Customer Reviews

The Chosen

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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.

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

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.

This book has a story line that is new and different. I am not a huge fan of "fantasy" type stories, but this one captured my attention from start to finish. I was sympathetic with the main characters who were both very solid; no stick figures in this book. I recommend it highly....and would even if my sister had not written it!

This book is set in medieval times in the kingdom of Ryshta where a person is either a master or a slave. Lady Roslin is the daughter of the sovereign and is betrothed to a man she has never met. She is sent to her grandfather in Frama to meet her future husband. Whilst she is there, there is a slave revolt. Roslin manages to escape. She is rescued from near death a few day later by the leader of the slaves, a warrior called Brice. They fall in love, but there are secrets and lies on both their parts, which will interfere with the course of their love.
A really well written, enjoyable book which kept me turning the pages to see how the story was going to end.

Not your usual romance. The story is a delightful surprise. I hadn't read a medieval romance in years and was captivated. Excellent writing you come to expect with this author. I picked it up this evening and couldn't put it down until the last satisfying page. Plenty of intrigue and the battle scenes were riveting. The plot had plenty of surprises that kept me turning the page eagerly wondering what would happen next. And to wrap the package with a bow the romance was beautiful and the love scenes passionate.

from the publisher's web site - 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

Foster is a multi-faceted author who has successfully written books in several different kinds of settings. Here she introduces Brice, the self-appointed leader of the slave uprising in the kingdom of Ryshta and more than he appears. Brice has been prophesied to deliver his people to freedom. During one of the many battles, Princess Roslin runs to tell her father of the rebellion. However, not knowing how to travel without food, water, shoes, and the like, Roslin finds herself in the care of the rebel army. They don't know who she is. While trying to keep her secret, she finds out Brice has a secret of his own - one that would destroy him if discovered.

One can't help but like these characters, feeling their physical and emotional pain on every page. Roslin is stronger than she appears and finds it imperative to stand up to her father. Brice has more empathy than he shows, and genuinely has the love of his people. Great book from a dependable author.

Lady Roslin, daughter of the reigning ruler, has always lived a life of privilege. Never giving a thought for how her comfort is provided, she has her world turned completely upside down when she meets the dynamic and mysterious Brice, the leader of the rising slave rebellion.

On the run after her city is attacked Roslin is found by the very slaves she once took for granted. Fearful of what could happen should she be discovered, Roslin embarks on a masquerade and pretends to be one of them. Brice, however, seems to be focused on only one goal...the overthrow of the present ruler. Why such a single-minded mission? Does Brice and the ruler have a history together? If so, what? Is it the fact that the slaves are treated so badly that death is often better than living? Or could Brice simply be out to gain the throne and rule all the lands?

Slowly Brice and Roslyn discover things about each other, one of which is a strong attraction. So what is holding them back? Fear of rejection? Or is it the secrets? Secrets, which Roslyn and Brice both hold - unknown truths that could get one exiled and the other killed. Why? What does either secret have to do with Brice being "The Chosen"? And what happens to a budding romance when Brice's secret is finally revealed? Will Roslyn still want to be with Brice when she discovers Brice is NOT the man she thought Brice to be?

Suddenly Roslyn goes on the run, taking with her the one person Brice holds most dear. Or did she? Perhaps they simply chose to join Roslyn in her escape? What was it that made Roslyn run in the first place? Brice does not know the why, only that a question has now arisen - will Brice be able to reach them in time to save one or both?

Verda Foster brings to the reading world another great book. Her previous pennings, The Gift, and These Dreams prove a skill with solo works while Graceful Waters and Crystal's Heart displays an equally adept talent at co-writing. Both books were co-written with another terrific writer, BL Miller. BL Miller, herself, also co-wrote the dynamic Josie and Rebecca: The Western Chronicles with Verda's sister Vada Foster. A fact very much in evidence is that ALL display a definitive talent for intriguing, dramatic and suspenseful storytelling.

Well, yes, Chosen means there is a contingent of 'writers' who label themselves as lesbians and think they are 'chosen' and therefore can define the genre by pumping up their reviews with illusion. LOL. Would that the world were SO simple. This book like so many other's, speaks to a certain minority, in a clique, who self reinforce their views with their positive reviews that have NOTHING to do with reality. Tisk, tisk, Ladies. Some of Us know what you are doing. In regard to the book: not original, not particularly well written.