Fate's Star - Elizabeth Vaughan

Kindle Edition, 470 p

Expected publication: April 23rd 2019 by Birch Cove Press

Series: Chronicles of the Warlands 0

Fantasy romance

for review

My Thoughts

I have never any of these in order so it is fitting that the last bok is the first book, but to be fair, this one was just published ;)

Verice is an Elf living in human lands and he has been a baron there for quite some time. He is honorable, takes care of those who live on his lands and kind. But oh man, or oh elf, when he sees Warna it does seem like he forgets he has a brain.

Warna is fleeing war and comes to Tassinic. And what can I say, he just carries her away. Not for any nefarious reasons, now he is all, pretty voice, must protect! Men! Elves! Of course she is all what do you want?! I mean who wouldn't be. But Like I said, he is honorable and kind. So obviously these two fall in lust and love. And she is so capable so she saves his barony too.

There is another couple mentioned too, that just felt weird. I (thanks to someone) worked out that they will star in a new series, but at this moment it mostly felt like I had missed a book in this series. Hush hush, I will say nothing more about them.

Not that much happens in a way. There is no war or fighting. Considering there is a war going on. It is more a book about these two falling in love and him learning to see past something that happened. A sweet book.

Blurb

Her family dead, her home destroyed, all she has left are her wits and her songs...

When the flames of civil war rage across the Kingdom of Palins, Warna of Farentell has no choice but to flee to the neighboring Barony of Tassinic. The daughter of a wealthy merchant, raised to run a noble house in the hope of a good marriage, she watches her future burn with the rest of her homeland. 

Elven Lord of a human Barony, betrayed and attacked by those he thought to trust...

Verice of Tassinic has suffered the wounds of war, knowing loss and betrayal at the hands of those he trusted most. He buries himself in work and duty, behind emotional walls as high as those of his castle, rather than risk more pain. While dealing with a kingdom in political and economic turmoil, he "rescues" Warna only to discover that the helpless human woman is anything but. Before he knows it, she is deep within the defenses of his heart, forcing him to confront his grief, his distrust, and the scars of his past...and maybe even steal his heart in the process. (less)

Wardance - Elizabeth Vaughan

Spring returns to the Plains, and with it, the Time of the Challenges, when warrior fights warrior in a contest for rank and status. For Simus of the Hawk, now is the time to raise his challenge banner, to fight for the chance to finally become Warlord. 

But his deadliest challenge does not come from other warriors, or even the sundered Council of Elders. For on the first night of the Challenges, a mysterious and deadly pillar of white light scorches the night sky—instantly changing everything for the People of the Plains.

Now a warrior-priestess, Snowfall, stands before Simus, who dares to speak of peace, of reconciliation. Her knives are sharp, her tattoos alluring, and her cool grey eyes can look through Simus and see…everything.

Now Simus and Snowfall must solve the mystery of the pillar of white light, and protect their people from all the destruction and chaos it brings. Snowfall fights for her place beside Simus, despite resistance from friend and foe.

The warrior-priests have abused their power for many years. Can Simus face the challenge of trusting Snowfall with his honor? And perhaps . . . with his heart? 

Published April 11th 2017
Chronicles of the Warlands #5
Fantasy romance
Own

My thoughts:

I was honestly confused at times. They kept talking about a Sacrifice and was all who?! I did not read the previous book so I checked that one. Seems it took place in Xy, so nope that was not the problem. Did some digging it seems that another trilogy oh hers explains that bit. You are supposed to read two series at the same time and in the same order. Except I read that book 7 years ago! And this book came out last year. So beware, messy series alert!

Also, I do not really remember much from previous books in this series, except that book 1 rocked ;) SO sorry Simus, I do not remember you, but you seemed nice.

I guess Snowfall was never mentioned so she is new...maybe. Also since I do not remember much I do not remember that I should hate warrior priests! You got lucky there Snowfall! I never felt anything bad against you.

Ok, but even though it felt messy and they talked about things I read 7 years ago I could still follow the main story. That is people challenging Simus for duels and him and Snowfall getting to know each other. 

Though damn, insta love much! I did NOT feel them fall in love.

Last thoughts:

BUT, I like Vaughan, so even with many many faults I still enjoyed this book and world.

Cover

Omg kickass!

But that belt is all wrong! It makes it look apocalyptic. And that belt does not even do anything on her, and considering she is fighting duels that is one stupid belt. One could just take a hold of it and take her down

Warlord - Elizabeth Vaughan

Lara of Xy and her Warlord, Keir of the Cat, have been through much together. Lara abandoned her lands and people for love of him.  She adopted his ways and learned of his tribe. Together they have faced plague and insurgency -- and despite these struggles, they have known happiness and joy.

Now they face their most arduous task: Keir must take Lara into the Heart of the Plains, and introduce her as the Warprize to the warrior-priests.  She must be tested--questioned, examined, watched--and must find favor with the warrior-priests and the tribe's elders before they will confirm her as a true Warprize.

But in Lara's heart there are doubts--for what if she is found wanting? Will Keir give up everything he knows to be with his Warprize?

My thoughts:

I am sad to see the end of this series, sure there is a book 4 but that one is not about Lara and Keir. And sure the book had a satisfying ending but it was not THE END. No, they still had battles before them. But I am happy with what I got.

It seems Keir did not tell Lara everything about being a warprize *sighs* men! So they are separated and she has to fight her own battles. Not everyone is happy with her *grumbles something about stupid Iften shitten*. I like Lara, she is courageous, and Keir is swoonworthy.

The Elders talk, Lara heals, Keir tries to get people on his side. Hell will break loose. Revelations about things I already guessed and yes a HEA. I would have been mighty mad if not.

Conclusion:

I do not know what to say right now. A lovely series about a healer and a barbarian, what more could a girl ask for?

cover

eh

ebook, 336 pages
Published March 6th 2007 by Tor Paranormal Romance
Chronicles of the Warlands #3
Fantasy romance
Own

Warsworn - Elizabeth Vaughan

Lara is the Warprize. A powerful healer, she has sworn an oath of loyalty to Keir the Warlord, and his people. Now the Warlord and his chosen mate face enemies within the tribe and danger lurks on every hand as they journey toward Keir's homeland.

When they reach a village marked with the warnings of the plague, Keir forbids Lara to heal the sick, commanding that she not risk her own life. But both Lara and Kier are strong of will and neither will bend easily, even for love; and when Lara disobeys, she pays the price: both she and Kier are plague-struck... and so is their entire encampment.

In the midst of the dying, Iften, a rival warrior, gathers his followers and challenges Keir for the right to rule their tribe. If Keir, weakened by the sickness, loses -- he dies. And so does Lara. To save her love, her life, and her adopted people, Lara must find a cure for the plague -- and fully embrace her sworn role as Warprize to her Warlord.

My thoughts:

I read book 1 3 years ago, which sucks. Cos I do believe if I had been in the zone I would have liked it more. Of course I still liked the book, but it was a long time between them. And I should just have re-read the end ;)

Keir and Lara are on their way back. Keir has to deal with his people, and Lara wonders if he still wants her there. A healer and a barbarian warrior, what is there not to love? ;) Yes honestly that is all I have to say, I love the concept. He is all rawr! we are different but it works, and she is all...I have no idea where I was going with that, lol. Ok forget it.

Plague, yes much about the book is about the plague and how they all get it and...people doubt Keir. Damn asses! It's a plague! A horrid plague.

The book ends with so more promised. I am worried and anxious about what will come next. Oh and there is one person in this book that I want to kick in the balls.

Cover

eh

Kindle Edition, like 300-400ish?
Published April 4th 2006 by Tor Paranormal Romance
Chronicles of the Warlands #2
Fantasy romance
own

Review: Destiny's Star - Beth Vaughan

Series: Star 3
Genre: Fantasy romance
Pages: 336
Published: UK Gollancz June 2011

Bethral, a beautiful warrior, and Ezren, a quick-witted storyteller, are confronted with a civil war and a tribe or warriors with their own code of honor and their own rules of pleasure and partnership. To stay alive they must learn new customs, confront their enemies, and conceal Ezren's fiery power.

My thoughts:

This is book 3 but you can read it as a standalone novel. I read book 2 two years ago and I had forgotten some things but thanks to the book I was soon up to speed on things. Because each of these books are about a new woman. I actually read book 2 first, then book 1 and then this one (you know how it is.) Also to be noted is that yes this is the series by Elizabeth Vaughan but she is published as Beth Vaughan in the UK.

Bethral is in love with Ezren and he is on love with her. But neither thinks they stand a chance and therefore they do not make a move. Bethral is your typical warrior woman, strong, tough and she can take on any man. Ezren is a storyteller, not a warrior. They are in a way like night and day. He thinks she pities him, and she thinks he wants someone soft. Oh people in love are fools. 

Magic brings them to the land of Bethral's mother. The books known from Vaughan's War series. And they also tie in to those books since the civil war no going on got started in the War books. I do like this land of nomadic warriors because it is just so weird. Like how men and women need to have 5 babies each before they can commit to anyone and they are also very free in their sexual life. She has done well with creating this rich world and as two strangers with very different ideas they are certainly out of place.

The book is also about adventure as they try to find a way back home and escape those who want to kill Ezren for the magic he holds. They meet new friends, learn about a new culture and since this is about romance too they fall in love.

Conclusion:

A good fantasy romance. There is love, magic, action and a strange new land in this conclusion to a great series.

Rating:

Nice

Cover:

Meh

Review: Warprize - Elizabeth Vaughan

Series: Chronicles of the Warlands, book 1

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Pages: 296

Publisher: Penguin, April 5th 2011 (re-print)

Xylara 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 usurp her brother or negotiate a peace—but she can heal the brave ones injured in battle. But not only her countrymen are wounded, and Xylara's conscience 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 must trade the life she has always known for the well-being of her people, and so she becomes...

My thoughts:

I had heard good things about this series, and then book 1 got re-published so of course I had to take a look, and I am glad I did.

The book is about Xylara, and she is one brave woman. I admired her strength, and courage. She  was taken as a warprize, but instead of sitting in a tent being scared she went outside and found the tent with wounded soldiers and got straight to work. She knew what she wanted and that was to help people. The hero in the book is the warlord that crushed all resistance and took over their country (which is a good thing because her brother is a hopeless and bad king, so perhaps it was for the best). Anyway Keir was strong too, protective, and he wanted her, but he also wanted her to want him. He is one barbarian to fall hopelessly in love with.

The whole book is told in 1-person, so we always got her thoughts and fears, and it does work. Because this way there is a lot of confusion and fear in the air. I had no idea what a warprize was, neither had she, and I wanted to know. Then when I the reader finally found it, oh I will not tell you, but it sure made the book good.

What we have in this book is one strong woman, a feared warlord, and some behind the scenes backstabbing and politics. Some are not happy that the firelanders won and they want revenge. Danger is in the air, from both sides, since there is this one firelander warrior that wants to take over as warlord.

The book has a happy ending, even though there is a book 2 and 3. I was glad for this because I just wanted happiness.

Conclusion:

A good fantasy romance, I would recommend this book to others, and  I do want to read book 2 and 3. It has so much to offer, a good couple, great side characters, and interesting world, and a story that will have you turning page after page top find out more.

Rating:

I enjoyed it, a quick read.

Cover:

Lovely

Dagger-Star - Elizabeth Vaughan

Dagger-Star by Elizabeth Vaughan
Star Series, book 1

Pages: 336

Published: 2008

A cold and beautiful mercenary known as Red Gloves finds Josiah, a lone figure emerging from the torched fields and razed farms of his homeland.

All Josiah knows about the mysterious woman is her dagger-star birthmark, a sign that she is destined to free the people from a ruthless usurper's reign of terror…

Red Gloves is a mercenary that together with her friend Bethral laves their country to go to Palins to find some work. This land is in turmoil after an usurper to the throne killed the royal family and tried to kill the high lords too. There has been some fighting but for now everything just stands still, an unsteady truce of a kind that will rupture at any moment. After buying a half dead slave the return to the barn and goat herder they had sheltered with. Josiah is living with his 5 goats in a burned out country, a land that fell hard in the beginning of the war and lit's people are gone. But he has seen her birthmark and he will not leave that alone. She could be what he has been waiting for, and he is not either what he seems to be.

I read and reviewed book 2 back in March and then I got this one, thanks Amy! :D Now some things started to make sense, like where those elves came from. The tricky question about red Gloves and why everyone talked about Josiah. Still book 2 can still easily be read before, you will just know certain things then when you read this one. But that doesn't matter at all since I was mostly wondering if they would end up together.

Red Gloves can sure kick some ass, that is for sure. She is the big strong warrior in this book (though with a haunting past). Josiah is sad and vulnerable, and Red Gloves takes charge in this kind of relationship. Which is refreshing. Bethrael, well I really don't know about her, she is a side-kick, and she and the slave she rescued gets their story in book 3, so I guess it's there we would learn more about her. And I think that is needed. Of course we also meets the heroine from book 2, and I must say that those looks giving at the end would have had me curious about the next book.

What I do end up thinking about is a certain high lord elf and his wife. I would so love to know their story since Evie And Josiah has some things to say about him. That is what leave me wanting, their story. It feels like she is teasing me and then ripping it out from under me.

But in the end, this book has the romance, war, evilness and zombies (oh those zombies so had me in book 2, they are just creepy). I liked reading it and it made me wonder, if i enjoy this, then for sure I have to enjoy her war series since everyone says they are so much better.

I am really getting into the whole romance fantasy genre, I mean there is romance, which I love. And fantasy and some fights. But in the end my heart belongs to high fantasy, I like the big fights, darkness, and everything. But you just can't compare them in the end, and I will love both. I just have to read more, this is only like my second book.

White Star by Elizabeth Vaughan

White Star by Elizabeth Vaughan

White Star is the sequel to Dagger-star that came out last year. It's fantasy romance set in a world she described in an earlier trilogy.

The Lady High Priestess Evelyn is virtuous and loved. She is one of the leaders of the rebellion against the usurper who has claimed the throne. She is a healer who helps the injured and the sick.

Orrin Blackheart, the scourge of the Palins is despised and hated. He is known as an evil man who stands at his Duchess side against those who rebel. He has killed many, and he stood by his Duchess and Sorceress as she created an army of the dead. An army that plagues the countryside and claims more for their ranks.

Orrin takes Evelyn prisoner during the war and takes her to the castle at Black Hills. Here she knows what she will face, death and torture, but instead they both find something in each other that they didn't expect, passion, but can it withstand?


I liked this book, it was cute and I do love my fantasy so what better than romance and fantasy. And it had zombies, I am not a fan of zombies, they can give me nightmares. What more horrific than something that just keep coming at you. And yes these zombies keep coming. But that is jsut what this book needs.

This is then book 2, I didn't know that, and you can read the book without reading the first one. Of course where did elves come from? I did wonder about red gloves and queen Gloriana, and the obession with a lord called Josiah. Still she explained vital things in the beginning and what I wondered about I got answers to in the end, well except where those 2 elves came from.

Early in Evelyns capture Orrin learns that his Duchess is dead, and he lets Evelyn go, and negotiates a truce for his men. Then he must stand trial for the crimes he has commited. I will not say more, but their love doesn't have an easy road to take.

Evelyn seems to be a good hearted heroine, but she does have past too with darkness. There is nothing that makes me dislike her. Orrin, oh he has been wicked, truly evil, I have to like him. Because even though he has done horrific things in the past and he wants redemption, he wants to change, he wants his men to have their freedom. He is a good man who sure took the wrong way, but love makes fools of all of us. He wants her, but he don't wants to spoil her purity with his evil past and ways.


Can there be a HEA, and even if there is one, he will always be hated. They are such opposites and that shows too in how they look. Evelyn always in white with white hair. A beacon of light to his own darkness. I do want their happy ending, they both deserve to be that. And I have a soft spot for the bad guys.

I did wonder about those elves in the beginning and I do want to know more about this world, or at least see a map. That would help to build it better. But the story is more focused on romance, and wiping out those zombies. The war behind them, and politics is not focused on. If the lands are rebuilt I do not know. But in the end I don't care, I get romance and action and can be happy with that.

A third book is on its way and there we will see two characters from both previous books.