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The Blood of Kings & Queens
Prepare yourself for a Dark Fantasy fairytale full of action, magic, love, betrayal, wolves ... and goats!
Garet ... once a rebel general, a blight reaver, a warrior, a hunter, and a love-struck man.
Now, eight years after the rebellion was won, he has lost everything.
A bitter recluse, he counts out his remaining days in the mountains, far from the rule of the latest despotic king to sit on the throne and the blight that afflicts the realm.
Yet destiny hasn’t finished with Garet, and nor, it seems, is an old prophecy that hangs over his head, forgotten.
Someone from his past, someone he’d rather was dead, comes seeking his help, and for better or worse, his life will never be the same again.
Love can be to live or die for, but revenge, that’s always to kill for!
Garet ... once a rebel general, a blight reaver, a warrior, a hunter, and a love-struck man.
Now, eight years after the rebellion was won, he has lost everything.
A bitter recluse, he counts out his remaining days in the mountains, far from the rule of the latest despotic king to sit on the throne and the blight that afflicts the realm.
Yet destiny hasn’t finished with Garet, and nor, it seems, is an old prophecy that hangs over his head, forgotten.
Someone from his past, someone he’d rather was dead, comes seeking his help, and for better or worse, his life will never be the same again.
Love can be to live or die for, but revenge, that’s always to kill for!
- GenresFantasy
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2024
About the author
Marcus Lee
8 books108 followersMarcus Lee is a bestselling author of Fantasy novels full of magic, conquest, darkness vs light, and Machiavellian plot twists that you won't see coming.
Born and living in London, he has been a lover of fantasy since reading Homer the Odyssey and The Iliad as a seven year old. Now, as a father of one, he seeks to create worlds and stories that capture the imagination of a new generation of readers, to give back some of the magic he has so happily immersed himself in over the years.
Whenever Marcus' quill is at rest, he can be found wandering enchanted forests, or engaging in a variety of sports/playing computer games with his son.
Marcus can be contacted via his website: www.marcusleebooks.com
Born and living in London, he has been a lover of fantasy since reading Homer the Odyssey and The Iliad as a seven year old. Now, as a father of one, he seeks to create worlds and stories that capture the imagination of a new generation of readers, to give back some of the magic he has so happily immersed himself in over the years.
Whenever Marcus' quill is at rest, he can be found wandering enchanted forests, or engaging in a variety of sports/playing computer games with his son.
Marcus can be contacted via his website: www.marcusleebooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 3, 2025
3.5/5.0
First, that cover! My goodness, it’s compelling! This the first time I have actually opened a book ONLY from the cover, I had to see what the story is about!
And, the book could easily have been a 4 star read. It has all the components of a high-quality, riveting book. The beginning is absolutely captivating, as we see a completely broken man who cares about nothing but drinking himself into oblivion, then having an eight-year-old dropped on his hermit lap! To watch him slowly - and grudgingly - rise to the occasion, then allow his heart to melt just enough to let her in… Superb! The most noticeable problem as the story continues, however, is that Garret just did more and more unrealistic stuff - even for a fantasy, and for his character specifically - as the book wore on - to the point it ceased to be believable. It felt like when young boys tell stories and try to top each other as they go… “And then he killed 10 men with his own hands…” “Yeah? Well, my hero killed 50 men by just blinking his eyes, after he was shot and stabbed 15 times!” kind of stuff.
The overall story is super interesting,though, and the character growth in Garet (with the exception of his non-stop obsession with Dyarna) is exceptional. The ending was SUPER abrupt, however. That happily ever after we are yearning for comes, but only in the last few pages when everything you ever hoped for is squashed into a quick gloss over… again like those boyish stories who, once finished with the exciting stuff, just want to end their story quickly.
Still… I’d recommend the story just on that cover alone! *It actually does show events in the story, btw*
First, that cover! My goodness, it’s compelling! This the first time I have actually opened a book ONLY from the cover, I had to see what the story is about!
And, the book could easily have been a 4 star read. It has all the components of a high-quality, riveting book. The beginning is absolutely captivating, as we see a completely broken man who cares about nothing but drinking himself into oblivion, then having an eight-year-old dropped on his hermit lap! To watch him slowly - and grudgingly - rise to the occasion, then allow his heart to melt just enough to let her in… Superb! The most noticeable problem as the story continues, however, is that Garret just did more and more unrealistic stuff - even for a fantasy, and for his character specifically - as the book wore on - to the point it ceased to be believable. It felt like when young boys tell stories and try to top each other as they go… “And then he killed 10 men with his own hands…” “Yeah? Well, my hero killed 50 men by just blinking his eyes, after he was shot and stabbed 15 times!” kind of stuff.
The overall story is super interesting,though, and the character growth in Garet (with the exception of his non-stop obsession with Dyarna) is exceptional. The ending was SUPER abrupt, however. That happily ever after we are yearning for comes, but only in the last few pages when everything you ever hoped for is squashed into a quick gloss over… again like those boyish stories who, once finished with the exciting stuff, just want to end their story quickly.
Still… I’d recommend the story just on that cover alone! *It actually does show events in the story, btw*
December 29, 2024
Dude! Geldings are always male!
So promising. The story was very good until the rushed, poorly edited ending.
Honestly, if I hadn't liked the earlier parts of the book so much, I'd have to say the best thing about it was the cover art.
Maybe try rewriting everything from where you claimed the horse was a gelding & then started to refer to it as 'she'.
Then there was the overly rushed last few chapters. Had a deadline, did we?
Disappointing.
So promising. The story was very good until the rushed, poorly edited ending.
Honestly, if I hadn't liked the earlier parts of the book so much, I'd have to say the best thing about it was the cover art.
Maybe try rewriting everything from where you claimed the horse was a gelding & then started to refer to it as 'she'.
Then there was the overly rushed last few chapters. Had a deadline, did we?
Disappointing.
March 1, 2025
Powerful swords and sorcery fantasy
This was my first Marcus Lee book, and having read it, I guarantee it won't be my last. A former prime warrior and brother of the present king has almost hit rock bottom as a filthy drunk following the death of his true love, living most of his life in a distant and almost unreachable cabin. Then his brother, the king, turns up and asks him to look after his daughter as assassins are seeking to kill him, and he wants her protected. This is the start of the adventure that spans kingdoms and is full of everything you can imagine, and then some. Excellent book, with a powerful ending. Happy or sad? You'll have to read it yourself - no spoilers here - but it us well worth the effort.
This was my first Marcus Lee book, and having read it, I guarantee it won't be my last. A former prime warrior and brother of the present king has almost hit rock bottom as a filthy drunk following the death of his true love, living most of his life in a distant and almost unreachable cabin. Then his brother, the king, turns up and asks him to look after his daughter as assassins are seeking to kill him, and he wants her protected. This is the start of the adventure that spans kingdoms and is full of everything you can imagine, and then some. Excellent book, with a powerful ending. Happy or sad? You'll have to read it yourself - no spoilers here - but it us well worth the effort.
June 25, 2024
Great read..
A really good enjoyable read. Every time you think you know what going to happens, this story takes a turn. The fight scenes are descriptive.
Garet is a troubled soul who just can't catch a break, yet he manages to survive against the odds and fulfil his quest.
There are a few questions that are not answered but I can overlook those. The end was a bit Anti climactic, I had hoped for a different outcome.
A really good enjoyable read. Every time you think you know what going to happens, this story takes a turn. The fight scenes are descriptive.
Garet is a troubled soul who just can't catch a break, yet he manages to survive against the odds and fulfil his quest.
There are a few questions that are not answered but I can overlook those. The end was a bit Anti climactic, I had hoped for a different outcome.
October 24, 2025
The story wasn't terrible in concept, but the execution is pretty poor. The beginning is just a overwhelming deluge about how broken down this man is and I got it, I didn't need 15 more pages just about that. The middle picks up, it grabs your attention and actually keeps it. Then the end abruptly careens off of a cliff. It gets tidied up extremely quickly and with a very happy ending that was pretty lackluster. Made the whole book less enjoyable in retrospect.
November 28, 2025
Starts slow but enjoyable once it gets going.
Pretty slow paced at the beginning but easier once it gets going. The big reveal is pretty well telegraphed so it’s no great shock especially as there is a big “hint” when one of the characters dies. One gripe would be how fast everything was resolved- one minute you are at 96% & thinking there’s no mention of book 2 & within a couple of pages it’s all sown up! & to be honest a bit anti climatic.
Pretty slow paced at the beginning but easier once it gets going. The big reveal is pretty well telegraphed so it’s no great shock especially as there is a big “hint” when one of the characters dies. One gripe would be how fast everything was resolved- one minute you are at 96% & thinking there’s no mention of book 2 & within a couple of pages it’s all sown up! & to be honest a bit anti climatic.
January 1, 2025
Complicated
I enjoyed the story, and the plot was interesting. However, it was at times tedious and I jumped ahead. I suppose I just hate the greed and entitlement of the rich and powerful their machinations should end with comeuppance. Hope is persuasive and not enough righteousness for my liking
I enjoyed the story, and the plot was interesting. However, it was at times tedious and I jumped ahead. I suppose I just hate the greed and entitlement of the rich and powerful their machinations should end with comeuppance. Hope is persuasive and not enough righteousness for my liking
July 16, 2025
Excellent redemption story
From utter despair to ultimate hope loves is the driving force
The hero's story could be the story of any veteran returning to an empty home after war. That is set in a fantasy world is no less heartbreaking. The challenges of finding reason to live again, to fight again, that was done with elegance in this story of tarnished heros and mystic women.
From utter despair to ultimate hope loves is the driving force
The hero's story could be the story of any veteran returning to an empty home after war. That is set in a fantasy world is no less heartbreaking. The challenges of finding reason to live again, to fight again, that was done with elegance in this story of tarnished heros and mystic women.
June 24, 2026
The Kings and Queens by Marcus Lee
4.5 star
Beautifully written.
This isn’t shiny royal courts and prophecy kids. Marcus Lee writes rulers who are messy, selfish, and human. The court intrigue is vicious, the battles are earned, and the magic? It will cost you.
Complex morally grey characters, political schemes that don’t insult your intelligence, and stakes that stay high. Great read.
4.5 star
Beautifully written.
This isn’t shiny royal courts and prophecy kids. Marcus Lee writes rulers who are messy, selfish, and human. The court intrigue is vicious, the battles are earned, and the magic? It will cost you.
Complex morally grey characters, political schemes that don’t insult your intelligence, and stakes that stay high. Great read.
April 23, 2025
An excellent book of swords, magic and a man who has lost all
The book is my first by the author, but I found it to be excellent storytelling. The book tells a tale of betrayal, sorrow, pain, and a finding of unexpected light amidst the darkness.
The book is my first by the author, but I found it to be excellent storytelling. The book tells a tale of betrayal, sorrow, pain, and a finding of unexpected light amidst the darkness.
December 15, 2025
a good enough tell
I did enjoy this. A few too many times the hero closes his eyes expecting to die and wakens to find himself treated. But it was a nice way to spend a few evenings and id definitely have a go a another of the authors books for sure
I did enjoy this. A few too many times the hero closes his eyes expecting to die and wakens to find himself treated. But it was a nice way to spend a few evenings and id definitely have a go a another of the authors books for sure
May 12, 2026
Definitely a page turner.
For a single book that is not a series, this book was very captivating. Adventure and action every step of the way. Well-written, great story line. The hero was spot on. A must read.
For a single book that is not a series, this book was very captivating. Adventure and action every step of the way. Well-written, great story line. The hero was spot on. A must read.
March 22, 2025
4,5 stars
April 10, 2025
Love love loved this book! Need more of this story though!!! Will be reading more from Marcus!!!
June 18, 2025
great read
I really enjoyed this book, it was gritty, at times funny, full of action, and I had some really heartfelt moments.
I really enjoyed this book, it was gritty, at times funny, full of action, and I had some really heartfelt moments.
July 4, 2025
Very enjoyable read
Nice pace, imaginative world, great characters and character arcs, especially Garet. A few missing speech marks. Nice to borrow it from Kindle Unlimited.
Nice pace, imaginative world, great characters and character arcs, especially Garet. A few missing speech marks. Nice to borrow it from Kindle Unlimited.
July 6, 2025
A good book but not great, the hero seemed to fulfil his quest due to lots of luck. It could have done with 1 more chapter to wrap the story up.
July 10, 2025
Not as good as previous but still a decent read
August 10, 2025
This book for me was a winner enjoyed it from start to finish
November 9, 2025
Good story
Down to earth fairy tale. Strong characters, real villain and magic. The main character was flawed, A hero. Good tale.
Down to earth fairy tale. Strong characters, real villain and magic. The main character was flawed, A hero. Good tale.
Read
November 25, 2025Good page turner
Fun read with some interesting twists. A little predictable but the action keeps you reading. Our hero does get cut up an awful lot
Fun read with some interesting twists. A little predictable but the action keeps you reading. Our hero does get cut up an awful lot
November 27, 2025
Good read
A good plot, interesting characters. Keeps you reading ... its a can't put down read, excelent twists and turns and a good end
A good plot, interesting characters. Keeps you reading ... its a can't put down read, excelent twists and turns and a good end
December 4, 2025
well done.
May 30, 2026
Excellent read.
Excellent storyline . Compulsive reading so couldn’t put it down.The climax wasn’t predictable but when the story ended I wanted more.
Excellent storyline . Compulsive reading so couldn’t put it down.The climax wasn’t predictable but when the story ended I wanted more.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews