Five years before the events in Warprize and Destiny’s Star...
Her family dead, her home destroyed, all she has left are her wits and her songs...
When the flames of civil war rage across the Kingdom of Palins, Warna of Farentell has no choice but to flee to the neighboring Barony of Tassinic. The daughter of a wealthy merchant, raised to run a noble house in the hope of a good marriage, she watches her future burn with the rest of her homeland.
Elven Lord of a human Barony, betrayed and attacked by those he thought to trust...
Verice of Tassinic has suffered the wounds of war, knowing loss and betrayal at the hands of those he trusted most. He buries himself in work and duty, behind emotional walls as high as those of his castle, rather than risk more pain. While dealing with a kingdom in political and economic turmoil, he "rescues" Warna only to discover that the helpless human woman is anything but. Before he knows it, she is deep within the defenses of his heart, forcing him to confront his grief, his distrust, and the scars of his past...and maybe even steal his heart in the process.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Elizabeth A. Vaughan is the author of the Chronicles of the Warlands, a fantasy romance trilogy from Tor Books: Warprize (her first novel), Warsworn, and Warlord..
She's always loved fantasy and science fiction, and has been a fantasy role-player since 1981. By day, Beth's secret identity is that of a lawyer, practicing in the area of bankruptcy and financial matters, a role she has maintained since 1985.
Beth is owned by three cats, and lives in the Northwest Territory, on the outskirts of the Black Swamp, along Mad Anthony's Trail on the banks of the Maumee River.
This prequel to the fabulous Warprize takes the reader back five years and in the process offers readers both insights and a sweet romance. Featuring Warna a very human heroine who finds himself alone and Verice an Elven Baron who for whatever reason cannot resist protecting the innocent . We are thrown into a taste of life as war steadily encroaches with moments that made this reader startle as I realised just how everything fit into what for these characters is still to come. In all conscience I cannot give too much away because I honestly have absolutely no desire to ruin this for others. I can say that at times Warna and her tenacity reminded me of Xylara but there the similarities end. Warna is a young woman who knows what she wants but I liked that she's unafraid to seek advice. Verice was a surprise. A male dragged down by grief and the guilt that only a survivor can understand and yet he locks his feelings away to sally forth and protect his people. We get a glimpse at the Elven court and the arrogance that lies within it but Verice whilst not perfect or particularly alpha to my mind felt a worthy hero. If new to this authors work then definitely start here although I don't think this has quite as much impact as some previous books it nevertheless tells a wonderful story and introduces characters and a world that truly is magical. This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This book is categorized as a prequel, but was written after others in the Chronicles of the Warlands series. I have only read the first book, and then went backward. It was clear to me in the reading that it would have been a richer story to read in the order it was written rather than chronologically. Somethings hinted at were unclear to me - and maybe I needed the backstory as it was told in the future. Confusing, I know.
As a story, the world is interesting and Warna is a well scripted character. However, I felt the romance between Warna and Verice was tepid. He is in a sustained period of grief and guilt. She is more avid about cleaning the keep than pursuing anything with Verice. Also, Verice is incapable of action - either in offense with the skirmishes along the border or in sorting through his feelings over Warna.
Just meh, although I want to read other books in the series because there is so much that is epic hinted at in the story.
I have never any of these in order so it is fitting that the last bok is the first book, but to be fair, this one was just published ;)
Verice is an Elf living in human lands and he has been a baron there for quite some time. He is honorable, takes care of those who live on his lands and kind. But oh man, or oh elf, when he sees Warna it does seem like he forgets he has a brain.
Warna is fleeing war and comes to Tassinic. And what can I say, he just carries her away. Not for any nefarious reasons, now he is all, pretty voice, must protect! Men! Elves! Of course she is all what do you want?! I mean who wouldn't be. But Like I said, he is honorable and kind. So obviously these two fall in lust and love. And she is so capable so she saves his barony too.
There is another couple mentioned too, that just felt weird. I (thanks to someone) worked out that they will star in a new series, but at this moment it mostly felt like I had missed a book in this series. Hush hush, I will say nothing more about them.
Not that much happens in a way. There is no war or fighting. Considering there is a war going on. It is more a book about these two falling in love and him learning to see past something that happened. A sweet book.
So ... Maybe in ~normal times this would be a 3 star book but ... I just found so much of it delightful and considering how many books I've DNF'd of late ... the fact that I read this book says something [So ... I guess I don't know what's going on with the "chaosreaver" and while I liked him and his lady - the seer - it was so random and I know it's supposed to set up all the other things but it was vague to the point of ... not being ANNOYING but ... I just ... didn't care? Could not find it in myself to care. And what's kinda crazy is it seems like it's the MOST IMPORTANT PART- like I know it's setting up a lot for two different series in fact. And that ending part. Marcus.]
A N Y W A Y.
