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Warprize

(Chronicles of the Warlands #1)

Elizabeth Vaughan

3.99 · Rating details · 14,845 ratings · 808 reviews

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. She can't usurp her brother or negotiate a peace--b

...more

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Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages

Published October 31st 2006 by Tor Paranormal Romance (first published June 13th 2005)

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Fantasy Romance

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· 14,845 ratings · 808 reviews

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Aug 05, 2008 new_user rated it it was ok

Shelves: historical

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 refreshing change from the 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 refreshing change from the normal gamut of romance heroes- but we only know him superficially, through the heroine's eyes. For those who don't like first person narratives, Warprize embodies all that form's weaknesses. Readers are treated to a painstaking list of the heroine's every mundanity in a flood of monotony:

"I...went into the bathing area to remove the dress carefully. I tried to fold it, but the material slipped and slid, the dress ending up on the floor every time. Tired, frustrated and upset, I finally gave up and left it lay on one of the benches. A tunic and trous were set out for me, and I climbed into them for sleeping. After washing out my undergarments, I washed up quickly. My hair was windblown from the tower and the ride, so I gathered up a comb and returned to the other room to try to deal with the tangled mess."

Was her editor unavailable that day? I've heard my GoodReads friends describe first person narratives as journal writing. Warprize is journal writing if the writer were a drone. The heroine lists events, lifelessly recounts her reaction in brief (if that) and repeats indefinitely. There is next to no internal dialogue, so we never know the heroine. Since most of these events revolve around her work in the field as a healer, the account becomes excruciatingly repetitive and descends into unnecessary detail (as above). I can't count the number of times I read about Lara brewing fevers foe, but I'm sure a recipe would sum up the book nicely.

I can understand completely when readers question whether Warprize can be called a romance. Since the heroine, or more properly, the disinterested observer, has no feelings, there's no sexual tension or tension of any kind. Nine times out of ten, we see the hero from a distance. He's gone fishing most of the time. Else, we receive only a brief report of his dialogue with a woeful lack of body language, or any insight into Keir's character.

Warprize is certainly not like the passionate romances, explicit and non-explicit, to which I'm accustomed. It is more appropriately an account of a foreigner in an army camp or a remote ballad. I've seen romances with too much inner dialogue where the heroine stews and wrings her hand endlessly. This is the other end of the spectrum entirely. Two-thirds through the book I finally realized, nothing is happening. It's essentially about the heroine learning about her new people and caring for them. A travelogue, in short.

I would recommend this book for someone wanting a calm, mild, relaxed romance with no moral questions, darkness or turbulent emotion. Perhaps on a rainy day. Also, for those wondering, this is PG, maybe 13 for some "kissing" and a vague sex scene. I'm sure this is someone's cuppa. At least the ending was nice.

Just a note: there is no middle-eastern culture. Someone mentioned such a label on the book in another review. Just a clarification. ...more

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Jan 14, 2016 Helen 2.0 rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-16, badass, royalty, own, romance-focus, romantasy

Did anyone else notice that (in the paperback version at least) the spelling of the Warlord's name switched randomly in the middle of the book? For the first couple chapters it was "Kier" and then for the rest of the book it was "Keir". *frowns at editors*

Wow. This book was great. I read it in little bits because I was busy with buddy reads, but I'm glad I didn't give up on it. The writing was lovely, aside from editing oversights *frowns again*, and the world-building... Damn. Too interesting.

L ...more

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Nov 27, 2015 Jo rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: gr2016, 5-stars, mine

Absolutely fantastic!!!!

“It is said that the attraction between warlord and warprize is as the heat of the sun that shines in the height of summer.”

I love fantasy, but b/c I’m such a romance addict I tend to read more romance than fantasy. It’s rare to find a fantasy book with a sufficient amount of romance, and this book was an absolute treasure ;-)

Lara is the daughter of a Warrior King, but for her there’s nothing more important than being a healer. Whether it’s friend or foe, anyone w

Absolutely fantastic!!!!

“It is said that the attraction between warlord and warprize is as the heat of the sun that shines in the height of summer.”

Lara is the daughter of a Warrior King, but for her there’s nothing more important than being a healer. Whether it’s friend or foe, anyone who needs medical help she is determined to assist. Her half-brother who is the King is currently at war with the Warlord Keir, and doesn’t like that she is treating the wounded captives.

But then Keir wants Lara as the warprize in order to seize the war between him and her kingdom. And because her brother has always hated her, he relished the idea of giving Lara as a slave to Keir. Lara is such a selfless person and so strong willed, that she would do anything to keep her kingdom safe, and so agrees to become the warprize.

I utterly enjoyed the plot and world-building of this story. Keir and his warriors are from the Plains and has a different culture and way of speaking. During the time that Lara cared for the wounded warriors she learned their language, but their customs are still very foreign to her, so there were a few of misunderstanding because of this. I loved the fact that being a warprize meant two very different things in the 2 cultures, and I must say I loved Keir’s way more. I also very much enjoyed the character building, and there were many of Keir’s warriors that I just adored.

The warriors had no one to treat the wounded back at their camp, and Lara stepped right up to do what she was born to do. I really loved Gils, the little boy, who decided to become her apprentice.

Of course the danger is not over now that a truce has been reached, and there are those who would love nothing more than killing Keir and Lara. And it’s up to Keir and his warriors to protect their precious warprize.

“Want to know the best part of being a warlord?' came a hoarse whisper.
I bit my lip, puzzled by the question.
Keir’s mouth curled up slowly into a smile. 'I always get what I want.”

Keir was fantastic. Fearsome and a true warrior, he was one very sexy Warlord. I wouldn’t mind being his warprize ;-) I loved that as soon as he found out that Lara’s people only got intimate after they were bonded, he respected this and went about seducing her and winning her trust.

I loved the romance in this book. The chemistry between Keir and Lara was intense, but it was slow building, and fit the story perfectly.

A really wonderful romantasy (fantasy + romance), and one I would highly recommend.

...more

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Sep 22, 2015 Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult, 4-or-more-stars, historical-england-romance

A good book all around - not what I thought it would be but left me satisfied that I read it.

I thought this would have a "fantasy" aspect of it but instead we are given a story of a historical kingdom at war with a barbaric tribe.

There is a princess and a warlord....an angry brother/king and a group of barbarians who are more peaceful than the hooty-tooty society.

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Feb 27, 2014 Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, first-in-series, read-in-2016, sexy-alpha-male, forced-or-arranged-marriage, read-in-2017, romance, he-she-is-a-virgin, 3-stars, historical-fiction

Re-read: 02.04.2017
I have no idea why I even started rereading this book. Sure, it's a alright read, but it's not something I'd write home about. Keir, Warlord of the Plains and Xylara “Lara”, Daughter of Xy are cute, separately they are great, the second characters are awesome, the concept and the world is fascinating... however, it's long. And a bit slow.

“You tried. That was all you could do. All any of us can do....”

Also, there insta-love, though it is written so one doesn't feel that ...more

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Dec 05, 2013 Lover of Romance rated it it was amazing

Shelves: genre-fantasy, favorites-shelf, genre-science-fiction, genre-historical-romance, top-favorites

Warpize is the first book in the series, and books 1-3 could actually be one big book, since there are no breaks between books, it just starts off from where the previous book left off. Now for quite some time I kept putting these books off, but I finally decided I needed to try it. Now after reading this book I bought books 2 and 3!!! You go into this book, expecting it to be a average historical themed bodice ripper style of book...well nope it wasn't. Now there are some bodice rippers I love, Warpize is the first book in the series, and books 1-3 could actually be one big book, since there are no breaks between books, it just starts off from where the previous book left off. Now for quite some time I kept putting these books off, but I finally decided I needed to try it. Now after reading this book I bought books 2 and 3!!! You go into this book, expecting it to be a average historical themed bodice ripper style of book...well nope it wasn't. Now there are some bodice rippers I love, but I have to say that I LOVE LOVED LOVEDDD this book and what a world that this author has created for us. In Warprize the heroine, Lara, is a healer, and she is a princess, and her step brother is the king. They are at war, with the firelanders. She will aid anyone in need, it doesn't matter if they are friend or foe. So she has been visiting the prisoners to help them in their injuries, one night she heals a man that she learns is a high ranking officer to the firelanders, and she protects him, knowing her brother will have him killed. Then in the marketplace she meets a stranger, a man that makes her burn and she feels a connection she has never felt before. This man, is the warlord, who is demanding that she become his warprize. In Lara's mind, that means she will become his slave. Its either she submits to him or her people will be slaughtered. So she does the right thing, and becomes the Warprize. From the first few days, she starts to realize that this Warlord isn't the typical one, he isn't violent or abusive or raping her. He treats her with respect, and lets her heal others, and roam the camp. Lara still fears him, but when she learns what the "Warprize" really means for him and his culture, Lara will be swept away in a world of magic, desire, and love. The Warprize was such a fantastic read, and I would put it up with my favorites list by far. I am so glad I bought this book, because I plan on reading it again in the near future, I just couldn't get enough of this couple. This story had me in tears and laughing the next moment, Lara is a heroine I came to adore, and what strength she had, and she learns to fight for what she wants most. I was really impressed with this author, what a storyteller she is!! A world that she creates that any fan of C.L. Wilson, MUST READ THIS ONE!!! You will have no regrets!! A story of a tender love, enriching characters, and a plot that thickens with each page!! A STORY TO CAPTIVE YOU FROM THE FIRST PAGE!! ...more

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Feb 21, 2015 Jen Davis rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. If you enjoy fantasy romance –even a little– I would recommend it without hesitation.

This is a story about people. By that I mean, it’s not an epic fantasy. It’s not about complicated politics or really nuanced worldbuilding. It’s about Lara, a wonderfully drawn healer, and her journey of sacrifice, empathy, and evolution. It’s about her Warlord hero, her friends, and her new community –all created with depth and care; all rich with real personality and designed with an impact I loved this book. If you enjoy fantasy romance –even a little– I would recommend it without hesitation.

This is a story about people. By that I mean, it’s not an epic fantasy. It’s not about complicated politics or really nuanced worldbuilding. It’s about Lara, a wonderfully drawn healer, and her journey of sacrifice, empathy, and evolution. It’s about her Warlord hero, her friends, and her new community –all created with depth and care; all rich with real personality and designed with an impact on her journey. And it’s about how she falls in love in a way that swept me off my feet and made me believe and cheer and swoon in equal measure.

If that doesn’t convince you to give it a try, I don’t know what will.

Let me tell you a little about the story. Lara is a healer of her people. She is also a royal princess, half sister to a jealous king who is at war. She takes her calling very seriously, even giving aid to her injured enemies. But when it’s time for peace, her life is turned upside down as she is given to the enroaching Warlord as his Warprize, a station her brother describes as a whore and a slave. She accepts her lot, however, putting her people first, hoping to assure their safety.

Lara is quickly immersed in the camp of her new Warlord and must adapt quickly. The romance between her and Keir is very slow in forming, both physically and emotionally, which is part of what makes it so good. Instead of mucking it all up with an insta-love, we see Lara learn her Warlord and his people. Not only do we get to know Keir, but Marcus, Joden, Simus, and so many others. They weave such a rich tapestry of the Plains people –and allow us to see Lara’s true character as she interacts with them all.

This book is all from the heroine’s POV, so we don’t get inside Keir’s head. But that was actually kind of pivotal to the way some of the reveals play out.

The entire book kept me interested, but when the romance finally came around, it really knocked it out of the park for me. There are some love scenes, which are a bit tamer than I am used to, but work in the context of the story. It all just worked for me. The romance as a whole really engaged me emotionally. I don’t want to spoil too much, but I actually cheered out loud at the ending. I couldn’t have been more satisfied. I loved it.

Rating: A ...more

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Mar 15, 2017 Samantha K rated it really liked it

Shelves: alpha-hero, fantasy-romance

I enjoyed this one but it lacked big-time in the sex department. Sex department? Yeah, I don't think the word sex should be used in conjunction with the book. No kidding there's almost nothing here and very little description of the sex that does (finally!) happen. I also thought there was very little heat between the H and the h. Oh - and the story isn't over. It ended abruptly with no epilogue.

So why 4 stars? I'm not sure - lol. I'm not a fan of this type of "clean" book but I read the entire ...more

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Nov 21, 2009 Gail Carriger rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, fantasy

This is a culture conflict comfort read for me. I just love the juxtaposition of Keir's pastoral nomadic tribes and Xylara's settled quazi-medieval world. The romance is sweet and poignant but equally balanced against wonderful alt-history fantasy worldbuilding. Side characters are excellent two, and there's solid LBGTQ representation (especially as the series progresses).

I love that there are flaws in culture and knowledge in both cultures, as well as strengths. Xylara must balance the two. I a ...more

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Mar 24, 2017 Tink Magoo is bad at reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fantasy, loved-it, pop-my-cherry-baby, 2018, re-reads, zzz-cover-pink, zzz-cover-animals-insects, slow-burn

4.5 stars

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Jan 12, 2018 Monty Cupcake ☠ Queen of Bloodshed ☠ rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018, fantasy

3.5 stars, maybe 4. It was good, moved slowly, but didn't so slowly I wanted to harm people.

Things I enjoyed:
- all the characters experienced growth.
- culture clash between city dwellers and tribal plainsman
- the ensuing miscommunication
- Lara, the princess, is a healer
- Keir, the Warlord, is sweet & hot.
- Political intrigue and drama

About the listed genre: not fantasy. No magic or fantastical beasts, it's a historical romance.

It's too hot to write a better review and I rather read b ...more

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Jun 14, 2017 Christa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: best-of-the-best, favorites-2017, owned, romantasy, 2017, exceeds-expectations

8/18/18 - on sale for $1.99
This was a favorite book and it’s on sale today. If you like romantasy and excellent world building go buy it!

5 stars!!

It's like this book was written for me.
- detailed world building
- main character is a healer
- exploration of two different cultures
- the plot has romance but it's not front and center
- no instalove
- it's the first in a series!!! More books!!

This book reminded me of the Tainted Accords series by Kelly St Clare, so if you like one you'd probably like ...more

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Jan 12, 2018 Melanie A. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Wow! Can Elizabeth Vaughan ever write!

Generally, I like the books I read to have a few layers of smut in them. (Shocking, I know!) So imagine my surprise when I found myself COMPLETELY embroiled in a book where not a single salaciously untoward thing happens! Especially when it's about a woman who's given as tribute to an invading barbarian Warlord. Somehow the author kept it classy, and I should have been disappointed! I should have been outraged! I should have dumped this book back at the libr ...more

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Aug 20, 2011 TJ rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy-romance

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 drifting off. " ...more

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Nov 27, 2008 Holly rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-romance

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 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 herself to the attention of the great Warlord himself. If Xyian wishes peace, he demands tribute in the form of Xylara. Proclaimed the Warprize and hailed by the Firelanders, she's told by her spineless brother that she will be nothing but a slave, brought to the Warlord for his pleasure. With a heavy heart, she allows herself to be carried off to the enemy camp, fearful of the future. With miscommunication heavy between them and an enemy intent on destroying the tenuous peace between their two lands, Lara and the Warlord hardly have time to explore the budding desire between them, but explore it they must. For the peace and prosperity of two nations rests on the off chance that the Warlord can claim Lara's heart.

This was such a fabulously interesting romantic fantasy done entirely in Lara's POV. I thought this was different and a nice change of pace from what I normally read. While there was a nice romantic element in this story, most of this book is about the cultural gaps between the Xyians and Firelanders and if they will ever be able to bridge them. The antagonist of this story was a little pathetic and it was obvious it was him, but I didn't care. I was mostly interested in the incredible worldbuilding. My absolute favorite part were the "pattern dances" that go on during the middle part of the book. They are intricately choreographed dances that were beautifully described. That part of the story just came to life for me and I enjoyed it immensely. There was alot of humorous little bits running throughout this story, least of which, everyone ignoring Lara's continued pleas that someone call her by her name, instead of constantly referring to her as the Warprize. My only drawback was that I wished this story had more romance in it, a few more one on one interactions between Keir and Lara, but there are two more books in this series so hopefully I can get more from those.

Keir, known as the Warlord, was a magnificent male specimen. Your typical rough, tough and brawny warrior who lays claim to his Warprize. He constantly tried to be thoughtful and respectful and was almost too good to be true with his understanding and courteous treatment of Lara. While he doubtlessly wished he could spend his days lounging in naked splendor with his Warprize, he did have a war camp to run and a country to reorganize so that unfortunately left Lara free to roam about the camp. She might be unsure of her place within the hierarchy of the camp but she knows she's a great Healer so she quickly finds her niche.

There was a great bunch of characters that Elizabeth Vaughan created and I can't wait to continue indulging in their stories. This wasn't an overly graphic war story, no descriptive battle scenes, nor was the sex overly explicit. The fantastical elements in this story aren't over the top either. There wasn't a huge need to suspend reality. A lot of times I forgot this was a fantasy and thought I was reading a medieval romance. I highly recommend this story and can't wait to read more. ...more

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Jul 04, 2014 Kay rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: tyrant cooks

Recommended to Kay by: someone who lied about reading the Kushiel series

Shelves: i-give-up, fantasy, quite-the-romantic

Someone recommended this book on an "If you liked Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Dart..." forum.

That was probably an ill-advised recommendation.

Other than being nothing at all like Kushiel, this book has its fair share of problems. Cardboard characters, mundane plot, and romantic cliches all abound in this incredibly ho-hum, stagnant excuse for a story. Most of the book revolves around Lara's tedious daily activities, and it gets old pretty quickly: Healing the wounded, picking off willow bark fr ...more

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Sep 18, 2009 Felicia rated it really liked it

Shelves: vaginal-fantasy, romance, fantasy

Definitely one for the ladies. I enjoyed this book, it's very much a romance set in a fantasy world, if you like CL Wilson's trilogy you will like this. The main character can come off as a little unbelievable good at times, but I did feel the need to zip through in one night, so that's always a good sign :) I'll be reading the followups.

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Aug 21, 2016 Minni Mouse rated it it was amazing

Shelves: what-the-warlords, adult-fantasy, all-time-favorites, 2018, adult-romance, arranged-marriage, medieval, cannot-put-down, greatest-of-all-time, book-chemistry

I adore stories about falling in love after arranged marriages. This book had the sweet tenderness from Radiance (just with a stronger plot apart from the romance), an intelligent healer like Claire from Outlander, and similar action and story elements as The Golden Dynasty (but without the tastleless gore and explicit sex).

In short, Warprize was a darling and entertaining story about a brave young woman in the middle of two medieval feuding kingdoms. No prophecies, no magic, no fey folk, n ...more

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Mar 07, 2017 Ari Reavis rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Ari by: Logan Keys

Shelves: own-it, historical-viking-romance

First off to Logan Keys

This book was fan-freaking-tastic. I am forever taking your book recommendations after this.

Ok now, in case you missed it from the beginning paragraph, this book blew my mind. It had everything I love. An arranged marriage, violence and fighting, treachery, great secondary characters. It just had it all. I was glued to each page. I walked around looking like a zombie for the past 2 days because I stayed up so late reading. Was it worth it?

I loved Lara. She was strong and ...more

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Apr 06, 2015 Christine Wallflower & Dark Romance Junkie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: bossy-guys, broody-heroes, historical, blah-blah-snore, wishy-washy-shag-scenes

"Want to know the best part about being a warlord?" came a hoarse whisper. I bit my lip, puzzled by the question. Keir's mouth curled up slowly into a smile. "I always get what I want."

A bit of an anticlimactic quote since the war lord was in fact not a jerk! All jokes aside I did like this book, it wasn't amazing but there was something about it. I went in expecting a high fantasy romance with some magic and epic world building but aside from a little world building this was more of a romance ...more

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Feb 08, 2017 Sunny rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Jonetta

Recommended to Sunny by: Phoebe

Shelves: 2019b-own-tbr, a-1-favorite-series, a-1-favorites, a-pnr-uf-fantasy, a-1-favorites-pnr-uf-fantasy

One of my favorite books as a kid was The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. This book has the same feel. I was completely engrossed in the story. It is a great balance between action and character development. I was thoroughly engaged with the characters. Two small things could have made this stronger for me: 1. I would like to know more about Keir and his perspective. I think this was limited because the story is told from a singular point of view, Lara's. 2. As an adult reader, I could have used a ...more

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Jun 29, 2015 Aisling Zena rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-fantasy-urban-fantasy

3.5-3.75 stars

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Nov 18, 2014 Booknut rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, strong-and-kickass-heroines, betrayal, gorgeous-guys, ethics-and-society

**Check out the original review over at 21st Century Once Upon A Times**

'"But he has claimed tribute."

(...) "What does he claim?" I took a step toward Xymund. Still, he did not turn. I looked around, but no one would meet my eyes.

At last, general Warren drew a breath. "You," he cleared his throat. "He claims you as tribute."

"Me?" My voice squeaked and sounded like it came from a distance.

Xymund did not turn. "As a slave."'

Would you sacrifice your freedom for peace?

That question tends to be the o ...more

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Sep 27, 2011 Zeek rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: alpha-hero, favorite-heroine, fantasy-rom, chick-fantasy, favorite-hero

Lara is a healer and, in her eyes, that takes precedence over her royal blood. By simply being who she is, she finds herself sold as war booty to appease a warlord about to overtake her weak brother's kingdom.

And yet still, she is who she is, and her healing ways make her just as beloved by the people in the warlord's camp as she ever was in the Kingdom of Xy. Because she will not compromise her beliefs as a healer, she's about to change two kingdoms, for the better.

Loved every minute of this ch ...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ Rabid Reads-no-more rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-romance, fantasy

Love, love, LOVED it. Scholarly princess claimed by barbarian Warlord--yes, please ;)

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Mar 25, 2016 Viktoria Winter rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: People who enjoy fantasy romance

Shelves: angst, fantasy, instal-love, otp, diverse

I've decided to review this series as a whole! (Review to come.)

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Feb 18, 2018 Johanna rated it liked it

Shelves: romance

Once upon a time I was having a nice discussion with someone on here about the enemies-to-lovers trope and she recommended several books that I put onto my wish list for my kindle and hardly ever looked at again … well, last night I had a headache, was half asleep and absolutely wanted some romance so … I bought this book … and started reading … and didn't sleep enough so I had a headache for the rest day. Anyway. I finished!!!!
Well, this was surprisingly delightful. It's a classic enemies-to-lo ...more

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May 13, 2011 Pamela / SpazP rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

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 Story trilog 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 Story trilogy!

Warprize is told from Xylara's Point Of View. She has built her life around becoming a Master Healer, a profession frowned upon by most everyone in the Kingdom of Xy, as she is a Princess and half-sister to the current King of Xy. Because of her royal status, and without any real support from her half-brother, she has had to prove herself even more and does so successfully with her passion and dedication to her profession. The Kingdom of Xy is at war with the The Warlord and his Firelanders and King Xymund is failing at keeping the Warlord and his army at bay. Meanwhile, Lara's abilities have her leaving for tents of their captured Firelander enemies to help treat their wounded, at night after she has treated their own armies during the day. She sells all she has to afford the medicines from her own pocket, demonstrating a true compassionate spirit who just wants to treat the injured and dying, regardless of what side they are on. The wounded warriors eventually accept her and begin teaching her their language. Ultimately it is her open-mind, kind-heart, and healing talents that revise her destiny. The Warlord and his "Firelanders" have the Xy castle gates surrounded and King Xymund and Warlord Keir must meet privately to discuss the terms in order to achieve "true peace". The Warlord Keir, familiar with what Lara has done as a healer for his injured soldiers, claims her as his Warprize in order for the bloodshed to end. But the story is just getting started... as soon as Keir's Warprize joins his people's camp, awful things start occurring to end the "true peace" balance.

The heroine Xylara (Lara) AKA Warprize is a wonderful blend of sass with a touching vulnerability that makes her born to be a strong yet empathetic Healer. She is smart and level-headed in the face of the bloody and gory mess left of bodies after battle. She is never squeamish and talks herself through each injury and what must be done with each patient in the absence of our modern-day medical advances. Keir and his "Firelanders" speak an entirely different language and have completely different ways of life and thinking. As a Warlord he is quite frightening and yet charismatic. Lara discovers very quickly that he is also quite gentle with her and from the very beginning seems to cherish her, in what would be considered his way. She is constantly trying to reconcile in her mind what her half-brother King Xymund has told her a Warprize is (a slave) versus how Keir and his people treat her as the Warprize. Additionally, the heroine is the opposite of an all too common symptom that can plague heroines in some romance novels - the dreaded TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) syndrome. She is smart, constantly thinking and problem solving, and is repeatedly winning people over with her charm and sharp mind. Her bravery and passion to help people has never been seen by the "Firelanders". Once Lara begins to truly discover where her is place is in the very large picture of things, in both worlds, Lara takes all of her experience and outsmarts them all.

Ms. Vaughan tells a beautiful and powerful story with exquisite narration and multi-dimensional main and, just important, secondary characters. Some of the characters are so rough around the edges but all the more endearing for it. You will care about Heath, Anna, Joden, Simus, Marcus, and on. I have never read such a vivid and well imagined fantasy world so well described and felt completely immersed in these lands. She masters the ability to interweave the characters and events in a seemless flow, with no lulls, making it impossible to put this book down. From the very beginning I really felt like I was there, and I could see everything that was happening through this Lara's eyes.

In summary, I thought Warprize was a beautiful story from start to finish, in every way. Initially I was aware that it could have played out in so many "been there done that a billion times" ways, but it was so fresh and sparkling. You think you know which way it is going to go, but trust me, you don't. I don't read many Fantasy books but this one is most definitely a masterpiece and I recommend it to all lovers of Smart Adult Fairytales. When you finish you are going to be excited for the next in the series, Warsworn. ...more

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Dec 16, 2014 Kara-karina rated it it was amazing

This is review of the first three books.

The story goes like this.

Warprize was mentioned on Dear Author along with Last Hour of Gann, and I decided to investigate what the hell they were talking about. While it's an absolutely different sub genre from what R.Lee Smith wrote, the main thread is the same: change is introduced to a rigid society with some very deep consequences, and we are invited to observe it.

This is a fantasy romance which I'd especially recommend to the fans of Amy Raby and Gra This is review of the first three books.

The story goes like this.

Warprize was mentioned on Dear Author along with Last Hour of Gann, and I decided to investigate what the hell they were talking about. While it's an absolutely different sub genre from what R.Lee Smith wrote, the main thread is the same: change is introduced to a rigid society with some very deep consequences, and we are invited to observe it.

This is a fantasy romance which I'd especially recommend to the fans of Amy Raby and Grace Draven. There is that sensible core and slow building relationship between the main characters, a slew of fabulous secondary characters and plenty of outside drama without adding your own that I love so much and always look for in this genre.

Xylara is the princess of Xy, but not the heir. In fact, she voluntarily stays away from all political intrigue to pursue her passion - healing, and becomes a Master Healer. When the capital of her kingdom is attacked by barbarian Firelanders, she treats her own warriors and Firelanders equally and she is the only one who can do so because the rest can't go against her brother's (the king) orders.

Spending a lot of time in the tent of the prisoners of war, she slowly learns their language, their customs and gains their trust. And suddenly the siege is over. The barbarian Warlord agrees to favourable terms of Xy's surrender in exchange for Warprize - her. Shell shocked but determined to do right by her people, Lara agrees and leaves the capital with Firelanders on the way to their homeland.

While the slow building romance between Keir, Warlord and Lara, Warprize is lovely, the main attraction is Lara introducing tumult into an alien society. Firelanders are akin to nomadic tribes of Mongolian steppe, but they are also very different. There is an absolute equality between men and women, they are all warriors. There are no family connections, everyone has to sire/birth a few children into their tribe brought up by designated nannies before they are allowed to retire and find a permanent partner. There is no value in virginity, and Keir is horrified by Lara's untouched status and even suggests that she loses the V-card with a "qualified" teacher instead of him.

At the same time not everything is rosy. Firelanders practise almost no healing, instead only privileged few are entitled to the treatment by mysterious Warrior-Priests, whose secrets are closely guarded, and you can imagine how well it sits with Lara. Any type of disfigurement, any deviation from norm is also considered dishonourable, and you either become an outcast or kill yourself.

There is lots of drama and heartbreak, plenty of political intrigues, and the ending it not for the weak of heart. At the same time this series is epic and not burdened by an overcomplicated world-building, which is why it reads super fast. Hugely recommended! There is another book in the series, but Keir and Lara aren't main characters, and I've struggled to commit to it with the same enthusiasm as with the first three books. ...more

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May 12, 2008 Aneca rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, read-in-2008

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. She can't us 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. 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 warriors die when she can do something to save them. She learns their language and their customs and tries to make them as comfortable as possible, despite their prisoner-of-war status. She never expects that these deeds, done in good faith, would lead to the handsome and mysterious Firelander Warlord demanding her in exchange for a cease-fire. Xylara knows must trade the life she has always known for the well-being of her people, and so she becomes..The Warprize.

The story had a definite medieval feel to it and I think one of the good things was how well Vaughan makes me believe in that world. Right from the beginning I was sucked into it and in the problems Xylara was facing. To save her countrymen her brother tells her she must become a slave to the conqueror, she accepts ready to face an unknown future but in fear of what is to come. I really enjoyed discovering with her the very different society of the Firelanders and how things were not exactly how she had been told. At times I found her a bit too good to be true, healing friends or enemies equally and immediately starting to give orders and organise things as soon as she arrives to her master's encampment.

It soon becomes obvious that Xylara is not the slave she believes to be and that Keir, her master, treats her with much consideration and is ready to give her time before consummating their union. I found Keir to be a wonderful hero. Kind and interesting, determined and a natural leader his goal is to unite the Firelanders and the Xyans (Xylara's people) hoping the cultural differences will benefit both and make them stronger. For that he claimed Lara has his Warprize, the woman with whom he will share his life, after having seen her helping his friends prisoners of the Xyans.

Much of the book is about Xylara and Keir getting to know each other better and Xylara discovering a new culture and a new society but there's also a mystery subplot about who is trying to harm Lara and destroy the hard won peace with will be derterminant to their future.

This is the first book in a trilogy and in fact I think the 3 books read like just one book divided in 3. If you start this one be sure to have the other 2 around because you will definitely want to continue.

Grade: A ...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Gail Carriger Fan...: June 2016: Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan	6	41	Sep 16, 2016 04:29AM
I NEED SOMETHING SIMILAR!!!!	5	174	Feb 14, 2015 11:03AM
WORD Bangin' Book...: June Book Club Pick: Warprize	1	4	Jul 10, 2014 06:25AM
What's the Name o...: medieval romance brother sells sister into marriage [s]	7	82	Jan 07, 2014 01:10PM
My Interview with Elizabeth Vaughan!	1	20	Sep 24, 2012 01:50AM

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About Elizabeth Vaughan

Elizabeth Vaughan

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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Elizabeth A. Vaughan is the author of the Chronicles of the Warlands, a fantasy romance trilogy from Tor Books: Warprize (her first novel), Warsworn, and Warlord..

She's always loved fantasy and science fiction, and has been a fantasy role-player since 1981. By day, Beth's s ...more