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Nine Kingdoms #3
Princess of the Sword
When darkness falls...
As the mercenary daughter of Gair, the black mage of Ceangail, Morgan is the only one who can stop the terrible sorcery her father unleashed. To do so, she must race against time and find the spell that will allow her to close the well of evil he opened. But that quest will lead her to places she never dreamed existed and into a darkness she would give anything to avoid...
The magic rises.
The fate of the kingdom of Neroche is intertwined with the closing of Gair's well. Miach, the archmage of Neroche, is determined to help Morgan find what she needs, not only because the safety of the Nine Kingdoms hangs in the balance but also because he will do anything to protect her. Together they must search out the mysteries of Ceangail, and the dangers of Morgan's own bloodline.
Now, to rescue the kingdom from total ruin, Morgan and Miach have only each other to trust, heart and soul...
As the mercenary daughter of Gair, the black mage of Ceangail, Morgan is the only one who can stop the terrible sorcery her father unleashed. To do so, she must race against time and find the spell that will allow her to close the well of evil he opened. But that quest will lead her to places she never dreamed existed and into a darkness she would give anything to avoid...
The magic rises.
The fate of the kingdom of Neroche is intertwined with the closing of Gair's well. Miach, the archmage of Neroche, is determined to help Morgan find what she needs, not only because the safety of the Nine Kingdoms hangs in the balance but also because he will do anything to protect her. Together they must search out the mysteries of Ceangail, and the dangers of Morgan's own bloodline.
Now, to rescue the kingdom from total ruin, Morgan and Miach have only each other to trust, heart and soul...
360 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2009
59 people are currently reading
1740 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Kurland
69 books1,564 followersLynn began her writing career at the tender age of five with a series of illustrated novellas entitled Clinton’s Troubles in which the compelling hero found himself in all sorts of . . . well, trouble. She was living in Hawaii at the time and the scope for her imagination (poisoned fish, tropical cliffs, large spiders) was great and poor Clinton bore the brunt of it. After returning to the mainland, her writing gave way to training in classical music and Clinton, who had been felled with arrows, eaten by fish and sent tumbling off cars, was put aside for operatic heroes in tights.
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
September 15, 2015
So frustrating. The plot parts of this were good enough. And the actiony parts (with an exception below in a spoiler) were good as well. But oi the drama!
The first half of the book is a relentless back and forth between Morgan and Miach doing the selfish "love" thing (tip: that isn't actual love and it certainly isn't lovely) of "I'll sneak off to face an evil to protect you from this potential growth/informational experience and, while I'm at it, heighten my chances of dying." I really and truly do not get this "romantic" impulse. If my lover decided unilaterally to meet deadly peril without even informing me of it, it'd piss me right the hell off and likely end that relationship. It's a betrayal, not a signifier of love. Even after they "vow" never to do it again, they only uphold that vow by getting caught before they can act on it. You can kind of tell that even the author doesn't completely buy the premise because she has them get caught before they can get too far, even before the vow to stop it.
So that was bad enough, but then Kurland has Morgan become unforgivably-dithering-girl at a key action/drama moment.
I wanted to see how the story would end so I saw it through. I can't recommend the book, though, and can only say I'm glad it's the end of the trilogy (and yes, I know there are more books in the series, but these first three are structured as a trilogy and come to a definite conclusion). I was going to give this book a two star on a grudging 2.5 evaluation until that dithering moment. That killed my last vestige of respect for the story, though. It really felt like a betrayal of the character, as well as the reader, having Morgan go all indecisive. It's like she turned into a high school airhead right at the key moment. Ugh.
The first half of the book is a relentless back and forth between Morgan and Miach doing the selfish "love" thing (tip: that isn't actual love and it certainly isn't lovely) of "I'll sneak off to face an evil to protect you from this potential growth/informational experience and, while I'm at it, heighten my chances of dying." I really and truly do not get this "romantic" impulse. If my lover decided unilaterally to meet deadly peril without even informing me of it, it'd piss me right the hell off and likely end that relationship. It's a betrayal, not a signifier of love. Even after they "vow" never to do it again, they only uphold that vow by getting caught before they can act on it. You can kind of tell that even the author doesn't completely buy the premise because she has them get caught before they can get too far, even before the vow to stop it.
So that was bad enough, but then Kurland has Morgan become unforgivably-dithering-girl at a key action/drama moment.
I wanted to see how the story would end so I saw it through. I can't recommend the book, though, and can only say I'm glad it's the end of the trilogy (and yes, I know there are more books in the series, but these first three are structured as a trilogy and come to a definite conclusion). I was going to give this book a two star on a grudging 2.5 evaluation until that dithering moment. That killed my last vestige of respect for the story, though. It really felt like a betrayal of the character, as well as the reader, having Morgan go all indecisive. It's like she turned into a high school airhead right at the key moment. Ugh.
October 8, 2017
It's not such a bad book but it took me a month to read it. It just didn't hold my attention, not the story or the characters. I think I fell asleep every time I continued reading it.
August 3, 2016
Princess of the Sword is such a wonderful conclusion to this series--surprising, action-packed, and satisfying. This finale is plot-driven, from the start, which is an interesting turn from the character and emotion-heavy stories we've come to expect from Kurland. But it's impossible not to be swept off your feet as Miach and Morgan infiltrate a mage academy (within the first few pages) on their quest to defeat evil. From start to finish, this book flies by with even more plot twists (can we please talk about HOW Kurland manages to keep doing this?!?!), a showdown that doesn't disappoint, and a romance that keeps getting better.
What really stood out to me about this installment is that we see Miach, for perhaps the first time in the series, really braving the odds against him. Miach has always been an oasis of calm and reason; he's Morgan's mentor when she needs him to be or her confidant and best friend when the occasion calls for it. What makes their relationship work so well is that they balance each other--Miach standing by and radiating peace while Morgan reacts and runs and flounders, giving her the time she needs to get her bearing. But in Princess of the Sword we see how Miach's life is upturned, causing him to rely on Morgan in a way he's never had to before. Now it is his entire future, not Morgan's, that changes in the span of days and I really enjoyed seeing him work through those hurdles.
Miach's decision to set aside some of his duties as archmage and win back Morgan sets a series of events into motion that we aren't privy to until this installment. We're given a sudden burst of politics, war, and magic and I loved getting to see a completely different side to this world and its characters. Morgan is finally comfortable in her skin and though she's still adjusting to the different parts of herself, she's becoming the woman she was meant to be. Her presence is invaluable to Miach, especially as he battles the demons within himself and the calling to darkness that beckons to him, too, as a powerful mage. I especially liked, though, getting to see what happens as the dust settles. Kurland doesn't jump to an epilogue without giving us a chance to see the messy repairs of the realm--or how costly the sacrifices have been to attain this peace--and I really enjoyed that. Overall, this trilogy is underrated, pure magic. I can't imagine not falling in love with it.
What really stood out to me about this installment is that we see Miach, for perhaps the first time in the series, really braving the odds against him. Miach has always been an oasis of calm and reason; he's Morgan's mentor when she needs him to be or her confidant and best friend when the occasion calls for it. What makes their relationship work so well is that they balance each other--Miach standing by and radiating peace while Morgan reacts and runs and flounders, giving her the time she needs to get her bearing. But in Princess of the Sword we see how Miach's life is upturned, causing him to rely on Morgan in a way he's never had to before. Now it is his entire future, not Morgan's, that changes in the span of days and I really enjoyed seeing him work through those hurdles.
Miach's decision to set aside some of his duties as archmage and win back Morgan sets a series of events into motion that we aren't privy to until this installment. We're given a sudden burst of politics, war, and magic and I loved getting to see a completely different side to this world and its characters. Morgan is finally comfortable in her skin and though she's still adjusting to the different parts of herself, she's becoming the woman she was meant to be. Her presence is invaluable to Miach, especially as he battles the demons within himself and the calling to darkness that beckons to him, too, as a powerful mage. I especially liked, though, getting to see what happens as the dust settles. Kurland doesn't jump to an epilogue without giving us a chance to see the messy repairs of the realm--or how costly the sacrifices have been to attain this peace--and I really enjoyed that. Overall, this trilogy is underrated, pure magic. I can't imagine not falling in love with it.
January 20, 2009
I wanted to like this book more than I did, but there were just some things about it that seemed so stupid to me. Through all 3 books we've been hearing about Miach's big enemy, Lothar. Lothar who tortured Miach in a dungeon for a year, Lothar who killed Miach's parents and brother, and wants to steal Morgan's powers and then killer her, too. So Miach and Lothar are finally confronting one another, Miach says "I don't plan on standing against you, I plan to kill you". Then he gets his chance and here's Miach "I can't bring myself to do it". What??? Can someone please give this guy a back bone? So ridiculous, somebody kill this guy already. Also I think it was a mistake to take Adhemar out of the story. Even though he was annoying and arrogant he at least added some variety to the characters. It seemed like everyone had the same personality and kept having the same conversations over and over. To sum up, I was just a little bored/irritated through most of the book. And for how much story there was to be told before the series ended, I shouldn't have been bored, but I was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2013
When it comes to fantasy and romance, I obsessively read an entire series from start to finish especially when the first book was as good as Star of the Morning (the first in this trilogy), but in this case I wish i hadn't bothered. Morgan begins the series as capable, funny and riddled with familiar doubts and neurosis. She is incredibly likable and you are rooting for her and Miach, who is also wonderful in the first book, to get together and they do. Unfortunately what comes next devolves from boring (The Mage's Daughter) to infuriating in Princess of the Sword.
The great thing about fantasy/sci-fi/paranormal romance is that the female characters are usually physically and emotionally powerful. They have incredible amounts of agency, often saving the hero or at least kicking some ass. Morgan begins that way and understandably has some doubts when she finds out who she really is but by the third book the girl should have figured it out! She can't come to terms with her own magic, is incapable of defending herself against mages (physically or magically) and doesn't face any of her fears, even during the final confrontation at the well. By the end of the book, men are always helping, protecting or saving her. Essentially, Morgan devolves. This character should be able to master her magic the same way she did sword fighting - which incidentally would have made the battle strategy spell thing make a whole lot more sense. If she has so much courage and is strong enough to bear Weger's mark (which is repeated nauseatingly often) then the woman should be able to face her fear of magic and master it, not just do the bare minimum.
Just as Morgan loses all of her positive traits, so does Miach. He says that he respects Morgan, but he keeps trying to "protect" her despite the fact that she saved his ass multiple times in the first book of the series. Honestly, was there ever a more pompous and misogynistic character than Miach in this last book? If he called her courageous and then tried to protect her one more time i was going to scream. Their lack of understanding and, frankly, respect make the romantic scenes seem shallow. In the end, I wanted her to leave him just for the satisfaction of seeing her making a choice about her life.
The only redeeming thing about this final book was the secondary characters. Thank god for elves, dwarves and magicians.
The great thing about fantasy/sci-fi/paranormal romance is that the female characters are usually physically and emotionally powerful. They have incredible amounts of agency, often saving the hero or at least kicking some ass. Morgan begins that way and understandably has some doubts when she finds out who she really is but by the third book the girl should have figured it out! She can't come to terms with her own magic, is incapable of defending herself against mages (physically or magically) and doesn't face any of her fears, even during the final confrontation at the well. By the end of the book, men are always helping, protecting or saving her. Essentially, Morgan devolves. This character should be able to master her magic the same way she did sword fighting - which incidentally would have made the battle strategy spell thing make a whole lot more sense. If she has so much courage and is strong enough to bear Weger's mark (which is repeated nauseatingly often) then the woman should be able to face her fear of magic and master it, not just do the bare minimum.
Just as Morgan loses all of her positive traits, so does Miach. He says that he respects Morgan, but he keeps trying to "protect" her despite the fact that she saved his ass multiple times in the first book of the series. Honestly, was there ever a more pompous and misogynistic character than Miach in this last book? If he called her courageous and then tried to protect her one more time i was going to scream. Their lack of understanding and, frankly, respect make the romantic scenes seem shallow. In the end, I wanted her to leave him just for the satisfaction of seeing her making a choice about her life.
The only redeeming thing about this final book was the secondary characters. Thank god for elves, dwarves and magicians.
November 24, 2017
How to review this book....Hmm....
Here's the thing. I don't feel comfortable even talking about the events of the first two books in detail - because this is really one, long story. It should be handled as such. So I feel like it's really:
Spoiler spoiler spoiler, spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. Spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. SPOILER.
Spoiler, spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. Spoiler spoiler, spoiler spoiler; spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. Spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler.
Spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. Spoiler, spoiler, spoiler. SPOILER!!!!
You get the point. I guess I could just say: I loved it.
This trilogy - the first in the overall Nine Kingdoms series - is definitely fantasy romance. However, the fantasy world - while built enough for its purposes - is light. It's a stage for the story of the romance to take place. The entire trilogy, a single story as I said, is fun, light, sweet, and romantic as hell. The first book builds it nicely. The second book is a bit slower and more focused on the romance. The third book brings it all together: romance, action, plot.
This series is such a comfort read for me. The characters (especially Morgan and Miach) are just wonderful - and though some might consider them Mary Sues, well, I simply didn't care. I love following their story over and over and over again.
Here's the thing. I don't feel comfortable even talking about the events of the first two books in detail - because this is really one, long story. It should be handled as such. So I feel like it's really:
Spoiler spoiler spoiler, spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. Spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. SPOILER.
Spoiler, spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. Spoiler spoiler, spoiler spoiler; spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. Spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler.
Spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. Spoiler, spoiler, spoiler. SPOILER!!!!
