This is the first book I have read in Chronicles of the Warlands series, and, unfortunately, I think it will be my last. I don’t think my experience with this book would have been improved by reading any of the previous books because it’s actually the style that I didn’t enjoy, not the storyline.
When the book opens, Heath is already in love with Atira. They’ve slept together before (in a previous book I assume) but haven’t since Atira refused to bond with Heath. She’s all for the sex with no strings, but Heath wants to be a couple and doesn’t want to settle for less. Atira sees bonding as a prison, but Heath sees it as the next natural step when you’re in love. He’s hurt and angry that Atira won’t admit their time together meant anything.
This book is billed as a Fantasy Romance, but the writing style is surprisingly simplistic. The events feel ho-hum because there is no sense of urgency to the writing. Despite the fact that they are politically maneuvering and fending off assassination attempts, there seem to be no real highs or lows to suck me into the action.
The people have no artifice, despite some of them trying to be sneaky and political. It’s just kind blatant. You know how you watch a movie like Avatar and the native people are so open and blunt with their thoughts and emotions? That’s kind of like this. There’s no subtlety to the people. Also, everyone was so emotional that it felt too over the top.
”Why not speak of this to me, beloved?” Keir’s voice was the barest whisper.
Lara lifted her face to look at him, with eyes filled with tears and fear. “I was afraid, beloved. Your pledge to me as my bonded is all I ever need. But our faith…and yours…I—”
She hiccupped and sagged in his arms.
The love in Keir’s face was so powerful that Atira had to look away. She dropped her gaze to the floor and stayed, unmoving, unwilling to interrupt the moment between them.
“Flame of my heart.” The words were a soft rumble in Keir’s chest. “The words we pledged between us were enough for us.”
It’s just too much for me.
The development of the romance felt pretty nonexistent. Heath and Atira’s feelings didn’t evolve during the story. They had a history and already cared about each other. The only holdup was Atira’s objection to bonding—although I don’t know where she got this attitude since none of the other Plains people had it. The only change from beginning to end was that Atira was finally willing to bond with him and ceased seeing it as a trap. That made it lack the tension necessary to draw my interest. Plus, I was extremely turned off by Heath’s emo desperation for Atira. He kept telling her that he wouldn’t be with her anymore if she only wanted sex. Did he stick with that? No. The second Atira tried to seduce him, he crumbled. I feel bad for saying it, but it made him seem weak and pathetic and completely turned me off. I wish he could have gotten some self respect.
Despite my complaints, I found the core setup of the story interesting. The melding of the Plains people with the Xy people was pretty enjoyable. They were different in practically every way, so I liked watching them learn to compromise together. Also, the political maneuvering and plotting were interesting to read about.
While skimming reviews for the previous books I found something that I thought I should mention. Apparently the first three books were written in first person from Lara’s POV. Be aware that this book doesn’t follow that pattern. It is written in third person and we see both Atira and Heath’s POV. I just wanted to give a head’s up so no one would go in without knowing about the change.
Warcry by Elizabeth Vaughan
May 3rd 2011 by Penguin Group (USA)
Fantasy Romance
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About Catherine
Boo. Sorry it didn’t work for you. I haven’t read this series and probably won’t. lol Can’t take an emo guy.
I haven’t read this book or series..but I’ve been wanting to try it. I’ll probably start with bk 1..still not 100% convinced these are my type of books..but we’ll see. Nice review
@tori: Me either. I don’t like when girls completely abandon their self respect and will do anything for the guy because they’re in love, either, but it seems to really turn me off when guys do it.
@Mandi: Thanks. I looked over a bunch of reviews on the earlier books (trying to see if anything was different about her style in the earlier ones) and I’ve noticed that reviews are mixed. I think it must be a style thing, because that seems to be the most frequent complaint in the negatives. So, you might like it if you can sink into the writing style.
I’m not sure fantasy romance is for me although the covers of books like this always appeal to me.
@Sophia (FV): I think the only other one I’ve read has been the Tairen Soul series. I liked that one–although I haven’t read the last book yet. The series was over the top and dramatic at times, but I liked the storyline a lot.
What happens at the very end had me doing a double take.
I’d love for Marcus and Liam to get their own story. I was more invested in those two and Keir and Lara.
@KB/KT Grant: I forgot to mention the end. The last chapter made me stop and have a WTF? moment. It came out of nowhere.
I thought Marcus and Liam had the only real intensity in the book.
The first one, Warlord is le awesome, Warcry doesn’t even compare. Warcry felt more like a filler book than about Heath and Atira.
@KC/Smokinhotbooks: I’ve read that the writing style is the same, though. Would you say that’s correct?
WHAT?!?
Not told from Lara’s perspective?! WTF?
I have read the three other books (and was delighted to learn there was a fourth!) but even I can’t quite remember who this Atira and Heath are. I wanted more of Lara & Keir’s romance!
This blows.
Great review, sorry to hear the series hasn’t lived up to previous books
@Danielle: There was quite a bit of Keir and Lara, although they aren’t the main focus.
From reading this book I think I can remind you of who they are. Atira is the Plains warrior who broke her leg and grudgingly allowed Lara to try to heal her. She then was taken to a city for bed rest. Heath is Lara’s childhood companion and they look so similar that some people think they’re twins. His mother is the cook.
Ring any bells?
I loved Warprize, the first book in the series. I thought it was a great fantasy romance. I’ll probably add this one to the TBR pile at some point.
@Jennifer Estep: I hope you love it as much as you did the first!