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Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on the battlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her own path on stage.

For too long, Mistel has been bound by a past of confinement and control. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he's a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future.

When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, uncovering a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power?

Blood of Legends
Book 1: Squire of Truth
Book 2: Lord of Winter
Book 3: Lady of Shadows
Book 4: Heir of Light

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2025

36 people are currently reading
3503 people want to read

About the author

Jill Williamson

66 books1,621 followers
Jill Williamson is a multi-passionate creative who loves the arts. She’s written over thirty books for readers of all ages and is best known for her Blood of Kings fantasy series, two of which won Christy Awards and made VOYA magazine’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror list. She produces films with her husband and teaches about writing at conferences. Visit her at www.jillwilliamson.com.

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Click here for a FULL LIST OF Jill's BOOKS. 

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Abby Burrus.
Author 2 books97 followers
January 7, 2025
A good book to finish off the 2024 reading season! Review to come!

Squire of Truth releases today, January 7th!

Here it is, my review for the last book I read in 2024! When I heard Jill Williamson was coming out with a new book, I was intrigued. When I realized the book was a spin off from Blood of Kings, I was doubly intrigued. Blood of Kings was such a good Christian fantasy series, and so I was pretty happy when I got the chance to ARC read this book.

First of all, this book was nowhere near as long as a Blood of Kings book, but that's okay. It picks up right where Blood of Kings left off. I have to confess, I was a little lost because it's been so long since I read Blood of Kings. But I was not totally confused, and picked things up easily.

Cole was hands down my favorite character. I love his shy, bashful, yet caring nature. As a writer, I related to his and Mistel's love of music, the care they put into crafting it. I related to his fears and his flaws, how he feared that he was never going to be as good as Achan or any other man. How he felt like he was in over his head with a murder investigation. I just... I related to his thoughts, if that makes sense. And how he had to learn that he could do the things other people believed he could do.

Mistel I didn't relate to as much. But I liked her well enough. She was bold and determined, your typical red head in some ways ;)

And the murder mystery? I haven't read a mystery in awhile, but this was a good one. It provided suspense and kept the story rolling forward at a rapid pace.

As a trigger warning, there are some portrayals of dark magic/ witchcraft and the worship of false gods that some readers might find too disturbing. But it walked a fine line and never went overboard, and it certainly never portrayed it as acceptable, but condemns it thoroughly.

Also, even though I don't remember much from Blood of Kings, it still gave me the warm fuzzies to see familiar characters again. Especially Achan, when he counseled Cole and gave him advice <3 I was just like "Awww, look how much he's grown up!" We don't see much of Vrell in this one, but we do get to see their wedding <3 <3 And that's pretty cool.

Overall, I enjoyed this sequel spin off to Blood of Kings and I think it was a good book to end the 2024 reading year with! Do I like it as much as Blood of Kings? No, not thus far. But it is really good and I still recommend it as a Christian fantasy book.

Thank you so much to Sunrise Media for letting me have a free copy for review!
Profile Image for Lovely Day.
1,001 reviews168 followers
September 9, 2025
4⭐️

A 19 year old squire of the king (Cole) has been tasked to investigate and solve a local murder; his very first investigation. Cole is also a musician, and when he discovers the friend of the murder victim is a beautiful minstrel named Mistel Wepp, they hit it off.

——

I liked this story and thought it was a bit different in the details to some other YA fantasy I’ve read.
This is fantasy, and as such has some magical elements…like ‘Blood Voicing’ which I’m still unclear as to what it was…telepathy? Also, in the investigation they do come across what is essentially voodoo dolls-not in an endorsing way, but in a criminal way.

I DO think authors need to consider the audiobook more when writing their stories; for 3/4 of the audiobook I couldn’t figure out the name of the main character…Miss Dell? Miss Tell? And then who is this Miss Wepp?!?

This book had a great ending…an ending that felt like closing phase 1 of a story but planting story threads that you know will be linking to another adventure. WELL DONE ENDING; satisfied yet eager to continue!
Profile Image for James Nichols.
23 reviews6 followers
January 13, 2025
I love this return to the fantasy world of the Blood of Kings. I love that Jill Williamson has allowed us to see what has happened to some minor characters from the original series. What a wild ride as one of the main characters Cole is somehow investigating a murder even though he struggles with some inner turmoil and doubts. Williamson doesn’t disappoint in this mix of fantasy and murder investigation. The author also does a great job of fleshing out the struggles of self doubt that Cole struggles with. It is great to see characters who have struggles that people can relate to. What a great read. I can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,206 reviews62 followers
January 13, 2025
Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson is a unique, yet exciting Murder Fantasy novel. I love the idea of a medieval forensics department, trying to solve the murder of a young lady. Williamson did a good idea at having Cole question and following those questions through the story. The plot captures my attention, and I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series. Plus, it makes me want to go back and read the original series, which I have never read. On another note, there is romance between Cole and Mistrel, a young song writer and songstress in the novel. They are both fascinated with each other pretty early on, and the feelings grow the longer they spend time together. Readers will enjoy the swords and fighting scenes leading up to the climactic moment near the end of the novel. The setting is realistic, and my imagination bloomed throughout the reading of this tale. Overall, Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson is a delightful read for readers that are familiar with this world or readers who new to this story. I’m excited to read the next installment.

I received a complimentary copy of Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson through Sunrise Publishing and JustRead Tours, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Profile Image for Deena.
1,181 reviews
January 7, 2025
Jill Williamson is the author who first introduced me to fantasy fiction with a Biblical worldview. After I devoured the Blood of Kings trilogy I was hungry for more, and discovered several new authors to read.

But my heart forever remained in Er’Rets and I was thrilled to get the chance to return! Squire of Truth is a captivating story about Cole and Mistel, the king’s squire and a minstrel singing.

Both struggle with a need for stability and a longing for home. A chance meeting brings them together, but a frightening tragedy makes them partners. What ensues is a thrilling whodunnit with a medieval vibe.

I loved seeing old friends and meeting new ones, and enjoyed every moment spent in the land that brought me some of the best high fantasy I’ve ever read.

I received an advance copy from the publisher, with no obligation or commitment. Highly, highly recommended!
Profile Image for Jessica Dowell.
125 reviews8 followers
December 3, 2024
I loved slipping back into this world and visiting these characters again and getting to know new ones. It's like attending a family reunion! I enjoyed getting to learn a little bit more about Cole and his experiences from the Blood of Kings Trilogy and how they affected him. I loved Cole so much. His quiet inwardly-very-flappable-but-outwardly-stoic nature just made me want to hug him. I loved how he stepped up to every challenge laid before him even though he didn't feel qualified, and brought his best anyway.

Mistel was fun. I liked her flirty stubbornness and her determination to be be involved in the investigation and the way she kept trying to make Cole smile.

And yes we get to see Achan and Vrell! (I want moooore!)

My only complaint is that I wanted more of everything. More backstory, more development of their relationship (speaking of which, Jill, I have many questions after that ending!), more Achan and Vrell! I love this world so much and I'm so excited about this new series!

**I received an advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jill Williamson.
Author 66 books1,621 followers
Read
January 16, 2025
The Squire of Truth audiobook is now up on Audible. Also, Sunrise has put the ebook into Kindle Unlimited, so if you're a KU reader, the window to read there is now open! https://amzn.to/3Ccj8a7
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,293 reviews43 followers
January 21, 2025
Can they uncover the truth before it's too late...

Well, I must admit that Squire Of Truth was a bit of a surprise. Who would have thought of combining a YA-ish fantasy tale with a murder mystery? Well, Jill Williamson as a matter of fact. She, is actually the reason I picked up this first Blood Of Kings: Legends novel as I have enjoyed several of her previous books – some of them set in the same fantasy realm.

I really enjoyed this story from start to finish. Jill Williamson skillfully blended just the right amount of fantasy and magic with mystery and deduction. Her worldbuilding is as vivid and detailed as ever and her characters are quite likable. I must admit that as much as liked Mistel, I loved Cole. His insecurities and attempts to measure up – even when he already has – are so endearing.

The mystery angle is also well done. It is properly set up and the various threads carry all the way through to story. I must admit that I didn't always expect the direction that the solution took them as the characters investigated and it was fun to be surprised a little.

Squire Of Truth was a a very enjoyable read. The pacing and length of the story nicely proportionate and the ending left me wanting to read the next Blood Of Kings: Legends book. I'm just hoping the wait won't be too long...

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Jaime.
560 reviews17 followers
December 21, 2024
Return to Er’Rets and characters from the Blood of Kings trilogy by Jill Williamson in Squire of Truth, a murder mystery fantasy!

Squire of Truth follows Cole Tanniyn, a side character from the Blood of Kings trilogy, as he investigates a murder and uncovers a plot against the new king. This was such a fun story to bring readers back to Er’Rets. I love that it takes place during the events at the end of From Darkness Won and that we get to see the “wedding day” from another perspective.

The murder mystery plot was also a unique twist. I’m not sure I’ve read a murder mystery fantasy story before, and it was exciting to follow Cole and the others as they discovered what was really going on and tried to save the king. Jill also does an excellent job handling Cole’s “battle bruising” (aka PTSD) moments. I’m grateful she included such a difficult topic and did so with such grace.

While new readers can certainly pick up this book and enjoy it without having read the original trilogy, I think they might miss out on understanding the world and characters. I also think the story would be more meaningful to readers who already read the Blood of Kings trilogy.

Overall, Squire of Truth is a solid companion story, and I look forward to more stories set in Er’Rets.

~Thank you to the publisher for providing an early digital copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.~
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,681 reviews68 followers
March 27, 2025
2nd Read-through Update:
When I first read this book, it was my first books by the author. When I entered it, things were a bit confusing, especially the blood voice thing. As we near the release of the next book in the series, I decided to go back and read the original series plus its prequel. That helped me a ton on the blood voicing front along with knowing the history of this fantasy world and a handful of the characters. However, it also presented a few problems for me because this book adds in some different things that I really felt should’ve existed in the original series if it was going to exist in this series. This was a good Christian fantasy read, but had less focus on the Christian aspect than the original series did. Unfortunately, this book does not end with an HEA but rather on a sort of cliffhanger, at least on the romance front.

Original Review:
This is the first book in its series, but I haven’t read any others by Williamson, and I found myself a bit like a fish out of water. If you have the chance, I’d highly suggest reading the series that comes prior to this one so you have a bit more footing in this world and the events and fantasies that are highly pertinent.

That said, I adored this book! I could NOT put it down. I was fully immersed in this Christian romantasy and I adored the characters and the story that was woven. A murder mystery, a royal squire, a songstress, magic, and more. This book makes me need to read the first series and then everything else! There was tension and romance and fantasy and danger. A thrilling read. This series is more saga than standalone.
Profile Image for Morgan.
Author 15 books100 followers
January 7, 2025
Finally a return to the world of Er'Rets! I've been desperate for more Blood of Kings-related stories for such a long time, and with this, the Vrell Sparrow novella, and the rest of the coming Blood of Kings Legends books, it's finally here!

This one is a magical murder mystery with romance, music, and a setup for even more adventures with Cole, Kurtz, and Mistel. I loved getting to know Cole better as he investigated the murder of a peasant girl and uncovered an even more sinister plot. It was also super fun to me the way it wove around the ending of From Darkness Won, adding plenty of danger and intrigue while maintaining the continuity of the original ending. Poor Achan, being continually kept in the dark, lol.

I can't wait to see where things go next with all these characters, with hopefully some Vrell/Achan moments scattered in as well!

P.S. This book will definitely make more sense to readers already familiar with the Blood of Kings trilogy. Explanation of worldbuilding, characters, and previous events is minimal, so readers coming into this one without knowledge of the original books might be a little lost. As an adoring fan of the original books, though, I HIGHLY recommend them, so read Blood of Kings. 🥰
Profile Image for A.M. Reynwood.
Author 9 books49 followers
February 12, 2025
I SO enjoyed being able to come back to this world from the Blood of Kings for a new adventure centered around a beloved side character, who now gets the spotlight as a private investigator! I don't read enough mysteries, and this one was a lot of fun, getting deeper and deeper into political plots, rebellions, and assassination attempts.

It's also a moving story that accounts of a young man haunted by past trauma seeking solace and healing in music, there there's a strong thread throughout about the power of song to lift spirits, bind hearts, and banish darkness. Cole is an absolute cinnamon roll character just discovering his abilities and role in the coming kingdom. Mistel is a flame-hearted charmer from the other side of the tracks, discovering for the first time what it means to trust. Together, they begin to find a place to belong, and thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow, both as individuals and as a pair. In the words of Mistel: "So cute."

All in all, a grand, clean adventure with chases and escapes, action, music and mayhem, hope and healing, multi-faceted characters, faith, monsters, and a bittersweet ending that left me, at least, aching and excited for the future of these two kids.
Profile Image for Lizzy Hite.
261 reviews
January 6, 2025
Well, that was awesome. So cool to be back in this incredible storyworld with a whole new set of adventures! Cole is such a sweetheart, and I love his arc. Also, the humor is fantastic. I forgot how much I’d missed Achan’s snark. And what is that ending—need the next book as soon as possible!!

~~I received an early copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a positive review.~~
41 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2025
Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson is a delightful read and the first in a new series set directly after Williamson’s Blood of Kings trilogy (By Darkness Hid, To Darkness Fled, and From Darkness Won).

The novel follows Cole Tanniyn, squire to the future king, and Mistel Wepp, a plucky singer and songwriter, as they seek to discover who they are and where exactly they fit in the new kingdom that is being established in Armonguard. And as if that were not enough, a terrible crime is committed: Mistel’s roommate is found dead by black magic, and Cole is tasked with discovering the truth of her murder.

Cole and Mistel are both interesting characters, who not only share a love of music but also a desire to be seen for who they truly are. Throughout the novel, their mettle is continuously tested, yet neither backs down from the difficulties and dangers that beset them. From them, readers can see the fruit that comes from persevering through challenges.

Additionally, readers are invited to explore the truth of the book’s opening lines: “Music spoke to the soul. It didn’t quarrel or judge. It lifted and soothed and roused and comforted. It spoke where words failed, and liberated captives from the prisons of their own minds.”

Note: While it is not necessary to have read the Blood of Kings trilogy prior to Squire of Truth—as this was the first of Williamson’s novels that I have read—I would definitely recommend beginning there. People and events from the trilogy are frequently referenced, and the original series sounds fascinating! In fact, I am planning to read them—and others of Williamson’s novels—in the near future.

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are solely my honest opinion.
Profile Image for M.H. Elrich.
Author 9 books142 followers
October 20, 2025
This book flew by! Cole is such an amazing protagonist, with his caring, kind, and endearing personality. I love how his strength is not in his blade, but his wits. Mistel is also so cute, with how she learns to trust someone like Cole! It was lovely to read his story and I can't wait to read the sequel.
Profile Image for Becca.
66 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2024
It was a lot of fun getting to come back to Er’ets for this story! I loved that it takes place during the end of From Darkness Won as well.

The mystery was intriguing, we got to see more of the world, return to some fun characters... I always love Jill Williamson’s characters, & Cole & Mistel were no exception.

I haven’t heard if there’s a sequel to this, but I hope there is!
1,002 reviews34 followers
January 14, 2025
Settling into post-war life as the prince's squire, Cole is still uncertain of himself and plagued by memories of war. When Mistel, a young singer he met in the street, finds her roommate dead, apparently murdered, he's tasked with finding the culprit. But there are more dangers surrounding this task than he realises - not to mention Mistel can be quite an attractive distraction. Can they discover the murderer before more people die?

I wanted to like this, but it never really grabbed me. It possibly doesn't help that, even though it's the first book in a series, it feels like it's leaning heavily on a previous book or series. I just felt a bit left out - and unsure how the various characters were connected/related. The mystery side of things was done well, with a somewhat complex setup to uncover and the interest of a designated sleuth who has no experience and feels incompetent but does his best. However, I didn't really connect with either Cole or Mistel, so despite that, I wasn't particularly invested in their success. And the cliffhanger ending didn't thrill me either. All in all, not a bad read but may be best for those who've read and enjoyed the author's previous series.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
30 reviews
December 6, 2024
Jill Williamson's writing skillfully pulls you in and keeps you engaged with her characters and story world.
This book is a fantasy mystery adventure that intrigued me from the beginning. I enjoyed seeing the logical steps of the investigation. The story was fairly short, but the plot kept me interested. The depictions were vivid, but not overly descriptive.
I felt that the romance aspect got in the way of the story a little as I did not find Mistel very likeable. However, the "romance" was not too prominent and there is room for the character to develop. I appreciated Cole's character development in growing as a leader.
For the most part, this book would be easy to follow without needing to read the related series. However, there were quite a few references to Cole's backstory and previous events that were not expounded upon. Cole immediately recognized the villian, but it was never fully explained why Cole knew he was a "bad guy" or what the villain's motives were. (I have read the Blood of Kings triology and loved it, but it has been a while and I didn't remember many details or who the characters were.) There was little explanation on the magic system as well.
Overall, it was a great read and I enjoyed this new edition to the world of Er'Rets.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,195 reviews
January 14, 2025
An exciting follow up to the award-winning Blood of Kings Trilogy by Jill Williamson.

Cole Tanniyn is swept into a high-stakes investigation with implications reaching beyond and to the throne. Can he get to the bottom of the murder, despite his lack of experience, and can he trust his new friend Mistal?

A wonderful follow-up to a beloved series, with familiar faces, as well as new ones, full of adventure and mystery. Cole is a talented young man, who is loyal to the king, and devoted to his job. I liked how he and Mistal bonded over their love of music, as well as working towards finding answers behind the mysterious death. Cole is an excellent protagonist, with relatable struggles, as he finds his strength and style of leadership.

Overall, this was such an exciting read, with a great plot and return to Er'Rets. I enjoyed the strong themes of faith, as well as seeing familiar characters through different eyes. A great start to a new series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Dana.
212 reviews
December 11, 2024
I finished this early release book today and It was interesting. Not sure how I feel about fantasy books. I have never really read a fantasy book before but this one was a Christian author. It was not too bad I just don’t think this genre is for me. But I’m still curious how book two will turn out since there was a major cliffhanger. I can give this book a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ overall rating
Profile Image for Courtney Dawn.
731 reviews11 followers
January 14, 2025
Squire of Truth was such a unique and unexpected read! This was my first book by Jill Williamson, and I’m already hoping it won’t be my last. The blend of historical elements with a touch of fantasy was woven so beautifully—it felt like stepping into a world that was both familiar and entirely new. While I didn’t realize this book connected to a previous series, I didn’t feel lost; instead, it sparked my curiosity to explore the earlier stories.

I absolutely loved Cole as a character—his shy yet deeply caring nature made him so relatable. His journey of finding his voice and stepping into leadership, despite his fears and self-doubt, was inspiring. I especially connected with his inner struggles, like feeling unworthy or in over his head with a daunting murder investigation. Watching him learn to trust himself and rise to the challenge was so rewarding. Mistel was a delight, too—her flirty stubbornness and determination to be part of the action added a spark to the story. I loved how she constantly tried to make Cole smile, bringing a lightness to the intensity of their mission.

This book has me eager to dive into more of Jill’s stories and explore this captivating world further!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Bess.
723 reviews
November 4, 2025
Re-reading as I've just finished the Blood of Kings trilogy. I'm sure it'll make WAY more sense now!

Yep! Second read through was better with context!
Profile Image for Emily.
502 reviews16 followers
January 6, 2025
Squire of Truth is the first book I have read written by Jill Williamson and I look forward to reading some more. This is my first fantasy book in a while, and it came at the perfect time. Though this could be read as a standalone, I still felt like I was missing pieces, and I am presently waiting on book 1 from the Blood of Kings series to come in at the library. I look forward to diving into the world of Er’ret some more.

The character development was fun. I loved getting to know the main characters Cole and Mistel. They had a fun character about them. I loved their love for music.

I really enjoyed the setting and storyline. It was fun investigating the murder alongside Cole. The mystery and fantasy elements were a great twist. This was a really great fantasy novel to dip my toes into reading some more in this genre.

Though not blatantly Christian, it does have the allegory feel to it. To really give it justice I need to read the rest of the series, which I plan on doing and coming back to review it from a fuller viewpoint.

I do look forward to reading some more books from Jill Williamson.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,314 reviews74 followers
January 6, 2025
I have never read Jill Williamson before so this book was an introduction of sorts. The book was engaging and easy to read. I loved the medieval setting with elements of fantasy; the magic of bloodvoicing was truly fascinating. I enjoyed the murder mystery that Cole was sent out to investigate, though the plot surprised me. I expected battles and not investigative detective work but the mission had plenty of twists and turns that connected the murder with a great threat to Achan and Averella.
Cole was a realistic hero - more musician and poet than soldier. He was plagued by doubt and second-guessing for most of the story but learned to lean on Arman, the One True God. Mistrel was a worthy heroine - loyal, feisty, determined, resourceful. Though they were both fun main characters, their romance fell flat and the ending was a cliff-hanger for their relationship. The writing felt more middle school age than truly young adult.
Perhaps if I had read the original Blood of Kings series, I would have loved this book. It was still enjoyable and I am sure fans of low fantasy would love this book and continuation in the life of Blood of Kings characters.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
1 review
November 30, 2024
Such a great addition to the Blood of kings legends!
Profile Image for Erin.
2,108 reviews17 followers
January 24, 2025
Okay. Let me start by saying this is not a novel I normally would have picked up. I’m not really into fantasy-type novels. But this felt more medieval to me. Yes, it’s still fantasy. Because it’s dark spirits and magic and all that jazz. I normally avoid dark magic novels. Not because I don’t think there are demons and dark forces at work around us(I do think they’re there and the angels are constantly battling them) but because normally they don’t hold my attention.

I am so glad I took the chance on this one! It held my attention. It actually did more than that. I was spellbound! This is high praise for a fantasy novel from an author that I’ve never read or even heard of. Imagine my surprise when I finished the novel and checked to see what else she’d written to see she had quite a few! Definitely going to be reading more and purchasing some for my children who adore this type of novel!

Okay. Maybe I should talk about the novel.
Or maybe I should share that not only did I read it but it was devoured by six of my children ranging in age from fourteen to nineteen! Yes, it’s that good. And they’re all waiting for the next novel in the series!

Mistel has a mystery to solve. Who killed her roommate and why? As she goes about solving the mystery she partners with Cole. He might just be a squire to the soon-to-be king but he’s also a musician trying to forget some of the horrors he’s seen. And now he’s a detective!

The characters are great. The novel moves quickly and keeps you reading because you don’t want to miss out on anything. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters. The mystery was great and kept the pages moving rather than just dragging.

Though I haven’t read the series, this is a spin-off series from the Blood of Kings series by this author. You can definitely read it without reading the other series. I did. But I’ve heard from others that its best to read after the first series as you’ll understand and know more.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
651 reviews80 followers
January 2, 2025
At the start of 2025, I set a goal to read more fantasy stories, and Squire of Truth did not disappoint. This book tells the story of Cole, a former stable boy turned royal squire, who uses music to cope with the pain of his past. When Mistel, a talented local songstress, crosses his path, their shared love of music brings them together.

But everything changes when Mistel’s roommate is murdered, and she turns to Cole for help. Though Cole has no experience as a detective, he agrees to investigate and soon uncovers not only the identity of the murderer but also a sinister plot to kill the royal family! Working closely together, Cole and Mistel grow closer, but every step forward brings new threats. Can they unravel the mystery before they themselves are in danger?

I loved how the story balanced mystery, magic, and the personal struggles of its characters. Cole’s ongoing battle with the ghosts of his past and Mistel’s determination to make a name for herself gave both characters depth and allowed them to help each other grow. The murder mystery kept me guessing, and the fantasy setting added an extra layer of excitement, especially since this was my first fantasy story.

While I enjoyed the story, I wished there had been more of a follow-up on Cole and Mistel’s future, but perhaps that will be explored in future books. Also, while this book can be enjoyed as a standalone, I felt at times like I was missing some context that might have been clearer if I had read the earlier books in the series.

That said, Squire of Truth was an enjoyable read that met my goal for diving into more fantasy this year. I’d give it 4 stars and recommend it to fans of fantasy and mystery!
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,778 reviews46 followers
January 13, 2025
Christian Fantasy is a genre that I have grown increasingly interesed in. Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson is the latest in this genre that I have read. It is Book 1 in the Blood of Kings: Legends series. Jill Williamson is a new to me author and I was excited to read this book.

I will start by saying it took me a couple of chapters to understand the storyline. The 2 main characters in this book are Cole Tanniyn and Mistel Wepp. Cole finds comfort in music and that is how he meets Mistel. Mistel is a songstress and Cole enjoys listening to her while she is on stage. Mistel and Cole connect on many levels with their common love of music and Mistel introduces Cole to the future King. Mistel enlists Cole's help when she discoveres her roommate dead. Cole decides to investigate to discover who killed Mistel's roommate. The book takes a very interesting turn as Cole and Mistel uncover some dark secrets and threats toward the Kingdom. I really LOVE the characters and how they work together not only in the investigation but also in Music. I love that Cole and Mistel had the opportunity to help the King by writing a song for him. Cole and Mistel really made the book interesting with their different personalities. Cole was my favorite character as he really wants to help others in a way to make up for his failures in his past. Mistel was a bit stubborn, but Cole helped her overcome a bit of her challenging personality. I am actually looking forward to reading future books in this series. Mystery, Romance and Fantasy are all apart of this book. GREAT BOOK!
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,303 reviews45 followers
August 4, 2025
I enjoy fun, medieval stories with lots of action, romance, and a bit of fantasy. This is one of those books!
A few years ago, I attended a workshop where this author discussed writing fantasy and what draws readers in, but I had never read one of her books until now.
I have to say, this book was soooooo good that I went out and bought all the next books in the series. I also realized that there is a whole other series before this one regarding the “world” of Er’Rets. I’ll have to check it out soon!
I was truly captivated from the very first page of this book as I opened the pages and saw the wonderful map. It helped to visualize where things were taking place.
It's a magical story about relationships, friendships, and finding worth. It's also a story about righting wrongs and conquering evil. It left you with hope for adventure and justice to come.
There were some profound moments where I found myself holding my breath because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. As a reader, I was captivated by all the fantasy. An author who can create a wonderful world that captures your mind and takes you on a journey into the unknown is an author I will read more from.
Jill Williamson is a fantastic, creative writer. Her characters come alive with passion and boldness.
If you want to get lost in a magical world that will make your heart pound and you find it hard to breathe, then this is the book for you. I must warn you, once you start, you might not want to put it down until you finish the whole book!
Now I’m on to read the next book in this series!
Profile Image for D.M. Griffin.
Author 83 books160 followers
January 8, 2025
I know the saying is not to judge a book by its cover, but the vibrant colors and intriguing design immediately caught my eye; thankfully, the story within matched the cover’s captivating allure. Intrigue becomes the downbeat of Jill Williams’ novel, Squire of Truth, from the opening page.
Her characters are so relatable that it is impossible not to be engrossed in the medieval fantasy story. Mystery pulses through the plot as Williams takes her readers on an adventure alongside the adorable Cole and the feisty Mistel. A joint love of music, a passion expressed through soaring melodies and rhythmic beats, connects the main characters on a level far deeper than their shared circumstances.
The imaginative world comes alive through vivid descriptions and poignant scenes between the characters and the surroundings. The perfectly paced narrative synchs wonderfully with character development amidst the backdrop of a sinister plot and the potential for danger.
Suspicion remains aroused until the very last chapter in this who-done-it-style mystery. This was the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed the story all the way through. voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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