My love for her might cost me everything. Even my life.
Shunned for solar cycles by my own people, I finally found my place beside our future warlord. Upon his father’s death, I will take my position as his personal shaman, forever silencing whoever questions my loyalties and calls me a filthy half-blood. Together, we will lead the tribe to greatness.
Until his betrothed arrives, the female from Earth chosen to be his urizaya, turning my world upside down. Again. Lia was the first female I ever kissed, the one woman I wanted to claim, and the only I ever loved.
Also the one whose heart I broke.
I disappeared on Lia all that time ago, but can I walk away from this all-consuming desire for her a second time?
When she blurs the lines of loyalties and love, I have to decide between betraying a friend and satisfying fate.
Bound to the Warlord is a full-length novel, and the third book in the Sci-Fi Romance series Ash Planet Warriors, continuing the story of Zerim and Lia from the free novella of the same name. While this is a spin-off to Garrison Earth, taking place 20 years after the invasion, the series can be read on its own.
The angst. ✔ The romance. ✔ The dirty talk.✔ Cuz let me tell you...he can talk. Phew.🤰🏻🥵🤤 The action. ✔ The characters. ✔
⚜ The hero is one the most brave and determined one I've read in a good while. Born a hybrid, his strengths and weaknesses are different than his peers. And it was an absolute joy to see him discover them.
⚜ The heroine never once faltered in her belief that Zerim is worthy of much greater things. When these two came together it was obvious that it's meant to be.
⚜ What made this great for me is the different take on the whole mating bond in this universe. Gah, I loved it so much.🥺🥺
I swear, I am constantly surprised with the depth of these wonderful stories! They really just keep getting better and better. V.K. Ludwig's writing and world building is just phenomenal. Bound to the Warlord is a continuation of Zerim and Lia's story which was introduced in the Ash Planet Warriors. I actually have not read that book, but did not feel like I was missing any information. The lovers have been apart for 5 solar cycle when this book starts up and they have many obstacles from the past to overcome, including learning how to trust again. The characters are just so "real" and you truly feel for them through their journey to find a happily ever after. Just an awesome read in a wholly awesome series! I cannot wait to see Razgar's story!!
i’m just saying, if he isn’t willing to undertake a deadly, dangerous trial to prove his love for me, i don’t want it.
i am physically, emotionally, and spiritually incapable of putting this series down. kingdom of the feared releases in a WEEK, i have rereads to do, i have books on my TBR turning legal drinking age by now, not to mention WORK AND LIFE. and yet i have picked these up at every single opportunity. morning coffee? reading. eating lunch? reading. at the grocery store? one eye on the book, the other on the snack aisle.
they’re. so. good. and this one just solidifies it. while book 2 and katedo will have my heart forever, zerim’s story in this is so beautiful and so ANGSTY, i never stood a chance. i am to angst as a moth is to a flame. definitely read the novella prior to picking this one up, because the context is critical for the story (and for maximum pain.)
while i’m not usually a fan of second-chance romances, this one knocked it out of the park. the YEARNING. the LONGING. the ‘they don’t love me back so i must not ever admit my own feelings’. the CIRCUMSTANCES THAT KEEP THEM APART. i’m emotional.
we get an MMC who is not a warlord, but a shaman, who has dealt with a lifetime’s worth of scorn, hatred, and bullying due to his hybrid status. we get an FMC who crash landed on the planet years ago, who returns to the planet as the bride of one of the warlords by way of political marriage. the conflict in this, the twists and the turns, and the betrayals (not in a way that will sting you particularly hard, i promise, as someone who is extra sensitive to the betrayal trope) are so good, i am physically unable to stop talking about it.
we also get little cameos from previously beloved characters and their families that will melt your heart into goo.
truly so good. IF YOU LIKE ALIEN ROMANCE (AND EVEN IF YOU DON’T), read this series!
I do not make things easy on myself. My toxic trait is the need to finish stories that I have started. I can feel you thinking, but that doesn't seem that toxic? Oh, but I make it so. I read one little novella, Ash Planet Warriors and went hmm I enjoyed that and the characters need their happy ending, so I started reading the first book in the series. but that wasn't the continuation of the original characters' story, plus there was all this political context that I decided I needed to know about. Cue me reading a 5.5 book series that precedes the events of Ash Planet Warriors. But now I have finally made it back to where it started. I guess I can't really fault the author writing it this way because the novella is what tempted me into reading 7.5 more of her books, but I think the novella and this book could have been easily combined. especially because this is not a very long book. Even without the novella, I think this could have been fleshed out more. I feel like I am starting to sound like a broken record but I want more details in the world-building. I like the world that she has created but there is not a lot of depth to it. Zerim had said he had gone through all sorts of testing as the first hybrid. I wish they could have shown a glimpse of that. I was also hoping for more details on shimid training or lore regarding shimids, like the white hair, the rarity, the different abilities. I was starving for more. I fully expected to have appearances from Zerim's parents but they were only mentioned. I did really enjoy the characters and plot. I appreciated that they figured their shit out pretty quickly. A lot of second chance romances draw it out painfully. I liked that this was like as soon as they figured out how they went wrong they were all about moving heaven and earth to fix it and be together. I love that Zerim worked his whole life toward being accepted as a shimid and could easily shelve that for Lia. Lia was now his life, his goal, and all his ambitions. He went through so much to be with her and there was no hesitation. It was all worth it to him. I also like how they juxtaposed that with Fayo. I would have loved to see more with Samara. I hope she shows up in another book.
Following the cliffhanger of the prelude to this series, Bound to the Warlord follows Lia and Zerim's quest for love across the planet Solgar and against many enemies. But the goddess Mekara has both their lives all planned out. Come along as they learn their fate and have to fight off their many enemies to finally achieve the culmination of their undeniable connection.
I've been waiting MONTHS for Lia and Zerim's story. I'm so upset that I've already finished it because they, besides Jessica and Katedo, are one of my favorite science fiction couples.
Also, I really liked that scene with Zerim coming out of the salt basin riding an ushti. Now that's an epic scene of victory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This incredible series just keeps getting better with each book. The love story between Lia and Zerium that started in the novella Ash Planet and then ended in two broken hearts faces tremendous obstacles for a chance at a HEA.
The storyline is intense with so many layers to enjoy. Zerium was the only hybrid and he has endured the negative reactions and derogatory names due to the significant differences in his appearance from the full blooded Jal’zars. He craves acceptance something fierce.
Lia was heartbroken when Zerium left her without any explanation and broke his promises to her five years ago. She hasn’t been able to move past her soul deep love for Zerium so she has agreed to a contract marriage for political reasons.
As these two come face to face again, each of them feels tremendous anguish over the circumstances. This is a love story that yanks at your heartstrings while giving you immense pleasure at watching how they both fight for their love to succeed and to overcome so much.
The steam factor for this novel is off the charts! Wow, Zerium and Lia’s rut-a-thon is legendary!
I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. Razgar is one seriously intense Warlord with some heavy duty bad boy attitude.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have been waiting, rather impatiently, for Zerim’s book since the end of Garrison Earth! To say I had some high hopes for Bound by the Warlord is maybe an understatement, but this book lived up to every one of them. In fact, I could say this one is my favorite in the Ash Planet series. ( but I know I say that after every book I finish ) Zerim has spent his entire life trying to find his place on Solgad. Neither Vetusian nor Jal’zar, but with the powers of a shimid, his only wish is to belong, to be accepted, and all of that is finally going to happen for him. Until the woman he never thought to ever see again walks back into his path. Lia has never forgotten the Jal’zar warrior who she fell in love with years ago, only to have him walk out of her life as if what they’d shared meant nothing. Oh, but she’s tried. Going so far as to sign a contract to become the wife of a Jal’zar warlord. She expected that someday her paths would cross with Zerim again, but she never would have guessed that he’d be her new husbands new shimid. This was a beautifully written second chance romance. Once I started I couldn’t put it down and it was worth every every hour of missed sleep!
Perfection!! I had to skip to this because the novella I read that precedes this story had me hooked. I absolutely believe you MUST read the novella first. This book has everything I love and I will be continuing this series. Another second chance story that I enjoyed even though I usually avoid them. The world building was wonderful! Amazing secondary characters that were truly fleshed out and had arcs of their own. Hot steamy scenes, a sweet hero with a strong alpha side to him, a heroine I could truly relate to and love... Very exciting action at the end. Yup, its a winner and so happy to call this my first read of '22
Holy crap, I love this book so freaking much and I'll be re-reading this one many times in the closer future.
I'm obsessed with this couple and their dynamic. I'm feral, you guys!
At the beginning I wasn't too sure about him because he felt hurt when Lia didn't show any confliction emotion towards seeing him being part of the tribe she's supposed to be married into. And you know what? Completely understood where Lia was coming from! Like Zerim you literally left her without saying a proper goodbye and just a thank you note. Well, let me tell you, that THANK YOU NOTE had one of the best developments I've ever read about an inanimate object lmao. It broke my fucking heart in tiny little pieces but then it mend it.
Compared to its prequel, their relationship takes longer to develop. They still have feelings for one another even if they don't realize it but both, the external and internal, conflicts become too big for them to act upon what they feel for one another. Each with their own goals and unaware about how the other felt.
Lia, my sweet child, I loved her not only because of her personality but the way she would take care of Zerim. Just because Zerim was an hybrid, he was being called all sorts of negative names and others from his tribe will make him feel like he didn't belong to the point he starts to be self-deprecating (you will notice right away if you read the prequel), but that's when Lia shines in all her glory because she gives so much assurance and positivity to their relationship. It's beautiful! While Zerim is willing to sacrifice his own life and its goals to stay with the love of his love. CAN YOU HEAR THE SCREECH OF THE PTERODACTYLS? That's me.
This couple has been the kinkiest of all couples in the series so far and, LET ME TELL YOU, I loved every single second of it. Lia loves to explore and learn new things *wink wink* and Zerim just loves to go with anything that will please Lia so fun times ensue! I'm sure they would put some rabbits to shame.
I really enjoyed reading about the secondary characters. Their development and contribution were not only surprising but they made sense to me within the context of the story.
The only thing I will complain about was that I wish we had read more about Samara. Samara was the character that had the most character growth of all and I went from hating her to really liking her and feeling for her about her struggles due to her background.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
ASH PLANET WARRIORS was the introduction to this wonderful series and to the very young couple, Zerim and Lia, who are featured in this book, BOUND TO THE WARLORD BOOK THREE. Born the son of a Vetusian Warden of the Empire and a captured Jal'zar shimid (shaman) after Solgad had been conquered and occupied, Zerim is a hybid, though he has been called many things. None of them good. Being born without a tale claw means that he can never claim a mate or father children. Born as a male Shimid is rare, but without the tailclaw, too, he is a considered a freak. He struggles to find his place. But when Zerim saves Lia, in the intro, she makes him feel more than just a filthy half breed. She makes him feel strong, capable, better. For Lia, "this shaman has stolen her heart and imprisoned her soul".
The incredible introduction left all of the V.K. Ludwig fans with a cliffhanger, while she diabolically tortured us by writing books 1 and 2. And those were both amazing stories, as well, but we still waited anxiously for what was happening with Zerim and Lia. FINALLY, the rest of their story is here! I strongly recommend that you read the introduction first, if you have not. You don't want to miss out on any part of this romance!
Five solar cycles have passed now and these two wonderful characters have grown and matured but neither have been able to forget their first kiss, their first sexual experience, their first love. In this second chance romance the two are brought together again. But hurt, anger, betrayal and duty may yet keep them apart.
There are so many things I love about this book and, really, all of the series. First, the characters are so intense and wonderfully developed, even those you may not like very much. The epitome of a fabulous story-teller, V. K. Ludwig has such a way of bringing out their absolute best and their very worst. Don't be surprised if the very ones you hate turn out to be the ones you later love, in spite of their flaws.
Next, when it comes to world building, this author paints such a realistic picture with her words and descriptions, you feel you are there. [I could practically taste the salt.]
And lastly, the writing is so professionally delivered; it is effortless art for this author. When she is funny, she is hysterical. When she gives us drama, it is gritty, raw and leaves you full of emotions. And the hot, steamy sex scenes won't disappoint either.
There is still one book to come from this series. Thank you V.K. Ludwig for actually listening to your fans who have begged for Razgar's story. Maybe we do just like the "A" holes, or maybe it is just that we haven't had enough of the Ash Planet Warriors, yet. I WANT ONE!
Let me TELL YOU I was on the edge of my seat in this one. Woo!
Okay, so it started out a little slow for me but honestly, that may have to do more so with the fact that I was disappointed it wasn't Razgar's story and instead Zerim, who we barely met in the past books. BUT... once I got over pouting I sunk into Zerim and Lia's story like a perfectly tempered bath.
Gah, I adore Zerim. I just wanna hug the dude and tell him his tail is perfect. He is so delicious and kind and loving and oooh that man can rut! *insert girly blush here* I love a good rut but JESUS, that rut scene had me in knots. HA! Knots... teehee.
Anywho, I truly loved their story and I am a little sad we don't get a book about when they first met and Zerim was still with Razgar. I would LOVE for that to be a book. Love. Cry for. Die over. Kill or at least seriously maim to get.
I think the height of the story, for me, was the trial. I got SO MAD when I had to do things like adult while I was trying to read that part. I have never turned pages so fast while trying to also change a diaper. I'm pretty amazing. Those men may have been fighting for their lives but I was fighting a toddler and poop, so I think I win.
I am sorry about certain characters and how they end up, but mostly I hate how things are left with Samara. What the hell happens with her, V.K. Ludwig??? WHAT ABOUT SAMARA? Does she stay with Fayo's tribe? Does she go with Katedo's? Does she go on her own? Part of me wants her to stay with Lia and Zerim, but another part of me feels she would get more respect if she stayed with Katedo. But the thing is WE DON'T KNOW! Will she get her own book? I am invested in her now. I will be asking the author and hope they answer.
Wonderful book. Wonderful characters. I feel, for once in this series, that the FMC and the MMC both had a very equal amount of character growth achieved. They both had some hard truths to come to and they both grew not just together, but individually.
The authorial voice in this novel was gripping, and the world building was incredibly vibrant. Solgad and the culture were so well described I could almost smell the dust and electricity in the air. The hero and heroine were both complex, nuanced individuals who had lovely and ugly parts to their characters, and therefore were deeply sympathetic. The development of the romantic relationship was natural and organic, with angst that was resolved quickly enough to not be too irritating. This novel had a heat level of four chili peppers, with some lovely non-human anatomy that spiced things up. This novel had very high stakes throughout, which made the pacing fly by like a bullet train. The plot was well built and hung together logically, which I always appreciate in a romance novel. This novel used the Fated Mates and Second Chance Romance trope. I especially liked that the villain of this novel was one that I did not suspect at the start. The world building, plot, and pacing were all five stars. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship were also five stars. However, I deleted one star from the combined score because I did not feel like the angst in this novel was super well justified, so it was tiresome to read. However, I have a far lower tolerance than most readers to angst over what I consider unimportant stuff, so keep that in mind when reading my review. This novel ended on a Happy Ever After ending instead of a cliffhanger ending, so that was a major plus. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy top-notch world building and high stakes in their sci-fi romances. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it releases! I will buy myself a keeper copy of this novel in both e-book and paper format.
I received a free copy of this book, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'll start by saying I didn't read the prequel novella about Zerim and Lia so I went in a little bit clueless about their meeting/falling in love. That didn't affect this book at all, not really, because the author gave us just enough details into their past both good times and bad (aka the breakup) to get a good picture of what they felt for one another back then and today.
It was well written and carried the angst and pain from their separation. I truly felt for them both. Then when they decide to forgive one another and be together they have this huge hurdle to overcome with Lia's contract to marry the warlord of a tribe and Zerim is not one.
That issue sets up the second half of the book. It was all very fascinating to read about the trials. I hated whiny Fayo. Screw that dude. And I was so happy when Samara realized her own worth and refused Fayo. You go, girl! Zerim's friend Jerem and his mate Taheshi were a fun addition as well.
The entire book I felt so much for Zerim. To be born the first halfbreed of his kind and to be born without a tailclaw, not only a revered part of Jalazar anatomy but such a defining part of them as a people too. It wasn't hard to understand how he must've felt being so different and under such scrutiny. Zerim had issues believing in not only himself but in the gift Mekara blessed him with. I felt for his struggle. Having to try and understand your place in this world when you are born from two vastly different ones.
In the end I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I was SO SO happy Zerim and Lia got the happy ending they deserved. Loved hearing about what he had seen for their future. I am looking forward to Razgar's book but I'm a bit bummed it's guaranteed to be dark and angsty from his past and this new chick Anne. Will I read it though? Hell yeah.
If you love good alien romance I highly recommend this series. I loved this series so much that I binged it without reviewing each one individually.
I love this strange world that Ms. Ludwig has created. This series follows the Garrison Earth series. You don't have to read that series to enjoy this one but I highly recommend it. Especially read book 5. CHAINED in that series because it takes place on Solgad and starts a timeline in the Ash Planet Warriors series. The planet Solgad experiences solar flares so often that the surface has turned to ash. The people, known as the Jal'zar live on the surface in 5 tribes each led by a warlord. The tribes occupy giant mother trees much like in the movie Avatar. Yet they have an underground city carved out of rock and caves where they have advanced technology and medicine. Each tribe rotates living there for 2 months out of each year helping to maintain it while still being able to live as one with the planet during the other 8 months of the year. They have shaman/healers as well who have the gift of foresight and powers to mind meld with animals. On the surface of the planet they ride giant, hairless cat-like beasts with black skin. The Jal'zar suffered under the occupation of the Vetusians for years until an accord was reached. Now the Vetusians and the Empire of Earth want to settle things with the Jal'zar through political marriages that don't go according to plan. The women don't end up marrying the males they were promised to because love trumps politics. Their preconceived beliefs about sexual compatibility between species are tossed out the window. Each book concentrates on one of the warlords and should be read in order because characters and circumstances carry over into the next book.
Zerim and Lia first met five years ago when he saved her from the wreckage of her downed ship. The only hybrid on his planet, she was the first to treat him with acceptance and love. He let her go thinking she would have a better life without him, then she returns with the intention of marrying his warlord and the pain is unbearable. He can only fight his instincts for so long, but just what will Lia have to say about his change of heart?
Zerim and Lia were first introduced in ASH PLANET WARRIORS, a free prequel to this series. Their love burned fast and bright, and likely would have continued to do so if Zerim hadn't let his fear keep them apart. Now they're older and wiser to the world but no less in love. Considering how long the build up to their full story has been going on, I was afraid that it wouldn't meet my expectation. I am so happy to say that this was everything I could have wanted and more! Yes, there was some miscommunication-based drama in the beginning, but it was actually resolved much earlier that I expected, allowing the bulk of the story to be about what was keeping Zerim and Lia together rather than what was keeping them apart.
The main couple got a fitting end, a lot of overarching series questions were answered, and past characters made decent cameos. If these books were to stop here, I would definitely be satisfied, but I am much happier knowing that the groundwork has been laid for at least one more pairing. I can't wait to see how they fall in love!
I received an advanced reader copy of BOUND TO THE WARLORD and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an e arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Generally I’m a little free and easy with reading books from a series in their order. This is the third book in the Ash Planet Warriors series. When I opened the book it strongly advised that I read the series prequel - of the same name as the series. This was available for free so I did. This is a rare occasion where I will say yes you definitely have to at least read the prequel before reading this book. This book is essentially a continuation of the prequel.
These were the first books by this author that I have read. I greatly enjoy an alien romance. These books did not disappoint. Our alien has a tail which gets involved in expressing his affections. Our hero is different and misunderstood - something I for one always have a soft spot for. Our heroine is bold and takes initiative. There is fascinating world building involving the culture of this foreign planet and their interactions with our own earth. There is magic and mystery, visions and amazing alien animals. The planet itself feels like a character in this story. This is an epic adventure displaying how two people can grow and mature and overcome great obstacles when they’re truly motivated. There’s a male BFF for our hero. There’s an LGBTQ side character couple. There is a truly poignant moment where we are shown what happens when you cannot maintain your integrity. What more could we want from this book? Nothing I can think of. 5/5 stars.
The only other work of this author I had read before this novel was the series prequel, but what I surprise I got. V.K. Ludwig's Ash Planet Warriors is an amazing book series that should definitely have more than 3 books. I'm expecting Razgar's story Miss Ludwig!
First of all, I loved the Jal'zar culture. They may seem barbaric at the start but the connection to the animals and planet despite the advances in technology is worthy of respect. In fact, the race reminded me of the Na'vi from the movie Avatar in more than one occasion.
For the first time in ages, I loved the female protagonist and wanted to strangle the male protagonist. Lia was the sweetest thing without falling into the typical goodie-two-shoes, also she was badass when she needed to be. I adore her. Zerim, on the other hand, was annoyingly infuriating with his low self esteem and lack of faith in his abilities. But as the book progressed that changed and I returned to loving him as I did in the prequel. The road of both characters is amazing, showing not only growth but also maturity. It's an emotional experience since the start.
The plot flows at a good pace and the action battles are thrilling, but have the tendency to end in a cliffhanger. This book is a second chance romance, even so the steam begins at the first third of it. And boy if it’s good steam, hot and explicitly descriptive without turning vulgar, just like I love it.
In conclusion, Bound to the Warlord is a five star read that will make you laugh, cry and rage. This book won my LAC (laugh-angry-cry) badge, making it one of my best reads from 2021.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Beautiful series, this book continues the storyline of each warlord and their respective partner.
Despite being a series each character is unique and distinct, and there's no overlap of melding into homogenous characters, or a repetitive story. I love the way it's written, the depth and insight each character has, even minor ones. I love that the conflict between characters is written with maturity, and not cheap tropes of miscommunication or juvenile behaviour. Each story is layered and there's always a thread weaving through each book that connects the characters we've seen (and will see more of) in other books of the series (Like Easter eggs ). It's incredible world building, even another language thrown in there.
I'm surprised at how I've loved each warlord's story, each time I think I have a favourite, I'm surprised to find they're all so well written. I love the setting as well, a mix of primitive, tribal, fantasy and advanced scientific technology. Somehow the author makes it work in a plausible way.
There's a good balance with the steam too. Not excessive, but not scant either.
I've read these books in a funny order (book 1 with Toagi, then went onto number 4 with Rezgar's story, then number 3 with Zerim's, and this book with Takedo is the last one I've read). I can't wait for the final book with the freeraiders, I can anticipate the premise/plot outcome, but still so excited to see who the characters are going to be and how it'll play out.
Good lord almighty this was so good. This takes place... 5 years I think from the novella where they meet for the first time. Both have grown and lived life apart and fate has brought them back together again! But Lia is betrothed to a Warlord that Zerim is going to be working for, finally getting his life goal of being an accepted shamin for a tribe. UGH THE HEARTBREAK AND ANGST IN THIS ONE.
I love angsty romance I have just realized. Also, this one is like an EPIC romance. A level above fated mates, and more into destiny territory.
The way the walls are up for both characters, broken hearted by each other. And the way they slowly crumble down is just perfection here. Exciting action, ESPECIALLY during the climax. Like I thought earlier on in the book, hmm I wonder if XYZ will happen but shirley not. NO, SHIRLEY YES IT DOES.
Pfft, idk, the fact that more alien romance readers are not yodeling about this book from the rafters like me is hella surprising. I was looking forward to reading this book for years, but was wanting to read the first series first since this is a second generation spin-off type series. Do you HAVE to read the first series? No, you do not. Those characters are just mentioned in passing and are not on page. You get the context for this series and honestly reading the first series does not make this one better, they are both equally good. But if you are like me and like to read series chronologically, then go for it. Surprisingly thing series isn't has dark and Garison Earth is as a whole, making it VERY easy to happily marathon through.
Holy smokes was this book so freaking good! Lia and Zerim might just go down in history as one of my favorite second chance romances. The first half of this book tore my heart out from the sheer angst! I felt for Zerim and how hardcore he was pining for Lia, who was his only true love. But on the flip side, Lia was still pretty hurt from what he did (all in the prequel to this series) and made him suffer for it a little bit. I absolutely LOVED how there was like this invisible magnet pulling them back to each other again and again. Once they fleshed out the past and rekindled their love, this book legit just melted my heart from how sweet and tender their love was. That said, the second half of this book had a lot of danger and action tossed in that raised the stakes for Lia and Zerim to get a happily ever after. I'm so happy with how it all turned out and with the epilogue! Zerim and Lia were such loveable characters, as were most of the side characters. I loved Zerim's gift from Meskara and how much he was willing to give up to be with Lia. I also loved Samara's character development and how she went from enemy to friend. And overall, I just loved the world building and getting to see past characters again. If you've read and loved Zoey Draven's Horde King of Dakkar series, then this series is one that you won't want to miss!
This series is always so fun to come back to. The writing is lovely, poetic and descriptive. I enjoyed the characters in that one but also loved seeing some from the previous books. As a second chance romance, this is a great read!
Zerim is very likable and I felt that way from when I read the prequel. He has his issues, but he takes a lot of effort in this book dealing with them. He has to overcome his own struggles around self worth and self image to finally come into his own. He has to trust himself and accept himself fully, which is great growth to witness. His love for Lia really helps.
Lia is nice, but she is a little one note. I don’t think she had much personality other than “love sick woman”. Curious and strong willed, she at least wasn’t annoying. Her bond with Samara was a great highlight. Female friendship is great to see, especially when overcoming issues with male stupidity.
Thankfully, the villain gets their karma. I was celebrating lol
My only complaint was there was a period near the middle and beginning that was rather slow and boring to get through, just the characters saying things in their head and saying something else entirely out loud. Get through this, and there’s lots to enjoy.
First off, can anybody tell me if there’s a way to throat punch a book character because somebody was DEFINITELY in need of one!
Now that I got that out of the way, the small sample that we get of Zerim and Lia in Ash Planet Warriors is nothing compared to the emotions that come from these two in Bound by the Warlord! Even though five years or sun cycles have past since they have seen each other, both Zerim and Lia have felt like a part of themselves has been missing since they left one another. Whether it be fate or Mekara, when they meet again under some very difficult circumstances sparks are flying all over the place!
I feel more than any of the other couples that we’ve read so far, Zerim and Lia literally had everything single odd stacked against them. However, unlike last time Zerim flat out refused to let Lia slip through his fingers again and he showed a completely different side of himself that just makes you fall head over heels for him! I think my favorite part of the entire story is the fact that in order for Zermin to see what Mekara has been trying to show him for years he had to learn to accept and love himself first, real and perceived limitations and all. Without a doubt though the most important lesson was realizing he didn’t need everyone’s love and support, Zerim only needed the unconditional love from one.
So I’ve been Dying DYING for this book ever since I read the prequel teaser novella, where we were first introduced to these two characters relationship. Aggghhh finally the exquisite moment is here and that tease Lady Ludwig didn’t disappoint…. Once again this Author transports you to another world, you can almost feel, smell and taste this Alien culture… I’m thinking this may be my favourite in this series or maybe I just need to reread the others again, but I did immensely enjoy this book, it has a bit of everything including some very special sexy cuddle scenes…. HOooooT yeah, that’s right, so get your read on… Recommend..
Ps and because I can’t help myself whilst in a review box, I have to mention my other favourite series this Author has produced. Vandalar Concubines, a total different vibe, but sexy and funny as fudge, so if you want to get your giggle on and some sexy time, then put that series on your to read list… Apologies for my digression… Angie Out….
This is Zelim and Lia's story and as much as I loved the other 2 books, I have been waiting for this one and V. K. Ludwig did not disappoint. Zelim rescued Lia from the wreckage of her ship and they grew to love each other very quickly. After pledging there love to each other, Zelim decides as a hailing, he doesn't deserve a mate or that he can ever have children, so he leaves Lia with just a note. Five years later, Lia shows up to be mated to his soon to be leader and friend Fayo. In typical V.K.Ludwig fashion, this book has well written characters, steam, twists, and suspense, and more steam. I loved their HEA and I'm thrilled to see that Warlord Razgar is in for his own book. You can read all 3 Ash Planet Warrior books, plus the prequel (Zelim & Lia's start) for FREE with KU. You will love them all. I received an ARC and am happy to leave this 100% honest review!
Rarely do I read a book that checks every box but this did. Favourite book of 2021 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Steam 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Hottest scene I’ve ever read, my eyes were glued to the page World building 🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏 The sweet, sweet angst in this book is addictive. Has my fav trope forced proximity. This is a second chance romance. They have unfinished business and are still secretly in love with each other. Love this trope too. They have unimaginable attraction for each other, it’s basically uncontrollable. He loses control of himself around her, growling and humming for her. He has to resist going into a rut. He may fail and a rut-a-thon may occur. He cannot challenge his leader for her, so he has to take part in an exciting trial and overcome all the things keeping them apart. I was so invested in this book and it did not disappoint.
Excellent per usual 5 stars. - You may want to read the Ash Planet Warriors prequel before reading the rest of Lia and Zerim’s story in Bound by the Warlord. The book started out slow (not boring though) but once Lia made a discovery about the warlord, it was hard to put down. I lost sleep because I had to keep reading. It wasn’t just the steam. I felt very much invested in the outcome because of all the male central characters in the Ash Planet series, Zerim has a lot of things going against him yet he’s the most blessed. You know love will prevail but how is the author going to do it? The trial at the end was nail-biting because I know that this author has killed a central character before from another book series. I recommend this series!
I avoided reading this for a bit because despite how much I enjoyed Zerim and Lia’s prequel novella, I hate love triangles and the angst of that trope. When I finally started this I decided to slog through it because I have enjoyed all the others in the series but didn’t think I’d enjoy it. I was wrong. While there were several chapters where the angst of a love triangle was present, for reasons I won’t explain here the story shifts and becomes one centered around the two characters and their own challenges and demons to overcome. It turned out to be completely enjoyable other than those few chapters. I will truly miss Zerim whom I’ve loved since he was little. Looking forward to seeing him and Lia hopefully pop up in a future book.
This one surprised me the most out of the all the books. I am not a fan of second chance romances because I feel like the reason the relationship ended was stupid.
But this one it probably in my top 3.
We get the romance in the first part, we get the supporting partner in the second half. MMC is a hybrid, the only hybrid so far. Because of that, he isn't readily accepted by everyone. But he wants to prove himself - that's were the supporting partner part comes into play. FMC supports him wanting to go through the trials and become a warlord and has his back the whole time.
I loved that. I also loved that we got a glimpse into the outcast group of jul'ari people because one of the side characters used to be a nomad with them. She is also freaking awesome.