The Ruin of Kings
Prophecy and Magic Combine in This Powerful Epic
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3.9 • 80 Ratings
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- £6.99
Publisher Description
In this thunderously good read, prophecy and magic combine in an incredible epic fantasy of imperial politics, gods and demons. The Ruin of Kings is the first book in Jenn Lyons's extraordinary series, A Chorus of Dragons.
When destiny calls, there's no fighting back . . .
As a bard’s apprentice, Kihrin grew up with tales of legendary deeds. He also steals, desperate to buy a way out of Quur’s slums. But when he raids the wrong house, he’s marked by a demon and life will never be the same again.
Kihrin’s plight brings him to the attention of royalty, who claim him as the lost son of their immoral prince. But far from living the dream, Kihrin’s at the mercy of his new family’s ruthless ambitions. However, escaping his jewelled cage just makes matters worse. Kihrin is horrified to learn he’s at the centre of an ancient prophecy. And every side – from gods and demons to dragons and mages – want him as their pawn. Those old stories lied about many things too, especially the myth that the hero always wins.
Then again, maybe Kihrin isn’t the hero, for he’s not destined to save the empire. He’s destined to destroy it.
Continue the epic fantasy adventure with The Name of All Things and The Memory of Souls.
‘What an extraordinary book . . . enthralling and deeply, deeply satisfying. I loved it' - Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians
‘A fantastic page-turner with a heady blend of great characters' - John Gwynne, author of A Time of Dread
'A virtually un-put-down-able read' - Kirkus Reviews
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
The Ruin of Kings—the lead title in Jenn Lyon’s epic fantasy series A Chorus of Dragons—puts forward a marvellous, tightly-plotted fantasy set in a mythical age of empire. Centred on the trials of Kirin, an adopted son of a blind musician, whose life of harp playing and intermittent thievery comes under threat as he spies a prince summoning a demon—and gets caught. Told from different perspectives on separate timelines, Lyons rotates her timelines for this richly layered saga, across her detailed imaginary world; an empire populated by slaves, dragons, assassins guilds, demons and wizards. Ruin of Kings is a skilfully written fantasy that takes the reader on an unpredictable ride across a world unlike any other.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Kihrin, a street thief turned prince, unearths his complicated family history and faces devious magic-wielding foes in this intricate epic fantasy series launch by Lyons (the War in Heaven series). Set in a world of gods and magic, the frame story alternates between the perspectives of Kihrin and his jailer, a mimic named Talon, as they tell different parts of Kihrin's tragic adventures. Kihrin's enemies covet his protective Stone of Shackles, and in his journey to great power he crosses dragons, demons, and gods who seek to either aid or imprison him. Double crosses and hidden motivations pepper several plots for godly power. Though the hero's journey structure and classical fantasy elements are familiar, the complex mysteries and revelations feel novel and offer plenty of room for rereading and analysis. There's more mystery than action in this tightly plotted tome, and its lore and memorable characters will leave epic fantasy fans eager for the second volume.
Customer Reviews
7/10
Good book and good storyline, however too many characters to remember with unusual to names that are hard to remember.
Need to read book two or three times to truly appreciate . But where the fun in that? Overall 7/10