What do you think?
Rate this book
Changespell Saga #0
Barrenlands
Before there was Dun Lady’s Jess…
Magic, betrayal, and a twice-cursed exile–only one man’s determination can untangle the deadly intrigue that binds them together.
When Ehren’s sovereign and friend was killed, Ehren, First of the King’s Guard, was far away — sent on a wild goose chase by the First Level Ministry, whose number he now believes must contain at least one traitor.
When a First Level wizard orders him to stop searching for the assassins and instead to find and neutralize the dead king’s distant family, his suspicions deepen to near certainty.
And Ehren is determined to find those exiles – if only so that he may guard them with his life.
Other books in this series: Dun Lady’s Jess, Changespell, Changespell Legacy
Magic, betrayal, and a twice-cursed exile–only one man’s determination can untangle the deadly intrigue that binds them together.
When Ehren’s sovereign and friend was killed, Ehren, First of the King’s Guard, was far away — sent on a wild goose chase by the First Level Ministry, whose number he now believes must contain at least one traitor.
When a First Level wizard orders him to stop searching for the assassins and instead to find and neutralize the dead king’s distant family, his suspicions deepen to near certainty.
And Ehren is determined to find those exiles – if only so that he may guard them with his life.
Other books in this series: Dun Lady’s Jess, Changespell, Changespell Legacy
- GenresFantasyParanormalFiction
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
17 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Doranna Durgin
115 books227 followersDoranna Durgin is an award-winning author (the Compton Crook for Best First SF/F/H novel) whose quirky spirit has led to an extensive and eclectic publishing journey across genres, publishers, and publishing lines. Beyond that, she hangs around outside her Southwest mountain home with horse and highly accomplished competition dogs. She doesn't believe in mastering the beast within, but in channeling its power--for good or bad has yet to be decided! She says, “My books are SF/F, mystery, paranormal romance, & romantic suspense. My world is the Southwest, and my dogs are Beagles!”
Doranna’s most recent releases encompass the three books of the Reckoners trilogy--a powerful ghostbuster raised by a spirit, her brilliantly eccentric backup team, a cat who isn't a cat, and a fiercely driven bounty hunter from a different dimension who brings them together when worlds collide.
Doranna’s most recent releases encompass the three books of the Reckoners trilogy--a powerful ghostbuster raised by a spirit, her brilliantly eccentric backup team, a cat who isn't a cat, and a fiercely driven bounty hunter from a different dimension who brings them together when worlds collide.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 11, 2013
I've read through and loved Doranna Durgin's "tough women" books, been engrossed in her Sentinel books, and wish there were more stories about Wolverine's Daughter. Nothing prepared me for Barrenlands.
Do I start with the Paladin style hero, Last Man Standing against total evil? Or the ingenuous secondary characters who don't realize their own importance? This is high fantasy at its finest with a strong dose of reality in sword and horse handling.
I would recommend this book for no more than the relationship between Ehren and his horses. Then there's the pragmatic code of honor upheld by the Knight, and you can't miss the subtle but oh so intense romance.
I'd hoped Dun's Lady Jess was immediately available but nooooooooooo, we have to keep waiting. Sigh.
ETA: Romance takes many forms. A scene between Ehren and Sherran was more sigh inducing than many full body contact episodes in other books. Sigh
Do I start with the Paladin style hero, Last Man Standing against total evil? Or the ingenuous secondary characters who don't realize their own importance? This is high fantasy at its finest with a strong dose of reality in sword and horse handling.
I would recommend this book for no more than the relationship between Ehren and his horses. Then there's the pragmatic code of honor upheld by the Knight, and you can't miss the subtle but oh so intense romance.
I'd hoped Dun's Lady Jess was immediately available but nooooooooooo, we have to keep waiting. Sigh.
ETA: Romance takes many forms. A scene between Ehren and Sherran was more sigh inducing than many full body contact episodes in other books. Sigh
December 25, 2015
I really liked this book. I got it as a free e book from Barnes and Noble it is a prequel to her Changespell series. The story, characters and world are very well done. I liked the two main characters Ehren the King's guard and Laine the spell seer. It was fun watching their friendship grow.
