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The Kinshield Saga #2
The Wayfarer King
Beyonders, evil beings that materialize without warning from the realm of chaos, continue to invade the world of men, destroying everything -- and everyone -- in their path. The most powerful of them all, Ritol, has been confined for two hundred years inside the palace in Thendylath, trapped by King Arek's magic.
Having newly claimed the right to rule Thendylath as king, Gavin Kinshield has no money or army, but he's determined to protect his people from the beyonder attacks. With his new power of Wayfarer, Gavin has the ability to journey to all seven realms. To end the invasion, he must travel to the realm of chaos and summon Ritol. But can he escape before the beyonder champion kills him, devours his soul and takes his place as Wayfarer?
If wizard Brodas Ravenkind has his way, Gavin will never make it that far. Not only does Ravenkind want the throne for himself, he wants revenge for his cousin's murder too. After all, he made a promise the first time Gavin crossed him.
Having newly claimed the right to rule Thendylath as king, Gavin Kinshield has no money or army, but he's determined to protect his people from the beyonder attacks. With his new power of Wayfarer, Gavin has the ability to journey to all seven realms. To end the invasion, he must travel to the realm of chaos and summon Ritol. But can he escape before the beyonder champion kills him, devours his soul and takes his place as Wayfarer?
If wizard Brodas Ravenkind has his way, Gavin will never make it that far. Not only does Ravenkind want the throne for himself, he wants revenge for his cousin's murder too. After all, he made a promise the first time Gavin crossed him.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2011
48 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
K.C. May
27 books162 followersK.C. May grew up in the mid-western USA and in Hawaii, and earned a B.A. in Russian from Florida State University. After a year in Taiwan teaching English and studying Mandarin Chinese, she lived in the Arizona desert where she founded a Rottweiler rescue organization and worked as a computer programmer and technical writer. Her interests include karate, backpacking, motorcycle riding, dog training, and computer gaming. Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.kcmay.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 4, 2011
When starting this book, I got off to a bit of a slow start. It had been long enough that I'd forgotten some of the storyline in the first book, and there weren't a lot of reminders placed in the narrative to catch me up to speed. For this reason, I'd recommend reading through the first book again before tackling this one. But catch up I did, and it wasn't long before I was enthralled in Gavin's new adventure. Gavin is a bit of a rough character. He has a kind heart, but very little class, and this somehow makes him all the more lovable. His champion, Daia, remains strong and capable, even when Gavin himself can't quite keep up. Several new characters join the cast, but I loved that it was filled with the characters we got to know -and love- in the first book. It was like slipping back into a cozy world. The characterization is such that you get a good feel for motivations and relationships, but the story is really more about the adventure Gavin experiences in his quest to come to terms with his own life enough to take on his new role as King. As such, Gavin shows some growth as he begins to become more comfortable in his new role, and starts to allow himself some happiness. I was sad (and shocked) to see some characters go, but those events served to propel the storyline forward.
Although the characterization and the plot are both sound, the story truly shines in the world that is created. I loved the concept of the other realms, and I wish Gavin had dome some more travel through them. I found his encounter with the Elyle fascinating. The idea of complements to balance out personality was thought-provoking and gave me a moment of self- reflection. Additionally, I have always been fascinated by storylines that involve time travel, and Gavin travels back in time to gain important information. He even manages to find some peace at the same time. The wayfaring that he did do made me hungry for more, and I wish I could have experienced more of that in this story. The ending left me feeling satisfied, even if it felt a little too neat.
As with the first book, the writing style is very fitting to the genre. It flows smoothly, pulling the reader along in a way that allows complete engagement without the distraction that results from awkward prose. I did do a double take when Gavin used the word "crap" several times, as it felt incongruous to the feel of the rest of the dialogue. That may be my own issue, but it just felt "wrong." In general, this fantasy has everything I like - magical abilities, adventure, purpose, unusual beings. It was not a complex read, layered with hidden meaning. Rather, it is a straightforward and engaging fantasy, and I was completely immersed in the adventure.
This book is sure to please fans of the first installment. I've said before that the enjoyment factor is worth a lot when it comes to the awarding of stars, and this story was immensely enjoyable. It shines, in part, because of its style that manages to be well-developed while maintaining a certain simplicity, which allows the reader to become fully engaged. The development of the fascinating world Gavin inhabits really pushed my enjoyment up a notch.
Full review @ GraceKrispy's MotherLode blog
Although the characterization and the plot are both sound, the story truly shines in the world that is created. I loved the concept of the other realms, and I wish Gavin had dome some more travel through them. I found his encounter with the Elyle fascinating. The idea of complements to balance out personality was thought-provoking and gave me a moment of self- reflection. Additionally, I have always been fascinated by storylines that involve time travel, and Gavin travels back in time to gain important information. He even manages to find some peace at the same time. The wayfaring that he did do made me hungry for more, and I wish I could have experienced more of that in this story. The ending left me feeling satisfied, even if it felt a little too neat.
As with the first book, the writing style is very fitting to the genre. It flows smoothly, pulling the reader along in a way that allows complete engagement without the distraction that results from awkward prose. I did do a double take when Gavin used the word "crap" several times, as it felt incongruous to the feel of the rest of the dialogue. That may be my own issue, but it just felt "wrong." In general, this fantasy has everything I like - magical abilities, adventure, purpose, unusual beings. It was not a complex read, layered with hidden meaning. Rather, it is a straightforward and engaging fantasy, and I was completely immersed in the adventure.
This book is sure to please fans of the first installment. I've said before that the enjoyment factor is worth a lot when it comes to the awarding of stars, and this story was immensely enjoyable. It shines, in part, because of its style that manages to be well-developed while maintaining a certain simplicity, which allows the reader to become fully engaged. The development of the fascinating world Gavin inhabits really pushed my enjoyment up a notch.
Full review @ GraceKrispy's MotherLode blog
August 4, 2011
The Wayfarer King (The Kinshield Saga) is the long awaited conclusion to the Kinshield Saga. Gavin has claimed all of the Runestones from the tablet making him the next king. Daia has agreed to be his champion and they must decide what course to follow. Brodas Ravenkind has escaped and poses a threat to everyone that Gavin cares for, but there is also Ritol, the demon, who is responsible for the attacks of the beyonders. In order to defeat the demon Gavin must reconcile himself with his past life as Ronor Kinshield, the champion of King Arek. With the help of Daia and her unique ability as a conduit Gavin's inherited magic becomes much stronger and he is able to see into the past for clues. Brodas is however not done with Gavin or his own goal to sit on the throne. He is planning terrible things for Gavin and company which will only make it more difficult for him to achieve his goals.
This is another fantastic book by K.C. May. I have enjoyed everything of hers that I have read and was extremely excited to get a chance to read The Wayfarer King (The Kinshield Saga). The characters were just as I remembered them with Gavin being an honorable if uncouth man who would give anything to protect those close to him. The story took a bit of a turn that I was not expecting and there was an element of romance introduced as well. As much as I enjoyed the conclusion of the series I am a little sad that there will only be two books. If you have not checked out The Kinshield Legacy (The Kinshield Saga) pick up a copy for start your journey through a wonderful series.
This review is based off of an ARC copy provided by the author.
September 7, 2011
I was looking forward to reading The Wayfarer King as I had reviewed the first in the series a while back. The first book “The Kinshield Legacy” told the tale of Warrant Knight Gavin Kinshield as he discovers that he is destined to be the Kingdom’s new ruler and his struggle to come to terms with his new role as King. Against him stands the wizard Brodas Ravenkind, who would steal the crown and rule in Gavin’s place. The first books sees Gavin defeat the plot to steal the crown and in doing so gathers a small band of trusted allies around him. It received an excellent 4.5 star rating which it fully deserved and I was looking forward to the continuation of Gavin’s story. There is always a worry when reading a sequel to a great book that the second will not live up to standards of set by the first. Thankfully I was not disappointed in the slightest with The Wayfarer King.
The series is continued in this book which is also the concluding part. This is a departure from the normal trilogy pattern that abides within the fantasy genre as this series is only two books long, although I am sure we will see more of Gavin in future works by K. C. May. There is plenty of scope for more tales of high adventure within this world created and so lovingly detailed by the author.
Once again there are no great surprises within the format of a fantasy novel, although the concluding scenes were not what I had expected. We get to travel briefly to other worlds and other times within this story and this gives us a tantalizing glimpse of K C May’s boundless imagination. She weaves her story through time and worlds with ease and skill while allowing the relationships of Gavin and his crew, as well as Brodas Ravenkind’s team, to draw our emotions deep into the story. At times we are left heartbroken, while at others we are thrilled with scenes of exciting adventure. Balancing these out is a love story which puts you at times on the edge of your seat.
The pacing and flow of the book is faultless, while the worlds described leap out of the pages and grow in detail within your mind. My only complaint and it’s only a minor one, is I would have liked a little more depth to some of the supporting cast. I know that the confines of a two book series leave little time for such details but I was left intrigued and wanting with regards to characters like Daia, Edan and Red. As I said this is a minor niggle that I am sure will be remedied in future books.
When I read an ebook that I have enjoyed I then buy the physical book version to add to my bookshelves. What can I say, I am a bit of a traditionalist. The Kinshield saga in defiantly going to make it to my shelves at the earliest opportunity. Awarded a worthy 4 stars
The series is continued in this book which is also the concluding part. This is a departure from the normal trilogy pattern that abides within the fantasy genre as this series is only two books long, although I am sure we will see more of Gavin in future works by K. C. May. There is plenty of scope for more tales of high adventure within this world created and so lovingly detailed by the author.
Once again there are no great surprises within the format of a fantasy novel, although the concluding scenes were not what I had expected. We get to travel briefly to other worlds and other times within this story and this gives us a tantalizing glimpse of K C May’s boundless imagination. She weaves her story through time and worlds with ease and skill while allowing the relationships of Gavin and his crew, as well as Brodas Ravenkind’s team, to draw our emotions deep into the story. At times we are left heartbroken, while at others we are thrilled with scenes of exciting adventure. Balancing these out is a love story which puts you at times on the edge of your seat.
The pacing and flow of the book is faultless, while the worlds described leap out of the pages and grow in detail within your mind. My only complaint and it’s only a minor one, is I would have liked a little more depth to some of the supporting cast. I know that the confines of a two book series leave little time for such details but I was left intrigued and wanting with regards to characters like Daia, Edan and Red. As I said this is a minor niggle that I am sure will be remedied in future books.
When I read an ebook that I have enjoyed I then buy the physical book version to add to my bookshelves. What can I say, I am a bit of a traditionalist. The Kinshield saga in defiantly going to make it to my shelves at the earliest opportunity. Awarded a worthy 4 stars
September 16, 2011
Very good ending to the two book series. Characters are well done and believable. Great story!
July 9, 2013
The Good:
The next instalment in the Kinshield Saga does not disappoint. Get ready for more fantastic adventuring with Daia Saberheart and Gavin Kinshield. One thing that I thought was excellent about The Kinshield Legacy was the well thought out characters. The jumping of POV between protagonists and antagonist is brilliant and gives the reader a window into what makes every character tick. K.C. May again employs quick POV changes fairly often, and sometimes even in the middle of a scene allowing the reader to know what is going on in every character's head. I am amazed at how well done this is, as POV issues (especially with quick consecutive changes) run rampant in indie literature.
I am usually drawn into a book because of the great writing, use of words/poetry, and scene descriptions that enrapture the mind. Though this is not K.C. May's strong suit, the story, characters, and witty dialogue make for it. This book follows so closely on the coattail of its predecessor that the first line of this book is the last line of The Kinshield Legacy. The two books could almost be made into one, as there is still a rather large question mark as far as plot is concerned at the conclusion of The Kinshield Legacy. There is, however, enough new content to make this book a solitary work in its own right. You should read them both to get the whole story, and luckily the author has made this possible through the release of both books slapped together between two covers The Kinshield Saga.
The Bad:
I don't feel that this book was as strong as book one of the series. It starts out rather slow, which was a problem with the last book as well. A greater problem is that until about 50 pages in, the reader is rather lost with what is going on. Because of the frequent POV changes, the first bit of the book has a disjointed feel, leaving the reader lost in the mess. Once through the initial rough patch, however, the POV changes are executed nicely and add to the character development.
Though this book did a better job at character development than the last, it suffered in a few places from dry explanations.
"How does that work?"
(Insert dry, multiple paragraph explanation of a magical concept)
This only happens a few times throughout as May waves her hands in desperation to get past the explanation of magic so that the reader will not be lost when the characters use said magic. this tell instead of show problem is brief, however, and soon the story picks up again allowing the reader to get over a few dry pages of boringness.
Conclusion:
K.C. May delivers the next instalment in the Kinshield Saga, and it doesn't disappoint. The characters are more strongly developed in this book than in the first to the point where large chunks of the chapters feel more like a drama than a fantasy tale. Throw a few Beyonder attacks in the middle of the happy, feely, drama parts and you are sure not to forget that this really is a fantasy book, and the world really is at stake. The description is nothing to write home about and the book starts out a little rocky, but the plot and character development make us for it with a final product that is sure to entertain. If you like fantasy that isn't too heavy, but tells a nice story with well understood character, this book is for you. It doesn't have that hearty feel of a steak sandwich but it a beautiful PB&J (but not the junky store bought jam. You know, the good stuff your mom makes or that stuff you get at the farmer's market). If you took the first bite with The Kinshield Legacy, you will love this second bite just as much.
The next instalment in the Kinshield Saga does not disappoint. Get ready for more fantastic adventuring with Daia Saberheart and Gavin Kinshield. One thing that I thought was excellent about The Kinshield Legacy was the well thought out characters. The jumping of POV between protagonists and antagonist is brilliant and gives the reader a window into what makes every character tick. K.C. May again employs quick POV changes fairly often, and sometimes even in the middle of a scene allowing the reader to know what is going on in every character's head. I am amazed at how well done this is, as POV issues (especially with quick consecutive changes) run rampant in indie literature.
I am usually drawn into a book because of the great writing, use of words/poetry, and scene descriptions that enrapture the mind. Though this is not K.C. May's strong suit, the story, characters, and witty dialogue make for it. This book follows so closely on the coattail of its predecessor that the first line of this book is the last line of The Kinshield Legacy. The two books could almost be made into one, as there is still a rather large question mark as far as plot is concerned at the conclusion of The Kinshield Legacy. There is, however, enough new content to make this book a solitary work in its own right. You should read them both to get the whole story, and luckily the author has made this possible through the release of both books slapped together between two covers The Kinshield Saga.
The Bad:
I don't feel that this book was as strong as book one of the series. It starts out rather slow, which was a problem with the last book as well. A greater problem is that until about 50 pages in, the reader is rather lost with what is going on. Because of the frequent POV changes, the first bit of the book has a disjointed feel, leaving the reader lost in the mess. Once through the initial rough patch, however, the POV changes are executed nicely and add to the character development.
Though this book did a better job at character development than the last, it suffered in a few places from dry explanations.
"How does that work?"
(Insert dry, multiple paragraph explanation of a magical concept)
This only happens a few times throughout as May waves her hands in desperation to get past the explanation of magic so that the reader will not be lost when the characters use said magic. this tell instead of show problem is brief, however, and soon the story picks up again allowing the reader to get over a few dry pages of boringness.
Conclusion:
K.C. May delivers the next instalment in the Kinshield Saga, and it doesn't disappoint. The characters are more strongly developed in this book than in the first to the point where large chunks of the chapters feel more like a drama than a fantasy tale. Throw a few Beyonder attacks in the middle of the happy, feely, drama parts and you are sure not to forget that this really is a fantasy book, and the world really is at stake. The description is nothing to write home about and the book starts out a little rocky, but the plot and character development make us for it with a final product that is sure to entertain. If you like fantasy that isn't too heavy, but tells a nice story with well understood character, this book is for you. It doesn't have that hearty feel of a steak sandwich but it a beautiful PB&J (but not the junky store bought jam. You know, the good stuff your mom makes or that stuff you get at the farmer's market). If you took the first bite with The Kinshield Legacy, you will love this second bite just as much.
May 22, 2012
As with the previous book, lots of action. This author isn't afraid to make tough decisions and kill off characters you love (well, I loved them anyway).
The villains are devious and cunning and altogether pretty darn smart - they use their lack of morality to their advantage. Unfortunately it seems as though everyone is constantly underestimating the bad guys. I cannot fathom why the VS or Gavin would fail to keep an eye out for their "lost" sister Cirang (what a beezy!). Cirang has showed that she is capable of lying and doing whatever she wants to get her way, so how Daia, or any one else, manages to overlook this really irks me. Also, I really wanted more storyline with Brawna! I felt that she and Gavin could have had more time together, it would have been more entertaining for the reader.
Anyhow, pros were the story contained everything you enjoyed from the first book: romance, magic, lots and lots of fighting, scheming, revenge, loyalty, etc. etc. The characters (and the story) are still well written, I just feel as though things were a bit rushed at the end.
I definitely agree with Gavin about the downfall of bad guy - fitting but not quite as satisfying as you would like. All in all, things were pretty clear cut. Good characters were endlessly angelic: loyal, honest, hardworking, caring, generous, and the list goes on. Bad characters were plain bad: lying, cheating, abusive, manipulative, blah blah blah. HOWEVER, I noticed that there is a novella that perhaps shines new light on to one of the more evil characters in the story, so there's hope!
Lastly, the ending is a bit open ended. The universe lives on and there is more action to come, though we might not have the pleasure of reading about it. Great book, and I think a must read for older fantasy lovers (there's quite a bit of violence).
The villains are devious and cunning and altogether pretty darn smart - they use their lack of morality to their advantage. Unfortunately it seems as though everyone is constantly underestimating the bad guys. I cannot fathom why the VS or Gavin would fail to keep an eye out for their "lost" sister Cirang (what a beezy!). Cirang has showed that she is capable of lying and doing whatever she wants to get her way, so how Daia, or any one else, manages to overlook this really irks me. Also, I really wanted more storyline with Brawna! I felt that she and Gavin could have had more time together, it would have been more entertaining for the reader.
Anyhow, pros were the story contained everything you enjoyed from the first book: romance, magic, lots and lots of fighting, scheming, revenge, loyalty, etc. etc. The characters (and the story) are still well written, I just feel as though things were a bit rushed at the end.
I definitely agree with Gavin about the downfall of bad guy - fitting but not quite as satisfying as you would like. All in all, things were pretty clear cut. Good characters were endlessly angelic: loyal, honest, hardworking, caring, generous, and the list goes on. Bad characters were plain bad: lying, cheating, abusive, manipulative, blah blah blah. HOWEVER, I noticed that there is a novella that perhaps shines new light on to one of the more evil characters in the story, so there's hope!
Lastly, the ending is a bit open ended. The universe lives on and there is more action to come, though we might not have the pleasure of reading about it. Great book, and I think a must read for older fantasy lovers (there's quite a bit of violence).
June 29, 2012
Though I read that some reviewers preferred the first book in this duology, I have to say that I definitely preferred this one.
This book literally picks up right where the last one left off. Just as if it were the next chapter, without any kind of time lapse or review. I just read the first one, so that was fine for me.
I enjoyed the plot twists in this one more than I enjoyed the first book's. They felt less contrived and the action was more straight-forward. Just like the first one, there really was never a dull moment or any part where the story dragged.
I do have to admit a serious eye-rolling moment though when the LOVE FOR THE CHILDREN saved the world. Gross. But that is kind of just me since I pretty much hate children.
A lot of people complained about the demise of Brodas Ravenkind and that it wasn't satisfying. I can see where they are coming from I guess. It was quick and it wasn't drawn out and epic. But it made sense and was poetic justice. If you think back through and outline the plot of the book and describe Ravenkind's eventual downfall, slain by Ritol, it was sufficient punishment for his hubris. He didn't realize that Ritol had never been dismissed, so in his arrogance he "knew" he could control the Beyonder and it came back to bite him. So, I liked that.
Feanna is a little too perfect to be much of a three-dimensional character (the same with Eden), but since these two weren't the main focus, it didn't detract too much. I would say that it was Feanna's "perfection" that led me to give this book 4 stars instead of 5. She's in this book a lot and she never does anything wrong or have any character growth. She's just the saintly widow taking care of the orphaned children selflessly.
But in any case I did really enjoy this. A really nice little 2-book set!
This book literally picks up right where the last one left off. Just as if it were the next chapter, without any kind of time lapse or review. I just read the first one, so that was fine for me.
I enjoyed the plot twists in this one more than I enjoyed the first book's. They felt less contrived and the action was more straight-forward. Just like the first one, there really was never a dull moment or any part where the story dragged.
I do have to admit a serious eye-rolling moment though when the LOVE FOR THE CHILDREN saved the world. Gross. But that is kind of just me since I pretty much hate children.
A lot of people complained about the demise of Brodas Ravenkind and that it wasn't satisfying. I can see where they are coming from I guess. It was quick and it wasn't drawn out and epic. But it made sense and was poetic justice. If you think back through and outline the plot of the book and describe Ravenkind's eventual downfall, slain by Ritol, it was sufficient punishment for his hubris. He didn't realize that Ritol had never been dismissed, so in his arrogance he "knew" he could control the Beyonder and it came back to bite him. So, I liked that.
Feanna is a little too perfect to be much of a three-dimensional character (the same with Eden), but since these two weren't the main focus, it didn't detract too much. I would say that it was Feanna's "perfection" that led me to give this book 4 stars instead of 5. She's in this book a lot and she never does anything wrong or have any character growth. She's just the saintly widow taking care of the orphaned children selflessly.
But in any case I did really enjoy this. A really nice little 2-book set!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2011
Unless I'm forgetting something big, this book (and its predecessor) is easily the best of the independently published books I've read on Kindle. While I try not to make comparisons that make something look good solely because everything else is so bad, but I do believe that book ratings need to be taken in context. While I use the same star system for every book I rate, the criteria by which I determine the number of stars I want to give is very different for different books. I guess what I'm dancing around here is that I'm not sure I would have given a full five stars under different circumstances, but within the context of other books of its ilk I've read, it was fabulous. For example, this book is beautifully edited and formatted. This is something I would expect from a full priced professionally published book, but cannot be taken for granted in an independent.
That aside though, this is a great fantasy book within any parameters. As I mentioned about the first book, there isn't a lot of strong world building, the world is more a backdrop for the characters and their story. The characters are strong though, strong enough to practically carry the whole thing. It's a great story, well paced and well balanced. Not particularly unique, but the kind that's easy to love and read over and over.
The authors mentions at the end of the book that if there is enough interest he/she (no indication either way that I could find EDIT: looked her up on good reads) will write more books in this world. I sincerely hope that is the case, and will throw in my vote for more!
That aside though, this is a great fantasy book within any parameters. As I mentioned about the first book, there isn't a lot of strong world building, the world is more a backdrop for the characters and their story. The characters are strong though, strong enough to practically carry the whole thing. It's a great story, well paced and well balanced. Not particularly unique, but the kind that's easy to love and read over and over.
The authors mentions at the end of the book that if there is enough interest he/she (no indication either way that I could find EDIT: looked her up on good reads) will write more books in this world. I sincerely hope that is the case, and will throw in my vote for more!
August 10, 2011
I greatly enjoyed this novel. While May doesn't catch us up on "what went before," it didn't take long to fall back into this world. The story advances quickly, and surprisingly at times. I don't particularly care for romance in my fantasy, and there were a couple of times that I winced at the "schmoop," but overall the romance was handled fairly well. This story could easily have become very dark, but May held on to the hope, and kept the story to two novels. Her style has matured since The Kinshield Legacy - clear, and even more fluid. A good read!
June 18, 2012
I agree with the other reviewers on this title. When I read the first title, I was engrossed into the characters and the settings. The second novel I put off for about 5 months. It wasn't until last night that i decided to finish the book. It was an ok fantasy book. It just seemed so slow in the beginning. Toward the end of the book, it started to pick up. I though that the ending could of been a bit better though, the way the enemy died off seemed a bit weak to me. Read the first and immediately the second. You will probably enjoy it better that way.
May 30, 2013
The Wayfarer King was, for the most part, a satisfying and good fantasy read. Some interesting concepts were put forward and most of the characters remained likeable.
Good: Characters were likeable, improvement on villains justification, interesting concepts put forward
Bad: Love interest was a disappointment, pacing was not perfect, would have liked to see villain get some more development.
Overall, the Wayfarer King was a good book.
Good: Characters were likeable, improvement on villains justification, interesting concepts put forward
Bad: Love interest was a disappointment, pacing was not perfect, would have liked to see villain get some more development.
Overall, the Wayfarer King was a good book.
October 11, 2011
This book wasn't quite as good as the first one but the story wrapped up in a way that left most of the questions answered. The pacing was quick and it doesn't take long to get through this second installment.
February 18, 2013
I am totally addicted. I already have the next book and am starting it immediately after writing this. Very good read, great characters and a good story make me want to read all that KC May has written so far.
June 26, 2015
Heroic Saga
Full of action, this second tale of King Gavin Kinshield, ends the tyranny of Bodas Ravenkind and paves the way for a peaceful reign for the king of Thendylath. IF he survives the epic battle of magic and might.
Full of action, this second tale of King Gavin Kinshield, ends the tyranny of Bodas Ravenkind and paves the way for a peaceful reign for the king of Thendylath. IF he survives the epic battle of magic and might.
September 12, 2016
Enjoyed the continued saga. I liked the development of the characters and the magic. I would like to see a third book!
May 24, 2012
I enjoyed the second book of the series and concluding book as much as I enjoyed the first book. The writing was solid, the story was good and the characters were likable.
May 5, 2015
These books have some interesting turnss and keep you wanting to read on and curious to see what happens next for the reluctant King and his band of friends.
October 22, 2015
Wow what a ride
This book has it all adventures, love, death, and fulfilled dreams. A book you will not want to put down. On to the 3rd can't wait to start. King Gavin is a hero.
This book has it all adventures, love, death, and fulfilled dreams. A book you will not want to put down. On to the 3rd can't wait to start. King Gavin is a hero.
September 11, 2017
Wow. The adventure of Gavin Kinshield and his friends just continues to get better and better. He solved the rune tablet and now he faces the Beyonder Champion Ritol called forth by the usurper for the throne Brodas Ravenkind. How he solves this issues is inventive and successful. Long May King Gavin and Queen Feanna reign.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2019
Great book! Fantastic saga!
Wow! I literally could not put this book down! This book completely filled me with joyband excitement. One of the absolute best books I have ever had the pleasure to read. Thank you K.C. May, keep writing. Now I'm on to the 3rd book of this series. Cant get it fast enough.
Wow! I literally could not put this book down! This book completely filled me with joyband excitement. One of the absolute best books I have ever had the pleasure to read. Thank you K.C. May, keep writing. Now I'm on to the 3rd book of this series. Cant get it fast enough.
September 5, 2019
This was such a good completion to this story. I mean, there's more story ahead, but what began with The Kinshield Legacy was really well wrapped up here with a hint of more to come. This is how I like series books to finish. My poor emotions. I hate you Brodas! LOATHE. This is the best $1 I've spent in a long time.
November 27, 2018
This was good. Not as good as the first one, but I’ve started the third one and am loving it, so keep reading if you are in the same boat as me. But I did like the developments of character. And the ending finished with a bang. I would have to say the book picked up nicely, despite its slow start.
June 6, 2023
The book reads like a plot sketch rather than a novel. It’s all very slapdash and full of shortcuts. The characters were somewhat developed in the first volume, but barely in the second. There’s little suspense or mystery. Can’t recommend.
February 15, 2019
"Do you believe in fate?
An hour ago, Feanna would have said no. Looking at Gavin Kinshield, she wasn't so sure.
The Wayfarer King continues off right where the first leaves us. It follows Gavin Kinshield and Daia Saberheart as they continue their quest to the throne and unseating an evil that has been lurking for the past 2 centuries. Joined by a richer cast of characters than the first book, we are introduced to several good characters, while we learn more about the more unsavory ones. The story is enjoyable and is fun to read through. I don't think it is as fast paced as the first book but still has plenty of action. It wraps up nicely but the there is a very slight hint of continuation left possibly at the end (which to be fair speaking in present terms there is a 3rd and 4th book in the series). Like the first one, the villain POV takes me out of the story a little bit, but it does make more sense in this book I feel, the way they do it incorporates a little better I think.
An addition to the first book was realm traveling (as well as time traveling). I really enjoyed the interesting take on the different realms, especially with the Khozhi balance concept. I thought those chapters were fun to read and found the dynamic between the Kho and the Zhi with Gavin really interesting.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, if you enjoyed the first I would definitely recommend the second, if nothing else to get a good conclusion to the previous arc.
An hour ago, Feanna would have said no. Looking at Gavin Kinshield, she wasn't so sure.
The Wayfarer King continues off right where the first leaves us. It follows Gavin Kinshield and Daia Saberheart as they continue their quest to the throne and unseating an evil that has been lurking for the past 2 centuries. Joined by a richer cast of characters than the first book, we are introduced to several good characters, while we learn more about the more unsavory ones. The story is enjoyable and is fun to read through. I don't think it is as fast paced as the first book but still has plenty of action. It wraps up nicely but the there is a very slight hint of continuation left possibly at the end (which to be fair speaking in present terms there is a 3rd and 4th book in the series). Like the first one, the villain POV takes me out of the story a little bit, but it does make more sense in this book I feel, the way they do it incorporates a little better I think.
An addition to the first book was realm traveling (as well as time traveling). I really enjoyed the interesting take on the different realms, especially with the Khozhi balance concept. I thought those chapters were fun to read and found the dynamic between the Kho and the Zhi with Gavin really interesting.
Overall I thought it was a good entry, if you enjoyed the first I would definitely recommend the second, if nothing else to get a good conclusion to the previous arc.
March 1, 2017
This was a reasonably good continuation and conclusion of the two-book series. Again, it kept me interested to the end. The "wayfarer" in the title refers to the ability to move between alternate universes, which adds some new twists to the plot. There is some romance, but no tension, no real doubt about who would be Gavin's wife and queen.
March 10, 2013
To be honest, I thought this book was a considerable step down from the previous story, "The Kinshield Legacy". While it had some of the same strong suits as it's predecessor this was a lot slower and, at times, seemed considerably more contrived.
What I liked
- The main character again manages to be likeable without being boring.(Though he edges closer to "vanilla hero" territory in this book.)
- The characters from the previous book were as strong as ever.
What I didn't like
- The new love interest who felt awkwardly transplanted from a romance novel.
- Time travel, used too lightly and too often.
- The plot hinged on a head-scratching carryover from the previous book.
What I liked
- The main character again manages to be likeable without being boring.(Though he edges closer to "vanilla hero" territory in this book.)
- The characters from the previous book were as strong as ever.
What I didn't like
- The new love interest who felt awkwardly transplanted from a romance novel.
- Time travel, used too lightly and too often.
- The plot hinged on a head-scratching carryover from the previous book.
July 8, 2013
The second novel of this series picks up immediately where the first left off (literally). The story is fast paced and this sequel provides some entertaining new twists. Characterization holds strong, which I enjoyed, but I think the characters - and the story itself - might have been better served and even more engrossing if the scenes were lengthier. As it is, many of them felt rushed and abrupt - as were the chapter endings themselves. I liked Gavin's character and the trials he must endure. His romance seemed (again) abrupt and unfortunately sappy. There is some wonderful humor, less vulgarity (thankfully) than the first book, and some truly heart-tugging scenes. Some editing errors were enough to distract (repeat words and even sentences!) Still, the book makes for quick, light reading.
September 6, 2011
I love the e-publishing thing. I think it gives authors who would probably never have a chance an opportunity to get out some of their work. With that said, there is a reason that certain books will never get that chance. This one wasn't bad--the story was fun with some unique ideas. However, there were some problems. Of course, most published books are heavily edited by other people (other than the author). I don't know how e-books are edited or if they are.
September 11, 2011
This book was pretty good, but not as good as the first one. The author seemed to lose the pace, and to be unsure how exactly to handle the climax. As in the first book the characters were a little one-dimensional, but the storyline was good enough to carry it through and the writing was overall so much better than most of the books I've started (and not finished) lately, that I think that may sway my opinions.
August 20, 2013
This wasn't as good as the first one. It felt more rushed and everything was hurried, especially at the end when Good triumphed over Evil. I'm rather disappointed and felt let down by the resolutions, and lack of, of the characters I began to care for. It was still a good story and I liked how the author handled the magic in the world. Disappointed is a good word for this sequel.
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