Helpful Score: 3
This is the first book in the Nine Kingdoms fantasy romance trilogy. The epic is very straight forward, the characters are extremely likeable. The heroine is a strong woman with a sharp wit and the hero is a man secure in his abilities. If you are familiar with Lynn Kurland, you will recognize the sweet romance at the heart of the story, and it is a treat to sometimes be reminded that romance doesn't need to be all sweaty. There is no real ending to this book however , so you're left reaching for book two.
Helpful Score: 3
I thought that this was a wonderful book. It had an excellent blend of fantasy and adventure and even romance. It had humor and a plot that was well thought-out and didn't make me annoyed with having picked it up to read. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series and probably even trying out some other books by the author even though they may be more geared toward the romance genre.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a straight fantasy, with a little romance (not really in your face). Adhémar, king of Neroche has suddenly lost his magic powers, his magical sword doesn't work anymore, and he's very put out by it. His youngest brother Miach, who is also the archmage, suggests that he travel to the most unlikely place to find someone who can wield the sword. The book started out amusing - I really liked the beginning, the author's voice has little half-teasing tilt to it, especially when the characters banter with one another, but after a while it went into the usual fantasy quest route and I started to lose interest. There wasn't anything very urgent or compelling going on that would keep me glued to the page, the pacing was quite relaxed. Perhaps too relaxed. I almost walked away from this book even though I only had 50 pages left, I just wanted to skim the end. I'd recommend this for readers who don't generally read fantasy and want something light and wholesome to read. It wasn't a bad read, but to me, a bit tame after what else I've been reading lately. This is the first book of a trilogy; the second book is The Mage's Daughter and continues this story.
Kathleen P. (kathleenmaciver) reviewed Star of the Morning (Nine Kingdoms, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I'm not usually a connoisseur of fantasy novels, as I often find them to be either too dark, or too hard to relate to the characters. But, since I love Lynn Kurland's historical novels and characters, I had to try this one out.
And it is fabulous.
Yes, it is fantasy, with the darkness of evil... yet you are not dragged down with lurid descriptions of the evil. Rather, you experience the emotions and thoughts and feelings of the characters as THEY deal with the evil that is thrown at them. And you share in their victories, just as you share in the conversation and laughter they share when they are warm and safe around the fire.
And of course there is magic... but it is a silvery ribbon that winds through characters that are still so human that it is easy to relate to them. They have magic and know spells... but they use them in the same utterly human ways that you or I use our knowledge and skills.
And then there's the romance. It is there, running beneath the surface and threatening to spill over any moment... yet it never does. That has been saved for future books. But its sweetness draws you into the story until you, also, have fallen in love with the shieldmaiden and the mage.
So read of Morgan, an orphan who has learned to shun magic in favor of the more visible and tangible skills of swordplay... while she slowly begins to find that magic is in her, she cannot run from it, and it does have its uses.
Read of Miach, the archmage of the powerful kingdom of Neroche, as he quietly defends the kingdom against far more danger than anyone realizes... as he is tempted the mis-use the power that few know he holds... and as he discovers a love that is more powerful still.
And escape to a world where men and women alike answer to the calling that has been laid upon them... to save the innocent masses that are unaware of the danger that threatens them.
(Number two in the trilogy, The Mage's Daughter: A Novel of the Nine Kingdoms, is now out, and it makes this book even better! Don't miss it!)
And it is fabulous.
Yes, it is fantasy, with the darkness of evil... yet you are not dragged down with lurid descriptions of the evil. Rather, you experience the emotions and thoughts and feelings of the characters as THEY deal with the evil that is thrown at them. And you share in their victories, just as you share in the conversation and laughter they share when they are warm and safe around the fire.
And of course there is magic... but it is a silvery ribbon that winds through characters that are still so human that it is easy to relate to them. They have magic and know spells... but they use them in the same utterly human ways that you or I use our knowledge and skills.
And then there's the romance. It is there, running beneath the surface and threatening to spill over any moment... yet it never does. That has been saved for future books. But its sweetness draws you into the story until you, also, have fallen in love with the shieldmaiden and the mage.
So read of Morgan, an orphan who has learned to shun magic in favor of the more visible and tangible skills of swordplay... while she slowly begins to find that magic is in her, she cannot run from it, and it does have its uses.
Read of Miach, the archmage of the powerful kingdom of Neroche, as he quietly defends the kingdom against far more danger than anyone realizes... as he is tempted the mis-use the power that few know he holds... and as he discovers a love that is more powerful still.
And escape to a world where men and women alike answer to the calling that has been laid upon them... to save the innocent masses that are unaware of the danger that threatens them.
(Number two in the trilogy, The Mage's Daughter: A Novel of the Nine Kingdoms, is now out, and it makes this book even better! Don't miss it!)
Helpful Score: 1
If you loved the Tarien Soul books you will probably enjoy Kurland's Nine Kingdoms fantasy. Filled with magic and compelling characters Kurland takes you on a journey into the hearts and minds of her characters. With a solid 4 rating these books will entertain as you get to know the personalities involved in this magical world. Written without the complexity of many modern fantasies Kurland's books are an enjoyable read.
