Adhemar's brother and archmage of Neroche. Romance blossoms between Miach and Morgan but neither feel that they can have a future together. Miach is a beautiful hero- he's sweet, gentle, sensitive and yet strong in character and of course tall, dark and handsome. (LK fans, he reminded me of Patrick-A Garden in the Rain.. Doesn't hurt ;-)) My only complaint is that not much seems to happen. There is a lot of build-up with not much of any resolution, leaving a somewhat unsatisfying ending. It suggests a great prelude to what is to come, but makes you wish the next installment was sooner in coming. Though this story revolves around the Nine Kingdoms, it is not necessary to have read LK's two previous novellas about it before reading Star of Morning. I did but they are really stand alone titles(one in Queen in Winter and second in To Weave a Web of Magic). This story almost defies genre designation- I think fantasy/science fiction readers will enjoy it because the romance is there but not the central focus. And romance readers will find the sweet story enjoyable- Miach and Morgan's interactions will bring a smile to your face. LK could probably write any kind of book and I'd still find it delightful. Though, I love her time travel-Scotland-romances, Star of Morning was a worthwhile investment. Afterall, I'm looking forward to see what comes next. It does fill the gap until April for Nicholas's story, if nothing else.

First off, this is not exactly like her historical romances-this is a fantasy trilogy aka Lord of the Rings. While there is a 'romance' between two of the characters, it's given equal treatment to the basis of the story which is two brothers trying to find a swordweilder to help them save their country. The story had her trademark humor and the writing style was exactly like her other books so it's being a 'fantasy' didn't make the book seem foreign at all. The female character reminded me of Margaret of Falconberg, a woman warrior with great fighting skills and a soft heart. She was respected for her abilities and character without having to come across as some hard-edged, rude mannored woman as many 'warrior' woman are portrayed. And, as in all her books, the romance develops without them having to fall into bed or dwell on falling into bed through-out the book. Their romance develops sweetly and I can't wait for the second book to see how it continues. She always writes romances in such a way that you could read it with your daughter, sighing and laughing, without having to worry about graphic love scenes. The story itself has a very tangible Lord of the Rings feel, so if you liked that storyline you'll like this. Also, she writes for a female audience so don't expect long, detailed fight scenes. She gets the point across without giving a blow-by-blow account. I like that as I do tend to skim through long fight scenes whether in books or movies. I would definitely recommend this book to any fan or new fan of Lynn's. I am a big fan of hers and rarely disapointed with what she puts out. The book holds up on its own, but will probably be thoroughly enjoyed in conjunction with the other two books of the series.

I'm not usually a connoisseur of fantasy novels, as I often find them to be either too dark, or too hard to relate to the characters. But, since I love Lynn Kurland's historical novels and characters, I had to try this one out. And it is fabulous. Yes, it is fantasy, with the darkness of evil... yet you are not dragged down with lurid descriptions of the evil. Rather, you experience the emotions and thoughts and feelings of the characters as THEY deal with the evil that is thrown at them. And you share in their victories, just as you share in the conversation and laughter they share when they are warm and safe around the fire. And of course there is magic... but it is a silvery ribbon that winds through characters that are still so human that it is easy to relate to them. They have magic and know spells... but they use them in the same utterly human ways that you or I use our knowledge and skills. And then there's the romance. It is there, running beneath the surface and threatening to spill over any moment... yet it never does. That has been saved for future books. But its sweetness draws you into the story until you, also, have fallen in love with the shieldmaiden and the mage. So read of Morgan, an orphan who has learned to shun magic in favor of the more visible and tangible skills of swordplay... while she slowly begins to find that magic is in her, she cannot run from it, and it does have its uses. Read of Miach, the archmage of the powerful kingdom of Neroche, as he quietly defends the kingdom against far more danger than anyone realizes... as he is tempted the mis-use the power that few know he holds... and as he discovers a love that is more powerful still. And escape to a world where men and women alike answer to the calling that has been laid upon them... to save the innocent masses that are unaware of the danger that threatens them. (Number two in the trilogy, The Mage's Daughter: A Novel of the Nine Kingdoms, is now out, and it makes this book even better! Don't miss it!)

This book is a great extension of Lynn Kurland's writing skills! She's moved from plain historicals into time-travel, matchmaking ghosts, etc. into a Tolkien-like world of the Nine Kingdoms. This is clearly the first book in a series that continue the stories of at least the lead couple, and hopefully others (there's a king with six brothers, which could lead to many sequels!). I loved Lord of the Rings, but wished it had more romance and a more down-to-earth style. This book fits the bill and is a very enjoyable read. Look forward to what comes next!

Ever since the last battle with Lothar the evil black mage, spells by the archmage Miach and the two magical swords keep the Kingdom of Nieroche safe for now. However, Miach's brother King Adhemar panics when he realizes his tie to the magic especially one of the swords has abruptly ended as if a spell occurred to sever this link. Miach worries that a new war with Lothar is coming with the kingdom in peril. The royal siblings seek out someone who can use the Sword of Angesand as they know the only way to prevent Lothar from overwhelming Nieroche is with the two magical swords. Lord Nicholas sends his trained mercenary Morgan to deliver a dagger to the king. To their royal surprise the king and the archmage may have found the Sword of Angesand wielder, but the mercenary warrior is a she, who rejects magic as skill and training is the way of combat for Morgan. Still she is the one as Miach and Glides, one of her traveling companions, are falling in love with the female warrior, but first they must save the kingdom. STAR OF THE MORNING is a terrific opening return to the Nine Kingdoms as Lynn Kurland provides fantasy readers with a delightful quest tale starring likable heroes. Morgan is fascinating as the focus of the story line (and the men in her life) because she is so guileless yet strong, brave and feisty. Her courage makes for a magical beginning to what looks like will be a superb romantic fantasy trilogy. Harriet Klausner