Customer Reviews

Star of the Morning: A Novel of the Nine Kingdoms

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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!

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!

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.

First off, this is not exactly like her historical romances-this is a fantasy trilogy aka Lord of the Rings. While there is a 'romance' between two of the characters, it's given equal treatment to the basis of the story which is two brothers trying to find a swordweilder to help them save their country. The story had her trademark humor and the writing style was exactly like her other books so it's being a 'fantasy' didn't make the book seem foreign at all. The female character reminded me of Margaret of Falconberg, a woman warrior with great fighting skills and a soft heart. She was respected for her abilities and character without having to come across as some hard-edged, rude mannored woman as many 'warrior' woman are portrayed. And, as in all her books, the romance develops without them having to fall into bed or dwell on falling into bed through-out the book. Their romance develops sweetly and I can't wait for the second book to see how it continues. She always writes romances in such a way that you could read it with your daughter, sighing and laughing, without having to worry about graphic love scenes. The story itself has a very tangible Lord of the Rings feel, so if you liked that storyline you'll like this. Also, she writes for a female audience so don't expect long, detailed fight scenes. She gets the point across without giving a blow-by-blow account. I like that as I do tend to skim through long fight scenes whether in books or movies. I would definitely recommend this book to any fan or new fan of Lynn's. I am a big fan of hers and rarely disapointed with what she puts out. The book holds up on its own, but will probably be thoroughly enjoyed in conjunction with the other two books of the series.

Ever since the last battle with Lothar the evil black mage, spells by the archmage Miach and the two magical swords keep the Kingdom of Nieroche safe for now. However, Miach's brother King Adhemar panics when he realizes his tie to the magic especially one of the swords has abruptly ended as if a spell occurred to sever this link. Miach worries that a new war with Lothar is coming with the kingdom in peril. The royal siblings seek out someone who can use the Sword of Angesand as they know the only way to prevent Lothar from overwhelming Nieroche is with the two magical swords.

Lord Nicholas sends his trained mercenary Morgan to deliver a dagger to the king. To their royal surprise the king and the archmage may have found the Sword of Angesand wielder, but the mercenary warrior is a she, who rejects magic as skill and training is the way of combat for Morgan. Still she is the one as Miach and Glides, one of her traveling companions, are falling in love with the female warrior, but first they must save the kingdom.

STAR OF THE MORNING is a terrific opening return to the Nine Kingdoms as Lynn Kurland provides fantasy readers with a delightful quest tale starring likable heroes. Morgan is fascinating as the focus of the story line (and the men in her life) because she is so guileless yet strong, brave and feisty. Her courage makes for a magical beginning to what looks like will be a superb romantic fantasy trilogy.

Harriet Klausner

While I have always been a devoted Kurland fan, I found this book had more flaws than positives. As I admire this author, I do not intend this to belittle her work, so I will try to keep needless criticisms out of my review.

First, the story was so simplistically written that at times it seemed to be almost a young adult book. The sentences and paragraphs were short and choppy and long periods of time in the book were simply skipped. (This might work in some stories, but in this case I felt it caused the story line to lag.)

Secondly and related to this, I felt as if she could have told the story in half the time it took her as well. It seems that all the characters do is travel, get attacked, and travel some more (with repetitions of the same). (Again, this may work in some stories, but it seemed that there was so much more that could have been done to round things out.)

Third, the characters personalities are described as one way in the beginning and seem to have competely changed by the middle of the book. For example, the female main character is described as dangerous, fearless, and strong, yet at one point in the book she is so scared she can hardly sit on her horse? A monster does not scare her, but a big building does? Unfortunately, I saw this as a weak tool to make the female lead seem more vulnerable and more in need of the rather weak male lead (who could have displayed more backbone during most of the story while not taking anything away from his "big secret"). I have a hard time reconciling such poor character building with a writer who has done such a fantastic job of it in the past. The main characters seemed shallow and what romance there was seemed forced and rather childish. In fact, if I didn't know better, the difference in the quality of her characters, writing style, and plot techs is so glaring, it almost seems as if this was an entirely different writer.

Fourth, as mentioned by another reviewer, the story does literally stop cold, which is quite annoying considering I wanted to put the book down, but fought through to get some closure in the story.

Finally, while this is rather minor, some of the names of locations and people were so hard to spell and pronounce that without a glossary (a useful tool esp. in fantasy writing), the reader spends more time than needed trying to muddle them out while not forgetting what is going on in the story.

In summary, while Kurland has had admitted success with her historical romance series, I believe that her attempt at fantasy is only marginally entertaining and not to be considered a romance in any sense. Seasoned readers will probably not enjoy this one nearly as much as her past work. I agree with the other reviewer who suggested and hoped that Kurland would return to and stick with what she does best.

My only complaint with this novel was that there was no conclusion (it's the 1st of a trilogy) and I want the rest of the story now! Excellent novel, I found it in the romance section of the bookstore, but it's better classified as fantasy. Reminds me of Robin D. Owens' The Summoning series (guardian of Honor, Sorceress of Faith). Fans of Kurland be warned though: this is nothing like her time travel novels or her historicals. Good, good read though, and I can't wait for the next one!!!

I really ejoyed reading this book so much I had to write the author to find out when the next book in the trilogy was coming out. Yes, Dec. 07. Can't wait.

Lynn Kurland shows her versatility as a writer with this foray into the realm of romantic fantasy. This book is very different from her humorous time travel and historical romances, a lot more intense but totally fascinating.

The kingdom of Tor Neroche is in peril. King Adhémar's magical sword has lost its power and his brother Miach, the archmage of the realm, has discovered holes in his protection spells on their borders as well. Now their only hope is to find the wielder of the "queen's sword", the Sword of Angesand, in order to stem the tide of the dark magic encroaching on the kingdom.

Adhémar departs in search of the wielder, but the king is soon waylaid. When too much time has passed, Miach takes the form of a hawk and sets out to find him. Just when he is about to give up he sites the blaze of magic from the king's sword. Hence he finds Adhémar and so much more.

Morgan of Melksham has been charged with a mission by Nicholas of Lismòr, a man who had been like a father to her. She is to take a knife laced with magic and deliver it to the King of Tor Neroche. Morgan, a mercenary/shieldswoman hates magic but agrees to take on the task out a strong sense of duty. Ironically she nearly kills Adhémar for sneaking up behind her, but she is momentarily blinded by his handsome visage. His boastful demeanor soon has her wishing she had finished him off however, and since he is not inclined to reveal his identity, she assumes he is just one of the many sons named after the king of the realm.

Nicholas sends a band of Morgan's friends to meet her and protect her on her quest. Glines recognizes both the king and his brother Miach, but is asked to keep his knowledge to himself. Miach suspect that it was Morgan who had wrung magic from his brother's sword in battle and that she might well be the one that they seek. Since Morgan is quite vocal about her disapproval of magic, Miach tells her that he is a farmer who knows only small spells that might aid him in his work. While Adhémar merely annoys her, Morgan soon comes to trust Miach and eventually decides she might actually become fond of him. As Miach's feelings for the brave and capable warrior become stronger with each moment and more attacks begin to mount on their band, he begins to wonder if he might be able spare her the dubious duty of becoming the wielder of the magical sword.

It is not to be, his own duty dictates that he put the welfare of the kingdom before his heart and the woman he's come to love.

The magic of the dagger has been singing to Morgan and bringing strange dreams of a long forgotten past. By the time she reaches the Tor Neroche its song has become so deafening that she can barely focus on anything else. She longs to deliver her burden to the king and be done with it, but the castle has more than one surprise in store for her, and what she finds there might well destroy her. Certainly nothing in her world will ever be the same.

A happily ever after is not realized in this particular episode. The dark powers that the pair face are strong, but where there is life there is hope. Will Morgan find it in her heart to forgive Miach for his deception? What will the discovery of her heritage mean to them all? Together will they manage to save the kingdom from the darkness? Will Adhémar ever learn humility and cease being pompous? Will we learn more about the other five brothers? (Cathar is definitely intriguing.) We will have to wait and see.

While SF & F lovers are used to sagas of epic proportions Ms. Kurland's romance readers may lament having to wait for their happy ending, but with a storyline this intriguing I have a feeling it will be well worth a little patience. I highly recommend this promising beginning to the tales of the Nine Kingdoms.

Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch for PNR Reviews

I have read everything I could find that Lynn Kurland has written. This was different but I really enjoyed it. I am anxiously awaiting the next in the series to be able to finish the story.