You get the point. I guess I could just say: I loved it.
This trilogy - the first in the overall Nine Kingdoms series - is definitely fantasy romance. However, the fantasy world - while built enough for its purposes - is light. It's a stage for the story of the romance to take place. The entire trilogy, a single story as I said, is fun, light, sweet, and romantic as hell. The first book builds it nicely. The second book is a bit slower and more focused on the romance. The third book brings it all together: romance, action, plot.
This series is such a comfort read for me. The characters (especially Morgan and Miach) are just wonderful - and though some might consider them Mary Sues, well, I simply didn't care. I love following their story over and over and over again.
November 1, 2017
3.5/5; 4 stars; A-
A satisfying conclusion to the three book story arc. I think I'll leave the series there. I enjoyed it but not enough to trudge through another 8 or 9 books.
A satisfying conclusion to the three book story arc. I think I'll leave the series there. I enjoyed it but not enough to trudge through another 8 or 9 books.
September 13, 2016
I wanted to love these books. I wanted to love these books so bad, I plodded my way through to the final book in Morgan's story, hoping with each new chapter, this is where sometime amazing will happen. But I was left 100% disappointed by the end.
I won't rehash some of the many things that I disliked about these books, starting with the first in the series, and will just say that this was a lackluster ending to a lackluster story.
SPOILERS BELOW!
Once again, there was no real romance, there was no relationship building, there was no growth. There were two people kissing. Morgan who should have been a kick ass, save the world kind of girl, was a blubbering simpleton, who had men do all the dirty work for her 99% of the time. I mean seriously, the girl doesn't even know she's pregnant? Her husband has to spell that one out for her? This character definitely got dumber as the story progressed. Major disappointment.
Again I felt like things happened that should have been these major world changing events, but were just like, oh ok that's nice. IE: Micha's brother dying and he suddenly is king, but all it lead to was him in meetings for a few pages, and her wandering around the halls bored, wondering if her life will be waiting for him to be done with meetings. Oh but PS there was some prophecy that said the next time a King is the Archmage peace will be restored, so this should be a huge deal but it's mentioned once in passing.
Then there was the fact that every interesting sorcerer mentioned throughout the series of books is actually alive and just comes to hang out and lend a hand all of a sudden. Remember that super valuable, one of a kind sword that's the answer to everyone's prayers but Morgan broke at the end of the first novel. Yeah, the super powerful queen who forged it is still alive so we'll just make it again, but not to worry, Morgan won't actually use it to save the day, she'll cast a single spell then have the men do the rest.
Just in general I was so disappointed in the story, the lack of interesting character development (or in Morgan's case, the complete reversal of interesting character development) and the lack of a clearly defined magical universe, where the author just bends the laws of this magic to easily accomplish whatever she needs it to so she can neatly wrap up her plot.
I wish these books were the thrilling fantasy romance they promised. I won't be reading on in the series.
I won't rehash some of the many things that I disliked about these books, starting with the first in the series, and will just say that this was a lackluster ending to a lackluster story.
SPOILERS BELOW!
Once again, there was no real romance, there was no relationship building, there was no growth. There were two people kissing. Morgan who should have been a kick ass, save the world kind of girl, was a blubbering simpleton, who had men do all the dirty work for her 99% of the time. I mean seriously, the girl doesn't even know she's pregnant? Her husband has to spell that one out for her? This character definitely got dumber as the story progressed. Major disappointment.
Again I felt like things happened that should have been these major world changing events, but were just like, oh ok that's nice. IE: Micha's brother dying and he suddenly is king, but all it lead to was him in meetings for a few pages, and her wandering around the halls bored, wondering if her life will be waiting for him to be done with meetings. Oh but PS there was some prophecy that said the next time a King is the Archmage peace will be restored, so this should be a huge deal but it's mentioned once in passing.
Then there was the fact that every interesting sorcerer mentioned throughout the series of books is actually alive and just comes to hang out and lend a hand all of a sudden. Remember that super valuable, one of a kind sword that's the answer to everyone's prayers but Morgan broke at the end of the first novel. Yeah, the super powerful queen who forged it is still alive so we'll just make it again, but not to worry, Morgan won't actually use it to save the day, she'll cast a single spell then have the men do the rest.
Just in general I was so disappointed in the story, the lack of interesting character development (or in Morgan's case, the complete reversal of interesting character development) and the lack of a clearly defined magical universe, where the author just bends the laws of this magic to easily accomplish whatever she needs it to so she can neatly wrap up her plot.
I wish these books were the thrilling fantasy romance they promised. I won't be reading on in the series.
February 14, 2019
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
February 12, 2017
I think this just might be my favourite book out of the series so far! There were so many unexpected twists and turns, I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through! I truly love the world of the Nine Kingdoms that Kurland has created, it really is absolutely breathtaking! I love how with each book, the world and characters are made richer and richer until you can't help but be helplessly in love with it all! Romance and fantasy is blended together so beautifully in this series, Kurland really strikes the perfect balance. I really could go on and on about my newfound love for this series!
March 11, 2020
Third in the Nine Kingdoms historical fantasy series and revolving around Gair of Ceangail’s dead children. The couple focus is on Morgan of Melksham and Miach of Neroche.
My Take
It's so sad about Gair. A brilliant young man with a great deal of curiosity who really needed a challenge, but fell instead to the dark side.
We do make progress. Morgan finds two more brothers while Miach conquers an old enemy at great cost. It all comes about through sneakiness and family, magic and love with plenty of action. The escapes are unparalleled — that chess game...urgh...! In some ways, the action is easier than when the series started with Star of the Morning , 1, but that could be due to a better familiarity with Kurland's world.
Kurland primarily uses a third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Miach's and Morgan's perspectives with prose that does (and does not) help with understanding what's happening. Kurland is sometimes vague on the details. Nor does it help with all these odd names. Just go with the flow and don't worry about it too much.
Léir Soilléir appears to be a good man, but as Miach notes, a cruel one as well, for he needs to be sure that the magic he passes on can be handled responsibly by his students. Droch. Well, Droch doesn't want anyone handling his spells, and he certainly despises anyone who can use Olc. Droch reminds me of Professor Snape from Harry Potter. No matter how evil Droch is, someone's always better than him. And does that ever tick him off!
Okay, we're learning more, as Kurland continues dribbling bits and pieces out. We finally learn the name of one of Nicholas' sons. Yeah, okay, I'm dribbling too, lol. The really big reveal is that Sarait had been goading Gair into showing off, hoping to get him to destroy himself. That pride thing again. It goeth before a fall.
People are so entwined, and there are so many ex-rulers. Wouldn't it be lovely if the rulers of other countries (in our world) could give up power so easily?
Kurland's world of magic has assorted rules to make things interesting. One I dislike is that only the mage who took the power can give it back. Dagnabit.
The powers-that-be are much too forgiving. They had Lothar bound ages ago and wouldn't kill him. Kurland does mention a prophecy in which the king and archmage of Neroche must be one for Lothar to be bested, so maybe that's why??
