The Heldan

Like my title says, this book is wonderful. The characters are perfectly developed so you really get into everything they're feeling and doing. Also, the romance between Senea and Vayhawk is beautifully written, it's never tactless. Unfortunately this book is no longer in print, and the author never wrote many books. She should definitely write more though because The Heldan is one of the greatest books any sci/fi or fantasy fan could ever read.

I read this years ago, and it's one of those books I re-read all the time. Senea along with the other first born children is summoned to the Heldan fortress to train to become a Heldan warrior. Once there, all the frightened newcomers are paired with a trainer. In an unprecedented move, Vayhawk (the greatest of the Heldan warriors) selects Senea to train her. Senea must struggle to survive as she faces threats from their tribal enemies, as well as enemies within her own tribe. The fighting for ranking within the tribe, and among the tribes was intense and well written. Senea is one of those characters who surprises others again and again with her skill and strength. Vayhawk is mysterious, intriguing and practically invincible. The romance that builds between the two of them is great. I've always wished the author wrote more books with these characters, one was never enough.

This one grabs you from the start. The oldest child taken from her family (as custom requires) to train to defend her people in a mysterious guard. She is picked out of the line by the leader to be his personal trainee even though his job has always made him exempt from having a trainee. Don't you just love it! My only objection is the ending. I went back and reread it several times to try to understand. It seems to me that a sequel would have been in order. There was a major skirmish with the enemy coming up, and the hero and heroine were trying to find a way to buck the system and be together. I would have liked more from these characters.

From the very beginning this book just takes hold of you and never lets go. I found myself at tears when I first read the book because it was so beautiful and I had to read it a second time. I felt that I was right there with Vayhawk and Senea every step of the way through it all. It's a unique fantasy unlike anything I've ever read before and I highly recommend it to anyone who is into fantasy or just wants to read a romantic and action filled story.

I am currently rereading this novel for the nth time. I've lost count. This book is my most treasured, it rocks. Senea and Vayhawk are identifiable characters, and some of the most three-dimensionally written I've seen. With their struggle with Sky, Yunab, and the Ja'sid power the warrior-style novel never had it written so good. In a sweeping story of magic, war, and unlikely love and hate, this book ranks at the top. While I'm afraid it is *sob* currently out of print, may you all be so lucky as to find a copy. You'll cherish it as much as I.