Still Tuesday and here’s another post 🙂
Katherine approached me and offered me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
And so here it is, for your consideration.
DISCLAIMER: Minor spoilers might follow, but nothing huge. Promise!
Haven (Chronicles of Warshard #1)
Princess Haven was never meant to be Queen.
Her immortality has saved her time and time again, but when the last of her royal family dies at her feet, she is next in line to rule a nation on the brink of war. With no formal training on how to be Queen, Haven must rise to the occasion with the help of her best friends, and personal guard, or risk losing everyone she has ever loved.
With war to the West, and no escape to the East, the evil tyrant Kadia sets her sights on the six kingdoms. Haven’s neighbors are quick to fall under the swords of Kadia’s shadow soldiers, leaving a sea of bodies and a clear path to Haven’s only home.
As Kadia’s obsession with Haven mounts, little time remains, and Haven must make a choice; join together with her fellow Royals, and test her immortality in a final stand against the evil Queen, or flee across the sea to a foreign republic in hopes of salvation. Both choices have a cost. Both plans could go awry. Haven must decide quickly, or she might be the only one left.
An epic fantasy led by a powerful female protagonist, Haven’s narrative unfolds in a world where magic is rare and war is brewing. A newly crowned queen & gifted with immortality, Haven is granted ultimate power in her kingdom in the wake of her family’s murder. Thrown into the role of Queen, she must rely on her friends, advisors and fellow kings to survive the coming storm and grow confident in her ruling ability.
It is a well-written novel, full of conflict and layered with unexpected themes. At the core is Haven, a protagonist and heroine who is compassionate and insecure. She is a relatable human being whose concern for her subjects’ well-being also makes her rather endearing.
Her major arc deals with her conflict with Kadia, a woman who has a perverse fascination with her powers. This leads to rather dark and disturbing turn of events. The events that Haven is forced to contend with are life-altering and character building. Where many authors might fumble with the repercussions of them, Katherine deals with the fallout deftly, elevating the strength of the story in thematic terms.
The secondary characters have interesting stories of their own, and while most aren’t as fully developed as I wish they would be, the primary male supporters are given enough depth and room to grow.
The setting descriptions and world-building are intricate, bringing Warshard to life. There is a lot of foundation laid for future installments, promising new lands and characters that will delight as well as the first.
The conclusion of the novel was a little jarring and wrapped up too quickly, but it does not take away from the general enjoyment of the narrative. I look forward to the next one!
Fans of epic fantasy will be drawn into Haven’s story, discovering in her a strong female protagonist. Looking for a new world to get lost in, look no further.
RATING:
Want to connect with Katherine?
You can find here here on TWITTER or on her BLOG
And find out more about Haven on GOODREADS or AMAZON.
May inspiration flow like ink upon your quill,
Faith 
aliasfaithrivens 
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