What do you think?
Rate this book
The King's Watch #11.5
Three Ring Circus: A Fairy Story
What’s it like to live forever?Alicia is about to find out...
Just because you don’t grow old, it doesn't mean you won’t die a violent death at the hands of your broodmates. Or the Queen who laid your egg.
From the moment she hatches in the Derwent Sídhe, Alicia is fighting. For her life. To gain position. To become an adult.
And then, the moment she drops her wings and emerges, the fun really starts.
In this new instalment of Mark Hayden’s King’s Watch series, we finally get to hear from the Fae in their own words. They’ve played a huge part in Conrad Clarke’s life, and now they’re going to be staying in his house. Alicia’s story is told from what’s it like to have magick in your bones? How do the Fae really feel about mortals? What does it take to climb the greasy pole when your rivals are all immortal?
Alicia is the youngest Squire in the service of Princess Faith, and she is propelled into the heart of the biggest wedding in the world of magick this the joining together of the Dragonslayer and his consort. No pressure, then.
She fights to get on top of a bunch of unruly hens’ hairdos and just when she thinks she’s winning, the bottom falls out of her world.
She finds herself on her own, cut off from her People, about to become snake food and with nothing but a hairbrush to protect herself. Can she make a bid for freedom?
Woven in with Alicia’s story, we get a backstage pass to some of the events glossed over in Third Eye. What really happened at the hen do? How did Lucy’s car end up in the canal? And as for Mina and the stripper...
We also check in with Conrad and Mina on their Honeymoon in Valhalla, where Mina is not a happy bride. Not at first, anyway.
So find out how Alicia copes in the mad world of the wingless, and discover how Conrad plans to deal with the Akademia and grab a copy now.
Mark Hayden’s King’s Watch continues to turn over all sorts of rocks to find what crawls out. Who wouldn’t want to join Alicia on her journey from the egg to the edge of an abyss.
Just because you don’t grow old, it doesn't mean you won’t die a violent death at the hands of your broodmates. Or the Queen who laid your egg.
From the moment she hatches in the Derwent Sídhe, Alicia is fighting. For her life. To gain position. To become an adult.
And then, the moment she drops her wings and emerges, the fun really starts.
In this new instalment of Mark Hayden’s King’s Watch series, we finally get to hear from the Fae in their own words. They’ve played a huge part in Conrad Clarke’s life, and now they’re going to be staying in his house. Alicia’s story is told from what’s it like to have magick in your bones? How do the Fae really feel about mortals? What does it take to climb the greasy pole when your rivals are all immortal?
Alicia is the youngest Squire in the service of Princess Faith, and she is propelled into the heart of the biggest wedding in the world of magick this the joining together of the Dragonslayer and his consort. No pressure, then.
She fights to get on top of a bunch of unruly hens’ hairdos and just when she thinks she’s winning, the bottom falls out of her world.
She finds herself on her own, cut off from her People, about to become snake food and with nothing but a hairbrush to protect herself. Can she make a bid for freedom?
Woven in with Alicia’s story, we get a backstage pass to some of the events glossed over in Third Eye. What really happened at the hen do? How did Lucy’s car end up in the canal? And as for Mina and the stripper...
We also check in with Conrad and Mina on their Honeymoon in Valhalla, where Mina is not a happy bride. Not at first, anyway.
So find out how Alicia copes in the mad world of the wingless, and discover how Conrad plans to deal with the Akademia and grab a copy now.
Mark Hayden’s King’s Watch continues to turn over all sorts of rocks to find what crawls out. Who wouldn’t want to join Alicia on her journey from the egg to the edge of an abyss.
546 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2024
159 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 29, 2024
Worst so far
It feels like he's lost his way and just filled it up with anything except the main storyline because he can't find a way to move on, and the ideas are running out.
If I'd had to pay, I would be annoyed because this feels like a weak excuse to meet a quota...
It would be helpful if amazon directed readers to the first series of Clarke/Morton novels so they can read in order. Provide a reading list... link them better than they are...
I'm frustrated having read King's Watch first to then be directed to Tom's standalone series before finally getting a link to the Colour series, which precedes them both... it's highly irritating... as is advertising the next novel as "available soon" with no date... although if Hayden doesn't find his form I won't be finishing it
It feels like he's lost his way and just filled it up with anything except the main storyline because he can't find a way to move on, and the ideas are running out.
If I'd had to pay, I would be annoyed because this feels like a weak excuse to meet a quota...
It would be helpful if amazon directed readers to the first series of Clarke/Morton novels so they can read in order. Provide a reading list... link them better than they are...
I'm frustrated having read King's Watch first to then be directed to Tom's standalone series before finally getting a link to the Colour series, which precedes them both... it's highly irritating... as is advertising the next novel as "available soon" with no date... although if Hayden doesn't find his form I won't be finishing it
April 9, 2024
A welcome insight into the world of the Fae and a fresh look at the events around The Wedding. I am sure we'll meet Alice again in the future - maybe with a chain of beauty salons? Maybe Bassenthwaite will get her comeuppance too.
Switching the narration between characters has always been a feature of the series, but it can get confusing at times. However, writing in the first person can get very limiting if the author sticks to a single character.
As always with these books, I raced through and read it in a couple of days. I will give it a couple of days and then start again at a more leisurely pace.
Switching the narration between characters has always been a feature of the series, but it can get confusing at times. However, writing in the first person can get very limiting if the author sticks to a single character.
As always with these books, I raced through and read it in a couple of days. I will give it a couple of days and then start again at a more leisurely pace.
April 20, 2024
An outstanding Fae-ry Tale!
I have to admit that I’m a real fan of that Bloody Conrad Clarke character and I was quite saddened to read the opening pages from the point of view of a third party … and then I was spellbound. Mr. Hayden has woven an enchanting tale weaving together most of the behind the scenes happenings which is exactly what I would expect from a tale told by that Bloody Conrad Clarke!
I have to admit that I’m a real fan of that Bloody Conrad Clarke character and I was quite saddened to read the opening pages from the point of view of a third party … and then I was spellbound. Mr. Hayden has woven an enchanting tale weaving together most of the behind the scenes happenings which is exactly what I would expect from a tale told by that Bloody Conrad Clarke!
May 3, 2024
Brilliant
A really interesting point of view in this book. Mark has taken his writing skills up to the next level.
This is a highly recommended urban fantasy series.
A really interesting point of view in this book. Mark has taken his writing skills up to the next level.
This is a highly recommended urban fantasy series.
April 19, 2024
Just loving Alice!
I’ve been on this journey from the outset, and I was apprehensive about this one as I find these fae a tad complex. However after settling in after a few chapters (because in waiting for the next Kings Watch episodes I go off and read any utter spicy rubbish I can find) I really became embroiled with this part of the tale. So sad that it ended, looking forward to more from Alice in the next book!
I’ve been on this journey from the outset, and I was apprehensive about this one as I find these fae a tad complex. However after settling in after a few chapters (because in waiting for the next Kings Watch episodes I go off and read any utter spicy rubbish I can find) I really became embroiled with this part of the tale. So sad that it ended, looking forward to more from Alice in the next book!
November 22, 2025
I adore this series, but I would honestly have preferred to have the key points (for both character development and plot) in this one as a novella rather than a long novel. It was a struggle to get through it, though I’m glad I did as the end was important.
Definite improvements once the threads to the core story started to emerge but that was very late. My problem, though, was that I have never cared what happened at the hen party (which took up a lot of space for not enough amusing dialogue) - and I have never really wanted to know much more about the Fae world, so all of those many many many details were pretty lost on me too.
For those who do want a deep dive away from the main characters and into the Fae, this might work a lot better - it certainly has admirably detailed world-building, and Alicia’s character development is interesting as a stand-alone story.
Eagerly looking forward to returning to the core story in the next one, though.
Definite improvements once the threads to the core story started to emerge but that was very late. My problem, though, was that I have never cared what happened at the hen party (which took up a lot of space for not enough amusing dialogue) - and I have never really wanted to know much more about the Fae world, so all of those many many many details were pretty lost on me too.
For those who do want a deep dive away from the main characters and into the Fae, this might work a lot better - it certainly has admirably detailed world-building, and Alicia’s character development is interesting as a stand-alone story.
Eagerly looking forward to returning to the core story in the next one, though.
June 10, 2024
Solid story, and nice to have the differing perspectives of writing. But it had been a while since the last book (for me, anyway) and I was having a bit of a problem following storylines...but eventually caught up.
Looking forward to seeing what more happens with "Alice"... ;) Looking forward to the next!
Looking forward to seeing what more happens with "Alice"... ;) Looking forward to the next!
May 12, 2024
My favourite of the series
The King’s Watch series is an incredible one. I’ve enjoyed each book very much. However, this book was excellent from the first page to the last. It’s definitely my favourite of the series, so far. I’m excited to see where the next book takes us.
The King’s Watch series is an incredible one. I’ve enjoyed each book very much. However, this book was excellent from the first page to the last. It’s definitely my favourite of the series, so far. I’m excited to see where the next book takes us.
November 17, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, but it was a mess. The story and all the different plotlines have clearly ballooned beyond what Hayden can manage. It is a shame, because I know from the previous books (the last one also excluded) that he is capable of weaving a good story.
He writes in the author's note that the story would have had too much going on if he hadn't split it. It still does. Apparently he is working with a new editor, who has not done a very good job in helping him slim down the unnecessary parts.
In particular the entire Chloë storyline should have been left out. It was not integrated with the rest of the story and finished as an aside. It could have been done better without her all the chapters from her perspective. Then, the pages saved could have been spent on a sentence here and there recapping all the minor plot points from previous books that were reintroduced in a confusing mess in this one. So should several of the characters, who were not relevant to the progression of the story - with this many characters it is important to streamline who is introduced when and where (and also to make sure their names are distinct - like why is there a man and a woman in this series who are both referred to as Kelly).
Will still probably read the next one.
He writes in the author's note that the story would have had too much going on if he hadn't split it. It still does. Apparently he is working with a new editor, who has not done a very good job in helping him slim down the unnecessary parts.
In particular the entire Chloë storyline should have been left out. It was not integrated with the rest of the story and finished as an aside. It could have been done better without her all the chapters from her perspective. Then, the pages saved could have been spent on a sentence here and there recapping all the minor plot points from previous books that were reintroduced in a confusing mess in this one. So should several of the characters, who were not relevant to the progression of the story - with this many characters it is important to streamline who is introduced when and where (and also to make sure their names are distinct - like why is there a man and a woman in this series who are both referred to as Kelly).
Will still probably read the next one.
April 9, 2024
A good episode
As the books have gone on, more and more viewpoints are included in the stories, which can be confusing if you don’t understand the symbols. If you haven’t read any of this series, do not start here because there is a cast of thousands. Definitely read them in sequence. I wasn’t keen on the jumping around in time rather than a linear story. However it was a good episode and they finally got married, albeit in the most chaotic way possible, as you would expect. A very good side story about the life cycle of one fairy and the very rapid learning curve they are hurled into.
As the books have gone on, more and more viewpoints are included in the stories, which can be confusing if you don’t understand the symbols. If you haven’t read any of this series, do not start here because there is a cast of thousands. Definitely read them in sequence. I wasn’t keen on the jumping around in time rather than a linear story. However it was a good episode and they finally got married, albeit in the most chaotic way possible, as you would expect. A very good side story about the life cycle of one fairy and the very rapid learning curve they are hurled into.
April 21, 2024
This whole series is brilliant but to get to know the complex characters you need to start with the first book and follow the series in order. The books are a mixture of murder, mystery, mythological creatures, magic etc if you enjoy this genre then I would highly recommend this author and book series. I'M HOOKED!
April 20, 2024
And now, the rest of the story!
Whew, what a jaunt! Plugging all the gaps that were left empty from the last book! After a thrilling conclusion, a Batchelor party, and a wedding that leaves you desperate for more.
Thankfully more arrives. We learn what the ladies got into while the boys were away, more about the Fae than expected, and a new story begins! Two words, Loved it!
Whew, what a jaunt! Plugging all the gaps that were left empty from the last book! After a thrilling conclusion, a Batchelor party, and a wedding that leaves you desperate for more.
Thankfully more arrives. We learn what the ladies got into while the boys were away, more about the Fae than expected, and a new story begins! Two words, Loved it!
April 13, 2024
Speechless!
There are really no words to describe how good this book is.
Not only the story of the real hen do but a huge glimpse into the world of the Fae... and the Allfather.
There are really no words to describe how good this book is.
Not only the story of the real hen do but a huge glimpse into the world of the Fae... and the Allfather.
February 1, 2025
I don't usually write reviews. It's also taken me 12 books in, to leave comments about this series. But here you go.
I have a deep appreciation for Hayden's King's Watch series. The writing is dense (That's a compliment!). He gives equal attention to character and to action. The very slow progression, the intrigue, the interweaving of story-lines and character arcs within each novel and across the series...!
There's a bit of frivolity. A bit of love/romance. I love both of those!
Start from the base of British mythology with a dash of Indian, add the Fae, Gnomes, Dwarves, magic-users of several varieties, two-skin, and more. With all of this magic and mystery, a thing I like immensely is that the heroes and heroines are NOT saving the world. They're fighting to defend their own backyard, to protect their friends and country.
There's a bit more smoking than I'd like, but hey, it's a distinctive character choice. And Hayden uses it well.
This is an incredibly well-developed world. Each new story-arc, each new exploration of species, merely adds to the sophisticated universe. All too often writers in this genre lose track of details and break rules that were established three books ago. I've not noticed that yet, and I'm on book 12. All the rest of my appreciation notwithstanding, this is the highest praise I can offer.
I have a deep appreciation for Hayden's King's Watch series. The writing is dense (That's a compliment!). He gives equal attention to character and to action. The very slow progression, the intrigue, the interweaving of story-lines and character arcs within each novel and across the series...!
There's a bit of frivolity. A bit of love/romance. I love both of those!
Start from the base of British mythology with a dash of Indian, add the Fae, Gnomes, Dwarves, magic-users of several varieties, two-skin, and more. With all of this magic and mystery, a thing I like immensely is that the heroes and heroines are NOT saving the world. They're fighting to defend their own backyard, to protect their friends and country.
There's a bit more smoking than I'd like, but hey, it's a distinctive character choice. And Hayden uses it well.
This is an incredibly well-developed world. Each new story-arc, each new exploration of species, merely adds to the sophisticated universe. All too often writers in this genre lose track of details and break rules that were established three books ago. I've not noticed that yet, and I'm on book 12. All the rest of my appreciation notwithstanding, this is the highest praise I can offer.
July 5, 2025
Excellent, though a bit confusing
Conrad Clarke lives a life of chaos and enchantment. This story, though, is not directly about him. Other voices, other stories, other events that directly relate to him are woven together here, giving some clarity to other books and introducing new potential enemies and/or allies.
At this point the King's Watch books have involved so many characters that I had trouble keeping them straight. That may be a personal failing. I'm guessing the characters' agents are demanding more and more page time for their clients, which has to be challenging for an author.
Regardless, it's an important transitional book in the King's Watch series, and one that cleverly forwards the plot while tying up some loose ends. I can only hope that since quantum magick is involved, there may be some negative integers or impossible numbers to keep the story going.
Conrad Clarke lives a life of chaos and enchantment. This story, though, is not directly about him. Other voices, other stories, other events that directly relate to him are woven together here, giving some clarity to other books and introducing new potential enemies and/or allies.
At this point the King's Watch books have involved so many characters that I had trouble keeping them straight. That may be a personal failing. I'm guessing the characters' agents are demanding more and more page time for their clients, which has to be challenging for an author.
Regardless, it's an important transitional book in the King's Watch series, and one that cleverly forwards the plot while tying up some loose ends. I can only hope that since quantum magick is involved, there may be some negative integers or impossible numbers to keep the story going.
August 7, 2024
What a jolly romp! Even tho I couldn't keep track of everybody and everything happening!!! So many characters! And a lot of them have a variety of names and titles to keep track of! The story moved at a breakneck speed, and like many of the books in this series, stuff in this book happened concurrently with events in other books, but we're only tangentially mentioned! But it is still fun!
One thing tho, having so many narrators and only using a picture (unnamed) to indicate who the narrator is each time it changes is hard to follow. Meant to be clever, but that didn't work for me.
Seriously tho, I should prolly do a reread of all the books, but I don't know if my brain can handle it!!!
One thing tho, having so many narrators and only using a picture (unnamed) to indicate who the narrator is each time it changes is hard to follow. Meant to be clever, but that didn't work for me.
Seriously tho, I should prolly do a reread of all the books, but I don't know if my brain can handle it!!!
October 7, 2024
I enjoyed it like the other books but I have to admit that I struggled a bit with all the characters... it's a pity that we did not get a 'cheat sheet' about who's who like we did in previous books. It's been a while since I read the previous books and it really was a struggle to remember all the previous stories. A for the story, it was great to read about Alicia and get some insight into the People's lives. There were some funny moments and some scary ones. To think that it's 'only' a 'mid-story' we got a full immersion into the Clarke world and learned a lot.
June 27, 2024
Strange One This …
At first I’m thinking what the hell am I reading!?!
You need to have read everything up until this point for sure, but it’s more a combination in explaining what has already happened - but in deeper context & information before, during & after the wedding.
It got better as it went on, but I did struggle to keep at it which is a first from this author & series.
Don’t do it again & can we move on please …
At first I’m thinking what the hell am I reading!?!
You need to have read everything up until this point for sure, but it’s more a combination in explaining what has already happened - but in deeper context & information before, during & after the wedding.
It got better as it went on, but I did struggle to keep at it which is a first from this author & series.
Don’t do it again & can we move on please …
April 7, 2024
Not for me.
I've loved the King's Watch series and the other books featuring Tom and Conrad but this one wasn't close to being as good as the others. Perhaps it's how the story is laid out with too many people giving accounts from their own perspective but I'm afraid that the flow of the previous books is somewhat lacking here.
I've loved the King's Watch series and the other books featuring Tom and Conrad but this one wasn't close to being as good as the others. Perhaps it's how the story is laid out with too many people giving accounts from their own perspective but I'm afraid that the flow of the previous books is somewhat lacking here.
January 25, 2026
536 pages pages about a hen party, 10 about the series.
I am 12 books in so I do not want to put the series down but this was pretty poor. If this was a paperback book it would have a Romance novel cover.
Of late Hayden seems to be fascinated with lesbians and leggings.
This really reads like it was ghost written by someone else.
I am 12 books in so I do not want to put the series down but this was pretty poor. If this was a paperback book it would have a Romance novel cover.
Of late Hayden seems to be fascinated with lesbians and leggings.
This really reads like it was ghost written by someone else.
April 24, 2024
Did not finish, I lost the thread and couldn’t find it again
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews