The Chosen [Paperback]

Verda H. Foster (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2005

In the feudal kingdom of Ryshta , there are masters and there are slaves. The servants labor for their arrogant lords, who treat them little better than animals. That's the way it's always been. But the slaves are waiting for the coming of The Chosen One, the prophesied leader who will take them out of their bondage. A chance encounter separates Roslin, daughter of the king, from her privileged world. She takes refuge in a peasant community where she finds herself drawn to the charismatic Brice, leader of the slaves' rebellion. Is Brice indeed the Chosen? The old order is eventually overturned and the slaves win their liberty. But in the new, free world, the unveiling of a carefully kept secret has as much impact on the ex-slaves as the rebellion had on their ex-masters. And Brice and Roslin have to face their own challenges as they explore their love for each other. Verda Foster has written a novel of remarkable insight which seeks to answer some very fundamental questions about social convention and perception. At the same time, she gives us a gripping story of love, battle and outstanding moral courage. This new edition of one of Open Books most consistent sellers is being expanded and refined to give this timeless story a new level of depth and emotion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Intaglio Publications (December 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933113251
• ISBN-13: 978-1933113258
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,895,445 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something more than a lesbian romance, July 28, 2001

By 

Taylor Rickard (Arlington, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chosen (Paperback)

The Chosen provides any reader with the opportunity to look at the questions "who am I" and "where do I fit in society" from both a personal and a social perspective. Yet this is not a "heavy" story. In fact, it is a quick, easy read, with very real and engaging characters and a plot with interesting twists. All of the characters are quickly drawn and very human- not just the main ones. All in all, a lovely pseudo-historical romance with some very serious social questions asked and answered gently and matter of factly. It rises far above the general class of lesbian genre romance.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Midwest Book Review, July 2006 Issue, July 1, 2006

By 

Lori L. Lake "Author of Like Lovers Do, Buyer... (Portland, Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chosen (Paperback)

In the land of Ryshta, a pre-industrial medieval world, the rich and powerful reign superior while the rest of the people are slaves. For as long as anyone can remember, women have been treated like chattel and the slaves have been maltreated or even murdered at their master's whim. The slaves toil with the hope and long-held belief that one day, somehow, The Chosen will arise and lead them out of their pain and misery.

A battle-hardened, charismatic warrior named Brice does indeed rise up and organize to overthrow the sadistic ruler and his society. In the process, Lady Roslin, daughter of the sovereign, comes into contact with Brice, and the secrets and lies begin. To save her neck, Roslin pretends to be one of the peasants while Brice keeps silent about her identity - for it becomes clear to the reader that Brice, though tall, dark, and handsome, is actually a very powerful woman. Her parents brought her up as a male so that she would not be forced to perform as a prostitute/bed slave like the rest of the slave women.

Brice and Roslin's worlds are turned upside down by the revolution in Ryshta. Rich, pampered Roslin has never given the culture and society much thought. She soon begins questioning all she knew once she is living in the war camp with Brice and the slaves who are passionately fighting for freedom and willing to die to overcome the cruel limitations imposed by the ruling elite.

It's clear that the old, corrupt society must fall, but what will take its place? Can Roslin survive - especially if she is found out as a related to the vicious ruler? What will Brice's role be in a new society? Can two people from different ends of the spectrum find common ground, much less a common life together? And above all, is Brice actually The Chosen?

For those who prefer fantasy with elves, wizards, talking dragons, and magic, this book isn't for you. But if you like adventure, well-plotted conflict, and a solid romance between two attractive characters set in an enchantingly medieval time, this book's for you.

Though this novel is not overly long, there is a lot of action packed into it. The battles are intense, the conflicts well-written, and the relationship between Brice and Roslin intriguing. I read the first edition of this book several years ago, and the author has smoothed out the previous rough spots. This newly edited version is a joy to read. You can't help but root for Brice and Roslin as they struggle to make a place for themselves by transforming a brutal world into a better place and at the same time, gradually unveil their inner souls to one another. ~Lori L. Lake, Midwest Book Review

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some romance and a message, July 24, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Chosen (Paperback)

Ryshta is a model of a medieval world. There is an elite ruling class that enjoys a privileged lifestyle thanks to the work provided by a hereditary class of slaves. The privileged don't question the benefits that come to their lives and the slaves are treated like animals. Roslin is the daughter of the ruling lord and has never questioned the order of things until there is an uprising and she meets Brice, the leader of the slave rebellion, the prophesized Chosen One. Brice challenges almost every concept Ryshta society is founded on. There should not be a privileged class, but everyone should work together for the greater good. Government leaders should be chosen democratically and that includes women having an equal voice with men. First afraid, Roslin finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Brice and eventually embracing these stimulating new ideas, as much as she would like to embrace Brice. But, there is a secret. Unlike everyone thinks, Brice is a woman raised by her parents as a male so that she can avoid the forced period of bed slavery required of the slave women. How will this impact on Roslin's growing feelings for him/her? What will happen if the people discover that their longed for champion is a woman? It's a fast paced story with just enough adventure and romance. It raises questions about the roles of people in society, but you don't feel like you've been hit over the head with them at the end of the book. Very enjoyable and a fast read.