Anakti the war goddess has been cast out and Zula commands Ilios’ armies, second only to General Gilsazi. A fragile peace has been forged, strained by the newly arrived Hudspethites and newly imposed religious order of the Lonely God. When the neighboring city of Mekba falls under attack, their defeat could end the new regime before it’s begun.
If she is to protect the life she’s built and her adopted city of Ilios, Zula must confront not only her past, but the two men who destroyed her family—and broke her heart. Forgiveness is the cost for the future, but the siren song of revenge calls even as old loves begin to resurface.
Warsworn is a 30,000-word novella and sixth in the Warlords of the Sandsea romance adventure series.
I might love Zula even more than Talitha, if possible. I feel traitorous saying that, but she's such a raw and conflicted character who has no shortage of the less-than-rosy parts of her life. Not that Talitha had it easier (she certainly didn't), but I love the beginning parts of a story when our heroines are still starting out, still rough around the edges, and don't yet have things figured out. I loved reading about Zula kicking ass, assembling her soldiers, navigating her battles and politics, and so on. I'm on the edge of my seat for the next book!
I enjoyed the change of POV from Talitha to the fascinating Zula.
Though I was seriously considering giving it only 3 stars for the disturbing exchange with Talitha which seemed to indicate that the woman who'd formerly only wanted peace, had become a 'one true god or else' character, especially in a world of many gods. It sets a disturbing tone for any further books featuring Talitha.
I did, however, enjoy this outing with Zula, so gave HER story back its star.
There was something so raw about Zula that really drew me in and made me love her. She's been through so much hardship and came out on the other side quite hardened. She's Ensii Talitha's general (I freaking love Talitha's story by the way, but I digress). Zula is a great embodiment of a true badass. A wonderful first novella in her 3-book story in the Warlords of the Sandsea series.