Katherine S. (kathyk519) -
Helpful Score: 3
This is the second book in the Nine Kingdom's trilogy. I liked this book better than the first. The story starts off where the first left off and we see how Morgan is doing after being poisoned by the Dark Mage and lied to by Miach. Miach realizes he is in love with her - the trials and tribulations in this keep coming - we find out more about Morgan's past and who she is - what Miach is willing to do for her - and what she is willing to do for him. New characters are introduced that broaden the story.
Great book with great descriptions that make you feel like you are there - or at least watching a great and epic movie. If you are looking for a story that has a wonderful plot - epic adventure, romance, intrigue, magic - then this is the series for you. You must start with Star of the Morning and then this one. I can't wait for the final installment that is coming out in January (Princess of the Sword).
Great book with great descriptions that make you feel like you are there - or at least watching a great and epic movie. If you are looking for a story that has a wonderful plot - epic adventure, romance, intrigue, magic - then this is the series for you. You must start with Star of the Morning and then this one. I can't wait for the final installment that is coming out in January (Princess of the Sword).
Kathleen P. (kathleenmaciver) reviewed The Mage's Daughter (Nine Kingdoms, Bk 2) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
The Mage's Daughter continues what is turning out to be, in my opinion, one of the greatest and most romantic fantasy trilogies of all time. For me, what makes it so wonderful is the way Morgan and Miach's relationship grows stronger and more beautiful, even when you thought it couldn't get much more perfect. They are truly on their way to becoming the perfect couple - two people who have every reason in the Nine Kingdoms to want the other for reasons less than romantic, yet they love each other for the person behind the skills and power and birthright... two people who love each other for what they are together... and I have the feeling that they don't yet have a clue how powerful that will be! Having read this novel, Star of the Morning: A Novel of the Nine Kingdoms (the first in the trilogy) is now even more perfect. This past year, as I've waited for this novel to come out, I've warned myself that I might end up disappointed... that this book might be another one of those books where the hero and heroine spend the entire time misunderstanding each other... frustrating me in the process.
It's not.
Not in the slightest.
Rather, the story continually presents surprises, and each is more satisfying than the last, telling a story that is totally different from any story I've ever read.
So!.... If you've read Star of the Morning: A Novel of the Nine Kingdoms already and are just looking for a review before you buy, read away! If you HAVEN'T read it, please take a moment and read my review for that book first (it's the first review there), and then buy both and get ready to be whisked away to the Nine Kingdoms for days. Also, be aware that, although it is not required that you read Lynn's Nine Kingdom Novellas in the anthologies The Queen in Winter and To Weave a Web of Magic first, they do tie into these stories in a way that you won't want to miss!
And now on to my teaser, in which I will endeavor not to ruin any of the surprises that await you...
Morgan, weak in body from Lothar's poison and sore in heart from the treachery she thinks Miach dealt her, runs back to Weger's tower to regain her strength for swordplay and to be free from the unwelcome magic that now rages through her veins. But when Miach sets the fate of the realm aside to follow her inside the magicless Gobhann, she begins to realize that even here, things aren't as they've always seemed.
She must face the fact that the man she loves is not only the simple man who prefers to be underestimated, he is also the archmage of the realm who spends his weary nights shoring up the spells that keep the evil in the north from overrunning the Nine Kingdoms... he is not only her Miach, he is the man of whom it is said, "I have lived centuries and seen mage after mage walk across the world's stage, and Prince Mochriadhemiach stands alone before them all,"... and he is not only willing to go to almost any length to protect the realm, he is willing to go even farther to have her - and not as a wielder for the Sword of Angesand.
Join them as Morgan finally sets her feet on the path that is her destiny, and as her life and future become forever entwined with the man who is now her love, her friend, her protector... and her teacher.
(And now I just have to make it 'till next January for the final book!)
It's not.
Not in the slightest.
Rather, the story continually presents surprises, and each is more satisfying than the last, telling a story that is totally different from any story I've ever read.
