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World of Hetar #6
Crown of Destiny
A hundred years have passed since the Faerie woman Lara last saved the world of Hetar from the darkness. Her youth and her beauty remain as always. The passing years, however, have taken many of her friends and kin. Her influence has waned. Those who remember her heroism in times of peril are few. Even her great-grandson, Cadarn, Dominus of Terah, denies her strong magic.
And all the while Lara's son, the charming but nefarious Twilight Lord, Kolgrim, waits patiently for his moment. But Kolgrim will not make his father's mistakes by waging war. His way is more subtle, and sinister. Despite Lara's formidable powers she fears there is little to be done. Yet before all is lost she will fulfill the long-ago prophecy of her daughter Anoush to unite the world of Hetar.
And as the darkness falls Lara finds that more than ever she needs the wisdom, the love and the support of the great Shadow Prince, Kaliq. While her youngest daughter, Marzina, will prove to all that she is more than just her mother's daughter. In her greatest trial yet, Lara and Kaliq will finally meet her long foretold destiny together.
And all the while Lara's son, the charming but nefarious Twilight Lord, Kolgrim, waits patiently for his moment. But Kolgrim will not make his father's mistakes by waging war. His way is more subtle, and sinister. Despite Lara's formidable powers she fears there is little to be done. Yet before all is lost she will fulfill the long-ago prophecy of her daughter Anoush to unite the world of Hetar.
And as the darkness falls Lara finds that more than ever she needs the wisdom, the love and the support of the great Shadow Prince, Kaliq. While her youngest daughter, Marzina, will prove to all that she is more than just her mother's daughter. In her greatest trial yet, Lara and Kaliq will finally meet her long foretold destiny together.
376 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
78 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Bertrice Small
215 books1,138 followersBertrice Williams was born on December 9, 1937 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, the daughter of Doris S. and David R. Williams, both broadcasters. She studied at Attended Western College for Women and Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. On October 5, 1963, she married George Sumner Small, a photographer and designer with a History Major at Princeton. They had a son Thomas David. She lived on eastern Long Island for over 30 years. Her greatest passions were her family; Finnegan and Sylvester, the family cats; Nicki, the elderly cockatiel who whistles the NY Mets charge call; her garden; her work, and just life in general.
Published since 1947, Bertrice Small was the author of over 50 romance novels. A New York Times bestselling author, she had also appeared on other best-seller lists including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and the L.A. Times. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Career Achievement for Historical Romance; Best Historical Romance; Outstanding Historical Romance Series; Career Achievement for Historical Fantasy; a Golden Leaf from the New Jersey Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America; an Author of the Year (2006) and Big Apple Award from the New York City Romance Writers chapter of RWA, and several Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times. She had a "Silver Pen" from Affair De Coeur, and an Honorable Mention from The West Coast Review of Books. In 2004 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ROMANTIC TIMES magazine for her contributions to the Historical Romance genre. And in 2008 she was named by ROMANTIC TIMES along with her friends Jennifer Blake, Roberta Gellis and Janelle Taylor, a Pioneer of Romance.
Bertrice Small was a member of The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, PAN, and PASIC. She was also a member of RWA's Long Island chapter, L.I.R.W., and is its easternmost member on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.
Published since 1947, Bertrice Small was the author of over 50 romance novels. A New York Times bestselling author, she had also appeared on other best-seller lists including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and the L.A. Times. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Career Achievement for Historical Romance; Best Historical Romance; Outstanding Historical Romance Series; Career Achievement for Historical Fantasy; a Golden Leaf from the New Jersey Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America; an Author of the Year (2006) and Big Apple Award from the New York City Romance Writers chapter of RWA, and several Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times. She had a "Silver Pen" from Affair De Coeur, and an Honorable Mention from The West Coast Review of Books. In 2004 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ROMANTIC TIMES magazine for her contributions to the Historical Romance genre. And in 2008 she was named by ROMANTIC TIMES along with her friends Jennifer Blake, Roberta Gellis and Janelle Taylor, a Pioneer of Romance.
Bertrice Small was a member of The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, PAN, and PASIC. She was also a member of RWA's Long Island chapter, L.I.R.W., and is its easternmost member on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 2, 2010
Maybe I've grown jaded....maybe, Bertie has grown repetitive..... meh. I think I'm done reading any of her new books, I will revisit the old ones, the ones that really drew me in.
Gah, I can't believe it took 6 books to get to the *destiny* that was talked about ad nauseum in the previous 5! The ending about killed me.
Gah, I can't believe it took 6 books to get to the *destiny* that was talked about ad nauseum in the previous 5! The ending about killed me.
June 8, 2010
The Good Stuff
* Her vivid storytelling is exceptional as always
* Wonderful descriptions of fashion, landscapes and food
* richly detailed
* My least favorite of the series, but at least it ended on a hopeful note, which I found missing in most of the book
* Scenes between Lord Kolgrim and Marzina
* Very naughty
The Not so Good Stuff
* Many of the characters are extremely unpleasant
* Very depressing at times - made me feel really old
* The amount of time passed from the previous book is very jarring for me
* I found a lot of the book that hope was missing and that really bothered me
* Reminds me of getting old and friends and family dying and I just wanted to give author a big hug and tell her everything was going to work out
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Seeing something you love die is always difficult my love, but we have a new life awaiting us in the cosmos, Kaliq said"
“You are a society totally involved with yourselves, your acquisitions, your pleasures, all of it to the detriment of others not as fortunate. Once Hetar offered opportunity to those who strived to better themselves. You no longer offer those chances to your citizens."
"Even in the darkest night there isalight somewhere. And the knowledge of that light will give you hope.”
What I Learned
* Getting old sucks - even if you are a Faerie
* Even if you are a cool magical person your children and grandchildren may turn into spoiled nasty people
Who should/shouldn't read
* Wouldn't recommend for anyone who hasn't read the rest of the series
3.5 Dewey's (Borrow or get from library -- or buy if you have rest of series)
Received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
* Her vivid storytelling is exceptional as always
* Wonderful descriptions of fashion, landscapes and food
* richly detailed
* My least favorite of the series, but at least it ended on a hopeful note, which I found missing in most of the book
* Scenes between Lord Kolgrim and Marzina
* Very naughty
The Not so Good Stuff
* Many of the characters are extremely unpleasant
* Very depressing at times - made me feel really old
* The amount of time passed from the previous book is very jarring for me
* I found a lot of the book that hope was missing and that really bothered me
* Reminds me of getting old and friends and family dying and I just wanted to give author a big hug and tell her everything was going to work out
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Seeing something you love die is always difficult my love, but we have a new life awaiting us in the cosmos, Kaliq said"
“You are a society totally involved with yourselves, your acquisitions, your pleasures, all of it to the detriment of others not as fortunate. Once Hetar offered opportunity to those who strived to better themselves. You no longer offer those chances to your citizens."
"Even in the darkest night there isalight somewhere. And the knowledge of that light will give you hope.”
What I Learned
* Getting old sucks - even if you are a Faerie
* Even if you are a cool magical person your children and grandchildren may turn into spoiled nasty people
Who should/shouldn't read
* Wouldn't recommend for anyone who hasn't read the rest of the series
3.5 Dewey's (Borrow or get from library -- or buy if you have rest of series)
Received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 14, 2010
The conclusion of the World of Hetar series is definitely that. Final. It takes place 100 years after the last book (Book 5, The Shadow Queen) - all of the mortals are long dead and forgotten and only those with magic live on. Politics and intrigue, the main strengths of the series, with thinly veiled and nicely tweaked retellings of various chapters of world history is absent from this concluding tale. I kept thinking to myself contractual obligation? while reading of the impending fall of the world Lara was destined to save. Regret weighs heavy in the story as well as a feeling of loss for being forgotten or considered no longer of import.
We find Lara fighting throughout the story to come to terms with her world, and her place in it. Questions such as "What have I accomplished?" "Have I failed in living my purpose?" and "What was it all for?" are discussed at length. The book truly feels like a discourse on the doubts and regrets held by an elderly person when reviewing their life.
Lara has another (and final) "destiny" which is revealed and fulfilled in the final chapter. OK, so Lara was still as important as ever. Message received.
Looking back on the series I think Book 4, The Sorceress of Belmair (which in many ways is a stand alone in the series) is my favorite. And I'd have much rather have had this final book spend more than a few scant & thin chapters on this world.
Overall I'm glad I read the book, having read the previous 5, if only to have the fairy tale concluded. Worth the reading if you've followed the series but don't expect too much. There really is nothing new.
We find Lara fighting throughout the story to come to terms with her world, and her place in it. Questions such as "What have I accomplished?" "Have I failed in living my purpose?" and "What was it all for?" are discussed at length. The book truly feels like a discourse on the doubts and regrets held by an elderly person when reviewing their life.
Lara has another (and final) "destiny" which is revealed and fulfilled in the final chapter. OK, so Lara was still as important as ever. Message received.
Looking back on the series I think Book 4, The Sorceress of Belmair (which in many ways is a stand alone in the series) is my favorite. And I'd have much rather have had this final book spend more than a few scant & thin chapters on this world.
Overall I'm glad I read the book, having read the previous 5, if only to have the fairy tale concluded. Worth the reading if you've followed the series but don't expect too much. There really is nothing new.
May 7, 2015
Like many series, The World of Hetar has come to a end. I could possibly say this is my favorite series by Mrs. Small. I liked how this series ended, there are some things that I didn't like, but the series did play out to a wonderful conclusion. The full review for the series is here->Greyland Reviews.4 stars for the whole series.
August 20, 2010
I've read the whole series and have enjoyed them. This book kind of annoyed me, Lara has been a pillar of strength throughout the series and in this book she was whining a lot and as another reviewer put it, she seemed to have "lost hope". Also, I hated the ending.
May 7, 2011
It's so hard to rate this book. It's well-written, but I felt like there were too many goodbyes and loose ends.
I love that Lara and Kaliq are finally together. Other than that, this is a pretty depressing book.
I love that Lara and Kaliq are finally together. Other than that, this is a pretty depressing book.
March 9, 2021
In the beginning I despised the twilight lord, but now I want for him to find his bride and be with her, even though that means that he is one step closer to the darkness conquering everything. I find myself hopeful of his meeting his bride-to-be. Even though he is evil, you cannot deny that Kolgrim is charming and sexy! Oh Nyura and Kolgrim...they are cute together despite their evilness. Lara has finally acknowledged her love for her evil son. It is sweet and sad. Oh I love these sex scenes between Lara and Kaliq! They are so erotic!
The Forest Faeries are beginning to depart Hetar for safety in Belmair until they find a permanent home. It is sad. They are leaving their beloved forest. Lara has come to terms that she cannot save Hetar from the darkness, nor does she care, it seems. Ah, Marzina is the remaining light in the darkness of Hetar. It never occurred to me that Hetar, Terah and Earth are all spelled the same way!? Wow. This book is so the opposite of boring! It is so difficult to put this down! When I stop reading for the day, my eyes refuse to stop reading these exciting words! I’m glad all the ends got tied together and that everything ended on a good note! This book was a wonderful close for this wonderful series! I’ll definitely read this series again! Now, onto another book!
The Forest Faeries are beginning to depart Hetar for safety in Belmair until they find a permanent home. It is sad. They are leaving their beloved forest. Lara has come to terms that she cannot save Hetar from the darkness, nor does she care, it seems. Ah, Marzina is the remaining light in the darkness of Hetar. It never occurred to me that Hetar, Terah and Earth are all spelled the same way!? Wow. This book is so the opposite of boring! It is so difficult to put this down! When I stop reading for the day, my eyes refuse to stop reading these exciting words! I’m glad all the ends got tied together and that everything ended on a good note! This book was a wonderful close for this wonderful series! I’ll definitely read this series again! Now, onto another book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2022
I did not review every book in this series, only the first, and this, the last. I read through this entire 6-book series to find out what Lara's destiny was, and while I am not surprised, it is still a disappointment. Honestly it was really unsatisfying.
Again, I find it difficult to believe how Lara is so accepting of all that happens and Kaliq's explanations. I get his viewpoint and his role, but I think if I was in her shoes, I'd be a little piqued that he knew what was going to happen with her daughter, but didn't tell her. But she just accepts it. Just as she accepts everything. And tells her entire life story to everyone she meets.
I read some of the other reviews which said that this novel seemed like she was just ready to be done, or that it was depressing b/c it was all about her missing days gone by and times changing. I will say it didn't seem that way to me. I didn't think her lamenting was overly done, and I don't think it was a rushed finish to end the series. I mean she must have had this in mind from the start, due to the ties her world names have to one another...
All in all, I would call this ending kinda lame. It was not satisfying and certainly not worthy of the six-book build-up and hype.
Again, I find it difficult to believe how Lara is so accepting of all that happens and Kaliq's explanations. I get his viewpoint and his role, but I think if I was in her shoes, I'd be a little piqued that he knew what was going to happen with her daughter, but didn't tell her. But she just accepts it. Just as she accepts everything. And tells her entire life story to everyone she meets.
I read some of the other reviews which said that this novel seemed like she was just ready to be done, or that it was depressing b/c it was all about her missing days gone by and times changing. I will say it didn't seem that way to me. I didn't think her lamenting was overly done, and I don't think it was a rushed finish to end the series. I mean she must have had this in mind from the start, due to the ties her world names have to one another...
All in all, I would call this ending kinda lame. It was not satisfying and certainly not worthy of the six-book build-up and hype.
July 19, 2019
The Books of Hetar
From 1-6 these books travel a Magic world! A lot of sex, as Ms Small does so well, coupled with in depth descriptions of Clothing & Food that will keep your mind swirling.
This is the 2nd time I've read these books with a 30yr spam between them. It was oh so good to return!
From 1-6 these books travel a Magic world! A lot of sex, as Ms Small does so well, coupled with in depth descriptions of Clothing & Food that will keep your mind swirling.
This is the 2nd time I've read these books with a 30yr spam between them. It was oh so good to return!
August 24, 2022
This is the last part and final chapter in the Hetar story. What an ending! I loved it. Bertrice came through and wrapped up a lot of story lines and she finally does get to finish her destiny with her one true love and what a destiny it is. Lots of action, passion, some tense moments but it kept me reading right till the end. Highly recommend.
March 21, 2019
Loved It!
What a wonderful way to end a series! Bertrice Small really knew how to write a book. I miss her!
What a wonderful way to end a series! Bertrice Small really knew how to write a book. I miss her!
March 8, 2020
Sad there isn't another book in series
I could read about Lara forever and what if marzina there has to be more please continue this series I love it
I could read about Lara forever and what if marzina there has to be more please continue this series I love it
July 19, 2020
Well, it's over. I teared up. Literally.
For all Lara is, her refusal to love her son was her downfall. Didn't she think that if she showed him a little bit of affection the darkness would have held back?! Marzina had the exact same blood lady!
Ahhh Kaliq, I am extremely happy that played out. If this didn't happen I would have been extremely upset.
What happened to her handmaid though?
Ha!! Earth!!!
For all Lara is, her refusal to love her son was her downfall. Didn't she think that if she showed him a little bit of affection the darkness would have held back?! Marzina had the exact same blood lady!
Ahhh Kaliq, I am extremely happy that played out. If this didn't happen I would have been extremely upset.
What happened to her handmaid though?
Ha!! Earth!!!
March 16, 2021
what an amazing conclusion to a powerful and magical story!!
March 4, 2017
Crown of Destiny ( The World of Hetar Book 6)
Amazing series!!! It didn't take me a month to read these books. They were hard to put down. I experienced every emotion within the story. Now I wish there were more. These books centered around fairies, dragons, giants and everything magical. Fantastic for escape from everyday troubles.
Amazing series!!! It didn't take me a month to read these books. They were hard to put down. I experienced every emotion within the story. Now I wish there were more. These books centered around fairies, dragons, giants and everything magical. Fantastic for escape from everyday troubles.
December 8, 2015
I loved this beautiful world the author created, and with the end of the series I know I'll eventually have to reread it to visit it again. The world of Hetar never lacked in beautiful places, vivid descriptions, fantastical magic, or interesting culture, and this book was no exception. By now much of this world is familiar, and yet there are still new things to discover.
I was sad to say goodbye to the characters in this series, however it was nice to finally learn their mysterious destinies. They were all such unique individuals, and by this sixth and final book I knew most of the main characters quite well. There were, of course, some new characters involved as this book takes place 100 years after the last one.
The book was a somber tribute to the end of the series which felt appropriate in the context of the story. You know the general direction in which the story is heading because the characters know it too. That being said, there are still plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I'm not sure how to feel about the ending of the book, but of course I can't expound upon that without spoilers so I'll just leave it at that. I recommend this series in general, and of course if you've read the rest I highly recommend you find out how the story ends.
I was sad to say goodbye to the characters in this series, however it was nice to finally learn their mysterious destinies. They were all such unique individuals, and by this sixth and final book I knew most of the main characters quite well. There were, of course, some new characters involved as this book takes place 100 years after the last one.
The book was a somber tribute to the end of the series which felt appropriate in the context of the story. You know the general direction in which the story is heading because the characters know it too. That being said, there are still plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I'm not sure how to feel about the ending of the book, but of course I can't expound upon that without spoilers so I'll just leave it at that. I recommend this series in general, and of course if you've read the rest I highly recommend you find out how the story ends.
June 13, 2010
I'm down to the last book. The 6th in the series. And I am glad that I waited until the whole series was out. The characters are reoccurring in the books though some times prominently in and not the next. I liked the characters and plot. And I am a bit sad that the story is ending, but glad that I was able to read it in sweep! It's more fantasy than some of her works, but I liked it just the same. I finally finished the book late last night and it did complete the series. I won't spoil the ending for anyone. Take the time and give it a shot!
March 11, 2015
I suppose I had to have read the rest of the series (this being the last) so see that it's not that good. But since I haven't read them...it's awesome! Magic, faeries, evil and good...how could you go wrong.
It's very well written and I loved all the detail. Now I'll have to go back and read the rest.
It's very well written and I loved all the detail. Now I'll have to go back and read the rest.
August 7, 2010
This book had lots of erotic scenes but no new love story. Having read all the other books in the series, it kept my interest but wasn't fulfilling. Lara & Kaliq fight against the evil of her son Kolgrim.
May 19, 2013
A great end to the story of Lara. It also had some great messages about life. Although this the was last book of the World of Hetar, I hope Bertrice Small does write Marzina's story. I a really curious to see what happens to her and to see if and how she beats her brother Kolgrim.
March 26, 2014
This is the last of the Hetar Series :-( I love a good series and unlike some of the others of late, Beatrice weaves a new distinctive plot for each book. Although I sometimes find that her books have a lot of repetition ie. detailed descriptions of food., I love her work!
April 23, 2016
So sad that this is the last Hetar book because I love this series so much! I will just have to reread them all over and over again. This was another wonderful Hetar book with vividly descriptive scenes and an awesome story. I wish the series never had to end!
May 12, 2016
Great series, with interesting characters. Bertrice Small is an artist when it comes to constructing world and adding subplots - its all very intricate, but somehow it all works. Notmally I'd write a review but the storyline, but theres just to much to tell. Definately well worth a read.
April 26, 2010
Loved this book, but very sad that this is the last book in the World of Hetar series!
March 5, 2016
I've read Bertrice Small for many years -- this last series was not among my favorites. Lots of fantasy and magic, BUT -- still lots of sex. I'm glad this is the last of the series.
September 13, 2010
She left some things open. I hope this is not the last in this series.
January 19, 2011
The last book in the Hetar series, it is very good. The love scenes are awesome and the world realistic.
I like it.
I like it.
November 10, 2013
Whew, finally finished this book. Not near as good as the other Hetar books.
Read
January 15, 2013great book
July 1, 2014
This book is the end of the series, it's sad and it will keep u riveted with the story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews