Warprize (Chronicles of the Warlands Book 1)

Everyone once in awhile a book comes along that knocks my socks off and Warprize did just that. Actually a trilogy of books - Warprize, Warsworn, and Warlord, all three books knocked my socks off leaving me hungry for more. A truly gifted storyteller, Elizabeth Vaughan drew me into a mesmerizing world of different cultures, characters rich and alive with depth and presence, multi-dimensional secondary characters , and a well told story that takes place over the course of the three books. A cut above, acutally leaps and bounds above the standard romance novel, with simply flawless writing that carries you along on its tide of telling, and once finished, leaves you feeling adrift on what to read next.

This visualize the first book have read from this author. I loved the main characters and the author sense of humor comes through loud and clear. I just couldn't stop reading until the end. I am looking forward to this series.

So romantic, yet has a fantastic balance of harsh realism and violence that I was always entertained. I ended up purchasing the entire series and all other books by Elizbeth Vaughn due to this book, and I have re-read them many times, always very satisfied.

I was actually looking at books by another author who I LOVE, when I noticed this was the next books listed after hers. The cover caught my attention and the description sounded good, so I took a chance. I've not ready anything else by the author before.

At first it reminded me of the book Hawksong. Two warring people, trying to find peace and not really understanding each other. The language is different, which is easy to forget because apparently Lara is pretty fluent already. Customs are totally different and because certain words don't translate that does make for misunderstandings.

The love story was sweet. It didn't feel overly fast, and when I realized that only about a week of time had passed I was shocked. Considering that it was only a week, it's hard to believe how quickly their feeling grew. However, all the characters felt real, they felt like people I'd want to know and understand.

I really think that this book has made it to the top of my list. I'd definitely recommend it and I'll definitely be buying the rest.

I reread this book constantly. Between this story and Daggerstar (her next series) I have spent many a wondrous reading hour. Romantic, adventurous, and a work of female empowerment, I envy the new reader of these books for their new experience.

Another reviewer said this book was all about shattering assumptions. I wholeheartedly agree. This book came highly recomended, and was much better than I thought it would be. I agree with the editing comment as well, that in places the story stumbled for want of precise spelling/grammar. The plot may seem cliche, but the writing and the wonderful characters transcended the basic outline of 'girl sacrifices self for people'. I can't rave enough about this book, and I can't wait to read the next one!

The author did a wonderful job of pulling you into this world of different cultures and making you understand how a completely different group of people can think. The main character was feisty and caring while her love interest strong and interesting. It's easy to fall in love with them and grow as they do together. I have found I can read this book over and over again.

I loved this book - it's highly creative and compelling. Great characters that you will want to know more about. This one is a keeper. I've re-read it three times since I bought it. I can't wait for the second installment of Lara and Keir's story. Congrats on a terrific first book Elizabeth Vaughn! You have a fan in me and I'm purdy darn picky!

Nicely done, brilliant read with wonderfully developed story line. Just a cool fantasy with just enough romance to keep you wanting more. I was slightly unsure when I began reading this novel I'm glad I persevered.

I really loved this book. The characters were great and I thought the world building was interesting. Interesting enough to have me read the other three books in the series at least.
In this book we have Xylara, daughter of the blood, who is a master healer. Her kingdom is under siege by well trained and better army led by Warlord Keir. Xylara ends up treating some of the captured fire landers and offering aid to them when no one else is able. She is then offered as a war prize to the warlord to bring peace.
I loved learning about the fire landers way of life, as it seemed to be a mix of Native American and perhaps a few other cultures. It was also nice to see the progression of Xylaras growth through the book and how her relationship with Keir grows. All I can say is I can't wait for the next book!!

So much more than a romance. The clean, well-told, not-overloaded-with-wacky-magic Fantasy, with the tasty and satisfying addition of a red-hot romance!

Me, I like to be drawn in to a romance. I love to fall in love, mind, body, and soul. No bodice-rippers for me.

I identified with Xylara at once as a woman of independence, intelligence, and integrity. Falling in love with the barbarian "brute" who basically kidnapped her from her ivor-tower existence of Healer was the last thing she had in mind... but as she fell for Kier, so did I.

I savored the developing heat and attraction, not-too-quickly slaked. The innocence unveiled. The true feeling of the hero for his "captive" bride, his eager-to-please puppyishness contrasted with his fiery temper and battle-rage. The pure physical high voltage.

Great story, GREAT foreshadowing, great world, great characters. Can't wait for book two.

Could not put it down!

This book was amazing. I read about two paragraphs into the sample and had to buy it. I am well pleased with my purchase. It has great romance and also balances it with a great story. I am super excited about this series!

I've spent time reading this book rather than some library books which I may not be able to renew. Elizabeth Vaughan has created compelling characters and a realistic setting. I'm glad that this book is the first of a series!

I LOVED this book!! Excellent and very creative plot and characterization, as well as sizzling romance. Can't wait for the sequel, Warsworn. But in the meantime, do not miss this book. It's definitely a keeper. This author has a very bright future ahead of her.

Totally loved this book. It was one of those books that you pick up and read and find it to be one of the best you have ever read. It is book 1 of the series and I highly recommend the other 2. Also, they are best read in order.

I just finished this series. First, this should never have been a trilogy. Unfortunately, had it been a single book it would have never sold. The first book is very good. Good characters and a good story line. For some reason she either kills off the good characters or ignores them in the second book and then makes a lame attempt to bring them back into the plot in the third book. The second book is ok, the third is terrible. In her acknowledgement she says she spent the past 72 hours writing it and it shows. Don't waste your money

I couldn't put this book down! Time just disappeared and I fell in love with the characters especially the Warlord Keir. After reading the first book I went and bout the rest of the trilogy I just had to read more of their journey together. Not a moment was I bored or felt the story was taking to long to get somewhere. Vaughan keeps the pages turning and pulls you in their world with no desire to leave it.

The determination of the heroine to do what she felt was right and just even in the face of what she beleived would be personal jebopardy and hardship captured the reader and sustained interest throughout the story, leaving one waning it to continue.
The viewpoint and acions of the hero make one wan to stand up and cheer.