Warprize

The book was very well written. I swear I was hooked on the first page!

I must admit that I was reluctant to read this book. I thought it sounded like another re-hash of the tired old theme: "honorable good girl sacrifices herself to the barbaric bad boy" and that made me want to yawn. Luckily, I needed to buy another book to get free shipping, so I took a chance. Now that I've finished my first read-through (yes, it merits multiple readings) I find it appropriate that I misunderstood the book in the beginning. After all, the book hinges on misunderstandings caused by vast cultural differences, a language barrier and deliberate deceit. In order for the characters to understand each other and their sociopolitical surroundings, they must shatter their assumptions; just like the story shattered mine. Yes, there's a "good girl" who makes a willing sacrifice, and even though that's been done to death; this story feels fresh and new. The characters are so vivid and alive that I half-expected them to step out of the book. The story is full of surprising details which make its world feel very real, and though the book's secrets won't stump any mystery fans, at least there are interesting twists. I'm very glad that this is a planned trilogy, as there's much more to explore and enjoy. I do have a nit-picky complaint about the editing. I was annoyed and distracted by some silly errors such as "this is better then that". If you're fastidious about your grammar, be forewarned.

This was really, really excellent, the book was amazing. This story takes place on a fantasy world, with medieval-type societies. Xylara, daughter of the former King of Xy, is courageous and kind and uses her skill with healing (the herbs/splint/knife type of healing) to help those in need. The current King of Xy is her stepbrother and he hates her deeply. The kingdom is at war with the Firelanders, and Xylara takes her healing oaths seriously, even healing Firelander prisoners. Word of Xylara has reached the Warlord of the Firelanders, and when the Warlord defeats the Xyrian army, he demands their allegiance and Xylara as his Warprize. The King of Xy tells Xylara that she is to be the Warlord's slave. Xylara's love for her people sees her joining the enemy camp as the Warprize. There's a culture clash, assasination plots, fighting, lots of new friends, and a strong love story. The secondary characters are funny and real, and the story is very heartwarming. Xylara is strong, gentle, and smart. The Warlord is strong, honourable and considerate (that is,when he's not beheading people who insult Xylara). As the weeks pass in the Firelander's military camp, Xylara overturns the Firelander's beliefs on healing and they come to love her. However, someone is trying to kill her and although she is treated well by the Warlord, she believes she has no status as her Warprize. My favourite part was Xylara's revelation of what a Warprize really was. This is the first of a trilogy about Xylara and the Warlord. I have read every Tor paranormal romance, and this story beats the others hands down.

I was so enthralled by this book that I couldn't put it down. I finished it around 3:30AM. I was pulled into this book. The story and characters were so vivid that I would often find myself crying and laughing on the same page. The best part is that this is the first part of a trilogy. We will get to revisit with these characters again.

So much more than a romance. The clean, well-told, not-overloaded-with-wacky-magic Fantasy, with the tasty and satisfying addition of a red-hot romance! Me, I like to be drawn in to a romance. I love to fall in love, mind, body, and soul. No bodice-rippers for me. I identified with Xylara at once as a woman of independence, intelligence, and integrity. Falling in love with the barbarian "brute" who basically kidnapped her from her ivor-tower existence of Healer was the last thing she had in mind... but as she fell for Kier, so did I. I savored the developing heat and attraction, not-too-quickly slaked. The innocence unveiled. The true feeling of the hero for his "captive" bride, his eager-to-please puppyishness contrasted with his fiery temper and battle-rage. The pure physical high voltage. Great story, GREAT foreshadowing, great world, great characters. Can't wait for book two. Could not put it down!

Although this is a new author, she starts out with a bang. I loved it. Wonderful characters, great plot, vivid world, great romance, what more do you want. Xylara is a Master Healer as well as the half-sister to the king of Xy. She has had to fight for the right to become a healer and prizes her ability more than her status as princess. When the Firelanders conquer their country and march on the capital she fights with her brother for the right to minister to the captured soldiers. He will not allow any healers to help them but he cannot stop her. She is stubborn and dedicated to her beliefs and people. Kier is the Warlord of the Firelanders. When one of his generals is wounded and captured he enters the city to spy out the layout. While there he meets Lara who has protected the general by hiding his identity from her brother, She is buying herbs and ointments with her own money to treat the wounded. When she asks the tinker for Kavage, Kier notices because it is not a drink used by the Xyians. Kier is Warlord by right of challenge. He wishes to conquer and mix the two cultures. As Lara tends to the prisoners she learns that the Warlord has arrived to give terms to her brother. Those terms include Lara. She does not know who the Warlord is only that by her submission can her people be saved. The enmity of her brother becomes clear as he rejoices to be rid of her. Lara is the Warprize, unfortunately she has no idea what that is. She is told by her brother it is a slave for the Warlord. As she comes to know Kier and his people she learns to like and respect them. But someone is trying to kill her. Is it a Firelander or is it her own people? Her brother seems to be actively but slyly trying to undermine the peace she has purchased. I loved this book. It could have gone so many ways that have already been explored, but it was totally fresh. I hated for it to end and I loved Kier, Lara, Simus, Jodan, Marcus and the rest. You will too. Don't miss this one. I look forward to her next book.