Customer Reviews

Lara: Book One Of The World Of Hetar

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Although very much different from the usual stories, I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the series. This story shows the different beliefs and cultures of a fantasy world not so different from the people in the world today. The moral message is that we are all different, are not able to truly understand a different belief until we are introduced to it and that we can learn if we keep an open mind.

The erotica is less than the usual in Ms Small's books and there is abuse of Lara but definatly not S&M. Lara does at times seem a bit perfect and believes what she should do, however, she does learn from others and the mistakes she makes. She shows what personal growth can be gained by an open mind and the search for what she is destined to do.

I look forward to the release of the further adventures and personal growth of Lara.

First of all this was not anything even remotely like an S&M book. I have read real S&M books and this is not even close. This was more of a personal discovery book written in Small's distinct style. I really enjoyed this book, more so than some of Small's recent books. I won't go over what the book is about since others have, but I will say that if you enjoy a good fantasy you will like this.

I gave this book 4 stars because I missed the references to royalty that are usually in Bertrice's books. That said, this is a VERY good read. Fantasy, faeries, magic and romance, this book has it all! Reviewers that say this story is full of S&M, obviously did not read the book.
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one, to see where Lara's adventures take her (& me) next!

Steph

I've been a fan for 20+ years and, when I think of Bertrice Small, I think of books meticulously researched and filled with rich historical detail. In a bold move, Ms. Small steps away from the constraints of history and into the world of Hetar - a world of her own making. It is wonderful to join Small as she stretches her creative legs. When it comes to love scenes, Bertrice Small's books are not for the faint of heart and she does not disappoint with Lara. So if you like a blushing, virginal heroine who saves herself for marriage - look elsewhere. As Lara ends, the stage is set for some exciting action in the books to come. I can't wait.

I have read all the Bertrice Small books . This book is very different from the others. It tells the tale of a half human half farie who is out to fufill her destiny. She travels through the four worlds of Hetar to fufill it. Lara is a strong willed women who goes through her ups and downs and always prevails. Lara eventually falls in love, Will she leave him to fufill her destiny?
I can't wait for book two! I couldn't put this book down. This fantasy style book reminds me a little of the"Lord of the Rings" with a woman as the central character. I was enchanted by this book!

Another fantastic book from Mrs. Small. In Lara she takes us to the Fairie world of Hetar and we meet Lara, a half fairie child growing up in her human fathers world. Lara is a girl of strength wisdom and wonderful sense of adventure who knows that her destiny lies ahead and she may have to prove her strength and wisdom to reach it. Follow Mrs. Small's adventures through the world of Hetar. This promises to be another wonderful series from Mrs. Small.

I agree 100% with the other reviewers who said that there is ABSOLUTELY NO character development in this book! The character of Lara is in many ways very stereotypical and unimaginative (so what if she's half faerie? This is fantasy, afterall)--this was perhaps the biggest flaw in the whole book. It was difficult for me to take in interest in the character because she is just too PERFECT (which makes her annoyingly boring). Throughout the whole book she NEVER does anything wrong. The Lara character is merely a pawn of the storyline. This is poor writing in my opinion.

Other peeves of mine include the recurrent use of the words "manroot" and "sheath." This, as someone else said, is a bit archaic. And, yes, there does seem to be a bit of a bathing obsession, too. Personally, I don't care if the character wants to take a bath or not. Is that really essential to the story line? Do we really need to read about the character's constant desire to bathe?

Also, the author's method of writing dialogue ("said" "replied" "asked" "murmured", etc.) made many of the characters sound like robots. There wasn't a whole lot of human-ness about them in this respect.

The only reason I gave this book two stars instead of one is that I somehow managed to read the whole thing as opposed to putting it aside after the twentieth reference to "manroot." I AM a sucker for fantasies and the world Small creates drew me in at least that much.

Fans of Small's work (I've never read her before this) may enjoy Lara's tale, but those seeking high-quality fantasy may be better off looking elsewhere.

While Fantasy is not my favorite genre, I completely enjoyed watching the development of another strong willed Bertrice Small heroine! I found no S&M, in fact many of the actions and behaviours are remarkably similar to todays headlines! Lara's stepmother did NOT sell her to the Forest Lords. Lara's Father sold her to the Gaius Propero, who when he could not sell her to a House of Pleasure, he consigned her to his cousin Rolf Fairplay. He was to take her to the Coastal Kings but instead sold her th the Forest Lords. Lara's decision to become a "Woman of Pleasure" was a wise one in that culture. I think our erstwhile "first reviewer" needs to read what she/he reviews. Also, how can you give a 5star rating and then bash the book? Is this person for real?

I have been reading Bertrice Small books for a number of years. I have read all her books and I am faithfully waiting for her new book in the Friarsgate Series. Just finished reading Lara and I must say it is absolutely magical! I love this new spin on her writing Lara. It is a book filled with fantasy, love, magic and new worlds, nothing you can imagine. Only Bertrice Small creates these books that you simply can't put down. I can't wait to find out what Lara's destiny is. Looking forward to the next one. Way to go Bertrice !!!

Having been a huge Bertrice Small Fan for 23 years I absolutely loved the fairie story that was told In Lara. Once again Ms. Small's descriptive powers bring you right into the story and take your breath away. As long as Ms. Small keeps writing, she will have an ardent fan in me!