Customer Reviews

Immortal Warrior

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
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Two hundred years ago, a crew of Vikings was cursed by an evil sorceress. Doomed to spend eternity alternating between an animal form half the day and their human selves the other half, these men muddle through time longing for a cure, a home, and maybe even love and a family of their own.

Now Ivo has a chance - at least for part of it - when his king orders him to take Lady Alaida as his wife, securing his hold on her family's lands. Ivo knows it can't last long, but he is determined to enjoy it for the short time that he can before his dual life is discovered. He spends his days as an eagle and his nights with Alaida as a man, finding happiness with his beautiful bride.

But treachery lurks in their midst, and if Ivo wants to hold on to that happiness, he must protect his wife from all threats. Easier said than done when his curse separates him from Alaida every daylight hour...

What better way to write a tortured hero than with a seemingly unbreakable curse that prevents him any hope of having a normal life? Lisa Hendrix has the right of it with her new paranormal romance series led by IMMORTAL WARRIOR.

I'll admit it; I fell for every single one of the Viking heroes she introduces in this story - Brand, Ari, and of course the star of IMMORTAL WARRIOR, Ivo. My heart broke for every one of them as they struggled with their mutual problem.

Yet there was hope, too. Even before they knew there was a real way to break the curse that has plagued them for centuries, each man discovered some measure of personal hope as Ivo finds a home and family, however temporary it may be. Through Ivo, the other men experience his happiness vicariously, and work to help him live the moment to its fullest before he must abandon his home and wife forever.

Ivo himself struggles with that hope as his fear of losing everything grows exponentially with his happiness in this new life. He wants this home, his bride, and everything that comes with them with every fiber of his being, but the knowledge that he must lose it all soon makes him reluctant to relax and enjoy the joy he finds.

Alaida is just enough of a spitfire to liven up Ivo's monotonous existence. This Lady's sharp wit has the ability to cut a man where it counts, but her caring nature stops her just short of being shrewish. She uses that biting tongue when necessary, keeping at bay the scalawags who besiege her after her Grandfather's arrest. That's not to say she doesn't use it to keep Ivo on his toes, but looking at it the situation from her perspective, Ivo deserves it. Despite the secrets she knows he keeps from her, she can't help but falling in love with this man when he proves himself so different from all other, treating her with respect and consideration. If only he would tell her how he spends his days away from her...

As the story wraps, the author delivered some very unexpected twists that really escalated my estimation of the plot. I'd enjoyed the story all along, but the ending - wow! Lisa Hendrix took me completely off-guard with the conclusion and I loved every minute of it.

IMMORTAL WARRIOR is a gripping paranormal romance that will be sure to resonate with romance readers. I expect both this book and its sequels to find their way on the must-buy lists of book lovers everywhere!

**Courtesy of Wild on Books**

While living a solitary life in the shadows of the night Ivo de Vassy is summoned to Salisbury Castle by King William Rufus of England. Ivo was vital in a recent victory and the king wishes to reward him. Without fully thinking of the consequences Ivo asks for land as payment. What he receives is more than he bargains for.

Lady Alaida spends her days fending off suitors and watching over the lands of Alnwick that were seized when her grandfather was imprisoned. As she soon learns, the king has not only given rule of Alnwick to Ivo but he has also ordered them to marry in order to seal his hold on the lands. With beautiful looks and a sharp tongue Alaida quickly steals the heart of Ivo and after a quick wedding Ivo awakens in Alaida a passion she never knew existed.

But Ivo has a secret that no one but two of his trusted men share. Long ago Ivo was cursed with immortality that has him spending his days in the form of an eagle. Each morning before dawn Ivo leaves Alaida and increasingly she begs to know the truth behind his mysterious "hunting trips". However within days a vision warns that a child born to the couple also has the shape-shifting curse and Ivo makes the decision to keep his distance from Alaida's bed to spare her from the horror of this vision coming true.

Will this combination tear them apart or will their love set them free???

Immortal Warrior is a combination of a historical and a paranormal romance. I admit I was a bit hesitant when I noticed the historical aspects of the book but I was immediately pulled into the story. The writing is incredible and the characters jump to life within the pages. You get two great storylines in one awesome book: a great romance with steamy sex between Ivo and Alaida plus the background story for the Immortal Brotherhood series.

I can't wait to read the next book series, Immortal Outlaw, and I recommend this book to all historical, paranormal and romantic suspense lovers.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this novel. I bought it for the same reasons I always do- good reviews and hopes for a new series! They always say 'don't judge a book by it's cover' and I am happy to say this isn't just another paranormal romance about brawny warriors. Not to say I mind those at all! I was just pleasantly surprised with this particular story. First and foremost, Ms Hendrix does her research and it's evident in her writing. This research allows the reader to take it a step further from fantasy world to making it feel more like a place in time. And the language used from that time again makes this seem as if one has been transported through a portal. Each character has their own story and background, and the plot was believable and kept me intrigued. One note: as stated on the back, I wasn't sure how I would be able to stand the strain the main couple experiences due to a cursed vision, but again the writing and story kept me entranced to the very end. Readers who want romantic encounters every other page be warned- this story is more about quality than quantity but Hendrix makes it worthwhile! I cannot wait to absorb myself in the next installment, Immortal Outlaw, and am happy to add this series to my TBR pile!

I like medieval historical romance and have begun to explore shapeshifter genres. If you like those, I recommend this entertaining story which combines both. Though a "happy ever after" outcome is expected, the author's plot kept me turning the pages to find out how she would achieve that. My only disappointment was the lack of a happy ending for the minor characters. I found no fault with her writing ability and plan to check out other Hendrix novels.

I have to let everyone know up front that I am friends with the author, went to high school with her (mmmmm years ago). I bought this book, stuck it on a bookshelf, and didn't read it at first because it just is not the TYPE I normally read. I finally started feeling guilty and decided I had better at least try to make my way through it(if I ever wanted to talk to Lisa again). Before this, "To Marry An Irish Rogue", written a few years ago by Lisa, was my favorite book of hers; I just loved it. But guess what?! "Immortal Warrior" at least ties for first place and might even be edging out in front. I loved the characters, the history was fascinating, the attention to detail was awe inspiring. It just goes to show you that a talented author can interest the reader in any genre. I have since bought the "Immortal Outlaw" and am looking forward to it (even though I normally don't read books about Robin Hood; I have been proven wrong once - my mama didn't raise a fool). And I am looking forward to all the books in the series and finding out about all of the other immortal Vikings.

Cool! A paranormal romance set in the Middle Ages with tortured heroes, brave heroines, and a wickedly evil witch! "Immortal Warrior" is the first book in a new 'Immortal Brotherhood' series by Lisa Hendrix and if you like your paranormal in a different setting, this just might be for you. This first story has a lot of world building which was sometimes irritating, but necessary to set up the rules and boundaries of Hendrix' creatures.

Ivo has been around for a long, long time. His curse changes him into an eagle by day and back into a man each night. This transformation has kept him apart from humanity for so long as he can't risk discovery. Just because he's immortal doesn't mean he can't feel pain. His loneliness and the thrill of battle led him into contact with humans, and now he's come to the attention of the king. For his latest reward he requests a castle. He gets a castle...and the woman in it too.

Alaida is tired of being besieged by prospective husbands...especially since they're beginning to lose patience with wooing and she's pretty sure at least one is contemplating force. So when yet another group of three knights appears at her gate, she dutifully goes to greet them intending to turn them away if possible. Instead, she learns her grandfather is a prisoner of the king and the beautiful man looking at her with fire in his eyes is her new lord...and soon to be husband.

This first story did stretch my credulity a bit. I thought a strong female like Alaida would be a little more aggressive with finding out why her husband is gone every day! And how the super-sexy Ivo managed to restrain himself was another sore point for me. But overall, I did enjoy the characters and the story and I think the setting actually helped with both the above. There was quite a bit of relationship building instead of just action and sex and I enjoyed that change of pace. I was even a bit surprised by exactly how the ending played out and that doesn't happen as often as I'd like.

I definitely want to get the next book, "Immortal Outlaw", which comes out in June 2009 and see where the author intends to take her series next.

Alnwick Castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Northumberland, and Hogwarts students learned to fly in its bailey. So say the historical notes at the back of Immortal Warrior by Lisa Hendrix. The fact that I've actually seen the castle in real life only adds to the attraction.

The immortal warrior of the title is Ivo, which is in fact the name of the Norman lord given charge of the castle after a 1095 uprising against William the Conqueror. The historical lord's descendants held the castle for 200 years, though he may not have been quite as intriguing a character as the one portrayed by the author. Here, Ivo is an immortal Norse warrior, eternally cursed by the sorceress whose son died at his friend's hand. Each of the survivors of that long-ago battle now lives a strange half-life, unable to die, and shape-changing between animal and human as the sun rises and sets.

As an eagle, Ivo spies out the land for his king. And as a man he reports what he's learned. But one thing the king and his Christian men must never learn is Ivo's shape-changing, which they would surely call demonic. And when Ivo is given a castle and a bride, he must keep his terrible secret in a far more public place, and hide his darkest fears from his dearest love.

Romantic Times describes this as "a bold and beautiful fairy-tale for grown-ups." I'd have to say they're right. The love-scenes are sensual and sweet, the history is delightfully convincing and well-researched, the characters are tortured and wonderful, the plot twisting, surprising, satisfying. The author combines myth, adventure and romance in well-seasoned proportions and creates a delightful whole. I shall eagerly watch for the next in this series.

An enjoyable story that was an easy read with great descriptions of the happenings around. I felt the 'steamy' parts were tastefully written without being distasteful or x-rated. I did not feel they were gratuitous or obscene.
Having read few other paranormal authors, I couldn't help but feel this was cross genre of Ms. Showalter (mythical immortals) and Ms. Hill (time travelled vikings). I can understand that there must be so many similar ideas and plots to be able to write about, afterall--it *is* supposed to be a romance novel.
However, it is very clear Ms. Hendrix has a good sense of humor in her story.
I liked her writing style enough to be curious enough to check out another one of her books.

I really enjoyed this book. I love the historical aspect of the romance. The dialogue between Ivo and Alaida was very well written, quick witted, fun and of course, romantic. This story reminds me of the film, "Ladyhawk" (one of my favorites). Can't wait to read "Immortal Outlaw" and the rest of the warriors. I hope the rest of the stories continue to occur in historical settings rather than the present day, as one of the other reviewers suggested.

Cursed to live an immortal existence, eagle by day, man by night, Ivar finds himself once again in the Kings gratitude. Usually he asks for gold, but this time, land stole past his lips. Tired and lonely, Ivar wants some normality back into his life. Not only does the King grant him his request for land, but offers a wife as well.

Ivar knew he'd be pleased with his wife, a woman is a woman, just the thought of having a wife all his own, for the short time he'd be able to have her was enough for Ivar. And Alaida pleases him more than he could have hoped for.

Ivar searches out his friends, Brand and Ari, also cursed immortal were-creatures. Brand has been continuously searching for the witch Cwen who placed this curse upon them centuries ago. He feels responsible for the long ago placed curse and reluctantly puts aside his search to travel with Ivar to his new lands and future wife.

But Ari, who also has visions, warns Ivar that he must stay away from his new bride, for their children will be just as cursed as he is. Ivar tries to deny it. He wants and needs Alaida too badly, but in the end he gives in, avoiding intimacies with Alaida.

I was not going to buy this book, but a friend bought it for me and I am really glad she did. I loved Immortal Warrior. I do believe that I have read my first book for the year that will make my top list. I was feeling some strong emotions while reading. Ivar's desperation to keep and hold onto Alaida, regardless of his curse and the vision, was so sad and it was done in a way that you knew he didn't have much of a choice but to stay away from her, rather than risk her bearing a child. But things don't always work out as planned :).

I love stories that involve curses and this one was extremely fascinating. I was intrigued from the prologue til the last page. I can't believe I had decided not to buy this book. So glad my friend went against my judgment and bought it for me anyway!

Loved this book!