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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
This feels unnecesarily convoluted. there’s so many different things going on but I don’t get the purpose. it just feels like things happening in order and then leaving for something else instead of staying with what I thought was interesting??
Plus I don’t care about the MC. he’s annoying. Sorry. Some of the dialogue feels awkward, also every time the MC makes a joke it’s like, cringily anachronistically modern? idk
Plus I don’t care about the MC. he’s annoying. Sorry. Some of the dialogue feels awkward, also every time the MC makes a joke it’s like, cringily anachronistically modern? idk
I enjoyed the footnotes a lot. I like when they’re kinda funny and argue with the narrator. they kinda dropped off a lot after the start tho?
It's also just very allonormative and don't love how it / the MC treats women tbh.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
Apparently it took me four months to finish this book. The narration was pretty good, the story was interesting enough, and I liked the magical characters. However, it was SO confusing. Even the narrator stops and says, “It’s complicated.” How needlessly confusing it was is the reason it gets 3 ⭐️s. I probably won’t finish this series.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
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
OK, I can see that The Ruin of Kings is one of those novels that you either really enjoy or one that you just cannot get into. Fortunately, I am one of the former as I really enjoyed it. It has meddling gods, devious dragons and political intrigue all set in a world that has history and lore to appease the biggest fans of complex world building.
So why would some people struggle with the book? Quite simply, the narrative structure is quite unique. Essentially the plot is told by two narrators at two separate points in the plot. It sounds complicated but by the time I read a number of chapters, I could get to grips with the narrative structure. Still, if you are someone who prefers their novels told in a straightforward manner, then you may not like The Ruin of Kings. However, if you enjoy The Stormlight Archive or The Wheel of Time novels, then you will probably enjoy the challenge The Ruin of Kings offers.
With that caveat covered, let’s take a quick look at the plot and characters. The Ruin of Kings follows Kihrin, an orphaned bard/thief who finds himself entangled in the political intrigue of his country, along with hints that he may play a key part in events that go beyond the boundaries of the empire he resides in. Without going into further detail, the plot is amazing. It has a nice mix of action, exposition and politics. It has softer moments for character development as well as fast paced conflict.
The Ruin of Kings was one of those books where I had that ‘I’ll read just one more chapter’ moments. The narrative structure played into this feeling as it helped to keep the pace fairly fast. When one narrator was slowing their narration to cover a more conversation heavy chapter; the next chapter with the other narrator, will be much faster paced.
The novel has a large cast of characters, something that will appeal to fans of A Song of ICe and Fire. Some characters are lovable, some are incredibly detestable. I especially loved the characters that earnt their redemption over the course of the novel. Oh yes and there are deities that take an active interest in their followers. Like with the narrative structure, some people may find the large cast of characters intimidating to get their head around, but for myself, the characters were diverse and brought life to this fantasy world.
Finally, the setting is incredibly detailed. Jenn Lyons has clearly spent a lot of time fleshing out the history, mythology and magic system of this world and it really shines through her writing. As a fan of deep worldbuilding, I love it. At some points, it can feel a bit overwhelming but all the details have a purpose and play a part in the story being told. I personally can’t wait to see how this world expands as the series progresses.
Overall, The Ruin of Kings is a brilliant fantasy novel and a promising start to an epic series. It is complex and detailed, offering a rewarding experience for anyone who enjoys large epic plots. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Ruin of Kings and I will definitely be reading the rest of the novels in the series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
N/A
I need to write a review because this thing is still a masterpiece.
Let’s just say I’m glad I listened to it in audiobook. Otherwise, I would’ve been very confused.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i can see why this book wouldn't work for everyone but it did for me. i absolutely devoured 500 pages in three days, in the time where i'm still slagging through an arduously obnoxious 291 pages of another book as of writing this review. i love storytelling that comes to you in puzzle pieces (though the author graciously gives you exactly what you need, if a plot point hinges on previously given vague information) and odd narrative structures. i love stories where the world feels truly lived in, where you are given so much worldbuilding and lore, especially stories that just have so much going on in them, whether its in the scope of the main plot or not. Because of this, i did enjoy the footnotes (not to mention here, the footnotes had a plot purpose and explanation that i found satisfying) despite generally being a footnotes hater in fiction. i'm very impressed with this being the authors debut novel, and i will definitely be continuing with the series.
also, mild critique / wants for further installmentsthis book was very obviously interested in sex and sexual abuse in a way i found thoughtful, but somewhat wanting. i found the execution to be well done, but i would enjoy a deeper exploration of the topic, especially from one of the sex workers / slaves, since i think their perspective was sorely lacking in this book. however, i do hear that is something that is followed up on in later installments, so i'll withhold judgement on this front. i would also like more handling of khirin's trauma as well. i understand why it couldn't be lingered on for too long for practicalities, but as we enter territories regarding relationships for him in the coming books, i think it would be a good way to tackle it more. despite everything, it still seemed to haunt him over the novel, but wasn't addressed much.
also shout out to jenn lyons for creating a male protag i actually enjoy. not very many cases!
also, mild critique / wants for further installments
also shout out to jenn lyons for creating a male protag i actually enjoy. not very many cases!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping
Moderate: Homophobia, Incest