Blood King - Part II

Crowns #5

by Nicola Tyche

To avenge his past, he must sacrifice his future.
Blood or the heart—only one will prevail.

A kingdom on the edge…
Cyrus has taken the throne with blood and steel, yet peace remains out of reach. As his long-held dreams of vengeance taunt him as a possible reality, he stirs war on every front. And his list of enemies grows.

A witch’s desperation…
Essandra, the witch by his side, chases the Amoran cup spell, willing to risk everything to bring back her family. But she draws on forbidden magic to defy fate, and the cost of her choices threaten to fracture everything she’s built with Cyrus, including him. Meanwhile, in the shadows, a darker power stirs—one that wants her, and it could destroy them both.

A reckoning of blood…
With kingdoms falling and gods silent, Cyrus launches a war that could remake the world. Old ghosts return. Prophecies awaken. And love must stand against vengeance as Cyrus confronts his greatest enemy—himself.

The explosive conclusion to the Blood King duology, and the battle that will change the world.

Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Fiction

531 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Nicola Tyche is an American author writing romantic fantasy and fantasy romance, paranormal and urban fantasy, and other women’s fiction. Suspenseful plot twists, strong heroines, relatable villains, and melt-your-insides anti-heroes are ingredients for every book, and Nicola is a sucker for a happily ever after.


Praise for North Queen:

"The political intrigue of Outlander or Game of Thrones with the magic and thrills of A Court of Thorns and Roses."
- US REVIEW

"An epic tale displaying the best kind of fantasy."
- BLUEINK REVIEW


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/nicolatyche

Keep up on the latest news, get first chance at new books, behind-the-scenes peeks, giveaways, and more:

Website ➤ www.nicolatyche.com
Facebook Reader Group ➤ www.facebook.com/groups/nicolatyche
Facebook ➤ @nicolatyche
Instagram ➤ @nicolatyche
TikTok ➤ @nicolatyche

Reviews

[Rebekah McCallie Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to beta read Blood King 1&2, and while I am a Nicola Tyche super fan, these books hold up beyond my obsession.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ 𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨

Blood King II completes the duology chronicling the rise and fall of our tortured morally grey MMC Cyrus. He’s survived the bloodsport arenas, toppled kingdoms in the name of justice, and plotted his revenge. Torn between love and vengeance, Cyrus stands to fulfill his destiny or lose everything trying.

Tropes:
⚜️ Power couple
⚜️ Morally grey characters
⚜️ Touch her/him & 💀
⚜️ Vengeance vs love
⚜️ Revolution & rebellion
⚜️ Warring kingdoms & court politics
⚜️ Blood magic
⚜️ Prophesies & fate

My heart was in my throat the entire time and my heart shattered once again as I relived the devastating events in the Crowns Trilogy. Nicola masterfully weaves the storylines within a parallel timeline and I’ll never get over this epic and soul-crushing story!

Cyrus is one of the most complex characters I’ve read, struggling with his self-loathing, humanity, and obsession for revenge. This duology captures the dichotomy of his ruthlessness and compassion and ultimate dark descent.

As alliances crumble and resolves waver, the stakes have never been higher. Between fate, love, and vengeance, his heart and life hang in the balance.

Blood King II is a story of loss, redemption, the facets of love that drive us to protect and destroy, and the legacy we leave behind. Prophecies and passions collide in this gut-wrenching and breathtaking conclusion! I cannot wait for where the next story takes us.

Huge thanks to the author for the ARC copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Erika George]

I knew how it was going to end and yet, I fought it the whole time??

And seeing all the pieces fit together 🤯 👩‍🍳💋

[Amber | Mermaid_mama_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Blood King duet by Nicola Tyche is everything I was hoping for and more. It’s a continuation of her Crowns trilogy but it follows the same timeline as the trilogy through the villain’s POV. Although it was the same timeline, it was still so fresh and new.

The way Nicola was able to get into Cyrus’s head and the way his character developed was 👩‍🍳💋. His obsessive need for revenge is what kept him alive and despite being the villain for some, he was loved and seen as a hero to others.

I highly recommend this duet (after reading the first three Crowns books for the best emotional impact) if you love:
⚔️ rebellion x revenge
⚔️ witches x gladiators
⚔️ found family
⚔️ so much yearning & devotion
⚔️ touch her & ☠️
⚔️ all the feels

[marshas_world_of_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

So if you read this book, as you should, after reading the first four books, again as you absolutely should, be prepared to crash out at the over the ending. I wanted to throw my Kindle and honestly want to throw my phone while typing this. Because what do you mean?! Nicola I beg your finest pardon but that last sentence was just rude. Clearly there’s going to be another book, so let me be the first to say, can we have that next book tomorrow? Now let’s talk about Cyrus and Essandra and their appalling poor communication skills. I’ve never mentally hit two characters more in my life. I spent the first part of the book yelling at my kindle at Essandra and the second half yelling at Cyrus. That said, I do in fact love them. I’m so glad we got this point of view to get a better and deeper understanding of Cyrus’s back story and why he is the way he is. I do kind of think this book and War Queen might make a good tandem read though, if that would even be possible. I love this world and all the places it takes us and can’t wait to see what comes next. Highly recommend this entire series. Falling in love with all the characters was effortless. If you haven’t read them please do.

[Brenda A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyrus’ story is so heartbreaking. He’s the guy who doesn’t know how to act around others and he stumbles so much with relationships. It’s endearing and frustrating.

The way this ends….Nicola you bugger! I am here for this journey!

Read this series!!!!!

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

They was my jaw physically dropped for that ending was crazy! I literally cannot believe it! Now my brain is in theory mode for what it all means!

This book picked up right where part 1 left off and if I thought part 1 made me like the villain, part 2 had me sympathizing with him and his cause even more. His bull headedness and single mind sometimes reminds me so much of myself and makes him such a relatable character. I also enjoyed getting to see the other side of the whole “fake Alexander” portion of the previous series and see the whole thing through his eyes and his grief in loosing a brother.

This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster and brought me to amazing highs with characters having relationships and archs and victories that I enjoyed but also to the lowest lows with some devastating losses and deaths that I am still not over. Be prepared to be torn apart in the best way in the conclusion of this duology. I have loved this world among all 5 books and the way it was left open I so so so hope to get even more in this world! The world building, continued exploration into new magics and storytelling was so good I literally couldn’t put this down after I started! Overall I loved this book and my rating 5/5!

Thank you so much to the author for the gifted arc of this book, all opinions given are my own.

[Kelsey Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well. Well. Well. I’m exhausted. The Blood King (1&2) is a head to toe experience… it is mind blowing, heart stopping and gut wrenching… did I mention soul breaking? Oh, I knew going in this had to be dark - if you have read the north queen - it leaves no doubt. But I had no idea it would be this hard. The levels of trauma to unpack, the complexity of the magic and witch craft, the balance of the other story against all that they’re trying to accomplish in their land. I can’t comprehend the courage it took to write this. It was hard enough to experience Cyrus’s POV and really know Essandra and the rest of his cadre… it’s actually a very overwhelming experience that will pull you kicking and screaming with them. You’ll have zero regrets and an intense book hangover. Guaranteed.

I’m just so impressed with Nicola’s talent. How these books can be by the same person is unreal. There’s a darkness and completely unapologetic morally BLACK aura around Cyrus and as frustrating as he is - you never stop rooting for him - while hoping that he’s not successful at anything. It is weird because we spent three books rooting for his enemy, and we do know how most of the story ends… you can’t help but hope he finds himself at some sort of peace at the end.

Don’t get me started on the end. Wtaf

[Joti Marra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC!!

God what a tapestry this wove!! I simply can’t get over what a unique voice NT has in this genra! She writs such crisp prose and knows how to keep an epic story tight and moving briskly while also weaving so many threads and interwoven story lines. It’s truly incredible!!

Somehow NT always just drops in these side couples that you want a whole spin off series about! Orion and his green eyed dancer? I’d read it. Miriel and Bash. Kord and his whole mess…

“That’s not my witch whore,” he said, his voice low and cam. “That’s my witch wife.”

POV - single
World - same lived in world we love so much from the previous books
Magic - also same! But Blood King 1 and 2 delves more into the magic and it’s stunning
Brain Power - high but fun to link up events to the original trilogy and watch as everything plays out
💧Emotional Damage - Face. Covered. In. Tears.
Romance and Swoon - god those two had me so frustrated!!! JUST KISS EACHOTHERRRRR ALREADY!!!
🔥🔥- you bet!
Audio - I think it’s in the works
Kindle Unlimited - yeppers
Special Editions - hopefully they will come!

Over all ⭐️ Rating - masterpiece ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ such a stunning tapestry of action, motivation and love. Nothing is black and white.

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟 All the stars for this! 🌟🌟

First of all, that epilogue is absolutely diabolical!! Secondly, I knew what would happen and yet I wasn’t prepared for the heartbreak. Nicola, how dare you get me to fall in love with this character!

Blood King part 2 sees Cyrus continuing on his path of vengeance. Political alliances become more complicated and his seer powers have him seeking out Norah. His relationship with Essandra remains complicated but with her he finds peace and maybe a future he didn’t think could be possible. Cyrus knows that his life could amount to more and yet his need for revenge cannot be forgotten.

