If you’re looking for a multiple POV fantasy book that feels epic as it discusses colonialism, rebellion, and revenge, you have to pick up Blood of the Old Kings. It feels nostalgic and unique telling stories about revenge, searching for our friend, and our smallest actions making a world of difference. Keep reading this book review of Blood of the Old Kings for my full thoughts.
Summary
Powered by the corpses of sorcerers, the Empire has conquered the world. It claims to have brought peace and stability to its conquered lands, but some see that peace for what it is—a lie—and will give everything in the fight against it.
Loran is desperate for revenge after the Empire killed her family, so much so that the swordswoman climbs the volcano where the legends say an ancient dragon slumbers and leaps in. She finds that the legends are true, and Loran leaves the mountain with a sword made of dragon’s fang and a great purpose before her.
Cain arrived in the Imperial Capital lost and orphaned, and it’s only thanks to the kindness of a stranger-turned-mentor that he survived on the city’s streets. When his friend is found murdered, he will leave no stone unturned to find those responsible, even if it means starting a war.
Arienne’s future has never been in question—born a sorcerer, she’ll be a Power Generator for the Empire upon her death. But when she starts to hear the voice of a powerful necromancer in her head, she realizes the only thing more terrifying than dying for the Empire is never getting to truly live in the first place.
When peace is a lie, there is power in truth—and as Loran, Cain, and Arienne hunt for answers in their own lives, any one of their small rebellions could be the stone that brings the Empire toppling down.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Blood of the Old Kings builds slowly until you’re captivated. Featuring multiple POVs, and in the audiobook narrators, it’s a story about justice and revenge. Kim does a great job at balancing the individuals and the larger and broader world plot. These micro and macro levels of intrigue. We see the ways we’re just looking for answers about our friend, trying to survive the next day, and looking for revenge. At the same time, our individual desires end up falling into these larger broader world movements that are impacted by the smallest stone rolling.
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Blood of the Old Kings is full of sacrifices, quests, and the wary line between friend and enemy. There’s something to love and grow attached to in each perspective and that’s why I loved the multiple narrators in the audiobook. Eunice Wong, Major Curda & Suzy Jackson all bring something special to their respective perspectives. Not only does it help us figure out who is who, but it stops the book from feeling stagnant which multiple POVs book can if the pace isn’t perfect. Blood of the Old Kings examines what the empire means. Who works against it and how can we still manage to protect the ones we love?
Find Blood of the Old Kings on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon (US)(UK), Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.