She came from a race long thought dead ... Shaina C’Err belonged to the Olak’din, a secret race of warriors. With her people in danger she asked for help from the one warrior who owed her. With a Kabanian Warlord at her side, she might have a chance at defeating her enemies.
He craved what his friends had attained ... Argan Kril never thought he’d long for love until his life changed forever. Now among the Raasa he watches his best friend and his fellow Warlord with the women who love them. His upbringing dictates that such a bond is for the weak but when his path crosses with Shaina he feels stronger and happier than he’s ever been.
Neither expected the battle they’d wage together would have such a steep reward.
The Kabanian Warlords & Overlord has been awakened from their deep sleep. Overlord Vaan has found his mate. It's now time for Argan Kril, Death Dealer Warlord, to find his.
Shaina C’Err, Shadow Queen, rules over a fraction who have isolated themselves from all others on the planet. Except for their sworn enemies, the Gornan, this has allowed them to live in relative peace. Unfortunately, other enemies have appeared that threaten the shadow people and her counsel feel it's time she select a mate to be king to solidify her power base.
Her choices are limited as she's not allowed to find a husband outside her own. Until she accidentally comes across Argan saving his life. As a Warlord always repays, Argan vows a debt of life to Shaina. A debt she means to collect on.
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This is the third installment in the Warlord series that I'm coming to really enjoy. In a weird and twisted way this series has an X-Men Mutants feel to it. The action/adventure scenes sure bring that to mind. lol. And Vaan, the Overlord, who relishes his role with confidence and swagger declaring to one and all "it's good to be Overlord" time and time again. And you know what. I believe him.
This is not a book that should be read as a stand alone though it's possible if a reader doesn't mind not knowing the back story of the series and individual character histories. One of the rare times I'd put a bug in any potential new reader to the series to wait until more installments are published as with the lag time it took a while to get up to speed on my facts and figures from the previous installments. Either way, for those who enjoy fantasy sword wielding Warlords and kick ass heroines, this has all that and more.
Looking at the core romance. I did thoroughly enjoy Argan & Shaina. What can I say. I'm a sucker for those bad boys who get exposed to women who can stand toe to toe with them and bring them to their knees. The adult content scenes (which are light on details) were a mix of eye opening bedroom fun action and sensuality that were satisfying enough that I didn't mind the lack of graphic or intensity between the two. Can one be jealous of a fictional book character heroine because I certainly was. I really think the author had fun with this installment and couple because that really came through.
The story line has an action adventure presentation with a few scenes of violence. Nothing too intense but if any potential reader has a trigger regarding female abuse I'm gonna say there is a scene that might be disturbing. If it helps... she ends up giving as good as she gets.
The series anchor couple, Vaan & Mikayla do make an appearance but not to the point of overshadowing the featured couple in this installment. The other secondary characters do add value and depth to the story. Some good guys and some bad guys but all do their part to enrich the story.
All in all an enjoyable read for those who enjoy the fantasy barbarian type action adventure romance type of reads. Looking forward to the next feature couple though I don't see a tentative release or blurb yet.
Promising start. A book with a female alpha. Heroine is a warrior and the Queen of her people. And she has the power to move and bend shadows. Hero is the right hand of his Overlord.
So good. I really enjoyed the main characters here for totally different reasons. Shaina was a nice balance of steely determination and joyous humor. While Argan was somehow jaded and naive at the same time. I thought they played off each other very well.
Continuing the emotional evolution of Kabanian warriors
First off, let me say that I have rarely become captured by a world shaping as well executed as Ms Howard has done with this series. I am vested in the successes and failures of the warriors, Warlords and their mates as I would be with individuals in my own world. That being said, this most recent addition to the Warlord Series had me rooting for the battle-hardened right hand of the Overlord, the Death Dealer, Argan Kril. Without revealing any spoilers, I would recommend this book to those readers who enjoy romance, action, honor, comedic relief, redemption and salvation. A strong Warlord and his equally strong Shadow Warrior Queen are an excellent addition to the saga.
It took some getting used to the writing, but once I did, I was able to settle into the story. This is the first book I've read from the series. I loved it. Could not put it down. Argan was kind of sexy. Love, love, love Shaina. Very strong, do what I want, kind of women. My favorite to read about. I love a strong female. Brings great depth to the stories. The roles were a little reversed. Argan was the strong, over protective alpha of course, but Shaina was a fantastic character to read. Argan was able to accept her. The sexiest part was that he allowed her to teach him how to love her. Very sexy. Warriors seek their own sexual release. You know, typical male. Argan did not know how to make love and allowed Shaina to teach him how to kiss (which was so cute) and love her, without feeling his manhood was threatened. Loved that. Argan learned how to trust Shaina. One of my many favorites of the story (I had many) was when he woke up and found her sleeping on the floor with him. He didn't understand why she was there. Very cute. Justan was hot. I knew where his love lied. Glad he was able to get passed it and remain loyal to Shaina and accept Argan. It was difficult to determine who was loyal to Shaina. Which added to the suspense for me. The relationship between Vaan and Argan was amazing. When one or the other was needed, the other would be there. One key thing I learned about Vaan was that if you threatened his family, especially his babies, you would die. No ifs, ands or buts. Ahhhh! Loved the world. Actual enjoyed the writing style of the author. This is my first experience with this author. She allowed me to use my mind, as oppose to walking me through every single paragraph, spoon feeding you the story. Once I got passed the way they spoke, I was able to enjoy the adventure and I think you will too. Highly recommend.
The more I read this series the more hooked I become. There is definitely more to these Warlords than I initially thought, although I totally love Vaan and Miki and their younglings I found that I was totally captivated by Argan and Shaina's story. In The Overlord's Heir we begin to see Argan's character evolve to the Warlord presented in Rise of the Shadow Warriors and Shaina is totally perfect for him and adds a bit of humor when the two butt heads. I totally enjoyed this read.
Loved it. Such a wonderful series. Such a great world with so many cool characters. Love the Warlords, want stories for Kavan, Saran and the rest of the boys. Now I want Justan to find love, Argan and Shaina were great for each other. Can only hope Michelle continues with this series that wasn't supposed to be a series. Please continue Michelle!
I was so happy that Argan got his story. And his Shadow Queen was just perfect for him! I was so disappointed that Argan did not tell Vaan about his nighttime visits right away. Imagine how Vaan felt betrayed and hurt. But in the end he was there for his friend. I love this world and hope to see more of it!
As always another great read from MH. I love the strong female lead who is like the make lead a warrior. Yet she still is a lady. MH really showed Argan's growth. Who would have imagined him in intense love? I really like the shadow warrior concept and eagetlynabticipate more.
Love, love, love this series. Each book/story gets more involved in the characters lives and opens the door wide to the fantasy. Great writing makes for easily enjoyable story and loveable characters seal the deal.
The third and best installment into the Warlord series by Michelle Howard to date. This series started good, but continues to improve every story as the reader learns more about the world and the characters that live in it. I am addicted and cannot wait until the next story is to be released.
Loved it!!! Shaina is the perfect match for Argan, fierce, stubborn, proud and so much fun!! Loved her and loved to see Argan finally live his life! I hope we will see more of the Shadow people!!
My favorite so far in the series of strong warriors and even stronger women. The shadow kingdom is awesome and I hope future books include stories from this region