What a difference a beer makes.
The Story
As the mercenary daughter of Gair, the black mage of Ceangail, Morgan is the only one who can stop the terrible sorcery her father unleashed. To do so, she must race against time and find the spell that will allow her to close the well of evil he opened. But that quest will lead her to places she never dreamed existed and into a darkness she would give anything to avoid.
With the fate of Neroche intertwined with the closing of Gair’s well, the archmage Miach must help Morgan find what she needs, not only because the safety of the Nine Kingdoms hangs in the balance, but because he will do anything to protect her. Now, as they search out the mysteries of Ceangail — and the dangers of Morgan’s own bloodline — Morgan and Miach have only each other to trust, heart and soul…
The Characters
A council of kings works together to ensure the Nine Kingdoms stays safe.
Morgan of Melksham has a preference for sharp swords, and while she has hated mages in the past, she has strong feelings for one in particular.
The Kingdom of Neroche stands...
...between Lothar and the rest of the kingdoms. Prince Mochriadhemiach, a.k.a., Miach of Neroche, is the archmage of the kingdom, the youngest brother of their idiot king, Adhemar. Adaira of Penrhyn is Adhemar's queen. The next oldest brother is the practical Cathar, who engages in trade without Adhemar's awareness. Nemed, the crown-fondling Rigaud, and the twins, Turah and Mansourah are the rest of Miach's brothers. Sir Doigheil is in charge of housing for everyone. Peter is a page. The widow Tonnag brews a fine ale.
King Gilraehen the Fey and the adventurous Queen Mehar, who forged the Sword of Angesand as well as the dagger, are former rulers of Neroche. Mehar intends to offer her aid in reforging the sword. Harold the Bold is Gil and Mehar's son and the bubbly Catriona is Harold's wife. King Yngerame and Mâire are the parents of Lothar and Symon, the first king of Neroche.
Princess Beatrice of Penrhyn is a nasty person.
Buidseachd, Beinn òrain, is...
...a mages school built on a spring of magic 3,000 years ago. Master Ceannard is the headmaster. There are ten wizards here, each acknowledged as a master of his craft. Droch of Saothair is the master of Olc with a huge network of spies; Léir Soilléir of Cothromaiche is the master of essence changing, Caochladh magic, and is the only one who can keep Droch in check. Rùnach is so damaged that he hides himself and serves as Soilléir's assistant. Reudan. The chess pieces include Uallach and Murdina of Faoin as the white king and queen. The Uneasy Dragon is an inn.
Tòrr Dòrainn is...
...an elvish kingdom ruled by Síle, Morgan's grandfather from his palace, Seanagarra. Brèagha is his wife. Sarait was his youngest daughter who had married Gair and was later murdered by him. Sosar is Sìle's youngest son, and his magic has been taken.
Sgath and Eulasaid, Gair's parents, are at Cladach
The Kingdom of Ainneamh is...
...ruled by elves. Proíseil had been king centuries ago.
Cruadal of Duibhreas is a rejected suitor of Morgan's who isn't taking it well.
Gobhann is...
...Weger's keep is a magic sink where Scrymgeour Weger, a master swordsman, runs a school. To earn his mark is to be the best.
Durial is...
...the kingdom of the dwarves and is ruled by King Uachdaran from the city of Léige. Ceardach is the master blacksmith.
Paien, Camid, the cheating Glines of Balfour, and the not-too-competent Fletcher of Harding are Morgan's mercenary companions.
Lismòr is...
...a school and an orphanage created by Nicholas, the former wizard king of Diarmailt and Morgan's uncle, in honor of his murdered wife and Sarait's sister, Lismòrian. Reil had been their eldest son.
Aherin is...
…the home of Hearn, the lord of Angesand, and his remarkable horses with their own language. Gerald and Thomas want to be pages at Neroche. Luath, Fleòd, Rèaltan, and Reannag are the horses Miach and Morgan have acquired from Hearn. Unfortunately, the first two are inciting riot at Hearn's stables with their talk of wings.
Ceangail was...
...once part of Wychweald and was ceded to Gair by King Renauld, Miach's cousin Stefan's grandfather's grandfather five hundred years ago. I think Díobhail is the name of Prince Gair's keep there. Gair's bastards now occupy the keep. Acair is his last bastard son.
Gair had been one of the blackest of black mages with horrible spells of his own invention, including one of Diminishing, of taking the magic of another mage. Well, he was. He's dead now. And those of his children who died? Well, not all of them died. Mhorghain. Rùnach. Keir who no longer has power. The other sons included Brogch, Gille, Eglach, and Ruith. Sarait had been their mother.
Lothar of Wychweald is a black mage who loves to terrorize; he's also Miach's great-uncle many generations removed. He's using the dribble coming out of the well to create things. He has cast a covetous eye on Neroche for centuries.
There are many types of magic in the Nine Kingdoms, and those magics are generally responsive only to what the mage has in his veins. With enough power though... Olc is a black evil magic; Caochladh is of changing the essence of a thing; Fadaire; Camanaë is one of healing; Lugham is a vulgar magic of Ceangail and a bastardization of Wexham; and, Croxteth.
The first master of Olc was Duaichnidh. Now the blood has concentrated in Dorchadas of Saothair who left two of his sons alive: Droch and Wehr of Wrekin, Miach's maternal great-grandfather.
The Cover and Title
The cover is colorful in its greens and oranges with that bright blue and cloudy sky with a range of mountains rising from left to right. The mountains continue to pop as they come forward. The castle of Neroche rises from the side of one on the left while Morgan, in a sideways pose, her long curly hair falling on either side of her head, in a toga-like outer gown in an orange print belted at the waist with her scabbard tucked behind her, wears a cream underblouse with a purple figured vest and a teal blue band beneath it. She has struck a rebellious pose, her right arm straight out, her left holding her sword braced to swing from behind her, and one knee bent.
The title is who Morgan is, the Princess of the Sword.
My Take
It's so sad about Gair. A brilliant young man with a great deal of curiosity who really needed a challenge, but fell instead to the dark side.
We do make progress. Morgan finds two more brothers while Miach conquers an old enemy at great cost. It all comes about through sneakiness and family, magic and love with plenty of action. The escapes are unparalleled — that chess game...urgh...! In some ways, the action is easier than when the series started with Star of the Morning , 1, but that could be due to a better familiarity with Kurland's world.
Kurland primarily uses a third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Miach's and Morgan's perspectives with prose that does (and does not) help with understanding what's happening. Kurland is sometimes vague on the details. Nor does it help with all these odd names. Just go with the flow and don't worry about it too much.
Léir Soilléir appears to be a good man, but as Miach notes, a cruel one as well, for he needs to be sure that the magic he passes on can be handled responsibly by his students. Droch. Well, Droch doesn't want anyone handling his spells, and he certainly despises anyone who can use Olc. Droch reminds me of Professor Snape from Harry Potter. No matter how evil Droch is, someone's always better than him. And does that ever tick him off!
Okay, we're learning more, as Kurland continues dribbling bits and pieces out. We finally learn the name of one of Nicholas' sons. Yeah, okay, I'm dribbling too, lol. The really big reveal is that Sarait had been goading Gair into showing off, hoping to get him to destroy himself. That pride thing again. It goeth before a fall.
People are so entwined, and there are so many ex-rulers. Wouldn't it be lovely if the rulers of other countries (in our world) could give up power so easily?
Kurland's world of magic has assorted rules to make things interesting. One I dislike is that only the mage who took the power can give it back. Dagnabit.
The powers-that-be are much too forgiving. They had Lothar bound ages ago and wouldn't kill him. Kurland does mention a prophecy in which the king and archmage of Neroche must be one for Lothar to be bested, so maybe that's why??
What a difference a beer makes.
The Story
As the mercenary daughter of Gair, the black mage of Ceangail, Morgan is the only one who can stop the terrible sorcery her father unleashed. To do so, she must race against time and find the spell that will allow her to close the well of evil he opened. But that quest will lead her to places she never dreamed existed and into a darkness she would give anything to avoid.
With the fate of Neroche intertwined with the closing of Gair’s well, the archmage Miach must help Morgan find what she needs, not only because the safety of the Nine Kingdoms hangs in the balance, but because he will do anything to protect her. Now, as they search out the mysteries of Ceangail — and the dangers of Morgan’s own bloodline — Morgan and Miach have only each other to trust, heart and soul…
The Characters
A council of kings works together to ensure the Nine Kingdoms stays safe.
Morgan of Melksham has a preference for sharp swords, and while she has hated mages in the past, she has strong feelings for one in particular.
The Kingdom of Neroche stands...
...between Lothar and the rest of the kingdoms. Prince Mochriadhemiach, a.k.a., Miach of Neroche, is the archmage of the kingdom, the youngest brother of their idiot king, Adhemar. Adaira of Penrhyn is Adhemar's queen. The next oldest brother is the practical Cathar, who engages in trade without Adhemar's awareness. Nemed, the crown-fondling Rigaud, and the twins, Turah and Mansourah are the rest of Miach's brothers. Sir Doigheil is in charge of housing for everyone. Peter is a page. The widow Tonnag brews a fine ale.
King Gilraehen the Fey and the adventurous Queen Mehar, who forged the Sword of Angesand as well as the dagger, are former rulers of Neroche. Mehar intends to offer her aid in reforging the sword. Harold the Bold is Gil and Mehar's son and the bubbly Catriona is Harold's wife. King Yngerame and Mâire are the parents of Lothar and Symon, the first king of Neroche.
Princess Beatrice of Penrhyn is a nasty person.
Buidseachd, Beinn òrain, is...
...a mages school built on a spring of magic 3,000 years ago. Master Ceannard is the headmaster. There are ten wizards here, each acknowledged as a master of his craft. Droch of Saothair is the master of Olc with a huge network of spies; Léir Soilléir of Cothromaiche is the master of essence changing, Caochladh magic, and is the only one who can keep Droch in check. Rùnach is so damaged that he hides himself and serves as Soilléir's assistant. Reudan. The chess pieces include Uallach and Murdina of Faoin as the white king and queen. The Uneasy Dragon is an inn.
Tòrr Dòrainn is...
...an elvish kingdom ruled by Síle, Morgan's grandfather from his palace, Seanagarra. Brèagha is his wife. Sarait was his youngest daughter who had married Gair and was later murdered by him. Sosar is Sìle's youngest son, and his magic has been taken.
Sgath and Eulasaid, Gair's parents, are at Cladach
The Kingdom of Ainneamh is...
...ruled by elves. Proíseil had been king centuries ago.
Cruadal of Duibhreas is a rejected suitor of Morgan's who isn't taking it well.
Gobhann is...
...Weger's keep is a magic sink where Scrymgeour Weger, a master swordsman, runs a school. To earn his mark is to be the best.
Durial is...
...the kingdom of the dwarves and is ruled by King Uachdaran from the city of Léige. Ceardach is the master blacksmith.
Paien, Camid, the cheating Glines of Balfour, and the not-too-competent Fletcher of Harding are Morgan's mercenary companions.
Lismòr is...
...a school and an orphanage created by Nicholas, the former wizard king of Diarmailt and Morgan's uncle, in honor of his murdered wife and Sarait's sister, Lismòrian. Reil had been their eldest son.
Aherin is...
…the home of Hearn, the lord of Angesand, and his remarkable horses with their own language. Gerald and Thomas want to be pages at Neroche. Luath, Fleòd, Rèaltan, and Reannag are the horses Miach and Morgan have acquired from Hearn. Unfortunately, the first two are inciting riot at Hearn's stables with their talk of wings.
Ceangail was...
...once part of Wychweald and was ceded to Gair by King Renauld, Miach's cousin Stefan's grandfather's grandfather five hundred years ago. I think Díobhail is the name of Prince Gair's keep there. Gair's bastards now occupy the keep. Acair is his last bastard son.
Gair had been one of the blackest of black mages with horrible spells of his own invention, including one of Diminishing, of taking the magic of another mage. Well, he was. He's dead now. And those of his children who died? Well, not all of them died. Mhorghain. Rùnach. Keir who no longer has power. The other sons included Brogch, Gille, Eglach, and Ruith. Sarait had been their mother.
Lothar of Wychweald is a black mage who loves to terrorize; he's also Miach's great-uncle many generations removed. He's using the dribble coming out of the well to create things. He has cast a covetous eye on Neroche for centuries.
There are many types of magic in the Nine Kingdoms, and those magics are generally responsive only to what the mage has in his veins. With enough power though... Olc is a black evil magic; Caochladh is of changing the essence of a thing; Fadaire; Camanaë is one of healing; Lugham is a vulgar magic of Ceangail and a bastardization of Wexham; and, Croxteth.
The first master of Olc was Duaichnidh. Now the blood has concentrated in Dorchadas of Saothair who left two of his sons alive: Droch and Wehr of Wrekin, Miach's maternal great-grandfather.
The Cover and Title
The cover is colorful in its greens and oranges with that bright blue and cloudy sky with a range of mountains rising from left to right. The mountains continue to pop as they come forward. The castle of Neroche rises from the side of one on the left while Morgan, in a sideways pose, her long curly hair falling on either side of her head, in a toga-like outer gown in an orange print belted at the waist with her scabbard tucked behind her, wears a cream underblouse with a purple figured vest and a teal blue band beneath it. She has struck a rebellious pose, her right arm straight out, her left holding her sword braced to swing from behind her, and one knee bent.
The title is who Morgan is, the Princess of the Sword.
May 23, 2017
A fun escape.
October 14, 2009
Okay, I'm going to be pedestrian and simply say I loved this series. It was such a fun, different and unexpected little gem despite the bugs I pick with it on occasion and which make me question my ratings. I had to start putting my thoughts to paper right after I finished it, which doesn't happen often because I'm usually so eager to move on to the next potential big read and save the review for later. Instead I wanted to relish my last few minutes before that reflecting on all the good times I had with Miach and Morgan. And that's a sure sign of a good read.
In the last installment of the Nine Kingdoms trilogy, Morgan and Miach find themselves in a tight, yet familiar, spot. They are attempting to enter the solar of Droch, the master of the ancient and evil magic of Olc. But first they have to successfully hide their essences, cap their magic, and cover themselves with a veil of unnoticing so they may sneak into the wizard keep of Buidseachd undetected. Just maybe then they will find the spell they need to close Gair's well for good. It won't be that easy, however, and before they have every piece to the puzzle, Miach and Morgan will merely have time to make a brief visit to her old home Ceangail before they run into nemesis Lothar himself at the well. But closing the well is not the end and after a stop at desolate Riamh surprising twists of fate are revealed and Miach and Morgan's future is thrown into question once again. When and how will their turn for peace finally come?
What first comes to mind when I try to give words to how I felt about this final book to the Nine Kingdoms series is "charming" (which I'm tempted to repeat three times) and "sweet." I had the kind-you-want warm fuzzy feelings upon finishing it. That's not to say it was perfect, however much I loved the ending. Miach and Morgan's stays in both Buidseachd and Ceangail felt over-long and their angst for facing the evil well and defeating Lothar seemed overdone in parts. I also wish Lothar had been more developed. When they finally get to the well - surprisingly - it felt too soon and too quickly resolved considering how major a plot point it's been throughout the series. So there were some pacing problems.
That said I REALLY liked how this setup the final plot twist and unexpected turn-of-events for Miach, Morgan, and Neroche - something I never would have seen coming. There was more darkness than expected and along with it more suffering and responsibility. Nevertheless that made Miach and Morgan's happily ever after all the more rewarding when so hard-earned. Princess in the Sword also reunites characters from the first and second books for the final showdown between Lothar's evil minions and Neroche's magically talented and sword-proficient twosome Miach and Morgan, which makes for plenty of needed action and grinning moments for the reader. In the end Morgan - after all her denial and reluctant acceptance - did become Princess Mhorghain (and more) while still remaining Morgan of Melksham just as Miach is both a common mage and Prince Mochriadhemiach, a royal leader. Through this process both manage to become if possible even more endearing - Morgan in her tomboy grounded ways and Miach with his mostly failed attempts at chilvalry and courtship. I LOVE these characters. They and their romance is ultimately what this series was about and in that respect this was an utterly satisfying end to the trilogy.
In the last installment of the Nine Kingdoms trilogy, Morgan and Miach find themselves in a tight, yet familiar, spot. They are attempting to enter the solar of Droch, the master of the ancient and evil magic of Olc. But first they have to successfully hide their essences, cap their magic, and cover themselves with a veil of unnoticing so they may sneak into the wizard keep of Buidseachd undetected. Just maybe then they will find the spell they need to close Gair's well for good. It won't be that easy, however, and before they have every piece to the puzzle, Miach and Morgan will merely have time to make a brief visit to her old home Ceangail before they run into nemesis Lothar himself at the well. But closing the well is not the end and after a stop at desolate Riamh surprising twists of fate are revealed and Miach and Morgan's future is thrown into question once again. When and how will their turn for peace finally come?
What first comes to mind when I try to give words to how I felt about this final book to the Nine Kingdoms series is "charming" (which I'm tempted to repeat three times) and "sweet." I had the kind-you-want warm fuzzy feelings upon finishing it. That's not to say it was perfect, however much I loved the ending. Miach and Morgan's stays in both Buidseachd and Ceangail felt over-long and their angst for facing the evil well and defeating Lothar seemed overdone in parts. I also wish Lothar had been more developed. When they finally get to the well - surprisingly - it felt too soon and too quickly resolved considering how major a plot point it's been throughout the series. So there were some pacing problems.
That said I REALLY liked how this setup the final plot twist and unexpected turn-of-events for Miach, Morgan, and Neroche - something I never would have seen coming. There was more darkness than expected and along with it more suffering and responsibility. Nevertheless that made Miach and Morgan's happily ever after all the more rewarding when so hard-earned. Princess in the Sword also reunites characters from the first and second books for the final showdown between Lothar's evil minions and Neroche's magically talented and sword-proficient twosome Miach and Morgan, which makes for plenty of needed action and grinning moments for the reader. In the end Morgan - after all her denial and reluctant acceptance - did become Princess Mhorghain (and more) while still remaining Morgan of Melksham just as Miach is both a common mage and Prince Mochriadhemiach, a royal leader. Through this process both manage to become if possible even more endearing - Morgan in her tomboy grounded ways and Miach with his mostly failed attempts at chilvalry and courtship. I LOVE these characters. They and their romance is ultimately what this series was about and in that respect this was an utterly satisfying end to the trilogy.
April 23, 2017
I'm finally getting back to review this last book in the original Nine Kingdoms trilogy. There was less blubbering in Princess of the Sword, thank goodness! I enjoyed the cozy fantasy elements of this world even though the world building was kind of vague. And this was a decent ending to the story even though the final conflict was a bit too easy to call it anything close to epic.
There was a bit too much focus on the romance for me, though. Too much romantic lingering, standing around hugging and talking quietly. And the big conflict ended so early that I thought it was a false victory for a while. But no - there were just 60 pages of happily ever after at the end. Which is why this was more romance than fantasy.
I haven’t really read much in the Romantic Fantasy genre, so now I know what to expect from it. I do like a bit of romance in my fantasy, but I think I have to be in the right mood for something like this with romance as the main focus. I probably would have done better with this trilogy if I'd taken a break between books, but the cliffhanger endings got me.
Still, I might revisit the genre again someday, and will probably pick up the next book set in the Nine Kingdoms at some point. It's enjoyable enough if you want a romance with a fantasy backdrop (especially if you want a very chaste romance). It's slightly frustrating if you’re more interested in the fantasy and world building and want a more difficult struggle for the fate of the world.
There was a bit too much focus on the romance for me, though. Too much romantic lingering, standing around hugging and talking quietly. And the big conflict ended so early that I thought it was a false victory for a while. But no - there were just 60 pages of happily ever after at the end. Which is why this was more romance than fantasy.
I haven’t really read much in the Romantic Fantasy genre, so now I know what to expect from it. I do like a bit of romance in my fantasy, but I think I have to be in the right mood for something like this with romance as the main focus. I probably would have done better with this trilogy if I'd taken a break between books, but the cliffhanger endings got me.
