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Obligation's Unity
A people in danger.
A betrothal gone awry.
And a decision that could imperil her world.
Undead beings called Lobwendel have encroached upon the shores of Balforem threatening the Titanian’s homes and way of life. In a questionable move by leadership, the priestess of warriors, Lyonesse, is sent to Ysile Marden to secure aid via an alliance by way of marriage with the Hanmel Kingdom’s royal family. With no experience in the art of diplomacy, she must rely on her Adami companion to help navigate a political landscape full of subterfuge, ulterior motives, and a resistant fiancé.
The gods are keeping secrets from her, too. What starts out as a straightforward mission to save her people, erupts into a splintering of clan allegiances orchestrated by malevolent forces Lyonesse has never even heard of, let alone the ability to stop. Somehow she must secure an alliance, unite her people, and heal the shattered heart of a man who is determined to push her away at every turn. An endeavor that only one of unshakable faith and unyielding sense of duty can overcome.
A betrothal gone awry.
And a decision that could imperil her world.
Undead beings called Lobwendel have encroached upon the shores of Balforem threatening the Titanian’s homes and way of life. In a questionable move by leadership, the priestess of warriors, Lyonesse, is sent to Ysile Marden to secure aid via an alliance by way of marriage with the Hanmel Kingdom’s royal family. With no experience in the art of diplomacy, she must rely on her Adami companion to help navigate a political landscape full of subterfuge, ulterior motives, and a resistant fiancé.
The gods are keeping secrets from her, too. What starts out as a straightforward mission to save her people, erupts into a splintering of clan allegiances orchestrated by malevolent forces Lyonesse has never even heard of, let alone the ability to stop. Somehow she must secure an alliance, unite her people, and heal the shattered heart of a man who is determined to push her away at every turn. An endeavor that only one of unshakable faith and unyielding sense of duty can overcome.
- GenresFantasy
Hardcover
Published October 2, 2023
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 23, 2026
"It is not often that one can stare into the abyss and take action." (page 301)
Obligation's Unity is one of the two first books that starts the series of Carving Legacies. I started with the "second" one because the blurb sounded more promising to me, though I am planning to get Key of Arcandus and read it as well because this series is very promising.
The Lobwendel are on the warpath in Belforem, undead creatures the Titanians have been fighting without seeing a permanent solution for years now. People die and join the ranks of the undead and Lyonesse, as the priestess of the god of Soldiers as well as the goddess of Death, knows the sacrifices and challenges her people face, walking with them through the ordeal and being their support with the blessings of the Gods. The High Priestess Rós and Jarl Cathal believe that a solution could be in the Hanmel Kingdom and so sent Lyonesse oversea to secure an alliance via marriage and gain the knowledge or military support for the war against the Lobwendel. Petra, a slave that came from there, is given to her to help her with the language and customs. And both women feel uncomfortable and struggle together. Lyonesse is not used nor in favor of having a slave and finds an agreement with Petra, that leads to an understanding and could be the foundation for a friendship. But in Hanmel Lyonesse finds she is not used to the politics of the court nor is she in nature a very diplomatic person. And the alliance seems impossible to secure. And she has no idea what the state of her home and her people is. Can she return in time with a solution and help? And what will she find?
It was a joy to read this book. On occasion I managed to put it down without any issue and return to the tension on a later time, while in other parts I was carrying my e-book reader around in case i would find a few seconds to read on and find out what was happening. A delightful mixture in my eyes.
The world building is intricate and well done, and not in a way that overwhelms you. But bit by bit when it is needed. The dialects of characters take time to get used to but it gives them a strong voice and, in my eyes, also a strong realistic feeling. Dialects and Accents carry over and not ever region of the same country would pronounce the words the same way. The cultural differences between the two places the story takes place in can be felt and makes absolute sense. As well the visible differences of the people. The Titanians are tall and strong and the people of the Hanmel kingdom are smaller and wiry. The cultures are different as well and I liked to see the difference and how it is hard for both sides to understand and move in the other culture. There is racism present as well, subtle and prejudiced, which made it feel very similar to the subtle kind of our own world and how it can lead to making it already harder to communicate and find common ground when this swings just under the surface. The focus is not on this topic though and it makes sense for me.
The fighting scenes are written well and I gained each time either satisfaction (cheering a character on and being delighted by the outcome) or a tension built up that is an absolute delight.
The characters are wonderfully fleshed out and I love them.
Lyonesse is a headstrong woman with a kind nature and a temper that can frighten whole armies. She is what I like to see when I think of a complex and strong female main character. She makes mistakes, misjudges, carries grudges but also lets go and reconsiders herself and the world she thought she knew. She tries her best every day and is committed to her cause and calling, making her strong in mind. And there is no harm in her ability to kick some ass physically.
Desmond is a competent man that struggles with his past of grief and guilt, making him one of my favorite characters and character developments in this book. And he has what I like to call a yearning nature when he loves and cares for someone. So if you like a good slow-burn romance that goes through its ups and downs and challenges, I would recommend this.
Petra is another favorite of mine. A woman that faces a lot of pain and trauma, and yet can still find a kindness in herself and did not break under it. She is spiteful and full of a fighting spirit with a head on her shoulders that makes her one of the greatest allies Lyonesse could have found, if you ask me. I do hope to hear more of her story and where she will be now.
There are more that get introduced in the book but these three are for me the main ones and the ones that spark an fondness in me.
The plot is engaging and flows in the tension just right for me.
I would classify this as a book about court intrigue and coups, making it part of my personal favorite plots! Though the shape of the court might not be the classic one, making it just more fun to explore and see!
It also goes about the horrors of war and how people use the moments or create them because they believe to gain something of it, disregarding the price that has to be paid or if that is the right thing at all. And how it is better to ask for help and appreciate other cultures, than to disregard them beneath you and worthless. Something I find very important to remember, especially in the times we live right now.
Obligation's Unity is one of the two first books that starts the series of Carving Legacies. I started with the "second" one because the blurb sounded more promising to me, though I am planning to get Key of Arcandus and read it as well because this series is very promising.
The Lobwendel are on the warpath in Belforem, undead creatures the Titanians have been fighting without seeing a permanent solution for years now. People die and join the ranks of the undead and Lyonesse, as the priestess of the god of Soldiers as well as the goddess of Death, knows the sacrifices and challenges her people face, walking with them through the ordeal and being their support with the blessings of the Gods. The High Priestess Rós and Jarl Cathal believe that a solution could be in the Hanmel Kingdom and so sent Lyonesse oversea to secure an alliance via marriage and gain the knowledge or military support for the war against the Lobwendel. Petra, a slave that came from there, is given to her to help her with the language and customs. And both women feel uncomfortable and struggle together. Lyonesse is not used nor in favor of having a slave and finds an agreement with Petra, that leads to an understanding and could be the foundation for a friendship. But in Hanmel Lyonesse finds she is not used to the politics of the court nor is she in nature a very diplomatic person. And the alliance seems impossible to secure. And she has no idea what the state of her home and her people is. Can she return in time with a solution and help? And what will she find?
It was a joy to read this book. On occasion I managed to put it down without any issue and return to the tension on a later time, while in other parts I was carrying my e-book reader around in case i would find a few seconds to read on and find out what was happening. A delightful mixture in my eyes.
The world building is intricate and well done, and not in a way that overwhelms you. But bit by bit when it is needed. The dialects of characters take time to get used to but it gives them a strong voice and, in my eyes, also a strong realistic feeling. Dialects and Accents carry over and not ever region of the same country would pronounce the words the same way. The cultural differences between the two places the story takes place in can be felt and makes absolute sense. As well the visible differences of the people. The Titanians are tall and strong and the people of the Hanmel kingdom are smaller and wiry. The cultures are different as well and I liked to see the difference and how it is hard for both sides to understand and move in the other culture. There is racism present as well, subtle and prejudiced, which made it feel very similar to the subtle kind of our own world and how it can lead to making it already harder to communicate and find common ground when this swings just under the surface. The focus is not on this topic though and it makes sense for me.
The fighting scenes are written well and I gained each time either satisfaction (cheering a character on and being delighted by the outcome) or a tension built up that is an absolute delight.
The characters are wonderfully fleshed out and I love them.
Lyonesse is a headstrong woman with a kind nature and a temper that can frighten whole armies. She is what I like to see when I think of a complex and strong female main character. She makes mistakes, misjudges, carries grudges but also lets go and reconsiders herself and the world she thought she knew. She tries her best every day and is committed to her cause and calling, making her strong in mind. And there is no harm in her ability to kick some ass physically.
Desmond is a competent man that struggles with his past of grief and guilt, making him one of my favorite characters and character developments in this book. And he has what I like to call a yearning nature when he loves and cares for someone. So if you like a good slow-burn romance that goes through its ups and downs and challenges, I would recommend this.
Petra is another favorite of mine. A woman that faces a lot of pain and trauma, and yet can still find a kindness in herself and did not break under it. She is spiteful and full of a fighting spirit with a head on her shoulders that makes her one of the greatest allies Lyonesse could have found, if you ask me. I do hope to hear more of her story and where she will be now.
There are more that get introduced in the book but these three are for me the main ones and the ones that spark an fondness in me.
The plot is engaging and flows in the tension just right for me.
I would classify this as a book about court intrigue and coups, making it part of my personal favorite plots! Though the shape of the court might not be the classic one, making it just more fun to explore and see!
It also goes about the horrors of war and how people use the moments or create them because they believe to gain something of it, disregarding the price that has to be paid or if that is the right thing at all. And how it is better to ask for help and appreciate other cultures, than to disregard them beneath you and worthless. Something I find very important to remember, especially in the times we live right now.
October 8, 2023
‘YA Fantasy Book of the Year’. I loved this story and I can’t recommend it enough. Whole story is hard to put down.
The kingdom of Balforem is fighting a losing war against the evolving zombie-like creatures called Lobwendel. The only way forward is to propose a marriage alliance with the kingdom of Hanmel. Lyonesse faces mortal danger, divine interference, and multiple odds–political, social, and emotional–as she travels to Ysile Marden for this task, least of which is that the ML, Desmond, refuses to marry her.
Inspite of the explosive beginning, Lyonesse and Desmond are my favourite couple now. Both were able to overcome grief and find peace in eachother. The way their relationship grows along with the story, their playful yet mature dialogue exchange, their obvious chemistry, all of it is a wonderful message to all readers. Desmond is a born-leader, undefeatable warrior and hiding a dark past. He shows tremendous discipline and compassion at the same time. Very loveable ML.
Another brilliant key character is Petra, Lyonesse’s companion. I really loved her friendship with Lyonesse. The mature-women banter between them is delicious. Petra’s story is unexpected and intriguing. Her character is sure to be a major hit with all readers.
I thought it really clever how the author establishes the hierarchy and patriarchy inside the world-building using dialogue and flashback. Also, the war and fighting scenes are written so well. The terrific pacing, the attention to detail in each fight, the destruction, noise, smells and smoke is all very well portrayed.
If I had to nitpick, I would like to see more unique magical tools used in the fight scenes. But that’s just me. The story is still excellent in every way.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The kingdom of Balforem is fighting a losing war against the evolving zombie-like creatures called Lobwendel. The only way forward is to propose a marriage alliance with the kingdom of Hanmel. Lyonesse faces mortal danger, divine interference, and multiple odds–political, social, and emotional–as she travels to Ysile Marden for this task, least of which is that the ML, Desmond, refuses to marry her.
Inspite of the explosive beginning, Lyonesse and Desmond are my favourite couple now. Both were able to overcome grief and find peace in eachother. The way their relationship grows along with the story, their playful yet mature dialogue exchange, their obvious chemistry, all of it is a wonderful message to all readers. Desmond is a born-leader, undefeatable warrior and hiding a dark past. He shows tremendous discipline and compassion at the same time. Very loveable ML.
Another brilliant key character is Petra, Lyonesse’s companion. I really loved her friendship with Lyonesse. The mature-women banter between them is delicious. Petra’s story is unexpected and intriguing. Her character is sure to be a major hit with all readers.
I thought it really clever how the author establishes the hierarchy and patriarchy inside the world-building using dialogue and flashback. Also, the war and fighting scenes are written so well. The terrific pacing, the attention to detail in each fight, the destruction, noise, smells and smoke is all very well portrayed.
If I had to nitpick, I would like to see more unique magical tools used in the fight scenes. But that’s just me. The story is still excellent in every way.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2024
While I loved the first book and the characters in the first book, this one was even better. Lauren’s writing has matured, and her characters, especially Lionesse, are top-notch! I couldn’t put this one down, folks. You should definitely pick this one up if you like character-driven high fantasy, or wanted Lotr to have more characters and less fighting (though there is some of that here, too).
Also, as a tall girl, I want to cosplay Lionesse so badly!
Also, as a tall girl, I want to cosplay Lionesse so badly!
March 11, 2024
Loved it! The imagery, the character development, the action, and the mystery! Can’t wait for book 3 😊
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews