Blood King - Part I

Crowns #4

by Nicola Tyche

He doesn’t want the throne. He wants revenge.
A new crown. An old wound. And a reckoning written in blood.


A kingdom built on blood…
Raised a fighter in Rael’s brutal bloodsport arena, Cyrus has only ever known survival. Until one act of defiance topples a tyrant, and one vow of vengeance sparks a revolution. Now, he’s the man a broken realm looks to for hope.

A power he can’t control…
Haunted by his past and driven by revenge, Cyrus grapples with a power that has haunted him since he was a child—a power he doesn’t understand. When a sharp-tongued witch offers to help, her motives are unclear. Trust is dangerous, and so is she.

A throne he didn’t ask for…
Crowned in chaos, Cyrus is thrust into a world of politics, power, and war. New enemies rise. Old ghosts return. And while vengeance may have earned him a crown…

It won’t be enough to keep it.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Romance, Adult

579 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 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

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicola you beautiful, magical starfish….you are the 👑 of character arcs! You gave the villain a back story and I just LOVE that for me and everyone else who loves the morally ambiguous 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

This book is so good. It is a political fantasy with gladiator vibes and a truly unique and interesting magic system. One of the coolest magical powers I have ever read in a fantasy series. It’s dark and gritty.

If you’ve read North Queen (which i recommend doing before BK) here was my reading experience. I read NQ last year and I LOVED it but I’m gonna be honest a lot of the details are fuzzy so I was nervous and considering doing a re-read before diving in. But then I got the ARC and literally could not wait and just dove in. No regrets!!! I was able to enjoy the story and characters as its own thing and be present in the storyline. While also picking up and appreciating the crossovers. As I was reading I was able to remember things from NQ and I know exactly where we were at in the timeline. It was super accessible and not confusing at all!

Can you read BK before North Queen?
After only reading part 1 of BK I would say yes. BUT I haven’t read part 2 yet and I do believe the author recommends reading NQ trilogy first for max character development and emotional damage.

I hope this helps! Read these book… they are so refreshing, extremely entertaining and enjoyable!

Spice level: 🌶️

[Stephanie Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Recieved an ARC and giving my feedback and review on the book.

Ok.... if anyone has watched Star Wars right? Whether it be the original trilogy and/or Rogue One. There are two characters in those two that we were introduced and we loved/hate them. But then they make a prequel or back story film or show (in this case a book) of them and now.... you know what happens to them. And.... I really.... really.... REALLY... dont want that to happen but its gonna happen bc it just did. That is what this book was. I hated him in the first trilogy. Pitied him even. And then this comes out and now..... I just feel heartbroken and hope for a happy ending for him but WE ALL KNOW WHATS GONNA HAPPEN!!! And there are moments reading that i was like Bruh! Stop!! Just listen and stop!! I love this character now and there are times where I wish I wanna slap him and say dont do it bc this is what is gonna happen and to her TOO!!!
Overall, it was great!! Nicola did it again where you become invested to the story and characters and I can see that she put so much emotion and raw to this. Guys!! I cant wait for Part 2. I need Part 2 but kinda scared but hope there is twist because now I feel like there might be and I am re-reading the trilogy for clues to this!! There are moments in this book where it felt like therapy which I believe it was too Nicola because she wrote this at a time in her life that is a struggle and difficult. But man do I love her stories and she just has that magic touch that her words just gives you all the emotion and even heals you. Its amazing. There are very few that can do that and she is one of them. I AM SERIOUS!! Bravo Nicola.

[Britney ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I loved the Crowns trilogy but this?? Honestly it's on an entirely different level.

There's still the same style of writing and tone that we love from North Queen but this just feels grittier. Cyrus is pulled in so many directions and you can feel his anger coming off the page. His character feels so real and it makes you want to be angry right along with him. Cyrus probably isn't the one you're supposed to root for but??

I loved delving more into the magic and travelers. I had so many questions while reading the trilogy that I found answered here.

I just feel more pulled into this one. It's so angsty and there's so much tension that I was absolutely incapable of putting it down. The emotions that we get from Cyrus and even those around him are absolutely beyond.

thank you to the author and mtmc tours for the gifted copy

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured the Crowns trilogy, and was thrilled when Nicola announced a gritty duet would follow! I love this world, its well-defined characters, and the beautifully unique magic systems. That the author writes flawlessly is icing on the cake. Reading anything by her is a dream.