Still, I might revisit the genre again someday, and will probably pick up the next book set in the Nine Kingdoms at some point. It's enjoyable enough if you want a romance with a fantasy backdrop (especially if you want a very chaste romance). It's slightly frustrating if you’re more interested in the fantasy and world building and want a more difficult struggle for the fate of the world.
February 27, 2009
This is the final book in the series, and while I did enjoy it, there were problems. The characters were still amusing, and interesting, and had well invented pasts, but I disliked how whiny Morgan became about her upcoming need to shut her father's well, and I *really* disliked how Micah was now nearly Superman -- he knew nearly any spell of any type of magic that might be needed, he was always brave, he was unfailingly loving... oh, and he survives on nearly no sleep and never gets angry as well as managing to always remain handsome.
It all seemed to end too easily, as if all the build up on how terrible it all would be to capture the evil doer Lothar and cap the well oozing magical evil was for nothing when they did it without barely getting a hair out of place. People died, but after some minor "Oh, I just got to KNOW him" and in one case, not even that, life went on. No mourning, save one state funeral that everyone was happy to joke and laugh during.
All in all, this felt like a book written just to tie up the ends quickly, make everyone live happily ever after, and end the trilogy. I enjoyed the ride, but felt let down at the same time.
It all seemed to end too easily, as if all the build up on how terrible it all would be to capture the evil doer Lothar and cap the well oozing magical evil was for nothing when they did it without barely getting a hair out of place. People died, but after some minor "Oh, I just got to KNOW him" and in one case, not even that, life went on. No mourning, save one state funeral that everyone was happy to joke and laugh during.
All in all, this felt like a book written just to tie up the ends quickly, make everyone live happily ever after, and end the trilogy. I enjoyed the ride, but felt let down at the same time.
April 15, 2009
I am besotted, in truth!
I just plain loved this series. I am sad it is over. I guess I got attached to the characters.
I just plain loved this series. I am sad it is over. I guess I got attached to the characters.
April 14, 2019
Language: R (40 swears, 0 "f" + British swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13
The action came back in this book, and the romance did not go away; Morgan and Miach's story continued on as the best of both worlds as they fought their foes as well as for time together. While not everything was resolved by the end, I am satisfied with the conclusion of their story and I do not want to invest in new main characters -- Kurland wrote what I wanted to read, and I am content not continuing on in the series if Morgan and Miach are not the focus of the following books.
The action came back in this book, and the romance did not go away; Morgan and Miach's story continued on as the best of both worlds as they fought their foes as well as for time together. While not everything was resolved by the end, I am satisfied with the conclusion of their story and I do not want to invest in new main characters -- Kurland wrote what I wanted to read, and I am content not continuing on in the series if Morgan and Miach are not the focus of the following books.
June 16, 2021
The pacing felt off in the second book and this one. The main conflict that was driving the whole trilogy gets resolved about 75% through this book, and the last 25% felt like a really long epilogue. Too many expressions of love (which got boring) and not enough character development or action in this one for me.
July 6, 2019
I was glad to see Morgan retain some of her prowess in the final book, but I found that I lost interest in the plot. It's difficult to make a fictional world with magic feel plausible and consistent. In this book the magic often felt like a plot device to make sure characters got where they needed to be at the correct time. The charming characters are the strong point of the whole series, but that wears thin over the course of a trilogy.
April 15, 2013
This book cemented my love for Miach, the archmage of Neroche, and he joins a select group of favorite book heroes. And the really beautiful part of it is that my admiration for him grew steadily throughout the three books with the story of Miach and Morgan. I learned more and more about the depth of his character as the two of them found themselves in one impossible situation after another. Miach is not like so many book characters, a wild or bad guy who is really good underneath - he is good from the beginning. It is his power and determination that becomes more and more apparent as he fights, and at times struggles, to keep his brother's kingdom safe from the evil that is literally oozing into it. He finds himself in a situation where he has at times to choose between the woman he has fallen in love with and his duty to the kingdom. He also finds out how often these duties overlap and one is dependent on the other.
The story of the evil mage and the background story is itself intriguing, and I love a story with side characters that you also learn to love ...or hate. It is of course a story of good vs evil set in a fantasy land of nine kingdoms.
I laughed and I cried during this book, and I also sat in my chair very very tense during swordfights and all the magic being thrown around by mage's at the highest level. I kind of chuckled at the school of wizardry and the time spent there. A bit Harry Potterish because of the name, but not like Hogswart at all. Much creepier and no children around! Morgan is a heroine who plunges into danger, but she is also one who is very prepared to face it. When she is told that she and Miach must stay together to fight this evil, she does everything in her power to make that happen even thought she has to fight his desire to keep her safe and leave her behind.
Just a really fun three books and I am totally hooked. I know there are three more and that they feature different characters although Miach and Morgan are there, so I am anxious to read them and already have them sitting here. One of my favorite fantasy series ever. Thanks Selena for the recommendation!
The story of the evil mage and the background story is itself intriguing, and I love a story with side characters that you also learn to love ...or hate. It is of course a story of good vs evil set in a fantasy land of nine kingdoms.
I laughed and I cried during this book, and I also sat in my chair very very tense during swordfights and all the magic being thrown around by mage's at the highest level. I kind of chuckled at the school of wizardry and the time spent there. A bit Harry Potterish because of the name, but not like Hogswart at all. Much creepier and no children around! Morgan is a heroine who plunges into danger, but she is also one who is very prepared to face it. When she is told that she and Miach must stay together to fight this evil, she does everything in her power to make that happen even thought she has to fight his desire to keep her safe and leave her behind.
Just a really fun three books and I am totally hooked. I know there are three more and that they feature different characters although Miach and Morgan are there, so I am anxious to read them and already have them sitting here. One of my favorite fantasy series ever. Thanks Selena for the recommendation!
June 26, 2016
I am always skeptical about reading a book by an author I've never read before, especially an author that is shelved in the "romance" section. But after reading several reviews here on Goodreads I thought I would give this series a whirl, convinced that it was a "clean" romance. I am happy to report that this series IS completely clean (my definition of clean involves nothing more objectionable than kissing, and that doesn't even happen until 3/4 through the second book). Although it was so sweet I felt I had a toothache after reading it. Princess of the Sword is the third book in the trilogy. The trilogy tells the story of our reluctant, but determined hero and heroine who find themselves through a series of unavoidable circumstances out to save the world. Literally. From a big old evil well spewing forth all sorts of nastiness. There are some surprises, twists and turns, forgotten/found identity, adventure, elves, mage's, kings, magic swords, dragons and of course romance, which as I mentioned before is at times sickeningly sweet and cliched. If I had to count the number of times the H/H referred to each others astounding beauty and how they wanted to throw themselves in the others' arms I would still be counting this time next week. However, despite all that I still found this series a lot of fun with just the right amount of magic, adventure, with a kick your butt heroine and a very like-able hero (what's not to like with a name like Mochriadhemiach?)
October 31, 2021
Things Lynn Kurland apparently cannot write:
Battle scenes
Story climaxes
Consistent magical abilities
Sex
Character development
Any scenes that do not take place in libraries, wizard's solars, or in front of a fireplace
Perhaps I am the only one baffled by this, but when one reads legends and mythology of a realm's past heroes and ancestry in one book, I assume this means they have all passed on. Not so in Lynn Kurland's realms. In fact, every single one of them is not only alive and thousands of years old, but perfectly willing to join into the battle for the kingdom? Where have they been hiding all these years? Why are they allowing their many-times-great grandchildren to struggle and wage wars they never completed themselves? How do all of these people have magic and yet no one seems capable of killing the evil mage, even with all of the combined power? We spend months wandering around various kingdoms, searching for spells in crumbling libraries and falling in love (but NOT having sex, that's for MARRIED people) but apparently the current king is wasting away in a dungeon. What is happening to the rest of the Nine Kingdoms while we are wandering around? Oh wait, we've done what we set out to do? Quick, everyone go battle evil over here now! Wait, that's done? How? When did that happen and how?
In short, WTAF is going on this series?
You know what, I don't care. I don't usually regret reading fantasy, but this isn't even worth continuing.
Battle scenes
Story climaxes
Consistent magical abilities
Sex
Character development
Any scenes that do not take place in libraries, wizard's solars, or in front of a fireplace
Perhaps I am the only one baffled by this, but when one reads legends and mythology of a realm's past heroes and ancestry in one book, I assume this means they have all passed on. Not so in Lynn Kurland's realms. In fact, every single one of them is not only alive and thousands of years old, but perfectly willing to join into the battle for the kingdom? Where have they been hiding all these years? Why are they allowing their many-times-great grandchildren to struggle and wage wars they never completed themselves? How do all of these people have magic and yet no one seems capable of killing the evil mage, even with all of the combined power? We spend months wandering around various kingdoms, searching for spells in crumbling libraries and falling in love (but NOT having sex, that's for MARRIED people) but apparently the current king is wasting away in a dungeon. What is happening to the rest of the Nine Kingdoms while we are wandering around? Oh wait, we've done what we set out to do? Quick, everyone go battle evil over here now! Wait, that's done? How? When did that happen and how?
In short, WTAF is going on this series?
You know what, I don't care. I don't usually regret reading fantasy, but this isn't even worth continuing.
March 3, 2009
This is the final book in the Nine Kingdom trilogy, which follows the story of Mhorgain (Morgan) and Mochriadhemiach (Miach). I loved the first two books in the series, and was really looking forward to the release of this final book. When I finally got my hands on a copy I was reluctant to start, I actually put it off for a couple weeks because I didn’t want to story to end. Overall, I did enjoy this book, but not as much as the first two. At times it seemed it was a bit repetitive and dragged along. It was a book that I didn’t have a problem putting down, and at times I felt like I was forcing myself to finish. Also, when certain people died I didn’t feel like there was much grief, I thought that was sad and unrealistic. I liked how the story ended up and it was a nice conclusion to their story and things were tied up nicely. I think it’s a fun adult fantasy series and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance/adventure.
December 28, 2008
I stayed up late last night to finish "Princess of the Sword". This is the final book of Lynn Kurland's fantasy trilogy about a land of magic, swords, and kings. While there's little outright romance depicted, the relationship of the two main characters deepens with each book and every challenge these two face.
Morgan and Miach are searching for the spell Morgan will need to close the well of evil her late father opened. But getting the spell they need will involve evil mages, long-lost brothers, and sacrifices. Morgan will need to reach deep inside herself for the courage to face her greatest fears and Miach will find himself face-to-face with his greatest enemy.
Bravo! Enjoyed every page and every trial these two underwent. And at the end, it was love that provided the extra courage and power both needed to win the day.
Morgan and Miach are searching for the spell Morgan will need to close the well of evil her late father opened. But getting the spell they need will involve evil mages, long-lost brothers, and sacrifices. Morgan will need to reach deep inside herself for the courage to face her greatest fears and Miach will find himself face-to-face with his greatest enemy.
Bravo! Enjoyed every page and every trial these two underwent. And at the end, it was love that provided the extra courage and power both needed to win the day.
May 16, 2018
I was ready to really like this one, since I thought that the last book did such a nice job of expanding on the first one, but this one just wasn't as good, in my mind. Sure, Morgan and Miach finally manage to make their love connection, but there were a lot more cheesy moments because of that. And as for the broader plot, I felt like all the problems resolved themselves too easily. There were no long-term struggles (every setback was very temporary), and every bit of hopelessness seemed rather simply overcome. Also, for as little as Morgan and Miach reported sleeping during this book (they were always too busy or too stressed for sleep), they still managed to consistently come out on top without issue. I found that hard to believe. The writing itself was okay, but the plot didn't have the punch I was hoping for.
January 28, 2009
I really enjoyed this series for several reasons. First of all it was clean, but filled with a satisfying romance....yes it did get a little sappy and repetitive in this last book, but by the time I got to the third book I was so in love with the characters that I didn't care. It had enough action, but not too much. Plenty of lovable characters....in fact there weren't many people that weren't pretty glowing by the end. It did wrap up all neat and tidy with minimal casualties, but for some reason I didn't mind the neat/tidiness in this one. I probably liked the first two books a little more, but still a great read. This is one of the few books where I liked the hero way more than the heroine. Even though I really liked Morgan, I was head over heals for Miach.
February 8, 2017
Princess of the Sword was a nice conclusion to the series. It took a while to really get going, and like the second book in the series, it repeats itself a bit too much, but still very enjoyable.
I would have liked to have had more details of battle and the forging of the sword. The writer often will just tell you that something has happened or is going on, but not give the details, which can be disappointing. Otherwise this series has been a wonderful, romantic read that I've thoroughly enjoyed. It's also nice to read a romance written for adults that is clean.
I would have liked to have had more details of battle and the forging of the sword. The writer often will just tell you that something has happened or is going on, but not give the details, which can be disappointing. Otherwise this series has been a wonderful, romantic read that I've thoroughly enjoyed. It's also nice to read a romance written for adults that is clean.
April 10, 2009
I still like Miach and it was nice to see Morgan back in fighting form. I felt like the story kept thinking too much. There was action, but sometimes it felt like there wasn't enough description of the action. Maybe I'm bloodthirsty sometimes. Still, fun characters and I'll read more of Kurland's novels--just take a break for a while.
May 4, 2009
Marginally better. She and her love spend too much time either running to wear themselves down because they can't face what they know they must or crying because they love each other so much. The ending goes on 50 pages too longs as the writer makes a big deal and extra stupid complications when the mage is made king.
September 1, 2016
One of my pet peeves in reading a book in a series is when the book provides no background and instead just starts where the previous book left off. Since most of my book purchases are from thrift shops, I rarely (if ever) read books in order in a series. So, after trying to figure out what was happening for 100 pages, I am giving up. Apparently, you need to read this series in order.
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