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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
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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 - 3 of 3 reviews