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Last King

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For hundreds of years, Contermerria has suffered under oppressive ice and snow. A spell cast by the Vintar Court renders the mainland frozen and dangerous, strife with monsters. In the remote foothills of the north, the village of Dran is attacked by lethal predators.

While her townsfolk hide within the caverns, safe from the rimy beasts lurking around their homes, Maren is trapped outside with a thief from the jail. All her life, she’s been taken for granted as the village’s underappreciated healer. For so long, she’s wished for nothing more than to leave, but with her sister infected by a horrid, mystical disease, travel is impossible.

Now locked out of the caverns for months, she is faced with the idea of freedom and considers her companion’s proposition. Kane may be a criminal, but his offer of an alliance is her ticket out of Dran: help him find an item he’s lost while he takes her to a rare plant—the only known remedy for her sister’s ailment.

Leaving her home is no easy feat. From the moment she strikes out, she must find her way through danger, lies, and riddles. She was sheltered in her village, but out in the open, she struggles with too many questions about the fae and encounters rivalry among the royals. Kane doesn’t abandon her, standing with her as they face perils and vindictive royals. But can she trust this man?

Can she believe him when he suggests the impossible—that she, a common healer from the mountains, might not only be fae herself, but the one who can save all of the mainland?

415 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2023

313 people are currently reading
1647 people want to read

About the author

Amabel Daniels

66 books277 followers
Amabel Daniels lives in Northwest Ohio with her patient husband, three adventurous daughters, and a collection of too many cats and dogs. Although she holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, her true love is finding a good book. When she isn’t spending time outdoors, she’s busy brewing up her next novel, usually as she lets her mind run off with the addictive words of “what if…”

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5 stars
108 (26%)
4 stars
120 (29%)
3 stars
107 (26%)
2 stars
50 (12%)
1 star
18 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,404 reviews78 followers
April 30, 2023
4.5 stars
I like that Amabel doesn’t just write one genre. I have not read many books by this author but what I have read I have liked. Last King is an engaging Romantasy (aka Romantic Fantasy) where Amabel pairs a strong romantic subplot with a Fantasy.
I was excited to see what the Last King was all about. It is the first exciting FAE fantasy book in the Legacy of Riverfall series. Amabel has cleverly woven many delicate threads to give us the readers a tale with lots of action and drama, epic danger and suffering, secrets and lies and so much more. There is a cast of many in this magical world where there is fae, kings, dragons, lethal predators, monsters, a thief, mystical disease and magic.
This Romantasy is a slow burn in the romance department when everything else is chaos. I can see it will be so easy to become addicted to this series. The vivid storyline is unique and interesting keeps the pages turning.
Maren has been underestimated and shoved aside all her life she has only ever wanted to go wherever and do whatever she wants but she is stuck. When a stranger offers to help her with the one thing that may save her sister, she decides to take him up on his offer no matter what dangers and monsters are lurking.
You are going to enjoy this book. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Taylor Dukes.
108 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2023
someone get these people some chapstick please

Should have DNFed at 60% but I’m stubborn
Profile Image for Yolanda McGee~Veronica's Reading Vault .
897 reviews38 followers
April 18, 2023
What a great introduction to the Legacy Of Riverfall series! I loved all the action, the drama and the fantasy world of fairies, kings, dragons, monsters and magic. The storyline definitely kept me engaged, it’s a page turner and there were a few scenes that kept my heart racing. Kane and Maren are an unlikely couple who team up together in search of something they desperately need and this is where their quest and the real excitement and danger begins. They have a wonderful connection and chemistry that has just the right amount of sizzle. The cliffhanger is quite a jaw dropper so I definitely can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
211 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2023
The people in this realm REALLY need to invent chapstick… I’ve never read a book where people licked their lips so much. 🥴 Is this the new “released a breath she didn’t know she was holding” or “picked at an invisible piece of dust on his shirt”?

The premise was interesting but everything was very underdeveloped: the plot, the romance, the world—I was left confused. The action and obstacles were so nonstop, it was easy to forget the goals of the characters and there was little time to actually develop them.
123 reviews
July 15, 2023
Not a super starter but adequate, so I thought maybe this series had some promise. Plus, since I got this title as a free download I didn't mind paying for the second book in the trilogy. But beware of getting sucked into the storyline - because the sequel is a treacly trainwreck where the main character devolves into an emotional mess worthy of teen romance. Suddenly the fantasy with monsters and swords swerves into I-have-no-reason-to-live-if-he-won't-look-at-me territory.

Seriously, I can't imagine who would bother with the final book in this series given how bad the second book is. Even if you're the kind of reader who really craves closure, you'd have to wade through a lot of dreck to get it. I just don't have the fortitude.

I recall once reading a review on this site - of some awful fantasy series I can't remember the name of - where the reviewer complained about a chapter devoted to lead characters ignoring danger around them as they enjoyed monkey sex on the back of a wooly mammoth. Book 2 in this series made me think of that.
Profile Image for Tara Johnson.
745 reviews13 followers
May 12, 2023
Last King is the first book in the Legacy of Riverfall series. Maren is the underpaid, underappreciated healer for her small village. She spends long days creating tonics and potions to heal the villagers and receives little in return for her hard work. Maren has dreamed of leaving her little village but is unable to because she looks after her younger sister who is sick with a mystical disease and is unable to travel. Maren and her sister Thea live in a cold, damp, and dark basement with little money and little food. Everyday is a fight to survive and figure out where the next meal is coming from. When Thea arrives home late one night and tells Maren that the deputy is after her because she stole a loaf of bread it starts a ripple effect of events for Maren.

Maren tells Thea that she will take the blame for her and when the deputy comes, she takes Thea’s place. When the deputy carts Maren off to jail she is not concerned that he will hurt her because she knows his secret and that she is the only one who can create the tonic he needs. She is thrown into jail with several other prisoners and must do what she can to get through the night. When Maren is confronted by an angry prisoner her survival mode kicks in, and she is prepared to fight. As another prisoner steps in and tries to protect her, and things intensify in the jail cell between prisoners, the village bell goes off warning them that the village is under attack.

The villagers immediately run to the caverns to hide out while the village is under attack, but Maren does not make it in time. Maren and another prisoner, Zane, find themselves left outside with no way to protect themselves from the attack. Kane asks Maren if she will help him find something and offers to take her to where he knows there is a magical plant that will help heal her sister. Maren is reluctant to go with this stranger but loves her sister and wants to heal her. She sets off on an adventure with Zane and they must work together to get what they both want. Although chaos is raging all around them an attraction begins to slowly form between Maren and Zane. As their adventure continues secrets are revealed about Maren and she learns things about herself that cannot possibly be true. Can she trust Zane? Is there really a magical plant that can heal her sister? Can these secrets that she finds out about herself really be true?

Last King started out with a bang and immediately grabbed my attention. The storyline was enthralling, the setting was vividly described, and the characters were amazing. Maren is someone who puts up with a lot of from the villagers who often take advantage of her kindness and generosity. They expect miracles from her but do not want to pay her. Maren says nothing although it hurts her deeply and takes its toll on her mentally. The lack of money she makes from tonics and potions for the villagers makes it hard to provide the basics for her ailing sister. Maren loves her sister and will do anything for her, including believing a stranger’s claim that there is a magical plant that can cure her illness.

When Zane tells Maren about the magical plant, she heads off on an adventure with him even though he is a complete stranger and even though she is unsure that she can trust him. What ensues is a slow burning romance, action, adventure, mystery, suspense, danger, and the revealing of secrets that could alter Maren’s entire world. This fantasy adventure has magic, monsters, kings, fae, and paranormal elements. This was a great read and I cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Ayla Phipps.
391 reviews10 followers
May 14, 2023
WOW. So, this book’s cover drew me in with its Lord of the Rings looking cover, its beautiful and the synopsis had me intrigued but it couldn’t prepare me for the world within its pages. This is the first book I have read by Amabel Daniels, and I am truly in awe, no matter how fast I read it wasn’t fast enough.
From the first page you quickly discover that Maren is not some meek woman that will do as she’s told and be stepped all over. I quickly got the feeling of Dran being like the wildling’s village north of the wall in Game of Thrones. An isolated snow- and ice-covered land where nothing was easy, and an untold number of dangers lurked in the Sord Forest surrounding Dran. Maren is the only healer in the village. When the deputy arrives at her home to arrest her younger sister Maren does as she always does, she protects her sister. Knowing that she is more valuable to the village than they will ever acknowledge she threatens the deputy to stop making his tonic for the unfortunate ailment he got from a brothel in the next village over. Taking Maren in everything begins to change, the wind is different and everything in Maren is alert with danger near. Being defended against an impending attack in jail Maren quickly then defends the man who defended her using her blade for the first time in her life, drawing blood that soon sets everything in motion. The bell signals that Dran is under attack, the windows are smashed in and frecens fill the jail as screams soon follow. After every turn the mystery man that defended her Kane, both infuriates her and fills her in with wonder. Never leaving her side they escape Dran, years of dreaming of the moment she is quickly filled with a new sensation, her senses overwhelmed, and memories and current events blur her understanding. Waking up in a cage once more, she feels the danger in the wind. Kane tells her she is a fae and while continuing to deny it, the fae are royalty and she clearly is nothing special in her life. She continues to know when danger is near.
Is Maren truly a fae, if so, where is she from? Can Kane fulfill his mission and more so what is his mission? Will Maren be able to find the mythical plant to save her sister? The world the author creates fills you with wonder, you can picture the stunning creatures and see the landscapes in your mind. The characters are multifaceted, both strong and emotional, even when they fight to hide them. Through everything Kane stays beside Maren never abandoning her, even when it would guarantee his survival. He is in this with her, they are partners, and alliance. I cannot wait for the next book in this amazing series First Queen, May 26th, 2023.
Profile Image for Kerry  carr.
1,951 reviews25 followers
May 7, 2023
This is the first book in the Legacy Of Riverfall series and I'm so excited to see what follows. I was captivated by this story from the start and I read it in on sitting. This is a fantasy adventure which has everything, action, tension, danger, Romance, fae's and mystical beings. All these elements create a very unique story.
Maren has always dreamed of leaving her little village. To go and experience what else is out there but with so many unknown dangers and with her sister ill with a mystical illness Maren has no choice but to stay.
When the village is attacked, the villagers run to the Caverns to protect themselves, however Maren and another prisoner Kane are left outside.
Could this be the adventure that Maren had always wanted?
When Kane asked Maren to help him find something he's missing she is a bit reluctant at first. I mean she doesn't know him, can he even be trusted?
When Kane offers to take her to a magical plant which will cure her sister in return for her help Maren knows she has to just go for her sisters sake.
What follows is an adventure as these strangers work together to get what they both want. But the question is can Kane be trusted or did he make this magical plant up just to get Maren's help? Also will the chance of adventure and a way of leaving her village be as amazing as Maren imagined or will she wish she was back and save in her little secure village surrounded with other people she has known all her life. And when secrets about Maren start to come to light it seems impossible to believe. How can she, a simple healer but the one person to save the mainlands? That's surely not right, is it?
Profile Image for Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog).
739 reviews50 followers
April 11, 2023
Wow, oh wow!!! My goodness!!! I haven’t read a paranormal book in a while but that was on FIRE!! This author is such talent and I can’t wait to keep reading more from her!!!

Maren seems like a woman who gets pushed around a lot and throughout the book you can see the toll it takes on her but what is even more inspiring is the fight you can see burning too. I love that she is so unique and that she found Kane. I had so many times wished for more between them but my goodness what we got was PERFECT!!

Kane is all over the place and I’m not sure what’s true. I loved how butterflies got in my stomach when you could tell they were longing for each other! Towards the end was rather heartbreaking and had me biting my nails so much in anticipation!!

I am hooked! To say that was amazing is an understatement and the fact that there is more to come is so exciting!! I worried with how the story was going and it would stop and leave so many unanswered questions but we get more!!! This book is really for everyone! The romance, gore, fighting, drama and so many more reasons but you just need to read!!!
508 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2023
Last King is the first book in the Legacy of Riverfall series. It is a fantasy story that follows healer Maren whose life is turned upside down when viscous creatures attack her village. As they have done in the past, the community locks themselves in nearby caverns to wait until it is safe. But Maren doesn’t make it to the caverns in time, and is now cut off from her community in a hostile world.

This is an exciting book, in a vivid fantasy world. As Maren leaves the village she knows so well, we join her in exploring the amazing and often dangerous world beyond! I enjoy the dynamic between Maren and Kane, particularly with Maren’s refusal to accept Kane’s claims that she is fae, keeping her wary of him. I also enjoy the focus on herbs and plants, essential to Maren’s healing work and her hopes to save her sister Thea.

This book gets five stars from me, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series! I’d recommend it to fans of fantasy, particularly those interested in healing magic and fae.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,510 reviews121 followers
April 30, 2023
4.5 Stars

Last King is the first book in the Legacy of Riverfall series by Amabel Daniels. Wow- what a fantastic start to this awesome new fantasy series- I was completely hooked right from the start and found myself completely immersed in the story, losing all sense of time and place. I devoured the book in one sitting and the next book can’t come quickly enough.
This is a wonderful fantasy adventure with action, fae, kings, magic, monsters, paranormal elements, danger, drama, tension, intrigue, an exciting quest, romance, and incredibly interesting characters.
I was quickly invested in the characters, and the outcome of their story- following along on the adventure and wrapped up in all the exciting developments. This is definitely one of my favourite reads from Ms. Daniels- and as this book ends on a cliffhanger, I really can’t wait to get my hands on Book #2 to continue the adventure.
Highly recommended!
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Amabel Daniels!
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,768 reviews21 followers
May 13, 2023
I liked a lot about this but disliked the repeated unknown answers and slowness. I felt a lot of time was spent on secret agendas and us not getting a lot of information because it was being withheld from the main character. That frustrated me. I liked the world these characters live in as it is different. Also the magic and wildly creative creatures that come out as the story moves along kept me engaged.

The characters are plentiful and likable. Some more so than others but with all the duplicity you never know. Maren makes huge leaps and bounds in growth of herself. She starts at a town healer and meets a stranger who changes the course of her life.

Overall this is a good and action filled story. I feel it could have been a lot shorter with the same information. This foes end in a cliffhanger just as it we are getting a few answers to major questions so that bummed me out too. I have read other stories by this author but this is my first fantasy from her.
Profile Image for Rebeca.
270 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2023
This is the first in the Legacy Series and its full of all my favourite things – paranormal beings, action and romance.
There was never a dull moment - my attention was held throughout as the events unfolded and secrets were revealed. I enjoyed the character progression in Maren, her growth in times of uncertainty and danger is inspiring and as a result I became emotionally invested in her. These emotions are heightened by the conclusion of this novel as I am left needing more immediately!
The way the author has created the characters, they feel real and although the couple aren’t quite the pairing you’d expect, it works so well for the story. The way the author has weaved it all together and written it so beautifully I honestly can’t get enough. There’s just something about this book that makes me want to start over again already.
Profile Image for Maikalani.
120 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2023
Oh my gosh. Action packed, romance, twisted fates, mysterious pasts LAST KING HAS IT ALL. I enjoyed this book so much. The world building unfolds with the tale instead of all at once. Each detail no matter how small it seems it plays a part in unfolding the future of Maren.

Kane and maren seem to meet on the an unexpected twist of fate; but he tells her and shows her more about herself then she could’ve ever imagined. Fighting her growing feelings for Kane she succumbs and becomes a pawn in a princess game but what game does this princess play? What is she wanting to gain? Just the kingdom ? Will she rule peacefully? maren and Kane aren’t sure. But Maren stops at nothing when she realizes she loves Kane; no longer willing to do as told she fights to free him. But to her own demise ?!

I cannot wait for the second book!! I AM HOOKED.
Profile Image for Jennifer Reimer.
399 reviews10 followers
May 8, 2023
This is the first book in what will be an incredible series. It was filled with paranormal, action, a little romance, secrets that kept me intrigued until the end. This book had everything from action, drama, suspense, it took me on an adventure that didn’t stop and had me wanting to know what happened next. I found this book well written and easy to read. The characters in this book really had me wondering if it was going to work out with them, the way they were so opposite each other but, in the end, it really made for a good friendship and more. An entertaining story that you don’t want to miss. I could not put it down once I had started reading. This is a brilliant book, and I cannot wait for the next.
Profile Image for Smutty~ Vibes.
248 reviews
May 9, 2023
Last king Is book one in the Legacy of Riverfall Series. This is not the first book that I have read by this Author, and I knew once I seen this book that I had to give it a try and let me tell you I'm so glad that I did. I loved the first book in this series all the Paranormal and Action and eeekk I could keep going, right from the get-go this read held my attention and I could not stop reading. I really enjoyed Maren's Character and the way she cared for her sister and I just really enjoyed reading about her. If you like fast paced easy to follow Fae, Romance, Paranormal I highly suggest this book you will not regret this read. I look forward to reading the other books in this series. Thank you again to this author for another wonderful read.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,001 reviews63 followers
April 30, 2023
This is the first book in this series and what a great start it is. I enjoy reading this author’s book from the first one and this one is no different. This is a fantasy story where Maren finds herself having to leave home and leaving with someone she doesn’t know if she can trust, Kane. I really enjoyed both these characters and what they brought to the story. They took me on an adventure that didn’t stop and had me wanting to know what happened next. I found this book well written and easy to read. An entertaining story that you don’t want to miss. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings. I highly recommend this book.
75 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2023
Let me start off by saying that this is a beautiful, middle to fast paced fantasy romance that grabs your attention from the first line and still holds strong even after you've finished this amazing book. I 1000% recommend.
Contermerria has suffered from debilitating ice and snow for centuries, while even the mainland is covered in death due to the monsters and frozen landscape.
Maren, our little hero, has felt her whole life that she has been over looked and is underappreciated. She loves her ailing sister dearly and would do anything to help her, even trust a stranger that will put both their lives in danger as they traverse the world outside their caves, facing monsters and more.
Profile Image for Shannen.
1,042 reviews25 followers
May 18, 2023
I am absolutely blown away by the first book I’ve read by this author! Last King is the first installment of the Legacy of Riverfall series, and I am clamoring for the second already. The story of Maren and Kane will take hold of your attention for the entire day, so I hope you have no responsibilities to tend to! I was completely engrossed in this book and tuned everything else out around me. Maren has healing abilities, but her sister has fallen terribly ill and there is only one remedy…a very rare plant. Kane is a criminal who has lost something dear to him. He tells Maren that he can help her locate the rare plant she needs if she helps him find his lost item. She is very trepidatious, but ultimately decides to take the journey to save her sister. There is danger, romance, healing magic, and plenty of action in this fae story. I am so excited for the second book already, I am counting down the days! I highly recommend picking this up, especially if you enjoy YA fae healing, magic, and romance.
3,092 reviews34 followers
April 30, 2023
This is an absolutely fantastic story that really pulls you in from the word go. I loved the characters in this book. They are such an unlikely pairing and yet the connection and their chemistry seems to just work. They complemented the storyline well too.
This is an author that I have become recently familiar with and this book is a great example of why I keep reading more. It is exciting, gripping and is a great story. I could not put it down once I had started reading. This is a brilliant book and I cannot wait for the next.
370 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2023
Maren is a tribis in a land where anyone with powers from all three courts, ice, water, fire, is automatically executed for being too powerful. Kane rescues her to help him in his task and collect the cure for her sister's longuex but they are being manipulated by Princess Devota and realise it but is it too late to do anything about it? Full of action, fantasy and a bit of romance thrown in as well, Maren the unwitting fae lead with a roguish Kane as conspirator make good lead characters in an interesting story.
Profile Image for Shelly.
1,226 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2023
This book had me at hello. Right from the beginning you are sucked into this fantastical story of monsters, fae, Kings, and everything else you can come up with. The action, drama, suspense and romance are helpful too. The is an entertainting fantasy that will have you totally enthralled. The writing catches your attention. The characters feel like they jump off the page. I can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Amber Howard.
339 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2023
This was a really good book. It captures your attention quickly and doesn’t let go. I enjoyed the description of the creatures.

I really appreciate Maren. She’s very protective of her sister. She’s smart, and brave. Kane is one of those characters that grabs at your heart. He’s the bad guy type but you kind of fall in love with him (at least I did).

This was my first introduction to this author. Her writing is engaging. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lucy Vincent.
220 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2023
This is my first book by this author,and after the way this one ended, I definitely need the second one. The author sucks you right in with Maren and Kane’s story, and it’s so packed with adventure and tenacity, that I couldn’t help but root for Maren every step of the way. It’s a great start to a new fantasy series, and I’ll be on pins and needles until I get to read the next one. I’m so excited to see where First Queen takes Maren and Kane’s story. Highly Recommend!!!
Profile Image for Candida Furbush.
831 reviews10 followers
May 14, 2023
This is a great start to this series. As soon as I started reading this book I was completely drawn into it and I couldn't put it down. This story took me on a wonderful adventure. This was full of action, danger, fantasy, monsters, great characters and so much more. This author did an exceptional job at building a world the reader can get lost in. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. This is a must read, you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for TP.
1,039 reviews48 followers
March 23, 2025
It wasn’t a bad idea and the characters were interesting. I simply don’t like it, when the plot is run by characters hiding their story to keep up the suspense. And that is the only thing the story is build on, driving it. Numerous times the heroine confronted him, to no a avail. I gave up at 50% because I didn’t see the point. The story had no overall plot I could see and follow and Lee me interested.
Profile Image for Jess Taylor.
29 reviews7 followers
April 26, 2023
Such a great start to this new series. I love when a book sucks you in from the get go, and I was drawn into Maren’s storyline right away. If you like fast-paced adventure, this one is for you! The story ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the second book to find out Kane and Maren’s fate.
28 reviews
May 10, 2023
Fast paced, amazing fantasy book that is the first in the Legacy of Riverfall Series. Maren and Kane are two great and strong characters with an amazing realationship going from opposite to best friends and more. There was constant action, drama, adventure, magic, monsters, and romance. I’m excited for the rest of the series!
Author 17 books4 followers
May 13, 2023
This is the first time reading this author, but she didn’t disappoint with this one. I had to keep reading this one. Its is a fast paced read in a YA nature. If you want a good book to read this one is for you. I’m glad to see this is series because I am going to get the next book. I hope to see more from this author.

173 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2023
Maren has lived most of her life as a person who can barely pass by as a healer. Kane is out on the run looking for what is believed is his. When they are both out of their areas, they unite to help each others needs. Kane for his item, and Maren for a plant that can heal his diseased sister. Maren learns freedom whole Kane learns acquaintanceship. Great first book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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