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World of Hetar #2
A Distant Tomorrow
My dear reader—
Five years have now passed since the Winter War betweenthe Outlands and Hetar. But Gaius Prospero has notgiven up his scheme to become emperor, and unexpectedtragedy causes Lara to once again heed the pull of herdestiny. Finding herself across the sea in a secret newworld known as Terah, she discovers that her magicalabilities grow greater with each passing day.
Using her newfound powers, Lara lifts an ancient cursefrom the men of Terah, earning its ruler's gratitude—andhis deep and passionate love. Magnus Hauk has neverknown a woman like Lara, and his fascination leads himto venture back across the sea with her to prevent anotherwar. There, however, the ruler of Terah learns that betrayalis an everyday commodity; nothing is exactly what it seemsin beautiful, sinister Hetar. And the lovers attract theanimosity of Prospero, a dangerous enemy to have. Forpower, dear reader, does corrupt absolutely.
This tale continues to unfold within the corridors ofmy imagination. I hope you will enjoy Lara's furtheradventures as she continues to seek out her true destiny.I know I am enjoying writing it for you.
Bertrice Small
Five years have now passed since the Winter War betweenthe Outlands and Hetar. But Gaius Prospero has notgiven up his scheme to become emperor, and unexpectedtragedy causes Lara to once again heed the pull of herdestiny. Finding herself across the sea in a secret newworld known as Terah, she discovers that her magicalabilities grow greater with each passing day.
Using her newfound powers, Lara lifts an ancient cursefrom the men of Terah, earning its ruler's gratitude—andhis deep and passionate love. Magnus Hauk has neverknown a woman like Lara, and his fascination leads himto venture back across the sea with her to prevent anotherwar. There, however, the ruler of Terah learns that betrayalis an everyday commodity; nothing is exactly what it seemsin beautiful, sinister Hetar. And the lovers attract theanimosity of Prospero, a dangerous enemy to have. Forpower, dear reader, does corrupt absolutely.
This tale continues to unfold within the corridors ofmy imagination. I hope you will enjoy Lara's furtheradventures as she continues to seek out her true destiny.I know I am enjoying writing it for you.
Bertrice Small
539 pages, Trade Paperback
First published May 1, 2006
96 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
Bertrice Small
216 books1,125 followersBertrice Williams was born on December 9, 1937 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, the daughter of Doris S. and David R. Williams, both broadcasters. She studied at Attended Western College for Women and Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. On October 5, 1963, she married George Sumner Small, a photographer and designer with a History Major at Princeton. They had a son Thomas David. She lived on eastern Long Island for over 30 years. Her greatest passions were her family; Finnegan and Sylvester, the family cats; Nicki, the elderly cockatiel who whistles the NY Mets charge call; her garden; her work, and just life in general.
Published since 1947, Bertrice Small was the author of over 50 romance novels. A New York Times bestselling author, she had also appeared on other best-seller lists including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and the L.A. Times. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Career Achievement for Historical Romance; Best Historical Romance; Outstanding Historical Romance Series; Career Achievement for Historical Fantasy; a Golden Leaf from the New Jersey Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America; an Author of the Year (2006) and Big Apple Award from the New York City Romance Writers chapter of RWA, and several Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times. She had a "Silver Pen" from Affair De Coeur, and an Honorable Mention from The West Coast Review of Books. In 2004 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ROMANTIC TIMES magazine for her contributions to the Historical Romance genre. And in 2008 she was named by ROMANTIC TIMES along with her friends Jennifer Blake, Roberta Gellis and Janelle Taylor, a Pioneer of Romance.
Bertrice Small was a member of The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, PAN, and PASIC. She was also a member of RWA's Long Island chapter, L.I.R.W., and is its easternmost member on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.
Published since 1947, Bertrice Small was the author of over 50 romance novels. A New York Times bestselling author, she had also appeared on other best-seller lists including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and the L.A. Times. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Career Achievement for Historical Romance; Best Historical Romance; Outstanding Historical Romance Series; Career Achievement for Historical Fantasy; a Golden Leaf from the New Jersey Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America; an Author of the Year (2006) and Big Apple Award from the New York City Romance Writers chapter of RWA, and several Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times. She had a "Silver Pen" from Affair De Coeur, and an Honorable Mention from The West Coast Review of Books. In 2004 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ROMANTIC TIMES magazine for her contributions to the Historical Romance genre. And in 2008 she was named by ROMANTIC TIMES along with her friends Jennifer Blake, Roberta Gellis and Janelle Taylor, a Pioneer of Romance.
Bertrice Small was a member of The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, PAN, and PASIC. She was also a member of RWA's Long Island chapter, L.I.R.W., and is its easternmost member on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 3, 2017
Goofy fantasy-romance schlock with lolzy cliches (talking horses, singing swords, tree-hugging faeries, etc), uneven worldbuilding, & stilted dialogue -- i.e., the same as #1. :P There's not as much action as the first, but I still enjoyed it. This entire story cycle is campy tripe of the lowest order, yet there's something about it that grabs me. *shrug*
On a more in-depth note...
Alas, I much prefer Vartan as the leading man. Magnus is stupidly jealous of any male who so much as talks to Lara, & it really stomped on my nerves -- despite being labeled an uber-powerful kingly monarch, at heart he's just another clingy alpha hero. Yawn. He certainly doesn't contrast favorably with Vartan's down-home clannish skill set; Vartan had jealous moments, yes, but not to the same degree, & he seemed a more capable leader who could face difficult decisions with or without help. Magnus can't seem to function without knowing exactly where Lara is 24/7, & she leads him around by his nose (and/or his balls) from their first meeting. So, yeah...disappointed that Vartan was killed off in chapter 1. Magnus is little more than mimbo arm candy, IMO.
But hey...maybe Bertie can change my mind in the next book(s). >___>
On a more in-depth note...
Alas, I much prefer Vartan as the leading man. Magnus is stupidly jealous of any male who so much as talks to Lara, & it really stomped on my nerves -- despite being labeled an uber-powerful kingly monarch, at heart he's just another clingy alpha hero. Yawn. He certainly doesn't contrast favorably with Vartan's down-home clannish skill set; Vartan had jealous moments, yes, but not to the same degree, & he seemed a more capable leader who could face difficult decisions with or without help. Magnus can't seem to function without knowing exactly where Lara is 24/7, & she leads him around by his nose (and/or his balls) from their first meeting. So, yeah...disappointed that Vartan was killed off in chapter 1. Magnus is little more than mimbo arm candy, IMO.
But hey...maybe Bertie can change my mind in the next book(s). >___>
July 17, 2016
I think I liked this a bit more than the first book in the series, LARA. In this entry, Lara's destiny calls to her again, telling her it's time to get a move on. Her husband has just been murdered by his brother, and Lara leaves her young children with his cousin and his wife, and begins her travels once more. She winds up in the Coastal Kingdoms, where she learns about another land across the sea, called Terah, whose goods the Coastal Kingdoms trade for and then sell in Hetar. Next thing you know she's been drugged and handed over as a slave to the Dominus, who rules Terah. Of course she's not about to be any man's slave, and soon has the Dominus wrapped around her little finger. That exquisite fairy beauty, you know.
I really enjoyed this part of the story, where she's arrived in Terah and gets to know the inhabitants there. She's told that women in Terah do not speak. Not because they don't want to or are down-trodden by their men, but because of an ancient curse placed on them. They are physically incapable of speech. Once she's alone with the women, however, she discovers that they can indeed speak – the curse was actually placed on the men, rendering them incapable of hearing their women. So now she sets out to remove the curse. That's not her destiny though. Her beloved Outlands people are in danger from Hetar, and she must also find a way to save them.
The conversations between the characters often felt stilted or wooden, slightly monotonous with short bursts of emotion thrown in here and there. Lara's son is six or seven, and her younger brother a year older, but both spoke and held conversations with her like adults. I was quite happy to not read as many references to “man roots” in this book as in the first one, though there were several mentions of “seed sacs” and way too many mentions of “love juices”. I don't think there was quite as much sex on the page this time around, but as with the first book, those scenes weren't particularly sexy.
I don't have the third or fourth books in the series, and while I won't knock myself out looking for them, should I come across them I probably will read them. Like Lara, I'm very curious as to who or what may reside in another distant land that she spots while riding her flying horse one day. The world building is what kept me interested in the first book, and that interest still continues.
Review first posted on my blog.
I really enjoyed this part of the story, where she's arrived in Terah and gets to know the inhabitants there. She's told that women in Terah do not speak. Not because they don't want to or are down-trodden by their men, but because of an ancient curse placed on them. They are physically incapable of speech. Once she's alone with the women, however, she discovers that they can indeed speak – the curse was actually placed on the men, rendering them incapable of hearing their women. So now she sets out to remove the curse. That's not her destiny though. Her beloved Outlands people are in danger from Hetar, and she must also find a way to save them.
The conversations between the characters often felt stilted or wooden, slightly monotonous with short bursts of emotion thrown in here and there. Lara's son is six or seven, and her younger brother a year older, but both spoke and held conversations with her like adults. I was quite happy to not read as many references to “man roots” in this book as in the first one, though there were several mentions of “seed sacs” and way too many mentions of “love juices”. I don't think there was quite as much sex on the page this time around, but as with the first book, those scenes weren't particularly sexy.
I don't have the third or fourth books in the series, and while I won't knock myself out looking for them, should I come across them I probably will read them. Like Lara, I'm very curious as to who or what may reside in another distant land that she spots while riding her flying horse one day. The world building is what kept me interested in the first book, and that interest still continues.
Review first posted on my blog.
May 26, 2012
Loved reading more of Lara and Magnus! They are hilarious together.
And this was definitely a compelling sequel to Lara which was also amazing!
As I mentioned before, I think I like Magnus more than Varden(sorry!) He's so funny! And gets way more jealous than Varden did. Speaking of Varden, that really was sad. I like Varden, but Magnus is amazing too.
Dillon: Wow, Lara really has a valuable treasure in that boy. In this book, you will find he is very mature for his age. And so like his mother.
Terah! Sounds a thousands times better than that of Hetar.
READ THIS BOOK. ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE READ LARA. Don't skip it. Don't give up on the serious if you didn't like the previous book.
And this was definitely a compelling sequel to Lara which was also amazing!
As I mentioned before, I think I like Magnus more than Varden(sorry!) He's so funny! And gets way more jealous than Varden did. Speaking of Varden, that really was sad. I like Varden, but Magnus is amazing too.
Dillon: Wow, Lara really has a valuable treasure in that boy. In this book, you will find he is very mature for his age. And so like his mother.
Terah! Sounds a thousands times better than that of Hetar.
READ THIS BOOK. ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE READ LARA. Don't skip it. Don't give up on the serious if you didn't like the previous book.
August 13, 2012
I admit it. I skimmed the end. I've never taken so long to read a Beatrice Small book. I didn't know she was capable of writing a boring story, but I soooo need a break from Hetar and Lara. Small could fling this girl off a cliff for no apparent plot reason and start telling the book from the point of view of the female talking horse and I wouldn't mind. It might actually be more interesting.
May 10, 2019
Lara is getting a bit arrogant...
But when you’re the daughter of a fairie queen, the widow of a king and the wife of the Dominus of a vast land, you can afford to be anything you want. Great character building. As usual, Ms. Small writes a story that is totally immersive. Like all her books, this series is like Lays potato chips...no one can eat just one. So glad I found this series AFTER the six books were already available. I shudder to think what it would have been like having to wait a year at one. Ah well, on to number three
But when you’re the daughter of a fairie queen, the widow of a king and the wife of the Dominus of a vast land, you can afford to be anything you want. Great character building. As usual, Ms. Small writes a story that is totally immersive. Like all her books, this series is like Lays potato chips...no one can eat just one. So glad I found this series AFTER the six books were already available. I shudder to think what it would have been like having to wait a year at one. Ah well, on to number three
March 4, 2020
This book reminded me how much I love Bertrice Small books! This book had enough of a review that I remembered parts of the first book. Some events from the first book are referenced but, it’s not confusing. The only part I thought was odd is Lara is very confused by what her destiny is, while her son seems to know what his is.
August 8, 2018
Well well well..she is a force to reckon with isn't she. I am so still #teamshadowprince 😂😂 but she sure is doing well for herself.
Her ex mother in law and nephew must be dealt with sooner or later though, he is evil.
Her ex mother in law and nephew must be dealt with sooner or later though, he is evil.
August 28, 2017
Intriguing
I can't wait for the next adventure. Beatrice Small has been one of my favorite author for many years! What happens next.....?
I can't wait for the next adventure. Beatrice Small has been one of my favorite author for many years! What happens next.....?
September 18, 2017
Predictable plot and predictable characters
May 11, 2018
Imagination At It's Best!
This book brings your imagination to life! I loved it! I love how Bertrice Small wrote this and can't wait to read more!
This book brings your imagination to life! I loved it! I love how Bertrice Small wrote this and can't wait to read more!
November 18, 2019
A Fan!
Lovely details and whimsy. Very nice for romantic young & old. Simply innocent. I think I have read every Bertrice
Lovely details and whimsy. Very nice for romantic young & old. Simply innocent. I think I have read every Bertrice
January 12, 2020
I always find Bertrice Small's Books a fun read.
November 16, 2020
Hey, we found the plot! And Lara is actually asking questions about the “destiny” that everyone prattles on about for her. Still no answers, but this is an improvement over the last one.
October 20, 2021
Wonderful series
This series does not disappoint. I've read it more than once. Bertrice Small is a wonderful story teller. Lara is one of my favorite heroines.
This series does not disappoint. I've read it more than once. Bertrice Small is a wonderful story teller. Lara is one of my favorite heroines.
June 18, 2025
Absolutely love!!!!
March 14, 2017
Solid story but you can see from the outset that this will be a long series.
September 14, 2009
Five long and peaceful years have passed since the Winter War the people of the Outlands fought and won against the greedy nation of Hetar. But Gaius Prospero has not given up his scheme to become emperor, and after an unexpected and tragic blow the Fairy woman Lara is pulled towards her distant and elusive destiny once again.
Unexpectedly Lara finds herself in a distant land across the sea know as Terah where with her newfound powers she manages to banish an evil curse and earns the love and adoration of the ruler Magnus Hauk.
However even in this far away land Prospero threatens Lara and her new way of life. Together Lara, Magnus, and the people of Terah must stand together against the locust land of Hetar in order to continue to live in peace and prosperity.
Well, admittedly "A Distant Tomorrow" did keep my attention, probably better than its prequel "Lara" did in actuality. "A Distant Tomorrow" still had the same clichés that were present in "Lara" however: a heroine who can do no wrong, hastily written sex scenes, and situations that are glossed over and therefore fail to create any kind of suspense or drama.
I really have no idea why I keep coming back to works by Small. She's really not all that gifted as a writer, especially a fantasy writer, but there is something oddly alluring about her style and the continuing story of Lara and her friends.
"A Distant Tomorrow," and indeed the entire "World of Hetar" series is an easy and mindless read for those of us who can stomach (and more often than not enjoy) trashy romance novels. "A Distant Tomorrow" definitely fits this mold to a tee.
Though I found the actual reading tedious at times, I must admit I'm looking forward to the next installment. Don't ask me why...I just am. Bottom line: Can I call "A Distant Tomorrow" and the associated books good? No. Entertaining and mindless? Absolutely. For this kind of theme Small has going it seems as if not having the label "good" attached to any of her books is not slowing down her writing or her sales for that matter.
Unexpectedly Lara finds herself in a distant land across the sea know as Terah where with her newfound powers she manages to banish an evil curse and earns the love and adoration of the ruler Magnus Hauk.
However even in this far away land Prospero threatens Lara and her new way of life. Together Lara, Magnus, and the people of Terah must stand together against the locust land of Hetar in order to continue to live in peace and prosperity.
Well, admittedly "A Distant Tomorrow" did keep my attention, probably better than its prequel "Lara" did in actuality. "A Distant Tomorrow" still had the same clichés that were present in "Lara" however: a heroine who can do no wrong, hastily written sex scenes, and situations that are glossed over and therefore fail to create any kind of suspense or drama.
I really have no idea why I keep coming back to works by Small. She's really not all that gifted as a writer, especially a fantasy writer, but there is something oddly alluring about her style and the continuing story of Lara and her friends.
"A Distant Tomorrow," and indeed the entire "World of Hetar" series is an easy and mindless read for those of us who can stomach (and more often than not enjoy) trashy romance novels. "A Distant Tomorrow" definitely fits this mold to a tee.
Though I found the actual reading tedious at times, I must admit I'm looking forward to the next installment. Don't ask me why...I just am. Bottom line: Can I call "A Distant Tomorrow" and the associated books good? No. Entertaining and mindless? Absolutely. For this kind of theme Small has going it seems as if not having the label "good" attached to any of her books is not slowing down her writing or her sales for that matter.
February 21, 2017
A Distant Tomorrow
Bertrice Small weaves quite a story. This was very hard to put down . Looking forward to continuing Lara's saga
Bertrice Small weaves quite a story. This was very hard to put down . Looking forward to continuing Lara's saga
Read
May 15, 2010This is the second book of the World of Hetar. I like Lara she is strong and willfull character. Lara ends up going to Terah and helps the Terahn men with an ancient curse. I do have to admit I kept reading and wondering what the heck was wrong with the men and in the end was satisfied with how the curse was solved. Good book and good imagination by Bertrice Small. I love the characters and tales she spins within the magic world. She's very imaginative and keeps you guessing.
September 19, 2012
Other then the fact that I thought it was a bit strange that Lara wasn't very effected by Vartan's death, I thought that this was a great story. The repetition from the first book wasn't as dominant in this book which really helped. I love the way that Lara just excepts every situation that she is thrown in and makes the best of it. She makes great changes in the world by accepting her fate and doing what she can to make things better.
March 29, 2009
I loved the first one but this one got a little boring. There were never any real conflicts. The solutions to every problem came way too easy. That may sound silly I guess but I would have liked to see the character Lara actually have to solve a problem and not have everything happen so easily for her. There was a magical solution to absolutely everything!
Read
May 11, 2010I am totally involved in the Hetar series. I finished the 2nd book over the weekend and it was very good. I like Magnus Hauk. Very resilent character. Also Lara's children from Vartan were put into context with living with the Fiacre. I so like how as the story progresses and changes we still are in the same world. And I really like faerieposts. Very handy.
August 26, 2012
I have read Lara, this one, and the Twilight Lord book in this series and I loved them all. Sometimes a little much on the smut. Just how many times can one have sexual encounters in a day? But overall they are well written and it isn't just a "smut" book as many people like to think anything with any romance in it is!
August 29, 2014
This is a good book and I enjoyed how the world has expanded and there is a larger role besides that of Lara, in the destiny of Hetar, Terah, the Outlands, the Shadow kingdom (which is largely explained in the third book), but at the same time Lara becomes from the strong woman I fell in love with and admired into a mary sue.
June 22, 2023
Lara once again continues on her epic journey of destiny. The second Hetar book does not disappoint. Bertrice Small gives amazingly beautiful descriptions of the locations, people, and objects found in the world of Hetar. Once again I could not get enough and devoured the book wishing desperately for the 3rd one to be released immediately.
November 11, 2009
A little slower in parts but overall another great addition to this fantasy world. I liked the addition of the land of Terah & how it functions and how the clever gender politics of "Can't speak vs. can't hear" play out. I'm moving on to book 3 for sure.
July 24, 2011
This was the 2nd book outlining Lara's destiny. She continues on her journey in the world of Hetar. I really enjoyed it. It was long....the next book is $9.99 so I will wait for the kindle price to drop.
March 29, 2014
Even more repetitive in the sense that characters go on in great detail all about what happened before. It seemed even more distracting in this one than the last. Not sure if I will continue with this series for that very reason.
July 24, 2008
2nd book in the Lara series. Typical Beatrice Small has Lara shipped off to marry someone else. The world she lives in is becoming bigger and bigger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2008
I LOVED THIS BOOK
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews