Warsworn

I loved Warprize and I loved this book too (although not quite as much, but it's hard to top that first book). You absolutely must read Warprize before you pick up this book because the events in this book pick up where the previous book left off. I disagree with some other reviewers that thought the events in this book were pointless. Yes, there was some character death, but I thought that it served in developing the conflict between Lara and her acceptance as Warprize into the Firelander society. Things are more difficult for her and Keir now because some of their allies have died or turned against them because of the devestation that the plague wrought, a "City-Dweller" affliction. And of course Lara can't know everything, even if she is a very skilled healer, the times the book takes place in (even though it's an alternate universe) are clearly very primitive and it's hard for a healer/doctor to heal if they've never studied or encountered the disease before. A very touching, sometimes tragic continuation of the series and leaves you wanting more...fortunately there's a third book: Warlord!

I'm not good at trying to tell people about why a book is good or not. I can tell you I set down and read this book in one afternoon and snapped at anyone who tried to interupt me. I can tell you that I laughed, cried and then smiled at the end. I would recommend that you read Warprize first then continue. I have put the release date for the next book of March 2007 on my diary so that I'll look for it when it comes out.

With its three-dimensional characters, believable development of two disparate cultures, and highly moral but conflicted heroine, WARSWORN successfully bridges the gap between fantasy and romance, giving readers of each genre much to enjoy. I love that Vaughan doesn't sugarcoat the characters' challenges. When there's a plague, not only the "spear holders" die. Instead, the author ups the ante to leave the outcome in real doubt. I love that for the protagonists, there is a long journey to understanding, one that doesn't end abruptly the first time the two make love. I'm greatly enjoying this trilogy and eagerly await the next installment. Thanks for the excellent read, Ms. Vaughan!

Warsworn is the follow up tale to Warprize, a beautifully written saga about Xylara and her beloved Keir. In Warprize, Keir, famed Warlord of the Firelanders, lays siege to Xylara's kingdom. With her cooperation, Xylara is offered up as part of the terms of surrender. Xylara thinks she is to be Keir's slave, but what she discovers instead is that she has stepped into a role that rivals that of a Queen, for Keir's people honor and respect her. But what surprises her the most is Keir's intent on wooing her. They fall in love but circumstances threaten to tear them apart. Keir is willing to do what's best for Xylara's people, which is to give her up, but Xylara has other plans in mind. She appoints an overseer for the kingdom and joins Keir as he leads his army home. Warsworn opens with a dilemma. Supposedly a town has shut its doors to Keir's army. Thinking this is a rebellion of some sort, Keir is prepared to raze the place to the ground, but Xylara stops him when the signs point to a plague. Because Xylara is a master healer, she's determined to do her duty, which is to enter the town and do what she can to help. She stubbornly forces Keir to acquiesce but also lies to him about the waiting period for the quarantine. Keir is livid but he lets her go. The events that follow is a domino affect of Xylara's arrogance. The plague spreads to the camp and takes out a tenth of the army. Along with those who fell under the plague are several of the principal characters; some of my favorites. Xylara learns a hard lesson from this, and her and Keir have to rebuild the trust in their relationship that she so blithely destroyed. But what waits for them is a far greater challenge: Keir's enemies at his home have been regrouping to move against him. The delay with the plague has given them an advantage, allowing for time to present evidence of Keir's supposed ill-informed decisions and their consequences. Keir is summoned home before the warrior-priests to respond to the charges brought against him. This was a hard book to get through, mainly because some of my favorite characters died in this installment. Xylara, whom I liked very much in Warprize, earns no sympathy points from me. Regardless, I continue to remain in awe of Elizabeth Vaughan's gift in weaving such a complex story with rich, enigmatic characters. She allows the characters to evolve, learn from their mistakes, and even struggle with beliefs they once held so dear. I can't wait for the next installment.

Our tale begins where the first book, "Warprize", left off. Lara, the Warprize, and Keir, the Warlord, are traveling to the Heart of the Plains so that Lara's status may be confirmed in a ceremony. The two have thousands of warriors accompanying them. However, they come to a city with its gates closed and the symbol for plague is upon the gates. Being a Master Healer, Lara goes inside to help the victims. Soon the plague spreads throughout the warrior encampment. In the midst of the sick and dying, Iften, a rival warrior, gathers his followers and challenges Keir for the right to rule their tribe. Keir is still weak from his recent sickness. If Keir loses, he will not be the only one Iften will see dead quickly. ***** Mark my words: This trilogy will win massive awards! There is no doubt in my mind that this trilogy is one of the best I have ever read! You do not have to read the first novel to understand and enjoy this one; however, you will not enjoy this episode nearly as much unless you do. Each character, even the secondary ones, has their own strong personality. I could not help but get close to them. They are so well developed that I kept forgetting they are not real people. Author Elizabeth Vaughan has won me as a fan and I eagerly await the third book (WARLORD). An outstanding accomplishment from an author that is quickly making her name well known! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.