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Amazon Western #1
Tip of the Spear
Alternate Cover Edition: B009N835VQ
After people polluted the planet beyond recognition, the sky rocks came and reduced the world to rubble. Yet mankind refused to die, and the world was reborn. Welcome to the New West, where the Nature Laws rule.
1. Procreation is necessary, not optional
2. Women are a precious commodity
3. Harm the earth, lose your life
4. If it can eat you, it will
Welcome to the New West, where the Nature Laws dictate who lives and dies by the way they treat the land, carnivorous horses and blood trees are accepted mutations courtesy of the sky rocks, and the Impact Zone separates the earth-friendly territories of the West from a more sophisticated, steam-powered East. Women are rare commodities, living in extended families with more than one husband, and children are a necessity in a world where sterility is often the norm, not the exception. Life is full of challenge, romance and adventure. Something one courageous, wounded Amazon will find out first-hand.
Thais (Tay-iss) lost her mother, her queen, and most of her tribe at the hands of brutal foreigners, all while she enjoyed a respite from duty. But the young Amazon with vengeance in her heart refuses to lose anything else. She’ll bring back the queen’s stolen crown or die trying. Life in the Territories has its perils: the Nature Laws, carnivorous beasts, and treacherous men who survived the Time of Dying. One man in particular, a warrior in his own right, has an odd effect on her senses. She comes to desire him, to trust him, and she doesn’t like it. Men are good for war and breeding, neither of which Thais has time for, not when she’s so close to finding those responsible for the crown’s theft. In the course of her quest, Thais finds much more than atonement for her troubled past, but a pure and lasting love, if only she has the courage to accept it.
After people polluted the planet beyond recognition, the sky rocks came and reduced the world to rubble. Yet mankind refused to die, and the world was reborn. Welcome to the New West, where the Nature Laws rule.
1. Procreation is necessary, not optional
2. Women are a precious commodity
3. Harm the earth, lose your life
4. If it can eat you, it will
Welcome to the New West, where the Nature Laws dictate who lives and dies by the way they treat the land, carnivorous horses and blood trees are accepted mutations courtesy of the sky rocks, and the Impact Zone separates the earth-friendly territories of the West from a more sophisticated, steam-powered East. Women are rare commodities, living in extended families with more than one husband, and children are a necessity in a world where sterility is often the norm, not the exception. Life is full of challenge, romance and adventure. Something one courageous, wounded Amazon will find out first-hand.
Thais (Tay-iss) lost her mother, her queen, and most of her tribe at the hands of brutal foreigners, all while she enjoyed a respite from duty. But the young Amazon with vengeance in her heart refuses to lose anything else. She’ll bring back the queen’s stolen crown or die trying. Life in the Territories has its perils: the Nature Laws, carnivorous beasts, and treacherous men who survived the Time of Dying. One man in particular, a warrior in his own right, has an odd effect on her senses. She comes to desire him, to trust him, and she doesn’t like it. Men are good for war and breeding, neither of which Thais has time for, not when she’s so close to finding those responsible for the crown’s theft. In the course of her quest, Thais finds much more than atonement for her troubled past, but a pure and lasting love, if only she has the courage to accept it.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2012
5 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Marie Harte
199 books2,405 followersImportant:: Marie Harte is NOT active on GoodReads, so to contact her, please use her website at marieharte.com.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 3, 2015
I'm really torn about how I feel about this book. On one hand I really liked the story and the characters. Thais was strong and independent. I loved every one of the Dakota clan and the bad guys were all suitably evil in their own unique ways. I even appreciated the dystopian world building that Harte did. The environment was distorted and appropriately foreign, while still being geographically recognisable.
However, on the other hand, I had a really hard time actually reading the book. I'm not a prude and I like a smouldering sex scene as well as the next reader. Hell, that's why I picked up a book by Harte in the first place. But while I get that this is a predominantly male, post-apocalyptic culture and language may have taken a resultant nose dive, the language in the book is really coarse. What one likes or dislikes is, of course, an individual preference. For me this was not sexy, not sexy at all. It grated on my nerves endlessly that a strong Amazonian woman would allow herself to be spoken to in such a degrading manner, even if she didn't really know any better.
Further, before reading the book, the synopsis' rule number 2 (Women are a precious commodity.) made me think women might have a respected place in this society. That's actually a large part of why I chose to read the book now instead of letting it rest in the TBR list. I was disappointed. They were almost exclusively raped, shared, or whored. Unfortunately rule number 1 (Procreation is necessary, not optional.) might better read, sex is necessary, not optional. Women really didn't have a choice in the matter. Every single one of them felt like a sexual victim.
Now, there was plenty of sex to be had here, but there was plot too. So while I was uncomfortable with Hinto's language and the treatment of women in general there was quite a lot I liked about this book too. Hinto, was pretty darned sexy (pending he kept his mouth shut). He was big, strong, talented, kind, honorable, and falling hard for the girl whose independence he respected (even as his actions sought to hobble her). His internal dialogue as he tried to come to terms with his own complicated feelings for Thais were the best part of the book, followed closely by his interactions with his family. I also liked Beast a lot. You wouldn't expect a 'horse' to have much of a role to play, but he did.
There was a general theme of loyalty and the importance of honour and duty. This is something I always enjoy in a book. Tip of the Spear didn't disappoint in this regard. Those who were honourable took their responsibilities seriously. How could you ever fault someone for that? This extended to the importance of bearing children. I liked that the men were all really excited about the thought of fostering offspring. Sexy daddies...yum.
However, on the other hand, I had a really hard time actually reading the book. I'm not a prude and I like a smouldering sex scene as well as the next reader. Hell, that's why I picked up a book by Harte in the first place. But while I get that this is a predominantly male, post-apocalyptic culture and language may have taken a resultant nose dive, the language in the book is really coarse. What one likes or dislikes is, of course, an individual preference. For me this was not sexy, not sexy at all. It grated on my nerves endlessly that a strong Amazonian woman would allow herself to be spoken to in such a degrading manner, even if she didn't really know any better.
Further, before reading the book, the synopsis' rule number 2 (Women are a precious commodity.) made me think women might have a respected place in this society. That's actually a large part of why I chose to read the book now instead of letting it rest in the TBR list. I was disappointed. They were almost exclusively raped, shared, or whored. Unfortunately rule number 1 (Procreation is necessary, not optional.) might better read, sex is necessary, not optional. Women really didn't have a choice in the matter. Every single one of them felt like a sexual victim.
Now, there was plenty of sex to be had here, but there was plot too. So while I was uncomfortable with Hinto's language and the treatment of women in general there was quite a lot I liked about this book too. Hinto, was pretty darned sexy (pending he kept his mouth shut). He was big, strong, talented, kind, honorable, and falling hard for the girl whose independence he respected (even as his actions sought to hobble her). His internal dialogue as he tried to come to terms with his own complicated feelings for Thais were the best part of the book, followed closely by his interactions with his family. I also liked Beast a lot. You wouldn't expect a 'horse' to have much of a role to play, but he did.
There was a general theme of loyalty and the importance of honour and duty. This is something I always enjoy in a book. Tip of the Spear didn't disappoint in this regard. Those who were honourable took their responsibilities seriously. How could you ever fault someone for that? This extended to the importance of bearing children. I liked that the men were all really excited about the thought of fostering offspring. Sexy daddies...yum.
December 12, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/12/12/...
Publisher: MHP
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: Copy from the author
After people polluted the planet beyond recognition, the sky rocks came and reduced the world to rubble. Yet mankind refused to die, and the world was reborn. Welcome to the New West, where the Nature Laws rule.
1. Procreation is necessary, not optional
2. Women are a precious commodity
3. Harm the earth, lose your life
4. If it can eat you, it will
Welcome to the New West, where the Nature Laws dictate who lives and dies by the way they treat the land, carnivorous horses and blood trees are accepted mutations courtesy of the sky rocks, and the Impact Zone separates the earth-friendly territories of the West from a more sophisticated, steam-powered East. Women are rare commodities, living in extended families with more than one husband, and children are a necessity in a world where sterility is often the norm, not the exception. Life is full of challenge, romance and adventure. Something one courageous, wounded Amazon will find out first-hand.
Thais (Tay-iss) lost her mother, her queen, and most of her tribe at the hands of brutal foreigners, all while she enjoyed a respite from duty. But the young Amazon with vengeance in her heart refuses to lose anything else. She’ll bring back the queen’s stolen crown or die trying. Life in the Territories has its perils: the Nature Laws, carnivorous beasts, and treacherous men who survived the Time of Dying. One man in particular, a warrior in his own right, has an odd effect on her senses. She comes to desire him, to trust him, and she doesn’t like it. Men are good for war and breeding, neither of which Thais has time for, not when she’s so close to finding those responsible for the crown’s theft. In the course of her quest, Thais finds much more than atonement for her troubled past, but a pure and lasting love, if only she has the courage to accept it.
This blurb came from Goodreads.
**Possible trigger warning – violence towards women**
I am a long time Western fan and I also enjoy reading apocalyptic or post apocalyptic romances so when I read the partial blurb included in the review request and it involved words like Amazon Western and new world I had to accept the request. I have read several of Harte’s stories before in a variety of genres so I was very curious to see how this combination would play out. Once again I am glad that following my curiosity led me down a very interesting path.
Harte has created a setting that reminds me of some elements of C.S. Friedman’s Coldfire trilogy world, an alternate history earth, and a touch of Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar. I happen to really enjoy both Friedman and Lackey so those hints were certainly enjoyed. This story takes place in the New West with some mentions of South America, back East, and countries beyond the ocean. The west is very nature-centric with strict rules regarding what technology, occupations, and lifestyles are acceptable. At least within registered towns that are administered by the United Territorial Offices. The Territorials are supposed to enforce the Nature Laws listed in the blurb above along with good order and discipline. Hinto is a bounty hunter trying to earn enough gold to pay for a trip back east so his ailing father has the possibility of finding a cure. He rides a carnivorous horse and has a few special qualities of his own that would make him a target of the Territorials if word ever got out. He is also a rather blunt man who does not hide from his desires but at the same time would never force himself on a woman because he respects them and their wishes. He first encountered Thais when she had a run-in with the targets of his latest hunt leaving him one person short on the overall bounty. They end up meeting again back in town so Hinto starts hitting on Thais thinking that she is familiar with the laws of the land and therefore agreeing to spend time with him in the local brothel. Thais is looking for someone and not for a sexual encounter. She thinks that the brothel madam will have some information so she agrees to head to the brothel with Hinto. I about died laughing with Hinto’s bewilderment and disappointment when Thais heads back to the madam leaving Hinto to do as he will, without her. The next morning their adventure really began.
Hinto was a lot of fun to get to know. He tended to be the strong silent Alpha type who struggled to understand Thais and her frame of reference. He is physically attracted to her but demonstrates over and over again that she can trust him regardless of the situation. I thought he hunted her quite effectively while tying himself up in the same snare. One of the things I loved about Hinto is that he was confident enough to trust Thais to handle what she said she could instead of rushing to protect the “little woman.” He also remained loyal to his friends and family doing what he could to improve their circumstances without compromising his moral standards. Hinto wasn’t perfect but his character grew as the story continued which just added to my enjoyment.
Thais was also entertaining. Early in her adventure with Hinto I was slightly worried that combination of her perpetual innocence and naivety was going to get on my nerves. Thankfully as Harte unfolded Thais’ back-story I understood how she just did not have a “western” frame of reference when it came to innuendoes or sexual knowledge beyond the extremely basic. Watching her discover that not all men were evil, greedy, and untrustworthy along with the enjoyment that can come with a man and a woman was very refreshing. She had very definite views but was also willing to learn about the New West. Even before Hinto gained her trust, she was willing to work with him and not strike off on her own avoiding the TSTL syndrome. Thais also did some serious emotional growth and recovery from the events of her past so she could enjoy her future.
Watching Hinto and Thais interact gave me several laughs as well as some touching moments. They both slowly came to trust each other and to shift from reluctant co-workers to friends/lovers to more. It took time for that relationship to develop which I loved because I was able to get to know them both individually and as a partnership, which added to the depth of the story. The trust between them was absolutely critical as they dealt with the combination of villains that Harte provided. I really liked that the evilness was spread through more than one person instead of being concentrated in a single individual because that kept the story complex. Speaking of complexity, I also enjoyed how things were resolved, at least the immediate issues for this story because I did not feel cheated with too easy a solution.
Harte has created a very interesting world with some complex rules. A few things seemed contradictory for example mining is a violation of the Nature Laws punishable by death yet the currency of choice is gold. I am still curious about all of the changes caused by the sky rocks and their impact on humans and earth. I am also interested in why some technology just disintegrates in the New West and not others. Hopefully Harte will continue to provide details about this world as the series continues. Even with my quibbles about things that seemed to not quite fit I enjoyed reading Tip of the Spear and I look forward to reading the next one.
I give Tip of the Spear a B.
Links to purchase
Kindle (Will be available on other platforms in a few months)
Publisher: MHP
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: Copy from the author
After people polluted the planet beyond recognition, the sky rocks came and reduced the world to rubble. Yet mankind refused to die, and the world was reborn. Welcome to the New West, where the Nature Laws rule.
1. Procreation is necessary, not optional
2. Women are a precious commodity
3. Harm the earth, lose your life
4. If it can eat you, it will
Welcome to the New West, where the Nature Laws dictate who lives and dies by the way they treat the land, carnivorous horses and blood trees are accepted mutations courtesy of the sky rocks, and the Impact Zone separates the earth-friendly territories of the West from a more sophisticated, steam-powered East. Women are rare commodities, living in extended families with more than one husband, and children are a necessity in a world where sterility is often the norm, not the exception. Life is full of challenge, romance and adventure. Something one courageous, wounded Amazon will find out first-hand.
Thais (Tay-iss) lost her mother, her queen, and most of her tribe at the hands of brutal foreigners, all while she enjoyed a respite from duty. But the young Amazon with vengeance in her heart refuses to lose anything else. She’ll bring back the queen’s stolen crown or die trying. Life in the Territories has its perils: the Nature Laws, carnivorous beasts, and treacherous men who survived the Time of Dying. One man in particular, a warrior in his own right, has an odd effect on her senses. She comes to desire him, to trust him, and she doesn’t like it. Men are good for war and breeding, neither of which Thais has time for, not when she’s so close to finding those responsible for the crown’s theft. In the course of her quest, Thais finds much more than atonement for her troubled past, but a pure and lasting love, if only she has the courage to accept it.
This blurb came from Goodreads.
**Possible trigger warning – violence towards women**
I am a long time Western fan and I also enjoy reading apocalyptic or post apocalyptic romances so when I read the partial blurb included in the review request and it involved words like Amazon Western and new world I had to accept the request. I have read several of Harte’s stories before in a variety of genres so I was very curious to see how this combination would play out. Once again I am glad that following my curiosity led me down a very interesting path.
Harte has created a setting that reminds me of some elements of C.S. Friedman’s Coldfire trilogy world, an alternate history earth, and a touch of Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar. I happen to really enjoy both Friedman and Lackey so those hints were certainly enjoyed. This story takes place in the New West with some mentions of South America, back East, and countries beyond the ocean. The west is very nature-centric with strict rules regarding what technology, occupations, and lifestyles are acceptable. At least within registered towns that are administered by the United Territorial Offices. The Territorials are supposed to enforce the Nature Laws listed in the blurb above along with good order and discipline. Hinto is a bounty hunter trying to earn enough gold to pay for a trip back east so his ailing father has the possibility of finding a cure. He rides a carnivorous horse and has a few special qualities of his own that would make him a target of the Territorials if word ever got out. He is also a rather blunt man who does not hide from his desires but at the same time would never force himself on a woman because he respects them and their wishes. He first encountered Thais when she had a run-in with the targets of his latest hunt leaving him one person short on the overall bounty. They end up meeting again back in town so Hinto starts hitting on Thais thinking that she is familiar with the laws of the land and therefore agreeing to spend time with him in the local brothel. Thais is looking for someone and not for a sexual encounter. She thinks that the brothel madam will have some information so she agrees to head to the brothel with Hinto. I about died laughing with Hinto’s bewilderment and disappointment when Thais heads back to the madam leaving Hinto to do as he will, without her. The next morning their adventure really began.
Hinto was a lot of fun to get to know. He tended to be the strong silent Alpha type who struggled to understand Thais and her frame of reference. He is physically attracted to her but demonstrates over and over again that she can trust him regardless of the situation. I thought he hunted her quite effectively while tying himself up in the same snare. One of the things I loved about Hinto is that he was confident enough to trust Thais to handle what she said she could instead of rushing to protect the “little woman.” He also remained loyal to his friends and family doing what he could to improve their circumstances without compromising his moral standards. Hinto wasn’t perfect but his character grew as the story continued which just added to my enjoyment.
Thais was also entertaining. Early in her adventure with Hinto I was slightly worried that combination of her perpetual innocence and naivety was going to get on my nerves. Thankfully as Harte unfolded Thais’ back-story I understood how she just did not have a “western” frame of reference when it came to innuendoes or sexual knowledge beyond the extremely basic. Watching her discover that not all men were evil, greedy, and untrustworthy along with the enjoyment that can come with a man and a woman was very refreshing. She had very definite views but was also willing to learn about the New West. Even before Hinto gained her trust, she was willing to work with him and not strike off on her own avoiding the TSTL syndrome. Thais also did some serious emotional growth and recovery from the events of her past so she could enjoy her future.
Watching Hinto and Thais interact gave me several laughs as well as some touching moments. They both slowly came to trust each other and to shift from reluctant co-workers to friends/lovers to more. It took time for that relationship to develop which I loved because I was able to get to know them both individually and as a partnership, which added to the depth of the story. The trust between them was absolutely critical as they dealt with the combination of villains that Harte provided. I really liked that the evilness was spread through more than one person instead of being concentrated in a single individual because that kept the story complex. Speaking of complexity, I also enjoyed how things were resolved, at least the immediate issues for this story because I did not feel cheated with too easy a solution.
Harte has created a very interesting world with some complex rules. A few things seemed contradictory for example mining is a violation of the Nature Laws punishable by death yet the currency of choice is gold. I am still curious about all of the changes caused by the sky rocks and their impact on humans and earth. I am also interested in why some technology just disintegrates in the New West and not others. Hopefully Harte will continue to provide details about this world as the series continues. Even with my quibbles about things that seemed to not quite fit I enjoyed reading Tip of the Spear and I look forward to reading the next one.
I give Tip of the Spear a B.
Links to purchase
Kindle (Will be available on other platforms in a few months)
October 17, 2012
I have many reasons for why I choose to read a book and this time it was sheer curiosity. Hello? Amazon Western? It was quirky enough to be vastly appealing and it certainly was. This one does not fit a certain niche and can look a little too far out to be any good, but I assure you taking a chance on this one is more than worth it if you like tough, but yet tender heroines and heroes making the back drop and world building almost secondary.
What's it all about then? Well um- a historic western set in an apocalyptic future with the legendary Amazon race thrown in for good measure? Surprisingly, it really worked so stick with me on this one.
Hinto Dakota is a reluctant bounty hunter with a big secret as he seeks to get together enough funds to get his dad the medical attention he needs. Hinto is a hard tough man, but the moment he meets Thais, he is attracted in a way that disturbs him.
Thais is a legendary Amazon warrior who has left her homeland to seek out the treasure that was stolen and to exact revenge on those who pillaged, raped and murdered their way through her village. She single-mindedly entered the rough and wild Western Territories to the north accompanied by her three friends on the mission. They separate with Thais going north to hunt down clues where she meets up with the dark man, Hinto Dakota, who she reluctantly takes as partner to perform a task in exchange for the info she needs.
And so the adventure for Thais the Amazon and Hinto begins. They ride into danger together learning first to trust and then to love all the while Hinto batters down all her beliefs about men. Much of the time they both struggle to resist what is growing between them particularly because they know that Thais will leave when she gets what she came for.
The world-building is well written in that it is not an information dump. The plot always takes precedence over the details which are given as you go. After earth's natural resources are mishandled and a giant meteor shower hits, things are vastly different and the survivors are left to make up a new way of life because some how the space rocks have made it so technology will not work and earth returns to a hunter-gatherer society like the rugged frontier of the Old West. But that was not all, somehow the space rock had an effect on the land, the wild life and some of the people. Hinto's 'horse' is a new breed of meat-eating monster horse with almost human-like intelligence, woman are vastly outnumbered by men and infertility is rampant, and even Hinto himself is affected by a 'gift' that would get him killed if the newly-emerging government discovers this about him because all deviancies are being squelched.
The plot is one of my favorite western plots- good guys seeking justice against incredible odds. But this one also isn't quite that straight-forward. There is the overall mission that Thais is on, but along the way there are a few different sub-plots. In the end, certain things are resolved, but there are a few threads left dangling for the next book in the series. I was impressed with the pace and the excitement. The romantic side of the plot was very passionate and it was also a slow developing one that took them from reluctant partners, to cautious, to trusting to true friendship and love. The pacing varies from fast-paced excitement like when they escape from the evil cattle baron's ranch to the sweet moments like when Thais gets to meet Hinto's family (some might consider this a dragging moment, but I love 'meet the family' stuff so it worked for me).
The characters-most especially the protagonists- are great. The story is told from both their perspectives as well as from that of one other. Hinto and Thais were so good for each other and some of their misunderstandings and frustrations were funny. Toward the middle of the last half of the book, I was ready to smack them both though because it just got irritated when they kept pulling away from each other because I wanted them together and happy so badly. I understand that they were just preparing for the eventual separation and trying to protect their heart.
So all together, I had a good time reading this one and look forward to the next installment in the series when it switches to one of the other Amazons who came north with Thais. I've only read one apocalyptic-futuristic romance before, but I think I can really get into that genre if they're as good as this one.
Hmm, now who to recommend this too- hehe! This would appeal to those who can enjoy an futuristic twist to their Western romances.
What's it all about then? Well um- a historic western set in an apocalyptic future with the legendary Amazon race thrown in for good measure? Surprisingly, it really worked so stick with me on this one.
Hinto Dakota is a reluctant bounty hunter with a big secret as he seeks to get together enough funds to get his dad the medical attention he needs. Hinto is a hard tough man, but the moment he meets Thais, he is attracted in a way that disturbs him.
Thais is a legendary Amazon warrior who has left her homeland to seek out the treasure that was stolen and to exact revenge on those who pillaged, raped and murdered their way through her village. She single-mindedly entered the rough and wild Western Territories to the north accompanied by her three friends on the mission. They separate with Thais going north to hunt down clues where she meets up with the dark man, Hinto Dakota, who she reluctantly takes as partner to perform a task in exchange for the info she needs.
And so the adventure for Thais the Amazon and Hinto begins. They ride into danger together learning first to trust and then to love all the while Hinto batters down all her beliefs about men. Much of the time they both struggle to resist what is growing between them particularly because they know that Thais will leave when she gets what she came for.
The world-building is well written in that it is not an information dump. The plot always takes precedence over the details which are given as you go. After earth's natural resources are mishandled and a giant meteor shower hits, things are vastly different and the survivors are left to make up a new way of life because some how the space rocks have made it so technology will not work and earth returns to a hunter-gatherer society like the rugged frontier of the Old West. But that was not all, somehow the space rock had an effect on the land, the wild life and some of the people. Hinto's 'horse' is a new breed of meat-eating monster horse with almost human-like intelligence, woman are vastly outnumbered by men and infertility is rampant, and even Hinto himself is affected by a 'gift' that would get him killed if the newly-emerging government discovers this about him because all deviancies are being squelched.
The plot is one of my favorite western plots- good guys seeking justice against incredible odds. But this one also isn't quite that straight-forward. There is the overall mission that Thais is on, but along the way there are a few different sub-plots. In the end, certain things are resolved, but there are a few threads left dangling for the next book in the series. I was impressed with the pace and the excitement. The romantic side of the plot was very passionate and it was also a slow developing one that took them from reluctant partners, to cautious, to trusting to true friendship and love. The pacing varies from fast-paced excitement like when they escape from the evil cattle baron's ranch to the sweet moments like when Thais gets to meet Hinto's family (some might consider this a dragging moment, but I love 'meet the family' stuff so it worked for me).
The characters-most especially the protagonists- are great. The story is told from both their perspectives as well as from that of one other. Hinto and Thais were so good for each other and some of their misunderstandings and frustrations were funny. Toward the middle of the last half of the book, I was ready to smack them both though because it just got irritated when they kept pulling away from each other because I wanted them together and happy so badly. I understand that they were just preparing for the eventual separation and trying to protect their heart.
So all together, I had a good time reading this one and look forward to the next installment in the series when it switches to one of the other Amazons who came north with Thais. I've only read one apocalyptic-futuristic romance before, but I think I can really get into that genre if they're as good as this one.
Hmm, now who to recommend this too- hehe! This would appeal to those who can enjoy an futuristic twist to their Western romances.
July 12, 2013
Did anyone else notice the irony of all the characters thinking the guy that liked to have pain inflicted upon him sexually was the crazy, disgusting guy...really all the raping, killing enjoying hurting women in this world and the weirdo is the guy who liked pain?????? What's up with that. Granted the guy was not nice and a killer but what he liked sexually was frowned upon by everyone, even more creepy awful characters???? I didn't get it. It bothered me to see that much bias toward the M part of S&M.
Interesting story line and world. The sex was okay. Loved the kick ass heroine. Will probably read the next book in this series and am hoping that we see what has happened to Thais and Hinto.
Interesting story line and world. The sex was okay. Loved the kick ass heroine. Will probably read the next book in this series and am hoping that we see what has happened to Thais and Hinto.
January 3, 2013
That was a fantastic read.
Wow :-) can't wait for the next in the series.
The tension between the 2 main characters was electric.
The story was a new one. And a great twist. An amazon needing a tracker, to help her locate a missing crown.
The violence was eye opening, but I felt it was necessary. But it was over the top, the author did a great job.
The additional characters all added something to the book.
Hoping the brothers get a story, as well as the travelling amazons.
I TOTALLY recommend this book.
Wow :-) can't wait for the next in the series.
The tension between the 2 main characters was electric.
The story was a new one. And a great twist. An amazon needing a tracker, to help her locate a missing crown.
The violence was eye opening, but I felt it was necessary. But it was over the top, the author did a great job.
The additional characters all added something to the book.
Hoping the brothers get a story, as well as the travelling amazons.
I TOTALLY recommend this book.
January 5, 2013
Very intense story with interesting twists and turns. The main characters fall madly in love.
There are some serious bad guys, who (thank goodness) loose a good fight. You will thoroughly enjoy reading this, Marie did a great job x
There are some serious bad guys, who (thank goodness) loose a good fight. You will thoroughly enjoy reading this, Marie did a great job x
February 13, 2024
I am not sure why but I just couldn't get in to it and gave up after a few pages but it could have been that I was not sure what I wanted to read. I will try again another time and see if that changes.
November 1, 2012
5 Blue Ribbon Review courtesy of Romance Junkies. Full review also available at my blog, TBR Mountain Range. One of the most unique plots that I've read this year, this post-apocalyptic creation is a rare find. Exceptionally layered with clever world-building, a New West is born after a cataclysmic event that almost destroys the world. Can a female Amazon warrior get the revenge she craves, or will meeting a handsome bounty hunter in the western territories land her more than enough to handle?
The story begins in the year 1156 NB, which stands for New Beginning. After a devastating storm that almost destroyed the earth, some of the people who are left have a whole new appreciation of the world around them, some have also inherited special talents, and others are filled with enough meanness to qualify them as wild westerners. The highest law of the territories is to respect the land, but respecting each other? That could be a whole other matter.
Hinto Dakota is a bounty hunter by trade, but not just to earn a living. His father is very ill and needs the medical expertise located back east, which will be costly. Although he'd much rather be back at his family's ranch, his ability to raise gold much quicker as a bounty hunter keeps him dealing with lowlifes who break the law.
Thais is an Amazon woman generally naïve of the ways of men, except for witnessing their evil when her tribe is annihilated by a group from the western territories. Her all-woman tribe had trained her physically to protect, so as a warrior she is better than most men. Her tribe also taught her that men are only used to procreate to increase the tribe numbers, but any other contact with men was prohibited. That leaves Thais at a disadvantage compared to most in this new world.
Thais left the jungle and came to the territories to find the man who orchestrated the killing of her mother, her friends and her queen. There were others who came with her, but they've separated in order to cover more distance faster. Striking a deal with a madam of a whorehouse, Thais must kill the madam's enemy to get the information she needs. It seems a small price to pay, until she realizes that the madam expects her to take Hinto Dakota with her. Having run into the bounty hunter before in this small town, Thais doesn't welcome the way he makes her feel. Hinto awakens a curiosity in men that Thais has never experienced.
Hinto and Thais are quite a pair, both with their own set of beliefs, but they can't seem to avoid their attraction to one another. Physically, it's evident why they'd find each other attractive, but there's something more to their burgeoning relationship than just sex appeal. Will Hinto ever gain Thais's confidence? Can Thais trust a man after all that she's seen?
The New West is a definite adventure in the New Beginning. It's a cruel place with fewer women than men, so don't expect a nice little homey place. As always, when a new world is created out of necessity, the atrocities are sometimes overwhelming, but that makes the good guys look even better. Author Marie Harte keeps the war between good and evil so realistic that I couldn't help but shed a few tears for the losses before the gain.
Erotic romance at its finest, TIP OF THE SPEAR is creative and addictive. Marie Harte's unique storytelling skills captivate, ensuring that you'll anticipate the next book, while disappointed to let the current protagonists go. With carnivorous horses exhibiting intelligence beyond a normal horse, plants and trees that come alive with a taste for human blood, sexy men just waiting for the right woman, plus some men and women too evil to consider ‒ you're never quite sure what Ms. Harte will come up with next. TIP OF THE SPEAR is completely entertaining, and in true series-romance style, Ms. Harte made me over-the-top anxious for book two, BITE OF THE BLADE, due out in 2013. If you like your romance reading erotically charged amongst a clever world, within a story that's completely intriguing, then you'll love TIP OF THE SPEAR.
The story begins in the year 1156 NB, which stands for New Beginning. After a devastating storm that almost destroyed the earth, some of the people who are left have a whole new appreciation of the world around them, some have also inherited special talents, and others are filled with enough meanness to qualify them as wild westerners. The highest law of the territories is to respect the land, but respecting each other? That could be a whole other matter.
Hinto Dakota is a bounty hunter by trade, but not just to earn a living. His father is very ill and needs the medical expertise located back east, which will be costly. Although he'd much rather be back at his family's ranch, his ability to raise gold much quicker as a bounty hunter keeps him dealing with lowlifes who break the law.
Thais is an Amazon woman generally naïve of the ways of men, except for witnessing their evil when her tribe is annihilated by a group from the western territories. Her all-woman tribe had trained her physically to protect, so as a warrior she is better than most men. Her tribe also taught her that men are only used to procreate to increase the tribe numbers, but any other contact with men was prohibited. That leaves Thais at a disadvantage compared to most in this new world.
Thais left the jungle and came to the territories to find the man who orchestrated the killing of her mother, her friends and her queen. There were others who came with her, but they've separated in order to cover more distance faster. Striking a deal with a madam of a whorehouse, Thais must kill the madam's enemy to get the information she needs. It seems a small price to pay, until she realizes that the madam expects her to take Hinto Dakota with her. Having run into the bounty hunter before in this small town, Thais doesn't welcome the way he makes her feel. Hinto awakens a curiosity in men that Thais has never experienced.
Hinto and Thais are quite a pair, both with their own set of beliefs, but they can't seem to avoid their attraction to one another. Physically, it's evident why they'd find each other attractive, but there's something more to their burgeoning relationship than just sex appeal. Will Hinto ever gain Thais's confidence? Can Thais trust a man after all that she's seen?
The New West is a definite adventure in the New Beginning. It's a cruel place with fewer women than men, so don't expect a nice little homey place. As always, when a new world is created out of necessity, the atrocities are sometimes overwhelming, but that makes the good guys look even better. Author Marie Harte keeps the war between good and evil so realistic that I couldn't help but shed a few tears for the losses before the gain.
Erotic romance at its finest, TIP OF THE SPEAR is creative and addictive. Marie Harte's unique storytelling skills captivate, ensuring that you'll anticipate the next book, while disappointed to let the current protagonists go. With carnivorous horses exhibiting intelligence beyond a normal horse, plants and trees that come alive with a taste for human blood, sexy men just waiting for the right woman, plus some men and women too evil to consider ‒ you're never quite sure what Ms. Harte will come up with next. TIP OF THE SPEAR is completely entertaining, and in true series-romance style, Ms. Harte made me over-the-top anxious for book two, BITE OF THE BLADE, due out in 2013. If you like your romance reading erotically charged amongst a clever world, within a story that's completely intriguing, then you'll love TIP OF THE SPEAR.
July 3, 2021
Amazons
She and her sister comes from the Amazon to fight in justice in a time of trouble. A finds a man who will protect her and love her.
She and her sister comes from the Amazon to fight in justice in a time of trouble. A finds a man who will protect her and love her.
October 16, 2012
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. You may read the entire post on my blog at http://queenofthenightreviews.blogspo...
A smoking hot post apocalyptic romance, Tip of the Spear by Marie Harte, is the first book in her amazon Western series. With dynamic primary characters, scintillating dialogue, and plenty of action, Ms. Harte grabbed my attention from the first page and never let it go. The world building was well developed and blended well into the story, it never detracted from what was taking place between the characters. Tossing in some interesting other worldly creatures and some intriguing abilities, Ms. Harte has created a world unlike anything I've ever read before.
Thais, an Amazon Guardian, is on a mission of retrieval and vengeance. Tasked with locating the Amazon Queen's stolen crown and executing judgment on the man who stole it, she leaves the jungle world she knows to travel through what is left of the world as we know it. A warrior trained in self defense and war skills, she knows nothing of the new world she finds herself in and has no respect for most of it's inhabitants. Especially the men she encounters. Agreeing to help another woman get justice in exchange for information on the man she's tracking, Thais suddenly finds herself saddled with a male tracker, who's more than what he first appears. She just never planned on falling in love with him or on her sudden awakening to sexual pleasure.
Hinto Dakota is a man with a mission, determined to earn enough gold from his bounty hunting to pay for his father's medical care, he finds himself agreeing to help an alluring woman locate a personal bounty. Riding "Beast", his dependable vore (horse-like creature), he's attracted to Thais, who he's sure is a virgin. With secrets of his own, Hinto is more than just a competent tracker, he never planned on falling in love, especially to a woman whose fighting talents are almost as good as his own.
The scenes between Thais and Hinto are fun, hot and full of give and take. While Thais is completely a sexual novice, Hinto has more than enough experience for them both. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts and you just know when Thais finally surrenders to her desire, things between them will be hotter than a firecracker on the 4th of July. As they get to know each other longer, a trust between them develops which turns from friendship into love. I really liked how Ms. Harte developed their romance and the sexual relationship.
Will Thais be able to get the justice she desires? And when will Thais and Hinto discover they are meant to be together for a bigger reason than both of them can realize? You'll have to read Tip of the Spear to find out. I can't wait to see where Ms. Harte takes us next in this new world she's created.
A smoking hot post apocalyptic romance, Tip of the Spear by Marie Harte, is the first book in her amazon Western series. With dynamic primary characters, scintillating dialogue, and plenty of action, Ms. Harte grabbed my attention from the first page and never let it go. The world building was well developed and blended well into the story, it never detracted from what was taking place between the characters. Tossing in some interesting other worldly creatures and some intriguing abilities, Ms. Harte has created a world unlike anything I've ever read before.
Thais, an Amazon Guardian, is on a mission of retrieval and vengeance. Tasked with locating the Amazon Queen's stolen crown and executing judgment on the man who stole it, she leaves the jungle world she knows to travel through what is left of the world as we know it. A warrior trained in self defense and war skills, she knows nothing of the new world she finds herself in and has no respect for most of it's inhabitants. Especially the men she encounters. Agreeing to help another woman get justice in exchange for information on the man she's tracking, Thais suddenly finds herself saddled with a male tracker, who's more than what he first appears. She just never planned on falling in love with him or on her sudden awakening to sexual pleasure.
Hinto Dakota is a man with a mission, determined to earn enough gold from his bounty hunting to pay for his father's medical care, he finds himself agreeing to help an alluring woman locate a personal bounty. Riding "Beast", his dependable vore (horse-like creature), he's attracted to Thais, who he's sure is a virgin. With secrets of his own, Hinto is more than just a competent tracker, he never planned on falling in love, especially to a woman whose fighting talents are almost as good as his own.
The scenes between Thais and Hinto are fun, hot and full of give and take. While Thais is completely a sexual novice, Hinto has more than enough experience for them both. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts and you just know when Thais finally surrenders to her desire, things between them will be hotter than a firecracker on the 4th of July. As they get to know each other longer, a trust between them develops which turns from friendship into love. I really liked how Ms. Harte developed their romance and the sexual relationship.
Will Thais be able to get the justice she desires? And when will Thais and Hinto discover they are meant to be together for a bigger reason than both of them can realize? You'll have to read Tip of the Spear to find out. I can't wait to see where Ms. Harte takes us next in this new world she's created.
November 11, 2012
Originally reviewed for The Book Vixen
Excellent post-apocalyptic world building with an erotic romance.
Blog readers know I have a twisted obsession with post-apocalyptic stories and this one is a great example. Relics of the world we know are interspersed with fascinating additions. For instance, Hinto rides a “vore” which is a carnivorous horse with blood red eyes and human-like intelligence. Additionally, the world developed here is controlled by Nature Laws and enforced by an omniscient UTO. This world is a twisted western and I found it fascinating. It’s not so different to be inaccessible but different enough to keep me reading. I’m so pleased this will be a series since I can’t wait to read Thais’ sisters’ stories, as well as Hinto’s brothers’.
I also liked Hinto and Thais’ romance. They connect sexually early and often so fans of well written MF erotic will do well to read this story. But I also liked that the sex wasn’t the point of the story. Hinto and Thais learn from each other and grow to appreciate, trust and respect each other. I like this combination and think other readers will too. The romance is well integrated into the plot of Thais finding the Amazonian traitor and trying to get her Queen’s crown back. Hinto is a good sidekick without diluting Thais’ warrior strength.
This is an extremely violent world and that violence is often sexual. Women are raped and tortured and male perpetrators are summarily punished for this in force-meets-force retribution. This makes for a bloody and raw story so squeamish fans may have difficulty reading this novel.
This book sets up a great world that I look forward to revisiting.
Excellent post-apocalyptic world building with an erotic romance.
Blog readers know I have a twisted obsession with post-apocalyptic stories and this one is a great example. Relics of the world we know are interspersed with fascinating additions. For instance, Hinto rides a “vore” which is a carnivorous horse with blood red eyes and human-like intelligence. Additionally, the world developed here is controlled by Nature Laws and enforced by an omniscient UTO. This world is a twisted western and I found it fascinating. It’s not so different to be inaccessible but different enough to keep me reading. I’m so pleased this will be a series since I can’t wait to read Thais’ sisters’ stories, as well as Hinto’s brothers’.
I also liked Hinto and Thais’ romance. They connect sexually early and often so fans of well written MF erotic will do well to read this story. But I also liked that the sex wasn’t the point of the story. Hinto and Thais learn from each other and grow to appreciate, trust and respect each other. I like this combination and think other readers will too. The romance is well integrated into the plot of Thais finding the Amazonian traitor and trying to get her Queen’s crown back. Hinto is a good sidekick without diluting Thais’ warrior strength.
This is an extremely violent world and that violence is often sexual. Women are raped and tortured and male perpetrators are summarily punished for this in force-meets-force retribution. This makes for a bloody and raw story so squeamish fans may have difficulty reading this novel.
This book sets up a great world that I look forward to revisiting.
December 27, 2012
This is a post apocalyptic romance
Tip of the Spear by Marie Harte, this is the first book in her Amazon Western series.
This is so intriguing it got me hooked --- Amazon Warrior meet Western bounty hunter
I have enjoyed others books by this author and this one did not disappoint.
With dynamic strong characters, that engages you right from the start, scintillating dialogue, and plenty of action that keeps the pages flying, this story grabbed me and didn't let go.
I feel that the world building was well developed and blended well into the story, it is so different but it works.
I like how Thais and Hinto relationship developed over the course of the book and toss in some interesting other worldly creatures like a vorse and some intriguing abilities, and we have a story that is unique.
Even though Thais' back-story is slowly revealed , I wanted to learn more. And I look forward to reading about her sisters and maybe Hinto brothers, especially Wolf.
I got this free from Amazon. Well worth getting and I am eargerly waiting for the next one in 2013.
Tip of the Spear by Marie Harte, this is the first book in her Amazon Western series.
This is so intriguing it got me hooked --- Amazon Warrior meet Western bounty hunter
I have enjoyed others books by this author and this one did not disappoint.
With dynamic strong characters, that engages you right from the start, scintillating dialogue, and plenty of action that keeps the pages flying, this story grabbed me and didn't let go.
I feel that the world building was well developed and blended well into the story, it is so different but it works.
I like how Thais and Hinto relationship developed over the course of the book and toss in some interesting other worldly creatures like a vorse and some intriguing abilities, and we have a story that is unique.
Even though Thais' back-story is slowly revealed , I wanted to learn more. And I look forward to reading about her sisters and maybe Hinto brothers, especially Wolf.
I got this free from Amazon. Well worth getting and I am eargerly waiting for the next one in 2013.
December 29, 2012
What an amazing book created yet again by the wonderful Marie Harte yet another book I didn't want to put down.
This tells of a future where electricity and harm to the environment no longer exists, Marie's take on the future is highly detailed and you find yourself drawn in so quickly and enchanted by both Hinto and Thais and their stories. I felt so much for Thais and loved the build up with her and Hinto.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great love story mixed with some very steamy scenes and making me impatient for the 2nd book you get a taster for at the end of this book.
I can only thank Marie for having this book free on Christmas Day I was very lucky to pick this up
This tells of a future where electricity and harm to the environment no longer exists, Marie's take on the future is highly detailed and you find yourself drawn in so quickly and enchanted by both Hinto and Thais and their stories. I felt so much for Thais and loved the build up with her and Hinto.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great love story mixed with some very steamy scenes and making me impatient for the 2nd book you get a taster for at the end of this book.
I can only thank Marie for having this book free on Christmas Day I was very lucky to pick this up
January 11, 2013
I picked this up on a free offer, because of the cross genres of Western and Apocalypse. Sounded interesting.
Was I ever right. Loved the book, and can hardly wait until the next one in the series. Well written, easy to read, and fast paced, with enjoyable characters and action.
My only complaint would be I would have preferred a little less graphic sex in the story. At times, I found myself scanning the pages during the sex scenes, much like I used to do in the later books in John Norman's Gor series, before I gave up on that series because I found myself skimming through the majority of the books.
Was I ever right. Loved the book, and can hardly wait until the next one in the series. Well written, easy to read, and fast paced, with enjoyable characters and action.
My only complaint would be I would have preferred a little less graphic sex in the story. At times, I found myself scanning the pages during the sex scenes, much like I used to do in the later books in John Norman's Gor series, before I gave up on that series because I found myself skimming through the majority of the books.
November 4, 2012
A powerful love story set in a dangerous post-apocalytic world much like the Old West, but with carniverous horses, sky-rocks, and blood-drinking trees.
I loved the sheer imagination of Marie Harte's world, and I thought she did an amazing job developing her characters. The hero and heroine, Hino and Thais, start out with goals that, if reached, would make a "Happy Ever After" impossible for them, but because this is romnce, you know it's going to happen, somehow. This kind of plotting takes talent. Marie Harte's got it, and I'll be reading more from her for sure.
I loved the sheer imagination of Marie Harte's world, and I thought she did an amazing job developing her characters. The hero and heroine, Hino and Thais, start out with goals that, if reached, would make a "Happy Ever After" impossible for them, but because this is romnce, you know it's going to happen, somehow. This kind of plotting takes talent. Marie Harte's got it, and I'll be reading more from her for sure.
January 23, 2013
This story had great world building. Hinto and Thais were both strong but vulnerable characters. Thais is looking for the man that decimated her tribe so that she could kill him. On her journey she meets Hinto. He is a bounty hunter looking for a way to save his father. They team up because they are stronger together than on their own.
Read
February 25, 2024DROPPED.
This was okay, but I was looking forward to a more intriguing plot. There was barely anything dystopian or post-apocalyptic about this except for the setting. The MCs were pretty much insta-lust with each other with a protective and love-sick male lead, while the heroine was a fierce, Amazon virgin. As much as I was attracted to this book by the blurb, it offered nothing that I was anticipating.
This was okay, but I was looking forward to a more intriguing plot. There was barely anything dystopian or post-apocalyptic about this except for the setting. The MCs were pretty much insta-lust with each other with a protective and love-sick male lead, while the heroine was a fierce, Amazon virgin. As much as I was attracted to this book by the blurb, it offered nothing that I was anticipating.
July 19, 2024
I was very entertained reading this story. Thais is no-holds barred, determined to find the man and the Clan traitor and put them both to death. Her boldness and fierceness is at the core of her Amazonian culture. Hinto really had a challenging time reconciling the world's view with her differences. But his loyalty to family and his honour to his word puts him far above that of the rest. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
August 3, 2022
Is there ever going to be more? Because Dang this was good!
March 12, 2013
This story had three elements that are needed for me to love a story like this...well developed characters, a tender romance and a plot that a reader can believe and follow. Marie Hart's tale of an Amazon warrior trying to regain what rightfully belongs to her kingdom has all of these and so much more.
Start with the plot. Not only is Thais, a female Amazon searching for the woman who aided the enemy in destyoing the Amazon culture, there is Hinto who is a bounty hunter who is using the rewards to send his ailing father east for medical treatment. When their separate missions bring Hinto and Thais together, they seem to be mismatched. This leads to romance, as Hinto is immediately smitten with the lovely but dangerous and mysterious Amazon. Thais is at first hesitant, but her guard is slowly worn down until she and Hinto not only are in love physically but also spiritually as they share all with each other.
Throughout the story, the reader is drawn int the intricate worlds of both Hinto and Thais. But not only are these characters so richly developed, but all the other important people as well, such as Gregory and Butch, who stand in the way of Hinto and Thais. Hinto's family members are also important to the story and they are well developed as well.
Ms. Harte has penned a wonderful story that is romantic, erotic (sex scenes with Hinton and Thais are very steamy) and the setting of the West has the feel of old spaghetti Western movies and books such those penned by the great Louis L'amour. This is the first book in a series and a highly recommended read.
Start with the plot. Not only is Thais, a female Amazon searching for the woman who aided the enemy in destyoing the Amazon culture, there is Hinto who is a bounty hunter who is using the rewards to send his ailing father east for medical treatment. When their separate missions bring Hinto and Thais together, they seem to be mismatched. This leads to romance, as Hinto is immediately smitten with the lovely but dangerous and mysterious Amazon. Thais is at first hesitant, but her guard is slowly worn down until she and Hinto not only are in love physically but also spiritually as they share all with each other.
Throughout the story, the reader is drawn int the intricate worlds of both Hinto and Thais. But not only are these characters so richly developed, but all the other important people as well, such as Gregory and Butch, who stand in the way of Hinto and Thais. Hinto's family members are also important to the story and they are well developed as well.
Ms. Harte has penned a wonderful story that is romantic, erotic (sex scenes with Hinton and Thais are very steamy) and the setting of the West has the feel of old spaghetti Western movies and books such those penned by the great Louis L'amour. This is the first book in a series and a highly recommended read.
January 25, 2013
Future meets the Past...
Post Apocalyptic Western. When I read that description I wasn’t real sure what I was going to find on the pages. Add the list of ‘Procreation is necessary, not optional. Women are a precious commodity. Harm the earth, lose your life. If it can eat you, it will’ and all kinds of interesting combinations come to mind.
As I started to read I loved Hinto from the beginning. He’s a bounty hunter trying to collect enough bounties to get a medical treatment for his dad. And in this future/past western Hinto rides a beast, which is a meat eating horse. Which is one of the ways that Marie Harte blended things from the old west with an element you’d think to see in a post apocalyptic world. Small details like this make this new west believable.
Thais is an Amazon and is given the task of returning her Queen’s crown when it’s stolen. Being out of the Amazon puts her well out of her element, even with her abilities to take care of herself. She and Hinto meet up and he offers her his services in tracking down the thief of the crown. As an Amazon, Thais isn’t used to dealing with men. So the relationship between the two of them starts slowly as friends and continues to build to the point where you know it’s going to just combust when they both give in their need for each other.
I have always been a huge fan of Marie’s writing and it’s her building of the worlds that the characters live and the world itself that always pulls me into her books. By the time I finish one of her books I know the characters like friends and I can visualize the world they live in completely. For me, another fantastic read from Marie.
Post Apocalyptic Western. When I read that description I wasn’t real sure what I was going to find on the pages. Add the list of ‘Procreation is necessary, not optional. Women are a precious commodity. Harm the earth, lose your life. If it can eat you, it will’ and all kinds of interesting combinations come to mind.
As I started to read I loved Hinto from the beginning. He’s a bounty hunter trying to collect enough bounties to get a medical treatment for his dad. And in this future/past western Hinto rides a beast, which is a meat eating horse. Which is one of the ways that Marie Harte blended things from the old west with an element you’d think to see in a post apocalyptic world. Small details like this make this new west believable.
Thais is an Amazon and is given the task of returning her Queen’s crown when it’s stolen. Being out of the Amazon puts her well out of her element, even with her abilities to take care of herself. She and Hinto meet up and he offers her his services in tracking down the thief of the crown. As an Amazon, Thais isn’t used to dealing with men. So the relationship between the two of them starts slowly as friends and continues to build to the point where you know it’s going to just combust when they both give in their need for each other.
I have always been a huge fan of Marie’s writing and it’s her building of the worlds that the characters live and the world itself that always pulls me into her books. By the time I finish one of her books I know the characters like friends and I can visualize the world they live in completely. For me, another fantastic read from Marie.
January 21, 2013
When I saw this book was an Amazon Western, I wondered what that meant. I'm not a big Western fan, BUT I LOVE Marie Harte's Cougar Falls series, so I thought I'd give it a try. I would call this a new age western with honest to goodness Amazon mixed in. Thais is an Amazon guardian warrior, who is on a quest to find a crown stolen from the Amazon queen. She's also looking to avenge her mother's death as well as several of the Amazon community, searching for the man who killed and raped most of the village and a traitor Amazon. During her travels she meets Hinto, a bounty hunter that has his own "special abilities" to find people. Together they begin a quest to begins with a quest of revenge and ends with love. What happens in between, I'll leave for you to discover, but I will tell you this: Start this book when you have time, because once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. I was up until 1am reading and only stopped then because my eyes were going blurry. What I loved about this book was that it was like taking a trip forward in time to a new era, there were trees that drank blood and horses that were carnivors, but also the towns were like the wild west. This book just got better and better (and hotter and hotter) and I was sorry to see it end. I can't wait to see what happens with her Amazon sisters in the upcoming books and get to spend more time with Hinto and Thais.
February 23, 2014
DNF at 70% mostly out of boredom. When I wasn't bored, I was creeped out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I thought after reading the 4 rules that this might be an American West take on Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, but no, Heinlein treated his female characters better than they're treated in this book.* Rape, sexual exploitation, cruelty... not my scene.
Making it worse, I couldn't ever relax into the romance because I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop in terms of how Hinto treated Thais. I'm not sure whether this was due to the worldbuilding, the writing, or my lack of trust in the author. (note: since I didn't finish, I have no idea whether that other shoe actually dropped)
And in between my moments of disgust and anxiety, I was bored. Probably because I didn't care for any of the characters, I didn't like the world, and it wasn't causing me to rethink my own life in any way.
*I read Heinlein around 1990, so actual details are pretty hazy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I thought after reading the 4 rules that this might be an American West take on Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, but no, Heinlein treated his female characters better than they're treated in this book.* Rape, sexual exploitation, cruelty... not my scene.
Making it worse, I couldn't ever relax into the romance because I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop in terms of how Hinto treated Thais. I'm not sure whether this was due to the worldbuilding, the writing, or my lack of trust in the author. (note: since I didn't finish, I have no idea whether that other shoe actually dropped)
And in between my moments of disgust and anxiety, I was bored. Probably because I didn't care for any of the characters, I didn't like the world, and it wasn't causing me to rethink my own life in any way.
*I read Heinlein around 1990, so actual details are pretty hazy
July 2, 2013
4/5; 4 stars; A-
This book was a real surprise to me because it turned out be a really good quest type fantasy/romance in a genre I've never heard of...Amazon Western.
I enjoyed the strong female characters and the hints of magics. There were a couple of points in the first third wehre the story really dragged but other than that it kept my interest and I'm looking forward to the next one.
This book was a real surprise to me because it turned out be a really good quest type fantasy/romance in a genre I've never heard of...Amazon Western.
I enjoyed the strong female characters and the hints of magics. There were a couple of points in the first third wehre the story really dragged but other than that it kept my interest and I'm looking forward to the next one.
September 27, 2014
Really interesting premise in a post-apocalyptic cowboy way.
I loved Hinto...he's super hot with a dirty dirty mouth.
It took a bit longer for me to like Tais since she was so gruff and warrior-like.
All in all, quite entertaining and there is some setup for the next book.
I loved Hinto...he's super hot with a dirty dirty mouth.
It took a bit longer for me to like Tais since she was so gruff and warrior-like.
All in all, quite entertaining and there is some setup for the next book.
April 9, 2015
I got bored...
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