Search - Warprize (Warprize Trilogy, Bk 1)

I actually liked this a lot more than I thought I would. I was expecting a typical romance - heroine as captive with brave warleader, ugh ugh ugh!

Instead, our heroine is the despised sister of a jealous and despotic king, beloved by the people but destined never to rule. She became a healer, against her family's wishes, and heals wounded for both sides in a war her people fight against a superior horseback army.

She becomes "tribute" to the conquering warlord as a condition of an uneasy peace. We learn later that his people are pretty democratic compared to her own land - leaders are chosen according to their capability and battle prowess, not by family line or divine right, and she is shocked to see women warriors who are not constrained to virginity and certain behavioral codes. However, as advanced as they may be socially, they are woefully inept medically, still praying to elements to heal their wounded.

Misunderstandings between the two VERY diverse cultures are inevitable.

She doens't know what rights, if any, she may have as a tribute slave, only that she'll do anything to secure here people's safety. You can actually see WHY she begins to love the warlord as her misconceptions are gradually addressed. I loathe it when the hero of a book is an arrogant pain in the butt and you can't understand why the lady would love him at all - and you can't think why the heroine doesn't just club him in the first chapter and save herself a good deal of trouble.

Its also very well written - I HATE a good idea ruined by crap writing, so I'm picky about that sort of thing.

And finally, though I've heard it doesn't go as well in the 2nd book (Warsworn), the heroine doesn't do anything STUPID. I hate when heroines constantly have to be rescued from their own folly. Instead she is clever, brave, resourceful - and quite capable of standing up for herself without being a shrew.

It reminds me a bit of the sci-fi series Stardoc (though of course the setting is very different) because the heroine's driving passion is to heal anyone in pain.

Despite the cheesy cover, I was surprised to find out that I really enjoyed reading this novel. It combines romance, suspense, and action. It's a great read!

I enjoyed this very much. This new series is very different.

This is a GREAT book! My friend gave it to me because she didn't like it and I just couldn't believe it. I loved it! The story is compelling and you can easily see the characters being real and the chemistry between everyone is good. I liked hte writing style and the pace of the story, this book made me want to order the next two from the library as soon as I could!

I loved this book. I sucked it down in less than a week. It's a simple read and not rocket science, but flows really nice with characters that you are drawn too, and a world that is fun to be in. The romance is just spread out enough that it keeps you hoping and curious, but then when the big moment comes, it's not hot and steamy where you are feeling like you just experienced a XXX rated movie scene.
Xylara is someone with flaws and someone that you can relate too-not some super human that is too cool for school or demi-god. And Keir is all the perfect mix of sensitive, aggressive, powerful and sexy. You just want to be Lara just becuz of it!
This book is borderline just fiction-there's not much magic in it actually. I went ahead and ordered the next two books in the trilogy. If you want something light and fun to read, go for it. I am grateful I did cuz I just discovered a new author. (Speaking of new authors)Another similar story you may like-but which is total fantasy but absolutely amazing is Lord of the Fading Lands, by CL Wilson. Another awesome book with great characters you want to be.
I hope you enjoy, but you ain't gettin my copy! ^_^

This is the first book in the "Chronicles of the Warlands" trilogy and first part of the EPIC OF PALINS series by Elizabeth Vaughan. Not much 'paranormal' in this book compared to the others in the series, but a good romantic story where you will wish to travel on with the Warprize, Lara of Xy and her Warlord, Keir of the Cat. The secondary characters build a story that will keep you coming back to their world.