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roguesaw's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Torture, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Gore, War, Body horror, Rape, and Blood
Minor: Incest
quartz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Slavery, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent
anapthine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I really didn't enjoy this book, especially due to its tone. It was so boring and had so much sexism. Women were essentially 'slaves' and were property of men. Most of the time I had no idea what was going on and none of the characters were that likeable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Deadnaming, Confinement, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, Incest, Murder, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, War, Torture, Blood, Cursing, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Classism, Death, Rape, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Bullying, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Misogyny
Moderate: Homophobia, Kidnapping, and Biphobia
Minor: Pedophilia and Pregnancy
lilifane's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't know what to say, this was the perfect read for me.
It's a story about a boy, Khirin, who grows up as a musician's son and thief. Until his insatiable curiosity and an enormous amount of luck (..not so sure if good or bad luck though..) turns his life upside down.
This book has all the things I love. Adventure, mystery, prophesies, incredible world building, political intrigue, conspiracies, secret identities, diversity, queer representation, magic, drama, a lot of humor and an endless amount of plot twists.
There are also things that might not be for everyone, but that I live for. Like the narrative structure. The story is told through 2 unreliable narrators (with hilarious narrative voices), they take turns telling each other parts of the story. It's ... complicated, you as the reader are thrown into a complex new world and have to figure out how it works on your own. (Although there is a glossary, I don't recommend reading it, there is not much help there but some spoilers if you check too early) Characters have epiphanies and strong reactions, and you just think "What the hell just happened? What is going on?" Eventually, you figure it out.... although it's difficult without drawing a chart of all the characters and their relationships to each other. It will be a messy one.
It's a dark story with lots of violence and death and torture and gore. But it's also one of the funniest books I've read in a while. It's a weird combination, but the humor took away lots of the darkness. Otherwise, it could have been a very depressing read. Instead, I had a great, enjoyable reading experience. The dialogues are to die for, very witty, I laughed out loud so many times. But I also got attached to several characters and got more emotional than I thought was possible.
Then there is the chosen one trope. I've become a little tired of it in the last few years. But the way this trope is handled here is very refreshing. And Khirin is such a fun chosen one to spend time with.
There are also short chapters. It was such a quick read and I literally couldn't put this book down. I love how, although it's so convoluted, everything fits together perfectly at the end. Every time I think about a tiny detail, it just makes sense. Every character's decision and reaction is logical or at least understandable from the character's point of view.
Oh, and there are footnotes. And they are everything! I was even sad there weren't more.
There was one thing that bothered me personally. Because I'm a huge fan of prophesies, I was a little disappointed that we don't actually get the full picture here. We just get bits and pieces of the prophecies and hints. But I really hope it's because there is more to come in the next few books.
Speaking of the next few books. I can't believe this is a debut novel. I can't believe this was published in 2019, and I haven't even heard of it until recently. I can't believe there are already 4 books out in the series, and the fifth and last one comes out next week?!
It's a story about a boy, Khirin, who grows up as a musician's son and thief. Until his insatiable curiosity and an enormous amount of luck (..not so sure if good or bad luck though..) turns his life upside down.
This book has all the things I love. Adventure, mystery, prophesies, incredible world building, political intrigue, conspiracies, secret identities, diversity, queer representation, magic, drama, a lot of humor and an endless amount of plot twists.
There are also things that might not be for everyone, but that I live for. Like the narrative structure. The story is told through 2 unreliable narrators (with hilarious narrative voices), they take turns telling each other parts of the story. It's ... complicated, you as the reader are thrown into a complex new world and have to figure out how it works on your own. (Although there is a glossary, I don't recommend reading it, there is not much help there but some spoilers if you check too early) Characters have epiphanies and strong reactions, and you just think "What the hell just happened? What is going on?" Eventually, you figure it out.... although it's difficult without drawing a chart of all the characters and their relationships to each other. It will be a messy one.
It's a dark story with lots of violence and death and torture and gore. But it's also one of the funniest books I've read in a while. It's a weird combination, but the humor took away lots of the darkness. Otherwise, it could have been a very depressing read. Instead, I had a great, enjoyable reading experience. The dialogues are to die for, very witty, I laughed out loud so many times. But I also got attached to several characters and got more emotional than I thought was possible.
Then there is the chosen one trope. I've become a little tired of it in the last few years. But the way this trope is handled here is very refreshing. And Khirin is such a fun chosen one to spend time with.
There are also short chapters. It was such a quick read and I literally couldn't put this book down. I love how, although it's so convoluted, everything fits together perfectly at the end. Every time I think about a tiny detail, it just makes sense. Every character's decision and reaction is logical or at least understandable from the character's point of view.
Oh, and there are footnotes. And they are everything! I was even sad there weren't more.
There was one thing that bothered me personally. Because I'm a huge fan of prophesies, I was a little disappointed that we don't actually get the full picture here. We just get bits and pieces of the prophecies and hints. But I really hope it's because there is more to come in the next few books.
Speaking of the next few books. I can't believe this is a debut novel. I can't believe this was published in 2019, and I haven't even heard of it until recently. I can't believe there are already 4 books out in the series, and the fifth and last one comes out next week?!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Torture, Violence, War, Blood, Child death, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Racism, and Slavery
Minor: Rape, Incest, and Infidelity
freya_amber's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Violence, Death, Confinement, Gore, Sexual violence, War, Sexism, Murder, and Misogyny
foxeswander's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Torture, Rape, Murder, Violence, Slavery, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Gore, Death, and Child abuse
Moderate: Incest, Infidelity, and Adult/minor relationship
wxrldwalker's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Look, I had no idea I would fall madly in love with Jenn Lyons' writing or this complicated yet amazing world she has created. I had no clue that a story about a boy who thought he was prophesised to be a hero (but is instead a villain) could be done so well and wouldn't take me months to finish!
Plot/ pacing:
The plot is quite confusing to explain, seeing as this is the first in a 5 book series! There's dragons, wealthy ruling houses, a FANTASTIC magic system, rich lore and history and a huge cast of characters. Basically, this is the story of Kihrin, a boy destined to destroy the world. He is initially an orphan who finds out who he really is after his curiosity gets the better of him. I think the way the story progresses was done so well. We have two stories taking place side by side; Kihrin's journey from a child to him coming to terms with his heritage- involving lots of political and family drama. And then there's Kihrin's story as he runs away from this situation and learns more about himself away from the people who claim to be his family…
I loved the action and drama! It was fast paced when it needed to be, and slowed down when it was necessary. I loved the ending, and I can't wait to pick up book 2 and see what happens next hehe.
Characters/ relationships:
We are following two POVs. One is Talon who is a shapeshifting jailer and is narrating the first half of Kihrin's story. And the second POV is Kihrin himself, who narrates his story from where Talon left off. I know, confusing right! So basically, at the beginning Kihrin is trapped by Talon and they are telling us about how they reached that point in time!
I really loved Kihrin- he's sassy and is strong but you really see how he develops from a child to who he is now. Also, damn I shipped him so hard with Teraeth. Like, I literally loved their banter. It was almost like a subtle, slow burn relationship where they really hate each other but then once they team up, they are able to 'tolerate' one another and I just loved them so much! Teraeth is quite broody and grumpy and those are the characters I love best! I also enjoyed Tyentso and her motherly treatment of Kihrin! The found family was so unexpected but I'm not complaining! Another relationship that I really enjoyed was Kihrin and his 'brother' Galen. They meet when they're teens and are told that they aren't friends because they must compete to be the next heir. But I loved their sibling wholesomeness! They're just enjoying running around the palace, finding hidden doors and theorising about their family history.
A new character was also introduced near the end and damn the chemistry between her and Kihrin!!! I need more of them insulting each other because damn I enjoyed that chapter SO MUCH.
Writing:
Oh my, where do I start? I was scared the writing was going to be dense and hard to read, but NOPE. It was straightforward, yet beautiful. It was complicated and yet me with my two and a half braincells enjoyed the heck out of it! I love love loved it! It was so well written! The glossary and family tree were so helpful :)
This book is quite chunky; the paperback is a whopping 685 pages and I think is the longest book I've read this year so far. Still, I believe it is one of my favourite epic fantasies of ALL TIME! HIGHLY RECOMMEND :D
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Violence
Minor: Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Incest, Homophobia, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, and Toxic relationship
e_flah's review against another edition
DNF at 28% in 2019; DNF at 38% in 2024
I have been hearing a ton of hype from Tor about The Ruin of Kings. Maybe that led me to go in with expectations that were a bit too high. Maybe this just isn’t my kind of fantasy. Either way, I found myself trying to mentally calculate how long it would take me to push through to the end, which was a sure sign that it was time to let this one go.
The Ruin of Kings switches narrative POVs nearly every chapter as we follow a first-person narration of Khirin’s journey as a slave sold to a mysterious order called the Black Brotherhood and a third-person narration as Khirin’s jailer, Talon, tells the story of how he ended up in a prison cell. Both narrations feature lots of narrative footnotes that provide commentary from the royal advisor who compiled the tale. The idea of telling Khirin’s story from two very different perspectives and places in the narrative was initially intriguing but grew tiresome. In reality, just as I would get invested in the events of one narrative, the next chapter would switch to the other POV. I also really struggled with how pointlessly dense and complicated both the writing and the story were. The plot, at least up to the point I quit, had the makings to be gripping but it was bogged down with lots of world-building asides and other writing tricks that seemed to only serve the purpose of trying to impress me.
The part of The Ruin of Kings that I struggled the most with was, even though I found it frustrating and slow, a little part of me wants to keep reading in the hopes it will get more exciting. This is a book with so much potential, especially if you have more of a stomach for dense fantasy than I do.
**2024 thoughts**
The switching POVs didn't bother me this time around but what did get me was the overwhelming number of male characters who we were supposed to view as "extraordinary." I wanted to like Khirin but just didn't find him a compelling main character.
I have been hearing a ton of hype from Tor about The Ruin of Kings. Maybe that led me to go in with expectations that were a bit too high. Maybe this just isn’t my kind of fantasy. Either way, I found myself trying to mentally calculate how long it would take me to push through to the end, which was a sure sign that it was time to let this one go.
The Ruin of Kings switches narrative POVs nearly every chapter as we follow a first-person narration of Khirin’s journey as a slave sold to a mysterious order called the Black Brotherhood and a third-person narration as Khirin’s jailer, Talon, tells the story of how he ended up in a prison cell. Both narrations feature lots of narrative footnotes that provide commentary from the royal advisor who compiled the tale. The idea of telling Khirin’s story from two very different perspectives and places in the narrative was initially intriguing but grew tiresome. In reality, just as I would get invested in the events of one narrative, the next chapter would switch to the other POV. I also really struggled with how pointlessly dense and complicated both the writing and the story were. The plot, at least up to the point I quit, had the makings to be gripping but it was bogged down with lots of world-building asides and other writing tricks that seemed to only serve the purpose of trying to impress me.
The part of The Ruin of Kings that I struggled the most with was, even though I found it frustrating and slow, a little part of me wants to keep reading in the hopes it will get more exciting. This is a book with so much potential, especially if you have more of a stomach for dense fantasy than I do.
**2024 thoughts**
The switching POVs didn't bother me this time around but what did get me was the overwhelming number of male characters who we were supposed to view as "extraordinary." I wanted to like Khirin but just didn't find him a compelling main character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Slavery and Trafficking
caseythereader's review against another edition
I realized I no longer had any idea who was who and how they were related to each other and that I no longer cared.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Medical content, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Homophobia, and Incest
madamepincers's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Slavery
Moderate: Torture