Warna and Verice are just SO PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER! And Warna is grieving and lost - and kinda just going along with the motions and doesn't even know what she wants -and doesn't want to be "rescued" - but then Verice DOES take her - like obviously he's low key smitten from the start. BUT there's no relationship - or not really till much alter although their VERY MINOR interactions are SO MEANINGFUL.
So - Warna sees purpose in figuring out his "household" which... is a castle. And she's so subtle and sneaky about it and it's adorable and fun and how all the people help her with it. And how Verice sees what's happening but allows it - and his grieving.
And ... it's just so cute. And the happiness of his people/former staff.
[I'm still O_O as to the tragic event that happened.] And holy shit his cousin. And how Warna suffers. And the cameos from the other characters in various series - I just really liked the humor, the connection, the slow burn romance, and how Warna is just so fucking amazing.
Prequel to "Warprize" and "Destiny Star". Tells the story of Verice , elven Baron of Tassinic, and Warna , a human refugee from the war of the Usurper.
It's a very quick read. Without major surprises , in an ambient of grief and remembered betrayals.
Warna is a warm and strong woman. Though not a warrior , she is able to stand for her rights and freedom, and stubborn enough to help to heal old wounds. Verice, is the classical gentleman, proud warrior but compassionate.
A very important part of this book is that we know about the history behind the Heart of the Plains, and where the prophecies originated in the following books.
Reading a Elizabeth Vaughan book is like drinking a grea cup of coffee on a Sunday morning when it's perfect weather. She is my go-to for everything alternative romance, and her books always have an epic style feel to them. Fate's Star is a little different from the other books in her Warlands series. There's not too much action and suspense. There's a lot of worldbuilding and colorful characters, but no big surprises or wow moments. This is more about two very different people learning to trust and care for one another. The romance builds at a slow pace, as well as the story, which for some readers may frustrate them. But Elizabeth has a way with words that keeps you invested. Even though Fate's Star didn't have that wow factor I was expecting, it was nice to catch up in this unique world she has created.
Warna is a human woman with an amazing singing voice. Verice is a elf with a lot of stress beause of the power he yields. He is on constant duty for this people and the humans because of the fear of war and death, which Warna knows all too well about. These to meet under interesting circumstances. Their introduction is a meet-cute type of situation because Verice is undone because of Warna's singing. He wants to protect her but doesn't want her to fear him or think of him as a dictator. Verice has some alpha qualities but he is also very diplomatic and a lord who cares for his people. Warna and Verice are more like friends than lovers, but their interactions become important because their friendship grow into attraction and leads to a logical conclusion because this is a romance.
The middle of Fate's Star lags a little because again the action isn't big or in your face. There are no grand gestures here even as Warna and Verice commit to one another. The love scenes are not bad and the dialogue between these two border on very sweet and just kind. This is a very kind book with a romance that makes you smile but might have you wishing for more pizzazz as has been proven in Elizabeth's past books.
I really adored this book. It's a very lovely historical fantasy story with a strong romance at its core. there's magic, a bit of angst, a slow-burn, political conflict, prejudices between elves and humans, some action and two absolutely adorable idiots who can't seem to realize they're in love with the other.
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this one and definitely will be reading more by this author. 🥰
A country turn apart by war, a leader kicked out of the Elf Court and a lone human with a gift for song.
Why I started this book: Warprize has long be a favorite of mine, so I was thrilled to discover that Vaughan had written a new book.
Why I finished it: This prequel circles around and ties both of Vaughan's series together. I'm going to have to go back and reread all of them again. Such a hardship to revisit old favorites.
When I read my first book by Elizabeth Vaughan, Warprize, I fell in love with the world and characters she'd developed. Since then I've bought every novel she published. This one concludes her Chronicles of the Warlands and the Epic of Palins according to what she wrote at the ending. That's a real pity. But then there are hints that she might be writing more books set in this world, so I'm very much hoping for that to be the case.
As for 'Fate's Star' itself: I would say it works best if you know the rest of the two series, though I think you can also enjoy it as a fantasy romance on its own. There will be references you won't understand as well, though.
It's the story of the warrior lord and elf Verice and the human woman Warna. The war we'll see more of in the three Epic of Palins novels has just started and Warna is a refugee who has lost her family, home and future. Verice has also had to deal with great tragedy and has turned away from what you might call a normal life and concentrates on nothing but defending his people and country. But when he first encounters Warna, he's drawn to her and decides to give her his protection. Both have fears and difficulties dealing with their attraction, but also the dangers as well as political intrigue they encounter. Do an immortal elf and a human woman even stand a chance, especially in these dangerous times?
I loved the characters, both the main couple and the supporting characters. The author is wonderful at developing those. The world the story is set in is as enjoyable as ever. There were a few threads in the story that I felt weren't resolved, but that's been the case in her previous novels and most such things were then resolved in later novels. I hope that will be the case here, too. The story of two supporting characters that's clearly connected to the Plains and Xy from her Warlands series definitely deserves its own novel(s). That being said, the romance came to a beautiful conclusion, and I enjoyed the book very much.
If you're interested in the series I mentioned, here's a list:
Epic of Palins: Dagger-Star (in which we first met Verice and Warna in a few scenes) White Star Destiny's Star
Chronicles of the Warlands: Warprize Warsworn Warlord Warcry Wardance Warsong
And then Fate's Star, which is connected and a prequel to both, though actually best read after the other books.
The story of Fate's Star precede Warprize (Chronicles of the Warlands #1) by about five years and set the stage for later events in the series. Warna of Farentell is the daughter of a wealthy merchant who has been brought up for a hopefully noble marriage. Warna possesses all the household management skills for running an aristocratic household. But war and invasion leave her without any immediate family and on the run with other survivors. After some time in hiding, Warna is rescued by an Elvish baron, Verice, of a human barony, Tassinic. He offers her shelter and a place in his household until she can reach extended family in another region and join them. Verice is no stranger to grief and survivors guilt. Betrayed by those he trusted in his own keep a year previously, Verice has built emotional barriers as high as the Keep that he closed after the betrayal. He turned all his energies to protecting his people, both human and elves. Bit by bit, Warna wins over his people and the Baron himself with her competent management and caring for all in her orbit. Love blossoms, but they both fear the limitations of his immortal lifespan and her mortal one.
Fate's Star sets up the events to come in the succeeding books well. I would even recommend reading it first, for those who have not read the series. Many characters that come later are introduced here. A reread of the series seems in order, considering the new insights. That will be no chore, especially reading Warprize, Warsworn, and Warlord. Keir the Cat and Xylara are huge favorites. Verice is not perfect but is a worthy hero, and Warna a sensible and charming heroine who knows her mind.
Thanks to the author for an advance copy. The opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this novel – it's a sweet romance. However, I've only read the Warprize trilogy (the first three books in the Chronicles of the Warlands series). And, while this novel is a prequel to that series, that really only becomes evident towards the end, meaning that having read those books provided really no context at all for this story. The story of Verice and Warna, I believe, is set in the same world as Vaughan's series Epic of the Palins, of which I have read none of the books. Many of the reviews stated the series could be read as a standalone but having read Warprize, I wasn't worried about the worldbuilding as I was already familiar with the Plains. However, the story taking place in a different world to the Warland Chronicles, Vaughan didn't really take the time to set up the novel as much in the beginning so as a reader I was left floundering, wondering what world was this based in, what are the rules of its society, its history, etc. It honestly took me quite a while to realize the story is not set in the Plains like it is in Warprize, which seriously detracted from the story. However, I found that once I became invested Verice's and Warna's little world in Verice's Barony, the scenery allows the reader to just focus on their building romance. So, while the beginning of the novel suffered for its lack of context, I felt the rest of the novel focused really well on the relationship between Verice and Warna and I would really like a follow-up book to their story.
My first book by Elizabeth Vaughan, it won't be the last. The book has a lot of worldbuilding and colorful characters, but no big surprises. It is more about two very different people learning to trust and care for one another. A nice introduction to Chronicles of the Warlands. I'm sure to read the series.
This had so much more plot and backstory than I was anticipating. I thought that this was just going to be a somewhat fluffy love story, but this book did some heavy lifting. It set up not only a bit of the background for Palins before Red Star, it gave background for the Plains and Xy and Warprize.
As a standalone, I thought this book was decent and par for the course for this author. As a prequel, it was weak, with a thin correlate to the future world of the rest of the series. Part of my disappointment might be due in part to the resolution of Warna and Charrin. How could she not sing him out of his deep and bitter sorrow?
This is one of my favorite series, characters that are near and dear to my heart. I had to laugh when at the end I realized the scruffy cat was none other than Bethal's tag alone.
This was a good end to a wonderful series. So sorry to see it end. But she has promised us my stories. It is a wonderful mix of fantasy, magic with a touch of history.
Fantasy romance, prequel to the other books in both Epic of Palins and Chronicles of the Warlands. Appealing characters and a sweet romance made this an easy read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book the only problem was I had not read all the books in order for some reason. I think I will give it a go because they are fantastic
A stand-alone prequel fantasy romance to the Warprize series in a different part of the universe. This one focusses around Warna, a survivor of a raid, and Tassinic, an elf lord who whisks her away to his kingdom to become an elevated housewife. He contributes power and pointy eared magic; she contributes a certain amount of organisational skills and song, thus bringing back joy to a miserable kingdom. Bearing that basic plot line in mind, this is a pleasant enough read and there is the added bonus of a prequel link to Warprize... which I think works better when read retrospectively.