Helpful Score: 11
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 5
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!
Helpful Score: 4
I enjoyed this very much. This new series is very different.
Helpful Score: 3
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 3
The back of the book gives a good summary of the book. Personally, I enjoyed this book, and looked forward to the next two. The auther made you interested in the characters. So you wanted to read the next book to see what happened to them.
You weren't left hanging at the end of the three books but more could be written, which is always nice. I wouldn't mind seeing more.
You weren't left hanging at the end of the three books but more could be written, which is always nice. I wouldn't mind seeing more.
Helpful Score: 3
The 1st in the trilogy & it was excellent. I love the characters of Lara & Keir. I highly recommend this book, as well as the other 2 in the series.
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed these 3 paranormal romances. Warprize, Warsworn and Warl;ord
Interesting, and the woman IS A DOCTOR! (she didn't also need to be a princess)
I also liked the other planet type tale, with new cultures to explore and Vaughan paints a beautiful picture. Get all 3 books, its really one story, and a worthy read.
Interesting, and the woman IS A DOCTOR! (she didn't also need to be a princess)
I also liked the other planet type tale, with new cultures to explore and Vaughan paints a beautiful picture. Get all 3 books, its really one story, and a worthy read.
Helpful Score: 2
Good, not great. I enjoyed the book and didn't want to put it down. It was however, fairly predictable. And while I liked the main character for the most part, she didn't seem believable. After being taken away as warprize, her actions were quite contradictory, acting sometimes as a slave and sometimes not. She was too frightened to even ask about the meaning of her new position as warprize, yet she carried on exactly as she had before as a healer. Other than that, though, a quick read which kept me interested.
Helpful Score: 2
From Booklist
Even though she is the daughter of a king, Xylara refuses to wait idly for a marriage that will benefit the Land of Xy and so becomes an accomplished healer, a useful skill when her country is drawn into war with the Firelanders. Even though her half brother, the present king, does not want her treating the enemy, Xylara feels she must--both for the honor of Xy and for simple humanity. When her brother suddenly surrenders to the Firelander Warlord, Xylara is stripped of all her possessions and sent to the conqueror as a slave referred to as "Warprize." As Xylara learns to live with the masterful Warlord, she begins to understand the very different social structure and beliefs of those she has seen as uncivilized. Vaughan's brawny barbarian romance re-creates the delicious feeling of adventure and the thrill of exploring mysterious cultures created by Robert E. Howard in his Conan books and makes for a satisfying escapist read with its enjoyable romance between a plucky, near-naked heroine and a truly heroic hero
Even though she is the daughter of a king, Xylara refuses to wait idly for a marriage that will benefit the Land of Xy and so becomes an accomplished healer, a useful skill when her country is drawn into war with the Firelanders. Even though her half brother, the present king, does not want her treating the enemy, Xylara feels she must--both for the honor of Xy and for simple humanity. When her brother suddenly surrenders to the Firelander Warlord, Xylara is stripped of all her possessions and sent to the conqueror as a slave referred to as "Warprize." As Xylara learns to live with the masterful Warlord, she begins to understand the very different social structure and beliefs of those she has seen as uncivilized. Vaughan's brawny barbarian romance re-creates the delicious feeling of adventure and the thrill of exploring mysterious cultures created by Robert E. Howard in his Conan books and makes for a satisfying escapist read with its enjoyable romance between a plucky, near-naked heroine and a truly heroic hero
Helpful Score: 1
There are books we read for suspense, some we read for the beauty of the word, other's to pit our minds against the authors to solve a mystery. Then, there are some that encompass the very reason books exist... the story. That, that has existed since time began, one person imagining worlds and people and love and trials to rise above, then weaving them into a story to entertain and to teach, the kind people used to tell at bedtime to capture the attention then ponder while drifting off. "Warprize" is a consummate example. The beauty of the book is simply in the storytelling and Vaughan is it's most gifted sage.
Xylara is a princess who chose to become a healer rather than rule. Keir is a Warlord intent on conquest. He wants her for her abilities, she submits to him for her people. Thus the dance between the needs of many vs the desires of a few. Wonderful! Would have been a resounding 5 stars if not for the horrifically abrupt conclusion.
Xylara is a princess who chose to become a healer rather than rule. Keir is a Warlord intent on conquest. He wants her for her abilities, she submits to him for her people. Thus the dance between the needs of many vs the desires of a few. Wonderful! Would have been a resounding 5 stars if not for the horrifically abrupt conclusion.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. Vaughan makes you feel like you're right there with Lara.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved it! Wonderful characters, great plot, vivid world, great romance; what more do you want?
Helpful Score: 1
I'm not much for fantasy-type literature, but this was rooted enough in early history to hold my attention. The main character was interesting, as were some of the supporting characters.
Helpful Score: 1
Fantasy of the sword & sorcery subgenre, though the heroine is a healer who uses medieval medical science not magic to heal. A princess, she fought her father to become a healer. When they city-state is attacked and falls, she becomes the warprize of the victorious warlord. Great fun! Sequel due out mid-2006.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful read. If you like The Blue Sword you'll love this novel!
Helpful Score: 1
Zylara is the Daughter of the Warrior King, Xyron. With her father dead and her incompetent half-brother on the throne, the kingdom is in danger of falling to the warring Firelanders. Before she was old enough for a marriage-of-alliance, Xylara was trained as a healer. She can't dethrone her brother or negotiate peace, but she can heal the brave ones injured in battle. But not only her countrymen are wounded, and Xylara's consience won't let Firelander warriors die when she can do something to save them. She learns their language and their customs and tries to make them as comfortable as possible, despite their prisoner-of-war status. She never expects that these deeds, done in good faith, would lead to the handsome and mysterious Firelander Warlord demanding her in exchange for a cease-fire. Xylara knows she must trade the life she has always known for the well-being of her people, and so she becomes the warprize.
This book was on my wishlist and I just couldn't wait for it. I'm glad I didn't wait. I bought it instead and it will be added to my keeper shelves. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to the next in the trilogy.
excellent romance/fantasy!
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.
I loved the whole series.
i liked this book. i will read the other two in this series.
Absolutely love this book! Alot of hidden agendas, danger, friendship and love! I cried! Couldn't put it down! Just awesome!
I loved this book, it went directly to my keeper shelf...can't wait for the sequel
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! ^_^
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! ^_^
Even though she is the daughter of a king, Xylara refuses to wait idly for a marriage that will benefit the Land of Xy and so becomes an accomplished healer, a useful skill when her country is drawn into war with the Firelanders. Even though her half brother, the present king, does not want her treating the enemy, Xylara feels she must--both for the honor of Xy and for simple humanity. When her brother suddenly surrenders to the Firelander Warlord, Xylara is stripped of all her possessions and sent to the conqueror as a slave referred to as "Warprize." As Xylara learns to live with the masterful Warlord, she begins to understand the very different social structure and beliefs of those she has seen as uncivilized.
I was surprised by the book-wasn't at all what i expected. Is really a good read
Xylara is a healer and is having trouble with her incompetant brother ruling their Kingdom since the death of their father. The warriers, Firelanders, are in the process of taking over their kingdom, but many are injured and she can't stand by and let them die. By doing this she became The Warprize, the one the leader of the Firelanders said would end the war if she became his. And she did. It's full of characterization and fun. I'll not spoil it anyfurther for the reader but I had a good time reading this one.
Good book. Differences in cultures is very interesting. The character development leaves something to be desired. I finished it in about 3 hours.
A different kind of romance!
Love this book! Can't wait to read the next one!
A good read.
I loved this book! The story never got boring because Vaughan's writing style is so interesting.
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!
good story!!
Very good.
