Lady, Thy Name is Trouble is an epic story that builds an interesting world, and even more interesting characters. The story quickly drew me in with the sudden invasion of the castle where Tara and her sister were staying and it took a while before the reader (or characters) got a chance to catch their breath.

The first of multiple books, Thy Name is Trouble, does slow down at moments, taking the time to provide rich descriptions that helps us to understand the land which the characters are traveling through. The characters are well-developed, and the interactions between them read very real.

There were moments of laughter, and times of sadness. All of the characters grow and change through their journey, learning about themselves and each other as they travel on their journey. I felt I was given a chance to understand all of the characters to some extent, and was left still wanting to learn more. Enough seeds have been planted in this book that I desperately want to read the next to see what happens. I look forward to getting to the next story, watching as the characters continue in their journey and seeing their relationships evolve.

A great fun and easy read. Lori MacLaughlin has created a rich and detailed world, in which her wonderfully varied cast of characters get into all sorts of trouble. The worldbuilding was stellar, I really felt like I was in there with the characters.

The main character Tara is a refreshing take on the kick-butt woman fighting her way through a man's world. Instead, she is acknowledged as being one of the best fighters out there by men and women alike. The story focuses instead on Tara's inner conflicts, and the decisions she has to face.

All in all I'd really recommend this for anyone who likes sword and sorcery and kick-butt female characters.

This story has all the makings of a great movie. Engaging actions scenes that grab you from the very first page, interesting and multidimensional characters (including the main antagonist) that grow and change over the course of the story, tantalizing glimpses of the history of the world, high adventure, romance, mysterious locations, hidden alliances, all these and more are here. It even has a multistage climax that resolves the major plot points while still leaving you hungering for more.

Very hard to put down; I finished it in two days and am very much looking forward to the next!

As the name suggests 'Lady, Thy Name Is Trouble' is a fantasy adventure full of ups and downs. It doesn't take long for the action to start and continues at a high and exciting pace through to the very end. At times the book is quite dark and tense – with some sad moments too -, making the sprinklings of romance and humour all the more delightful.

I found myself developing a fondness for the characters as they desperately try to flee the butcher, a wolf like assassin who is pursuing them. In some ways the story feels like it's more about the characters and how they grow and change, with the rising Sulledorn army providing a means for this to happen. Even the butcher offers a lot of interest and mystery – at first he seems inhuman and invulnerable, only to develop towards the end to the point that you can almost sympathise with him. The main character also appears to be strong and undefeatable, only to have to face self doubt for what seems like the first time. These character arcs help to drive the story forward. Back stories are also trickled through to help explain some of the character's motives, but there is enough held back to leave you always wanting to find out more.

The two most interesting characters are the sisters Tara and Leraina – referred to as fire and ice with the looks and personalities to fit. While in the beginning they seem like your typical swords for hire, they develop in complexity as the story progresses. While their relationship feels unwavering at first - just like the characters themselves -, it later becomes apparent that each sister's own desire is in conflict with maintaining what they share. Their similarities and differences both leave an impact on how the plot and characters develop, and it was an aspect of the story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can imagine many more exciting tales could be told about the adventures of these sisters.

The way the story is written particularly appealed to me; it flows quite nicely and is easy to read. It doesn't overwhelm you with descriptions and explanations, which is a problem that can easily crop up in the fantasy genre. At the same time there is enough depth there to help bring it all to life. It feels like you're jumping into the world and based on the encounters the characters have you can sense there is a history to it that is yet to be revealed. I would have liked to have found out more, but it is left open for the next book; Even so, the ending felt very satisfying. Can't wait for book two.

'Lady, Thy Name Is Trouble' is an action packed adventure containing aspects of humour and romance with an interesting array of characters.

I am absolutely in love with the cover of this book. Beautiful! This epic saga with a strong female heroine and wildly fascinating hero/antagonist. I cannot wait to read book 2.

This story was different. You have certain expectations of saga fantasy, but the delivery and twist held me, fascinated me and drew me in. Warning, when you get to the end you will saying "damn" where is book 2. Hurry up Lori, we want to know what happens next and the secrets and twist implied in the wonderful first book.

You will read about kingdoms, epic battles, fascinating villains and hero's. I want more. Definitely, recommend this read for those who love epic fantasy, and even those who are not quite into it. Read it, stick with it and you will be glad you did.

I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment of what I hope will be a lengthy series! Lori has a phenomenal way of presenting a story that draws the reader in quickly. The lush descriptions of the characters' surroundings, the depth she brought to the characters, enmeshed in a truly captivating story arc makes "Lady, Thy Name is Trouble" a most enjoyable and entertaining read! I loved the mixture of bits of humor and romance tossed in to relieve the overall tension that was present throughout the characters' perilous journey. Can't wait to read the sequel!

Great story filled with heroic and fascinating characters. It's reminiscent of the fantasies grew up with but a little edgier and a little more feminist oriented with its strong female characters. All in all. It's a fantastic read.

Great characters, solid world-building – and a lot of fun!
If you are a fan of sword and sorcery adventure tales, then you are going to love this book. Lori MacLaughlin has created a wonderful set of characters that really drew me in to the story. I found myself caring deeply about what happened to them. The moments of dialogue were especially well done, with some fantastic humorous moments mixed in with the more serious events.

Female fantasy protagonists are often stereotypically drawn as tough kick-butt women fighting their way through a man’s world. MacLaughlin has instead created Tara, a swordswoman whose fighting prowess (along with her sister’s) is taken for granted by all the characters. I believe this is the first time I’ve read a book where the female fighter is better than the men and no one comments on it. Tara has wonderful depth, and the romance subplot that is woven into the story is both believable and satisfying.

I was particularly impressed with MacLaughlin’s skill at describing the setting of the story. She provided just the right amount of detail to make me feel like I was actually there, without going overboard. It’s clear that she has taken care with the physical details of her world and the various creatures that live in it.

MacLaughlin’s writing style is clear and the plot resolves well, while leaving room for further adventures in a sequel. I look forward to getting my hands on Book 2!

Note: This review is based on an advance review copy of the book, which was provided to me in return for an honest review.

In a wonderful new release, Lady, Thy Name is Trouble, by debut author Lori L. MacLaughlin, readers will find themselves immersed in the world of sisters Tara and Laraina Triannon, swords for hire. Both sisters are highly skilled at what they do, and they do their business well. But when they find that they are being stalked by the notorious Butcher, the one that no one has escaped from, just at the time when they are charged with protecting a prince and a sorceress who needs to work on her skills, to say the least, well, things just don't seem to be going in the sisters' direction. When a mysterious soldier of fortune helps them, and they are able to elude the Butcher's grasp, that's when the real adventure begins.

I loved this book. Loved it. Author Lori L. MacLaughlin has done a masterful job at creating an amazing female protagonist in a piece of fantasy, one that the reader will be rooting for all the way. I enjoy fantasy as a genre in general, but if the main character is a heroine instead of hero, I'm just that more intrigued. The author is also highly skilled at world creation, and writes with just the right balance of detail so that the reader will truly feel a part of the story and the world without feeling bogged down by too many confusing details. This in itself is quite a feat in a work of fantasy. Any reader who loves fantasy, action and adventure with a little bit of romance thrown in, or just a fun and exciting read in general will love Lady, Thy Name is Trouble. I'm happy to highly recommend this book, and am very much looking forward to seeing what the very promising new author, Lori L. MacLaughlin, has in store for us next!