The way this duology weaved in what had already happened in the original trilogy is brilliant and masterful. Even with knowing how events would play out did not keep me from being invested and interested in the story. There were so many unnamed characters that I never gave a second thought to in the original trilogy who now have a special place in my heart. A reread of the first few books will be even more meaningful with the additional context we get from Blood King.

I am not sure what other magic Nicola Tyche will bring to this world but I am ready for it! Many thanks to the author for an advanced copy!

[Samantha Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for a chance to read this before the world, in exchange for an honest review.

A reckoning of blood…
The explosive conclusion to the Blood King duology, and the battle that will change the world.
- how apropos this is.

The last book in this duology had me on the edge of my seat. In part 1, Essandra was my least favorite character, however, by the end of part 2, her character development skyrocketed and I loved her in the end. It gave off Soren Vibes for sure. And that is what this author is good at. Changing Dynamics for characters from hate to love.

If you have not read the crowns trilogy before, I would recommend a review for a reread to get the full experience of the book.

I wanted to give this book five but I really liked part 1 better.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tell me, Cyrus-when will the people you love get as much of your devotion as the people you hate."

This duology takes place concurrently with the first three Crowns books, but from the POV of the villain. Cyrus is the grayest of morally gray characters who is motivated by vengeance, and will sacrifice everyone and everything to get it. Despite his being a terrible king and knowing how the story was ultimately going to end, I still found myself sympathizing with and rooting for him.

These books blended into the first trilogy seamlessly, and while I wish I had reread the first three books, enough context was given that I was able to remember the broad strokes.

This was a great series, and I look forward to re-reading it in its entirely at some point in the future.

[AnaOhiboka91 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“She loved him, and she was his. But as he lay with her nestled in his arms, he knew—he loved her, and he was hers.”

I don’t think I’ve disliked a MMC so much before.
I genuinely hate him.
I tried to like him and understand but somewhere along his inability to grow I just …

The ending was very compelling.
How can one lose everything to win everything to just .. lose it all again based on hatred …

[neecole · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS SERIES IS UNFINISHED.

For me, this was the best book of the series so far (also there was no clear indication to me that the series was unfinished). This is what season 8 of GOT wished it was.

I felt that the pacing of this book (despite knowing what was happening) was a lot faster than the other books. I also felt like Essandra and Cyrus are definitely my favorite characters.

Also, shoutout to the very sexy was Nicola does LGBTQ+ Very excited for the next book.

[Alyssa Denfeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️This was good I mean it wasn’t my favorite in the series but it was nice to enjoy. I like Cyrus and Essandra but I felt like there could have been more. Like there something missing that I can’t give it a solid four. Part of me confused by the ending because I not sure if this is the final book or if there another book.

[Yamileth · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more books!! Blood King part III 🙏🏻 it can't end like that!! 😭💔

[Chrissie MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

What??!!!

This cannot be the ending! I can't believe it. There has to be another book. Come on.....Nicola! You can't do us like that. Argh!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 2 picks up right where we left off from Part 1 — Cyrus is sending assassins to kill his brother.

In Part 2, we see Cyrus slowly unraveling and losing focus on the end game. He becomes so obsessed with seeking revenge that it consumes him and risks those closest to him. Cyrus loves hard but hates harder. He’s stuck in an internal war of vengeance vs revenge vs love; where his choices will ultimately be his downfall.

I love how the villain got his own story — thank you Nicola! Getting to know Cyrus outside of War Queen, and the history behind what led to his undoing was epic — by far my favorite character and book you’ve written!!

This fast paced story had a dark, emotional, intense vibe. Cyrus’s character flaws are a main focus, and each character is lovable. The writing flows so smoothly you don’t even realize you’re reading; it’s easy to envision the story as you read. You’re kept on the edge of your seat and when you think you know what’s going to happen — you’re given an ending like no other endings before. I should have recorded myself reading the ending because WHAT! 🤯 stillllll trying to wrap my brain around it!!!!

Blood King Part 2 releases Tuesday, Sept 30! Game of Thrones meets Reign. A unique, witchy magic system that isn’t over the top. Pre order now!

[Liz (this_scorpioreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

What an utterly epic conclusion to this series - I never thought that reading Cyrus’s story after War Queen , would be so utterly captivating. But I was well and truly obsessed.

They way Nicola draws you in to the passion, the angst, the building tension is palpable and I relished very moment whilst simultaneously not wanting to reach the conclusion as my heart was not ready! I don’t want the adventures in this world to end!!!

Thank you to Nicola for the arc copy for review.