The political intrigue was interesting and not what I expected. I liked the way the world had an old world feel to it a history that included a old magic wars that left its mark on the world as it is today. Ehren two horses were fun and since the author owns horses of her own really got a realistic feel for them.
As I said it was free but it would be well worth buying it.
The political intrigue was interesting and not what I expected. I liked the way the world had an old world feel to it a history that included a old magic wars that left its mark on the world as it is today. Ehren two horses were fun and since the author owns horses of her own really got a realistic feel for them.
As I said it was free but it would be well worth buying it.
May 27, 2013
In this prequel to the Changespell Saga books Doranna Durgin does not disappoint! The action is almost nonstop, and the characters are well developed and adoptable. Barrenlands does not need to be read first to be enjoyed or understood, but is excellent in its own right.
April 3, 2012
Reread my sister's old (autographed!) copy of this book; nice to rediscover old friends and remember why I like Doranna's writing.
April 26, 2021
BARRENLANDS is a prequel action and adventure high fantasy story that starts of with the betrayal and murder of Benlan, the King of Solvany. This starts a set of events that rocks the world that Ehren knows, and with it, just who he can trust.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I wish we'd been given more information about Varien. He was the big bad from the start, giving out dodgy missions and trying to kill our hero. However, we never really learn WHY. Ehren guesses it's power or greed, but doesn't know for sure. Maybe more information is given in subsequent books, I don't know.
All in all, I enjoyed this foray into different lands, with different obstacles to overcome. If you are looking for a high fantasy that will leave you wanting the next book immediately, then I can definitely recommend this one.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I wish we'd been given more information about Varien. He was the big bad from the start, giving out dodgy missions and trying to kill our hero. However, we never really learn WHY. Ehren guesses it's power or greed, but doesn't know for sure. Maybe more information is given in subsequent books, I don't know.
All in all, I enjoyed this foray into different lands, with different obstacles to overcome. If you are looking for a high fantasy that will leave you wanting the next book immediately, then I can definitely recommend this one.
June 16, 2017
Consistently very good. The plot at first seemed to be getting too complicated, but the pieces all came together into something quite simple and reasonable. The characters (except the villain) were three-dimensional people whom you'd like to spend time with. The writing was clear and engaging. Some might want the adventure to be closer to non-stop, but for me the rests made the world seem more realistic. One weak point is that the villain stayed almost entirely in the distant background, so he never filled out as a whole person. Still, it did not hurt the plot in the least that a mostly unknown malevolence was driving the action.
January 21, 2018
I didn't think I'd care for this genre----but the book hooked me from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down.
November 13, 2023
The ending was abrupt but left room for another book. I did like how the characters developed and the story evolved. Not a bad read overall.
May 25, 2025
None of the original Dun Lady’s Jess characters were in this prequel. Disappointed a bit.
2/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 stars ⭐️
January 2, 2013
I can't remember where or when I picked up this book, but it has been lying on the shelf for some time and now I know why. Ok, that may sound a bit harsh, but I'll come back to why in a sec.
The Story...
This is the story of Ehren, a Guard of Solvany, who served under the old, now dead, king. He was not there when his king died and always suspected treason, just couldn't prove it. So now a wizard of the court, Varien, sends him on a mission to find the brother of the now dead king, to ensure that they wont mess with the present King Rodar, laying any claim to the throne.
Ehren is given a ring, a magical ring, that will show him where to go, and it takes him into the eastern mountains, where he meets a young boy named Laine. Laine is a strange one, with a special gift. Apparently he can see spells, and yes, in this setting spells travel the land.
There is, of course, a tie between Ehren and Laine and the metting between the two was no accident...
My Judgment...
The story starts off well enough. The author seems like she wants to show us a new world with wizards, strange spells and especially, the Barrenlands, however, she doesn't follow through on her promise. We only get a few tidbits here and there, but no real understanding of the land and its inhabitants. Why is the quest so important to Ehren, who is this wizard named Varien and especially, what are the Barrenlands and the strange spells that move about the lands?
Sadly, we get no answers, nor does our main characters wonder about these. However, it is not all bad. I did enjoy certain aspects of the book, especially concerning Ehren. Ehren is a hero, no doubt about that, but he is not a typical hero. He is certainly capable with his blade, but he often finds himself in a lot of trouble and must spend days healing his deadly wounds. He has weaknesses and I quite enjoyed these. If only we had learned more about him and his motives, but sadly, no.
I wont even go into how big a disappointment the Barrenlands was... I mean, if you name the book after this place, you should at least tell us about it and let it play some kind of role. If it did, it was certainly lost on me. I know ehren and Lained travelled through it at some point, but that took up about 3-4 pages.
All in all, a story that gave me hopes, but which in the end... crushed them. I'd like to give it an extra star for Ehren alone, so we'll end on 2 stars.
The Story...
This is the story of Ehren, a Guard of Solvany, who served under the old, now dead, king. He was not there when his king died and always suspected treason, just couldn't prove it. So now a wizard of the court, Varien, sends him on a mission to find the brother of the now dead king, to ensure that they wont mess with the present King Rodar, laying any claim to the throne.
Ehren is given a ring, a magical ring, that will show him where to go, and it takes him into the eastern mountains, where he meets a young boy named Laine. Laine is a strange one, with a special gift. Apparently he can see spells, and yes, in this setting spells travel the land.
There is, of course, a tie between Ehren and Laine and the metting between the two was no accident...
My Judgment...
The story starts off well enough. The author seems like she wants to show us a new world with wizards, strange spells and especially, the Barrenlands, however, she doesn't follow through on her promise. We only get a few tidbits here and there, but no real understanding of the land and its inhabitants. Why is the quest so important to Ehren, who is this wizard named Varien and especially, what are the Barrenlands and the strange spells that move about the lands?
Sadly, we get no answers, nor does our main characters wonder about these. However, it is not all bad. I did enjoy certain aspects of the book, especially concerning Ehren. Ehren is a hero, no doubt about that, but he is not a typical hero. He is certainly capable with his blade, but he often finds himself in a lot of trouble and must spend days healing his deadly wounds. He has weaknesses and I quite enjoyed these. If only we had learned more about him and his motives, but sadly, no.
I wont even go into how big a disappointment the Barrenlands was... I mean, if you name the book after this place, you should at least tell us about it and let it play some kind of role. If it did, it was certainly lost on me. I know ehren and Lained travelled through it at some point, but that took up about 3-4 pages.
All in all, a story that gave me hopes, but which in the end... crushed them. I'd like to give it an extra star for Ehren alone, so we'll end on 2 stars.
October 18, 2014
REVIEW
This book never gave you a dull moment. I am a fan of the dark ages, castles and the chivalry that went with it all.
I love the Kings and Queens and their faithful followers.
The book has just enough pace to keep you turning the pages. I'm very interested in books on magic and this book had just enough magic, good magic. The magic was used in different ways. Instead of doing things the conventional way, magic was used. The book is not all magic. Readers who love the sword fights will find enough to keep them interested. The main character has no magic power. He is the King's Guard. As back in those days, there was a code of honor with just a touch of revenge. The author gave us many twists and turns to keep our attention. Never a dull moment with all the action that is taking place.The author wrote a good paced book about magic, chivalry, Kings and Queens and all the power that went with the dark ages. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to go back to the Dark Ages and journey on.
I was given a complimentary copy of BARRENLANDS from the author, Doranna Durgin and BookViewCafe for my view of the book. No other compensation took place.
This book never gave you a dull moment. I am a fan of the dark ages, castles and the chivalry that went with it all.
I love the Kings and Queens and their faithful followers.
The book has just enough pace to keep you turning the pages. I'm very interested in books on magic and this book had just enough magic, good magic. The magic was used in different ways. Instead of doing things the conventional way, magic was used. The book is not all magic. Readers who love the sword fights will find enough to keep them interested. The main character has no magic power. He is the King's Guard. As back in those days, there was a code of honor with just a touch of revenge. The author gave us many twists and turns to keep our attention. Never a dull moment with all the action that is taking place.The author wrote a good paced book about magic, chivalry, Kings and Queens and all the power that went with the dark ages. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to go back to the Dark Ages and journey on.
I was given a complimentary copy of BARRENLANDS from the author, Doranna Durgin and BookViewCafe for my view of the book. No other compensation took place.
December 28, 2015
Prequel fantasy novel which works well as a standalone. The Barrenlands of the title are a magical wasteland that forms an almost impassable border territory between two countries. But where there is a border, there will be crossings, and people who make a living bringing things across that border, whether it is with or without the blessing of the governments concerned. Ehran, head of the King's Guard, will end up tangling with it more than once in his quest first to find the murderers of his beloved king, and then to find and dispose of the family of the king's brother. He's been sent on the latter mission supposedly to prevent the exile trying to seize the throne from the king's young son, a mission he rightly sees as a means of getting him out of the way of an unknown traitor within the court.
Some nice world-building here, with appealing characters and a worthwhile mystery. It's obvious from the first who the villain is, because Ehren's not stupid and already has his suspicions. But means and motive are another matter, and untangling those make for an entertaining story. A short novel offering an enjoyable way to pass a few hours.
Some nice world-building here, with appealing characters and a worthwhile mystery. It's obvious from the first who the villain is, because Ehren's not stupid and already has his suspicions. But means and motive are another matter, and untangling those make for an entertaining story. A short novel offering an enjoyable way to pass a few hours.
March 2, 2015
Prequel to the Changespell Saga. I got this book as a free download and it actually turned out being pretty good. The cover is totally misleading as it was, for some reason, done up like some kind of highland romance novel. That’s not what Barrenlands is as all though, coming closer to a traditional fantasy. I’m not exactly sure how BL ties into the Changespell books (or if I will be reading those as they sound pretty outside my interests) but I had fun with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2015
This is an excellent story about a former king's bodyguard in search of his king's killer. Ehren is a tough soldier with two killer horses. Touch them without permission and they really WILL kill you. He has been searching for his king and best friend's killer for a year. But as he is forced to abandon that search he discovers the king's death was only the tip of the iceburg of rot and treachery. The only thing missing from this book was romance. Although there was a hint.
October 8, 2013
Loved it. Good deep characters with some development, interesting storyline even if the villain was predictable, and fun to read. Also a reasonably professional presentation, with decent proofreading and good formatting and editing. Thanks very much for the read!
August 21, 2007
A bit gory for my tastes, I can always skip those pages. Political intrigue with wizards thrown in.
Want to read
November 21, 2008TBR
December 14, 2009
This little number has many things going for it. An intriguing storyline, well-fleshed out characters, and plenty of wonderfully wicked magic. Definitely a fabulous fantasy tale. =)
September 16, 2011
Eh. Set in the Dun Lady's Jess world but not populated with any of the Dun Lady's Jess characters. As I love the characters and not the world, I did not love this book. DNF.
April 20, 2013
I enjoyed the book but wished you understood more of the details regarding the barrenlands. I like the way she developed the relationship with characters.
July 17, 2013
very good!
July 14, 2013
This is clearly a 4* read despite moments of awkwardness. Great characters and an intriguing world. It also has a proper ending despite the potential for more, which I would love to see.
July 23, 2013
Just finished reading this really fine, well realized fantasy adventure. I didn't want it to be over. Great characters and a real sense that the story wasn't the pnly thing happening in the world.
September 15, 2014
Enjoyed the reading of the book... It will be interesting to read the actual first book.. This was a prequel..
April 18, 2017
A prequel novella to a fantasy series with a promising premise but it felt a bit lacking after finishing.
11 days after starting and being put aside in favor of other reads is an accident, kept forgetting to finish the book because it was on my Nook reading app not the Kindle one.
11 days after starting and being put aside in favor of other reads is an accident, kept forgetting to finish the book because it was on my Nook reading app not the Kindle one.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews