Reviewer: Andrea
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The Summary:
Kael Vapensigsson is one of the elite Chosen—a Warlord whose strength comes from the gods themselves. But despite all his power and prestige, he is plagued by a prophecy that threatens to destroy everything he loves.
When Kael summons Ishtaer to his room and discovers the marks of the Chosen on her body, including the revered mark of the Warrior, both Warlord and slave seem to have met their match.
But as their lives become increasingly entangled and endangered, Ishtaer is forced to test whether the Chosen ever have the ability to choose their own fate.
Kate’s UK debut, The UnTied Kingdom, was short listed for the RNA’s 2012 Romantic Contemporary Novel of the Year award.
The Review:
When I first received this novel, I was skeptical. It’s most definitely not the typical romance novel, and I tend toward the traditional when I read a romance novel. The notion of a blind slave, an unlikely warrior, finding love in the arms of a man who stretches human skin across the prow of his ship seemed farfetched even to a tarnished reader like me. However, I found it “impossible” not love this novel.
The story pulls in the reader with action and mystery from page one. Ishtaer’s weakness and ultimate strength are endearing and heartfelt. Her story, aside from the whole Chosen marks thing, might be one felt by millions of former slaves spread throughout history. Despite the fantasy aspect, her journey to find herself is one experienced by most people, learning to reach into your core and pull out the courage buried there. And Kael! Well, a warlord who kills and maims one second and hugs his children the next? What female reader doesn’t want to imagine that for herself?
The mix of antiquity and modern was interesting, but it kept me wondering about the time period, which is my only complaint. Is it a futuristic world or an entirely different reality? Is it the past or the future? I needed a bit more backstory on that issue, but not enough to diminish my enjoyment of the plot and characters.