So!.... If you've read Star of the Morning: A Novel of the Nine Kingdoms already and are just looking for a review before you buy, read away! If you HAVEN'T read it, please take a moment and read my review for that book first (it's the first review there), and then buy both and get ready to be whisked away to the Nine Kingdoms for days. Also, be aware that, although it is not required that you read Lynn's Nine Kingdom Novellas in the anthologies The Queen in Winter and To Weave a Web of Magic first, they do tie into these stories in a way that you won't want to miss!
And now on to my teaser, in which I will endeavor not to ruin any of the surprises that await you...
Morgan, weak in body from Lothar's poison and sore in heart from the treachery she thinks Miach dealt her, runs back to Weger's tower to regain her strength for swordplay and to be free from the unwelcome magic that now rages through her veins. But when Miach sets the fate of the realm aside to follow her inside the magicless Gobhann, she begins to realize that even here, things aren't as they've always seemed.
She must face the fact that the man she loves is not only the simple man who prefers to be underestimated, he is also the archmage of the realm who spends his weary nights shoring up the spells that keep the evil in the north from overrunning the Nine Kingdoms... he is not only her Miach, he is the man of whom it is said, "I have lived centuries and seen mage after mage walk across the world's stage, and Prince Mochriadhemiach stands alone before them all,"... and he is not only willing to go to almost any length to protect the realm, he is willing to go even farther to have her - and not as a wielder for the Sword of Angesand.
Join them as Morgan finally sets her feet on the path that is her destiny, and as her life and future become forever entwined with the man who is now her love, her friend, her protector... and her teacher.
(And now I just have to make it 'till next January for the final book!)
Helpful Score: 1
I thought that this was another really good story in the series. I did feel that the relationship between Morgan and Miach felt a little drawn out, considering this is supposed to be a romance. I guess it was too "sweet" and more like a relationship between elementary students with all the hand-holding than a relationship between adults. Sometimes I didn't feel the characters were being very believable in their actions. Morgan, who was a strong female character, continually becomes more and more "girly", which did get annoying. Even though it's not one of the best, it does make for a good fantasy read and I'm looking forward to eventually reading the last book in the series.
This is the second book in the Nine Kingdoms fantasy romance trilogy. Picking up right after Star of the Morning leaves off, this book gives us a more in depth look at the characters and the societies of the Nine Kingdoms. Morgan is more vulnerable here, recovering from the events in the previous book and I missed her earlier conviction that any problem could be solved with a sword. The romance continues, as sweetly as before and we are again left looking for the conclusion in the next book.
I was bit annoyed that the strong Morgan from book 1 is missing in this one. The Morgan in this one is weak. I realize she found out her heritage in this one and it wasn't something she expected. She had to come to terms with a lot of things. I get she hates mages. But. Get. Over. It. She does (finally) accept it more by the end, but the journey towards it seemed to take forever. She was just too overwrought in this book. I'm hoping strong Morgan makes her appearance in book 3. I did get glimpses of her in the middle to end in book 2.
I do think my taste had changed from the time I read book 1 (I looked and I read it in Jan 2010- damn!). I do prefer some sex in my romances and hers with Miach is rated G (most assuredly) in this one. I get that this book is billed as a "Fantasy Romance," but some "sexy times" would be nice please!
Just one other thing; there are a lot of "long-lived" people in this one. My complaint with that is they are all men (with the exception of one woman). Their significant others all met with tragic ends. Nice, right?
I do think my taste had changed from the time I read book 1 (I looked and I read it in Jan 2010- damn!). I do prefer some sex in my romances and hers with Miach is rated G (most assuredly) in this one. I get that this book is billed as a "Fantasy Romance," but some "sexy times" would be nice please!
Just one other thing; there are a lot of "long-lived" people in this one. My complaint with that is they are all men (with the exception of one woman). Their significant others all met with tragic ends. Nice, right?
Not one of her best, but still a Lynn Kurland and worth reading.
Another entertaining read. Great story-line and characters.
The best series ever. I could not stand to put the book down to go to sleep at night.