Blood King offers a delicious gladiator-style story that pairs perfectly with the GOT feel of the first set of books and threatens to turn your previous allegiances on their head. How did I become a Cyrus stan girl?! C’est la vie; my love affair with villains continues.

I can’t wait for a physical copy so I can place it next to (ahead of?!?!) the previous books, in pride of place on my “favorites” bookshelf.

10/10 will be obsessing over until the next one comes out!!

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

How in the world did this book make the previous three even better?! This was truly a masterpiece. I know I’m being set up for more emotional damage but I don’t even mind, I just need the next book!

Cyrus is completely hell bent on getting his revenge - on his captors, his family, and the systems that put him where he is. He meets a witch, Essandra, who convinces him that she can help him achieve his vengeance. But Cyrus wants more than just her power, he wants her too. He struggles with his need for revenge, the demands of a leader, his affection for Essandra, and his seer powers.

Nicola gives Cyrus such an amazing backstory. You can feel his heartbreak and his bloodthirsty desire for vengeance against his family and the Shadow King. This book was one I didn’t even know I wanted. It provides so much more context for everything that happens prior in the Crowns series. I found myself flipping back to the first three books to discover all that I had missed (Nicola, you genius!). It truly enhances the series and makes it so much richer even though you know what’s going to happen. If you’ve read the Throne of Glass series and didn’t read Assassin’s Blade first, this book feels similar to that. You know you’re going to get your heart broken but it will hurt so good!

Even though this could be read first in the series I’d recommended reading the prior books first. If you’re looking for a grittier fantasy with gladiator vibes and a sprinkle of romance, start this series immediately!

Many thanks to the author for an advanced copy!

[Rebekah W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So you read North Queen, Shadow Queen, and War Queen, and you think you know the story. Whose good? You got it. What happened? You understand it. Whose the villain in the story? Cool, cool. You already know. F that guy. What happened at the end? Yeah they lost. A bunch of people are dead.

But what if that's only Norah's side of the story? Do you ever wonder what lead the "bad guy" to initiate the "bad things" on the "good people"? Well, you're going to find out.

I absolutely LOVED reliving the events of the Crowns trilogy through Lucien's eyes, but Blood King is more than just Crowns from Lucien’s POV. It's how a blood sport slave inspired a revolution and became a king. Even though he REALLY didn't want to be king. And he's going to tell you in every way he can that this is not for him. He just wants revenge. He doesn't want to lead nations to freedom... right? RIGHT?!

The fight scenes are SO GOOD. The banter is bantering through both books. I laughed out loud so many times. You're going to want to pull your hair out and yell at this man but also give him a hug and cheer him on. The relationships and the characters are everything. Watching Lucien progress is some of the best character development I've ever read. And don’t worry. Nicola brings the devastation we’ve grown to know and “love”. Bring the tissues.

This entire series is EVERYTHING to me. 10/10. You MUST read it.

[Sarah ⟡ Tea & Tomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Nicola Tyche for the free gift!

This high fantasy tale follows Cyrus, a man raised in the bloodsport arenas who rises from survivor to reluctant king, all while grappling with vengeance, power he doesn’t understand, and the ghosts of his past. It’s a story of rebellion, politics, and the cost of carrying both a crown and old wounds.

I absolutely loved this book. It was everything I wanted. I’ve always been curious about Cyrus’s story, so getting to see events unfold from his perspective was so satisfying. Nicola Tyche’s writing is incredible; she manages to take a character I once hated and make him not just sympathetic, but deeply lovable. I felt constantly torn between still resenting him for his past and feeling so much empathy that I wanted him to find happiness, even knowing how his story ends. The book also flows seamlessly with the central Crowns trilogy that you could read it as a prequel, a follow-up, or even alongside the main series, and it works beautifully in every case.

The only drawback is that it’s split into two parts, which left me desperate to know what happens next, but with the second part coming out later this month, at least the wait won’t be long.

Overall, this is a stunningly written, twist-filled fantasy I highly recommend to readers who enjoy morally complex characters, richly built worlds, and stories that balance vengeance, power, and the longing for redemption.

[Samantha Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crowns Series #4
WOW, Nicola you have done it again. Thank you for the opportunity to get an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I have been a fan of the crown series since North Queen. I did not do a reread of the prior 3 books and honestly for Blood King part 1 I don't think you need to in order to understand and love the characters.


Meet Cyrus a bloodsport fighter in the kingdom of Rael. He is the perfect Vengeful Antihero to fall in love with. Did I mention that he is morally gray and who doesn't love a morally gray man. A man who didn't want the crown and is the only hope for a broken kingdom.

This book has all the things you look for in a political fantasy book. It has revolution and rebellion, Court politics, prophecies and fate, Vengeance versus love and betrayal

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE the Crowns trilogy. I gave every single book in the series 5 stars, and I don't think I've ever done that - EVER! When I heard about Blood King I was SO EXCITED, and when I saw the email that I was approved for the ARC, I screamed so loudly my cats ran from the room and my husband came in to ask what was going on. This is the level of love I have for this series.

So, my expectations for this book weren't heightened at all. Obviously.

That being said, this book is 5 stars HANDS DOWN!!! It is INCREDIBLE to read an entire trilogy and love it, but then get to read an entirely different story, but in the exact same time period and same world, but from a completely different perspective. It's like seeing the same story from the "other side of the coin" so to speak. It's absolute genius!!! I'm obsessed. And the character development, the story arc... just wow

Bring on Part II!!!!

[marshas_world_of_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the origin story I didn’t know I needed. If you would have asked me if I wanted to know about Cyrus after finishing the first three books, I would have said no. Now that I’ve experienced him I’m so happy that we got this story! I would have never guessed I would love him as much as I do. He is a bit reckless and impulsive, but he has his reasons. As for Essandra, I haven’t connected with her as much yet. However, I feel like that might be intentional with the way she was written since we get to learn more about her close to the end of the book. I absolutely adore the sharper take Nicola took with this book. She didn’t hold back and I so appreciate authors that just let loose with the story and characters. I was drawn back into this world so quickly and easily that I found myself endlessly happy to be back. I love the perspective we get within this book as well. We get to see the other side of the coin. If you’ve read the first three books I can’t recommend this enough. Read it and immerse yourself in this world once again. You won’t be disappointed.

[☾arina⭐︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first want to thank Nicola Tyche for the ARC. The Crowns Trilogy is one of my favorite book series, so when I opened my email and saw I had an ARC, I flipped out.

Cyrus is a character we met in the previous series, and I was curious about his backstory, especially given the revelations and events that came before. I knew there was more to him when cracks in his armor were chipped away and we saw the person behind the mask, and I was right. This story shows his background and what happened to him that made him the ruthless person he has become. We see Cyrus’s ascension as king and some key moments from the Crown series in his POV. He never wanted to be king; he just wanted revenge, but he was thrust into the position. He finds himself having to balance being a king and taking care of his people while also plotting against his brother and the Shadow King. When it came to the gladiator-style fights he and his comrades were forced into, I sympathized with him after seeing the cruelty he had to endure and how he had to witness those he formed a bond with also suffer. I loved all the characters introduced, especially Cyrus’s friends, who relied on each other and were like brothers. He forms a reluctant alliance with a young princess who needs his help. He’s always surrounded by men, and it was nice seeing him interact with someone much younger than him who was able to tug at his heartstrings. Miriel became like a little sister to him, someone he pretended he didn’t care for but who he ends up willing to do everything in his power to protect. I wish we had seen more of that relationship. Her naiveté made her interactions with Cyrus awkward but funny.

Unfortunately, what let me down was the romance. I’m a romance girl through and through. I don’t mind it being a subplot or even a small part of the story; I just want to see chemistry between them and feel the love, but I didn’t with Cyrus and Essandra. I don’t understand how they fell for each other when there wasn’t a lot of meaningful interaction for them to get to know each other at a deeper level. I didn’t like Essandra using Cyrus’s body whenever she wanted, even though I know Cyrus seemed okay with it. Maybe I’ll warm up to it in the second book, but for now, Nora and Mikael are still my favorite couple, followed by Soren and Philip. (Crossing my fingers we get a story about them.)

Overall, I loved the story and how darker it was than the original trilogy. I always like reading from the villain’s perspective, especially when they’re the morally gray type. I think I’m going to like the second book more because of the events that are about to happen after the ending of this one.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Blood King I (Crowns, Book 4)

Nicola takes the reader back into the world of Crowns giving the backstory on Cyrus and his rise from bloodsport fighter to King. Because this duology will have spoilers from the first 3 books of the series, I recommend reading in order of publication!

Haunted by his past and powers he doesn’t understand, Cyrus vows to tear apart those that wronged him—from those that discarded him to those who rule in tyranny.

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

Gladiator meets Reign in this glorious adrenaline rush of emotions! Nicola is a master of battle scenes and political intrigue. I loved learning more about these characters and witnessing Cyrus’s gradual descent into darkness.

Plagued by a painful past and uncertain future, Cyrus must decide if he can trust the powerful witch who promises him everything, except her heart.

Blood King I is a brutal and beautifully written tale of survival, vengeance, and power. Despite knowing how the overarching story transpires, I was left speechless by this ending! I cannot wait to dive into Blood King II.

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

[AnaOhiboka91 · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘’There's something wrong with me," he whispered.
She was quiet for a moment, before she said, "There's something wrong with all of us."

3,5🌟

[ReadingInPyjamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood King Part I throws you into political intrigue, brutal battles, and a magic system that’s seriously fascinating. Cyrus is brooding, bloody, and somehow swoon-worthy. Basically, your dream vengeful king. Do you need to read North Queen first? Not strictly, but your heart will thank you if you do. A few pacing wobbles, but that ending left me desperate for Part II.

If you love dark, gritty fantasy with revenge, romance, and a morally gray hero who steals the show… welcome to your next obsession. 👑🩸

Gladiator vibes ✅
Blood magic ✅
Court politics ✅
Morally gray antihero ✅

[Mikaela Boley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC reader, and I got pulled in right off the bat; I have enjoyed the North Queen series, but I felt this book elevated the story and gave more complexity and interest (as well as trauma) than the previous ones. REALLY enjoy a good "villain" backstory, and this delivers!

The good:
-Complex and duty-bound MMC
-Justice
-Brooding & damaged characters with some depth
-Backstory & new perspective to the North Queen Series

The not-so-good:
-Story dragged at times, often fixated on the "romance" part of the story
-The annoying back-and-forth between the FMC and MMC; it's definitely a different love story (if at all), and not romantic. But the story seemed to be pushing that narrative? I guess we will learn more in Part 2.
-Wished for more ties & explanation to the North Queen world as more quality world-building

Still very enjoyable, and I look forward to Part 2!

[Petra Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF.

[Pà · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me harder than I thought. Nicola Tyche really worked her magic, she gave the villain a past, a reason, a heart, and suddenly I was feeling for Cyrus when a moment before I just wanted him gone. I didn’t expect to care about him so much, but the way his personality developed totally pulled me in. He had that perfect mix of power, pain, and bad decisions that made everything feel raw and real. The magic system was creative and different from the usual, and I loved how it added to the story without being confusing. What got me most was the emotional pull. There were moments that felt like therapy, moments that crushed me because I knew what was coming, and still I hoped for something different. The pacing was strong, the writing had this emotional weight to it that stayed with me even after I finished. Even though I didn’t reread the trilogy, it wasn’t confusing; details came back naturally, and I just fell right in again, but I strongly recommend to read the trilogy first, I'm going back too and read every book. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down, and now I’m both desperate and terrified for part two. 5 stars, 100%. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.

[Joti Marra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC!!

I simply adore the way Tyche writes. It’s mature, beautifully thought out, pacing is lovely and the world feels so historical and lived in. And woah NT can write a fight scene you guys!! Normally these are hard for me to follow but hers are always so clean and easy to understand.

I must say upon completion and am fully frothing at the mouth for book two and deeply committed to this story and it’s unfolding.

This installment did lack some of what I loved about North Queen (multi POV, romance/swoon, multiple romantic sub plots served along side the political maneuvering) but the a villain origin story and the nature of the two MCs made this structure feel necessary. It’s a little hard reading a story and falling for characters that we know the tragic end of…. I’m guessing we know the end? Maybe we will be surprised?! Please? Unlikely. But maybe…

POV - single (it’s been a minutes since a read an entier book from the MMCs POV)
World - historical in feel - starting out in a gladiator type setting
Magic - old world witches and blood magic
Brain Power - higher with all the politics
💧Emotional Damage - I cried in the first 25% sooooo…
Romance and Swoon - as much as I love these two I can not say they are very romantic??
🔥🔥🔥🔥- yes but it felt very transactional (intentionally) but they are both idiots (said with love) and clearly yearn for more
Audio - since this was an ARC read I am unsure if we will get audio. I hope so though because North Queen audio was very good.
Kindle Unlimited - yes!
Special Editions - not that I know of.

Over all ⭐️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨ 4.5 for the beautiful seamless writing and deep nuanced characters.

[Erika George]

Cannot believe I got to beta read these!

Amazing how I hated this character in the trilogy and here I was rooting for him since chapter one 🤣😅😂

[TialyN · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really want to say thank you for the chance to read an ARC of this book. I was super excited to see where the story goes for our villain, since I really loved the Crowns series. This book already gave us a lot more insight of what was happening in the trilogy before, and I’d honestly love it if we eventually got a book that serves as an epilogue for all our favourite characters.

The book was really interesting and fun to read. I finished it super quickly because I just couldn’t put it down. I love the author’s writing style, she really knows how to make you feel things, whether it’s happiness, pain, or frustration. The only reason why I give 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the romance - I didn't like our FMC :( I explain later in the review.

***** SPOILERS AHEAD - please don’t read any further if you haven’t finished the book

Lucien is such a great character. He’s complex and has been through so much, and that’s why I never saw him as a full-on villain. Lucien’s fight felt like the purest one, and I totally understood why so many people followed him. I always felt like he deserved more - his vision actually made sense and had a solid reason behind it.
I loved the arena scene where he seized power and usurped the king. That was so powerful.

All the characters were really well written and felt deep and real. His friends were great too. I connected with them right away, and it breaks my heart knowing what’s coming and how this whole fight will end.

The only character I couldn’t really connect with was Essandra. Although they agreed to use one another, Lucien’s approach was more like asking her for help, whereas hers bordered on abuse. Given all the pain and exploitation he’s already endured, it was tough to see our FMC taking what she wanted without giving him any say in their relationship. He was being used all over again. I understand she has her own trauma, but still... Their intimate scenes felt uncomfortable, and I felt so sorry for Lucien all the time. More than anything, I kept hoping Lucien would find someone else who would love him in a more genuine way. Their relationship never felt like a romantic one to me.

Also, the council scenes got a bit repetitive at times, so I did skim those a little.

But aside from that, the book was great, I felt like I was in those scenes - it was really detailed and well written. I honestly can’t wait for the next one. And hopefully more books from this world.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE ✨️

what a freaking masterpiece this book was!!! I am just in awe after putting this book down. words cannot describe how happy my heart was diving back into my favorite series and favorite fantasy world.

if you're here wondering "oh do I have to read the North Queen trilogy first before I read this?" YES. only if you want the small details of this book to mean something to you.

Nicola Tyche did such an incredible job sewing in every single tiny detail from her trilogy into Blood King Part I that I'm just utterly blown away by her and her writing. I thought the North Queen trilogy was my favorite? this duology (granted, same series) has me questioning which one I could possibly love more. this question would be my Sophie's Choice.

I have to say- Essandra is easily one of my favorite characters that I've ever come across. she's a powerful witch in her own right, doesn't have to be any stereotype, holds her own power, and to not have to sit through her entire training is a true treasure that I will never stop thanking Tyche for. If only more FMCs were like Essandra, the world would be a better place.

For all of my book girlies who have "stabby, stubborn, and sassy" fatigue and cry, "please... no more" at training scenes, esp involving an FMC, BABY GIRLS THIS IS IT 🎉🎉🎉 (North Queen doesn't have those scenes either, but I will say- Blood King has WAY more fantasy and magic in it than NQ did)

I must say, the greatest thing I've ever done for myself in my entire life was taking my time to savor this book instead of reading it all within 2 days. granted, it was mainly because I'm out here reading with ADHD and no audiobook, but that's okay, the slow reading was the best gift ever 💕

I'm truly speechless and cannot speak anymore because I'm itching for Blood King Part II.

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first trilogy of this series and knowing Cyrus as only the evil villian, I thought there would be no way I could sympathize with his crazed ideas and murderous plans. But here I am, all the way through Part 1 of this series and ready to think maybe he wasn't all that crazy (okay maybe a little but he did go through a lot of trauma) and what he is doing in the Kingdom of Rael and for the people like him who were either slaved or put down by society is a noble cause even if he likes to pretend he doesn't care that much about it most of the time.

This book introduced a whole new cast of characters, and as I met more and more of them, I understood more of how Cyrus was able to accomplish all he did in the previous trilogy. Some of the people he surrounds himself with are good people and I really enjoyed their character arcs and seeing them try to bring out the best in him. I loved Ruth's urging to rise up the women along with everything else, Teron's knowledge and almost fatherly like care and how Kord pushes him to make the right decisions for the kingdom. There is also his bond with the witch Essandra, in a will they won't they scenario where they are doing everything other than saying they care about each other and admitting their feelings even though they are clearly there from their actions. Overall I really enjoyed this book and think it added background and gave me sympathy for a villian I never thought I would like, even if he is still a bit crazed. My rating 4.8/5.

Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC of this book, all opinions given are my own!

[Graeme Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood King – Part I is a fierce, emotionally charged fantasy that leans hard into vengeance, survival, and the brutal cost of power. Nicola Tyche opens the story in blood and never lets the tension fade, crafting a protagonist shaped by violence who never pretends to be heroic for heroism’s sake.

Cyrus is a compelling antihero scarred, furious, and reluctant to lead. His rise from a bloodsport arena fighter to a crowned ruler feels raw and earned, driven by defiance rather than destiny. What makes the story especially engaging is the internal conflict between revenge and responsibility. The throne is not a reward but a burden, one that forces Cyrus to confront both his past and the dangerous, unstable power within him.

The dynamic with the sharp tongued witch adds a strong romantasy edge, blending attraction, mistrust, and manipulation into a relationship that feels volatile and intriguing. Politics, warfare, and personal demons collide as the narrative expands beyond survival into the complexities of ruling a fractured realm. Dark, fast paced, and emotionally intense, Blood King – Part I will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy gritty fantasy, morally gray leads, and stories where power always comes at a price.

[Celine Woo · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟ARC review🌟 Blood King by Nicola Tyche (Crowns Series #4)

Firstly congratulations on release day Nicola! Thank you for the opportunity for reading the arc of this series.

He was only a boy when he was sold to the noble, like an animal.
He was tortured and trained to be a bloodsport fighter.
He didn’t fight for honor, He fought to survive; to protect his family, the family not by blood, but by surviving in the arena.

What I like about this book:
- I was immediately brought back into the world, with familiar names and places from the Crowns Trilogy.
- The brotherhood relationship between the side characters and Cyrus.
- Cyrus character development as the plot goes.
- The pacing was good, it was just nice as the plot develop.
- and oh Miriel, I love Miriel

What I wish it could have been:
- Multiple POVs, the lack of multiple POVs, especially from the FMC side lacks character development for her.
- More actually conversation rather than inner thoughts (at times I thought I was reading Nora’s POV rather than Cyrus’s POV)

Overall I enjoyed reading Blood King, despite knowing how Cyrus’s story ends.
Can’t wait to read Blood King II.

[Azure · Rating 5 out of 5]

More people should be talking about Nicola’s books! Some of the best well thought out writing you’ll see!
I couldn’t get enough of the Crowns series and was completely obsessed with the characters and the world that Nicola created in her books. I was extremely excited to be able to get an ARC of Blood King! It’s a much darker story, centered on the villain and steeped in witchcraft and dark magic, but I still found it a fantastic read, even though I typically prefer lighter themes. This book tells the story from the villains point of view and you learn his backstory and of what drives him for vengeance.

I just love Nicola’s writing! She’s incredibly talented—her stories are so vivid and her characters so real that you completely forget you’re just reading a book. Every character is portrayed with such depth and humanity that you don’t just understand them, you feel them. Even when you disagree with their choices, you see the why behind them. And somehow she manages to write a villain you can’t help but like! A villain that while on one hand is completely ruthless and at times filled with a rage of vengeance - on the other hand he’s a good guy, and a fierce protector of those he cares about. Her character writing always stands out, and her ability to blend multiple storylines and themes together so seamlessly is what impressed me most here and in the Crowns trilogy as well!

I honestly don’t know how to get across how good I think her books truly are but even when her books explore themes I don’t personally agree with, I can’t help but recommend them. They’re that fantastic, original, and thoughtfully crafted! I can’t wait to see what’s next for this author!

[Cindy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC reader. This is an enjoyable novel as a follow up read to the North Queen Series. Not sure how well it would work on its own, since it references events that were more central in the first trilogy.

I enjoy that it was told entirely from Cyrus’s point of view. It also has a very different flavor from the first books. Where the North Queen is about Norah coming into her own and dealing with cross-cultural issues, this one is about coping with trauma (or at least, trying to).

The magical system continues to be well developed and interesting. The action scenes were particularly well done. I felt the tension in the arena and the comradery between the fighting men. The romance in this one is weaker than in the North Queen, though I expect it will pick up more in Part II. In fact, I’d say this one is more fantasy with some romantic elements while the North queen is more of a standard Romantasy.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️s rounded up

One of the things I love most about this series is Nicola Tyche’s ability to write super complex characters. She is so good at taking a character and slowly unfurling all the facets that make them who they are and it is so hard to watch that play out and not end up loving those characters. (Like seriously, the change of heart I had for Soren from book 1 to book 3 can only be described as pure magic!) And she did it again here with Cyrus. With what we know of Cyrus from the other books, I went into this one wondering if I could really care about him as a character. But of course Nicola worked her magic again. Kind of worried that the next book is going to break me. I’m not sure that knowing what’s coming is going to make it hurt any less…

Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC of this book!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. You guys this book (entire series really!) is everything. Nicola is a freaking queen. Her writing, flow, magic system, character arcs; it’s all so damn good. 👏🏼

I devoured the Crowns trilogy over the summer and I fell in love with it. Then when I found out we were getting two more books that unfold the background story of a certain someone — I had to jump on it.

Blood King Pt 1 is Gladiator meets Reign meets the Wheel of Time. Dark, gritty, painful. Fast paced and intense. The need for vengeance versus love. Prophecies, blood magic, betrayal. This one definitely had an emotional weight on me even after finishing.

⚜️Power couple
⚔️Morally gray characters
⚜️Secret longing
⚔️Touch her and die
⚜️Touch him and die
⚔️Descent into darkness
⚜️Vengeance versus love
⚔️Revolution & rebellion
⚜️Warring kingdoms & court politics
⚔️Blood magic
⚜️Prophesies & fate
⚔️Betrayal

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how you write the villain's backstory!

Now we all know how this ends and we know we shouldn't but my god I was rooting for Cyrus! From blood sport fighter to reluctant king this story is filled with tonnes of grit, angst, magic and politics.

Running parallel to North Queen we get nods to events happening in Mercia and the Shadowlands along with the revolution of Rael.

The magic system was easy to understand and enhanced the story without being too much.

Cyrus' character development from the strong, level-headed leader of the house pyro gladiators to the impulsive and vengeance driven king made you want to tell him to just sit down and think for a second before jumping headstrong and focus on one thing at a time.

We don't see much of Essandra as its single POV but I'm sure she will feature more in part 2.

I devoured this and can't wait for the next installment!

[Kelsey Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book gave me anxiety, frustration, happiness and longing…. I’m not sure how else to describe the turmoil of this book. If you’ve read North Queen, you’ll know Nicola’s writing is top tier, chefs kiss. But this? She goes raw. She goes unlikable and unsympathetic. She takes you into the deep end of the human condition. The MMC is heavily flawed and I love him more for it. He’s imperfect and disappointing. He’s inspiring and shockingly admirable. It is a wild ride and I can’t recommend it enough. You won’t find yourself mindlessly turning pages, that’s a guarantee. You won’t hear yourself say, oh yeah, saw that coming a mile away. I don’t know how a spinoff series could shake me so hard. But this does answer the question from the other series, “why so angry??”

Get this series. I mean this. You’ll be getting the physical copies and special editions.