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65 of 66 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The beginnning of an outstanding series!, December 12, 2006
This review is from: Star of the Morning (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)
First, since some confusion exists regarding the progression of the Nine Kingdom's books, here's a current list (as of Jan '10): Two Prelude short stories, found in anthologies with other authors:
The Queen in Winter (When Symon, the first king of Neroche, woos and wins Iolaire)
To Weave a Web of Magic (The Tale of Two Swords where Mehar and Gilraehen fall in love) Miach and Morgan's story is told in:
1- Star of the Morning (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 1) (this book)
2- The Mage's Daughter (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 2)
3- Princess of the Sword (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 3)Ruith and Sarah's story (which OVERLAPS Miach and Morgan's story in the timeline) is told in:
4- A Tapestry of Spells (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 4)
5- Spellweaver (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 5)
6- Gift of Magic, due to be published in January 2012 And she's said there are more Nine Kingdoms trilogies planned for successive Januaries. I'm not usually a connoisseur of fantasy novels, as I often find them to be either too dark, or too hard to relate to the characters. But, since I love Lynn Kurland's historical novels and characters, I had to try this one out. And it is fabulous. Yes, it is fantasy, with the darkness of evil... yet you are not dragged down with lurid descriptions of the evil. Rather, you experience the emotions and thoughts and feelings of the characters as THEY deal with the evil that is thrown at them. And you share in their victories, just as you share in the conversation and laughter they share when they are warm and safe around the fire. And of course there is magic... but it is a silvery ribbon that winds through characters that are still so human that it is easy to relate to them. They have magic and know spells... but they use them in the same utterly human ways that you or I use our knowledge and skills. And then there's the romance. It is there, running beneath the surface and threatening to spill over any moment... yet it never does. That has been saved for future books. But its sweetness draws you into the story until you, also, have fallen in love with the shieldmaiden and the mage. So read of Morgan, an orphan who has learned to shun magic in favor of the more visible and tangible skills of swordplay... while she slowly begins to find that magic is in her, she cannot run from it, and it does have its uses. Read of Miach, the archmage of the powerful kingdom of Neroche, as he quietly defends the kingdom against far more danger than anyone realizes... as he is tempted the mis-use the power that few know he holds... and as he discovers a love that is more powerful still. And escape to a world where men and women alike answer to the calling that has been laid upon them... to save the innocent masses that are unaware of the danger that threatens them. Then, when the cliff-hanger gets you, go get the next two books in the trilogy so you can follow them to Miach and Morgan's Happily-Ever-After!
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful romantic fantasy, December 9, 2006
This review is from: Star of the Morning (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)
This book is a great extension of Lynn Kurland's writing skills! She's moved from plain historicals into time-travel, matchmaking ghosts, etc. into a Tolkien-like world of the Nine Kingdoms. This is clearly the first book in a series that continue the stories of at least the lead couple, and hopefully others (there's a king with six brothers, which could lead to many sequels!).
I loved Lord of the Rings, but wished it had more romance and a more down-to-earth style. This book fits the bill and is a very enjoyable read. Look forward to what comes next!
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story- leaves you wanting more, now!, March 7, 2007
This review is from: Star of the Morning (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)
I love Lynn Kurland's writing style- the humor, the local color, drama, and of course, the romance. Typically, I'm not a big fan of fantasies or science fiction books; I find them too confusing with the made-up languages, long names, and too many characters with too long names that just complicates the story- making it harder to read. I tend to get frustrated because I feel lost, like I missed something and need to re-read but usually give up because the story just doesn't interest me anymore. Too much effort, too much work for pleasure reading... Here, though, there are some made-up words and one long name (that gets shortened to Miach so it's ok), I didn't feel lost or confused. The story kept my interest secured through to the end.
Morgan is a mercenary by trade and is sent on a quest by her mentor/father-figure, Nicholas, to bring a magical blade to the king of Neroche. Shortly upon setting out, Morgan comes upon Adhemar, who she believes is an arrogant, blathering oaf (on which you will readily agree), but what she doesn't know (but we do) is that he is actually the king that she is seeking. Adhemar is seeking a wielder for his own magical sword to help save his country and as it turns out, Morgan just may be what he is looking for.
The interactions between Adhemar and Morgan are quite funny. You can definitely identify with her wanting to have him shut up about himself. Later we meet Miach, Adhemar's brother and archmage of Neroche. Romance blossoms between Miach and Morgan but neither feel that they can have a future together. Miach is a beautiful hero- he's sweet, gentle, sensitive and yet strong in character and of course tall, dark and handsome. (LK fans, he reminded me of Patrick-A Garden in the Rain.. Doesn't hurt ;-))
My only complaint is that not much seems to happen. There is a lot of build-up with not much of any resolution, leaving a somewhat unsatisfying ending. It suggests a great prelude to what is to come, but makes you wish the next installment was sooner in coming.
Though this story revolves around the Nine Kingdoms, it is not necessary to have read LK's two previous novellas about it before reading Star of Morning. I did but they are really stand alone titles(one in Queen in Winter and second in To Weave a Web of Magic).
This story almost defies genre designation- I think fantasy/science fiction readers will enjoy it because the romance is there but not the central focus. And romance readers will find the sweet story enjoyable- Miach and Morgan's interactions will bring a smile to your face.
LK could probably write any kind of book and I'd still find it delightful. Though, I love her time travel-Scotland-romances, Star of Morning was a worthwhile investment. Afterall, I'm looking forward to see what comes next. It does fill the gap until April for Nicholas's story, if nothing else.
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