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Star of the Morning (Nine Kingdoms #1)

3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 · rating details · 2,446 ratings · 257 reviews

From the USA Today bestselling author comes the first in a magical romantic fantasy trilogy.

Darkness covers the north, since the black mage has begun his assault on the kingdom of Neroche. Legend has it that only the two magical swords held by Neroche's king can defeat the mage. Now the fate of the Nine Kingdoms rests in the hands of a woman destined to wield one of those...more

Paperback, 336 pages

Published December 5th 2006 by Berkley Trade

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Feb 15, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, fantasy, wishlist

With the loss of King Adhemar's magic and ability to wield his enchanted sword in one fell swoop, the entire defense of the kingdom of Neroche now rests solely upon the shoulders of the royal archmage - and Adhemar's brother - Miach. Even though he is extremely talented, Miach knows this strain will quickly drain him (and Neroche) of all it's defenses if something is not done to augment the realms' magical power.

Trained as a ruthless mercenary, Morgan is quick to mistrust anything that stinks of...more With the loss of King Adhemar's magic and ability to wield his enchanted sword in one fell swoop, the entire defense of the kingdom of Neroche now rests solely upon the shoulders of the royal archmage - and Adhemar's brother - Miach. Even though he is extremely talented, Miach knows this strain will quickly drain him (and Neroche) of all it's defenses if something is not done to augment the realms' magical power.

Trained as a ruthless mercenary, Morgan is quick to mistrust anything that stinks of magic, preferring to rely on her own strengths (which are many) instead. But even though the blade tucked in with her belongings fairly exudes powerful magic, she is determined to fulfill her duty by carrying it to the King of Neroche. Having never before left her island home, Morgan is vastly relieved when she is joined on her quest by a few loyal comrade-in-arms but not so much by the arrival of the arrogant young man Adhemar and a little later, his handsome brother Miach. It quickly becomes obvious however that something - or someone - is intent on harming their small band and Morgan finds herself turning to magic and Miach's expertise on the subject to simply reach the royal city alive.

Star of the Morning is a beautifully written book that switches points of view between various characters (convincingly well) while still managing to contain enough intrigue without ever letting that become the focus of the story. I do so love me a good character-driven novel - especially when the characters are not at all what they appear at first glance. Our heroine Morgan could have easily come across as a simple sword-wielding mercenary, yet her past and deep-seated aversion to magic grant her a much wider appeal. Tough and talented as she is, Morgan still has fears and watching her face those down with the help of her friends-in-arms and Miach was immensely satisfying. It seems I am developing quite a soft spot for talented warrior-women lately (much to my delight) and Lynn Kurland has delivered yet another winner in Morgan. Star of the Morning has so much to offer any fantasy fan - you can be sure I'll be tracking down book two, The Mage's Daughter in a hurry. (less)

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Apr 07, 2012 The Window Seat rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 28, 2008 Debbie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, romance

This is a "romance fantasy," where the book has a strong romance in a fantasy setting. The world-building is fairly good, and the characters are engaging. The pacing is good, and every scene serves a purpose. There are no explicit sex scenes, but the hero and heroine do kiss. The magic is of the typical fantasy sort, allowing a man to shape-change or be "invisible" or such.

As primarily a fantasy reader, I've always been disappointed that romance authors who try their hand at writing fantasy inev...more

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Jun 24, 2012 Annette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-and-romance, magic, magic-romance

I always like Lynn Kurland's books.
The start was a bit slow, but I find many series books can drag at times. It's like the author must drag it out due to the fact, she has 6 or more books to go. So if too much happens too fast...'then what'..less books to write and sell. So yeah, it can drag a bit and seem a bit predictable...but magic, adventure and love just starting. Still all good stuff.
When I looked the series up I see there are 4 books ahead, and I wouldn't be surprised if more. Really, I...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have been having a lot of luck in the bargain books sections lately. Star of the Morning was one I happened across at B&N and couldn't resist. I'm always up for any fantasy books that sound like they are reminiscent of The Lord of The Rings and full of adventure.

