FANTASY REVIEW: The King's Bastard and The Uncrowned King - Rowena Cory Daniels

BOOK BLURB:

Only seven minutes younger than Rolencia's heir, Byren has never hungered for the throne. He laughs when a seer predicts that he will kill his twin. But the royal heir resents Byren's growing popularity. Across the land the untamed magic of the gods wells up out of the earth's heart. It sends exotic creatures to stalk the wintry nights and it twists men's minds, granting them terrible visions. Those so touched are sent to the Abbey to control their gift, or die. At King Rolen's court enemies plot to take his throne, even as secrets within his own household threaten to tear his family apart. Political intrigue and magic combine in this explosive first book in an exciting new fantasy trilogy.


REVIEW:

Epic fantasy is fast clawing its way back up the charts and with this offering from Rowena, its pretty easy to see why. You’ve got great characters, an absolute solidly built world and of course political intrigue that puts our own politicians to shame. Add to the mix characters who are ruled by their own moralistic iron chains of conduct backed up with double dealing, descent combat sequences and plenty of things to make you wet yourself and you know that its shaping up to be one hell of a series. Thank god I’ve already got book 2 ready to roll.



BOOK BLURB:

Rolencia’s ancestral enemy, Merofynia, has invaded and marches on King Rolen’s castle. Powerless to help, thirteen yeard old Piro watches as her father, King Rolen, listens to poisoned whispers concerning his son Bryen.
How could the King doubt his second son? Determined to prove his loyalty, Bryen races across the path of the advancing army to ask the Abbot to send the warrior monks in defense of the castle.


REVIEW:

The second novel in the Chronicles of King Rollin’s Kin and one that really doesn’t let up the pace from the original. Characters flesh out even more with personal and emotional growth backed up with consequences from previous actions. Add to the mix that this offering is beautifully written, alongside cracking dialogue and an author who knows how to guide the reader through a stormy sea of pace (riding the peaks and troughs with a masters touch) and you know that you’ve gotten a book that should become a firm favourite with the fans. I predict great things for this author and probably an award or two. Get on board now before the hype hits. Great stuff.