This is the first book that I have read by this author and from the very beginning I had a difficult time being pulled into the story; In fact it took over a hundred pages before it captured my interest. The reason I had such a difficult time is that this book is heavily reliant on the reader having knowledge of the characters and worldbuilding from previous books. In series books, there are some books that move the plot forward, and others that put closure on existing story arcs. Warcry is one of the latter.
With the first couple of chapters, I surmised that Heath of Xy and Atira of the Bear’s love affair obviously started in a prior book and is now at an impasse. He wants to bond with her and she has refused, correlating bonding as being owned and controlled. Also Xylara, Queen of Xy, called Warprize (a complimentary name when used by the Plains people; however, this isn’t explained for new readers) and her mate Keir of the Cat are returning to Xy for the birth of their child. While back at Xy, Lord Durst is plotting against the Queen because of the death of his sons and his wife’s depression after their death. Joining him in the conspiracy is Lord Enali’s son, Lanifer, and deacon Browdus. The next day Lara begins a progression through town upon arriving home, wearing a white gown, evidently the same one that she wore when she first surrendered to Keir, which has some significance to her people even though extremely pregnant Xy women normally withdraw from society.
At this point, I felt more frustrated then interested, and if this hadn‘t been a review book, I would have given up. While it is not my norm to start a series with book four, it has happened before, and usually most authors do a bit of recapping to catch new readers up to speed. Not so much with this book. The author gives hardly any information about the world building and the different cultures. I wanted to know why Amyu is considered a child because she is barren; why wearing the white dress has some significance, why Lara is called Warprize; what the Bear or Cat at the end of the name means. Also what is a token? A promise? a request for the truth?
When thinking of how to write this review, I asked myself “If you had known the history of the characters would you have liked the book more?” The answer is yes and no. From the very beginning the author’s writing did impress me. The limited worldbuilding that is in the book is interesting, but I found the rebellion plot weak and lacking in suspense. Since the rest of the story revolves around relationships started in previous books, I missed out on what seems a large portion of the relationship building and beginning of the conflict between Heath & Atira. Evidently there is a continuing story arc involving Keir and his status as a Warlord but not much background is given.
My overall feeling ending the book is that the story lacked depth. If you are a fan of this series, then you will want closure on Heath & Atira’s love story. If you have heard about this author but never read any of her books, I don’t recommend starting with this one.
Grade: C+
Book Type: Fantasy Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Publication Date: 2011/05
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