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Chronicles of Kings & Councils
When one man's mistake dooms an entire kingdom, the people are left at the mercy of an incurable disease that consumes their logic, making them vicious and unpredictable.
But something about the crown prince, Omerold Veridian, is different. Despite testing negative for the affliction, he shows perplexing and terrifying symptoms that baffle even the greatest minds. Fate leads the king to form an alliance with his rival overseas, the charismatic president Hugo Manase, who claims to be working on a cure for the incurable, and who is keenly interested in taking Omerold in as a patient. The prince's life is placed in the president's hands, a decision that could change the entire course of history and change Omerold's perception of himself forever.
When he returns to court six years later to find his childhood best friend grappling with a dark secret of her own, everything is changed yet again, and Omerold finds himself having to choose between two powerful forces -
Love,
or bloodlust.
But something about the crown prince, Omerold Veridian, is different. Despite testing negative for the affliction, he shows perplexing and terrifying symptoms that baffle even the greatest minds. Fate leads the king to form an alliance with his rival overseas, the charismatic president Hugo Manase, who claims to be working on a cure for the incurable, and who is keenly interested in taking Omerold in as a patient. The prince's life is placed in the president's hands, a decision that could change the entire course of history and change Omerold's perception of himself forever.
When he returns to court six years later to find his childhood best friend grappling with a dark secret of her own, everything is changed yet again, and Omerold finds himself having to choose between two powerful forces -
Love,
or bloodlust.
- GenresFantasy
669 pages, Paperback
Published March 14, 2025
3 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 17, 2025
“It must be hard to think your lineage is doomed the moment you become a father.”
As I am still recovering from finishing this absolute masterpiece I thought it only fitting to start my review with one of the first quotes that caught my attention, setting the tone for what a ride this book would be.
I was hooked from the first page and devoured the book, even as a slow reader with a phobia of long books. But this was more than worth it and I just know that I would and will go back to this one anytime. Firstly, the writing was heartbreakingly beautiful and poetic in so many ways. It was raw, real and dark and I loved every second of it.
The world is complex and with such intricate politics and tons of interesting characters, so much that I can only imagine what’s in store for us in book 2.
“A villain isn’t the worst thing you can be.” “Then, what is?” “A fool.” “We’ve all been a fool at some point, father.” “But we don’t stay fools.”
I love a good villain and with Cokac it was no different, although the lines are blurred and most characters are at least somewhat morally grey (yes please more of that). The pure rage of some of the characters had me in a chokehold and I am beyond excited to see where it’ll go with the next books.
Please go read it and if you’ve read this far enjoy one of my favorite quotes that completely shattered my heart:
“When did things change between us?” “When you...” She couldn’t tear her eyes away. “When you started looking at me like prey instead of someone you wanted to protect.”
As I am still recovering from finishing this absolute masterpiece I thought it only fitting to start my review with one of the first quotes that caught my attention, setting the tone for what a ride this book would be.
I was hooked from the first page and devoured the book, even as a slow reader with a phobia of long books. But this was more than worth it and I just know that I would and will go back to this one anytime. Firstly, the writing was heartbreakingly beautiful and poetic in so many ways. It was raw, real and dark and I loved every second of it.
The world is complex and with such intricate politics and tons of interesting characters, so much that I can only imagine what’s in store for us in book 2.
“A villain isn’t the worst thing you can be.” “Then, what is?” “A fool.” “We’ve all been a fool at some point, father.” “But we don’t stay fools.”
I love a good villain and with Cokac it was no different, although the lines are blurred and most characters are at least somewhat morally grey (yes please more of that). The pure rage of some of the characters had me in a chokehold and I am beyond excited to see where it’ll go with the next books.
Please go read it and if you’ve read this far enjoy one of my favorite quotes that completely shattered my heart:
“When did things change between us?” “When you...” She couldn’t tear her eyes away. “When you started looking at me like prey instead of someone you wanted to protect.”
April 26, 2025
I mean, where do I start with this fantastic grimdark fantasy. Chronicles of Kings and Councils is the first book in the Harbingers series by Meg Edwards. Sold to me via Megs own tiktok account as a story similar to that of the character of Milo from Atlantis: The Lost Empire, I knew I had to read it almost instantly. I am so glad the algorithm put Meg on my FYP because reading this book was an adventure on its own. I will go into this further, but to whet your appetite, know that I have never read a book with such excellent character arcs and development.
I knew I was going to enjoy this book after only a couple of chapters in, when I was utterly confused and trying to track every key character, the politics and layout of the world. For me, this is always a good sign that I’m about to be fully encapsulated by the book. There is no greater feeling for me than when I’m reading a new fantasy, lost in the sauce, just for it to then all click into place. The “OH!” Moment is everything a girl could want, and this book gives it to me so good. I have sat here and tried to rationalise my next statement, but I can’t.
Edwards plotting IS a genius. It’s as simple as that. Every single person and event is like a square of a rubix cube, and Edwards manipulates it so gently, and with such precision, you begin to see the book retrospectively as the dots connect. You suddenly go from uncertainty to feeling so knowledgeable about this world Edwards has created in the turn of a page. You can guess and make assumptions about where a certain plot line is going, yet she turns it on you and completely blindsides you with something you never thought would be imaginable, yet it makes perfect sense.
One of the ways that Edwards is able to do that is because of her character development and arcs. I don’t want to issue out spoilers but the change in the male main character is staggering, the character you meet at the beginning of the book is essentially dead and buried with how much he changes, it should be jarring but Edwards is so methodical and has planned every possible eventuality that it just becomes right. I can easily say with my hand on my heart that I have NEVER read a book with such intense character development.
It’s not just the MMC. The FMC Risala also goes through her own mind breaking arc. It’s not rushed. It's not an afterthought, it’s not less than the MMC’s, it’s perfect. What makes it work so well is the pacing of the book, Edwards gives us the time to bond with the character and learn about them before completely changing who they are.
Not only does Edwards create formidable characters, but she also makes them intelligent. And I’m on about Sherlock Holmes, Johnathon Creek, and Sheldon Cooper levels of intelligence, but with raw darkness and edge. For me, this was sensational. I adore intelligence, I simp over it, and in turn, I am obsessed with the characters that show it. In balance there’s also a few moments where it’s like the 4th wall has been broken which add a refreshing spot of humour, each one got a loud exhale of a laugh out of me before I dove straight back into the grimdark story telling.
This book really is a truly epic fantasy that challenges you and your way of thinking. It is utterly memorable, I’m genuinely sad that I can’t experience it again for the first time, and I am SO hyped for book 2.
I knew I was going to enjoy this book after only a couple of chapters in, when I was utterly confused and trying to track every key character, the politics and layout of the world. For me, this is always a good sign that I’m about to be fully encapsulated by the book. There is no greater feeling for me than when I’m reading a new fantasy, lost in the sauce, just for it to then all click into place. The “OH!” Moment is everything a girl could want, and this book gives it to me so good. I have sat here and tried to rationalise my next statement, but I can’t.
Edwards plotting IS a genius. It’s as simple as that. Every single person and event is like a square of a rubix cube, and Edwards manipulates it so gently, and with such precision, you begin to see the book retrospectively as the dots connect. You suddenly go from uncertainty to feeling so knowledgeable about this world Edwards has created in the turn of a page. You can guess and make assumptions about where a certain plot line is going, yet she turns it on you and completely blindsides you with something you never thought would be imaginable, yet it makes perfect sense.
One of the ways that Edwards is able to do that is because of her character development and arcs. I don’t want to issue out spoilers but the change in the male main character is staggering, the character you meet at the beginning of the book is essentially dead and buried with how much he changes, it should be jarring but Edwards is so methodical and has planned every possible eventuality that it just becomes right. I can easily say with my hand on my heart that I have NEVER read a book with such intense character development.
It’s not just the MMC. The FMC Risala also goes through her own mind breaking arc. It’s not rushed. It's not an afterthought, it’s not less than the MMC’s, it’s perfect. What makes it work so well is the pacing of the book, Edwards gives us the time to bond with the character and learn about them before completely changing who they are.
Not only does Edwards create formidable characters, but she also makes them intelligent. And I’m on about Sherlock Holmes, Johnathon Creek, and Sheldon Cooper levels of intelligence, but with raw darkness and edge. For me, this was sensational. I adore intelligence, I simp over it, and in turn, I am obsessed with the characters that show it. In balance there’s also a few moments where it’s like the 4th wall has been broken which add a refreshing spot of humour, each one got a loud exhale of a laugh out of me before I dove straight back into the grimdark story telling.
This book really is a truly epic fantasy that challenges you and your way of thinking. It is utterly memorable, I’m genuinely sad that I can’t experience it again for the first time, and I am SO hyped for book 2.
January 15, 2025
"Life is painful, confusing and terrifying and I am likely a villain, but in the midst of it all you are the only thing that makes sense."
Those letters and yearning are my undoing. I love the underlying angst in this book, all woven under intricate politics and secrets. I want to smack Omerold's head at some point but glad this guy pulled himself together just in time lol. Risala is brazen and amazing, but seriously my fav character in this one might be Arryn (such cinnamon roll, must protect).
Looking forward to read the next book!
Those letters and yearning are my undoing. I love the underlying angst in this book, all woven under intricate politics and secrets. I want to smack Omerold's head at some point but glad this guy pulled himself together just in time lol. Risala is brazen and amazing, but seriously my fav character in this one might be Arryn (such cinnamon roll, must protect).
Looking forward to read the next book!
February 26, 2026
Didn’t know I was a fan of Grimdark but oh boy am I!
Omerold is so hard not to love, even though his actions are questionable and his morals are grey, I feel so much empathy towards him. The political intrigue woven through this book is incredible, I love a good meaty political plot so this suited me down to the ground.
Paired with the yearning, burning, lust, slow burn with Risala this was just perfect for me! I would have waited 3 more books even for a kiss because the intense slow burn was that good!
So excited to see where this story goes next, the dark elements really intrigued me and I can’t wait for book 2!
Omerold is so hard not to love, even though his actions are questionable and his morals are grey, I feel so much empathy towards him. The political intrigue woven through this book is incredible, I love a good meaty political plot so this suited me down to the ground.
Paired with the yearning, burning, lust, slow burn with Risala this was just perfect for me! I would have waited 3 more books even for a kiss because the intense slow burn was that good!
So excited to see where this story goes next, the dark elements really intrigued me and I can’t wait for book 2!
July 21, 2025
Stayed up until 1:30am to finish this. Absolutely incredible read 🥵
January 17, 2026
this is genuinely one of the best books i’ve ever fucking read, and i mean that
January 6, 2025
This book has to be possibly one of the best debuts I've read over the last year! It has it all, politics reminiscent of the Hunger Games, romance and who can forget hereditary chronic illnesses that is talked about and discussed!
Instant capture of attention, Risala and Omerold have my heart! I loved the characterisations of them and how they seemed to grow and develop despite everything! I mean a particular favorite quote of mine that is Omerold's is probably 'he'd slay the boy he used to be and stamp him into the floor..' Doesn't everyone wish they could do that and change their nature!
Risala's probably without giving the game away is 'the moment when the harbour of a lover's arms became a hangman's courtyard'. Just for sheer poetic value and also the fear for all women that no matter what they may do, a man may simply just leave!
I have many, way too many quotes that I love so I'm trying to be specific! Haha!
Is it bad, I want more Arryn? He seems interesting!
Obviously, it was a great book! I may have stared into space for 15 mins after finishing because I was upset and angry for a certain character not wanting to stay but also seeing why they couldn't!
Please, please read this book! It's amazing if you love the Hunger games, please give this a chance!
Thank you, Meg! This book is a gem! I feel so seen! Just for full disclosure, I received this book as an ARC!
Instant capture of attention, Risala and Omerold have my heart! I loved the characterisations of them and how they seemed to grow and develop despite everything! I mean a particular favorite quote of mine that is Omerold's is probably 'he'd slay the boy he used to be and stamp him into the floor..' Doesn't everyone wish they could do that and change their nature!
Risala's probably without giving the game away is 'the moment when the harbour of a lover's arms became a hangman's courtyard'. Just for sheer poetic value and also the fear for all women that no matter what they may do, a man may simply just leave!
I have many, way too many quotes that I love so I'm trying to be specific! Haha!
Is it bad, I want more Arryn? He seems interesting!
Obviously, it was a great book! I may have stared into space for 15 mins after finishing because I was upset and angry for a certain character not wanting to stay but also seeing why they couldn't!
Please, please read this book! It's amazing if you love the Hunger games, please give this a chance!
Thank you, Meg! This book is a gem! I feel so seen! Just for full disclosure, I received this book as an ARC!
August 26, 2025
Wow. What a book! I picked this book up cause I had heard from friends that it was amazing and worth a read. I'm not terribly into dark-fantasy but I was willing to give this a try and I'm so glad I did! It was such a captivating book! From the descriptions to the world and lore surrounding to the many cast of characters who all feel so in-depth. I love how this book is written and I love how modern it feels. Even though it is set in a fantasy world with many of those elements like kings, queens, castles and courts, Meg Edwards makes the book still feel very modern and fresh with a dash of steampunk and sci-fi elements. There were many moments where I had to keep reading to get to the next chapter and find out what happens next and I can't wait for the rest of the series to see where things go!
November 5, 2025
The chronicles of kings and councils is well worth the read. The characters are 3 dimensional, with complexity that makes you alternate opinions throughout the book. All set in an intricately woven world that mixes fantasy and modern applications perfectly. The pacing leads you through the story easily, keeping you locked into the world without any unnecessary filler to make sections drag on. For a book of it's size, reading goes by at a blink of an eye.
December 30, 2024
A couple of minor typos aside of course I’m going to endorse my own book baby
July 9, 2025
Loved this book! Amazing story, characters and style of writing! Omerold and Risa my babies! 🥺
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews