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Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Science Fiction. Neroche's kingdom is threatened by the darkness of an evil Black Mage- and all hope lies in the legend of two magical swords. Miach, the archmage of Neroche, carries one. And he's found a Wielder for the other in Morgan, a young woman and feared mercenary herself. Now, Miach must choose between endangering the woman who has captured his heart, and defending the kingdom he's sworn to protect.Tags
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{First of 10 in Nine Kingdoms series; fantasy, quest fantasy, sword and sorcery}(2008)
In the prologue Adhémar, king of Neroche, loses his magic and the magic imbued in the Sword of Neroche and is sent on a quest to find a solution by his brother, the archmage Miach, who meanwhile has to fend off magical attacks on the country's borders by an unknown black mage.
I really enjoyed this book, partly because it was reminiscent of late-20th century fantasy which is my personal favourite niche genre. I liked the word play, which had a more subtle humour than banter, and I wanted to keep reading (I still do ... but I've finished this book. Well, there are ten in the series). I was amused at how Morgan appreciated a comfortable bed and felt that a week in Nicholas's well appointed manor had spoiled her for the mercenary life.
I'm going looking for the next in the series ...
February 2025
4-4.5***** show less
In the prologue Adhémar, king of Neroche, loses his magic and the magic imbued in the Sword of Neroche and is sent on a quest to find a solution by his brother, the archmage Miach, who meanwhile has to fend off magical attacks on the country's borders by an unknown black mage.
A slow, almost imperceptible tremble in his spells of defense along the northern border.show more
He’d wondered at first if he’d just imagined it. He’d paid special attention to the border for the fortnight following, but he’d sensed nothing else.
And then, yesterday, he realized that his spells were being eroded from beneath their underpinnings, much like sand being pulled out from
a bather’s feet as he stood upon the shore. It was a very gentle tide, but a relentless one.On the island of Melksham the mercenary Morgan, who has a deep aversion to magic and all things magical, is asked by her foster father Nicholas to take a magic dagger to the king at Tor Neroche and so she sets off on her own quest. She soon runs into Adhémar, who is travelling incognito - although one of her traveling companions recognises him and is hard put to to prevent himself from bowing every time he addresses his king - and he decides to tag along with them (partly because she knocked him out in a fight and claimed most of his money and his spare pair of socks as fair spoils of war but he wants them back). Miach, worried by his brother's long absence, comes to find him and joins the party as they journey northwards towards Tor Neroche. As they travel, they encounter more of the fell monsters that caused Adhémar to lose his magic and Morgan has haunting nightmares which might be secrets from her past - and reveal the future salvation of Neroche.
Miach’s first thought had been Lothar. But the tide didn’t have that stench of rottenness that permeated all that Lothar did. Indeed, there was nothing but a faint smell of evil, as if it were nothing but tainted water that washed away at his spells. It had made him wonder . . .
So he’d brought up to his tower all the manuscripts and scrolls he could find describing any of the black mages who’d ever troubled the Nine Kingdoms.
I really enjoyed this book, partly because it was reminiscent of late-20th century fantasy which is my personal favourite niche genre. I liked the word play, which had a more subtle humour than banter, and I wanted to keep reading (I still do ... but I've finished this book. Well, there are ten in the series). I was amused at how Morgan appreciated a comfortable bed and felt that a week in Nicholas's well appointed manor had spoiled her for the mercenary life.
She put the matter out of her mind and sought her chamber, finding it just as she had left it two years earlier. Indeed, it looked just as it had for the six years she’d called it her own. She hadn’t used it very often since going on to make her way to other places, but each time she’d returned, she had found it thusly prepared for her. She leaped into her bed with a guilty abandon she would regret in a se’nnight’s time when she was reduced to rough blankets near a weak fire. She closed her eyes and promised herself a good, long march through bitter chill at some point in the future as penance.One quibble - I really felt the lack of a map that would have explained the route that they travelled and the relationship of the places mentioned, both geographically and politically.
But not tonight.
I'm going looking for the next in the series ...
February 2025
4-4.5***** show less
Don't be fooled by the description. This book is actually a romance hidden under a flimsy fantasy-book disguise. I was lured in by the promise of adventure and a fantasy plot, but instead I just got endless pages of slow-building romance. Which is not a bad thing, but definitely not what I expected.
I can't say that I like this book though. It hits a lot of the usual notes for a female-lead fantasy book, but it missed the mark for me, overall. I had problems with main characters, the side characters, the romance, the plot... I guess I had a lot of problems with this book.
To start off, Morgan is supposed to absolutely kick-ass what with her amazing sword skills and no-nonsense personality. She takes it like a man and can throw down show more harder than one in a swordfight. But even though she is supposed to be the strong female character (and I love those in my books!), I don't like her. I think the reason is because I haven't seen her "earn" her strength. She just comes into the book already the strongest shieldmaiden that can take down any man and a pretty little backstory of being trained by one of the greatest fighters. But I don't care about that. I haven't seen her sweat tears and blood for that strength so it bores me. It's like a cheap way of making her a strong character. She's a "strong female character" because she's physically strong. That's not strength to me.
Morgan also really annoyed me whenever she spoke. She complains about Adhemar bragging about himself, but her words are so freaking arrogant and casually dismissive. And then she would pry for Miach's secrets with the parting words that she'll figure him out, and then be obstinately closed-mouth about herself, her goals, and her past. Until, of course, y'know, they start falling in love. Then they're open books. Blahh..
Other major problem I have: freaking perfect main characters. Not only are Morgan and Miach powerful and magical and the strongest of all, they are also beautiful. Insta-fall-in-love beautiful. I don't do perfect characters and I don't do beauty without a major flaw. I think having characters moon over someone's beauty cheapens any romance that develops.
Riddle me this: what character flaw do they have?
... right. Thought so. And that makes them boring.
The side characters were useless. Why were they even there?
I am just annoyed because this entire book was a romance. The plot is a flimsy reason for these characters to meet. Honestly, in the whole book nothing happened but the romance. In the long journey, only a romance was achieved. At the end of the book, we find out that Morgan is indeed the swordbearer. Which we knew from the beginning since they introduced her!! So what excitement is there for the reader? Uhhhhh no plot (since the big plot purpose was figured out from meeting Morgan), not world building (we just see trees and horses). What's left? Oh right. Romance. Whoop-de-doo.
If you think about it, Adhemar and Miach don't even have a method to figure out who is the swordbearer. Did they think they were just going to waltz around the country randomly and find her? Well, I guess they did, and I think that's ridiculously stupid. Honestly, they met her and if they didn't travel with her and she didn't accidentally touch the sword, they would never have known. What kind of idiots are they? Did they even have a solid plan? No wonder their country is going to be invaded if the rulers just up and leave their throne to go on a wild goose chase with no plan. Their meeting was too contrived. Too happenstance for it to have happened.
What more can I say about this book? It was empty of magic. Oh there are shapeshifters and spells, but it's the same old, same old you see in any fantasy book. There are monster. Yep, scary things that you fight. There are... horses? Pretty horses. It's just such an empty world besides Morgan and Miach. And I don't like them nearly enough to like this book.
I was going to give it 2 stars because it was okay, but after writing all of my annoyances out, it's more like a 1.5 stars. But I'll round up to 2 because I'm generous and I did manage to finish without ever angrily tossing the book at my window.
I don't think I would recommend it to any of my friends though. I can't recommend it to people who like fantasy, because I think it's more of a romance novel. I can't recommend it as a romance because the pacing is a little too slow. I can't recommend it for people who like strong female characters, because I don't think she is one (besides her physical strength). I just don't know who I could recommend this to, even though it's really not a horrible book. Maybe nobody.
Note: I do not think I will pick up the second book unless I run out of things to read. I was just not convinced. And running out of things to read? Haha, highly unlikely. show less
I can't say that I like this book though. It hits a lot of the usual notes for a female-lead fantasy book, but it missed the mark for me, overall. I had problems with main characters, the side characters, the romance, the plot... I guess I had a lot of problems with this book.
To start off, Morgan is supposed to absolutely kick-ass what with her amazing sword skills and no-nonsense personality. She takes it like a man and can throw down show more harder than one in a swordfight. But even though she is supposed to be the strong female character (and I love those in my books!), I don't like her. I think the reason is because I haven't seen her "earn" her strength. She just comes into the book already the strongest shieldmaiden that can take down any man and a pretty little backstory of being trained by one of the greatest fighters. But I don't care about that. I haven't seen her sweat tears and blood for that strength so it bores me. It's like a cheap way of making her a strong character. She's a "strong female character" because she's physically strong. That's not strength to me.
Morgan also really annoyed me whenever she spoke. She complains about Adhemar bragging about himself, but her words are so freaking arrogant and casually dismissive. And then she would pry for Miach's secrets with the parting words that she'll figure him out, and then be obstinately closed-mouth about herself, her goals, and her past. Until, of course, y'know, they start falling in love. Then they're open books. Blahh..
Other major problem I have: freaking perfect main characters. Not only are Morgan and Miach powerful and magical and the strongest of all, they are also beautiful. Insta-fall-in-love beautiful. I don't do perfect characters and I don't do beauty without a major flaw. I think having characters moon over someone's beauty cheapens any romance that develops.
Riddle me this: what character flaw do they have?
... right. Thought so. And that makes them boring.
The side characters were useless. Why were they even there?
I am just annoyed because this entire book was a romance. The plot is a flimsy reason for these characters to meet. Honestly, in the whole book nothing happened but the romance. In the long journey, only a romance was achieved. At the end of the book, we find out that Morgan is indeed the swordbearer. Which we knew from the beginning since they introduced her!! So what excitement is there for the reader? Uhhhhh no plot (since the big plot purpose was figured out from meeting Morgan), not world building (we just see trees and horses). What's left? Oh right. Romance. Whoop-de-doo.
If you think about it, Adhemar and Miach don't even have a method to figure out who is the swordbearer. Did they think they were just going to waltz around the country randomly and find her? Well, I guess they did, and I think that's ridiculously stupid. Honestly, they met her and if they didn't travel with her and she didn't accidentally touch the sword, they would never have known. What kind of idiots are they? Did they even have a solid plan? No wonder their country is going to be invaded if the rulers just up and leave their throne to go on a wild goose chase with no plan. Their meeting was too contrived. Too happenstance for it to have happened.
What more can I say about this book? It was empty of magic. Oh there are shapeshifters and spells, but it's the same old, same old you see in any fantasy book. There are monster. Yep, scary things that you fight. There are... horses? Pretty horses. It's just such an empty world besides Morgan and Miach. And I don't like them nearly enough to like this book.
I was going to give it 2 stars because it was okay, but after writing all of my annoyances out, it's more like a 1.5 stars. But I'll round up to 2 because I'm generous and I did manage to finish without ever angrily tossing the book at my window.
I don't think I would recommend it to any of my friends though. I can't recommend it to people who like fantasy, because I think it's more of a romance novel. I can't recommend it as a romance because the pacing is a little too slow. I can't recommend it for people who like strong female characters, because I don't think she is one (besides her physical strength). I just don't know who I could recommend this to, even though it's really not a horrible book. Maybe nobody.
Note: I do not think I will pick up the second book unless I run out of things to read. I was just not convinced. And running out of things to read? Haha, highly unlikely. show less
Don't be fooled by the description. This book is actually a romance hidden under a flimsy fantasy-book disguise. I was lured in by the promise of adventure and a fantasy plot, but instead I just got endless pages of slow-building romance. Which is not a bad thing, but definitely not what I expected.
I can't say that I like this book though. It hits a lot of the usual notes for a female-lead fantasy book, but it missed the mark for me, overall. I had problems with main characters, the side characters, the romance, the plot... I guess I had a lot of problems with this book.
To start off, Morgan is supposed to absolutely kick-ass what with her amazing sword skills and no-nonsense personality. She takes it like a man and can throw down show more harder than one in a swordfight. But even though she is supposed to be the strong female character (and I love those in my books!), I don't like her. I think the reason is because I haven't seen her "earn" her strength. She just comes into the book already the strongest shieldmaiden that can take down any man and a pretty little backstory of being trained by one of the greatest fighters. But I don't care about that. I haven't seen her sweat tears and blood for that strength so it bores me. It's like a cheap way of making her a strong character. She's a "strong female character" because she's physically strong. That's not strength to me.
Morgan also really annoyed me whenever she spoke. She complains about Adhemar bragging about himself, but her words are so freaking arrogant and casually dismissive. And then she would pry for Miach's secrets with the parting words that she'll figure him out, and then be obstinately closed-mouth about herself, her goals, and her past. Until, of course, y'know, they start falling in love. Then they're open books. Blahh..
Other major problem I have: freaking perfect main characters. Not only are Morgan and Miach powerful and magical and the strongest of all, they are also beautiful. Insta-fall-in-love beautiful. I don't do perfect characters and I don't do beauty without a major flaw. I think having characters moon over someone's beauty cheapens any romance that develops.
Riddle me this: what character flaw do they have?
... right. Thought so. And that makes them boring.
The side characters were useless. Why were they even there?
I am just annoyed because this entire book was a romance. The plot is a flimsy reason for these characters to meet. Honestly, in the whole book nothing happened but the romance. In the long journey, only a romance was achieved. At the end of the book, we find out that Morgan is indeed the swordbearer. Which we knew from the beginning since they introduced her!! So what excitement is there for the reader? Uhhhhh no plot (since the big plot purpose was figured out from meeting Morgan), not world building (we just see trees and horses). What's left? Oh right. Romance. Whoop-de-doo.
If you think about it, Adhemar and Miach don't even have a method to figure out who is the swordbearer. Did they think they were just going to waltz around the country randomly and find her? Well, I guess they did, and I think that's ridiculously stupid. Honestly, they met her and if they didn't travel with her and she didn't accidentally touch the sword, they would never have known. What kind of idiots are they? Did they even have a solid plan? No wonder their country is going to be invaded if the rulers just up and leave their throne to go on a wild goose chase with no plan. Their meeting was too contrived. Too happenstance for it to have happened.
What more can I say about this book? It was empty of magic. Oh there are shapeshifters and spells, but it's the same old, same old you see in any fantasy book. There are monster. Yep, scary things that you fight. There are... horses? Pretty horses. It's just such an empty world besides Morgan and Miach. And I don't like them nearly enough to like this book.
I was going to give it 2 stars because it was okay, but after writing all of my annoyances out, it's more like a 1.5 stars. But I'll round up to 2 because I'm generous and I did manage to finish without ever angrily tossing the book at my window.
I don't think I would recommend it to any of my friends though. I can't recommend it to people who like fantasy, because I think it's more of a romance novel. I can't recommend it as a romance because the pacing is a little too slow. I can't recommend it for people who like strong female characters, because I don't think she is one (besides her physical strength). I just don't know who I could recommend this to, even though it's really not a horrible book. Maybe nobody.
Note: I do not think I will pick up the second book unless I run out of things to read. I was just not convinced. And running out of things to read? Haha, highly unlikely. show less
I can't say that I like this book though. It hits a lot of the usual notes for a female-lead fantasy book, but it missed the mark for me, overall. I had problems with main characters, the side characters, the romance, the plot... I guess I had a lot of problems with this book.
To start off, Morgan is supposed to absolutely kick-ass what with her amazing sword skills and no-nonsense personality. She takes it like a man and can throw down show more harder than one in a swordfight. But even though she is supposed to be the strong female character (and I love those in my books!), I don't like her. I think the reason is because I haven't seen her "earn" her strength. She just comes into the book already the strongest shieldmaiden that can take down any man and a pretty little backstory of being trained by one of the greatest fighters. But I don't care about that. I haven't seen her sweat tears and blood for that strength so it bores me. It's like a cheap way of making her a strong character. She's a "strong female character" because she's physically strong. That's not strength to me.
Morgan also really annoyed me whenever she spoke. She complains about Adhemar bragging about himself, but her words are so freaking arrogant and casually dismissive. And then she would pry for Miach's secrets with the parting words that she'll figure him out, and then be obstinately closed-mouth about herself, her goals, and her past. Until, of course, y'know, they start falling in love. Then they're open books. Blahh..
Other major problem I have: freaking perfect main characters. Not only are Morgan and Miach powerful and magical and the strongest of all, they are also beautiful. Insta-fall-in-love beautiful. I don't do perfect characters and I don't do beauty without a major flaw. I think having characters moon over someone's beauty cheapens any romance that develops.
Riddle me this: what character flaw do they have?
... right. Thought so. And that makes them boring.
The side characters were useless. Why were they even there?
I am just annoyed because this entire book was a romance. The plot is a flimsy reason for these characters to meet. Honestly, in the whole book nothing happened but the romance. In the long journey, only a romance was achieved. At the end of the book, we find out that Morgan is indeed the swordbearer. Which we knew from the beginning since they introduced her!! So what excitement is there for the reader? Uhhhhh no plot (since the big plot purpose was figured out from meeting Morgan), not world building (we just see trees and horses). What's left? Oh right. Romance. Whoop-de-doo.
If you think about it, Adhemar and Miach don't even have a method to figure out who is the swordbearer. Did they think they were just going to waltz around the country randomly and find her? Well, I guess they did, and I think that's ridiculously stupid. Honestly, they met her and if they didn't travel with her and she didn't accidentally touch the sword, they would never have known. What kind of idiots are they? Did they even have a solid plan? No wonder their country is going to be invaded if the rulers just up and leave their throne to go on a wild goose chase with no plan. Their meeting was too contrived. Too happenstance for it to have happened.
What more can I say about this book? It was empty of magic. Oh there are shapeshifters and spells, but it's the same old, same old you see in any fantasy book. There are monster. Yep, scary things that you fight. There are... horses? Pretty horses. It's just such an empty world besides Morgan and Miach. And I don't like them nearly enough to like this book.
I was going to give it 2 stars because it was okay, but after writing all of my annoyances out, it's more like a 1.5 stars. But I'll round up to 2 because I'm generous and I did manage to finish without ever angrily tossing the book at my window.
I don't think I would recommend it to any of my friends though. I can't recommend it to people who like fantasy, because I think it's more of a romance novel. I can't recommend it as a romance because the pacing is a little too slow. I can't recommend it for people who like strong female characters, because I don't think she is one (besides her physical strength). I just don't know who I could recommend this to, even though it's really not a horrible book. Maybe nobody.
Note: I do not think I will pick up the second book unless I run out of things to read. I was just not convinced. And running out of things to read? Haha, highly unlikely. show less
4.5* Only reason I take off a little bit is because it is a tad bit slow at times, and I am not a fan of books where the action doesn't pick up until 95%. But, since this is a very long series, I can let that part slide because I know there is more to their story to come. Overall though, I really liked it. I thought the humor was on point and the characters were very likeable. The humor reminds me of Jane Austen or Julia Quinn. That dry, sarcastic humor that just makes you giggle because it really isn't funny but it is at the same time. The FMC is grumpy and the MMC is sunshine, so I enjoyed that for a change because its always the opposite and I get tired of grumpy guys. The world-building and names for everything is a bit of a show more challenge for me as I am not the biggest fantasy fan ever. I think the words are Scottish? A pronunciation guide would be very beneficial for this series. For the most part though, I am very excited to continue with the series and see where their journey leads. show less
Star of the Morning was such an interesting beginning to a fantasy romance. There is a strong focus of world-building in this story and the romance is a more slow burn and a friends to lovers. We don't really see much of their relationship as they don't meet until the latter half of the story, but we do see a solid friendship that has been formed between them. I am glad that I listened to this as the start of it worked slowly but I am really fascinated to see where this series will go and what we are seeing in the Nine Kingdoms. I did enjoy both characters, I feel like they compliment each other so well and I love how they respond to each other. Very intrigued in seeing their story unfold in future books.
Ok, I have to admit, I am actually a little afraid to review this book. This is, right now, one of my favorite series and Kurland is currently my favorite author. I could list the reasons why I love Kurland's work, but for now, suffice to say, two books a year published reliably? Can't complain about that! :) I have loved authors in the past who have waited so long between new books, I no longer long for new books, I just long for the series to end so I can get it off my "Things I want to Read" list. But Kurland is reliable and the wait, though it may seem endless to wait a year, is still very reasonable and with two series going simultaneously, there are two new books a year. I just like it. 'Nuff said. :)
Now, Star of the Morning is show more part of Kurland's Fantasy Trilogy series - The Nine Kingdoms. It is the first book in the trilogy. This is the story of Morgan, a warrior with a murky past and a very tough cookie. She is capable of beating the fiercest warrior in a sword fight. Clearly, not your typical romance story heroine. It is also the story of Miach, the archmage of Neroche, brother of the king. He is on a quest to save the kingdom from an evil mage named Lothar. In order to do that, he will have to find the one capable of weilding a magical sword. Little does he know, that finding that person will lead him to the love of a lifetime.
Now, since this is the first part of a three book series, there is a lot left hanging at the end of the book. In addition, this is the first book in a new series and so the beginning of the book is a lot of introduction to characters, the world, and concepts of "how this world works". By the end of this book, you have a good grasp of how magic works in this world - what can be done and what can't - so that you aren't surprised when things are done or not done throughout the rest of the series. Though I absolutely love this series, I will admit this was my least favorite book for those two reasons. One it is hard to get into at first because of the long time to develop the world. Two is it leaves you hanging quite a bit at the end. But both are necessary for the story. I struggled until about half way through the book, then flew through the rest and ordered the next book on my Kindle within minutes of finishing this one. It was that good. I couldn't imagine having to wait a year to get to the second book in this series and I am glad I didn't have to.
Although they say that the books can stand on their own, I can't say from personal experience if they do. Personally, I wouldn't want to skip this book even if it is hard to get started. It is necessary for understanding all that comes in the books that follow. it is worth every penny and I strongly recommend the Nine Kingdoms series. :) show less
Now, Star of the Morning is show more part of Kurland's Fantasy Trilogy series - The Nine Kingdoms. It is the first book in the trilogy. This is the story of Morgan, a warrior with a murky past and a very tough cookie. She is capable of beating the fiercest warrior in a sword fight. Clearly, not your typical romance story heroine. It is also the story of Miach, the archmage of Neroche, brother of the king. He is on a quest to save the kingdom from an evil mage named Lothar. In order to do that, he will have to find the one capable of weilding a magical sword. Little does he know, that finding that person will lead him to the love of a lifetime.
Now, since this is the first part of a three book series, there is a lot left hanging at the end of the book. In addition, this is the first book in a new series and so the beginning of the book is a lot of introduction to characters, the world, and concepts of "how this world works". By the end of this book, you have a good grasp of how magic works in this world - what can be done and what can't - so that you aren't surprised when things are done or not done throughout the rest of the series. Though I absolutely love this series, I will admit this was my least favorite book for those two reasons. One it is hard to get into at first because of the long time to develop the world. Two is it leaves you hanging quite a bit at the end. But both are necessary for the story. I struggled until about half way through the book, then flew through the rest and ordered the next book on my Kindle within minutes of finishing this one. It was that good. I couldn't imagine having to wait a year to get to the second book in this series and I am glad I didn't have to.
Although they say that the books can stand on their own, I can't say from personal experience if they do. Personally, I wouldn't want to skip this book even if it is hard to get started. It is necessary for understanding all that comes in the books that follow. it is worth every penny and I strongly recommend the Nine Kingdoms series. :) show less
I picked this up because I read a short story set in this world in an anthology and liked it. It is a fairly solid sword and sorcery romantic fantasy. There’s a mysterious magical menace, closer to home infighting, and misunderstandings galore. Pretty light read but exactly what I’m in the mood for these days.
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Lynn Kurland is a best-selling American writer of historical or time travel romance novels. She is an only child. Her first attempts at writing came she was five years old and living in Hawaii. Stardust of Yesterday was published in 1996, winning two RITA awards. To date, she has published seventeen full-length novels, with her 17th and 18th due show more out in January and April 2010, respectively. Kurland's novels have appeared on the The New York Times Bestseller List, USAToday Bestseller List, The New York Times Extended Bestseller List, the Amazon Top 100, and the Barnes and Noble, Waldenbooks, and B. Dalton Bestsellers lists. She has won three RITA awards and was a finalist for a fourth Kurland is trained as a classical musician. She plays the cello and the piano. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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- Canonical title
- Star of the Morning
- Original publication date
- 2006
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