Epic, multibook fantasy seems a lot less common these days, but Jenn Lyon's A Chorus of Dragons is an intriguing new entry into this niche subgenre. The Ruin of Kings is an impressive setup. Told through two narrators of questionable reliability an impressive amount of world building and character development is achieved. We have some dubious prophecy, gods walking around as men and a deep history of conflict and conquest across multiple species. There is plenty to keep a fantasy nut interested!

Even though we have two narrators, the story follows a single character (one of the narrators) and is told from their perspective or from the jailor's perspective in alternating chapters, with their story tending to be more current compared to the jailor's telling of the older parts of their history. With roots in both the criminal underworld and the ruling upper classes we have an insight into all parts of the society we are witness to.

This was a fun read - plenty of swashbuckling action, myth building and general epicness. Whilst it falls into a few tropes in places, these do not feel to tired and the general sense of story is carried impressively through the alternating story telling. The voice of the narrators is clear enough too.

An impressive start to what is slated to be a 5 book arc. I look forward to seeing where this one goes!
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced
adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I have no idea what is going on but having fun with the chaos
adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense slow-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: Complicated

ssssooo complicated but also the most moreish book i have read in ages. love the diversity and the richly detailed characters. love the capital f Fantasy of it and the horrific elements
singers the Old Man keeps especially
. so good!! so rewarding!! if the 2nd book is shit i will scream
adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous challenging dark funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark 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: Yes
booknerdxo88's profile picture

booknerdxo88's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 29%

DNFed at page 203 (chapter 31) 
I was so confused by all the different characters and jumping storylines. Also the footnotes.
adventurous dark medium-paced
adventurous challenging dark funny slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated