The Five Realms have been destroyed. The remnants of the population who escaped now find themselves confined only to several hundred ships adrift at sea. Guided by hope, rumor, and a promise, they sail north into the unkown, desperate to find land that might become their new home.
As the king’s illness worsens, Sâr Wilek takes authority over the expedition and struggles to rule the disjointed people, while assassination attempts, vicious serpents, dangerous storms, and dark magic endanger his life and the survival of his people.
One prophecy has come to pass, but another looms dauntingly in the future. Who is this promised Deliverer? And if the Magonians have him, what might that mean for the realm of Armania?
First things first… I love the covers Jill/Bethany House picked for this series. Like seriously, step back and look at them for a second. See how amazing they look? I can’t wait to see what the third book looks like.
Second… it was like the first book. I started off excited to read it because of what I remembered of the first book, grew slightly annoyed with it in the middle, and then was thoroughly intrigued and by the end. Sâr Trevn was great, as always. Always off into mischief and excitement. It was slightly sad that… oops. No spoilers. Poor Sâr Wilek. So many difficulties he faced. And Kal. Dear, dear Kal.
This story is complicated. I will not deny that. There are so many different points of view, so many different perspectives, and so many nations all competing to control the new world. The shadirs (demons) are fighting hard against Arman (the one, true God). The book is also long. 598 pages long, to be exact. It will take some time to get through it, however, if you like fantasy/Old Testament parallels, this will definitely be worth the reading.
I thought it was awesomeness when I was reading through King’s Blood and recognized the plots of several Old Testament stories in it, with Old Testament prophets and battles and stuff. It actually made me smile. Really big. Although I was actually surprised at the ending of the book (which was one of the Old Testament story parallels). It really… yeah, I kinda thought it might-maybe-but-probably-not… but it did. Kudos there, Jill. Way to keep me off balance. (Anybody else like books like that or do you like knowing what happens? Let me know in the comments!)
Parents, you should definitely check out this book before letting your kids read it. It does have some mature subjects–violence, darkness that comes from those who follow the shadirs (demons), dark magic (also part of the shadirs. Arman strictly forbids such magic), and then there’s Charlon… I’m not sure what to think about her… besides that… um… well… I hope she finds Arman… and… healing… and… stuff… And I hope Harton is… um… punished for what he did to her.
If you see this in your library or get the chance, definitely pick it up! It’s a good read that will last you a good long while. I hope that you enjoy it as much (if not more) than I did!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my opinion. All views expressed here are my own.*
Country Girl Reviews 