Review: The Warlord by Gena Showalter

THE WARLORD
Series: Rise of the Warlords #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Gena Showalter
Release Date: April  20,  2021

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter begins a dark, sexy new series—Rise of the Warlords—with a fan-favorite character from her beloved Lords of the Underworld series, Taliyah Skyhawk. The ice maiden faces off with her greatest enemy, a villain brutal beyond imagining.

For centuries, Taliyah Skyhawk has prepared to become Harpy General, leader of the deadliest female army in existence. One of the requirements? Remain a virgin. But, for a chance to save her people, she must wed the fearless leader of the Astra Planeta, Alaroc Phaethon.

The time has come for Roc to sacrifice another virgin bride to his god. There has never been a woman alluring enough to tempt him from his path. No warrioress powerful enough to overcome his incredible strength. No enchantress desirable enough to make him burn beyond reason. Until now.

With the clock ticking, war between husband and wife ignites. Except Taliyah never expected the merciless king to challenge the future she once envisioned. She certainly never anticipated the thrill of their battles turning into games… The problem is, only one spouse can survive.

Love is a battlefield in Showalter’s The Warlord.

AMAZON

I’ve never been a hero. I’ve never wanted to be. I make a better villain.

Gena Showalter: announces new series
Me:

*giggles in giddy fangirl*

When I saw the new series announcement from Gena, I’m pretty sure I spent hours stalking any and all information on it. Then I spent months, and I mean MONTHS, stalking for the book. The level of anticipation was high, people!

The Warlord is a brand new book in Gena’s Rise of The Warlords series but it’s also an overarching series from her Lords of The Underworld. If you recall the harpy sisters from that The Darkest Surrender? We get Taliyah Skyhawk’s story in this one and man was it delicious.

If there’s one thing that I love about Gena’s books, it’s her fierce heroines. And Taya was all of those things and more. With a bloodline that’s a deadly secret, Taliyah grew up with one goal in life; becoming Harpy General. Leading a deadly army of female harpies is all she wants and she’ll sacrifice anything, including staying a virgin to do it. I know, right?! Plot twist.

Roc is the deadly leader of the Astra Planeta, a fierce army of ancient warriors feared in every realm. His task? To sacrifice a virgin bride to ensure his army receives a mystical blessing. If he fails, they’re cursed to utter defeat for 500 years. And Roc would do anything for his warriors.

First of all, the antagonism and hate lust between these two? *chefs kiss* SO GOOD. Roc is all broody, grumpy, and warlordy. And Taya is sassy, hilarious, and always game to press every button he has and a few he didn’t even know he has. And this reader? Gobbled it right up.

I should probably apologize for my tardiness, and I will, just as soon as I’m sorry. As your men are proving with their nineinch salutes, I’m totally worth the wait. Well, he’s giving me ten.” She winked at Silver. “Bravo, sir.”

As always the world building was enticing, vivid, and full of new characters I can’t wait to read more about. Including a cameo by my beloved Hades. Well not really a cameo, more of a mention. But I’ll take any morsel when it coms to this man. But I digress again.

I loved this book and this new slew of warrior characters. Move over lords, there’s new tortured and brooding warlords. And I’m not one to pick favorites here, but I’m saying I’m dying for the next book! If this one is anything to judge the series by, we’re in for one heck of a ride and I’m already braced for it.

If you’re looking for a steamy PNR with plenty of chemistry, banter, and all of the action with incredible characters that you won’t be able to get enough of, READ THIS.