Warrior Rising

The Womara Series, Book Two

The second volume of the Womara series continues the immersive epic fantasy series as a warrior woman finds that the love of a king is not enough when one man’s dark ambition rises to destroy all she holds sacred.

Seanna, the warrior scout for the all-female clan, the Womara, voyages home by sea in triumph. She has renited with James, now a king, whose life she saved, foiling a treacherous ambush that cost his father’s life. Their bond has deepened, and love thrived as the threads of fate intertwine their lives. In gratitude for his life and love for Seanna, James grants a powerful treaty that will guarantee her clan a place at the table of a new alliance of clans. But, betrayal looms when the king’s envoy, Lord Orman, journeys home with her, bearing a priceless trade agreement for ratification. Secretly, Lord Orman schemes to sabotage the negotiation while pursuing allies among the male clan leaders, who will stand opposed to the women’s inclusion in the the new order and contrives a path for an invasion that will place James’s cousin Thomas on his throne. Seanna uncovers the depth of Lord Orman’s deceit too late as loyalties divide, new enemies emerge, and conspiracies plotted will sacrifice the lives of men, separate the new lovers, and strive to seal the fate of the Womara.

Praise

“Warrior Rising is the second book in the Womara series, complementing the prior Unconquered Warrior with the continuing story that will especially be appreciated by prior fans who enjoyed Nicely’s sweeping epic of this women’s world. Warrior Rising expands the Womara tale with a carefully constructed story of strategic unions, powerful alliances, and the deepening relationships of the Womara women. It is highly recommended for epic fantasy readers who seek stories of powerful women and their continued fight for independence.” – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

The women of the Womara clan live differently, love differently, and fight differently than men. Unlike so many fantasy novels that pay lip service to equality, Nicely doesn’t force her characters into an aggressive, bulked-up, masculine mold to compete. She allows her women to be women, celebrating what makes them different, and exploring how their differences can be embraced to place them in balance with men. The Womara meet brute strength with finesse and intelligence, outwitting their opponents with a display of their own unique physical prowess in gaining the high ground.

Warrior Rising was another fantastic read, full of strong characters, complex plots and schemes, and moments of genuine heroism. Women’s struggle for equality is integral to the story, but it’s more about balance in standing alongside men than in having to become like men. This volume advances so many plot threads, while throwing a few surprises at the reader in the final chapters that promise to escalate matters in The Ascendancy of Warriors, making that final volume a must-read. –Bob R. Milne, Beauty in Ruins