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King of the Mine
Returning to Woestynn.
Two lives in the Hive, the community that has grown in the Mines of Woestynn. The King is dying and will give up his life in the tradition of the Hive, handing his crown to his second. But there is another Two waiting in the wings and he will stop at nothing to claim the crown.
Two lives in the Hive, the community that has grown in the Mines of Woestynn. The King is dying and will give up his life in the tradition of the Hive, handing his crown to his second. But there is another Two waiting in the wings and he will stop at nothing to claim the crown.
98 pages, ebook
Published December 11, 2023
4 people want to read
About the author
E.M. McConnell
42 books120 followersEryn was born and raised in the UK, emigrating to Germany in 2017. They work freelance and live with their family.
Eryn studied Poetry, Literature and Playwriting at University, continuing to write poetry. They began to write fiction in 2021, starting with fan fiction, then flash fiction, then short stories, and finally novellas and novels.
They describe themselves as a non genre specific writer, preferring to dip toes into different genres, stories and ideas. Currently they write Poetry, Fantasy, Dystopian, Scifi and Horror but they may diversify further in the future.
Eryn studied Poetry, Literature and Playwriting at University, continuing to write poetry. They began to write fiction in 2021, starting with fan fiction, then flash fiction, then short stories, and finally novellas and novels.
They describe themselves as a non genre specific writer, preferring to dip toes into different genres, stories and ideas. Currently they write Poetry, Fantasy, Dystopian, Scifi and Horror but they may diversify further in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 8, 2023
I just finished the third book in the Woestynn series, and where the heck do I even start?
I am speechless right now as I just seconds before finished this book. But I am still going to try to write a review because Eryn once again has managed to write a fantastic story!
First of all, I loved "The Dust Collector" and I am pretty sure that was my favorite read this year. So I was going into this with high anticipation. Needless to say, I am thoroughly impressed.
It was such a surreal feeling to learn about the mine after hearing about it in the other two books. Two is perhaps the worst person in this entire series, but at the same time, I was interested in him from the very first page of the book.
Another fascinating thing for me was to read about the worms. I hate them still, but I now know a very different side of them which I appreciate. Learning about the mine was gruesome and disgusting at times, yet it made me realize the importance of survival. And how I would do the same thing perhaps if I was in their shoes.
Indomitable was also very interesting to me. Some of my favorite scenes were as follows - The becoming, the final battle scene, and of course the freaking end! It will take some time to digest that ending for sure.
I am in love with this series. And I am so freaking excited for Pilgrim!! But Eryn did an amazing job with this one. An amazing dystopian read that will live rent free in my mind for a while.
I am speechless right now as I just seconds before finished this book. But I am still going to try to write a review because Eryn once again has managed to write a fantastic story!
First of all, I loved "The Dust Collector" and I am pretty sure that was my favorite read this year. So I was going into this with high anticipation. Needless to say, I am thoroughly impressed.
It was such a surreal feeling to learn about the mine after hearing about it in the other two books. Two is perhaps the worst person in this entire series, but at the same time, I was interested in him from the very first page of the book.
Another fascinating thing for me was to read about the worms. I hate them still, but I now know a very different side of them which I appreciate. Learning about the mine was gruesome and disgusting at times, yet it made me realize the importance of survival. And how I would do the same thing perhaps if I was in their shoes.
Indomitable was also very interesting to me. Some of my favorite scenes were as follows - The becoming, the final battle scene, and of course the freaking end! It will take some time to digest that ending for sure.
I am in love with this series. And I am so freaking excited for Pilgrim!! But Eryn did an amazing job with this one. An amazing dystopian read that will live rent free in my mind for a while.
January 2, 2024
This story sucked me into its dark world and now I must read the other stories of the series. I very much like the authors style of writing and length of the story. Survive or not, it doesn’t matter in the mine. Read it! You’ll love it!
December 24, 2023
Dark and Twisted
Even the worst of us need to find a way to survive. 2 is surviving the only way he knows how. Quick read. Really enjoyed.
Even the worst of us need to find a way to survive. 2 is surviving the only way he knows how. Quick read. Really enjoyed.
December 16, 2023
Wickedly dark and wonderful
I have read and enjoyed the first 2 books in this series and this one was equally awesome! Darker than the rest but suitable for a mine, this tale was the most horrifying yet.
Ready for the next one💫
I have read and enjoyed the first 2 books in this series and this one was equally awesome! Darker than the rest but suitable for a mine, this tale was the most horrifying yet.
Ready for the next one💫
February 5, 2024
‘First there would be night, then there would be death…’
E.M. McConnell yet again delivers a tale that encapsulates readers with the much anticipated view of a place deep below Woestynn. The writing style for this entry feels minimalist in terms of description which adds to the closed-in feeling alongside some wonderful word choices that bring a real sense of the environment and setting. Great writing doesn’t always give the reader all of the details but simply provides enough to stir the imagination into heightening the reading experience which is exactly what this story does.
Even beneath the surface of a barren prison planet there is a certain pecking order and the power scramble at the very top of that heap moves into full swing as the current King’s time appears to be up. With themes of survival, succession and of course deception, the Woestynn Chronicles takes a turn in this entry and like the previous ones, can be enjoyed in any order and even as stand alone. When it comes to the Mine, the willingness to find power and survival seemingly mirror each other with the tendency of both being taken away at any time.
Some of my favourite Quotes:
‘He had work to do, on this most auspicious day. And time waits for no man…’
‘The Worms gathered with their harvest, bowls filled with fragrant moss steeping in water. Their eyes wide in adoration, mouths hanging open…’
‘First there would be night, then there would be death…’
E.M. McConnell yet again delivers a tale that encapsulates readers with the much anticipated view of a place deep below Woestynn. The writing style for this entry feels minimalist in terms of description which adds to the closed-in feeling alongside some wonderful word choices that bring a real sense of the environment and setting. Great writing doesn’t always give the reader all of the details but simply provides enough to stir the imagination into heightening the reading experience which is exactly what this story does.
Even beneath the surface of a barren prison planet there is a certain pecking order and the power scramble at the very top of that heap moves into full swing as the current King’s time appears to be up. With themes of survival, succession and of course deception, the Woestynn Chronicles takes a turn in this entry and like the previous ones, can be enjoyed in any order and even as stand alone. When it comes to the Mine, the willingness to find power and survival seemingly mirror each other with the tendency of both being taken away at any time.
Some of my favourite Quotes:
‘He had work to do, on this most auspicious day. And time waits for no man…’
‘The Worms gathered with their harvest, bowls filled with fragrant moss steeping in water. Their eyes wide in adoration, mouths hanging open…’
‘First there would be night, then there would be death…’
November 14, 2023
I was very fortunate to be given an opportunity to read ‘King of the Mine’ before the official release date and I was not disappointed. Having read the other novellas based in the harsh, cruel landscape of Woestynn, I felt prepared for what was to come but this is an infinitely darker tale.
Within the depths of the mine, a power struggle begins the story but as it unfolds, the plot is filled with twists and turns. There are no obvious heroes or villains which makes you focus even more intently for the slightest sign of which side will ultimately triumph.
The author’s success with other published work within the more ‘traditional’ horror genre, really added a terrifying dimension to an already nerve jangling plot. I feel there are elements that are perhaps not for the squeamish but they’re definitely important to the narrative and are not included gratuitously, merely to shock.
On a personal note, the descriptions of the various levels of the mine itself were undeniably impressive as while I was reading, I could almost feel the dank surroundings and the imminent threat waiting in the darkness.
I definitely recommend this book and would urge anyone to purchase the others set in the same world.
Within the depths of the mine, a power struggle begins the story but as it unfolds, the plot is filled with twists and turns. There are no obvious heroes or villains which makes you focus even more intently for the slightest sign of which side will ultimately triumph.
The author’s success with other published work within the more ‘traditional’ horror genre, really added a terrifying dimension to an already nerve jangling plot. I feel there are elements that are perhaps not for the squeamish but they’re definitely important to the narrative and are not included gratuitously, merely to shock.
On a personal note, the descriptions of the various levels of the mine itself were undeniably impressive as while I was reading, I could almost feel the dank surroundings and the imminent threat waiting in the darkness.
I definitely recommend this book and would urge anyone to purchase the others set in the same world.
November 11, 2023
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this novella. King of the Mine is a further look at the ongoing Woestynn saga (books can read in any order). In this book we finally get to see inside the Mine and it's inhabitants. This story is definitely the darkest of a dark series so far. King of the Mine is part savage political intrigue and survival of the fittest tale. E. M. McConnell writing is excellent as always with her ability to bring you along and leave a little room for your imagination to fill in. There are no heroes in this book but some ambiguous characters to root for (according to your preference) and some wretched creatures to pity.
The environment and the denizens it spawns was a fascinating sci-fi/ folklore read.
Woestynn is a harsh setting and makes for characters of dubious nature and I love it!
I can not wait to read Pilgrim the next book in the Woestynn Saga.
The environment and the denizens it spawns was a fascinating sci-fi/ folklore read.
Woestynn is a harsh setting and makes for characters of dubious nature and I love it!
I can not wait to read Pilgrim the next book in the Woestynn Saga.
December 23, 2023
I had the pleasure of reading this before its release. It's a gripping, fascinating, and frightening inclusion to McConnell's Woestynn series. Good and evil don't exist here, only a grim gradient of moral ambiguity. Power and control are desired and respected to a deadly degree in a game of underground politics that highlights the depths of depravity and the need for community people need to survive a place like Woestynn.
McConnell has built a terrifying and heartbreaking world through her characters and prose. The environment of Woestynn and the people of the mine are meant to be experienced and endured, squeezing the true character of its inhabitants past whatever shell of bravado or psychological wall they might bring up to protect themselves.
This whole series is a fascinating look into the institutionalized mentality that doesn't pick sides or choose heroes. I eagerly await the next book.
McConnell has built a terrifying and heartbreaking world through her characters and prose. The environment of Woestynn and the people of the mine are meant to be experienced and endured, squeezing the true character of its inhabitants past whatever shell of bravado or psychological wall they might bring up to protect themselves.
This whole series is a fascinating look into the institutionalized mentality that doesn't pick sides or choose heroes. I eagerly await the next book.
January 22, 2024
Such a good story.
I love that each of these books are from a different side of life on Woestynn.
This book had me hooked from the first page and I couldn't put it down.
I am looking forward to reading Pilgrim.
I love that each of these books are from a different side of life on Woestynn.
This book had me hooked from the first page and I couldn't put it down.
I am looking forward to reading Pilgrim.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews