A review by afictionalescapist
A King's Radiance by L.R. Schulz

adventurous challenging dark reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

 

4.5 rounded up to 5 

**Thank you, Luke, for gifting me with an ARC of A King’s Radiance in return for an honest review** 

I did not consume this book, this book consumed me. To say this was a debut, self-published author is absolutely astounding. I am calling this now, underdog of the year! 

The reader is dropped into the world and it is all systems go. It’s gritty, it’s dark, and it’s dire. The stakes are high, the motivations are set, the magic is explained, all within the first 50 pages. 

We are following three siblings who are currently all on different paths, with different ideas of what it is they want. To be free, to find the other, or worrying about someday wearing the crown. Each character is driven by their own clear motivations, yet all connect to the one main plot line effortlessly. 

In amongst their various quests, we have one of the most terrifying magic systems I’ve come across. It’s so simple, yet so effective and the author shows us just what harnessing so much power can do to a person, a group, and a whole nation. There was one scene in particular that had me going oh **** and it was written so well, my heart was in my throat the entire time. 

Our side characters matter to the story, they each have a part to play and .. have we mentioned there is a dog like giant lizard/dragon who is probably my favourite animal companion to date? Can I have a Pricket please? 

The biggest stand out for me in A King’s Radiance is the author’s ability to show not tell. Sometimes a new fantasy will have a few info dumps just to get the information in the readers heads. Not this book. Everything was shown, in subtle, enjoyable ways that didn’t feel like it was just there to further the story. It had purpose and immersed me in this world. I didn’t feel like I had to whip out a notepad and jot down main points at all because I was there, with these characters witnessing how the world worked. 

The foreshadowing is superb and memorable, there are very clear OHHHH moments as you consume the story. 

The humour. It is so subtle and well placed. This is not a funny book, do not go in thinking that it is. But there are tiny little snippets of humour to dispel tension throughout, artfully giving the reader a breather before jumping back into gritty scene. 

Finally, the bigger conversations taking place in between the lines. Why does one person get to dictate what happens to a nation? On the other hand, is it ok to sacrifice one person for the sake of many? What makes that right? Who must make that choice and how do they come to those conclusions? Conversations about racism, disability and religion all take place (again subtly, but deeply) within these 500. Because of this, the book will make you think long after you have closed the last devastating page. 

Schultz is on my must watch list, and by golly. He should be on yours too!