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Medieval Song #1
Warrior's Song
Originally published under the title Chandra, this is the stunning novel that first introduced Graelam de Moreton of Catherine Coulter's magnificent series: Fire Song, Earth Song, and Secret Song. Completely revised, rewritten and repackaged, Warrior's Song takes its rightful place as a prequel to the bestselling Song trilogy.
374 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
July 23, 2024
As hard as I tried, I eventually gave up on the heroine's utter stupidity, pig headedness and selfishness. I know feisty, independent, anachronistic heroines are de rigueur in this genre. In this book, we have Xena Warrior Princess, oops, I mean Chandra, the warrior baron's daughter, who harbors icky Oedipal feelings towards her lust-crazed father, until he marries her off to the impossibly named Jerval.
When the story moves from England to the Middle East as the characters join their Prince on a Crusade, it gets marginally better. I still ended up struggling to finish this book. I really like historical romances and fiction but this one was not for me.
When the story moves from England to the Middle East as the characters join their Prince on a Crusade, it gets marginally better. I still ended up struggling to finish this book. I really like historical romances and fiction but this one was not for me.
October 28, 2010
I was so torn as to how to rate this novel.
I settled on the 4 stars because I had a hard time putting it down, I really liked the writing, I will remember this book well, although it may only be the remembrance of one very exasperating heroine!
The main struggle for me was that while I thoroughly disliked the heroine I was compelled to finish the book in hopes that the selfish,stubborn child bride would grow into a strong and likable wife.
In the end I think the romance would have been better served having Chandra realize earlier on that she is in fact a woman and our hero does in fact embrace her as she is.
I loved the hero and it is unfortunate that he was given such an insufferable heroine.
A very mixed review hence the struggle with the rating!
I settled on the 4 stars because I had a hard time putting it down, I really liked the writing, I will remember this book well, although it may only be the remembrance of one very exasperating heroine!
The main struggle for me was that while I thoroughly disliked the heroine I was compelled to finish the book in hopes that the selfish,stubborn child bride would grow into a strong and likable wife.
In the end I think the romance would have been better served having Chandra realize earlier on that she is in fact a woman and our hero does in fact embrace her as she is.
I loved the hero and it is unfortunate that he was given such an insufferable heroine.
A very mixed review hence the struggle with the rating!
October 1, 2025
Read: 9/1/25 -late review
Setting: 1272 England, Middle East
other book title: Warrior's Song
plot:
Chandra was raised by her father to be a warrior. She loathes traditional roles for women. If Chandra had her way, she would never leave home. Unfortunately, her father has other plans.
Chandra's way of life is threatened when a suitor attacks her men. Graelam has heard stories of the beautiful warrior and is determined to make Chandra his wife. Graelam doesn't count on the INVITED suitor, Jerval.
Jerval is able to save Chandra and her castle. One look at Chandra, and he wants her for his wife. The problem is that Chandra views him as a friend or playmate. She doesn't have sexual feelings towards any man. When her father forces the marriage, Chandra prays Jerval won't change her.
These two have a difficult road ahead. Can Chandra tone down her warrior skills and try being a wife? Does Jerval have the patience to steer Chandra from her more dangerous inclinations? This is a fast past story that takes you from the Welsh marches to the Middle East. It was a very entertaining medieval ride!
Chandra: What a badass! She was unique, brave, and independent. She definitely had some growing up to do and could be a spoiled brat on occasion. Still, I really loved her!
Jerval: I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed that Graelam wasn't the H of the story. Jerval was a little beta in comparison. He was understanding and had the patience of Job - definitely not your typical CC's H. It threw me off balance for a moment. I slowly grew to adore Jerval and his love for Chandra.
liked:
1. I liked the MC! They started out with a great friendship, and it grew from there. It took some work to get their HEA, but the journey is worth it.
2. CC is so easy to read. Even when I hate the plot, I still enjoy her writing.
3. The 2nd half was great! I enjoyed their journey to the Middle East. I appreciated the historical accuracy.
disliked:
1. Jerval married a warrior woman and then tried to change her. Luckily, he learns his lesson in the end.
Conclusion:
This was a wonderful start to an entertaining series! I'm glad I finally tried it
Setting: 1272 England, Middle East
other book title: Warrior's Song
plot:
Chandra was raised by her father to be a warrior. She loathes traditional roles for women. If Chandra had her way, she would never leave home. Unfortunately, her father has other plans.
Chandra's way of life is threatened when a suitor attacks her men. Graelam has heard stories of the beautiful warrior and is determined to make Chandra his wife. Graelam doesn't count on the INVITED suitor, Jerval.
Jerval is able to save Chandra and her castle. One look at Chandra, and he wants her for his wife. The problem is that Chandra views him as a friend or playmate. She doesn't have sexual feelings towards any man. When her father forces the marriage, Chandra prays Jerval won't change her.
These two have a difficult road ahead. Can Chandra tone down her warrior skills and try being a wife? Does Jerval have the patience to steer Chandra from her more dangerous inclinations? This is a fast past story that takes you from the Welsh marches to the Middle East. It was a very entertaining medieval ride!
Chandra: What a badass! She was unique, brave, and independent. She definitely had some growing up to do and could be a spoiled brat on occasion. Still, I really loved her!
Jerval: I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed that Graelam wasn't the H of the story. Jerval was a little beta in comparison. He was understanding and had the patience of Job - definitely not your typical CC's H. It threw me off balance for a moment. I slowly grew to adore Jerval and his love for Chandra.
liked:
1. I liked the MC! They started out with a great friendship, and it grew from there. It took some work to get their HEA, but the journey is worth it.
2. CC is so easy to read. Even when I hate the plot, I still enjoy her writing.
3. The 2nd half was great! I enjoyed their journey to the Middle East. I appreciated the historical accuracy.
disliked:
1. Jerval married a warrior woman and then tried to change her. Luckily, he learns his lesson in the end.
Conclusion:
This was a wonderful start to an entertaining series! I'm glad I finally tried it
August 30, 2018
4 and ½ Stars - Great First in the Medieval Song Series!
Set in 1272 in England and the Middle East, this is the story of Chandra, who was raised by her father to be a warrior, to fight like a man and to enjoy the company of men. She loathes the traditional role of women that confines them to being a broodmare under a man’s domination. She loves her father and her home, Croyland Castle, on the Welsh border and never wants to leave. But her father has other plans. He has found a man who respects Chandra, Jerval de Vernon, who has even saved her from a bad guy (the hero in FIRE SONG) and has decreed she will marry Jerval whether she likes it or not. Chandra thinks of Jerval as a friend, a playmate, but when she marries him, he turns into a domineering man just like all the others.
This is a wonderful fast-paced story that takes you from the Welsh marches of England to Cumbria on the border of Scotland and then to the Mediterranean and the Holy Land on crusade with King Edward. During many adventures, Chandra and Jerval blend their different personalities and to find love in the midst of many challenges. Chandra is a heroine to die for: brave, unique, independent and willing to fight for her right to use her gifts. She takes a bad beginning with a mother who doesn’t love her and uses it to build strength. I loved this woman. Jerval instantly finds himself lusting after her but doesn’t realize that when they are married she will still be the warrior woman she is when they meet. Like many husbands, he thinks to change her. But they both change.
Coulter did a great job on the research of the times and gives us a feeling for both 13th century England and the 9th and last Holy Land Crusade. Her dialog is excellent, her characters rich and the plot is believable (though I admit Chandra’s skills are a bit over the top). I really enjoyed this one and think you will, too.
The Medieval Song Series:
Warrior's Song (Earlier Version Titled Chandra)
Fire Song
Earth Song
Secret Song
Set in 1272 in England and the Middle East, this is the story of Chandra, who was raised by her father to be a warrior, to fight like a man and to enjoy the company of men. She loathes the traditional role of women that confines them to being a broodmare under a man’s domination. She loves her father and her home, Croyland Castle, on the Welsh border and never wants to leave. But her father has other plans. He has found a man who respects Chandra, Jerval de Vernon, who has even saved her from a bad guy (the hero in FIRE SONG) and has decreed she will marry Jerval whether she likes it or not. Chandra thinks of Jerval as a friend, a playmate, but when she marries him, he turns into a domineering man just like all the others.
This is a wonderful fast-paced story that takes you from the Welsh marches of England to Cumbria on the border of Scotland and then to the Mediterranean and the Holy Land on crusade with King Edward. During many adventures, Chandra and Jerval blend their different personalities and to find love in the midst of many challenges. Chandra is a heroine to die for: brave, unique, independent and willing to fight for her right to use her gifts. She takes a bad beginning with a mother who doesn’t love her and uses it to build strength. I loved this woman. Jerval instantly finds himself lusting after her but doesn’t realize that when they are married she will still be the warrior woman she is when they meet. Like many husbands, he thinks to change her. But they both change.
Coulter did a great job on the research of the times and gives us a feeling for both 13th century England and the 9th and last Holy Land Crusade. Her dialog is excellent, her characters rich and the plot is believable (though I admit Chandra’s skills are a bit over the top). I really enjoyed this one and think you will, too.
The Medieval Song Series:
Warrior's Song (Earlier Version Titled Chandra)
Fire Song
Earth Song
Secret Song
October 1, 2025
review under title: Chandra
May 20, 2011
I read this book years ago and liked it. I just finished rereading it. Evidently my taste in books has MUCH improved over the years! The plot wasn't at all cohesive . It felt like three novellas squished together where the character names may stay the same, but the actual characters don't. Chandra and Graelam don't "mature" or "change" over the course of the novel, their evil twin is just replaced by the civilized one at chapter 23. I won't even go into the hundred or so cliches. The worst has to be the redeemed-former-rapist-turned-friend and then he gets his own book which only expands that theme into former-rapist-turned-loving-husband.
The only good thing about this book is that if it was published, as bad as it is, someday getting my own book published should be a snap!
As much as I disliked this book and Fire Song, I DO LIKE the book Earth Song. That book is hilarious! I can forgive a lot of literary sins if a book is funny!
The only good thing about this book is that if it was published, as bad as it is, someday getting my own book published should be a snap!
As much as I disliked this book and Fire Song, I DO LIKE the book Earth Song. That book is hilarious! I can forgive a lot of literary sins if a book is funny!
September 13, 2012
If something doesn't happen soon I'm finished with this book , I'm on chapter 6 and all that's been happening is Chandra competing with Jerval , trying to show him that she can best him with her tomboy-ish skills ( rolls eyes) .
I give up , I reached chapter 9 when Jerval proposed and Chandra got offended.
I give up , I reached chapter 9 when Jerval proposed and Chandra got offended.
April 9, 2019
3.5 Stars at best. Although, I like Coulter's writing (my first) and will be reading more of her stuff. I believe I am the 1st reader to add updates on this site from this particular edition.
March 4, 2017
This book got on my nerves.
First there's the heroine. TSTL. Honestly. She's nearly 20 and she acts like a big kid. She initially thinks of the hero as a her playmate - and no, not in a sexual way (this is actually mentioned in the book). It's as though she truly doesn't realize that she's a woman. She expects to be praised for her manly accomplishments and gets all bent out of joint when she can't go raiding the Scots. So she does the stupid thing and secretly travels along behind them so she can prove her mettle in battle. What an idiot. Then she spends the next several pages trying to get her husband to admit that she did a good job (she just about got kidnapped, raped and beaten to death). I just about cheered so hard when her friend Mary told her to STFU.
Then there's the squicky incest vibe. She's obsessed with her father and the feeling is mutual. Her father says something like, "He knew one day he'd have to give her to another man." and how her new husband would know her in ways that he would never know her. Shudder. And of course Daddy Dearest has chosen his replica for his daughter. There are constant mentions about how Jerval looks just like he did when he was younger and how the hero could pass for the heroine's brother (YUCK!)
Then there's the hero himself. He spends the first part of the book wooing his warrior bride, promising her that she won't have to change and that he just wants to love her and appreciate all the things that make her unique. So she at long last agrees. He spends the next part of the book stripping her of her warrior identity. The heroine keeps complaining that the Hero has changed - and she's absolutely right. Going form appreciating her unique abilities to cutting her down for them. Not cool man.
Finally there's that whole rape thing at the beginning of the book. Honestly, the rape was so unnecessary. We're supposed to see Graelem de Moreton as this hideous monster who is willing to rape a girl for his own ends (even though he didn't really want to - he got backed into a corner). He could have just held a knife to her throat or something. So after seeing him like this, why are we okay with him by the end of the book? He's forgiven? Really? So then we get to root for him as a hero in the next book perhaps. Silly book.
First there's the heroine. TSTL. Honestly. She's nearly 20 and she acts like a big kid. She initially thinks of the hero as a her playmate - and no, not in a sexual way (this is actually mentioned in the book). It's as though she truly doesn't realize that she's a woman. She expects to be praised for her manly accomplishments and gets all bent out of joint when she can't go raiding the Scots. So she does the stupid thing and secretly travels along behind them so she can prove her mettle in battle. What an idiot. Then she spends the next several pages trying to get her husband to admit that she did a good job (she just about got kidnapped, raped and beaten to death). I just about cheered so hard when her friend Mary told her to STFU.
Then there's the squicky incest vibe. She's obsessed with her father and the feeling is mutual. Her father says something like, "He knew one day he'd have to give her to another man." and how her new husband would know her in ways that he would never know her. Shudder. And of course Daddy Dearest has chosen his replica for his daughter. There are constant mentions about how Jerval looks just like he did when he was younger and how the hero could pass for the heroine's brother (YUCK!)
Then there's the hero himself. He spends the first part of the book wooing his warrior bride, promising her that she won't have to change and that he just wants to love her and appreciate all the things that make her unique. So she at long last agrees. He spends the next part of the book stripping her of her warrior identity. The heroine keeps complaining that the Hero has changed - and she's absolutely right. Going form appreciating her unique abilities to cutting her down for them. Not cool man.
Finally there's that whole rape thing at the beginning of the book. Honestly, the rape was so unnecessary. We're supposed to see Graelem de Moreton as this hideous monster who is willing to rape a girl for his own ends (even though he didn't really want to - he got backed into a corner). He could have just held a knife to her throat or something. So after seeing him like this, why are we okay with him by the end of the book? He's forgiven? Really? So then we get to root for him as a hero in the next book perhaps. Silly book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2014
I can't tell you how much I hated this book. Seriously...hated it. First off, Coulter is one of my favorite authors and I kept wondering if maybe I was mistaken at her talent level. I am going to hope that this book is just that bad.
The cons:
--Graelem and rape (is that really necessary?)-it just seemed so gratuitous
--Chandra is someone "full of confidence" who constantly doubts herself in the book due to Jerval-it's inconsistent and annoying
--The author relies on chapter breaks to give you transitions-instead of actually giving the reader useful information
--Jerval basically abuses Chandra emotionally until she is grateful to him for his control and level of safety-even though she saves his life and Graelem's life twice
--The father incest angle was interesting, but not done well. There were all hints that led to nothing-it was dumb.
--The dog was cool, but he wasn't really developed either...actually none of the side characters except for Mark and Mart had any kind of development
--The Crusades came out of nowhere and with little explanation and wasn't really necessary to the story
--Jerval is proud of her skills until he marries her and then, he despises the very things that "made him love her"
--women are chattel in the whole book-which may be reality, but this is a "romantic" novel supposedly
--The sex scenes are awful-they made me cringe
--Jerval never finds out what the deal with the mother is...but he mentions it about a hundred times
--Mark is a judgmental ass...but good for Mary
--No explanation of stuff in the Crusades that you need to know-but excessive scenes of the violence and waste of war in a friggin' romance novel
Pros:
--I liked the dog, Hawk.
--It sets up the rest of the series, which I have read the trilogy, but never knew that it was not a stand alone trilogy, but part of a series.
--It introduces Graelem.
The cons:
--Graelem and rape (is that really necessary?)-it just seemed so gratuitous
--Chandra is someone "full of confidence" who constantly doubts herself in the book due to Jerval-it's inconsistent and annoying
--The author relies on chapter breaks to give you transitions-instead of actually giving the reader useful information
--Jerval basically abuses Chandra emotionally until she is grateful to him for his control and level of safety-even though she saves his life and Graelem's life twice
--The father incest angle was interesting, but not done well. There were all hints that led to nothing-it was dumb.
--The dog was cool, but he wasn't really developed either...actually none of the side characters except for Mark and Mart had any kind of development
--The Crusades came out of nowhere and with little explanation and wasn't really necessary to the story
--Jerval is proud of her skills until he marries her and then, he despises the very things that "made him love her"
--women are chattel in the whole book-which may be reality, but this is a "romantic" novel supposedly
--The sex scenes are awful-they made me cringe
--Jerval never finds out what the deal with the mother is...but he mentions it about a hundred times
--Mark is a judgmental ass...but good for Mary
--No explanation of stuff in the Crusades that you need to know-but excessive scenes of the violence and waste of war in a friggin' romance novel
Pros:
--I liked the dog, Hawk.
--It sets up the rest of the series, which I have read the trilogy, but never knew that it was not a stand alone trilogy, but part of a series.
--It introduces Graelem.
February 7, 2017
GENERAL INFO: Warrior Song
Year Pub/Re Pub: 3/2001
Indie/Publisher:Signet
Page Length: 388
Genre: Bodice ripper/historical romance
Sub-Genre/Age:18+
Book's Price: 7.99
Price I'd Value: I got it @ 1.99
Standalone/Cliffhanger: standalone Bk 1 Medieval Song Series
Epilogue Included:yes
=======================================
Character(s)POV Spoken: H and h
=======================================
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:HEA
Contains Cheating:no
Contains Children:no
Flashbacks:no
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating:no
Amount of Sex In The Book:not a lot
Overall Smex Rating: 2
=======================================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
HERO: Jerval de Vernon
Hero Description: very proud,"man's man" wants to tame Chandra but secretly loves that spirit of hers.
Hero Likability Rating:4
HEROINE:Chandra Avenell
Heroine Description:a true warrior woman. Takes risks,doesn't let her gender deter anything she wants to do
Heroine Likability Rating:5
Secondary characters:Graelam de Moreton- a perspective husband, Chandra's father Richard, her hateful mother -Dorothy, and Mary-Chandra's maid and friend.
=======================================
H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO: They start as friends but Jerval thinks to "tame" her
=======================================
OW/OM/Exes:Graelam had intentions to marry Chandra but it didn't happen
=======================================
Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship:Graelam commits rape to coherence Chandra- doesn't work though
Grovel Rating:n/a
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You:it was unnecessary
=======================================
TRIGGERS/WARNING: contains rape
=======================================
AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Catherine Coulter
=======================================
Technical/Editing Quality:4
Writing/Content Quality:3.5/4
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW:
Overall Rating:3.5/4
Do You Recommend This Book:maybe
Will You Re-read This Book:no
Would You Read More Books by this Author:yes
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES:this is a tricky genre, definitely an acquired taste. Currently reading Fire Song and Graelam (the bad guy in this book) is the " supposed" H. Serious issues with that, obviously!
Year Pub/Re Pub: 3/2001
Indie/Publisher:Signet
Page Length: 388
Genre: Bodice ripper/historical romance
Sub-Genre/Age:18+
Book's Price: 7.99
Price I'd Value: I got it @ 1.99
Standalone/Cliffhanger: standalone Bk 1 Medieval Song Series
Epilogue Included:yes
=======================================
Character(s)POV Spoken: H and h
=======================================
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:HEA
Contains Cheating:no
Contains Children:no
Flashbacks:no
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating:no
Amount of Sex In The Book:not a lot
Overall Smex Rating: 2
=======================================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
HERO: Jerval de Vernon
Hero Description: very proud,"man's man" wants to tame Chandra but secretly loves that spirit of hers.
Hero Likability Rating:4
HEROINE:Chandra Avenell
Heroine Description:a true warrior woman. Takes risks,doesn't let her gender deter anything she wants to do
Heroine Likability Rating:5
Secondary characters:Graelam de Moreton- a perspective husband, Chandra's father Richard, her hateful mother -Dorothy, and Mary-Chandra's maid and friend.
=======================================
H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO: They start as friends but Jerval thinks to "tame" her
=======================================
OW/OM/Exes:Graelam had intentions to marry Chandra but it didn't happen
=======================================
Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship:Graelam commits rape to coherence Chandra- doesn't work though
Grovel Rating:n/a
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You:it was unnecessary
=======================================
TRIGGERS/WARNING: contains rape
=======================================
AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Catherine Coulter
=======================================
Technical/Editing Quality:4
Writing/Content Quality:3.5/4
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW:
Overall Rating:3.5/4
Do You Recommend This Book:maybe
Will You Re-read This Book:no
Would You Read More Books by this Author:yes
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES:this is a tricky genre, definitely an acquired taste. Currently reading Fire Song and Graelam (the bad guy in this book) is the " supposed" H. Serious issues with that, obviously!
March 22, 2018
This was my second read. Was more a 3 star this time around but I'll leave the 4 just to be fair.
Young chick taught to be a kick-ass swordsman by her dad, who maybe was fighting some incestuous feelings towards his daughter. Everyone gets a boner for her because of it (the fighting like a man, not the incestuous dad), but then wants her to change into some docile homespun young lady, even the hero. She keeps saving everyone's life but they still want her to stay at home barefoot and pregnant. We're to know that being a warrior is not women's work. Not a bad book, though I hated when a bad guy bit it. I really liked the bad guy. Surprised, I know.
Young chick taught to be a kick-ass swordsman by her dad, who maybe was fighting some incestuous feelings towards his daughter. Everyone gets a boner for her because of it (the fighting like a man, not the incestuous dad), but then wants her to change into some docile homespun young lady, even the hero. She keeps saving everyone's life but they still want her to stay at home barefoot and pregnant. We're to know that being a warrior is not women's work. Not a bad book, though I hated when a bad guy bit it. I really liked the bad guy. Surprised, I know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2019
I did something I almost never do with this book - I skimmed.
I know, I know. It's shocking, but I couldn't help it.
I was skeptical about the story at first, when Graelam seemed to be the main lead of the story, since I couldn't quite see how he'd recover from , but I thought to myself "go with it, it's medieval times, things worked differently then. See where the author will take it."
So when it turned out that Graelam wasn't the main lead after all, I was relieved and pretty happy with Jerval as the lead instead. He seemed to be gallant enough and tolerant of Chandra's warrior woman peculiarities, accepting her as she was and all that.
Her naivety got on my nerves a bit, especially her reaction to his proposal, but again, I thought go with it, she'll get better. Then Jerval had to do a 180 and started getting annoyed with her peculiarities that so enchanted him before.
Still going with it, I kept hoping that the idiocy would lessen and she'd stop doing incredibly stupid things to prove to him that she's just as good as any of his men in battle, or that she's top comparing him to her saintly father, with whom she shared a seriously dysfunctional and borderline icky (yes, that's the scientific term) relationship.
One of them is fed up, then the other one is fed up and then Jerval decides that going off on a crusade is the best idea ever. Of course she manages to go with him.
I then jumped ahead a bit, skimmed a few bits here and there - she got to fight and surprise surprise, battles are not the glorious things she'd imagined, people could actually die! They become friends again, she saves Graelam's life and he might not be a complete bastard after all, then gets kidnapped and manages to save herself and Graelam, who found his gallantry and tried to save her, again, then happy reunion and longing for home and a quiet life and a happily ever after.
Or something like that. I couldn't care enough to pay more attention. Oh and the next book in the series Fire Song is Graelam's story. Will I read it?
I know, I know. It's shocking, but I couldn't help it.
I was skeptical about the story at first, when Graelam seemed to be the main lead of the story, since I couldn't quite see how he'd recover from , but I thought to myself "go with it, it's medieval times, things worked differently then. See where the author will take it."
So when it turned out that Graelam wasn't the main lead after all, I was relieved and pretty happy with Jerval as the lead instead. He seemed to be gallant enough and tolerant of Chandra's warrior woman peculiarities, accepting her as she was and all that.
Her naivety got on my nerves a bit, especially her reaction to his proposal, but again, I thought go with it, she'll get better. Then Jerval had to do a 180 and started getting annoyed with her peculiarities that so enchanted him before.
Still going with it, I kept hoping that the idiocy would lessen and she'd stop doing incredibly stupid things to prove to him that she's just as good as any of his men in battle, or that she's top comparing him to her saintly father, with whom she shared a seriously dysfunctional and borderline icky (yes, that's the scientific term) relationship.
One of them is fed up, then the other one is fed up and then Jerval decides that going off on a crusade is the best idea ever. Of course she manages to go with him.
I then jumped ahead a bit, skimmed a few bits here and there - she got to fight and surprise surprise, battles are not the glorious things she'd imagined, people could actually die! They become friends again, she saves Graelam's life and he might not be a complete bastard after all, then gets kidnapped and manages to save herself and Graelam, who found his gallantry and tried to save her, again, then happy reunion and longing for home and a quiet life and a happily ever after.
Or something like that. I couldn't care enough to pay more attention. Oh and the next book in the series Fire Song is Graelam's story. Will I read it?
September 7, 2016
I really liked this book! The heroine has been raised to fight and think like a man. She is beautiful, headstrong and intelligent. One day, a nobleman whom has heard of her, (after asking to marry her for several years ), get's tired of waiting and tries to kidnap her. The hero saves her and amongst the crusades they find love.
Many people have complained of the rape, the first several chapters into the story. SPOLIER--( It's not the heroine whom is raped)
Personally, I am tired of contemporary romances that sprinkle in period clothing and speech and call themselves "historic". I don't think I can read one more "Spy", "Mary Woolsenscroft" or horrible mystery in which the heroine is a horrible detective, with a mystery, that's no mystery at all , in this genre. Women in this age were chattel, they were raped, beaten etc.. Does that mean I want a book filled with it? No, but one scene ,(that really wasn't that graphic) , wasn't as horrible as it has been made out to be.
He doesn't hit her, beat her etc. The rape scene made me angry at the villain! Which was wonderful, because the book actually caused an emotional reaction from me, when most historical romances today barely illicit any emotion from their readers. I felt the scene was appropriate and added to the story, (it wasn't there to mainly shock the reader). If anything, sex wise, this book is pretty tame compared to many of today's romances.
Catherine Coulter was actually able to cause the reader to feel some sympathy for the villain in the end, which is no small feat. In fact, I felt the hero was a little too wimpy and almost hoped the villain would have her in the end.
This is not a "strict" historical romance by any means.. She uses words etc. that did not exist in this time period. Yet, compared to most of today's romances it is definitely more accurate.
I can't wait to read the next in this series," Fire Song".
If you are tired of the romances today, then you will like this book. If you instead, like today's cookie cutter romances, pass this by..
Many people have complained of the rape, the first several chapters into the story. SPOLIER--( It's not the heroine whom is raped)
Personally, I am tired of contemporary romances that sprinkle in period clothing and speech and call themselves "historic". I don't think I can read one more "Spy", "Mary Woolsenscroft" or horrible mystery in which the heroine is a horrible detective, with a mystery, that's no mystery at all , in this genre. Women in this age were chattel, they were raped, beaten etc.. Does that mean I want a book filled with it? No, but one scene ,(that really wasn't that graphic) , wasn't as horrible as it has been made out to be.
He doesn't hit her, beat her etc. The rape scene made me angry at the villain! Which was wonderful, because the book actually caused an emotional reaction from me, when most historical romances today barely illicit any emotion from their readers. I felt the scene was appropriate and added to the story, (it wasn't there to mainly shock the reader). If anything, sex wise, this book is pretty tame compared to many of today's romances.
Catherine Coulter was actually able to cause the reader to feel some sympathy for the villain in the end, which is no small feat. In fact, I felt the hero was a little too wimpy and almost hoped the villain would have her in the end.
This is not a "strict" historical romance by any means.. She uses words etc. that did not exist in this time period. Yet, compared to most of today's romances it is definitely more accurate.
I can't wait to read the next in this series," Fire Song".
If you are tired of the romances today, then you will like this book. If you instead, like today's cookie cutter romances, pass this by..
January 8, 2015
Oh my. I thought I would like this, even though romance is one of my least favorite genres I've always wanted to read something by this author. I will still read one of her FBI Crime Thrillers. I should have moved in that direction to begin with.
The female mc in this book wasn't consistent and that is one of my major pet peeves in character development. She suffered from an identity crisis all through out the book. On one page she is a confident secure warrior woman, on the next she is a little child pitching fits and needs a time out at the very least. It was either one extreme or the other. She vacillated between the two so much it was giving me whiplash.
Some of the scenes that make this fall into the romance category seemed overly gratuitous at times. There was so much rape/attempted rape it started being silly. The characters lacked depth because the only thing I was shown was how they wanted to hit the sheets whether the other party was willing or not. I wish it had a little more story, a little more depth and and that the women were a little stronger.
The female mc in this book wasn't consistent and that is one of my major pet peeves in character development. She suffered from an identity crisis all through out the book. On one page she is a confident secure warrior woman, on the next she is a little child pitching fits and needs a time out at the very least. It was either one extreme or the other. She vacillated between the two so much it was giving me whiplash.
Some of the scenes that make this fall into the romance category seemed overly gratuitous at times. There was so much rape/attempted rape it started being silly. The characters lacked depth because the only thing I was shown was how they wanted to hit the sheets whether the other party was willing or not. I wish it had a little more story, a little more depth and and that the women were a little stronger.
August 27, 2009
Rescued from a forced marriage by Jerval, Chandra finds herself married to him instead, and must adjust her tomboyish warrior lifestyle.
Terrible. Putting aside the brutal rape at the beginning, neither Jervel or Chandra are likable. Jervel is an annoying sexist, constantly whining about how his wife is so tomboyish. He also made me want to hit him multiple times with his stupid attitudes. He actually blames her for defending herself against an attack that HE left her vulnerable for, and then spouts off nonsense about how he's failed to change her. Chandra is equally annoying, who can't make up her mind and makes baffling decisions that don't make any sense. Instead of being a 'strong' heroine, she feels very fake.
Terrible. Putting aside the brutal rape at the beginning, neither Jervel or Chandra are likable. Jervel is an annoying sexist, constantly whining about how his wife is so tomboyish. He also made me want to hit him multiple times with his stupid attitudes. He actually blames her for defending herself against an attack that HE left her vulnerable for, and then spouts off nonsense about how he's failed to change her. Chandra is equally annoying, who can't make up her mind and makes baffling decisions that don't make any sense. Instead of being a 'strong' heroine, she feels very fake.
May 10, 2019
A somewhat cool romance story of a feisty Warrior (in training) Princess. However: it’s a Joan of Arc meets fifty shades of grey. Disturbing sex and rape and psychological abuse.... but historically- it’s the history of marital oppression and Women’s freedom in the Robin Hood era.
I cheered on our warrior Princess. And couldn’t believe that almost every man in sight was a predatorial lust-monster. Well, maybe.
I cheered on our warrior Princess. And couldn’t believe that almost every man in sight was a predatorial lust-monster. Well, maybe.
September 13, 2018
I adored Chandra! I can't say how pleased I was to find a heroine that wasn't too weak or too dumb to stand. It was refeshing! I wish more heroines were written like her.
The hero was perfect. He wasn't cruel, wasn't a horse's ass, didn't cheat and loved his wife. He was still strong and beautiful.
The hero was perfect. He wasn't cruel, wasn't a horse's ass, didn't cheat and loved his wife. He was still strong and beautiful.
October 1, 2023
Idk how you can reluctantly r@pe someone, but in the first 10 pages the villain does. I also didn't like how the POVs switched every paragraph. Even though this was the edited version the writing still came off very sloppy. Also said reluctant r@pist gets his own book in the next book.
December 3, 2025
So this skidded in at 4 shaky stars. I love medieval romance so 4 stars it is. This is very old school, which I like, however the h trying to act more or less like a boy for like forever got annoying. Loved the H. Plot 7.5(1-10) steaminess 7 (1-1-10)
Worth the read.
Worth the read.
September 22, 2024
Chandra by Catherine Coulter (1983) is a classic bodice ripper set in 13th century England … first of 7 books in the Medieval Song series.
🏰 Chandra is fierce, stunningly beautiful with long blonde hair… highly skilled at using weapons… sword, bow and arrow. At times she is selfish, and only thinks about herself.
🏰 Her father arranges her marriage with Lord Jerval de Vernon, a handsome nobleman, and friend of Prince Edward. While her father is away, Lord Graelam de Moreton arrives at the castle… he wants Chandra, and tries to blackmail her by raping her sweet friend. He appears in the next book, Fire Song as the hero. Yup.. this is an early bodice ripper!
🏰 Chandra doesn’t want to marry Jerval but has no choice. There are numerous scenes of her resistance.. especially the marriage bed, and she ignores Jerval when he asks her to obey him for her own safety. He really does try! He never thought his married life would be so unpleasant.
🏰 The adventure gets a tad more interesting as it moves to the Holy Land… the Crusades, alas only for the last third of the book. There’s barely two passionate love scenes .. the rest weren’t. Overall, an okay typical story with almost no romance… wish there had been some swoon worthy and sensual moments. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🏰 Chandra was later revised by the author and re-released under the title Warrior’s Song. Why? Perhaps to remove the non-consent scenes? Make Graelam less of a villain? Add some emotional romance?
(Cover on the first edition of Chandra by the artist Pino.)
🏰 Chandra is fierce, stunningly beautiful with long blonde hair… highly skilled at using weapons… sword, bow and arrow. At times she is selfish, and only thinks about herself.
🏰 Her father arranges her marriage with Lord Jerval de Vernon, a handsome nobleman, and friend of Prince Edward. While her father is away, Lord Graelam de Moreton arrives at the castle… he wants Chandra, and tries to blackmail her by raping her sweet friend. He appears in the next book, Fire Song as the hero. Yup.. this is an early bodice ripper!
🏰 Chandra doesn’t want to marry Jerval but has no choice. There are numerous scenes of her resistance.. especially the marriage bed, and she ignores Jerval when he asks her to obey him for her own safety. He really does try! He never thought his married life would be so unpleasant.
🏰 The adventure gets a tad more interesting as it moves to the Holy Land… the Crusades, alas only for the last third of the book. There’s barely two passionate love scenes .. the rest weren’t. Overall, an okay typical story with almost no romance… wish there had been some swoon worthy and sensual moments. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🏰 Chandra was later revised by the author and re-released under the title Warrior’s Song. Why? Perhaps to remove the non-consent scenes? Make Graelam less of a villain? Add some emotional romance?
(Cover on the first edition of Chandra by the artist Pino.)
December 9, 2014
The beginning of the book is misleading, if you haven't read the book jacket like me. It starts out with Graelam forcing her to marry him and he rapes her best friend, Mary. I hate rape and rape that turns into "love" the most. Thankfully I was wrong and he is not the H. Enter Jerval who "saves" the day.
I found myself annoyed with the H/h of this book, especially the H. Everything was always Chandra's fault, even when she tried to express her fears, worries, needs, and desires to Jerval he shot her down and laughed at her. She would then go out of her way to "prove him wrong" and "prove her usefulness". She wanted a purpose for her life and she wanted to be respected, I don't see anything wrong with that, but even her friends belittled those needs.
There were also a lot of pieces of the book that I thought might go somewhere, but as soon as they moved to a different locale those issues were never spoken of again. For example; the fact that she is a bastard and her mother hating her, her strange relationship with her father, the Scots revenge, Eustace's betrayal.
In the end I wasn't quite sure why she fell in love with Jerval, that part of the book was missing. They supposedly fell in love/friendship on the boat ride to the Crusade, but you go straight from he is leaving her to go on the Crusade and doesn't want her anymore to she went with him and they became best buds and more, all said in one paragraph.
I found myself annoyed with the H/h of this book, especially the H. Everything was always Chandra's fault, even when she tried to express her fears, worries, needs, and desires to Jerval he shot her down and laughed at her. She would then go out of her way to "prove him wrong" and "prove her usefulness". She wanted a purpose for her life and she wanted to be respected, I don't see anything wrong with that, but even her friends belittled those needs.
There were also a lot of pieces of the book that I thought might go somewhere, but as soon as they moved to a different locale those issues were never spoken of again. For example; the fact that she is a bastard and her mother hating her, her strange relationship with her father, the Scots revenge, Eustace's betrayal.
In the end I wasn't quite sure why she fell in love with Jerval, that part of the book was missing. They supposedly fell in love/friendship on the boat ride to the Crusade, but you go straight from he is leaving her to go on the Crusade and doesn't want her anymore to she went with him and they became best buds and more, all said in one paragraph.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2012
I thought this one was a pretty good read,I usually love the old Catherine Anderson books but the h in this one was a bit too much for me. She wanted to be a man and really hated everything that made her a woman. She was a strong warrior but not as strong or as good as what she thought and that gets her into trouble a lot.
September 1, 2010
This is definitely a "fluff" book that will likely never be read again. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't original and the female lead is VERY similar to another of her characters in another of her books. I have no desire to continue her series either.
August 4, 2016
I received this book in a Goodreads Give Away. So I apologize for not finishing the book. I got half way through and just couldn't read anymore. I gave it 3 stars because the writing is not awful but it is more a romance/sex novel than historical fiction. Just not my cup of tea.
August 30, 2022
There are a lot of things that I like about this book. The characters are interesting and unique. Chandra is truly a standout character. She’s so vastly different from any other female lead that I’ve read that it was a really refreshing change. However, at times she is almost too strong. Personally, there were times when I actually almost disliked her for her harsh ways. It made it more palatable by the fact that Jerval and others consistently commented on how much she reminded them of a cocky boy rather than a woman. Jerval was a great male lead. I liked him right from the start. However, as his marriage to Chandra went on, I did seem to enjoy him ever so slightly less. I think this was because I loved his interactions with her before they were wed that I didn’t want things to change so early on in the story. He remained chivalrous and kind and caring--which made for a good character. (I will admit...the consistent comments of how similar Jerval and Chandra looked creeped me out a bit. I can understand comparing his skills to that of her father, but it was a little odd when the readers kept being reminded of a) how much he looked and acted like Chanrda’s father that he could have been her son, and b) how similar Jerval and Chandra looked that they could have been siblings. I think I can understand what the author was trying to say--that they would be the perfect foils for one another because the only one who could tame Chandra was her father, but it was a little strong and the fact that it kept being repeated prepared me for a very awkward plot twist that never came. On top of that, the strange relationship between Chandra and her father was awkward all on its own. That one, however, I’ll let you read for yourself.) Graelam de Moreton was played up to be this big bad boy, but--even at the beginning--I didn’t think him as evil as all that. I didn’t even see much cruelty in his interaction with Mary. I do think this was because Coulter didn’t want us to hate him overmuch since he has his own book later in the series. Though he piqued my interest at points, I do believe he could have been hardened a little more to make him seem like the powerful, evil man that the characters kept stating him to be. (This made me appreciate the turn of events in the book’s ending.)
As for the writing itself; the beginning of the book seemed a little wooden and stilted--almost like the author wanted to get through it as quickly as possible so she could write the fun bits. The dialogue was a little bit funky in the first few chapters as well (this is difficult to explain, so you’ll have to read it for yourself). The only way to describe it as is too formal. Luckily, this relaxed (or I became used to it) and the story smoothed out dramatically. So, if you can get through the first few chapters, you’re golden...right up until a little over a third of the way through the book. It gets a little awkward once more. The characters are again repeating conversations and comments that were made only a short while earlier. I can understand where the author is coming from here, but it could have helped to allow the characters some prior knowledge so things didn’t have to be explained more than once. (This sounds really harsh, but it’s not actually all that bad in the book. I merely found some things a little bit repetitive. Nothing major.)
Another comment I must make is on the similes and metaphors the author used. It wasn’t really that they were bad, but more so overused. She found a couple good ones and just reworded them to describe the same things (again, not something I can put into the review, you’ll have to read it for yourself and be the judge). This didn’t ruin the book by any means, but it was noticeable enough for me to comment on it in this review. In fact, the same thing goes for anecdotes that the characters have. They seem to be reused and recycled for various situations and characters. I didn’t think of mentioning this until the incident with the frozen lakes and skating was mentioned twice by two separate characters as if it hadn’t been said before. This may not seem like a big deal--and it really isn’t--but I thought it a bit off.
Though this book was rewritten, there were still typos, issues with the dialogue, and some tweaking still needed to be done to the writing. Overall, I liked this book even though I felt like it could have ended with the incident in Mary’s new home (I don’t want to say anything to give it away, so you’ll have to bear with me). The second part of the book was bordering on excessive, though I will admit that it wrapped things up pretty nicely. One thing I didn’t care for was how close Edward and Jerval were. Granted, this made for a more interesting story, but it definitely created a little less realistic plot. This book was good and a decent read. I liked the characters, though they became a little more generic as the book went on. I honestly missed seeing more of Jerval later in the book--it was like he was no longer as important before. This made me sad, but didn’t wreck the book for me. Overall, I would recommend this book as a light read. It wasn’t my favorite, but it’s definitely not worth missing.
As for the writing itself; the beginning of the book seemed a little wooden and stilted--almost like the author wanted to get through it as quickly as possible so she could write the fun bits. The dialogue was a little bit funky in the first few chapters as well (this is difficult to explain, so you’ll have to read it for yourself). The only way to describe it as is too formal. Luckily, this relaxed (or I became used to it) and the story smoothed out dramatically. So, if you can get through the first few chapters, you’re golden...right up until a little over a third of the way through the book. It gets a little awkward once more. The characters are again repeating conversations and comments that were made only a short while earlier. I can understand where the author is coming from here, but it could have helped to allow the characters some prior knowledge so things didn’t have to be explained more than once. (This sounds really harsh, but it’s not actually all that bad in the book. I merely found some things a little bit repetitive. Nothing major.)
Another comment I must make is on the similes and metaphors the author used. It wasn’t really that they were bad, but more so overused. She found a couple good ones and just reworded them to describe the same things (again, not something I can put into the review, you’ll have to read it for yourself and be the judge). This didn’t ruin the book by any means, but it was noticeable enough for me to comment on it in this review. In fact, the same thing goes for anecdotes that the characters have. They seem to be reused and recycled for various situations and characters. I didn’t think of mentioning this until the incident with the frozen lakes and skating was mentioned twice by two separate characters as if it hadn’t been said before. This may not seem like a big deal--and it really isn’t--but I thought it a bit off.
Though this book was rewritten, there were still typos, issues with the dialogue, and some tweaking still needed to be done to the writing. Overall, I liked this book even though I felt like it could have ended with the incident in Mary’s new home (I don’t want to say anything to give it away, so you’ll have to bear with me). The second part of the book was bordering on excessive, though I will admit that it wrapped things up pretty nicely. One thing I didn’t care for was how close Edward and Jerval were. Granted, this made for a more interesting story, but it definitely created a little less realistic plot. This book was good and a decent read. I liked the characters, though they became a little more generic as the book went on. I honestly missed seeing more of Jerval later in the book--it was like he was no longer as important before. This made me sad, but didn’t wreck the book for me. Overall, I would recommend this book as a light read. It wasn’t my favorite, but it’s definitely not worth missing.
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July 31, 2011Loved the book, but hated how someone who did something horrible in this book get's the next book.
January 25, 2014
cheesy romance with absolutely terrible dialogue.
October 8, 2020
Horrendous. Do not read.
The "plot" threads go everywhere like she had a plot idea for 3 books but couldn't construct a story around them so she just tossed them all into one book.
The characters had zero growth throughout the story.
The sub plot with the mother was brought up constantly for the first 70% of the book and then went no where. Despite the ML's interest in whatever is going on there and the FL's complete ignorance to the issue, it never actually goes anywhere or is resolved in any way.
The weird incest tones in this book made no sense and were pretty gross. I thought they were going somewhere or had some kind of relevance to the plot but they ultimately were there just because the author wanted them there? The daughter is attracted to her father but can't have him because he's her father and the father wants the daughter but can't have her because she is his daughter. The ML she's going to marry looks and acts exactly like her father, not creepy at all. They constantly say how the two look like and could be brother and sister. I thought the affair would come back into play and they were related, or she was sexually abused as a child and this was her subconscious trying to tell her or she would grow and realize she was so sheltered next to her father, she didn't know how to properly act with the rest of the world, let alone her husband and have some kind of character growth, anything but no. Around the crusades they just sort of stop referencing it.
Why the crusades were brought in I will never know.
They act like completely different characters though out this whole new plot, again this brings me to the idea that it was originally another book she couldn't bring into fruition and didn't want to waste content so she stuck it here.
The amount of inaccuracies and inadvertent racism is rampant.
In the beginning of the book a man rapes her friend, a 17 year old girl, in front of her in an attempt to force her to marry him to save her friend. Later in the book she becomes friends with the rapist and he tries to save her from her captors in the crusade. Suddenly he is a good guy and not a rapist? In a horrible and not real redemption ark so that way we wouldn't hate him going into his sequel.
I really hate this idea that a woman has to be obstinate and ignorant in order to be independent. Also, if she is strong she only does things men do. It's a stereotype and a trope I'm totally over.
At some parts they go on about how manly she is, how she doesn't know how to act or do anything feminine but then she will do something feminine that doesn't make sense for the character they have set up. Like at one point he says she strides like a man but then later she gets up and walks away with a lady like grace he's never seen matched. Um what?
There never seem to be any real consequences for anyone's actions or even for war. Sure we see ONE town devastated by war after they get there during the crusade chapters but the crusades were brutal and many men died. We didn't actually see anyone get seriously hurt let alone die. If you are going to write a horribly brutal war into your story it needs to have consequences. People dying, people being permanently maimed, ptsd. Anything.
No matter what ends up happening to her it never really seems like anything actually affects her. You know, like a badly written character rather then an actual human.
The "plot" threads go everywhere like she had a plot idea for 3 books but couldn't construct a story around them so she just tossed them all into one book.
The characters had zero growth throughout the story.
The sub plot with the mother was brought up constantly for the first 70% of the book and then went no where. Despite the ML's interest in whatever is going on there and the FL's complete ignorance to the issue, it never actually goes anywhere or is resolved in any way.
The weird incest tones in this book made no sense and were pretty gross. I thought they were going somewhere or had some kind of relevance to the plot but they ultimately were there just because the author wanted them there? The daughter is attracted to her father but can't have him because he's her father and the father wants the daughter but can't have her because she is his daughter. The ML she's going to marry looks and acts exactly like her father, not creepy at all. They constantly say how the two look like and could be brother and sister. I thought the affair would come back into play and they were related, or she was sexually abused as a child and this was her subconscious trying to tell her or she would grow and realize she was so sheltered next to her father, she didn't know how to properly act with the rest of the world, let alone her husband and have some kind of character growth, anything but no. Around the crusades they just sort of stop referencing it.
Why the crusades were brought in I will never know.
They act like completely different characters though out this whole new plot, again this brings me to the idea that it was originally another book she couldn't bring into fruition and didn't want to waste content so she stuck it here.
The amount of inaccuracies and inadvertent racism is rampant.
In the beginning of the book a man rapes her friend, a 17 year old girl, in front of her in an attempt to force her to marry him to save her friend. Later in the book she becomes friends with the rapist and he tries to save her from her captors in the crusade. Suddenly he is a good guy and not a rapist? In a horrible and not real redemption ark so that way we wouldn't hate him going into his sequel.
I really hate this idea that a woman has to be obstinate and ignorant in order to be independent. Also, if she is strong she only does things men do. It's a stereotype and a trope I'm totally over.
At some parts they go on about how manly she is, how she doesn't know how to act or do anything feminine but then she will do something feminine that doesn't make sense for the character they have set up. Like at one point he says she strides like a man but then later she gets up and walks away with a lady like grace he's never seen matched. Um what?
There never seem to be any real consequences for anyone's actions or even for war. Sure we see ONE town devastated by war after they get there during the crusade chapters but the crusades were brutal and many men died. We didn't actually see anyone get seriously hurt let alone die. If you are going to write a horribly brutal war into your story it needs to have consequences. People dying, people being permanently maimed, ptsd. Anything.
No matter what ends up happening to her it never really seems like anything actually affects her. You know, like a badly written character rather then an actual human.
January 21, 2024
This was fine. The narration was pretty good, not my favorite but I didn't want to rip the earbuds out of my ears either.
TW/CW: Rape (not of the heroine), rape committed by the hero of the next book in the series, threat of rape to the heroine from various men, miscarriage, thoughts/threats of suicide, and assault.
This book and series was always on my radar, I think I even read book 2 years and years ago, sometime either in late high school or early college. So I wanted to read this first book. And it was fine, not great, not horrible, just fine.
One of the many things that bugged me was this weird kind of vibe between Chandra and her father. Especially in the first half. I was wondering if there was something between Chandra and her father, with all the talk of his "rutting" and no one was better than her father, it was weird.
The romance between Chandra and Jerval was only kind of there...they had no chemistry. They were married off and then things were fine between them...until they weren't, but then it was fixed quickly. There were very little stakes in their relationship.
I didn't love that every time Chandra is trying to show her skill, she ends up not really showing off. There were many moments where she would go off and get into trouble instead of actually helping. There was another instance when she gets tricked to going with a traitor who is going to give her to someone else and it's the "one time" she forgot her knife that she kept on her. It got old quickly.
Also I didn't love how a difficulty between the hero and heroine would occur and then it was quickly resolved. Example: 4 months later would pass and their issue no longer talked about but we never saw how it was resolved. They're just suddenly back to where they were before their difficulty.
Oh and I hated how Chandra is calling the guy who raped her friend/maid a friend by the end of this. Yea, he saved you but he also raped your friend...what?! I could maybe...maybe understand her not killing him, because he did save her but FRIEND?! no.
Overall this was just fine. I'm curious to reread book to and see whether or not I'll like book 2 knowing who the hero is.
TW/CW: Rape (not of the heroine), rape committed by the hero of the next book in the series, threat of rape to the heroine from various men, miscarriage, thoughts/threats of suicide, and assault.
This book and series was always on my radar, I think I even read book 2 years and years ago, sometime either in late high school or early college. So I wanted to read this first book. And it was fine, not great, not horrible, just fine.
One of the many things that bugged me was this weird kind of vibe between Chandra and her father. Especially in the first half. I was wondering if there was something between Chandra and her father, with all the talk of his "rutting" and no one was better than her father, it was weird.
The romance between Chandra and Jerval was only kind of there...they had no chemistry. They were married off and then things were fine between them...until they weren't, but then it was fixed quickly. There were very little stakes in their relationship.
I didn't love that every time Chandra is trying to show her skill, she ends up not really showing off. There were many moments where she would go off and get into trouble instead of actually helping. There was another instance when she gets tricked to going with a traitor who is going to give her to someone else and it's the "one time" she forgot her knife that she kept on her. It got old quickly.
Also I didn't love how a difficulty between the hero and heroine would occur and then it was quickly resolved. Example: 4 months later would pass and their issue no longer talked about but we never saw how it was resolved. They're just suddenly back to where they were before their difficulty.
Oh and I hated how Chandra is calling the guy who raped her friend/maid a friend by the end of this. Yea, he saved you but he also raped your friend...what?! I could maybe...maybe understand her not killing him, because he did save her but FRIEND?! no.
Overall this was just fine. I'm curious to reread book to and see whether or not I'll like book 2 knowing who the hero is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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