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Epic of Palins #3
Destiny's Star
View our feature on Elizabeth Vaughan's Destiny's Star .A return to the world of the Warlands...
Bethral, a beautiful warrior, and Ezren, a quick-witted storyteller, are confronted with a civil war and a tribe or warriors with their own code of honor and their own rules of pleasure and partnership. To stay alive they must learn new customs, confront their enemies, and conceal Ezren's fiery power.
Bethral, a beautiful warrior, and Ezren, a quick-witted storyteller, are confronted with a civil war and a tribe or warriors with their own code of honor and their own rules of pleasure and partnership. To stay alive they must learn new customs, confront their enemies, and conceal Ezren's fiery power.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Elizabeth Vaughan
42 books849 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Elizabeth A. Vaughan is the author of the Chronicles of the Warlands, a fantasy romance trilogy from Tor Books: Warprize (her first novel), Warsworn, and Warlord..
She's always loved fantasy and science fiction, and has been a fantasy role-player since 1981. By day, Beth's secret identity is that of a lawyer, practicing in the area of bankruptcy and financial matters, a role she has maintained since 1985.
Beth is owned by three cats, and lives in the Northwest Territory, on the outskirts of the Black Swamp, along Mad Anthony's Trail on the banks of the Maumee River.
Elizabeth A. Vaughan is the author of the Chronicles of the Warlands, a fantasy romance trilogy from Tor Books: Warprize (her first novel), Warsworn, and Warlord..
She's always loved fantasy and science fiction, and has been a fantasy role-player since 1981. By day, Beth's secret identity is that of a lawyer, practicing in the area of bankruptcy and financial matters, a role she has maintained since 1985.
Beth is owned by three cats, and lives in the Northwest Territory, on the outskirts of the Black Swamp, along Mad Anthony's Trail on the banks of the Maumee River.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 19, 2017
The third book in the Palins series takes us back to the Plains. Turns out Bethral's mother was from the Plains, although Bethral had never been there before. But she had a tattoo marking her as part of the clan of the Horse, and she knew enough of the language to get by.
Rewinding slightly. At the end of the third book, Ezren lost control of the wild magic and Bethral begged Evelyn to open a portal to a distant place where the magic couldn't hurt anyone. Bethral and Ezren literally fell to the Plains, Bethral breaking her leg. Turns out they fell into a Thea camp where the children were on the verge of graduating to adulthood.
(Turns out the portal took them across the globe spatially. There was no movement in time, as I speculated in an earlier review.)
The head Thea chose to give them welcome, and the shelter of her tent. Bethral is seen as a Warrior of the Horse, where Ezren is treated like a Singer. Due to the lack of medical care, Bethral is convinced she must seek the snows, but first she must get the clan to protect Ezren, and help him to get back home.
We find ourselves back in the world of the Plains, after Keir and the Warprize have broken up the Council. They are currently in Xy where Lara is giving birth to their first child. So while mentioned, they are completely off stage. Although we do see Simus and Joden briefly towards the end of the book.
(Technically, Heath and Atira's book, the fourth book in the Warprize series, comes after this book.)
But the main thrust of the book is the warrior-priests who see the power in Ezren and declare him the Sacrifice, as in a willing sacrifice who can return the wild magic to the Plains. Ezren can feel the magic's connection to the Plains, and the closer they get to the Heart of the Plains, the more he can tell the magic has emotions all its own.
I won't go into more details, but there are character deaths so get the tissues ready. The Warriors of the Plains are very much a "with his shield or on it" culture.
On the romance front, Bethral is as slow to act as Red was fast to act. And that is magnified by the culture of the Warriors of the Plains where all freely sleep with each other, and there is no shame in doing so out in the open.
Excellent chapter in the series. Although, the next book hasn't been published, the ending makes me think another is coming.
Rewinding slightly. At the end of the third book, Ezren lost control of the wild magic and Bethral begged Evelyn to open a portal to a distant place where the magic couldn't hurt anyone. Bethral and Ezren literally fell to the Plains, Bethral breaking her leg. Turns out they fell into a Thea camp where the children were on the verge of graduating to adulthood.
(Turns out the portal took them across the globe spatially. There was no movement in time, as I speculated in an earlier review.)
The head Thea chose to give them welcome, and the shelter of her tent. Bethral is seen as a Warrior of the Horse, where Ezren is treated like a Singer. Due to the lack of medical care, Bethral is convinced she must seek the snows, but first she must get the clan to protect Ezren, and help him to get back home.
We find ourselves back in the world of the Plains, after Keir and the Warprize have broken up the Council. They are currently in Xy where Lara is giving birth to their first child. So while mentioned, they are completely off stage. Although we do see Simus and Joden briefly towards the end of the book.
(Technically, Heath and Atira's book, the fourth book in the Warprize series, comes after this book.)
But the main thrust of the book is the warrior-priests who see the power in Ezren and declare him the Sacrifice, as in a willing sacrifice who can return the wild magic to the Plains. Ezren can feel the magic's connection to the Plains, and the closer they get to the Heart of the Plains, the more he can tell the magic has emotions all its own.
I won't go into more details, but there are character deaths so get the tissues ready. The Warriors of the Plains are very much a "with his shield or on it" culture.
On the romance front, Bethral is as slow to act as Red was fast to act. And that is magnified by the culture of the Warriors of the Plains where all freely sleep with each other, and there is no shame in doing so out in the open.
Excellent chapter in the series. Although, the next book hasn't been published, the ending makes me think another is coming.
June 13, 2022
3.5 stars
December 22, 2011
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but I read them in 2008 and 2009 respectively so when I started Destiny's Star I had no clear recollection of the previous stories other than knowing that I liked them. This book is not a stand alone and cannot be understood or enjoyed without first reading Daggerstar and White Star immediately receding Destiny's Star.
I couldn't follow what was going on at all and I suddenly didn't like either Bethral or Ezren and I liked them just fine in the previous books. Bethral is supposed to be this fierce warrior woman who protects the Queen and tossed here onto the Plains with Ezren she suddenly thinks she isn't good enough for a handicapped storyteller. WTH? Yeah I know it was supposed to be some sweet romance but it wasn't. It was just one confusing irritating event after another after another.
I guess it's possible if you read all three in a row to enjoy this book but if you haven't recently read the other two, don't bother with this one because you will not enjoy it.
I couldn't follow what was going on at all and I suddenly didn't like either Bethral or Ezren and I liked them just fine in the previous books. Bethral is supposed to be this fierce warrior woman who protects the Queen and tossed here onto the Plains with Ezren she suddenly thinks she isn't good enough for a handicapped storyteller. WTH? Yeah I know it was supposed to be some sweet romance but it wasn't. It was just one confusing irritating event after another after another.
I guess it's possible if you read all three in a row to enjoy this book but if you haven't recently read the other two, don't bother with this one because you will not enjoy it.
July 29, 2010
I've never been a fan of the romance genre, but Elizabeth Vaughan has me hooked with her romantic fantasies. Destiny's Star is Book #3 of her "Star Series" and Vaughan takes us back to the Plains from the "Chronicles of the Warlands Series." Avid readers of her work will find this enjoyable and newcomers will be instantly pulled into her wonderful world.
Destiny's Star is a classic love story about one talespinning guy who can't properly sit a horse, and one warrior girl who's shy with men but not with running them through. Swords, magic, love, war, political intrigue, and an unforgettable setting, you can hardly go wrong. Vaughan kept my attention hooked so that I forgot to eat dinner once her book arrived. Definitely worth the read.
Destiny's Star is a classic love story about one talespinning guy who can't properly sit a horse, and one warrior girl who's shy with men but not with running them through. Swords, magic, love, war, political intrigue, and an unforgettable setting, you can hardly go wrong. Vaughan kept my attention hooked so that I forgot to eat dinner once her book arrived. Definitely worth the read.
October 23, 2019
It pains me to say but ... I did not like this book. I thought about giving it 2 stars but ... I was like "no, I didn't like this book" :\
And I REALLY liked Bethral and Ezren individually, and as a couple.
This book though :|
A) I really didn't like the "Sacrifice" thing.
B) It was more like ... an "update of what's going on with the plains"
I think had someone not read the other series they'd be UTTERLY LOST. However, I'd read a few of those books, two or so years ago ... and I was pretty lost. I'd forgotten a bunch of the terms, and while I figured them out the other ~random characters, the hierarchies, the culture - I didn't remember it.
It almost felt like this book was more part of the Warprize series than the Palins series.
I mean like what maybe 90% of the book takes places on the plains?
I guess I didn't remember ENOUGH - and was "misled" by the "things are changing" bit because I KEPT waiting for a healer to see/arrive and see Bethral.
Not only that, but the focus felt SO MUCH on all the other characters. While yes Ezren and Bethral are moving things along ... a) I wasn't as engaged in it - there was just ... it was too separate an too many parts and they just ... I didn't care. It's hard to explain.
And it's just a "journey to the heart" and it's a lot more "words/this is it" and ... :|
ANYWAY - I didn't care for the plot, the secondary characters, what was going on with the MAIN characters...
And I don't know - the ~romance was so ... tentative and then not engaging.
I was OF COURSE glad when they F I N A L L Y came together. But then they also spend like 99% of it all "well we're all gonna die" :| 😱
It was just too convenient/random - and then up in the air?
:\
Admittedly I jumped around some in the reading - but then went back and re-read and read it all and read skimmed and just ...:|
I didn't like it. I didn't.
I wanted to, but didn't.
I liked the justice - not vengeance - people brought it upon themselves - BUT! AGAIN - that pretty much wasn't about Bethral/Ezren.
They just felt extremely secondary in their own story.
D ... ...
I actually thought that might happen ...
And THEN I kinda didn't like the ending
And I REALLY liked Bethral and Ezren individually, and as a couple.
This book though :|
A) I really didn't like the "Sacrifice" thing.
B) It was more like ... an "update of what's going on with the plains"
I think had someone not read the other series they'd be UTTERLY LOST. However, I'd read a few of those books, two or so years ago ... and I was pretty lost. I'd forgotten a bunch of the terms, and while I figured them out the other ~random characters, the hierarchies, the culture - I didn't remember it.
It almost felt like this book was more part of the Warprize series than the Palins series.
I mean like what maybe 90% of the book takes places on the plains?
I guess I didn't remember ENOUGH - and was "misled" by the "things are changing" bit because I KEPT waiting for a healer to see/arrive and see Bethral.
Not only that, but the focus felt SO MUCH on all the other characters. While yes Ezren and Bethral are moving things along ... a) I wasn't as engaged in it - there was just ... it was too separate an too many parts and they just ... I didn't care. It's hard to explain.
And it's just a "journey to the heart" and it's a lot more "words/this is it" and ... :|
ANYWAY - I didn't care for the plot, the secondary characters, what was going on with the MAIN characters...
And I don't know - the ~romance was so ... tentative and then not engaging.
I was OF COURSE glad when they F I N A L L Y came together. But then they also spend like 99% of it all "well we're all gonna die" :| 😱
It was just too convenient/random - and then up in the air?
:\
Admittedly I jumped around some in the reading - but then went back and re-read and read it all and read skimmed and just ...:|
I didn't like it. I didn't.
I wanted to, but didn't.
I liked the justice - not vengeance - people brought it upon themselves - BUT! AGAIN - that pretty much wasn't about Bethral/Ezren.
They just felt extremely secondary in their own story.
D ... ...
I actually thought that might happen ...
And THEN I kinda didn't like the ending
April 29, 2023
Series: Epic of Palins #3
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This book picks up right where the previous one ended. Erzen and Bethral were taken through a portal filled with wild magic to the heart of the Plains where they find themselves being attacked by Warrior-Priests who want Erzen’s magic.
I enjoyed this trip back to the Plains, especially since we finally get to learn what happened to cause magic to reappear. Ezren and Bethral have been attracted to each other since Bethral rescued Ezren from slavers but they both think the other isn’t into them. I loved watching them finally figure out they both want the other and starting a relationship together.
Bethral and Ezren’s adventure on the Plains was fascinating and kept me hooked. They are trying to evade the Warrior-Priests and along the way make new friends and create new stories. I was not expecting some of what happened to these two, especially with how the magic responded to Ezren’s feelings. It will be interesting to read the rest of the Chronicles of the Warlands series now and see how they deal with all the changes that has occurred.
Trigger Warnings: Ezren was held as slave, tortured, and abused; PTSD; broken bones; death; kidnapping; death of horses;
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This book picks up right where the previous one ended. Erzen and Bethral were taken through a portal filled with wild magic to the heart of the Plains where they find themselves being attacked by Warrior-Priests who want Erzen’s magic.
I enjoyed this trip back to the Plains, especially since we finally get to learn what happened to cause magic to reappear. Ezren and Bethral have been attracted to each other since Bethral rescued Ezren from slavers but they both think the other isn’t into them. I loved watching them finally figure out they both want the other and starting a relationship together.
Bethral and Ezren’s adventure on the Plains was fascinating and kept me hooked. They are trying to evade the Warrior-Priests and along the way make new friends and create new stories. I was not expecting some of what happened to these two, especially with how the magic responded to Ezren’s feelings. It will be interesting to read the rest of the Chronicles of the Warlands series now and see how they deal with all the changes that has occurred.
Trigger Warnings: Ezren was held as slave, tortured, and abused; PTSD; broken bones; death; kidnapping; death of horses;
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
September 10, 2018
So Ends One Story As Another Begins.
And that story is the second trilogy of the Warlands. The Epic of Palin's is contemporaneous with the events of the second trilogy and, ideally, I think, should be read before reading the third book of the second Warlands trilogy. That is, if the reader wants to keep the story lines in temporal order.
This book sees Ezren Silvertongue and Bethrel of the Horse swept from Palin to the Firelander Plains through the confluence of events, a gate spell, and a surge of wild magic and follows their adventures as they journey homewards. Perhaps it is needless to say, but the journey does not go well.
Well worth the read!
And that story is the second trilogy of the Warlands. The Epic of Palin's is contemporaneous with the events of the second trilogy and, ideally, I think, should be read before reading the third book of the second Warlands trilogy. That is, if the reader wants to keep the story lines in temporal order.
This book sees Ezren Silvertongue and Bethrel of the Horse swept from Palin to the Firelander Plains through the confluence of events, a gate spell, and a surge of wild magic and follows their adventures as they journey homewards. Perhaps it is needless to say, but the journey does not go well.
Well worth the read!
May 9, 2019
This was a good read. Good stopping point in the Palins series. Don't know if there will be more specifically with these, or if they will join with the Warlords series.
A note: someone said that you should read Dagger Star, White Star, then switch to Warcry, then back to Destiny's Star before reading Wardance. I would argue that you should read Destiny's Star first, then read Warcry. It was fine the way I did it, but the author has a note at the end of Destiny's star about writing Warcry, and I always like to read them in the order the author wrote them. I think it works better as a story as well. Just my opinion.
A note: someone said that you should read Dagger Star, White Star, then switch to Warcry, then back to Destiny's Star before reading Wardance. I would argue that you should read Destiny's Star first, then read Warcry. It was fine the way I did it, but the author has a note at the end of Destiny's star about writing Warcry, and I always like to read them in the order the author wrote them. I think it works better as a story as well. Just my opinion.
May 14, 2020
A fun continuation of the series and we have finally made contact with the first series!
I feel like I can finally rest easy and say, yes, Goodreads has the correct reading order posted. Follow the author's recommended reading order.
I march on to the next book.
I feel like I can finally rest easy and say, yes, Goodreads has the correct reading order posted. Follow the author's recommended reading order.
I march on to the next book.
July 19, 2020
Bethral, oh I'm so glad she got her own book! You know I gotta root for a strong warrior woman and Ezren, her quick-witted storyteller with no martial prowess. They get transported to the Plains and have to deal with the warrior-priests.
July 21, 2021
Fantasy romance, crossover book with characters from Epic of the Palins travelling to the Plains setting of Warprize and taking up those storylines. An easy read with characters to root for and villains you want to see die.
January 30, 2019
I love this book. The slow burn romance was great and even though all the stupid warrior priests weren't burned to a crisp I was still happy with how it turned out for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2020
Still fun.
Want to Read
July 19, 2020elibrary
September 5, 2023
This is a great series! The magical elements come across as natural as air.
September 28, 2023
I enjoyed this one finally Ezren and Bethral got together.
This trilogy explained what happened at the plains and how power was returned.
This trilogy explained what happened at the plains and how power was returned.
April 13, 2010
REVIEWED BY AMANDA
Our heroine is Bethral a fierce warrior charged with the protection of her young queen Glorianna.
Our hero, Ezern Silvertongue is a storyteller with a pain filled past. Bethral on a whim that she cannot explain saves Ezern from a life of slavery and certain death.
Bethral harbours a love for Ezern since the moment he looked up into her eyes while she was rescuing him from his slavers. Feeling that there is no way that he can ever feel the same about her, she chooses to watch him from afar in the castle. Ezern loves the beautiful Lady Bethral and not because she saved his life. He feels shame in being enslaved and that he poses a potential threat because of his rouge magic and he can't control it despite the help of the high priestess Evelyn.
Our story begins with Bethral preparing to leave the castle for a few days, but before she can Ezern looses control of his magic and threatens to kill all that she holds dear. Bethral knows she only has minutes before Ezern's rouge magic destroys them all. She convinces Evelyn to spare his life and open a portal far away and let Bethral take him somewhere he can't hurt anyone. Evelyn opens a portal and Bethral with the help of her faithful horse Bessie manage to get him through just in time.
Gilla is on the plains tending her flock when out of nowhere a hole appears in the sky and two people and a horse fall through it. Her first instinct is to kill the intruders as her tribe decrees, but something stays her hand when she sees Ezern. When the elders of the tribe arrive we discover that Bethral was once of the Plains and therefore one of their own.
Bethral awakes after the fall to find herself gravely injured and in immediate danger, summoning her strength she manages to by Ezern and herself some time. She knows the tribes customs, and with an injury like hers it means death, but first she must ensure Ezern's safety. But all is not well on the plains, the tribes are at war with each other and unknown to Bethral and Ezern they have an integral part to play in the war, one that will leave the plains forever changed. What ensues is a fantastical tale full of twists and turns with journeys across the unknown and the discovery and development of love between Ezern and Bethral while trying to stay alive.
Elizabeth Vaughan is a new to me author and one I most definitely will be looking out for again. Destiny's Star was exactly what I was looking for at the time I was reading it I was in the mood for some good fantasy writing and this is definitely what I got. Although the book is classified as a Paranormal romance I would say that if you do not like fantasy writing/novels then this may not be for you.
Vaughan's writing is rich and provocative. Her descriptions gorgeous, watching Bethral and Ezern fall in love and discover each others love and its depth was perfect. Theirs is a love strong and unwavering.
When I picked up Destiny's Star I confess I found it really hard to put down again. For me the pace of the story was just right and I didn't find that elements of the story dragged as sometimes can be the case in the fantasy genre.
I finished this book in the early hours of the morning, and I didn't want the the story to end. But to my delight I discovered that this is not the case. There will be at least one more in the Warlord world where Destiny's Star is set. I found Vaughan's mix of Romance and Fantasy to be a perfect blend and the ratio of the two worked really well in this story. And in my honest opinion I think that this blend is the best that I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time, as I have often found there is often more time dedicated to fantasy than romance in this types of books.
My Rating is 4.5/5 and just a note, you don't have to have read anything by Ms. Vaughan before to thoroughly enjoy this book. But be warned, you will want to.
Our heroine is Bethral a fierce warrior charged with the protection of her young queen Glorianna.
Our hero, Ezern Silvertongue is a storyteller with a pain filled past. Bethral on a whim that she cannot explain saves Ezern from a life of slavery and certain death.
Bethral harbours a love for Ezern since the moment he looked up into her eyes while she was rescuing him from his slavers. Feeling that there is no way that he can ever feel the same about her, she chooses to watch him from afar in the castle. Ezern loves the beautiful Lady Bethral and not because she saved his life. He feels shame in being enslaved and that he poses a potential threat because of his rouge magic and he can't control it despite the help of the high priestess Evelyn.
Our story begins with Bethral preparing to leave the castle for a few days, but before she can Ezern looses control of his magic and threatens to kill all that she holds dear. Bethral knows she only has minutes before Ezern's rouge magic destroys them all. She convinces Evelyn to spare his life and open a portal far away and let Bethral take him somewhere he can't hurt anyone. Evelyn opens a portal and Bethral with the help of her faithful horse Bessie manage to get him through just in time.
Gilla is on the plains tending her flock when out of nowhere a hole appears in the sky and two people and a horse fall through it. Her first instinct is to kill the intruders as her tribe decrees, but something stays her hand when she sees Ezern. When the elders of the tribe arrive we discover that Bethral was once of the Plains and therefore one of their own.
Bethral awakes after the fall to find herself gravely injured and in immediate danger, summoning her strength she manages to by Ezern and herself some time. She knows the tribes customs, and with an injury like hers it means death, but first she must ensure Ezern's safety. But all is not well on the plains, the tribes are at war with each other and unknown to Bethral and Ezern they have an integral part to play in the war, one that will leave the plains forever changed. What ensues is a fantastical tale full of twists and turns with journeys across the unknown and the discovery and development of love between Ezern and Bethral while trying to stay alive.
Elizabeth Vaughan is a new to me author and one I most definitely will be looking out for again. Destiny's Star was exactly what I was looking for at the time I was reading it I was in the mood for some good fantasy writing and this is definitely what I got. Although the book is classified as a Paranormal romance I would say that if you do not like fantasy writing/novels then this may not be for you.
Vaughan's writing is rich and provocative. Her descriptions gorgeous, watching Bethral and Ezern fall in love and discover each others love and its depth was perfect. Theirs is a love strong and unwavering.
When I picked up Destiny's Star I confess I found it really hard to put down again. For me the pace of the story was just right and I didn't find that elements of the story dragged as sometimes can be the case in the fantasy genre.
I finished this book in the early hours of the morning, and I didn't want the the story to end. But to my delight I discovered that this is not the case. There will be at least one more in the Warlord world where Destiny's Star is set. I found Vaughan's mix of Romance and Fantasy to be a perfect blend and the ratio of the two worked really well in this story. And in my honest opinion I think that this blend is the best that I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time, as I have often found there is often more time dedicated to fantasy than romance in this types of books.
My Rating is 4.5/5 and just a note, you don't have to have read anything by Ms. Vaughan before to thoroughly enjoy this book. But be warned, you will want to.
February 2, 2019
Accidentally skipped a book. But basically romance and fantasy, continuing where book 1 left off with side characters made main. Good worldbuilding and culture construction but just not really my thing.
June 21, 2011
This is book 3 but you can read it as a standalone novel. I read book 2 two years ago and I had forgotten some things but thanks to the book I was soon up to speed on things. Because each of these books are about a new woman. I actually read book 2 first, then book 1 and then this one (you know how it is.) Also to be noted is that yes this is the series by Elizabeth Vaughan but she is published as Beth Vaughan in the UK.
Bethral is in love with Ezren and he is on love with her. But neither thinks they stand a chance and therefore they do not make a move. Bethral is your typical warrior woman, strong, tough and she can take on any man. Ezren is a storyteller, not a warrior. They are in a way like night and day. He thinks she pities him, and she thinks he wants someone soft. Oh people in love are fools.
Magic brings them to the land of Bethral's mother. The books known from Vaughan's War series. And they also tie in to those books since the civil war no going on got started in the War books. I do like this land of nomadic warriors because it is just so weird. Like how men and women need to have 5 babies each before they can commit to anyone and they are also very free in their sexual life. She has done well with creating this rich world and as two strangers with very different ideas they are certainly out of place.
The book is also about adventure as they try to find a way back home and escape those who want to kill Ezren for the magic he holds. They meet new friends, learn about a new culture and since this is about romance too they fall in love.
Conclusion:
A good fantasy romance. There is love, magic, action and a strange new land.
Bethral is in love with Ezren and he is on love with her. But neither thinks they stand a chance and therefore they do not make a move. Bethral is your typical warrior woman, strong, tough and she can take on any man. Ezren is a storyteller, not a warrior. They are in a way like night and day. He thinks she pities him, and she thinks he wants someone soft. Oh people in love are fools.
Magic brings them to the land of Bethral's mother. The books known from Vaughan's War series. And they also tie in to those books since the civil war no going on got started in the War books. I do like this land of nomadic warriors because it is just so weird. Like how men and women need to have 5 babies each before they can commit to anyone and they are also very free in their sexual life. She has done well with creating this rich world and as two strangers with very different ideas they are certainly out of place.
The book is also about adventure as they try to find a way back home and escape those who want to kill Ezren for the magic he holds. They meet new friends, learn about a new culture and since this is about romance too they fall in love.
Conclusion:
A good fantasy romance. There is love, magic, action and a strange new land.
July 29, 2025
When Bethral rescued Ezren from slavers, she was too late to save him his scars or from losing
his confidence in his storytelling. Despite his trauma, she always wanted the best for him - even
knowing Ezren will never love her as she loves him.
Ezren is not the man he once was and has spent the time since his enslavement trying to find his
place in the world. All the while, secretly longing for Bethral's gaze to catch his own. When
his wild magic breaks loose, nearly causing the death and destruction of their community, it's
Bethral's quick thinking that saves them as she transports the two of them to to the Plains.
Now, seeking shelter with the people of the Plains - Ezren must come to terms with the wild
magic within him and the fate he holds in his hands to save the magic of the lands.
This was not my type of book. It was most definitely Fantasy - NOT paranormal romance. And honestly, I don't think it was even a great Fantasy novel. It was just...empty. Nothing happened for the majority of the book and then all of a sudden - 3/4 of the way through - BOOM, romance. It was so odd and unbalanced. I can't say anything really about any of the characters as none managed to stand out to me from the pack. They all blended together as one big mushy pile.
I'm not sure what the author was hoping for outcome wise for this book but sadly, I think she failed
in every aspect.
his confidence in his storytelling. Despite his trauma, she always wanted the best for him - even
knowing Ezren will never love her as she loves him.
Ezren is not the man he once was and has spent the time since his enslavement trying to find his
place in the world. All the while, secretly longing for Bethral's gaze to catch his own. When
his wild magic breaks loose, nearly causing the death and destruction of their community, it's
Bethral's quick thinking that saves them as she transports the two of them to to the Plains.
Now, seeking shelter with the people of the Plains - Ezren must come to terms with the wild
magic within him and the fate he holds in his hands to save the magic of the lands.
This was not my type of book. It was most definitely Fantasy - NOT paranormal romance. And honestly, I don't think it was even a great Fantasy novel. It was just...empty. Nothing happened for the majority of the book and then all of a sudden - 3/4 of the way through - BOOM, romance. It was so odd and unbalanced. I can't say anything really about any of the characters as none managed to stand out to me from the pack. They all blended together as one big mushy pile.
I'm not sure what the author was hoping for outcome wise for this book but sadly, I think she failed
in every aspect.
June 16, 2010
I love the world that these books are set in. This time we start out in the Palins, but very quickly leave there for the Plains where the past few books have been. The Plains people have a very simple life, what I love about them is their way of speaking. Should you want to ask someone a question you think might upset them you ask for their token and both parties speak freely with no consequences. This ritual was put to the test quite a bit during this book in interesting ways.
I also loved the quiet romance between Bethral and Ezren, both in love with each other but each thinking they weren't good enough for the other and to acknowledge their feelings it takes a teenager to point them out.
Another great thing about this book was spending time in the Thea camp and to see the kids graduate from kid to warrior and even though you pass the test your actions and reactions when tested are much different from what you think.
The closer look of the warrior priests was interesting too, because like all groups of people there are good and bad and the choices you make can determine which side you land on and the consequences for the wrong choice very high.
I think the end result of this book will affect live in the Plains for a long time to come.
I also loved the quiet romance between Bethral and Ezren, both in love with each other but each thinking they weren't good enough for the other and to acknowledge their feelings it takes a teenager to point them out.
Another great thing about this book was spending time in the Thea camp and to see the kids graduate from kid to warrior and even though you pass the test your actions and reactions when tested are much different from what you think.
The closer look of the warrior priests was interesting too, because like all groups of people there are good and bad and the choices you make can determine which side you land on and the consequences for the wrong choice very high.
I think the end result of this book will affect live in the Plains for a long time to come.
October 12, 2010
The conclusion to Vaughan's second trilogy looped around to the Plains of her first trilogy. Bethral is a mercenary and when she is sucked into a magic portal with Ezren Silvertongue, she knows that she must protect them both and return them to their home.
Why I picked up this book: I new from the teaser that they would be sent to the Plains, and I love that culture.
Why I finished it: I loved the different perspective on the land that I had fallen in love with in Vaughan's first trilogy. (Warprize, Warsworn and Warlord.)
Who I would recomend this to: All the fans of Vaughan's first trilogy this is worth reading. And I can only hope that she will continue to write about the people of the Plains.
Why I picked up this book: I new from the teaser that they would be sent to the Plains, and I love that culture.
Why I finished it: I loved the different perspective on the land that I had fallen in love with in Vaughan's first trilogy. (Warprize, Warsworn and Warlord.)
Who I would recomend this to: All the fans of Vaughan's first trilogy this is worth reading. And I can only hope that she will continue to write about the people of the Plains.
June 27, 2010
Destiny's Star is a fantastic, richly-detailed, exhilarating, and satisfying conclusion to Elizabeth Vaughan's second fantasy trilogy. Not only are the characters complex and flawed and compelling, the world of the Plains is rich and beautiful, the emotions portrayed true to heart, and the dialogue set forth credible and entertaining. Most important to me as a fantasy fan, however, is that the legends and the customs and the practices and the beliefs of the tribes on the Plains are so incredibly interesting, yet so incredibly believable, because they clearly flow from the landscape and the hardships that the tribes face. Sometimes it makes me sad that Ms. Vaughan's books have been marketed and shelved as Paranormal Romances. Although I understand the marketing demographics of that decision by the publisher and the romance scenes are as strong as any, I feel bad that the readers of more conventional fantasy adventures will never get the chance to discover one of the best, most richly detailed, and most internally consistent and rewarding fantasy worlds ever constructed, bar none. (That's right, Tolkien fans, I said "bar none.")
August 6, 2012
Very disappointing. Really tried to get into this book but found it very difficult.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books so picked this one up.
Betheral - our main character didn't seem as solid as the heroines in the first two books. Her personality seemed to vary between "timid" (around Ezren mainly) and "Strong". Two traits which are difficult to imagine in one character.
In comparison to Red and Evelyn (Red Gloves and White Star) I actually found her quite weak - even though she's supposed to be the "Warrior"?!
Ezren and the young Warriors that journey with them are very well written characters. They were generally likeable. But even that seemed to make Bethral come across as a bit of a sap due to the comparison.
The "badie" character (Hail Storm) bored me and generally the whole quest seemed to take forever.
Overall, a very slow book which I didn't even bother finishing 50 pages from the ending.
Character's are not as loveable as the two prequels, and if you picked up this book because you loved Red Gloves and White Star then I hope you weren't as disappointed as I, because this really did not live up to my expectations.
How annoying :/
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books so picked this one up.
Betheral - our main character didn't seem as solid as the heroines in the first two books. Her personality seemed to vary between "timid" (around Ezren mainly) and "Strong". Two traits which are difficult to imagine in one character.
In comparison to Red and Evelyn (Red Gloves and White Star) I actually found her quite weak - even though she's supposed to be the "Warrior"?!
Ezren and the young Warriors that journey with them are very well written characters. They were generally likeable. But even that seemed to make Bethral come across as a bit of a sap due to the comparison.
The "badie" character (Hail Storm) bored me and generally the whole quest seemed to take forever.
Overall, a very slow book which I didn't even bother finishing 50 pages from the ending.
Character's are not as loveable as the two prequels, and if you picked up this book because you loved Red Gloves and White Star then I hope you weren't as disappointed as I, because this really did not live up to my expectations.
How annoying :/
April 10, 2010
A lovely wrap up to the story arc that began in Dagger Star. This story focuses on Bethral, lady warrior and Ezran Silvertongue, a story teller by profession and unfortunate possessor of Wild Magic. A burst of that wild magic sends Bethral and Ezran dropping out of the sky onto the Plains. Bethral has knowledge of the Plains(her mother was a daughter of the Plains) and helps Ezran cope with life among the horse nomads that we first met in the Warprize story arc.
Danger comes when the warrior-priests of the Plains (possessors of their own brand of magic)decide that Ezran is the long awaited Sacrifice who will restore the Plains' magic to its full strength.
The young Plains warriors who decide to aid Ezran and Bethral are a delight. The love story between Ezran and Bethral is sweet. The final confrontation is a real surprise and the ending gives us the hope for more stories set in this world.
Danger comes when the warrior-priests of the Plains (possessors of their own brand of magic)decide that Ezran is the long awaited Sacrifice who will restore the Plains' magic to its full strength.
The young Plains warriors who decide to aid Ezran and Bethral are a delight. The love story between Ezran and Bethral is sweet. The final confrontation is a real surprise and the ending gives us the hope for more stories set in this world.
February 1, 2014
Much better, EV, much better.
I really should have taken notes throughout the series about things that bothered me (there were a great many) but with Destiny's Star finally with some decent pacing I decided to shut my inner yap and just keep reading to find out what happens next.
It was a satisfying read - unlike the first of the star trilogy (abysmal!) I really do appreciate the world-building that EV accomplishes, but there's so many questions left unanswered, so many starts and stops to characterization that it leaves me wondering the need for extraneous characters.
Shocking, because I for one, love a cast of thousands.
This book at least answers more questions than all of the others combined - I'm satisfied now though that I don't think there should be a need for more books after this one.
Hm...what about the dragon at the end of WarCry though...?
I really should have taken notes throughout the series about things that bothered me (there were a great many) but with Destiny's Star finally with some decent pacing I decided to shut my inner yap and just keep reading to find out what happens next.
It was a satisfying read - unlike the first of the star trilogy (abysmal!) I really do appreciate the world-building that EV accomplishes, but there's so many questions left unanswered, so many starts and stops to characterization that it leaves me wondering the need for extraneous characters.
Shocking, because I for one, love a cast of thousands.
This book at least answers more questions than all of the others combined - I'm satisfied now though that I don't think there should be a need for more books after this one.
Hm...what about the dragon at the end of WarCry though...?
June 19, 2010
How lovely to get a crossover from the Star Series to the Warlord series (and the knowledge that the next book will have two of the side characters from the Warlord series at the center). I wish the author would get a better style editor, because there are occasional repetitive phrases about the beauty of the heroine or the unworthiness of the hero - and while the heroine's leg is broken for quite a while at the start (and she seriously thinks she might have to die) she then seems to need to explain two-thirds of the book later how very much she as a warrior knows that her life depends on her working body - these little rough spots ought to have been easy to see for a fresh eye. Still it's a wholly satisfying adventure yarn on the Plains.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2010
It is an enjoyable beach read. You should definitely read the other books in the series before this one - otherwise you will be a little lost. It adds more to the customs of the Plains and shows that people can change and grow, even when thought to be stuck in their ways. The characters are engaging and the story of Ezren and Bethral is satisfying. The only drawback was the ending - it was very abrupt and clearly was intended to leave an opening for the next story. Yet reading the author's note at the end it appears the next book will deal with Xy and possibly the Plains not Edenrich. Which, if true, means it will be at least a couple of years if not longer until that story is told. Truly aggravating.
April 23, 2010
Third in what I think of as the "Red Gloves" sequence, ties back to the previous Warlands series by this author.
She does a pretty good job of creating a fantasy world that works, more or less, for me as a fantasy reader.
I found the bad guy to be a bit over the top, and would mind more nuanced antagonists, but the female warrior heroine worked for me and while I usually have little or no use for horse nomad stories this one was better in that the horses were so supermagical and the people actually made sense to me.
Of course some of the elements were stupid utopian, but I enjoyed the ride and the poet/storyteller wounded hero.
She does a pretty good job of creating a fantasy world that works, more or less, for me as a fantasy reader.
I found the bad guy to be a bit over the top, and would mind more nuanced antagonists, but the female warrior heroine worked for me and while I usually have little or no use for horse nomad stories this one was better in that the horses were so supermagical and the people actually made sense to me.
Of course some of the elements were stupid utopian, but I enjoyed the ride and the poet/storyteller wounded hero.
January 7, 2014
At the end of the last book (White Star) Storyteller Ezren's wild magic flared up and Lady Bethral carried him though a portal. They awake to find themselves stranded on the Plains (I loved how this story tied into the Warprise Series). They now must face new dangers as they struggle to survive in a new culture and place. This book focuses on the Warrior- Priests their magics and why Ezren was sent to the Plains. The story is good but the ending pops up adds some action and then leaves us hanging with no answers. Ms. Vaughan has a habit of teasing us at the end of her books but with this one its worse because there isn't another book… at least not yet.
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