Helpful Score: 4
Lara has been sold into slavery by her father. For most young women in the world of Hetar, this is a disaster that brings about nothing but fear and sorrow. For Lara however it is but the very beginning of her adventure.
Half human, half faerie, Lara is stunningly beautiful and willful as well. Her faerie protector guides her in finding her destiny which involves a series of great adventures and great lovers. Finally reaching the Outlands, Lara comes to realize her destiny is to aid the people she finds there in their war against her homeland Hatar. But when the battle comes will she be ready to face her fears?
Ok, I searched my mind long and hard to find a word that would describe Lara. The only word I can come up with that would seem to fit would be: kitsch.
The plot of Lara is pretty simple, and it is very obvious that it is Smalls first leap from romance novels into fantasy novels. The writing as I said before can only be described as kitsch. It is obvious that Small is a non confrontational person. Everything comes so easy to Lara. Shes beautiful, so everyone wants to sleep with her. She has a natural skill with weapons, she super smart, she has magic to help her when her brains cant, the list goes on and on and the main character has no faults.
Not only was the fact that the main character has no faults sort of sickening, I also wanted to barf when all of the obstacles in Laras way bowed down to her. She had to only fight in one battle at the very end where her side one a total victory slaying all of the adversary and only taking about 20 deaths on the good side, and none of them significant in the least to the plotline.
Smalls writing style leaves something to be desired as well. Take a line from page 405 where she is describing a battle.
soon the battlefield ran red with blood, and it was difficult not to slip or fall
Huh? In the heat of battle when she could have swords clashing, men screaming, heroics going on all around she decides to say that its hard to stand up? The dialogue between the characters is also rather on the pathetic side. It reminded me of The Boxcar Children. Do you remember that book? You read it when you were maybe like 8 and the characters said: Good! to everything and didnt speak like normal people would? At times Small got almost Shakespearian on the reader and added in a lot of nays and ayes and thous. It was quite tedious at times.
Now that Im done destroying this book, I do have to admit that despite this large laundry list of problems with the plot, characters, dialogue, etcI actually kind of liked Lara. Despite all its shortcomings Lara did keep me entertained. Im not running out to get the sequel as the ending is in no way a cliffhanger, but Ill put it on my book swapping list and if I have a bunch of credits built up when it comes along Id consider getting it and reading it.
Im giving this book an exceptionally generous 3 stars. Lara is not going to win any awards anytime soon, but the theme can appeal to those who enjoy romance stories with a touch of fantasy, and is easy enough to read and get through quickly. A good starter book for those new to fantasyjust dont have super-high expectations going in.
Half human, half faerie, Lara is stunningly beautiful and willful as well. Her faerie protector guides her in finding her destiny which involves a series of great adventures and great lovers. Finally reaching the Outlands, Lara comes to realize her destiny is to aid the people she finds there in their war against her homeland Hatar. But when the battle comes will she be ready to face her fears?
Ok, I searched my mind long and hard to find a word that would describe Lara. The only word I can come up with that would seem to fit would be: kitsch.
The plot of Lara is pretty simple, and it is very obvious that it is Smalls first leap from romance novels into fantasy novels. The writing as I said before can only be described as kitsch. It is obvious that Small is a non confrontational person. Everything comes so easy to Lara. Shes beautiful, so everyone wants to sleep with her. She has a natural skill with weapons, she super smart, she has magic to help her when her brains cant, the list goes on and on and the main character has no faults.
Not only was the fact that the main character has no faults sort of sickening, I also wanted to barf when all of the obstacles in Laras way bowed down to her. She had to only fight in one battle at the very end where her side one a total victory slaying all of the adversary and only taking about 20 deaths on the good side, and none of them significant in the least to the plotline.
Smalls writing style leaves something to be desired as well. Take a line from page 405 where she is describing a battle.
soon the battlefield ran red with blood, and it was difficult not to slip or fall
Huh? In the heat of battle when she could have swords clashing, men screaming, heroics going on all around she decides to say that its hard to stand up? The dialogue between the characters is also rather on the pathetic side. It reminded me of The Boxcar Children. Do you remember that book? You read it when you were maybe like 8 and the characters said: Good! to everything and didnt speak like normal people would? At times Small got almost Shakespearian on the reader and added in a lot of nays and ayes and thous. It was quite tedious at times.
Now that Im done destroying this book, I do have to admit that despite this large laundry list of problems with the plot, characters, dialogue, etcI actually kind of liked Lara. Despite all its shortcomings Lara did keep me entertained. Im not running out to get the sequel as the ending is in no way a cliffhanger, but Ill put it on my book swapping list and if I have a bunch of credits built up when it comes along Id consider getting it and reading it.
Im giving this book an exceptionally generous 3 stars. Lara is not going to win any awards anytime soon, but the theme can appeal to those who enjoy romance stories with a touch of fantasy, and is easy enough to read and get through quickly. A good starter book for those new to fantasyjust dont have super-high expectations going in.
Helpful Score: 3
By far, one of the best books i have ever read. It is book #1 in the World of Hetar trilogy. The magic that Beatrice Small weaves around her readers is a web of fantasy, sensuality, and courage. i have never been more impressed with any fantasy-like settings as i am with this book. Ms. Small reaches deep into the corners of her imagination with this book, and as always, creates a world that her readers just long to be part of.
So far, the 1st book of this trilogy introduces such a broad range of characters and places that keeps the pages turning. Lara, the main character, slowly starts to evolve from humble beginnings to a destiny that forces her to be a warrior, and of course, a lover as well. The book leaves you groping around for Book #2, wanting to continue the adventure.
Very sexual, exotic, and mesmerizing. A must!
-Aurielle
So far, the 1st book of this trilogy introduces such a broad range of characters and places that keeps the pages turning. Lara, the main character, slowly starts to evolve from humble beginnings to a destiny that forces her to be a warrior, and of course, a lover as well. The book leaves you groping around for Book #2, wanting to continue the adventure.
Very sexual, exotic, and mesmerizing. A must!
-Aurielle
Helpful Score: 3
I gave this book 4 stars because I missed the references to royalty that are usually in Bertrice's books. That said, this is a VERY good read. Fantasy, faeries, magic and romance, this book has it all! Reviewers that say this story is full of S&M, obviously did not read the book.
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one, to see where Lara's adventures take her (& me) next!
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one, to see where Lara's adventures take her (& me) next!
Helpful Score: 2
Really interesting read. Very likeable heroine considering her circumstances. I will probably read the other books in the series.
Helpful Score: 2
Enjoyed this novel & looking forward to Book Two when it comes out. warning: strong sexual content.
Helpful Score: 2
Wonderful characters! Beatrice Small transports you into the world of Hetar. Follow LARA on her journey and the people she meets. Lots of descriptive sex that makes this a hot read.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book! I had no idea the Bertrice Small had moved into this genre.
Helpful Score: 1
passionate historical romance
Helpful Score: 1
Fantasy tale about a half-faerie heroine and her travel to other lands in search of her destiny. I enjoyed the well written plot and characters. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 1
I always have liked her books and this was a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
In the world of Hetar, mercenary John Swiftsword has long wanted to be a Crusader Knight, but is too poor to afford the fees and outfit needed to apply to the Order. The only thing of value he has is his beautiful half-faerie daughter Lara. When his wife suggests they sell her for the money to attain his knighthood, he reluctantly agrees. Thus begins Lara's adventure toward a destiny that her faerie guardian keeps telling her she must keep moving toward.
This book is like candy - simple with no substance and yet strangely fascinating enough to hold my attention till the end, though most of it was easily skimmed. It was a typical fantasy romance where good and bad are pretty black and white, and the writer gives the heroine plenty of opportunities for gratuitous sex in the guise of developing her character. Strangely enough, I actually finished it, although I can't imagine being able to read 4 more books of this stuff, so I am not sure I'll bother with the rest of the series. Unless I get a craving for more candy.
This book is like candy - simple with no substance and yet strangely fascinating enough to hold my attention till the end, though most of it was easily skimmed. It was a typical fantasy romance where good and bad are pretty black and white, and the writer gives the heroine plenty of opportunities for gratuitous sex in the guise of developing her character. Strangely enough, I actually finished it, although I can't imagine being able to read 4 more books of this stuff, so I am not sure I'll bother with the rest of the series. Unless I get a craving for more candy.
This is the first book I've read by author Bertrice Small. Though I enjoyed her writing style, I found the book somewhat lacking. The storyline was interesting enough but the book moved slowly and seemingly without direction. There were a few hot and steamy scenes but they were too few and far between.
I don't want to spoil the book, but an important male character "tricks" Lara into a situation that should have upset her, but instead she takes it all in stride, something that seemed wrong for her personality. The author sets us up to see Lara as strong and independent, and suddenly she's behaving in ways contrary to that? It didn't make sense.
Overall it just wasn't my favorite book, but still one worth reading and for those who enjoy epic novels rather than romance, I'm sure it's a good one.
I don't want to spoil the book, but an important male character "tricks" Lara into a situation that should have upset her, but instead she takes it all in stride, something that seemed wrong for her personality. The author sets us up to see Lara as strong and independent, and suddenly she's behaving in ways contrary to that? It didn't make sense.
Overall it just wasn't my favorite book, but still one worth reading and for those who enjoy epic novels rather than romance, I'm sure it's a good one.
I was so happy to see a the first book of a new series from Ms. Small. She did not disappoint with this wonderful steamy tale.
one of her best
The world of Hetar. A realm of Forest Lords, of Shadow Princes and Coastal Kings. A land of passions, both civilized and savage.
Lara, the beautiful half-faerie ventures forth on a journey that will awaken her, both body and sould as she learns the true meaning of love that will last an eternity.
