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Artesans of Albia #2
King's Champion
After surviving brutal torture and escaping from Lord Rykan's dungeons, Major Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon, too injured to cross the Veils. Slowly dying and determined to find some purpose in the shattered remains of her life, she travels to the Andaryan capitol to offer the Hierarch her sword and Artesan gifts in the fight against Rykan and his vast army. Because women hold no power in Andaryon, Sullyan is met with prejudice, hostility, and suspicion. Before she can seek vengeance on the field of battle, she must prove herself to the Hierarch's generals. Finding support from the unlikeliest sources, Sullyan sets a plan into motion to defeat Lord Rykan and end his bid for the throne. The fate of two realms depends on her success, but her strength is fading fast and time is running out.
- GenresFantasy
426 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 30, 2017
First read January, 2013. Re-read August, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of the series, of great world-building and character development, good stories in general
Trigger Warnings: Torture, rape, violence, war, murder
Animal Abuse: Rykan abuses several horses in various ways
My Thoughts: This is the second book in the Artesans of Albia series, following King’s Envoy, which I read and reviewed in July of 2011 (review here where formatting is allowed). I wanted to re-read that book before I started this one, since it had been so long, but I have fallen far enough behind on my reviewing, so I will press ahead and hope for the best instead.
This book was thoroughly as enjoyable as the first. Peace is a very talented storyteller, and able to create characters that resonate with the reader. Whether hero or villain or just a regular person, you feel connected, like you know them yourself. This is a rare talent, and I’m very honored to have had the opportunity to experience such wonderful storytelling.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, but the next book in the series is scheduled for release later this year, also by Rhemalda. Be sure to watch for it; I know I will! Highly recommended.
And now a private message to Cas Peace. This is a major spoiler, so you have been warned!
Disclosure: I received an ARC e-book copy of this novel from Rhemalda Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: After surviving brutal torture and escaping from Lord Rykan s dungeons, Major Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon, too injured to cross the Veils. Slowly dying and determined to find some purpose in the shattered remains of her life, she travels to the Andaryan capitol to offer the Hierarch her sword and Artesan gifts in the fight against Rykan and his vast army. Because women hold no power in Andaryon, Sullyan is met with prejudice, hostility, and suspicion. Before she can seek vengeance on the field of battle, she must prove herself to the Hierarch s generals. Finding support from the unlikeliest sources, Sullyan sets a plan into motion to defeat Lord Rykan and end his bid for the throne. The fate of two realms depends on her success, but her strength is fading fast and time is running out.
Book Info: Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of the series, of great world-building and character development, good stories in general
Trigger Warnings: Torture, rape, violence, war, murder
Animal Abuse: Rykan abuses several horses in various ways
My Thoughts: This is the second book in the Artesans of Albia series, following King’s Envoy, which I read and reviewed in July of 2011 (review here where formatting is allowed). I wanted to re-read that book before I started this one, since it had been so long, but I have fallen far enough behind on my reviewing, so I will press ahead and hope for the best instead.
This book was thoroughly as enjoyable as the first. Peace is a very talented storyteller, and able to create characters that resonate with the reader. Whether hero or villain or just a regular person, you feel connected, like you know them yourself. This is a rare talent, and I’m very honored to have had the opportunity to experience such wonderful storytelling.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, but the next book in the series is scheduled for release later this year, also by Rhemalda. Be sure to watch for it; I know I will! Highly recommended.
And now a private message to Cas Peace. This is a major spoiler, so you have been warned!
Disclosure: I received an ARC e-book copy of this novel from Rhemalda Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: After surviving brutal torture and escaping from Lord Rykan s dungeons, Major Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon, too injured to cross the Veils. Slowly dying and determined to find some purpose in the shattered remains of her life, she travels to the Andaryan capitol to offer the Hierarch her sword and Artesan gifts in the fight against Rykan and his vast army. Because women hold no power in Andaryon, Sullyan is met with prejudice, hostility, and suspicion. Before she can seek vengeance on the field of battle, she must prove herself to the Hierarch s generals. Finding support from the unlikeliest sources, Sullyan sets a plan into motion to defeat Lord Rykan and end his bid for the throne. The fate of two realms depends on her success, but her strength is fading fast and time is running out.
August 2, 2012
Cas Peace’s KING’S CHAMPION, the second book in the Artesans of Albia, is a must-read for fantasy fans.
With the help of her friends, Major Sullyan escapes the brutal torture from Lord Rykan’s hands. But trapped in Andaryon and slowly dying, she finds her purpose to help the Hierarch and become the King’s Champion in a battle against her foe. But to save two worlds, it might cost her more than she knows.
KING’S CHAMPION picks up the storyline right after KING’S ENVOY, which I read a year ago. Peace does a fantastic job at sprinkling in enough backstory to help a reader jump into book two. New characters appear along with our old favorites, and I loved how we go deeper into the world of Andaryon. The setting is amazing and fantastical. The writing is beautiful and pulls the reader deeper into the story and characters. They become your friends, and I forgot I was reading a book and not living with them.
KING’S CHAMPION by Cas Peace builds upon her fantastic fantasy series. At the end, I screamed, “Nooooo!” and can’t wait to pick up book three.
With the help of her friends, Major Sullyan escapes the brutal torture from Lord Rykan’s hands. But trapped in Andaryon and slowly dying, she finds her purpose to help the Hierarch and become the King’s Champion in a battle against her foe. But to save two worlds, it might cost her more than she knows.
KING’S CHAMPION picks up the storyline right after KING’S ENVOY, which I read a year ago. Peace does a fantastic job at sprinkling in enough backstory to help a reader jump into book two. New characters appear along with our old favorites, and I loved how we go deeper into the world of Andaryon. The setting is amazing and fantastical. The writing is beautiful and pulls the reader deeper into the story and characters. They become your friends, and I forgot I was reading a book and not living with them.
KING’S CHAMPION by Cas Peace builds upon her fantastic fantasy series. At the end, I screamed, “Nooooo!” and can’t wait to pick up book three.
February 8, 2017
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read the first beforehand. I felt confused about the characters for awhile, and I had to keep reacquainting myself with the names and terminology with the glossary. Reading the first novel in the trilogy first, I am sure, would have made me feel more acquainted with the world that is being constructed and presented in the novel.
However, the characters as I read them, were well-developed characters that I found it easy to sympathize with. The villains were easily hated, and you can't help but cheer for the protagonists. From the way the story began, I had thought the healer would be the main character involved in the most important action, and was a bit sad that she was not, because she quickly became my favorite character. However, Major Sullyan was not far behind.
Fans of high fantasy would probably love this series.
*I received this book through a Firstreads Giveaway
However, the characters as I read them, were well-developed characters that I found it easy to sympathize with. The villains were easily hated, and you can't help but cheer for the protagonists. From the way the story began, I had thought the healer would be the main character involved in the most important action, and was a bit sad that she was not, because she quickly became my favorite character. However, Major Sullyan was not far behind.
Fans of high fantasy would probably love this series.
*I received this book through a Firstreads Giveaway
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2012
King's Envoy is a great novel, and its first sequel King's Champion is better still. Picking up amid the tension and excitement, where book one left off, Cas Peace's world instantly ensnares the reader once more. Major Sullyan, an extremely important character from the first novel and my favorite one, now takes center stage. Justly wanting revenge on the malignant and vile Duke Rykan, she must prove herself to the sexist Andaryon military before the opportunity can be set before her. The truth of Sullyan's origins also begins to surface from an unlikely source, and the book's ending will leave the reader desperately yearning for the next installment.
May 9, 2013
Sullyan takes centre stage.
Starts and ends with intensity. Interesting history about Sullyan is revealed, opening up new possibilities. Some great new characters are added to the cast. Another cliff-hanger ... bring on Book 3.
Starts and ends with intensity. Interesting history about Sullyan is revealed, opening up new possibilities. Some great new characters are added to the cast. Another cliff-hanger ... bring on Book 3.
January 29, 2017
Check out all my reviews at Kenn's Reviews
King’s Champion – Cas Peace
This is the second book in the Artesans of Albia trilogy and I must say is by no means lacking for action. The book starts off with a horse chase through the darkened woods in a brave attempt at a rescue.
