She must choose between her people and her freedom...
Xylara is the Daughter of the Warrior King, Xyron. With her father dead and her incom...
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Mar 18, 2009
new_user
rated it: 
Warprize disappointed me. I had my first clue a few pages in when I realized the prose I could expect would be basic at best, for a romantic fantasy.
While I liked the premise of Warprize and Vaughan's grasp of relationships and human dynamics, the plot was mild, with little conflict to speak of and thus, little suspense or action or even upset. It's all very ho-hum.
I liked the hero Keir -he was to all appearances strong and charming and everything nice, an admittedly re More...
While I liked the premise of Warprize and Vaughan's grasp of relationships and human dynamics, the plot was mild, with little conflict to speak of and thus, little suspense or action or even upset. It's all very ho-hum.
I liked the hero Keir -he was to all appearances strong and charming and everything nice, an admittedly re More...
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Dec 19, 2008
Holly
rated it: 
With an incompetent king on the throne, the kingdom of Xyian is in danger of falling to the Firelanders who swarm outside the city's gates. Thrust into a war that she can do nothing to prevent, Master Healer Xylara, sister to the king, does what she can to prevent the suffering of the men on both sides of the war. Heedless to her brother's demands that she stop treating the enemy, Xylara continues visiting the prisoners, doing the best she can to ease their conditions, and in doing so, brings he
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Aug 10, 2008
Brownbetty
rated it: 
Princess Xylara (who luckily goes by the name Lara, the Xy appears to be a requirement of her station) is demanded by the Firelanders attacking as the price for peace. Her kind of evil-for-no-reason brother cheerfully agrees and gives her to them in a sack.
This is all pretty standard (well, work with me here) in the maiden-kidnapped-by-chief-of-warrior-tribe genre, but it's a little smarter than it needs to be. Lara is terrified, but at the same time, she's trying to make the best More...
This is all pretty standard (well, work with me here) in the maiden-kidnapped-by-chief-of-warrior-tribe genre, but it's a little smarter than it needs to be. Lara is terrified, but at the same time, she's trying to make the best More...
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Jun 14, 2008
Ana T.
rated it: 
always hesitate when I am offered fantasy books, it might be a bit of a prejudice because I end up loving many of those recommended to me. This one was no exception.
SHE MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN HER PEOPLE AND HER FREEDOM..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. More...
SHE MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN HER PEOPLE AND HER FREEDOM..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. More...
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Aug 09, 2011
joy
rated it:
*3.5 stars* or even perhaps *4* considering the genre -- popular fantasy romance
the big reveal was my favorite part. i did not see that coming, but it made me like the book a lot more!
for similar, and if you like this type of book to have more 'fantasy' than romance, try Sharon Shinn's thirteen houses series, or perhaps rachel neumeier's The Griffin Mage trilogy.
pg13 green for grownups. non-explicit sex scene. very occasional language. no drinki More...
the big reveal was my favorite part. i did not see that coming, but it made me like the book a lot more!
for similar, and if you like this type of book to have more 'fantasy' than romance, try Sharon Shinn's thirteen houses series, or perhaps rachel neumeier's The Griffin Mage trilogy.
pg13 green for grownups. non-explicit sex scene. very occasional language. no drinki More...
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Jan 12, 2011
Shera (Book Whispers)
rated it:
Thoughts:
Having already read the first book in Elizabeth Vaughan's Star series, it's safe to say that I am a huge fan! This is the first in the Warlord series, which happens to be Vaughan's debut novel.
For a first book, it's really impressive. Solid writing, the world has a history and the politics are well thought out. The cast of characters come from standard fantasy worlds, but of course Vaughan makes them her own and the characters end up being quite lovable. This boo More...
Having already read the first book in Elizabeth Vaughan's Star series, it's safe to say that I am a huge fan! This is the first in the Warlord series, which happens to be Vaughan's debut novel.
For a first book, it's really impressive. Solid writing, the world has a history and the politics are well thought out. The cast of characters come from standard fantasy worlds, but of course Vaughan makes them her own and the characters end up being quite lovable. This boo More...
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Mar 29, 2007
Rhapsody
rated it:
A pretty good book, although I expected it to be better. Laura is a princess and a healer. When her country is invaded and the barbarians force her brother, the king, to surrender, she is given to Keir, the leader of the invading force, as a warprize. Laura is a feisty, strong-willed character and she gains the respect of her new people relatively quickly. I think I would've enjoyed it more if the barbarians had been a little more barbaric, though; I was looking forward to her slowly earning
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Jan 08, 2012
Wolfy
rated it:
I'm unsure whether to classify these books under Fantasy Romance or PNR. But I either way, this is one very good story and one of the best romances I've read. A very fast-engaging read, and a must for any PNR lover.
The first three books follow Xylara, 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 tr More...
The first three books follow Xylara, 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 tr More...
Aug 17, 2011
Liz B
rated it:
4.5 stars, and the best book of the summer for me. (I went back to work today, so summer is officially over. :P)
This is what I used to love in McCaffrey, and later, Lackey--it's really fantasy, but it has equally satisfying (usually) romance. I think this is actually sold as romance, although I'm not quite sure. In any case, Vaughn is not following any kind of trend or trying to shake things up by writing a book set in a fantasy world; instead, she comes across a fantasy writer who als More...
This is what I used to love in McCaffrey, and later, Lackey--it's really fantasy, but it has equally satisfying (usually) romance. I think this is actually sold as romance, although I'm not quite sure. In any case, Vaughn is not following any kind of trend or trying to shake things up by writing a book set in a fantasy world; instead, she comes across a fantasy writer who als More...
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Jun 10, 2011
Jade
rated it:
Original review at http://inkscratchers.blogspot.com/
I actually only bought this book because it was very cheap on Amazon, so i wasn't really expecting much from it. From the blurb, I was expecting magic and romance - basically a rip-off of Robin McKinley's The BLue Sword.
I will be the first person to admit that, yes, I was wrong.
The storyline for this book is fantastic, and it wasn't really a cheap rip-off of The Blue Sword, some of the aspects are the same; the ma More...
I actually only bought this book because it was very cheap on Amazon, so i wasn't really expecting much from it. From the blurb, I was expecting magic and romance - basically a rip-off of Robin McKinley's The BLue Sword.
I will be the first person to admit that, yes, I was wrong.
The storyline for this book is fantastic, and it wasn't really a cheap rip-off of The Blue Sword, some of the aspects are the same; the ma More...
Jun 08, 2011
Judith
rated it:
What a delightful book, set in the time when human civilization was far less technological than it is now, and the entire issue of healing was still based largely in herbal remedies, external observation, and in some cases, lots of superstition. The heroine of this novel is a royal princess but she is far more comfortable being a healer for anyone who needs her--friend or foe. Her jeolous and selfish brother sends her to the conquering Warlord as a Warprize, convincing her that this is a maste
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Jun 04, 2011
Tara
rated it:
* * * 1/2
- slightly predictable but still very entertaining -
I’ve been in the mood for a fantasy (which I’m not sure that this really is one) and Spaz at Wicked Lil Pixie gave this 5 stars. While this didn’t contain any magical elements (is that what makes something a “fantasy” novel), it was set in a time period resembling medieval times and I loved that. It took a few chapters for me to get used to the prose, but when I teared up in the third chapter, I knew that I was More...
- slightly predictable but still very entertaining -
I’ve been in the mood for a fantasy (which I’m not sure that this really is one) and Spaz at Wicked Lil Pixie gave this 5 stars. While this didn’t contain any magical elements (is that what makes something a “fantasy” novel), it was set in a time period resembling medieval times and I loved that. It took a few chapters for me to get used to the prose, but when I teared up in the third chapter, I knew that I was More...
May 27, 2011
Angie
rated it:
Synopsis: "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 warr More...
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 warr More...
Sep 15, 2010
ALPHAreader
rated it:
‘Warprize’ is set in an ambiguous era. Vaughan never confirms whether the book is set in the past, future or in a fractured timeline/alternate universe. The setting has a ‘Holy Crusades’ feel to it, with Medieval atmosphere. The timeframe isn’t really that important – since war is timeless, but as a reader you may be slightly frustrated trying to figure out the stories point in time.
At first I was thrown by Keir and Lara’s romance. Because I hadn’t pegged Keir as the books male prota More...
At first I was thrown by Keir and Lara’s romance. Because I hadn’t pegged Keir as the books male prota More...
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Oct 20, 2011
Mithrendiel
rated it:
There are some books we read because they make us think, others we read for their nail biting action, and then there are books we read simply because they entertain us. They are warm, and light, and delicious like a hot cup of coco on a cold night. Warprize is one of those books. It’s not profound, or deep, but it is a delightful, action filled romp of an adventure story, with a fantastic, drool worthy romance thrown in to make us melt. It’s the kind of book I see myself reading over and ove
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Aug 09, 2011
Tiffany
rated it:
Lara is the daughter of the recently deceased king Ky. Her step-brother rules now, a haughty tyrant fighting a losing war against the Warload of the firelanders. She defies her brothers orders and practices her craft as a master healer for the wounded on both sides.
I was hesitant to pick up this book because I don't like to get too much into world building or I just get bored. I much prefer characters and relationships to take the forefront. I lucked out with this book because Lara More...
I was hesitant to pick up this book because I don't like to get too much into world building or I just get bored. I much prefer characters and relationships to take the forefront. I lucked out with this book because Lara More...
Jan 21, 2012
Dianne
rated it:
Adventurous, Romantic and Thoroughly Satisfying, January 21, 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Warprize (Chronicles of the Warlands) (Kindle Edition)
A wonderful example of what a romantic futuristic book can be (this is how it is being marketed). This book also has a very lovely historical romance feel to it. Yet never once does it feel like a bodice ripper. This is a sweet and almost innocent love story. The author will give you just en More...
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Warprize (Chronicles of the Warlands) (Kindle Edition)
A wonderful example of what a romantic futuristic book can be (this is how it is being marketed). This book also has a very lovely historical romance feel to it. Yet never once does it feel like a bodice ripper. This is a sweet and almost innocent love story. The author will give you just en More...
Feb 14, 2011
MB
rated it:
I picked up this book because I saw it mentioned on a romance blog as being a series that featured an alpha male who wasn't abusive. I found that intriguing, got a copy of the book and found it to be true.
In some ways the story line is quite similar to both Jaran and to The Blue Sword, although this is a less strong book than either of those two. (I thought of them because this is primarily a anthropological type of story with a woman from one culture being taken and assimilated in More...
In some ways the story line is quite similar to both Jaran and to The Blue Sword, although this is a less strong book than either of those two. (I thought of them because this is primarily a anthropological type of story with a woman from one culture being taken and assimilated in More...
Sep 26, 2011
Meg
rated it:
Review: **** 4 Stars
For me, WARPRIZE hit the spot, but it was not your typical epic fantasy or fantasy romance. It reminded me a bit of the Daenerys Targaryen storyline in Game of Thrones (the sister who marries the warlord barbarian)...Xylara is given to Keir, the warlord barbarian, by her brother the king, and forced to live with him in his army camp. But the similarity ends there.
Xylara believes she is a slave. Keir demanded her as Warprize as part of a peace agreement wi More...
For me, WARPRIZE hit the spot, but it was not your typical epic fantasy or fantasy romance. It reminded me a bit of the Daenerys Targaryen storyline in Game of Thrones (the sister who marries the warlord barbarian)...Xylara is given to Keir, the warlord barbarian, by her brother the king, and forced to live with him in his army camp. But the similarity ends there.
Xylara believes she is a slave. Keir demanded her as Warprize as part of a peace agreement wi More...
Jun 19, 2011
Meredith
rated it:
I think I found the recommendation for this on Dear Author, but where ever it was mentioned, glad I got the rec. This was a fun book, I'm not usually one for fantasy or sci-fi but this was similar to Sharon Shinn's books--call it "fantasy-lite" with a nice dose of romance. The book is told in first person, and unlike some of the books I've read lately, Vaughan actually uses this perspective the way it was meant to--we are as in the dark about the conquering army of "barbarians"
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Dec 04, 2011
mlady_rebecca
rated it:
The spine of the book calls this a paranormal romance. I must have missed the paranormal element. I'd call it strictly fantasy, or "fantasy romance" if there is such a thing. I'd put it in the same category as Jacqueline Carey's "Kushiel's Legacy" books, although this is considerably shorter and not quite as epic.
The kingdom of Xyian falls to the Firelanders. In order to broker peace Lara, half-sister to the king, is turned over to the enemy as a warprize. Lara i More...
The kingdom of Xyian falls to the Firelanders. In order to broker peace Lara, half-sister to the king, is turned over to the enemy as a warprize. Lara i More...
Jul 26, 2011
Cindy
rated it:
The Kingdom of Xyian is left in the hands of Xylara's, half brother, who knows virtually nothing about running the kingdom, and is on the brink of losing it altogether. Lara has learned the art of healing. She helps those that need help including their prisoners that have been taken in during this war. she is kind, tries to learn their language, and help them to heal from there injuries. They are a little confused at her willingness to help them as well as her methods for healing. In the end th
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Jun 02, 2011
Pamela {Spaz}
rated it:
Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
Wow, I truly don't even know how to begin this review. I just finished with this one and I enjoyed it so tremendously. I had intended to just pick it up and start it the night before another book was released the next day... then found myself up until 3 AM the next morning still reading because I could not put it down. Warprize is the first novel in Elizabeth Vaughan's Chronicles of the Warlands series and what a way to start a Fantasy Love More...
Wow, I truly don't even know how to begin this review. I just finished with this one and I enjoyed it so tremendously. I had intended to just pick it up and start it the night before another book was released the next day... then found myself up until 3 AM the next morning still reading because I could not put it down. Warprize is the first novel in Elizabeth Vaughan's Chronicles of the Warlands series and what a way to start a Fantasy Love More...
Sep 07, 2011
TJ
rated it:
4.5/5.0
There are books we read for suspense, some we read for the beauty of the word, other's to pit our minds against the authors to solve a mystery. Then, there are some that encompass the very reason books exist... the story. That, that has existed since time began, one person imagining worlds and people and love and trials to rise above, then weaving them into a story to entertain and to teach, the kind people used to tell at bedtime to capture the attention then ponder while driftin More...
There are books we read for suspense, some we read for the beauty of the word, other's to pit our minds against the authors to solve a mystery. Then, there are some that encompass the very reason books exist... the story. That, that has existed since time began, one person imagining worlds and people and love and trials to rise above, then weaving them into a story to entertain and to teach, the kind people used to tell at bedtime to capture the attention then ponder while driftin More...
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Jul 14, 2011
Rose May
rated it:
Note: This review, and all my reviews, comes from my blog - Romantic Rose's Bookshelf (http://romantic-rosesblog.blogspot.com)
Book 1 in the Chronicles of the Warlands Series
Stop reading this review. Seriously. Stop reading it, go and get this book. Wherever you can find it. Buy it, borrow it, steal it from an elderly woman if you have too (FTC - that was a joke. No stealing!). This is a book worthy of bloodshed! On a more serious note, this book really was fantastic. The writ More...
Book 1 in the Chronicles of the Warlands Series
Stop reading this review. Seriously. Stop reading it, go and get this book. Wherever you can find it. Buy it, borrow it, steal it from an elderly woman if you have too (FTC - that was a joke. No stealing!). This is a book worthy of bloodshed! On a more serious note, this book really was fantastic. The writ More...
Oct 10, 2011
Carin
rated it:
I hated putting this book down, and in spite of having other things to do, I kept picking it back up every spare moment I had.
It has some issues that would normally bother me, but they didn't even make me pause. I love Keir and Lara. The secondary cast was stellar. And there were several moments in the book that just made me happy to read about. During the dance, and also when <spoiler> Lara learns she is free </spoiler> were times when I know I was reading with a ridi More...
It has some issues that would normally bother me, but they didn't even make me pause. I love Keir and Lara. The secondary cast was stellar. And there were several moments in the book that just made me happy to read about. During the dance, and also when <spoiler> Lara learns she is free </spoiler> were times when I know I was reading with a ridi More...
Apr 21, 2010
♫♥✿LovLivLife Reviews✿♥♫ (Chasity)
rated it:
**From my blog. Please excuse the format.
My friend Kainani @ Kainanisreadz- not only recommended these books but she loaned them all to me.
Which means... I barely mingled with society for 6 days or so.
I am a woman of little patience so one major blessing of catching a series later then its publication is
that I can read them all back to back... one after the other. Suffice to say, this is another review
that will include the series as a whole.
. More...
My friend Kainani @ Kainanisreadz- not only recommended these books but she loaned them all to me.
Which means... I barely mingled with society for 6 days or so.
I am a woman of little patience so one major blessing of catching a series later then its publication is
that I can read them all back to back... one after the other. Suffice to say, this is another review
that will include the series as a whole.
. More...
Jun 24, 2011
Becky
rated it:
Warprize was nothing at all what I was expecting... in a very good way. I had no intentions of reading this book based on the cover and the fact it never told me what time frame the story took place. However, I gave this book a chance.
I instantl fell in love Keir and Xylara, as welll as the secondary characters. Vaughan made the characters feel as though they were friends or family members I was reading about and I couldn't get enough and promptly read the other 2 books when I fini More...
I instantl fell in love Keir and Xylara, as welll as the secondary characters. Vaughan made the characters feel as though they were friends or family members I was reading about and I couldn't get enough and promptly read the other 2 books when I fini More...
Mar 22, 2009
Heather
rated it:
I debated rating this a 4 or 5 star, as I really liked the book, but had a few little complaints also. I liked the characters and felt that they were real (maybe both H/H were a little too good and idealistic, but they also had their flaws). The romance builds slowly, but mainly because Lara doesn't know what a warprize truly is. And that's one of my complaints, she's bold enough to defy orders and treat the enemy, but she never thinks to ask anyone what her role as warprize is?
I enjoyed l More...
I enjoyed l More...
Jan 02, 2008
Kathrynn
rated it:
Book #1 of trilogy and it must be read in order! Wonderful paranormal romance. This would make a great movie! I recommend the trilogy and look forward to what this author comes out with next.
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