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Epic of Palins #2
White Star
There is no one more adored…
Everyone knows that the Lady High Priestess Evelyn is virtuous and noble, one of the leaders of the rebellion against the unjust usurper, as well as a gentle healer who channels the powers of the gods to help the sick and injured.
There is no one more despised…
Orrin Blackhart, the Scourge of Palins, is renowned as an evil man. As the war leader of one of the usurper’s supporters, he has killed many and has stood by while the sorceress he served created an army of the undead.
And there is nothing more unexpected than passion…
When Orrin takes Evelyn prisoner during the war, each will uncover more to the other than they expected. And souls that should have clashed will be forged in desire, redemption, and glory…
Everyone knows that the Lady High Priestess Evelyn is virtuous and noble, one of the leaders of the rebellion against the unjust usurper, as well as a gentle healer who channels the powers of the gods to help the sick and injured.
There is no one more despised…
Orrin Blackhart, the Scourge of Palins, is renowned as an evil man. As the war leader of one of the usurper’s supporters, he has killed many and has stood by while the sorceress he served created an army of the undead.
And there is nothing more unexpected than passion…
When Orrin takes Evelyn prisoner during the war, each will uncover more to the other than they expected. And souls that should have clashed will be forged in desire, redemption, and glory…
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
40 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Vaughan
40 books847 followersLibrarian 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 11, 2025
3.5/5
Geez, I thought I wrote a review of this book a few years ago. It was a bit better than Dagger Star, the first one in the series and a good, light read. I am curious to read the last book in the series .
Geez, I thought I wrote a review of this book a few years ago. It was a bit better than Dagger Star, the first one in the series and a good, light read. I am curious to read the last book in the series .
February 5, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
White Star is the second installment in the Epic of Palins series. This was also a BUDDY READ with a friend from Instagram. And it was such a blast to buddy read this with her. I absolutely couldn't get enough of this one here. This was so much better than book one, and honestly, this was the perfect fantasy romance, everything all came together just right. And it was everything that I expected and more. It had some fabulous elements that really build depth into the story and Elizabeth Vaughan definitely wrote a work of art with this one here. White Star is part of a series, and I do recommend reading these in order.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero:Orrin Blackhard, Scourge of the Palins
-Barbarian
-Leader
-Warlord
-Warrior
-Alpha Mellow
The Heroine: Lady High Priestess, Evelyn
-Priestess
-Powerful
-Spiritual Leader
-Noble
-Virtuous
Summary
Orrin Blackheart, is a warlord and leader of his people, but has had no choice in obeying the commands of the one he answers to. When he and Evelyn first meet, she was his prisoner and there was a instant connection made between them. But when his sorceress is killed, he is captured and about to be executed for this crimes, when one of the Goddesses whispers to Evelyn, that he must be saved and that there is good in him. So she uses her boon with the queen to save his life and give him a chance to redeem his past crimes to save his people and drive the undead scourge out of their lands. But when Evelyn is in danger, Orrin rescued her and with her aid, they work together to destroy the scourge and they find a love that is worth fighting for..
My Outlook
This book *sigh* was so precious and delightful to read! There is something about reading a Elizabeth Vaughan that just works so well for me. If you love a good epic fantasy romance, and you haven't had a chance to read this author, then you definitely need to. Book one was pretty slow in comparison to this one. There might be some drawbacks of this one to some readers, such as the instant love theme, but I actually loved seeing this being implemented. And we have a pining HEROINE!!! And it was just so good. I know everyone is obsessed with a pining hero, but I feel like we get that a lot in romance lately, so it was so REFRESHING to have a heroine that was the pining focus.
Now I first want to mention the redemption arc of this story. This is where we see the hero go on a journey of his own in working on atoning for his past mistakes, endeavoring to save his people and improve the lands for the better. I actually really loved the hero though. He wasn't uber alpha male, but definitely had alpha tendacies but had a sweet soft side at times. I enjoyed the bantering between Orrin and Evelyn. Evelyn sees the good in Orrin. I love how in tune she is with her spiritual side and yes I love a spiritual theme in a romance, and it worked so well within these books. If you have read Elizabeth Vaughan, it just works so well. But seeing the way she is willing to fight and stand by Orrin was so wonderful. I was cheering her on all the way. Orrin is SO stubborn haha he knows that Evelyn has made a vow of chastity in her order as a priestess and he doesn't want to threaten what she has worked so hard for. But Evelyn loves Orrin, and is willing to do what it takes to prove to him she is in it for real and the long haul. But honestly the ending was so epic, beautiful and just swept me away!
Overall View
White Star is a thrilling tale of unforgettable love, sacrifice and healing that will inspire its readers! KICKS A PUNCH TO THE HEART!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Cover: 4
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Steam: 5
Heart & Feels: 5
Ending: 5
Overall View: 5
May 12, 2013
I read this before Red Gloves not after. And that raised a few questions for me during the book but they were few and fat between. Didn't stop me from enjoying the book itself.
Call me a romantic. Or just pathetic, but I really enjoyed the cliche characters. The evil Orrin Blackheart and the priestess Evelyn. Falling in love? How dare they?!?
Almost at the first glance they got it bad. A kidnapping, release and divine intervention. Can't get much more 'meant to be' than that. And if you wanted proof that she's pure, this warrior is standing in the rain, naked as the day he was born. And she only wanted to get him clothed.
Off he goes to cut a swathe through hordes of odium and she is demoted to sweeping floors. Yet fate, corrupt bloated priest and a crude map brings them back together.
Orrin and his crew plus a priestess. Sounds like a hell of a street gang. But they make do. Even though there isn't much obvious romance in this book, the pure...want...is enough to penetrate the densest of skulls.
"The sapphire blue of your eyes"
"Lock your door tonight"
Then there was him checking her ass out in her breeches. And pulling her into his lap in the privy.
Not to mention Evelyn throwing herself at him.
But the story move on. Odium fall and the queen rules. And after a single night of joyful, passionate, sheet staining pleasure, Orrin keeps his word to his men and uses his single boon to get his people pardoned. And before the prideful sorrow has a chance to take root in his girl, The Blackheart requests her hand in marriage in front of the entire court. The most ballsy thing he's done in the entire book.
Then all hell breaks loose. The gassy head priest forbids it. The priestess renounces the church. The quickest wedding ever happens. The priest shits himself, most likely, and has a heart attack. And everyone lives happily ever after. But not just yet.
No there is a single trial before connubial bliss can be attained. Nice party, nice people, nice food. And all of a sudden Evelyn is nowhere to be found. Where is she, you ask? She's being held at knifepoint as bait. See Blackheart was named Blackheart for a reason. And the man with the knife lost his wife to the former blaggard. But after a touching scene of self sacrifice it's all over. Orrin walks out alive. Evelyn argues with him over the finer points of not being a suicidal idiot. And they continue on with the business of being newly wed.
While it can easily seem overkill it did answer a rather important question. What's gonna happen when his past catches up to him? Answer: not much.
Overall a simple book with an obvious plot line. Part 2 of 3 but still a nice read.
Call me a romantic. Or just pathetic, but I really enjoyed the cliche characters. The evil Orrin Blackheart and the priestess Evelyn. Falling in love? How dare they?!?
Almost at the first glance they got it bad. A kidnapping, release and divine intervention. Can't get much more 'meant to be' than that. And if you wanted proof that she's pure, this warrior is standing in the rain, naked as the day he was born. And she only wanted to get him clothed.
Off he goes to cut a swathe through hordes of odium and she is demoted to sweeping floors. Yet fate, corrupt bloated priest and a crude map brings them back together.
Orrin and his crew plus a priestess. Sounds like a hell of a street gang. But they make do. Even though there isn't much obvious romance in this book, the pure...want...is enough to penetrate the densest of skulls.
"The sapphire blue of your eyes"
"Lock your door tonight"
Then there was him checking her ass out in her breeches. And pulling her into his lap in the privy.
Not to mention Evelyn throwing herself at him.
But the story move on. Odium fall and the queen rules. And after a single night of joyful, passionate, sheet staining pleasure, Orrin keeps his word to his men and uses his single boon to get his people pardoned. And before the prideful sorrow has a chance to take root in his girl, The Blackheart requests her hand in marriage in front of the entire court. The most ballsy thing he's done in the entire book.
Then all hell breaks loose. The gassy head priest forbids it. The priestess renounces the church. The quickest wedding ever happens. The priest shits himself, most likely, and has a heart attack. And everyone lives happily ever after. But not just yet.
No there is a single trial before connubial bliss can be attained. Nice party, nice people, nice food. And all of a sudden Evelyn is nowhere to be found. Where is she, you ask? She's being held at knifepoint as bait. See Blackheart was named Blackheart for a reason. And the man with the knife lost his wife to the former blaggard. But after a touching scene of self sacrifice it's all over. Orrin walks out alive. Evelyn argues with him over the finer points of not being a suicidal idiot. And they continue on with the business of being newly wed.
While it can easily seem overkill it did answer a rather important question. What's gonna happen when his past catches up to him? Answer: not much.
Overall a simple book with an obvious plot line. Part 2 of 3 but still a nice read.
May 4, 2009
Excellent book!
White Star by USA Today Bestselling author Elizabeth Vaughan is an excellent book. I was hooked from the very beginning and finished reading it at 4:18 AM. Ouch! The writing is fantastic the Vaughan got her hooks into me right away with tense scenes and snappy dialogue. She has so many great opening lines, and closing lines of chapters, which really impressed me.
Most importantly, the main characters: Lord Orrin and Lady Evelyn are very well done. Orrin is one of those bad guys who the girls fall for. He’s dark, handsome, brooding and someone you do not want to make angry. Lady Evelyn, a High Priestess and a Mage, has serious power. She can throw down with the best of them and burn people to a crisp if need be. She’s one of those really cool characters that you love to read about.
The secondary characters are great too. Lord Orrin’s men are very entertaining, especially Archer, who can’t use his real name because of the things he’s done. I especially liked the fact that he had certain proclivities . . . no spoiler here.
The plot of the book involves the fall of Lord Orrin’s barony, and the repercussions of what the Baroness did—which involves undead zombie-like creatures—which Vaughan calls odium. Lady Evelyn, “Evie” is right in the middle of it all and Orrin can’t help but fall for the beautiful woman with white hair and piercing blue eyes.
The world was well thought out and I really liked the magic, especially the portals, which allow people to travel far and wide. It all fits together in a realistic way that I truly appreciated, as I can always tell when writers don’t do a thorough job on world-building.
This book is sort of a sequel to Dagger Star, but you don’t need to have read Dagger Star to get White Star, which should be considered a stand-alone novel. There are quite a few characters who appeared in Dagger Star though, so readers of that book will enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters return.
The ending of White Star was satisfying, and another storyline was opened, involving different characters. I look forward to the next installment and I’m definitely hooked on Vaughan’s writing. I loved her Warlands trilogy, War Prize is the first book.
Happy reading,
Paul Genesse
Author of The Dragon Hunters
www.paulgenesse.com
White Star by USA Today Bestselling author Elizabeth Vaughan is an excellent book. I was hooked from the very beginning and finished reading it at 4:18 AM. Ouch! The writing is fantastic the Vaughan got her hooks into me right away with tense scenes and snappy dialogue. She has so many great opening lines, and closing lines of chapters, which really impressed me.
Most importantly, the main characters: Lord Orrin and Lady Evelyn are very well done. Orrin is one of those bad guys who the girls fall for. He’s dark, handsome, brooding and someone you do not want to make angry. Lady Evelyn, a High Priestess and a Mage, has serious power. She can throw down with the best of them and burn people to a crisp if need be. She’s one of those really cool characters that you love to read about.
The secondary characters are great too. Lord Orrin’s men are very entertaining, especially Archer, who can’t use his real name because of the things he’s done. I especially liked the fact that he had certain proclivities . . . no spoiler here.
The plot of the book involves the fall of Lord Orrin’s barony, and the repercussions of what the Baroness did—which involves undead zombie-like creatures—which Vaughan calls odium. Lady Evelyn, “Evie” is right in the middle of it all and Orrin can’t help but fall for the beautiful woman with white hair and piercing blue eyes.
The world was well thought out and I really liked the magic, especially the portals, which allow people to travel far and wide. It all fits together in a realistic way that I truly appreciated, as I can always tell when writers don’t do a thorough job on world-building.
This book is sort of a sequel to Dagger Star, but you don’t need to have read Dagger Star to get White Star, which should be considered a stand-alone novel. There are quite a few characters who appeared in Dagger Star though, so readers of that book will enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters return.
The ending of White Star was satisfying, and another storyline was opened, involving different characters. I look forward to the next installment and I’m definitely hooked on Vaughan’s writing. I loved her Warlands trilogy, War Prize is the first book.
Happy reading,
Paul Genesse
Author of The Dragon Hunters
www.paulgenesse.com
August 4, 2009
Like all of Ms. Vaughan's books, White Star is a cross-genre romance/fantasy story, and will easily appeal to both.
The romance elements are there, but are not so heavy-handed to turn off fans of fantasy; likewise, the fantasy elements do not intrude into the romance.
White Star is the second book in a series that started with Dagger-Star. Because this is not simply fluffy romance, you will most likely want to read Dagger-Star first so that you can quickly be up to speed. It is not strictly necessary, however, but will make the book more enjoyable.
Though set in the same world that Warprize, Warsworn and Warlord took place in, it is not necessary to read those books before reading this one. You'll want to after you finish this one. Oh yes, you will. And that's all I'm saying on that. :)
Unlike Ms. Vaughan's first four books, this one takes a few chapters to really start moving - largely due to the need to re-set the stage after the end of Dagger-Star. (It's also these chapters that mean that you can pick this book up by itself to start out with and make it through without being too confused.) Once the stage is set, though, action and romance fly off the page.
It's a good, fun book to read, but unlike many romance - and fantasy! - novels, you can leave your brain on while reading it.
The romance elements are there, but are not so heavy-handed to turn off fans of fantasy; likewise, the fantasy elements do not intrude into the romance.
White Star is the second book in a series that started with Dagger-Star. Because this is not simply fluffy romance, you will most likely want to read Dagger-Star first so that you can quickly be up to speed. It is not strictly necessary, however, but will make the book more enjoyable.
Though set in the same world that Warprize, Warsworn and Warlord took place in, it is not necessary to read those books before reading this one. You'll want to after you finish this one. Oh yes, you will. And that's all I'm saying on that. :)
Unlike Ms. Vaughan's first four books, this one takes a few chapters to really start moving - largely due to the need to re-set the stage after the end of Dagger-Star. (It's also these chapters that mean that you can pick this book up by itself to start out with and make it through without being too confused.) Once the stage is set, though, action and romance fly off the page.
It's a good, fun book to read, but unlike many romance - and fantasy! - novels, you can leave your brain on while reading it.
May 13, 2009
This was a fun book set in a very different world. I liked the set up of the world and what was happening. This book is a good addition to Dagger Star. Some of my favorite parts are the off beat side characters, like Orrin's band of soliders and the old man that helped Evelyn and Orrin out. Can't wait for the next book to see where it takes us.
May 7, 2019
I really like this author and I'm enjoying this series. I started reading to catch up with the "War" series, but I like this one in it's own right. I like the characters and I like the story.
This is a good read.
This is a good read.
April 30, 2021
A mediocre fantasy novel of love, redemption, and second chances. The plot is pretty standard, the lead characters fall in love instantaneously - no slowly building romance for them - and the villain is a necromancer, scary and powerful. Lots of magic between the pages too, but overall, I suspect I'll forget this story in a couple of days.
April 21, 2009
White Star is the sequel to Dagger-star that came out last year. It's fantasy romance set in a world she described in an earlier trilogy.
The Lady High Priestess Evelyn is virtuous and loved. She is one of the leaders of the rebellion against the usurper who has claimed the throne. She is a healer who helps the injured and the sick.
Orrin Blackheart, the scourge of the Palins is despised and hated. He is known as an evil man who stands at his Duchess side against those who rebel. He has killed many, and he stood by his Duchess and Sorceress as she created an army of the dead. An army that plagues the countryside and claims more for their ranks.
Orrin takes Evelyn prisoner during the war and takes her to the castle at Black Hills. Here she knows what she will face, death and torture, but instead they both find something in each other that they didn't expect, passion, but can it withstand.
I liked this book, it was cute and I do love my fantasy so what better than romance and fantasy. And it had zombies, I am not a fan of zombies, they can give me nightmares. What more horrific than something that just keep coming at you. And yes these zombies keep coming.
This is then book 2, I didn't know that, and you can read the book without reading the first one. Of course where did elves come from? I did wonder about red gloves and queen Gloriana, and the obsession with a lord called Josiah. Still she explained vital things in the beginning and what I wondered about I got answers to in the end, well except where those 2 elves came from.
Early in Evelyn s capture Orrin learns that his Duchess is dead, and he lets Evelyn go, and negotiates a truce for his men. Then he must stand trial for the crimes he has committed. I will not say more, but their love doesn't have an easy road to take.
Evelyn seems to be a good hearted heroine, but she does have past too. There is nothing that makes me dislike her. Orrin, oh he has been wicked, truly evil, I have to like him. Because even though he has done horrific things in the past and he wants redemption, he wants to change, he wants his men to have their freedom. He is a good man who sure took the wrong way, but love makes fools of all of us. He wants her, but he don't wants to spoil her purity with his evil past and ways.