I admit, I have yet to read book one in this trilogy, but it did not hinder my experience reading book two. I was drawn in immediately and connected with the characters with ease. The authors prose perfectly describes the scenes with such exquisite detail that you can see it as though you’re actually there. I feel as though I have visited the country side of the Andaryan realm.
Cas’ perfectly portrays the characters as they struggle through the challenges they are faced with. With Bull, Cal, Rienne and Taran ordered to return to Albia they experience a wide range of emotions and I must admit that they were so succinctly written that I shared some of their heartache and fear with them.
Sullyan, as the protagonist of the series, was easy to connect with as well. I felt myself siding with her more and more as her trials were revealed throughout the book. I connected with her and Robin as they dealt with the issues of Marik’s supposed betrayal and valor; as they sealed their love for each other with the bonds of rings; as they feared the end of their relationship due to the poison flowing through Sullyan’s soul.
Rykan’s challenge to the Andaryan King provided Cas with the opportunity to show her skill not only with large scale battle scenes, but also with single man-to-man combat. I sat idly by, forced to watch the scenes unfold in front of my very eyes and not be able to lend assistance where I felt I could reach out and touch the blood-covered ground and smell the scents of death in the air.
I really don’t need to read the first book, King’s Envoy, to connect with the characters from the series. However, with that being said, I think I will anyways, not just to learn more of our friends, but to enjoy seeing Cas’ skill in weaving these fantasy tales.
Farewell to the Albians for now, but only until book three, King’s Artesan, is released in August of 2013.
King’s Champion – Cas Peace
This is the second book in the Artesans of Albia trilogy and I must say is by no means lacking for action. The book starts off with a horse chase through the darkened woods in a brave attempt at a rescue.
I admit, I have yet to read book one in this trilogy, but it did not hinder my experience reading book two. I was drawn in immediately and connected with the characters with ease. The authors prose perfectly describes the scenes with such exquisite detail that you can see it as though you’re actually there. I feel as though I have visited the country side of the Andaryan realm.
Cas’ perfectly portrays the characters as they struggle through the challenges they are faced with. With Bull, Cal, Rienne and Taran ordered to return to Albia they experience a wide range of emotions and I must admit that they were so succinctly written that I shared some of their heartache and fear with them.
Sullyan, as the protagonist of the series, was easy to connect with as well. I felt myself siding with her more and more as her trials were revealed throughout the book. I connected with her and Robin as they dealt with the issues of Marik’s supposed betrayal and valor; as they sealed their love for each other with the bonds of rings; as they feared the end of their relationship due to the poison flowing through Sullyan’s soul.
Rykan’s challenge to the Andaryan King provided Cas with the opportunity to show her skill not only with large scale battle scenes, but also with single man-to-man combat. I sat idly by, forced to watch the scenes unfold in front of my very eyes and not be able to lend assistance where I felt I could reach out and touch the blood-covered ground and smell the scents of death in the air.
I really don’t need to read the first book, King’s Envoy, to connect with the characters from the series. However, with that being said, I think I will anyways, not just to learn more of our friends, but to enjoy seeing Cas’ skill in weaving these fantasy tales.
Farewell to the Albians for now, but only until book three, King’s Artesan, is released in August of 2013.
February 8, 2017
Having voraciously chewed through Peace's first book, [[ASIN:1936850133 King's Envoy: Artesans of Albia]], I realised with horror as I reached its conclusion I had made a horrible horrible mistake. I had binge-read, and I was left with the nauseating hangover of realisation that there was no book left, and plenty of story waiting to be told.
Like a true bibliophile I immediately bought King's Champion, Peace's second installment in the Artesans of Albia. Lesson learned, this time, instead of ploughing through the book like a bottle of firewater, I lingered over its strength and depth, like a fine fellan*.
I have already stated in my review of King's Envoy that Peace was crafting a fine world of depth and strength and she has continued to weave her magic in to her second novel. I am starting to love Sully as much as the characters around her, and on her shoulders rests a fantasy work worthy of the highest Artesan ranks. Her characters continue to have depth to inspire the loathing and loving required to keep you turning the pages. I sat up until 3am this morning and realised sadly that I would have to sleep lest I stayed awake all night - Peace's prose pulls you along at a pace that wants you to keep turning the page. No scene is wasted, there is no action without cause. Her dialogue is raw and realistic like the characters she crafts, and she neatly avoids yawn-inducing soliloquy and yet still manages to imbue heart and soul at the depth of her story.
At times surprising, at times predictable based on the natures of the characters, King's Champion is a book I have thoroughly enjoyed and I await its successor with barely restrained patience :)
* if you don't get the references then you'll have to read the book to find out ;)
Like a true bibliophile I immediately bought King's Champion, Peace's second installment in the Artesans of Albia. Lesson learned, this time, instead of ploughing through the book like a bottle of firewater, I lingered over its strength and depth, like a fine fellan*.
I have already stated in my review of King's Envoy that Peace was crafting a fine world of depth and strength and she has continued to weave her magic in to her second novel. I am starting to love Sully as much as the characters around her, and on her shoulders rests a fantasy work worthy of the highest Artesan ranks. Her characters continue to have depth to inspire the loathing and loving required to keep you turning the pages. I sat up until 3am this morning and realised sadly that I would have to sleep lest I stayed awake all night - Peace's prose pulls you along at a pace that wants you to keep turning the page. No scene is wasted, there is no action without cause. Her dialogue is raw and realistic like the characters she crafts, and she neatly avoids yawn-inducing soliloquy and yet still manages to imbue heart and soul at the depth of her story.
At times surprising, at times predictable based on the natures of the characters, King's Champion is a book I have thoroughly enjoyed and I await its successor with barely restrained patience :)
* if you don't get the references then you'll have to read the book to find out ;)
February 8, 2017
Having voraciously chewed through Peace's first book, [[ASIN:1936850133 King's Envoy: Artesans of Albia]], I realised with horror as I reached its conclusion I had made a horrible horrible mistake. I had binge-read, and I was left with the nauseating hangover of realisation that there was no book left, and plenty of story waiting to be told.
Like a true bibliophile I immediately bought King's Champion, Peace's second installment in the Artesans of Albia. Lesson learned, this time, instead of ploughing through the book like a bottle of firewater, I lingered over its strength and depth, like a fine fellan*.
I have already stated in my review of King's Envoy that Peace was crafting a fine world of depth and strength and she has continued to weave her magic in to her second novel. I am starting to love Sully as much as the characters around her, and on her shoulders rests a fantasy work worthy of the highest Artesan ranks. Her characters continue to have depth to inspire the loathing and loving required to keep you turning the pages. I sat up until 3am this morning and realised sadly that I would have to sleep lest I stayed awake all night - Peace's prose pulls you along at a pace that wants you to keep turning the page. No scene is wasted, there is no action without cause. Her dialogue is raw and realistic like the characters she crafts, and she neatly avoids yawn-inducing soliloquy and yet still manages to imbue heart and soul at the depth of her story.
At times surprising, at times predictable based on the natures of the characters, King's Champion is a book I have thoroughly enjoyed and I await its successor with barely restrained patience :)
* if you don't get the references then you'll have to read the book to find out ;)
Like a true bibliophile I immediately bought King's Champion, Peace's second installment in the Artesans of Albia. Lesson learned, this time, instead of ploughing through the book like a bottle of firewater, I lingered over its strength and depth, like a fine fellan*.
I have already stated in my review of King's Envoy that Peace was crafting a fine world of depth and strength and she has continued to weave her magic in to her second novel. I am starting to love Sully as much as the characters around her, and on her shoulders rests a fantasy work worthy of the highest Artesan ranks. Her characters continue to have depth to inspire the loathing and loving required to keep you turning the pages. I sat up until 3am this morning and realised sadly that I would have to sleep lest I stayed awake all night - Peace's prose pulls you along at a pace that wants you to keep turning the page. No scene is wasted, there is no action without cause. Her dialogue is raw and realistic like the characters she crafts, and she neatly avoids yawn-inducing soliloquy and yet still manages to imbue heart and soul at the depth of her story.
At times surprising, at times predictable based on the natures of the characters, King's Champion is a book I have thoroughly enjoyed and I await its successor with barely restrained patience :)
* if you don't get the references then you'll have to read the book to find out ;)
July 30, 2012
This book carries straight on from part 1 of the Artesans of Albia series, King's Envoy and as such you need to read King's Envoy first to really appreciate what is going on.
We start with the companions in a mad chase away from the dungeons where Major Sullyan has been held captive and during the healing process the Major needs it is found that she will be unable to cross the veils and return to her home realm of Albia.
She makes the decision to offer her help to The Heirarch, the ruler of the realm of Andaryon, in his battle against Lord Rykan, the man who held Sullyan captive. The biggest problem is that women in Andaryan are very much looked down on and the men hold all the power. If Sullyan is to be accepted she has a lot to prove and due to her injuries sustained at the hands of Rykan she may not even survive to the final battle.
Once again, with this second book, Cas Peace shows herself to be a wonderfully gifted storyteller. Her descriptive skills allow you to live the book, not just read it and her battle tactics are as well written as it gets.
But it is with the characters that Ms. Peace really excels. As before Major Sullyan is one of the best and most believable female leads in fantasy fiction but all the characters are really well drawn. Lord Rykan is possibly one of the nastiest, most evil and hateful 'bad guys' yet and his general, Sonten is just plain despicable.
This is a book/series you can get lost in for hours, if not days but be warned, this is an author with the ability to tear at the heartstrings and leave you drained of emotion. This book will move you like possibly no other of its kind.
I predict great things for Cas Peace.
We start with the companions in a mad chase away from the dungeons where Major Sullyan has been held captive and during the healing process the Major needs it is found that she will be unable to cross the veils and return to her home realm of Albia.
She makes the decision to offer her help to The Heirarch, the ruler of the realm of Andaryon, in his battle against Lord Rykan, the man who held Sullyan captive. The biggest problem is that women in Andaryan are very much looked down on and the men hold all the power. If Sullyan is to be accepted she has a lot to prove and due to her injuries sustained at the hands of Rykan she may not even survive to the final battle.
Once again, with this second book, Cas Peace shows herself to be a wonderfully gifted storyteller. Her descriptive skills allow you to live the book, not just read it and her battle tactics are as well written as it gets.
But it is with the characters that Ms. Peace really excels. As before Major Sullyan is one of the best and most believable female leads in fantasy fiction but all the characters are really well drawn. Lord Rykan is possibly one of the nastiest, most evil and hateful 'bad guys' yet and his general, Sonten is just plain despicable.
This is a book/series you can get lost in for hours, if not days but be warned, this is an author with the ability to tear at the heartstrings and leave you drained of emotion. This book will move you like possibly no other of its kind.
I predict great things for Cas Peace.
April 23, 2014
BOOK DESCRIPTION
After surviving brutal torture and escaping from Lord Rykan's dungeons, Major Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon, too injured to cross the Veils. Slowly dying and determined to find some purpose in the shattered remains of her life, she travels to the Andaryan capitol to offer the Hierarch her sword and Artesan gifts in the fight against Rykan and his vast army. Because women hold no power in Andaryon, Sullyan is met with prejudice, hostility, and suspicion. Before she can seek vengeance on the field of battle, she must prove herself to the Hierarch's generals. Finding support from the unlikeliest sources, Sullyan sets a plan into motion to defeat Lord Rykan and end his bid for the throne. The fate of two realms depends on her success, but her strength is fading fast and time is running out.
MY TAKE
Peace doesn't disappoint. Once again she does a wonderful job with her engaging characters, fascinating worlds, and intriguing "magic". You just ache for all Sullyan had to go through and agonize with those who love her. There's only so much you can do to support someone going through a life-changing trial or help them heal from brutality.
And once again, remember that this is only the 3rd book in a multibook series . . . and it has a cliffhanger at the end. *sigh*
After surviving brutal torture and escaping from Lord Rykan's dungeons, Major Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon, too injured to cross the Veils. Slowly dying and determined to find some purpose in the shattered remains of her life, she travels to the Andaryan capitol to offer the Hierarch her sword and Artesan gifts in the fight against Rykan and his vast army. Because women hold no power in Andaryon, Sullyan is met with prejudice, hostility, and suspicion. Before she can seek vengeance on the field of battle, she must prove herself to the Hierarch's generals. Finding support from the unlikeliest sources, Sullyan sets a plan into motion to defeat Lord Rykan and end his bid for the throne. The fate of two realms depends on her success, but her strength is fading fast and time is running out.
MY TAKE
Peace doesn't disappoint. Once again she does a wonderful job with her engaging characters, fascinating worlds, and intriguing "magic". You just ache for all Sullyan had to go through and agonize with those who love her. There's only so much you can do to support someone going through a life-changing trial or help them heal from brutality.
And once again, remember that this is only the 3rd book in a multibook series . . . and it has a cliffhanger at the end. *sigh*
February 7, 2017
After devouring King's Envoy and ploughing into this one, I wasn't disappointed.
Cas Peace has a talent for keeping a reader hooked to the last death-defying minute.
Poor Sullyan was in such deep trouble at the beginning of the book and I had to wait till the end before I discovered how much this wonderful strong, brave, woman could handle!
And this is where I discovered that she is still in deep trouble!
And this is where I made my first mistake. I should have strung it out until I could get the next in the series, King's Artesan, because now I'm in suspense, wondering how she's going to get herself out of trouble.
Cas Peace has a talent for keeping a reader hooked to the last death-defying minute.
Poor Sullyan was in such deep trouble at the beginning of the book and I had to wait till the end before I discovered how much this wonderful strong, brave, woman could handle!
And this is where I discovered that she is still in deep trouble!
And this is where I made my first mistake. I should have strung it out until I could get the next in the series, King's Artesan, because now I'm in suspense, wondering how she's going to get herself out of trouble.
January 27, 2017
Great book. I love how you get to know every character even if you haven't read the first one yet. I can not wait for the third book to come out.
September 27, 2012
great book. loved it.
February 3, 2017
The King’s Champion had some sections that were amazing and wonderful to read. I really enjoyed the last 75 pages or so as the plot really picked up, but most of the book was drawn out a bit much for me. The plot overall was good and the characters continue to be enjoyable from the first book in the series, but I was not into this book as much as I had anticipated. I had a difficult time remembering that the characters are attempting to move forward despite trying circumstances because those circumstances are mentioned again and again throughout the novel. I still enjoyed Major Sullyan’s charisma, her strength, and her interactions with others. The ending was extremely disappointing simply because it felt nothing like an ending. I guess if I want to feel any sense of completeness I will need to read the next book. Maybe it will exceed my expectations.
I received a free Advanced Review Copy of this book for review.
I received a free Advanced Review Copy of this book for review.
February 17, 2014
Beautifully written and sprinkled with just the right amount of magic, King's Champion is the perfect fantasy! I love tales with a strong leading character & Cas Peace does not disappoint. Betrayal, adventure & passion wrap neatly around each other to deliver a beautiful continuation of King's Envoy, Artesans of Albia.
If you enjoy being whisked away to the realm of fantasy, I strongly suggest this unique, special read! Hands down, one of the best fantasy series I have ever read!
- Ashley L. Knight, author of FALWYN
If you enjoy being whisked away to the realm of fantasy, I strongly suggest this unique, special read! Hands down, one of the best fantasy series I have ever read!
- Ashley L. Knight, author of FALWYN
January 18, 2016
Wow! I found this utterly gripping from start to finish. Warning, this is NOT a light read, but I am sure fantasy fans will 'enjoy' it hugely. The author must have a military background, or have done a wealth of research, as the fighting and battle planning carry such a feel of 'real' with them. I quickly felt an attachment to the characters, which made it a very tense read, for sure. When I have 'recovered' I intend to read the third in the series: The King's Artesan. And am looking forward to it very much - I think ;)
August 4, 2012
I messed up the loading thingie.....this should be on the still to finish reading list
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