This book did not disappoint. While parts of the plot were perhaps a bit predictable to the genre, Kurland did manage to throw in a few twists and make the story her own. Morgan is a great heroine--you've got to love a strong woman...more

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Jan 27, 2012 Jilly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nine-kingdoms

I can't even begin to remember why I wanted to read this book but I suspect I read one of her short stories in an anthology and looked her up. I was out of books and this was sitting there looking at me. I decided I couldn't put it off any longer and opened it up.

I have to say it was a rather slow start but in the end I think it was well worth the effort. I read it pretty fast and liked the fantasy of it. Morgan and Miach really started to grow on me and I kept hoping for more fruition in their...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Barbara Simeles rated it 3 of 5 stars

Just another typical fantasy novel: enjoyable enough but nothing fantastic. This also seems to be aimed at a younger audience, perhaps early teens? Morgan is a ferocious swordswoman, who hates magic but, out of love and duty, is forced to take an enchanted dagger to the king of Neroche. Arhémad is the pompous mage king of Neroche, who lost his magic and is boorishly traipsing about the countryside looking for someone to wield a legendary sword to save his kingdom. Miach is the superior younger b...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Jill Furedy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I just ordered the other books in the series (used copies, but still...), so I liked it well enough to see where they are going with the story. But so far, very few scenes jumped out at me as original or especially memorable. However the characters and storytelling were entertaining enough to keep me reading. Sure, you want to smack Morgan sometimes, and Micah is far less amusing while mooning after her (I can only hope he'll be slightly more focused on adventues and rescues to be swooning and s...more

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Jan 13, 2011 Amerydbaker rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

AGHHHH! I really wanted to like this book. In fact it took me until 3/4ths the way through to put it down. But only because the person who recommended it to me has recommended so many other amazing books. I started gagging at about 1/2 the way through. Okay, okay, they were going on a quest (I hate quests!) But I was going to overlook that, but the romance was "stick my finger down my throat"...blahhh. I normally love romance in fantasy books. I have tried to discover why it was so unrealistic t...more

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Dec 09, 2010 Terri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, fantasy, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. A few weeks ago in the bookstore, my mom picked up a book that practically screamed, “TERRI READ ME!” I was intrigued and then I realized it was the newest and fourth in a series, so I went back to the fantasy section to investigate book one. The series and the author were nowhere to be found, but no matter. Some booksellers keep books in odd sections, like Maria V. Snyder’s books in the “Romance” section. Well that’s where I found it and I ordered it off Amazon. (Yes, yes, I know. I wanted to g...more A few weeks ago in the bookstore, my mom picked up a book that practically screamed, “TERRI READ ME!” I was intrigued and then I realized it was the newest and fourth in a series, so I went back to the fantasy section to investigate book one. The series and the author were nowhere to be found, but no matter. Some booksellers keep books in odd sections, like Maria V. Snyder’s books in the “Romance” section. Well that’s where I found it and I ordered it off Amazon. (Yes, yes, I know. I wanted to get my order up to $25 to get free shipping on something else.)

So anyway, I read and DEVOURED this book, then hopped back on Amazon and bought the next three. Last night I finished the third book and made myself go to bed in order to not stay up half the night on the fourth.

Star of the Morning follows a woman named Morgan of Melksham. Morgan absolutely hates magic, relying on her sword skill to solve all her problems. She’s an irritable heroine, constantly thinking and muttering to herself about sticking someone or other with her sword when they do something particularly annoying. When her mentor, Nicholas, asks her to take a very magical sword to the king of Neroche, Morgan reluctantly agrees, only because Nicholas has taken care of her for years and she feels that she can’t deny him.

Morgan sets out on the quest with several of her friends from her mercenary days. They are joined by a man named Adehmar, who the reader knows is the foolish king of Neroche, and his brother Miach, the archmage of the realm. Adehmar and Miach are looking for the wielder of a legendary sword: finding the wielder will help them save the realm from Lothar, an evil mage bent on taking down Neroche and the Nine Kingdoms. Morgan believes that Miach is a simple farmer who is not very good with his sword (her way of sizing people up), and that Adehmar is a bumbling idiot.

Miach, the exceptionally powerful archmage, falls in love with Morgan. As he begins to believe that Morgan is the wielder he’s looking for, he realizes that her past is much more complicated than even she believes. Because of her aversion to magic, he continues to hide the truth about his identity and his power.

This was a beautiful book. The writing was beautiful, the wording, the plot was great, and most of all, I loved the characters. I’m a sucker for the heroines who are grouchy and prefer to go around whacking people with swords than with diplomacy. Most of Robin McKinley’s characters are like that, so I will cheerfully pass the blame for this particular reading trait of mine.

I’m pretty stingy with my ratings. If I enjoy a book, I give it a three. If I really enjoy a book, it’s a four. If it’s a book I couldn’t LIVE WITHOUT, it’s a five. Fives are rare and special, as they should be. This book is a four. I will try to be fair and review books that I rate 1-5, but I have a tendency to abandon books when I don’t enjoy them, so you may not see too many 1s and 2s around here…

Anyway, Star of the Morning and its sequels are excellent fantasy. 4 Stars! Go read!

Cross posted to my book blog (http://starlightbookreviews.wordpress...)

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Sep 03, 2010 Sally Linford rated it 4 of 5 stars

I ran into this book on Angieville blog (lit review). Around the same time, I was complaining to my VERY literate sister-in-law, Diane, that I'm sick of reading pathetic men. For the last 60 years, our lit has been overrun by white men who beat their children and drink themselves stupid.

She recommended Lynn Kurland for real men, behaving well. That was 2 independent recommendations.

So, it caught me off-guard when it came with our library's "Romance" label on the spine. I had a moment of shame, a...more

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Jul 30, 2010 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: good-uns

I had never read anything by Lynn Kurland prior to picking up STAR OF THE MORNING. I had never even heard of her before, due to the fact that she writes primarily historical romance and I just rarely find myself reading in that genre. But my eye caught on the cover as I walked through the romance aisle at Borders to get to the fantasy/scifi section. And something made me pause. It's always that dangerous pause that gets you, isn't it? If the book can just get a toehold on my attention, I'm so of...more I had never read anything by Lynn Kurland prior to picking up STAR OF THE MORNING. I had never even heard of her before, due to the fact that she writes primarily historical romance and I just rarely find myself reading in that genre. But my eye caught on the cover as I walked through the romance aisle at Borders to get to the fantasy/scifi section. And something made me pause. It's always that dangerous pause that gets you, isn't it? If the book can just get a toehold on my attention, I'm so often a goner. I reach out, picked it up, and read the back and wondered. It's a fairly dreamy, idealized cover and not exactly my favorite. But I liked that it was just the girl and her sword. And when I saw the word "mercenary" on the back I just sort of knew I would like her. And perhaps she doesn't always wear flowing garments of blue. So I took it home with me and am so glad I did. Because this is an absolutely delightful series and one that deserves a wider readership. STAR OF THE MORNING is the first in the Nine Kingdoms trilogy. It was published just four years ago and both of the other two books are also out in paperback so now is really the perfect time to jump in and give it a shot. It's straight-up high fantasy, with a nice romance tucked in there and very deft, wonderful writing.

Morgan of Melksham is not pleased. After putting in her time, serving years as an elite mercenary, she is reduced to messenger status. As a favor to her old friend and mentor Sir Nicholas, she agrees to deliver a sword of some note to the King of Neroche. Mystified as to why it should have anything to do with her, Morgan is somewhat mollified to be joined by a few of her longtime compatriots. To balance this out, however, she is also joined by an annoyingly pompous lad by the name of Adhemar and--shortly thereafter--by his somewhat less pompous younger brother Miach. Together, the assorted companions set out to see the blade safely to its rightful owner. And Morgan is forced to bite her tongue and see the job through, despite her lifelong hatred of all things magical and her legendary inability to suffer fools (such as Adhemar) gladly. Miach, on the other hand, becomes a friend. With his easy manner and utterly unrefined approach to life, he manages to make stoic Morgan smile, even laugh once or twice. And the journey seems somehow less taxing with him along. But their task becomes more urgent as they encounter various ominous portents along the way. Something--something dark--is seeping across the border into Neroche. And the only hope the king has is getting that sword into the hands of its destined wielder. If Morgan and her friends don't make it in time, all hell might literally break loose.

The writing is what first made a favorable impression on me. It's honestly so light and sinuous that you don't even notice it. In the best way, it propels the story forward, never standing out garishly or halting along blandly. It allows the characters to stand out and shine. And they really do. Morgan is often frustrated and cranky at her present lot in life. Beautiful and ruthless, she has trouble dealing with those more frivolous and less dedicated than she is. But there is a history there as well. So many interesting questions as to how she ended up with the life that she did. Why she was raised by Sir Nicholas and why he sent her on this quest. It all amounts to the reader not really believing her gruff exterior and happily so. Then there is Miach. And Miach is perfectly delightful from top to bottom. If you don't like Miach, there might be something wrong with you. It is a pleasure watching him exasperatedly deal with his windbag brother at the same time as he plies sword-for-hire Morgan with jokes and compliments and attempts to get her to relax for one minute. This is a proper quest tale and, as I am a fan of such when they are well done, I loved going along for the ride. The characters are witty and up for anything and the world itself is twisty and turny and full of a long history of alternately dastardly and noble rulers. No one is exactly who they say they are, of course. And it all builds up to a very startling climax. Just when you think what you were hoping would happen will, in fact, happen--the threads of the tale are flung far and wide across the whole of the Nine Kingdoms and you are left gasping at the implications. I had to wait a year for the sequel. There was grumbling involved. But I will tell you that it was completely and utterly worth it, as The Mage's Daughter is a worthy successor in every way and sits contentedly on my Beloved Bookshelf. If you haven't run across this series before, I do hope you give it a try. It is a comfort read, uncomplicated but lovely, full of characters who will work their way into your affections. Highly recommended, particularly for fans of Sharon Shinn and Robin McKinley.

Reading Order: STAR OF THE MORNING, The Mage's Daughter, and Princess of the Sword (less)

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Jun 11, 2011 Verna Venisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Star of the Morning is the first book in a fantasy epic that for some inexplicable reason is shelved in romance. Not that there isn't some romance in the book, but it's the subtle kind that is common in fantasy, far less in-your-face than the average romance novel. That being said, I'm a big fantasy fan and it had been some time since I've read a large scale epic, so this was a great read for me.
Books that fall into this genre run at a slower pace than the average piece of fiction, and the star...more

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Apr 23, 2011 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, wishlist

When I first borrowed this book from the library, I figured it would be a silly, cheesy, overly romantic fantasy novel that might be fun. After reading it, I had much the same idea, with some slight adjustments. Kind of silly, a little cheesy, perfectly romantic and a lot of fun. In short, I loved this book.

For just a little bit at the beginning, I was worried that Adhemar might be the main love-interest, and that would have been awful. Adhemar is a fun character in his own idiotic, ridiculous w...more When I first borrowed this book from the library, I figured it would be a silly, cheesy, overly romantic fantasy novel that might be fun. After reading it, I had much the same idea, with some slight adjustments. Kind of silly, a little cheesy, perfectly romantic and a lot of fun. In short, I loved this book.

For just a little bit at the beginning, I was worried that Adhemar might be the main love-interest, and that would have been awful. Adhemar is a fun character in his own idiotic, ridiculous way, but I would not want him as the main guy. Therefore, when Miach arrived on the scene, I was instantly reassured that all would be well. Miach is a wonderful source of romance. He is doomed from his first glimpse of Morgan, and it doesn't take him long to realize it. He is also devious, extremely good-looking, and very, very powerful with a great sense of humor and irony.

Morgan is brilliant. She hates travel, romance, and, above all, magic. She is so strong and well able to take care of herself, as well as everyone around her, but she is also so vulnerable. She can defeat any physical threat with her sword, but the enemy is not always one she can fight with a blade, and that terrifies her. Fortunately for her, that is where Miach comes in. He keeps her sane (barely at times) and is always there to run or fight with her and catch her when she falls.

I really liked how clean the romance was in this book. There was always such a fun and sweet relationship between Morgan and Miach. (When Morgan wasn't threatening or actively trying to kill him, that is.)

The language in his book makes me smile. The frequent use of the word "wench" is so much fun! (Wench is a sadly neglected word in modern literature.) Most of the main characters were extraordinary powerful or talented in some way or another, which might bother some people, but I thought it was fun. I would recommend this book to lovers of light-hearted fantasy and romance.

Be warned, you should have the second book, The Mage's Daughter, on hand to read immediately. Star of the Morning has an annoying cliffhanger ending. Actually, you should have the whole series on hand to read them all one after another.

http://liedermadchen.blogspot.com/201...(less)

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Oct 30, 2012 Gabriella rated it 2 of 5 stars

I really, really wanted to like this book. The title is fabulous (I know, I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but it reminded me of House Dayne from ASOIAF, so what's not to love?), the plot description sounded interesting, and the cover art is lovely. Sadly, however, I just didn't enjoy it.

Good things first: it is a funny book. A snort/chuckle out loud book at times, especially when revolving around characters such as Adhemar. I really enjoyed the author's sense of humour.

The not-so-good: Mo...more

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Nov 04, 2011 Shauni rated it 4 of 5 stars

The first in book in Lynn Kurland's Nine Kingdoms series casts a delightful spell upon the reader. Kurland weaves a sensual spell as she slowly crafts her story. Introducing characters in full detail that leaves one feeling like she is standing right there with them. Her landscaping reminded me of fields and streams set to canvas with the paint of her words. In general a rich fulfillment of promise.

A wonderful beginning to this trilogy, I am completely looking forward to reading The Mage's Daugh...more

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Jan 16, 2011 Alyssa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 18, 2012 Terree rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was my first fantasy book. I went into it thinking that I was going to hate it, even though I love the way this author writes. I've read everything else she has written, I've just steered clear of the fantasy stuff. I have never understood what things were, it seemed so complicated; mages, shieldmaidens, and that's just the beginning! So, I brought up google on my computer and started reading.

This book did not let me down! I just loved it! I loved the strong shieldmaiden, Morgan who fights...more

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Oct 03, 2009 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of clean romance and light fantasy

Recommended to Holly by: Angie - thanks!

Shelves: fantasy

As much as I want to attempt it, I won't go into why I'm becoming a real fan of fantasy but hesitate to read so-called high fantasy books written by DH's favorites such as Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind (much to his dismay). Judging a book by its cover however Star of the Morning is fantasy through and through much to the delight of DH. It reminded me not unpleasantly of my recent and short-lived stint role-playing. It also didn't help that this is romantic fantasy. And, well ... I'm not sure...more As much as I want to attempt it, I won't go into why I'm becoming a real fan of fantasy but hesitate to read so-called high fantasy books written by DH's favorites such as Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind (much to his dismay). Judging a book by its cover however Star of the Morning is fantasy through and through much to the delight of DH. It reminded me not unpleasantly of my recent and short-lived stint role-playing. It also didn't help that this is romantic fantasy. And, well ... I'm not sure how DH would feel about that. It's a start, though.

King of Neroche Adhemar is down-on-his-luck. He's lost his magic, his sword is nothing but cold steel, and he's still ashamed of being assaulted in such a way by the ghoulish creatures that seem to be slipping past the borders of his realm. His brother Miach, the archmage of Neroche finds himself similarly unfortunate. He spends his days and much of his nights patching up the protection spells on the north border which are continually being breached by an unknown black magic. Meanwhile Morgan, a highly skilled mercenary continues her life-long loathing of all things magic and bemoans the short comforts of fire and bed before she must be off on a secret quest to deliver a magical sword to the King of Neroche. When their lives intersect, Morgan will find that she can't ignore the magic which flows in her veins and her growing feelings of love for one and disdain for the other as Miach begins to see there's much more to life than duty and Adhemar stumbles along on his own quest.

Not knowing what to expect I was really taken with this book, told from alternating POV of Miach, Morgan, and Adhemar. Tricky mages, legendary magic, action-packed sword fights, winding quests, seedy taverns, a dark enemy and two dynamic leads, what's not to like? Best of all the fantasy elements and world-building are very subtle so the reader can relate to Miach and Morgan with ease and enjoy their snappy dialogue and developing relationship. Thick-skinned and feisty yet vulnerable Morgan resembles the best kick-butt UF heroines. Miach resists stereotype in being both hero and man-in-distress. The plot also surprised me and the smooth writing style and pacing was effortless to read. Bring on the sequel! I will warn you that the ending really leaves you hanging so make sure to have The Mage's Daughter close at hand.
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Nov 15, 2011 Kelly Gravedoni rated it 4 of 5 stars

Star of the Morning by Lynn Kurland is classified as a fantasy romance novel and as such, originally scared me away. Most fantasy novels I have read can be confusing and extremely unrealistic. This, however, was not. From the very first page to the last, Kurland creates a world not so very different from our own. There is plenty of magic involved and creatures that are not real but Kurland does such an excellent job with descriptions that I was never confused. Some authors of fantasy have a diff...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Alyssa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, clean-romance, ya

I found this book on a 'clean romance' recommendation forum and thought that I would be reading a romance novel without gratuitous smut. As it turned out, this book was more like a straight fantasy novel with very mild and tame romance, to the point that it could have been written for junior school kids.

Morgan, a ruthless mercenary is sent on a quest to deliver a magically infused dagger to the king of Neroche who is rumoured to have lost his magic. Along the way, she encounters the king in dis...more

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Jan 27, 2012 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The characters are engaging and the plot is fun and intriguing. The author is weak on description though. You don't really know what the land or the people look like. You get some description, but I expect a bit more detail when we're dealing with a made-up world. [spoiler] Especially in the case of the sort-of man-looking beasts. How sort of? How are they not? [end spoiler]

There were a few points at which I grew irritated at the subterfuge of certain characters,...more

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Oct 06, 2009 Susan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Almost didn't admit I read this because I couldn't write very positively about it. So--- In a magic kingdom far, far away --- a king looses his magic and goes in search of the predicted or promised person to wield the other magic sward in the kingdom. His youngest brother, the archmage of the kingdom, finally goes in search of him when he hasn't returned in a reasonable amount of time. Meanwhile in the farthest corner of the kingdom, on a remote island, a woman, one of the finest mercinaries, is...more

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Mar 12, 2010 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was kind of a fun book and I really enjoyed reading it!

What I did Like:

* likable characters
* cute (and clean) love story...the best part of the book I might add =)
* fun story line
* kept me interested, I love books that keep me up reading (ha, like it is the books fault!)

What I didn't Like:

It was a tad bit predictable. I am not a big fan (as I have said before) of authors who feel they have to foreshadow upcoming events. And this book had some major foreshadowing that I felt coul...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Angela James rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, fantasy, my-faves, fantasy-romance

I don't have a lot to say about this, except that I enjoyed it very much, and found I wanted to keep reading to see what happened next. I am a big fan of fantasy romance, and while this isn't a true romance, it certainly has enough romantic elements to keep romance fans happy. Loved the characters!

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Jul 26, 2010 Rebecca rated it 3 of 5 stars

The concept of the story and general plotline were very interesting and i seemed unable to put it down. That said despite my constant wanting to put it down because it would not get to the point but it just kept on making want to KNOW what happens at the end! lol And of course you get to the end and it won't tell you, you have to read book 2 (which will end the same way so you HAVE to read book 3!). I also found it odd that you never know what anyone is wearing, they coulda been naked the entire...more

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May 21, 2012 Terrah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, romance

I wasn't sure I could really get into a fantasy romance adventure novel, but I LOVED this book, and it's super clean with little descriptive violence too. Lots of fun! (and not too romancey of a romance, just a fun love story)

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Nov 21, 2009 Dee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-and-fairytale

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 03, 2011 Teea rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi

Alright, I was looking over the reviews for this one and I'm surprised at how high it was rated. It was repetitive, unoriginal, cheesy, and so sllllooowww. The battles were glossed over and hard to follow. The characters seemed flat. The heroine for example was suppose to be strong, an extraordinary fighter and witty. I'm afraid I found her whiny, over confident, and judgmental. She was so sure of herself that she couldn't see what was right in front of her. *sigh. Don't judge me but I read half...more

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May 10, 2012 Jacob Proffitt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, romance, owned

I really enjoyed this book. When making the decision to buy it, I noticed that a number of reviewers were dismissive of it because of the heavy romance influence. They felt it was a fantasy-flavored romance novel rather than a romance-flavored fantasy. I pulled the trigger on purchasing largely because this intrigued me. I mean, I like both genres and couldn't care less which dominates.

If you're curious, I disagree with those dismissing the novel—at least for my own tastes. Yes, like the force i...more I really enjoyed this book. When making the decision to buy it, I noticed that a number of reviewers were dismissive of it because of the heavy romance influence. They felt it was a fantasy-flavored romance novel rather than a romance-flavored fantasy. I pulled the trigger on purchasing largely because this intrigued me. I mean, I like both genres and couldn't care less which dominates.

If you're curious, I disagree with those dismissing the novel—at least for my own tastes. Yes, like the force in Luke Skywalker, the romance is strong in Star of the Morning. And it's a wonderful romance. Morgan falling in love was a hoot. And I really liked Miach (whose name I can only read as "Micah" in my head). But, while important to the characters, it doesn't dominate the story or plot nor does it warp the setting. Indeed, I wish it had conformed more to romance convention (view spoiler)

The thing I disliked most about the book was Morgan's irrational hatred of all things magical. In a world of active, observable magic, her reaction is as illogical as it is impractical. Mages shape a good part of her world and insisting that they're all unreliable and "unmanly" flies directly in the face of the historical record. After all, the biggest threat to the stability of the realm is a magical one and the more good guys who can fight on that front, the better, I'd think. Morgan is otherwise a highly practical, even utilitarian, person. Having such a debilitating, deliberate blind spot weakened my respect for her and disconnected me from her as a character.

Morgan's blind spot with magic excepted, the story was a fun ride and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I really liked Morgan as a character and can’t wait to see her progress now that she is irrevocably pushed out of her comfort zone. Her magical heritage is undeniable by the end of the book (hardly a spoiler as that heritage is clear from early pages) and she is going to have to learn to confront/accommodate it or risk both her love and her kingdom. For someone used to fighting solely on a physical plane, that is going to be a huge adjustment to make.(less)

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About Lynn Kurland

Lynn began her writing career at the tender age of five with a series of illustrated novellas entitled Clinton’s Troubles in which the compelling hero found himself in all sorts of . . . well, trouble. She was living in Hawaii at the time and the scope for her imagination (poisoned fish, tropical cliffs, large spiders) was great and poor Clinton bore the brunt of it. After returning to the mainlan...more

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Books by Lynn Kurland

Tapestry (Dark-Hunter, #1.5; Highlander, #8; De Piaget, #10)

A Dance Through Time (MacLeod, #1) (Time Passages, #13)

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Quotes from Star of the Morning

“He can occasionally see to an enemy," she conceded. "If he manages to get his sword pointed in the right direction and the enemy does him the favor of falling upon it in precisely the right way.” — 20 people liked it

“(Background: Morgan is a female warrior looking for a fight. Adhémar is your garden variety male.)

A man near the door leered at her. Adhémar immediately stepped in front of her, but Morgan pushed him aside. She looked at the man and smiled pleasantly. Ah, something to take her mind off her coming journey.
"Did you say something?" she asked.
"Aye," he said, "I asked it you were occupied tonight, but I can see you have a collection of lads here to keep you busy—"
Adhémar apparently couldn't control his chivalry. He took the man by the front of the shirt and threw him out the door. The man crawled to his feet and started bellowing. Adhémar planted his fist into the man's face.
The stranger slumped to the ground, senseless. Morgan glared at Adhémar.
"You owe me a brawl," she said.
"What?" he asked incredulously.
"A brawl," Morgan said. "And it had best be a good one."
"With me?" he asked, blinking in surprise.
"I'd prefer someone with more skill, that I might not sleep through it, but you'll do."
Paien laughed out loud and pulled him away.
"Adhémar, my friend, you cannot win this one. Next time, allow Morgan her little pleasures. She cannot help the attention her face attracts, and thus she has opportunities to teach ignorant men manners. In truth, it is a service she offers, bettering our kind wherever she goes.” — 9 people liked it

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Star of the Morning (Nine Kingdoms #1)

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