Shepherds

King's X #3

by Stephen T. Harper

Note to Goodreads Members - King's X has been published by Novel Endeavor Books in its complete form, as one 400+ page novel, in both ebook and paperback. With the exception of Episode 1, the serialized 99 cent editions will remain on sale to leave no one who has begun the books out in the cold.

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2010

About the author

I live with my beautiful wife by the merely-pretty-in-comparison water in Southern California.

I’m going to try to be more on top of what goes on here from now on, but I have, sadly, paid too little attention to my Goodreads account. It is a mess at the moment and is proving very difficult to clean up. But I’m trying. :)

In my first foray into publishing, I published a novel in serialized format. Once it was complete, I put the books together into one book. On my Goodreads author page, that appears as quite mess. So here’s the thing... there is really only one book called King’ s X: A Supernatural Epic. It is the first of a larger cycle, with a new novel called “Corsair: the King’s X Protocol” coming very soon. Unfortunately, I can not hide the now unavailable serialized editions on Goodreads. So I’m sorry about the confusion and the mess. I’ll do better from now on... :)

Reviews

[TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This episode picks up the two threads from the last book - in LA Book is still in the company of Jacob, his wife Trudie and Molly, hiding out. Back in the 13th Century Broussard continues the journey started in Episode 2 and with Khali, Shahin and his fellow Templars is racing away from a mysterious Mongol and his unlikely allies to try and protect a secret.

Molly has started to discover a much greater clarity about the position she finds herself in and is able to enlighten Book and the reader as to the nature of the King's X to a greater degree than before. Book remains uncertain about whether she and the others are enjoying some sort of group delusion or whether there is a massive secret hidden from the world at large. A revelation about his father comes as a shock but seems to fit with what he remembers from his childhood and makes their story more credible.

It seems that all the main characters are destined to live their lives on the run and this book is again a mix of action and reflection. We learn a lot more about the shadowy Shepherd previously encountered by Molly and Book and although I am still not entirely clear about exactly what the King's X does I certainly feel like I am closer to understanding. This book also reveals certain links between the two time periods which brought a new dimension to the story for me.

This book is pretty plot driven with the characters now pretty well established, although it was interesting to see Molly veering between scared teen and newly enlightened woman who feels responsible for what she has brought upon Book. There really isn't much let up in this series, with new revelations and more information to further illuminate the bigger picture round every corner. I don't think it'll be long before I find an excuse to read Episode 4.

[Tishia (Paperback Opinion) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Episode 3 picks up from the end of episode 2. I like how these episodes smoothly pick up where the last left off, like it's a new chapter instead of a new book. The action, adventure, and mystery continue with this installment. This episode definitely keeps you on your toes - when you think you've figured it out, there comes a twist that keeps you guessing. A lot of things come to light in this episode that force you to look at different angles in the storyline, and keeps you wondering who's who. I have to admit, that a lot of the books I read don't require that much intellectual thinking. I normally choose books that are a fun, light read that you can just relax and get lost in. These books really make you think, which is a nice change of pace sometimes. When this episode ends, I am left feeling pretty confused - but that just makes me look forward to the next (and last) episode in this series that much more. I'm really excited to know how this story concludes.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters, and their world and hope I get the chance to read the story again and/or to read more within the series.

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.