Princess of the Sword (Nine Kingdoms Series #3) by Lynn Kurland

wonderfulby fantasybookluva

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July 18, 2009: this was an amazing book!!!!!!!! it made me laugh and cry all at the same time. it let me escape to another world. all thumbs up.

The 3rd Book is the Bestby LiadanESM

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April 17, 2009: "Princess of the Sword" was the grand finale of this trilogy. All 3 bk.s have their merits, but this one outdoes the other two by far. Simply because, more things happen.

In bk 1 we meet the characters and the story begins. Bk 2 encompasses the two main characters, Prince Miach the Archmage and Morgan the swordsmaster (and unwilling mage) as they wrestle w/ coming to trust each other and accept the fate dealt to them.

Their are many great reasons to read this book though. The first is the main characters are very complex and believable. Miach and Morgan are not the typical heroes you read of so often in the fantasy genre. They have more depth and are more interesting. Also, the romance in the bk does not take over everything else, for which I'm grateful. It's a more subtle and emotional romance as opposed to the endless physical stuff that is so typical of romance bks in general. The relationship between Miach and Morgan is the foundation to their defeating Lothar, the wicked mage who is chief villain in the story and w/o each other, they will fail. Along w/ that, Morgan needs the loving relationships of her family besides: her elf King grandfather and elf prince uncle as well as her two brothers to close the well and save the 9 Kingdoms. So, the morale of needing family and love is a key part of this story, which is great. Also, the villains and other characters are really interesting. The dark mage Droch that Miach has to battle against is a very complex and chilling character. The royals of old that stand as guides and guardians for Miach and Morgan are great too.

What I love best about this installment is the endless maze of plot twists and turns and startling revelations that are in this book. You are always guessing and waiting for the next unfolding secret with bated breath. And the iteration in the story that despite their being powerful mages galore in this tale, it is the DESTINTY of Miach and Morgan to close the well and defeat Lothar that's a great driving point. The idea of fate and being intended to do something gives the story tremendous weight and depth.

I dearly hope their is a 4th book to this series, since the author does leave that open, though I won't say how. The ending is great, though I wish beyond Miach and Morgan facing down Lothar, we saw more of the other battles taking place afterwards. They are more mentioned than seen.

Miach and Morgan, as well as the other protagonists, are well worth cheering on. Miach is very honorable and integritous. He respects as well as loves Morgan and is patient with her needing to come to grips with who and what she is. Morgan stuggles, as well as Miach to accept her destiny, but her strength and bravery are very admirable, as well as her wisdom and diversity of skills. My only compaint I guess is I wish L. Kurland didn't put in so many instances of Miach 'cursing,' since I think it was beneath him. Morgan was raised in 'rough country,' so I guess I can see it with her, but Miach being raised a prince and to be sophisticated and regal, it just doesn't fit, but it's a small complaint.

All in all, read this book. You will love it. It's more comlex and more 'woven,' than 'written,' and the endless intricities will thrill you.

If you like the series and want more fantasy genre with complex characters and endless twists, read the Pearlsong Trilogy by Michael Warden. There's less romance, but the adventure and...