Can there be a HEA, and even if there is one, he will always be hated. They are such opposites and that shows too in how they look. Evelyn always in white with white hair. A beacon of light to his own darkness. I do want their happy ending, they both deserve to be that. And I have a soft spot for the bad guys.
I did wonder about those elves in the beginning and I do want to know more about this world, or at least give me a map. That would help to build it better. But the story is more focused on romance, and wiping out those zombies. The war behind them, and politics is not focused on. If the lands are rebuilt I do not know. But in the end I don't care, I get romance and action and can be happy with that.
The Lady High Priestess Evelyn is virtuous and loved. She is one of the leaders of the rebellion against the usurper who has claimed the throne. She is a healer who helps the injured and the sick.
Orrin Blackheart, the scourge of the Palins is despised and hated. He is known as an evil man who stands at his Duchess side against those who rebel. He has killed many, and he stood by his Duchess and Sorceress as she created an army of the dead. An army that plagues the countryside and claims more for their ranks.
Orrin takes Evelyn prisoner during the war and takes her to the castle at Black Hills. Here she knows what she will face, death and torture, but instead they both find something in each other that they didn't expect, passion, but can it withstand.
I liked this book, it was cute and I do love my fantasy so what better than romance and fantasy. And it had zombies, I am not a fan of zombies, they can give me nightmares. What more horrific than something that just keep coming at you. And yes these zombies keep coming.
This is then book 2, I didn't know that, and you can read the book without reading the first one. Of course where did elves come from? I did wonder about red gloves and queen Gloriana, and the obsession with a lord called Josiah. Still she explained vital things in the beginning and what I wondered about I got answers to in the end, well except where those 2 elves came from.
Early in Evelyn s capture Orrin learns that his Duchess is dead, and he lets Evelyn go, and negotiates a truce for his men. Then he must stand trial for the crimes he has committed. I will not say more, but their love doesn't have an easy road to take.
Evelyn seems to be a good hearted heroine, but she does have past too. There is nothing that makes me dislike her. Orrin, oh he has been wicked, truly evil, I have to like him. Because even though he has done horrific things in the past and he wants redemption, he wants to change, he wants his men to have their freedom. He is a good man who sure took the wrong way, but love makes fools of all of us. He wants her, but he don't wants to spoil her purity with his evil past and ways.
Can there be a HEA, and even if there is one, he will always be hated. They are such opposites and that shows too in how they look. Evelyn always in white with white hair. A beacon of light to his own darkness. I do want their happy ending, they both deserve to be that. And I have a soft spot for the bad guys.
I did wonder about those elves in the beginning and I do want to know more about this world, or at least give me a map. That would help to build it better. But the story is more focused on romance, and wiping out those zombies. The war behind them, and politics is not focused on. If the lands are rebuilt I do not know. But in the end I don't care, I get romance and action and can be happy with that.
October 23, 2019
I was excited about this book - especially about the "redemption" of the hero - although in the previous one you could see Orrin wasn't SO bad - but definitely there's a lot more of his motivation shown here ... BUT! more importantly!
He really really owns up to his past - that he was WRONG - that he is sorry for it, that he knows he has to make up for it/probably never can/doesn't expect people to forgive him or be okay with him.
Orrin isn't so bad a guy - he got caught up. And he got in way over his head in an UNSPEAKABLY AWFUL thing - and he understands that, and is sorry for it, and does what he can to fix it - but EVEN SO knows that to many/most/even himself - it's not enough and not okay.
[>.> It's possible I'm not holding him accountable enough for the harm he caused...]
...
Evelyn though.
She's so ... nice and good. She's "messed up" although losing control in the midst of battle of FIRE ... I dunno. I guess I don't understand "magery" enough because I don't know that was so much her fault? (Or maybe I'm comparing her to Ezren and ... that's a mess there.)
ANYWAY. The fact that Blackheart goes to rescue Evie as soon as he knows the [odium?] are after her?
And how he resists her, and their arguing, and ... the LONGING. (We all know I have a major soft spot for a smitten hero...)
There's a LOT in this book. I was actually kinda mad about Evie re: how ~obedient she is to the church. Like - WHY, FRIEND?! So she renounces it " " in the end - only not really - just the wrong/corruption - and I didn't think the Archbishop or whatever he is /his title suffers enough/it's clear enough TO ALL how awful and corrupt he is - it's never PUBLIC.
[It's just extra ugh when in high fantasy romances/fiction in general when injustice stands/is allowed to "win" - even if he dies...]
ANYWAY. I can definitely see myself re-reading the first book in this series and this one as well.
C ... maaaaaybe C+?
He really really owns up to his past - that he was WRONG - that he is sorry for it, that he knows he has to make up for it/probably never can/doesn't expect people to forgive him or be okay with him.
Orrin isn't so bad a guy - he got caught up. And he got in way over his head in an UNSPEAKABLY AWFUL thing - and he understands that, and is sorry for it, and does what he can to fix it - but EVEN SO knows that to many/most/even himself - it's not enough and not okay.
[>.> It's possible I'm not holding him accountable enough for the harm he caused...]
...
Evelyn though.
She's so ... nice and good. She's "messed up" although losing control in the midst of battle of FIRE ... I dunno. I guess I don't understand "magery" enough because I don't know that was so much her fault? (Or maybe I'm comparing her to Ezren and ... that's a mess there.)
ANYWAY. The fact that Blackheart goes to rescue Evie as soon as he knows the [odium?] are after her?
And how he resists her, and their arguing, and ... the LONGING. (We all know I have a major soft spot for a smitten hero...)
There's a LOT in this book. I was actually kinda mad about Evie re: how ~obedient she is to the church. Like - WHY, FRIEND?! So she renounces it " " in the end - only not really - just the wrong/corruption - and I didn't think the Archbishop or whatever he is /his title suffers enough/it's clear enough TO ALL how awful and corrupt he is - it's never PUBLIC.
[It's just extra ugh when in high fantasy romances/fiction in general when injustice stands/is allowed to "win" - even if he dies...]
ANYWAY. I can definitely see myself re-reading the first book in this series and this one as well.
C ... maaaaaybe C+?
April 29, 2023
Series: Epic of Palins #2
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Lady High Priestess Evelyn was kidnapped by Orrin Blackhart, the Scourge of Palins, and expects to be abused and killed but instead finds herself falling for Blackhart.
While I found Evelyn to be a bit snobbish in the previous book, I changed my mind about her in this one. She is compassionate, kind, and determined to make the world a better place. I really enjoyed getting to know her and learning about how dangerous and badass she can be. Orrin Blackhart is a man who has done terrible things in the past. He is no longer willing to sacrifice everything for his people and is determined to change the situation in the Black Hills. I really enjoyed Blackhart and watching him fight for his people and a new future.
Orrin and Evelyn have instant attraction but both of them being prisoners to each other prevents any kind of true relationship from happening. With each interaction these two have, the harder it is to fight their feelings. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed their relationship. There was a lot of tension and barriers that kept them apart but they still keep gravitating towards each other. I also liked that Evelyn understood Orrin’s past and states that even though she loves him she would still fight against him if he returned to the man he used to be.
This land of Palins continues to be very interesting. Gloriana seems to be a very good queen and I look forward to seeing how the land progresses under her reign. I can’t wait to jump into the next book and see what happens to Bethral and Ezren after they go through the portal to the Plains.
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping; imprisonment; death of side characters; slavery; sacrificing people, including children, to become zombies;
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Lady High Priestess Evelyn was kidnapped by Orrin Blackhart, the Scourge of Palins, and expects to be abused and killed but instead finds herself falling for Blackhart.
While I found Evelyn to be a bit snobbish in the previous book, I changed my mind about her in this one. She is compassionate, kind, and determined to make the world a better place. I really enjoyed getting to know her and learning about how dangerous and badass she can be. Orrin Blackhart is a man who has done terrible things in the past. He is no longer willing to sacrifice everything for his people and is determined to change the situation in the Black Hills. I really enjoyed Blackhart and watching him fight for his people and a new future.
Orrin and Evelyn have instant attraction but both of them being prisoners to each other prevents any kind of true relationship from happening. With each interaction these two have, the harder it is to fight their feelings. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed their relationship. There was a lot of tension and barriers that kept them apart but they still keep gravitating towards each other. I also liked that Evelyn understood Orrin’s past and states that even though she loves him she would still fight against him if he returned to the man he used to be.
This land of Palins continues to be very interesting. Gloriana seems to be a very good queen and I look forward to seeing how the land progresses under her reign. I can’t wait to jump into the next book and see what happens to Bethral and Ezren after they go through the portal to the Plains.
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping; imprisonment; death of side characters; slavery; sacrificing people, including children, to become zombies;
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
November 8, 2018
WHILE I DID APPRECIATE THE WHOLE SCI-FI FICTIONAL SETTING, THE STORY DIDNT REEL ME IN AND THE ROMANCE WAS A ONE STAR AT BEST. BE WARNED THIS ISNT A FULL ROMANCE STORY, BUT MORE ON ADVENTURE AND ABIT OF SPACE SPIN OF A ZOMBIE HORDE.
OUR HERO is an infamous Lord who actually works for the bad guys, a woman to be exact and there isn't many who do NOT know his name and the misfortune he has wrought on others. When his men managed to capture a High Priestess which will prove useful to his mistress, he didn't expect to feel an attraction for the white haired, blue eyed lady. He also didn't expect his mistress to die and leave their territory open for an attack, especially when she rules over the undead she created with her power. Only the undead can be stopped once the wielder is dead. Left with no choice, in order to protect his men, he sacrifices himself and saves Evelyn too. The tables of fate turn when he becomes prisoner instead but for some reason, Evelyn saves his life and in return to claim his pardon, he has to clear up the mess he helped to make, cleansing the land of the undead.
OUR HEROINE is not a virgin, but she's pure, working as a High Priestess sworn to celibacy. That contradicting situation just leaves a bad taste in my mouth because it just didn't fit into the character persona. Anyway, she's wary and afraid of her destiny when someone had betrayed her to the enemy. Who knew that the man so many feared would treat her well despite her prisoner status and later returned her to her own kind. When the Lady she serves 'her Goddess' calls for her to save our hero from execution, she knows that their paths will not end there.
OVERALL this was more on ridding the world of the undead and how they did it. The romance was rushed to me because it was almost love at first sight...which leaves much to be wanting because there wasnt any thrill to it!
OUR HERO is an infamous Lord who actually works for the bad guys, a woman to be exact and there isn't many who do NOT know his name and the misfortune he has wrought on others. When his men managed to capture a High Priestess which will prove useful to his mistress, he didn't expect to feel an attraction for the white haired, blue eyed lady. He also didn't expect his mistress to die and leave their territory open for an attack, especially when she rules over the undead she created with her power. Only the undead can be stopped once the wielder is dead. Left with no choice, in order to protect his men, he sacrifices himself and saves Evelyn too. The tables of fate turn when he becomes prisoner instead but for some reason, Evelyn saves his life and in return to claim his pardon, he has to clear up the mess he helped to make, cleansing the land of the undead.
OUR HEROINE is not a virgin, but she's pure, working as a High Priestess sworn to celibacy. That contradicting situation just leaves a bad taste in my mouth because it just didn't fit into the character persona. Anyway, she's wary and afraid of her destiny when someone had betrayed her to the enemy. Who knew that the man so many feared would treat her well despite her prisoner status and later returned her to her own kind. When the Lady she serves 'her Goddess' calls for her to save our hero from execution, she knows that their paths will not end there.
OVERALL this was more on ridding the world of the undead and how they did it. The romance was rushed to me because it was almost love at first sight...which leaves much to be wanting because there wasnt any thrill to it!
November 15, 2025
Rating: 3/5
This was a disappointing read. The pacing was all over the place and there was no proper development of the relationship between Evie and Orrin. We go from Evie's kidnapping (on Orrin's orders) to her release and Orrin's surrender at lightning speed with just two, brief, private interactions between them, but somehow that's enough for them to fall in love. Perhaps I could believe Orrin falling in love with Evie but for her to reciprocate despite Orrin's brutal and ruthless reputation was ludicrous. Unfortunately, this is never rectified so the relationship is never believable. The surrounding characters are also barely sketched out and, even though they're described as this band of brothers, this never really comes across authentically - there's no sense of genuine brotherhood or history, no sense of found family that we're clearly meant to feel.
The entire novel is peppered with inconsistencies in character actions and motivations, or blatant plot holes. For example, Orrin had crucial information that proved the Archbishop's corruption yet, for some reason, only reveals it at the very end of the book even though the Archbishop was clearly using his power to endanger and prey on Evie. Evie is meant to be a powerful priestess with strong connections to power figures yet, for some reason, never tries to resist what she knows is unjust treatment. The list goes on.
The conclusion to the novel was also anticlimactic. It's incredibly obvious who the villain is so all the characters look thick for being baffled over it. The action is lackluster with no real tension or thrill - by this point I was just reading because I was already in the third act and thought I might as well finish it.
This was a disappointing read. The pacing was all over the place and there was no proper development of the relationship between Evie and Orrin. We go from Evie's kidnapping (on Orrin's orders) to her release and Orrin's surrender at lightning speed with just two, brief, private interactions between them, but somehow that's enough for them to fall in love. Perhaps I could believe Orrin falling in love with Evie but for her to reciprocate despite Orrin's brutal and ruthless reputation was ludicrous. Unfortunately, this is never rectified so the relationship is never believable. The surrounding characters are also barely sketched out and, even though they're described as this band of brothers, this never really comes across authentically - there's no sense of genuine brotherhood or history, no sense of found family that we're clearly meant to feel.
The entire novel is peppered with inconsistencies in character actions and motivations, or blatant plot holes. For example, Orrin had crucial information that proved the Archbishop's corruption yet, for some reason, only reveals it at the very end of the book even though the Archbishop was clearly using his power to endanger and prey on Evie. Evie is meant to be a powerful priestess with strong connections to power figures yet, for some reason, never tries to resist what she knows is unjust treatment. The list goes on.
The conclusion to the novel was also anticlimactic. It's incredibly obvious who the villain is so all the characters look thick for being baffled over it. The action is lackluster with no real tension or thrill - by this point I was just reading because I was already in the third act and thought I might as well finish it.
September 9, 2018
One hypothesis scraped and an older hypothesis resurrected from the scrap heap.
It turns out that the first book of this trilogy, _Daggerstar_, and this novel are running parallel to the second trilogy, or books four and/or five of the _Warlands_ Series--depending on how one views those previous works. This novel focuses on Orrin Blackheart's and High Priestess Elizabeth's romance and trials. The story has Vaughan's signature deft kennings, character development and humor sprinkled throughout. A VERY satisfying read.
Her author's note at the end of the novel is one of the most amusing I've ever read and has me hoping that she displays more of the humor and wit in further works.
It turns out that the first book of this trilogy, _Daggerstar_, and this novel are running parallel to the second trilogy, or books four and/or five of the _Warlands_ Series--depending on how one views those previous works. This novel focuses on Orrin Blackheart's and High Priestess Elizabeth's romance and trials. The story has Vaughan's signature deft kennings, character development and humor sprinkled throughout. A VERY satisfying read.
Her author's note at the end of the novel is one of the most amusing I've ever read and has me hoping that she displays more of the humor and wit in further works.
January 17, 2022
White Star is a fantastically written epic story set during a time when magic is part of the ruling class. The heroine of the story, Lady Evelyn is one of the leaders of the rebellion against an evil sorceress, as well as a gentle healer who helps the sick and injured. Lord Orrin is the dark brooding war leader who has killed many and stood by while the sorceress created an army of the undead. After Orrin kidnaps Evelyn, they find their attraction to each other cannot be denied and together they overthrow the evil that plagues their city.
Susan Ericksen narrated this audiobook, who was simply sublime! Together, with writer Elizabeth Vaughan, White Star beautifully intertwines action and adventure with romance to great satisfaction. I highly recommend this audiobook!
Susan Ericksen narrated this audiobook, who was simply sublime! Together, with writer Elizabeth Vaughan, White Star beautifully intertwines action and adventure with romance to great satisfaction. I highly recommend this audiobook!
May 16, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It's not the best written and the tropes are still very much emphasized but it was cute and quick.
Sometimes when reading stories like this I wonder if I am a romantic at heart.
I wouldn't recommend someone picking it up and reading it if they didn't already have a reason, read the first one, or really like the author, but they won't be upset with it.
You don't need to have read the first one to get this book. For the people that have read the first book the characters were already introduced but not really fleshed out so this helped, but if you are just reading this you know enough starting here.
Sometimes when reading stories like this I wonder if I am a romantic at heart.
I wouldn't recommend someone picking it up and reading it if they didn't already have a reason, read the first one, or really like the author, but they won't be upset with it.
You don't need to have read the first one to get this book. For the people that have read the first book the characters were already introduced but not really fleshed out so this helped, but if you are just reading this you know enough starting here.
June 21, 2020
Evelyn, the High Priestess all in white from the last book, and Orrin Blackhart, a villain who helped kill the prior king, find themselves in love against all odds. Dealing with the Odium seemed like a nice repentance for him.
I did have a major complaint about this story. I like Elizabeth Vaughan's writing, but the fat shaming in this book, specifically towards one of the main antagonists, was R E L E N T L E S S. So keep that in mind before you read.
I did have a major complaint about this story. I like Elizabeth Vaughan's writing, but the fat shaming in this book, specifically towards one of the main antagonists, was R E L E N T L E S S. So keep that in mind before you read.
February 22, 2021
Estos dos protagonistas son perfectos el uno para el otro. A quién no le gusta leer que el villano o el chico malo se redima? Y mejor, no gracias al amor, sino porque se dio cuenta el daño que había cometido y decidió intentar resarcir a las víctimas. La historia es buena, ese componente de acción y romance estuvo presente y el encontrar su propio camino.
May 16, 2021
Zipped through this fantasy romance in less than a day. A fair amount of humour, as the hero and heroine despite the seriousness of the plot mopping up the odium (zombies) and starting to rebuild after the civil war of Dagger Star. Evelyn's love for Orrin felt a little sudden, but a minor bump.
Quibble: his last name is Blackhart? Really?
Quibble: his last name is Blackhart? Really?
May 5, 2020
I absolutely adored the War Prize series. When I found out these books were set in the same world I was thrilled! Until I started reading.
I don't want to bash one of my favorite authors. I'll just say I was bored and ended up not finishing the book. 👾
I don't want to bash one of my favorite authors. I'll just say I was bored and ended up not finishing the book. 👾
February 7, 2021
It is not the warprize but it is still nice book to read. I liked the story, I liked the plot, I even liked the protagonists. I just could not connect to them. I mean, they were ok And I understood why are they doing what they are doing but I did not feel invested in it.
February 17, 2020
Kinda dubious on this one for some reason, but still fun.
August 9, 2023
Another excellent adventure in Palins!
September 27, 2023
It was ok.
January 31, 2024
wonderful
A great love story and a marvelous tale. Enjoy reading and see what the future holds for this land and its magic.
A great love story and a marvelous tale. Enjoy reading and see what the future holds for this land and its magic.
July 7, 2014
You can also find this review on my blog: Wings of Nephilim
I had the strangest feeling I had read this before the whole time I was reading. Which is quite likely. Oh well. Either way I was less than impressed.
This is probably one of the worst cases of insta-love I've ever had the displeasure of reading. They meet in her cell. He moves her to a tower. He brings her food...once. He kisses her the next time and she's somehow ok with that. He frees her and becomes the prisoner instead. She brings him food...once. He is about to be executed and she saves him and helps him leave. Then she is banished to a temple, rescued by him and BAM--she's telling him she loves him. Just barely at 50% through. You have GOT to be kidding me. She sees him all of FIVE TIMES for probably less than 20 minutes and they're in love? Really?
Not to mention he was casually commenting about how he SHOULD HAVE RAPED HER in the first chapters or so. Yeah. He's a gem. You go girl? He got a bit better I guess but he still had that "woe is me, I should leave you to protect you" nonsense going on. Ugh. Evelyn was alright. I liked Mage best I think.
The writing was mostly easy to read, the book went by pretty quickly. Some lines were just...bad.
EX:
"As before, an odium lunged from behind it, and grabbed for Reader's throat.
As before, Reader jerked back, and dropped to the ground.
As before, Timothy lunged over him, his spear plunging into the monster's chest."
...
...
...
Are you kidding me? You know how I know it was "as before"? Other than the fact that you just started THREE SENTENCES THE EXACT SAME WAY IN A ROW? Because I just read those lines...THREE PAGES AGO.
Her spells were lazy. They would shout "three words". Oh yeah? What words? She can read off lines to her goddess but can't come up with the three words that summon fire? Laziness. She would "gesture". In what way? Who knows. I didn't like it at all. It felt...cheap.
Overall it was decently paced but I felt it was done at about 80%. Then they added the part to get people to read the next book (I have no intentions of doing so) and then some random drama at the end that felt very out of place. I guess I've read worse. I've read much much better as well. I have nothing left to say I guess. I want to read something good now...well read something new and hope it's good. I should have just stopped after her Warprize book. It's the only one I've really liked.
I had the strangest feeling I had read this before the whole time I was reading. Which is quite likely. Oh well. Either way I was less than impressed.
This is probably one of the worst cases of insta-love I've ever had the displeasure of reading. They meet in her cell. He moves her to a tower. He brings her food...once. He kisses her the next time and she's somehow ok with that. He frees her and becomes the prisoner instead. She brings him food...once. He is about to be executed and she saves him and helps him leave. Then she is banished to a temple, rescued by him and BAM--she's telling him she loves him. Just barely at 50% through. You have GOT to be kidding me. She sees him all of FIVE TIMES for probably less than 20 minutes and they're in love? Really?
Not to mention he was casually commenting about how he SHOULD HAVE RAPED HER in the first chapters or so. Yeah. He's a gem. You go girl? He got a bit better I guess but he still had that "woe is me, I should leave you to protect you" nonsense going on. Ugh. Evelyn was alright. I liked Mage best I think.
The writing was mostly easy to read, the book went by pretty quickly. Some lines were just...bad.
EX:
"As before, an odium lunged from behind it, and grabbed for Reader's throat.
As before, Reader jerked back, and dropped to the ground.
As before, Timothy lunged over him, his spear plunging into the monster's chest."
...
...
...
Are you kidding me? You know how I know it was "as before"? Other than the fact that you just started THREE SENTENCES THE EXACT SAME WAY IN A ROW? Because I just read those lines...THREE PAGES AGO.
Her spells were lazy. They would shout "three words". Oh yeah? What words? She can read off lines to her goddess but can't come up with the three words that summon fire? Laziness. She would "gesture". In what way? Who knows. I didn't like it at all. It felt...cheap.
Overall it was decently paced but I felt it was done at about 80%. Then they added the part to get people to read the next book (I have no intentions of doing so) and then some random drama at the end that felt very out of place. I guess I've read worse. I've read much much better as well. I have nothing left to say I guess. I want to read something good now...well read something new and hope it's good. I should have just stopped after her Warprize book. It's the only one I've really liked.
August 19, 2017
For a loosely bound series, these books are fairly tightly coupled. The beginning of the second book involves the end of the first book told from a different perspective, and in greater detail. I imagine the same will be said with respect to the second and third books, as there was a lead in to the third book at the end of this book.
In other words, the timeline is fairly linear, we just move the focus to different characters. So, unlike most books I label loosely bound, I'd recommend that they be read in order.
Orrin was the man who kidnapped Evelyn at the end of the first book. From the first book, we only know that Evelyn is saved and Orrin sacrifices himself so that his men go free. The brief rewind in this book shows Evelyn's captivity. Even though he knew Elenore would torture and kill Evelyn when she returned, Orrin insisted that Evelyn was kept in more comfortable quarters until then.
When Orrin and his men find out Elenore is dead, and her odium (think zombies) are still animated, he makes the sacrifice to return Evelyn to safety and allow his men to scatter.
Back home, the situation reverses. Evelyn is offered a boon from the crown just before Orrin is sentenced. At Evelyn's Lady's insistence -- the Lady is the goddess she serves -- Evelyn uses that boon to free Orrin. He is given his horse and shown the door. With the promise of a pardon should he rid the Black Hills of the odium.
Not much else to say. I liked both Evelyn and Orrin. Both are flawed in their own ways, despite the outward appearance of Evelyn as pure and good and Orrin as evil.
In other words, the timeline is fairly linear, we just move the focus to different characters. So, unlike most books I label loosely bound, I'd recommend that they be read in order.
Orrin was the man who kidnapped Evelyn at the end of the first book. From the first book, we only know that Evelyn is saved and Orrin sacrifices himself so that his men go free. The brief rewind in this book shows Evelyn's captivity. Even though he knew Elenore would torture and kill Evelyn when she returned, Orrin insisted that Evelyn was kept in more comfortable quarters until then.
When Orrin and his men find out Elenore is dead, and her odium (think zombies) are still animated, he makes the sacrifice to return Evelyn to safety and allow his men to scatter.
Back home, the situation reverses. Evelyn is offered a boon from the crown just before Orrin is sentenced. At Evelyn's Lady's insistence -- the Lady is the goddess she serves -- Evelyn uses that boon to free Orrin. He is given his horse and shown the door. With the promise of a pardon should he rid the Black Hills of the odium.
Not much else to say. I liked both Evelyn and Orrin. Both are flawed in their own ways, despite the outward appearance of Evelyn as pure and good and Orrin as evil.
May 31, 2020
I love the increased focus on fantasy elements in this book and the faint glimmer of a tie to the Warlord series. A vast improvement over the previous books, despite the front cover of this book, which could use an update.
Much, much less focus on pure romance, which meant that we learned about more characters and had a stronger plot.
A few odd twists and turns, but I thought a much more rewarding story overall.
Maybe more of a 3.5 star book, but I wanted to make it plain that I preferred this to others I've been reading.
I'll keep reading the series — eagerly awaiting to see how we connect to my other series.
Much, much less focus on pure romance, which meant that we learned about more characters and had a stronger plot.
A few odd twists and turns, but I thought a much more rewarding story overall.
Maybe more of a 3.5 star book, but I wanted to make it plain that I preferred this to others I've been reading.
I'll keep reading the series — eagerly awaiting to see how we connect to my other series.
April 7, 2015
Well that was a disappointing synopsis of this book. And unfortunately, I already gave away the physical copy I had - so I can't give you a better one. Darn it! Anyway - I loved this book! I really liked the first one because of the somewhat feminist message. But I liked this one even more because it managed to be feminist and romantic. Hoooray!
The characters were excellent together. You could tell immediately that they dug each other despite the whole complicated captive/captor relationship. And then she was the one that ended up saving him - how perfect. Oops - got swept away for a moment. They really were great characters - especially when they were working together. I just loved reading about them.
The story was fantastic too! I can hardly wait to read the conclusion in the next book. The plot moved quickly, just when you would get used to what the story would seem to be about it would all switch around on you. I love when that is pulled off well - and here it certainly was.
Elizabeth Vaughan, another terrific job, you nailed it again.
Check out more of my reviews at http://whatabookbitch.blogspot.ca
May 30, 2016
DNF at about halfway through. This book is fantasy romance, which is exactly what I was in the mood for when I picked it up, but it suffered from several things for me:
1. Being a sequel, despite the fact that it didn't say so anywhere in the book--ugh! (That being said, no one looking this up on goodreads will have this problem, so it's a moot point.)
2. IMMEDIATE attraction that seemed to come out of nowhere. There was no sense of settling into the romance; it was just abruptly there.
3. The sense that all the action was happening somewhere else and you were somehow meant to know what was going on regardless (possibly related to point 1).
My investment in what the book could be kept me going for a while, and the bit of worldbuilding I experienced was enjoyable, hence 2 stars instead of 1. It wasn't bad--I just wish I could have cared. Definitely read this series in order, and probably don't read it if you prefer slow-burn romance.
1. Being a sequel, despite the fact that it didn't say so anywhere in the book--ugh! (That being said, no one looking this up on goodreads will have this problem, so it's a moot point.)
2. IMMEDIATE attraction that seemed to come out of nowhere. There was no sense of settling into the romance; it was just abruptly there.
3. The sense that all the action was happening somewhere else and you were somehow meant to know what was going on regardless (possibly related to point 1).
My investment in what the book could be kept me going for a while, and the bit of worldbuilding I experienced was enjoyable, hence 2 stars instead of 1. It wasn't bad--I just wish I could have cared. Definitely read this series in order, and probably don't read it if you prefer slow-burn romance.
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