In the grand city of K’andoria, King Trimidian rules with a fair hand. The great evil sleeps. The Midlands are in a state of tranquility, yet beneath the surface, trouble roils. Fissures have appeared across the kingdom. The savage Crow rebels terrorize villages across Rislaan. The haughty Far-Seer Priesthood of Epis Kopol has ignited a trade war; and then there is Uth Becca, the White City, once glorious, now plagued by decay and unrest. Governor Ryvek Flailgore rules the White City together with the King’s own nephew. But the Governor’s ambitions know no bounds. He eyes the crown. King Trimidian must show strength and mercy, wisdom and resolve, ever aware that history watches his every move. “Throne Born” is a 100+ page novella that brings the ancient era of Kings to vivid life. Maneuvering, political intrigue, intense battles, and the unyielding quest for power unfold in this epic tale with nothing less than the kingdom itself hanging in the balance. As the struggle for the Crown unfolds, King Trimidian navigates treacherous waters to secure his legacy and leave his mark upon the pages of history. The path he chooses will forever mark him as savior or villain. Will King Trimidian prevail and secure his legacy? Find out in the epic tale “Throne Born.” If you enjoyed the political intrigue and battles of George R.R. Martin's “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, then you'll love this thrilling novel. Buy now before the price changes!
This is a prequel novella to Zodak: The Last Shielder, however it may be best referred to as a precursor, as it’s entirely its own story.
Although I read these almost back to back, I found there to be little connection to Zodak at all, unless I just entirely missed it (totally might have). That’s not a bad thing at all, I was just keeping my eyes and ears peeled for those little threads to start seeding their way in. Set two hundred years before Zodak, I expected maybe something more direct in the prequel area to the shielders, but I’m still not mad at all with a more separate story.
Where Zodak follows a young character’s journey through finding out he may be more than just a farm boy, Throne Born is a story of splintering peace, political intrigue in multiple courts, deceptions, and betrayals. This difference might also be why it felt so totally different and unrelated to me as well. This novella is also on less of a grand scale. There are stakes, and things are very real, however it never quite gets off the ground to the level in which Zodak felt, which was awfully epic. With that being said, it’s also a simplified, more personal story as well, which absolutely worked in the novella format. Love, jealousy, and pride collide in a natural fashion, but still in a big enough way.
Enjoyable and worth checking out! I read Zodak first, and would probably suggest it in that order. While this does not follow the recent format of prequel being released after the novel, there was just more of what I loved in the full release that hooked me and made me want to go back. The Epilogue, the King’s Coda, read almost like something you’d find in Tolkien’s Appendices, and for that, I really enjoyed its addition.
Alright, here we go. Here's my spoiler-free review.
Quick note: I like to analyze books based on five catergories, or as I like to call them, The Pillars of Fiction. They are: World, Characters, Plot, Theme, and Prose. So the Where, Who, What, Why, and Hows of the story. (Terrible advice for writing, but works really well for analyzing stuff.)
(I should also mention that I have a connection to the author, but I'll do my best to stay unbiased.)
WORLD:
Welcome to Yidjuiin! I still have no idea how to say that. It's very interesting world, and feels very thought-/fleshed-out. He'll feature little oddities in the land, and doesn't really explain why they're there. They just are. Makes the world feel old and big. My only complaint is that there's not a map. (But I'm sure that's coming in time!)
It's good! I can't wait to see more of it.
CHARACTERS
We have a few characters here, around 2.5 perspectives. I really enjoyed each of these, and I wish I could see more of them. You can tell (touching bakc to world a bit) that these characters are some names in a geneology somewhere, so I'm really impressed to find a very interesting and thought out story with them as central players. That's all I'll say here.
PLOT
Wohoo! I REALLY liked this plot. The taste of the politics and character work that we got here makes me really excited for Zodak (his next book, I believe next year?). There are some great twists, some I didn't see coming, and a moment where I was totally unsure of what would happen. While there are some short-comings, it works for the story. That's all I'll say here.
THEME
Obviously, theme here will be a bit light, as there simply isn't the word count to hammer it in. There are great themes of honor, being a good leader, and even dealing with regret at your own failings. (The whole epilogue really nails in the last two.) It's exciting to see a Christian author really take on the modern fantasy genere and do it well. Excited to see what comes next.
PROSE
Wowwwww.... Not gonna lie, I love this prose. It feels very old and fantastic, and just... epic. His description is amazing, his exposition on point, and never too much. The way the characters talk feels very real . He's not super funny, which probably works for this story, as it has a pretty grim tone (that I enjoy).
CONCLUSIONS
Would totally recommend to anyone who likes fantasy, with a bit of a tone warning. A solid 8.5/10. There are a few things that could be done better, and I can't wait to see Max grow as an author. Can't wait to read more!
"I'm afraid one does not master the love for fellow man and a meek spirit like swordplay. And ambition cannot serve as their foundation."
4 ⭐
An interesting prequel novella to the Tempest Rising series, Throne Born follows the politicking of the royal family and court of this Kingdom in the Midlands, split between two cities K’andoria and Uth Becca. King Trimidian has a legacy to pass onto his son as the heir to the throne, and in trying to leave a good impression on what the history books will say about his reign he has to sacrifice a lot but also gains great glory as well. His nephew, Jaeth, lives in Uth Becca and witnesses the uprising of the city's governor, Ryvek, who wants the crown for himself, and he too sacrifices a lot in the name of loyalty and responsibility. This was a compelling sneak peek into the world and history, setting up for the following books, I was really entertained following these two men as they try to outsmart traitors in their midst and do what is best for their people.
I found the characters intriguing, the two main perspectives showed us some good insights into the culture of the world they lived in and I wish we could've seen more of them in the end. This was a fun character study. I liked the story of Trimidian being raised among the people to learn compassion but how this then warped his own connections with his family, he seemed like a good and fair king but I am worried about how is parenting will affect the future in novels. I liked how Jaeth knew right from the beginning what his strengths were and he never compromised on his morals, I felt very sorry for him in this story because he really got the short end of the stick. The two main side characters, Ryvek and Kil were both great as well, very well rounded and unique characterisations. I do wish we got to see more of some of the other characters, for example, Queen Kära, Princess Mila and Prince Traen had a good scene midway through and then mentioned again at the end, as well as Nevi - she seemed like a really great character and her magic really fascinated me, but I wish we got to see more of their story on page. I think this would've helped me connect a bit more with the story too but I appreciate it is hard to fit this all in a novella.
I did find the timelines a little bit hard to keep up with at points, we jumped forward a few years and also flashed back a few times without headings to indicate this, I am not sure if they were missing accidentally because I noticed they were present in some other timeline jumps but I think adding these in, if possible, would be really helpful. The world building was pretty good, but I did find there were quite a few mentions to creatures, people and places that weren't explained a lot, I am guessing this will be fleshed out a bit more in the actual main story. The Crows seemed like they were going to be more of a present adversary in this story at the beginning but then weren't mentioned again much which I was a little disappointed in. But aside from that, the prose was really well done, the tone and language used were really fitting to this style of epic fantasy and handled nicely.
Overall, this was a solid introduction and I am looking forward to diving into Zodak - The Last Shielder and hoping some of these very small criticisms I had with this novella will be ironed out. I would like to thank Max Moyer for giving me the chance to read and review this novella as part of the advanced reader team for his debut novel and look forward to learning more about this world and its inner workings.
"Bring your blades. Bring your fury." "I bring them both, to bask in your ruin, Throne Born."
I'm honestly disappointed. This book is highly rated, and I wanted to be one of those people who rated it just as highly. I'm all for finding and following brand new authors.
The things I liked about this book were the characters and the magic system. Trimidian, Jaeth, and Flailgore were all interesting to read about, and the outcome for one of them was devastating. What little we saw of the magic system was interesting. I honestly feel like it was one of the biggest things holding the story together, even though it wasn't explained very well or included in a lot of scenes.
The reason I don't like this book is mostly because of the writing style and plot. The writing style is dry in a lot of parts and frankly pretty boring. The descriptions and dialogue just feel like a drag, especially since this book revolves heavily around politics. Yes, kings and governors need to be involved with politics, but it shouldn't take up 95% of the plot. I wanted to see more of the complex relationships these characters have with each other, more of the world (cities, towns, farms, villages), and magic definitely should have been a huge focal point for at least one character - it would have added complexity to the story, and taught us more about how the magic works in this world.
Overall, I wish I liked this book more. I really do. But I don't like it, and I'm scared that the next book is going to be the same or worse.
I had been sent this novella by the author and book one in his Tempest Rising series and finally got to this one for the under 200 page books challenge I’m doing for February.
This was a quick read, almost half of the book was a sample of book one so this was only 123 pages of political fantasy and a bit of world building. Since this is a prequel that happens 200 years before book one none of these characters show up in the other book so it could be read as a standalone or like I did read it after I read book one. I enjoyed the betrayal and death and magic. I feel like the second half of the story really had me more excited to see what was going to happen. I’d recommend both of these books to fantasy lovers.
This prequel, which is set around 200 years before the events in Zodak was perfect to get me into the mood for the first book in the series.
I have not read Zodak yet and this book is a great way to get a glimpse at the world the series is set in. It took me a little while to get used to the measurement system, which will be helpful now that I'm going to dive into the main story.
The story was easy to follow, the language fits the world and time. Something I really appreciate as a reader because it let's me fully immerse myself into the story.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this prequel to Zodak: The Last Shielder! Throne Born can be read on it's own. It does read like it's own story, but if I still would recommend reading back to back to get the fully immersive experience of this journey.
Filled loved books that are filled with political intrigue, jealousy, deceptions sprinkled with a couple battles, you'll love this book as well.
I listened to the audible book for this and found it very enjoyable. Just like with Zodak, Throne Borne does give off Lord of the Rings vibes, so if that's your jam, I would definitely recommend both books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Zodak - The Last Shielder by Max Moyer is the first book in the Tempest Rising series. It is a fast-paced fantasy story full of action and adventure. The plot and writing are both easy to follow and the writing itself is well done with interesting and likable characters. This was a fun read, and I will definitely be looking forward to reading the next part of this series.
Gripping storytelling rare for a debut. Max has started exploration of a fantastic world that seems both familiar to any reader of fantasy but that rivals Sanderson for its novelty, depth, and intrigue. The world of Throne Born is reminiscent of Game of Thrones and Westeros but hints at magic and fantasy like that in Sanderson's cosmere. Well worth the read!
Captivating world-building, powerful battle scenes, and clever political intrigue combine to create this engrossing prequel novella that has me eager to read Zodak - The Last Shielder. Throne Born did an excellent job at providing backstory, setting the scene, and hooking me in for this fantasy series-to-be!
An extremely enjoyable, fast paced debut prequel. The world building was well done for such a short book and has definitely made me excited to start the series. The dialogue flowed naturally and made it all the more enjoyable. My favorite thing about this was the use of the POVs especially Jaeth’s. Definitely worth the read and I’m so excited to start the series!
Fantasy filled with a lot of fighting and politics!
As a prequel, this is an interesting read. The prequel at least is heavy on politics. There is magic in this fantasy, but I would have liked to learn more about that. I can tell the author is very familiar with both his world and his characters as they come to life on the page. Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Although this book is a prequel to "Zodiak" it is a standalone read. As it is always with Kings and Kingdoms, there is intrigue and duplicity and the story is well written and the twists and turns keeps one turning the pages. What I like in a writer is the ability to immerge the reader into the middle of a battle or fight scene, which Max Moyer does excellently.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the narration style of the book. Very professionally written. The fantasy world is rich, the characters get into your heart and the story itself is a classical tale of a boy and his coming of age story. Definitely worth reading!
THIS WAS AN OUTSTANDING STORY. THE PEOPLE BOTH GOOD AND EVIL WERE SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. IT TRULY WAS A GOOD VS EVIL STORY THAT WAS BOTH SAD AND JOYOUS AT TIMES. I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED WHEN I REALIZED HOW OFTEN THE STORY POINTED OUT OR RE-ENACTED BIBLE SCENES OF BOTH LOVE AND BETRAYAL !!!
I'M DEFINITELY GOING TO READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR, AND ESPECIALLY BOOKS IN THIS SERIES !!
Evocative entry into a fantasy world that feels both familiar and unexpected. Not weighed down by complex systems of magic and history; but a swift-moving and humane tale, gripping in its prose and believable in tone, yet while remaining delightfully other-worldly.
Prequel to the Tempest Rising Series, a good read with plenty of action. Some clearly defined links which one could easily relate to some of todays despotic personalities. A good introduction to this fantasy world.
I enjoyed Throne Born. The character names are uniquely a language of their own. A slow read for me as my mind immerses into the kingdom and awakens my imagination. If you have a love for royalty and family, then Throne Born is a must-read.
Throne Born by Max Moyer brings the ancient era of Kings to vivid life. Maneuvering, political intrigue, intense battles and the unyielding quest for power unfolds in this epic tale. I recommend this novella
This was a short novella that could be read pretty quickly. I was kind of confused in the beginning of the story while trying to understand the world building, but overall I thought the story was well written and definitely got me interested in the world.
Throne Born pulls you into a fantastical world, back to the age of Kings, tucking in worldbuilding details at every turn. Nuanced characters vie for power, love and the golden wash of a revered legacy. I couldn't put it down.
4.50 * - “Throne Born” is a gripping 100+ page novella that brings the ancient era of Kings to vivid life. Political intrigue, intense battles, and the unyielding quest for power unfold, with nothing less than the kingdom itself hanging in the balance. If you enjoy political machinations and epic battles, you’ll love this thrilling novel.
A great prequel to the coming series. Lots of unpredictable moments Great characters and not knowing who friend or foe is. When one of the characters becomes power-hungry things don't happen the way he hoped.