Review: Ranger’s Heart (Sword’s Edge Chronicles, Book 5) by L. S. King

What happens when the scalawag heart breaker falls head over heels in love?

After the roller coaster of events in Sword’s Edge, Children of the Enaisi, Laws and Prophecies, and The Reluctant King, readers are treated to a little break in Ranger’s Heart. Ranger Chief and Third at Table Haladhon has been sent to Tathelon Province. He is to mitigate a dispute between two families because the lord in charge of the province “cannot be bothered” to deal with it.

The issue between these two feuding clans needs to be ended before more trouble brews, but because the only Ranger is local, they don’t want him to investigate and settle it. So Alcandhor selected Haladhon to do the job. Tam would normally have been sent to handle it, but she’s expecting, so that wasn’t going to happen!

Alcandhor also told Haladhon to be on his best behavior – no tumbles with any of the local women, something the local Ranger reinforces: men in Tathelon are very protective of their daughters. If Haladhon looks for entertainment with any of them, it might result in worse than this arbitration dispute. Darn. All this work and no fun – or so it seems....

The Story

Arriving in the town of Pirton, where the dispute he must arbitrate is taking place, Haladhon regrets his long-sleeved shirt and cloak due to the tropical heat here in Tathelon. Meeting his contact, Tadhrel, in the tavern Haladhon discovers the other Ranger is better dressed for the climate and grumbles some more. Tadhrel asks if he wants on-the-ground information about the argument he has come to arbitrate, but Haladhon turns his cousin down; he doesn’t want to be prejudiced by hearing gossip. He wants to get the information straight from the source.

This doesn’t mean they can’t talk, though. The only things that those in Tathelon Province have heard about the events of the prior books is rumor. Is there really a female Ranger? Alcandhor has truly made Claim and become king? The Enaisi have actually returned?

Haladhon’s side mission is to confirm these facts and dispel any unhelpful rumors, a task he sets to with gusto. Next day he learns of the disputing clans’ issue in court: it apparently started over livestock and moved on to land, but Haladhon suspects a woman may also be involved despite no mention being made of one. Both clans are so hot under the collar about the subject that brawls threaten to break out in town. If Haladhon doesn’t figure out how to settle the whole thing peacefully, they could have a clan war on their hands – and they haven’t had one of those since they left their homeworld of Teledhar.

The best way to prevent a war is to check the records, but for that, he will need to work with the woman who maintains the local archives. She is not what he is expecting; Haladhon believed he would find a spinster, or an an old woman past her prime with no humor at all. Maybe she would already be married with children. Instead he finds Marill, a lovely young woman he soon becomes attracted to, almost to the point of distraction. But he has sworn never to marry, and his reputation is such that just being seen with her starts rumors flying about his intentions toward her, despite her known cold attitude toward men.

When he tries to run away to spare her from his attentions, though, Haladhon realizes Marill is no ordinary girl. Furthermore, this is no mere infatuation he has for her that he can conquer with sheer willpower. But after having his heart broken so many times, can an irrepressible rake like Haladhon actually fall in love and believe it will last?

The Characters

Haladhon takes center stage in this novel, with no other POV characters interrupting his view of the world. It is finally revealed just why he is so incorrigible and has flouted so many Ranger rules of conduct, pushing at the boundaries whenever his temper gets the better of him. His laughter hides a lot of pain that was not apparent in the first four books and now the layers are peeled back, allowing readers to see how he became the man they thought they knew so well.

Marill is an interesting young woman. Overwhelmed in some respects as matters progress, her unflinching and unfailing loyalty make her particularly endearing. Her wit also allows her to match Haladhon where others cannot. She may not be physically strong but she is more than capable of handling the opponents trying to keep her apart from Haladhon – including him, which as Alcandhor and others can attest, is no minor feat!

The World

Tathelon is a new province for readers to explore, and the first third of the book is focused on just that, as Mrs. King takes obvious pleasure in sharing this unexplored part of the world with her readers. A view of social life outside and inside of Ranger clan is also presented, which makes the world feel even more immersive than usual. King outdoes herself in this novel by giving readers a greater appreciation for how the society as well as the world of Sword’s Edge works after someone has made some sad, questionable decisions in his life. Even the very best make mistakes that come back to haunt them, and Haladhon is no exception.

Politics

None.

Content Warning

This is Haladhon’s book. Although his prior tumbles and present marital relations are not expounded upon, being left to a tasteful fade-to-black, short implications, or a few words, it is not hard to figure out what is going on. The reveal that an older woman took advantage of our hero at a young age is also discussed, which is indeed unpleasant and explains some of his intense pain. The “tumbles” that gave Haladhon two daughters are discussed briefly but not sugarcoated, either, and Marill needs to be rather blunt to deal with some of the women who try to hurt her and Haladhon. He likewise needs to verbally slap down some Rangers who are uncouth even if they do not intend insult, and he is not always polite about it.

Who is it for?

Those following the Sword’s Edge Chronicles will enjoy this book, as it diverts from the excitement of the overarching plot of previous novels and takes time to admire the scenery. Romance fans are sure to like it, as Haladhon spares no expense of love and concern for his new bride, whose loyalty to him is truly inspiring. Anyone looking for a redemptive arc that does not shy away from the cost of paying for one’s sins will also like the book and wish to read it, as King does not let Haladhon off Scott-free for his past. He does not marry and suddenly get all better, either; his and Marill’s new life requires a lot of hard work. For those who find such tales appealing, Ranger’s Heart will more than fit the bill. Haladhon fans will want this book for certain – especially if they have desired to know more about the rascal who lightened the terrifying moments in previous novels, or stressed himself almost sick when he feared he would need to take on responsibilities he did not want!

Why buy it?

It is a beautiful romance in an amazing world that would make Andre Norton proud. Go buy it and read it. There will be no regrets!