Veena’s review of Honor’s Price (Warriors Of The Mist, Book 3) by Alexis Morgan
Fantasy Romance published by Penguin 02 Sep 14
I have probably complained as loudly as anyone out there when an author recaps the previous books such that it takes up a quarter of a new book, but I have the opposite peeve here. This book starts off as though it’s the next chapter from the previous book and since it’s been some time since I read the earlier books, I was quite lost with some of the relationships and references. So a word of advice to readers – make sure you refresh yourself on the earlier books before starting this one.
The warriors of the mist have surfaced from the depths of the river at the request of Lady Merewen, desperate to save her home from the evil that’s prowling within the kingdom. I think not having reread the first two books of the series before starting this one marred my enjoyment of this story. It appears that events from the earlier books have culminated in Kane heading off to the capital to learn what he can about the strength of the armies and the nature of the ruler of the realm. Disguised as a mercenary and accompanied by his companion who poses as a troubadour, they arrive in the capital.
It’s clear that this is Kane’s story and Kane’s quest and yet at times it seems as though the other warriors are as much protagonists as Kane, and I question from time to time who’s story this really is. Kane, of course, is called to do a lot of heavy lifting because of his magical ancestry, and from the get-go his protective instincts force him to protect the ladies of the keep who are being abused in small and mean ways by the soldiers and the courtiers.
From day one Kane senses the blood magic and evil that permeates the castle, and yet, despite all his smarts, he’s ensnared and falls into the trap of using the magic that he’s resisted his entire life. It is only the courage and wits of his lady love that see to him being freed – not once but multiple times. Theda is the bright shining light in this story with her adherence to duty and her steadfast honor and need for love.
The magical elements of the book are interesting, as is the army of the damned who have live under the water for centuries, but, otherwise, I recall having enjoyed the first book but do not at all recall even reading the next, and can say for sure that I never really got into this one fully.
Grade: C
Summary:
Cursed by the gods. Bound by brotherhood. Freed by love.
The Warriors of the Mist have fought side by side for centuries, but Kane alone has felt something darker calling to him. With the Kingdom of Agathia on the brink of rebellion, Kane knows that relying on dark magic to infiltrate the enemy’s court is dangerous but necessary despite the cost to his soul.
Lady Theda hopes to end the tyrannical reign of Duke Keirthan, the man who killed his own brother—Theda’s husband. But she has little hope of succeeding, until a mage-marked warrior appears.
For the first time in centuries, Kane is tempted not by dark magic, but by a woman who wants more than his protection. But with both of their hearts—and her people’s lives—in jeopardy, giving in to their passion may be a risk too great to take…
Other books in this series:
