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Everknot Duet #2
King’s Table
Becoming a Thane - an elite rebel spy trained to deceive, manipulate and kill - was Timothy’s life. He was driven. Obsessed. Fanatical. Then, in a moment, he lost everything.
Now Timothy fights for survival and revenge in the Huctan death rings. When his recklessness and skill take him all the way to the Huctan capitol, he finds himself enmeshed in a deadly game of lies and deception. While his brother leads a last desperate rebellion in Botan, Timothy must rub shoulders with the Huctan princess, match wits with the man who betrayed his country, and navigate the plots, duplicity, and tests of loyalty that could decide the fate of his nation.
[Alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00TOWT7KY]
Now Timothy fights for survival and revenge in the Huctan death rings. When his recklessness and skill take him all the way to the Huctan capitol, he finds himself enmeshed in a deadly game of lies and deception. While his brother leads a last desperate rebellion in Botan, Timothy must rub shoulders with the Huctan princess, match wits with the man who betrayed his country, and navigate the plots, duplicity, and tests of loyalty that could decide the fate of his nation.
[Alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00TOWT7KY]
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2015
9 people want to read
About the author
Travis Daniel Bow
5 books19 followersTravis grew up in Reno (where he raised pigs for FFA), went to Oklahoma Christian University (where he broke his collarbone in a misguided Parkour attempt) and Stanford (where he and his bike were hit by a car), and earned 6 patents in the Bay Area before returning home. He now designs medical robots and does CrossFit by day, works on an MBA and plays board games with his wife and three kids by night, and writes fiction by very-early-morning. Check out his fiction here or DIY "Instructables" here.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 20, 2017
In the thrilling conclusion to “Thane”, the stage has been well set. The Botani have grown tired of the Huctan empire’s oppression. A small group of skilled warriors, called Thanes, has been training and planning in secret. They seek to reclaim their independence as a nation and all that they hold dear. However, the opening of the book finds their forces decimated by the re-emergence of their original traitor. The flame of hope has nearly been extinguished, yet it still flickers faintly in the hearts of those who seek vengeance at any cost.
At the center of the struggle, we find Timothy - the hero of the first book. His fate hangs in the balance, having now been captured by the Huctans he despises and forced to continually fight for his survival at the entertainment of his captors. Timothy’s account is interwoven with that of Haitetaka’s, the Huctan princess, who at first seemed utterly detestable. The author’s redemption of her is exquisite, though. She grew to be one of my favorite characters. Her storyline is a perfect companion to Timothy’s, and I enjoyed the play between the two.
Flanking the Timothy/Haitetaka story are those of the remaining Thanes and even that of the traitor, Ricera. The Thanes’ storylines paint a broader picture of what is happening in the world of King’s Table, while Ricera’s narrative provides all the twists a reader’s heart could hope for.
In obvious ways, the style of narration and the themes are reminiscent of A Song of Ice and Fire. However, this story is entirely more realistic. If I had to characterize it, I’d call it a Historical Adventure Fantasy, with a dash of military flair. Overall, is an engrossing and moving read. I could not fly this book as quickly as I have read others. There were many times when I needed to stop and reflect upon what I had just read in order to fully digest it. Every page is interesting. Every word is important. Every scene is purposeful.
Also, this is no simple tale - there so much at work here. It boggles my mind to think of the amount of planning and organization it must have taken the author to sew every aspect of the story together so perfectly. Still, with all of the different storylines, characters, secret motivations, and plots, never once did it feel like too much. I greatly enjoyed Haitetaka’s sections because they felt distinctly different from the intensity and action of the other characters’ narratives. Don’t get me wrong - the action was necessary and integral to the book’s main story arc, but quieter moments allow the mind a needed reprieve.
Mechanically speaking, the author’s writing is masterful. He has a talent for choosing exactly the right words. They are beautiful and instrumental in painting his intended picture, but they are also not elaborate or unnecessary.
My main criticism (well really my only criticism) was the tidy way that everything wrapped up in the end. After pages and pages of struggle and plotting and best laid plans being ruined, the main story arc was resolved quickly and easily. It also felt like the primary plot running through “Thane” and “King’s Table” became overshadowed by the Timothy/Haitetaka storyline. For 90% of the book, I did not mind the attention paid to this subplot. It only bothered me at the end because of the way the resolution was enacted.
Hands down, this was a worthwhile, enjoyable, and thought provoking read. The author is a master craftsman of his genre.
At the center of the struggle, we find Timothy - the hero of the first book. His fate hangs in the balance, having now been captured by the Huctans he despises and forced to continually fight for his survival at the entertainment of his captors. Timothy’s account is interwoven with that of Haitetaka’s, the Huctan princess, who at first seemed utterly detestable. The author’s redemption of her is exquisite, though. She grew to be one of my favorite characters. Her storyline is a perfect companion to Timothy’s, and I enjoyed the play between the two.
Flanking the Timothy/Haitetaka story are those of the remaining Thanes and even that of the traitor, Ricera. The Thanes’ storylines paint a broader picture of what is happening in the world of King’s Table, while Ricera’s narrative provides all the twists a reader’s heart could hope for.
In obvious ways, the style of narration and the themes are reminiscent of A Song of Ice and Fire. However, this story is entirely more realistic. If I had to characterize it, I’d call it a Historical Adventure Fantasy, with a dash of military flair. Overall, is an engrossing and moving read. I could not fly this book as quickly as I have read others. There were many times when I needed to stop and reflect upon what I had just read in order to fully digest it. Every page is interesting. Every word is important. Every scene is purposeful.
Also, this is no simple tale - there so much at work here. It boggles my mind to think of the amount of planning and organization it must have taken the author to sew every aspect of the story together so perfectly. Still, with all of the different storylines, characters, secret motivations, and plots, never once did it feel like too much. I greatly enjoyed Haitetaka’s sections because they felt distinctly different from the intensity and action of the other characters’ narratives. Don’t get me wrong - the action was necessary and integral to the book’s main story arc, but quieter moments allow the mind a needed reprieve.
Mechanically speaking, the author’s writing is masterful. He has a talent for choosing exactly the right words. They are beautiful and instrumental in painting his intended picture, but they are also not elaborate or unnecessary.
My main criticism (well really my only criticism) was the tidy way that everything wrapped up in the end. After pages and pages of struggle and plotting and best laid plans being ruined, the main story arc was resolved quickly and easily. It also felt like the primary plot running through “Thane” and “King’s Table” became overshadowed by the Timothy/Haitetaka storyline. For 90% of the book, I did not mind the attention paid to this subplot. It only bothered me at the end because of the way the resolution was enacted.
Hands down, this was a worthwhile, enjoyable, and thought provoking read. The author is a master craftsman of his genre.
July 17, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. In this sequel to Thane, we get to learn a lot more about the world that these characters live in. There are some major plot twists also. About 80% in I wanted to scream at my kindle. He ties all the shocking bits up very well, and then leaves things open for a next book. I liked the detailed descriptions in the fight scenes. I think they were necessary to the evolution of the character relationships as well as giving you a better sense of what it meant to be trained under these different houses. There was also a distinctive romantic element to this story which I loved. Overall, Thane, and King's Table are excellent YA stories. This series has mystery, adventure, action, fantasy and a hint of romance. It's truly got a little bit of everything for everyone. Travis Daniel Bow is a fantastic story teller and I can't wait to read his next creation.
August 21, 2017
Well written YA epic fantasy, vivid descriptions and fighting scenes.
With over ten different points of view, King’s Table truly feels epic. Each chapter has a twist, or fights or unexpected points that kept my interest up.
The book opens with Nick and Robert getting caught. Nick is tortured and Robert has his sleeves sewn to his chest (this is not a typo, I’m quite certain). The Thralls are fighting the Huctons. The world-building is subtly weaved in –e.g horsemeat, the weapons, blades, and arrows. The dialogue is realistic and the writing flows smoothly.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It has a slow beginning, yes (slow as in getting to Timothy’s story and having more chapters about Robert and Nick with plenty of action) but I am glad I stuck to it till the end. The book would have benefited having Timothy introduced earlier. We jump from one point of view to another. At first, I thought it would be Nick or even Robert the main protagonist.
But the main storyline is that of Timothy, who calls himself Jester and wins fight after fight to get close to Haitetaka. Of all the storylines Nick/Reta, Robert/Selena, the story of Haitetaka gripped me. Especially how she realizes at a very early age that as a princess she is a spoiled brat and vows to change. It surprises me that as a princess, daughter of an emperor, in fact, she trains as a physician. But her job, her knowledge of human anatomy, I guess, is put to good use at the climax. Her fate, in the end, was emotional –the four sentence chapter had me almost screaming.
Brilliant story, highly recommended. Really well-crafted.
I look forward to more books from the author.
With over ten different points of view, King’s Table truly feels epic. Each chapter has a twist, or fights or unexpected points that kept my interest up.
The book opens with Nick and Robert getting caught. Nick is tortured and Robert has his sleeves sewn to his chest (this is not a typo, I’m quite certain). The Thralls are fighting the Huctons. The world-building is subtly weaved in –e.g horsemeat, the weapons, blades, and arrows. The dialogue is realistic and the writing flows smoothly.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It has a slow beginning, yes (slow as in getting to Timothy’s story and having more chapters about Robert and Nick with plenty of action) but I am glad I stuck to it till the end. The book would have benefited having Timothy introduced earlier. We jump from one point of view to another. At first, I thought it would be Nick or even Robert the main protagonist.
But the main storyline is that of Timothy, who calls himself Jester and wins fight after fight to get close to Haitetaka. Of all the storylines Nick/Reta, Robert/Selena, the story of Haitetaka gripped me. Especially how she realizes at a very early age that as a princess she is a spoiled brat and vows to change. It surprises me that as a princess, daughter of an emperor, in fact, she trains as a physician. But her job, her knowledge of human anatomy, I guess, is put to good use at the climax. Her fate, in the end, was emotional –the four sentence chapter had me almost screaming.
Brilliant story, highly recommended. Really well-crafted.
I look forward to more books from the author.
March 21, 2015
In a word: unbelievablydifficulttostopreading. Thane brought an exciting plot and exquisite character development into the duet, but King's Table continues that plot in an overpowering way. Timothy, trying to deal psychologically with heavy guilt, finds himself directly in the midst of the same power struggle that caused Botan's demise in the first place. Bow taps expertly into Timothy's intellect as he struggles in finding the balance between patriotism and relationship. The plot whips along with all the speed and agility of an NBA point guard full of fakes, cuts, and cuts, and ending with a thunderous slam dunk. If you are looking for a book to ponder the meaning of life, introduce unthinkable magic powers, paint a picture in a thousand words, then go away; you are not wanted here. However, if you want to grow close to a group of characters, suffer and rejoice with them as they forge through the story, and ride a roller-coaster of a plot, then prepare a 6 to 8 hour block of time because you won't be able to put it down.
August 18, 2015
This masterfully written fantasy tale immediately engages the reader with intriguing characters and well-crafted action.
I mistakenly started with the second story in the series, but is so skillfully written that it offers a complete adventure all on its own. Some fantasy books tend toward slow drudgery and rely too heavily on classic archetypes, but King’s Table avoids those pitfalls. The villain is as enticing and clever as the protagonists, which lends to tricky plot turns and shrewd, provocative dialogue. The thread of romance is embroidered discretely into the story, and its purity makes it enchanting. Definitely a page-turner.
The writing itself is concise, tight, and demonstrates Bow is a true wordsmith with clean prose and a balanced world with rich histories and very human players.
The story had me eagerly anticipating my reading time and wishing it wouldn’t end. The ending, however, is perfect.
I mistakenly started with the second story in the series, but is so skillfully written that it offers a complete adventure all on its own. Some fantasy books tend toward slow drudgery and rely too heavily on classic archetypes, but King’s Table avoids those pitfalls. The villain is as enticing and clever as the protagonists, which lends to tricky plot turns and shrewd, provocative dialogue. The thread of romance is embroidered discretely into the story, and its purity makes it enchanting. Definitely a page-turner.
The writing itself is concise, tight, and demonstrates Bow is a true wordsmith with clean prose and a balanced world with rich histories and very human players.
The story had me eagerly anticipating my reading time and wishing it wouldn’t end. The ending, however, is perfect.
March 28, 2015
As a fan of books such as A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones), this book appealed to me as an easier to read adventure into a world of conflict and politics. I found the Thanes really interesting and enjoyed reading about Nick, one of the more likeable ones. Timothy's struggles are well thought out, making him another interesting character to follow.
The short chapters are great, each one covering a different character, making it nice and easy to keep track of where you are. Something interesting happens in each chapter, with none feeling as though they're just filler.
The book is full of action and this is the only downfall for me - I can totally understand why other people would love it for the same reason though! I'm just more of a dialogue and thoughts reader I suppose.
The short chapters are great, each one covering a different character, making it nice and easy to keep track of where you are. Something interesting happens in each chapter, with none feeling as though they're just filler.
The book is full of action and this is the only downfall for me - I can totally understand why other people would love it for the same reason though! I'm just more of a dialogue and thoughts reader I suppose.
February 4, 2017
WOW! What an absolutely stunning story!
This story is full of action, emotion, and so perfectly well written that I feel that anything I say could not possibly do it justice! The characters are complex and so well defined. The story line keeps you guessing with every twist and turn and it gives you a full and complete story from every angle that just pulls you in. I am just completely blown away but this story! I look forward to reading many more From Travis Bow.
This story is full of action, emotion, and so perfectly well written that I feel that anything I say could not possibly do it justice! The characters are complex and so well defined. The story line keeps you guessing with every twist and turn and it gives you a full and complete story from every angle that just pulls you in. I am just completely blown away but this story! I look forward to reading many more From Travis Bow.
June 24, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Another amazing epic fantasy installment from Travis Daniel Bow, with King’s Table, the sequel to Thane.
If anything, this second novel is even better than the first…I couldn’t put it down. I do recommend reading these in order though, as a lot will only make sense when you have the backstory from Thane; this story starts just after the previous one ends, with the aftermath of the cliffhanger climax.
Which brings me to my only criticism, but it is a MAJOR one: ‘The thrilling conclusion of the Everknot Duet.’ What?! Nooooo! Make it a trilogy, or an epic series! This cannot be the end! I mean, yes, it has a satisfying conclusion, but that one loose rope trailing from the window gives me some hope that there is more to come from Timothy, Robert and co at some point in the future.
What else can I say about King’s Table? The characterisation is excellent and engaging. The plotline is completely gripping and moreish. I lost consciousness of the writing ‘voice’ because I forgot I was reading a book…total reading immersion!
Honestly, if you love epic fantasy (no magic or dragons, just war and intrigue in an imagined land) then you will love these books. If you’re not sure about the genre then these are definitely a good place to start.
When Robert looked up at him, Nick saw concern and resignation mingled. Robert knew the game was King’s Table, knew that if you couldn’t risk a pawn, you were doomed before the fight had even begun. But he also knew that Nick, his pawn, was a person.
Nick was suddenly glad he didn’t have to shoulder that responsibility.
“Be very careful,” Robert said at last.
Nick showed his teeth in what he hoped looked like a grin.
“When am I not?” he said, and went to pack his horse.
– Travis Daniel Bow, King’s Table
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Another amazing epic fantasy installment from Travis Daniel Bow, with King’s Table, the sequel to Thane.
If anything, this second novel is even better than the first…I couldn’t put it down. I do recommend reading these in order though, as a lot will only make sense when you have the backstory from Thane; this story starts just after the previous one ends, with the aftermath of the cliffhanger climax.
Which brings me to my only criticism, but it is a MAJOR one: ‘The thrilling conclusion of the Everknot Duet.’ What?! Nooooo! Make it a trilogy, or an epic series! This cannot be the end! I mean, yes, it has a satisfying conclusion, but that one loose rope trailing from the window gives me some hope that there is more to come from Timothy, Robert and co at some point in the future.
What else can I say about King’s Table? The characterisation is excellent and engaging. The plotline is completely gripping and moreish. I lost consciousness of the writing ‘voice’ because I forgot I was reading a book…total reading immersion!
Honestly, if you love epic fantasy (no magic or dragons, just war and intrigue in an imagined land) then you will love these books. If you’re not sure about the genre then these are definitely a good place to start.
When Robert looked up at him, Nick saw concern and resignation mingled. Robert knew the game was King’s Table, knew that if you couldn’t risk a pawn, you were doomed before the fight had even begun. But he also knew that Nick, his pawn, was a person.
Nick was suddenly glad he didn’t have to shoulder that responsibility.
“Be very careful,” Robert said at last.
Nick showed his teeth in what he hoped looked like a grin.
“When am I not?” he said, and went to pack his horse.
– Travis Daniel Bow, King’s Table
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
October 20, 2022
I recently read Brag Medallion winner Thane (Everknot Duet, #1) by Travis Daniel Bow and gave it 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars). I added the second book (also a Brag Medallion recipient) King’s Table (Everknot Duet, #2) to my TBR list. Here are my thoughts!
Synopsis (from the author):
Becoming a Thane—an elite rebel spy trained to deceive, manipulate and kill—was Timothy’s life. He was driven. Obsessed. Fanatical. Then, in a moment, he lost everything.
Now Timothy fights for survival and revenge in the Huctan death rings. When his recklessness and skill take him all the way to the Huctan capitol, he finds himself enmeshed in a deadly game of lies and deception. While his brother leads a last desperate rebellion in Botan, Timothy must rub shoulders with the Huctan princess, match wits with the man who betrayed his country, and navigate the plots, duplicity, and tests of loyalty that could decide the fate of his nation.
What I liked about King’s Table:
As I mentioned when I reviewed the first book, I enjoyed this fantasy book even though it doesn’t have magic, elves, or any of those typical characteristics of fantasy. The use of a more military air, plus the different directions Timothy and Robert took, made this an entertaining novel. I liked the way all the characters interacted, and the ending was very satisfying. Overall, an excellent end to the duet!
What I didn’t like about King’s Table:
The only issue I had with King’s Table was trying to keep up with the various subplots in the book.
Overall impression of King’s Table:
King’s Table (Everknot Duet, #2) was a well-written, well-plotted, and an enjoyable and entertaining book. With none of the traditional fantasy elements, it nonetheless fits well in the genre. If you enjoy fantasy, add this series to your TBR list.
My rating:
5 Stars
Synopsis (from the author):
Becoming a Thane—an elite rebel spy trained to deceive, manipulate and kill—was Timothy’s life. He was driven. Obsessed. Fanatical. Then, in a moment, he lost everything.
Now Timothy fights for survival and revenge in the Huctan death rings. When his recklessness and skill take him all the way to the Huctan capitol, he finds himself enmeshed in a deadly game of lies and deception. While his brother leads a last desperate rebellion in Botan, Timothy must rub shoulders with the Huctan princess, match wits with the man who betrayed his country, and navigate the plots, duplicity, and tests of loyalty that could decide the fate of his nation.
What I liked about King’s Table:
As I mentioned when I reviewed the first book, I enjoyed this fantasy book even though it doesn’t have magic, elves, or any of those typical characteristics of fantasy. The use of a more military air, plus the different directions Timothy and Robert took, made this an entertaining novel. I liked the way all the characters interacted, and the ending was very satisfying. Overall, an excellent end to the duet!
What I didn’t like about King’s Table:
The only issue I had with King’s Table was trying to keep up with the various subplots in the book.
Overall impression of King’s Table:
King’s Table (Everknot Duet, #2) was a well-written, well-plotted, and an enjoyable and entertaining book. With none of the traditional fantasy elements, it nonetheless fits well in the genre. If you enjoy fantasy, add this series to your TBR list.
My rating:
5 Stars
August 8, 2025
Ten years later, this book still has nearly all the things I love in a story: conflicted characters, deception and mind-games, hand to hand combat, desperate rebels, secret passages, tragic romance, and a twisty ending. If there had been magic and dragons I would have had to give it six stars.
October 15, 2021
I liked the end. Better than Thane because... I don't know, it's just better. Also the author is my dad.
July 25, 2015
I haven't read Thane, the first in the sure to at least be trilogy, so I can confidently report that King's Table works very well as a standalone. This is fantasy fare that exists in some timeless parallel space between the invention of advanced metallic crafts and the end of the tyranny of kings, in a sort of fantasy "middle-ages". I believe it is reasonable to put this book in a "Game of Thrones" category genre, if that makes any sense to those familiar with Bow's writing as everyone apart from me sees to be familiar with George Martin's. This book is definitely suitable to all those competent enough and or likely to read it, in other words without containing passages of Games of Thrones 'adult fantasy'.
Bow is a more than competent writer with the skills to see through an interesting and complex plot. The two more than often go unmatched. My only criticism is that some of the timelines between different threads of the story were difficult for me to match, though that really didn't trip my enjoyment. I was particularly attracted by Bow's ability to write convincing fantasy without sudden recourse to strings of left of centre 'magic' technologies to rescue characters from cul-de-sacs in the story. This is a full length novel which maintains plenty of tension even when the plot becomes centred on military manoeuvres rather than character interaction. The story requires one to memorise quiet a lot, as some characters almost disappear between the chapters in which they are highlighted. So it probably doesn't pay to leave the book too long between readings. This is epic fantasy, with big visions in a vast vista running in parallel with the affairs of individuals. The character hopping is generally from chapter to chapter, so there can't really be too much structural criticism, but perhaps an index of characters and their main relationships would help especially for those that haven't recently read book one.
I didn't notice very often as I was immersed in the drama, but there are some strange word choices at times that raise an eyebrow. There is nothing so incoherent that it is going to hinder most people's enjoyment, but I felt that another line edit would have picked up many unintended sillies.
Bow is a more than competent writer with the skills to see through an interesting and complex plot. The two more than often go unmatched. My only criticism is that some of the timelines between different threads of the story were difficult for me to match, though that really didn't trip my enjoyment. I was particularly attracted by Bow's ability to write convincing fantasy without sudden recourse to strings of left of centre 'magic' technologies to rescue characters from cul-de-sacs in the story. This is a full length novel which maintains plenty of tension even when the plot becomes centred on military manoeuvres rather than character interaction. The story requires one to memorise quiet a lot, as some characters almost disappear between the chapters in which they are highlighted. So it probably doesn't pay to leave the book too long between readings. This is epic fantasy, with big visions in a vast vista running in parallel with the affairs of individuals. The character hopping is generally from chapter to chapter, so there can't really be too much structural criticism, but perhaps an index of characters and their main relationships would help especially for those that haven't recently read book one.
I didn't notice very often as I was immersed in the drama, but there are some strange word choices at times that raise an eyebrow. There is nothing so incoherent that it is going to hinder most people's enjoyment, but I felt that another line edit would have picked up many unintended sillies.
July 8, 2023
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include KING’S TABLE (Everknot Duet #2) by TRAVIS DANIEL BOW in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
AIBA Book of the Week: 9 July, 2023: 280/42706
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):
I knew from the very first chapter that this was going to be a brilliant, deceptive romp through a richly detailed no-magic fantasy setting, and I was not disappointed. When the first book in your series is about training a secret band of Parkour masters proficient in deceit, disguise and assassination, the second book could only keep that strong momentum flowing. I was not disappointed.
The story revolves around three main characters in two and a half strong plot threads: the first is an attempt to resurrect the betrayed and defeated Band, and spur on a rebellion in the tyrannous Huctan Empire. The second revolves around the Huctan princess, and the time she begins to share with a poor Botani rebel and pit fighter.
Though the book opens with several characters getting rooted out, captured and tortured by the Huctans, it really picks up after a quarter of the way through. From there, the story is impossible to put down.
The book is a deep psychological exploration of trust and lies, manipulation of the weak by the strong and the foolish by the clever. Along the way, battles are fought, men are made, others are broken. The lead up to the Botani insurrection and the pushback by the Huctan Empire is fully believable, and overall superb.
In general, most readers like some amount of sorcery with their sword, but the Everknot Duet has zero magic at all, unless you count the magic of clever wordplay or superb plotting and pacing.
Overall, there are zero bad things to say about this book, so long as brutality and truthful storytelling aren't too difficult to handle. Awesome Indies proudly awards this book Five Stars.
AIBA Book of the Week: 9 July, 2023: 280/42706
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):
I knew from the very first chapter that this was going to be a brilliant, deceptive romp through a richly detailed no-magic fantasy setting, and I was not disappointed. When the first book in your series is about training a secret band of Parkour masters proficient in deceit, disguise and assassination, the second book could only keep that strong momentum flowing. I was not disappointed.
The story revolves around three main characters in two and a half strong plot threads: the first is an attempt to resurrect the betrayed and defeated Band, and spur on a rebellion in the tyrannous Huctan Empire. The second revolves around the Huctan princess, and the time she begins to share with a poor Botani rebel and pit fighter.
Though the book opens with several characters getting rooted out, captured and tortured by the Huctans, it really picks up after a quarter of the way through. From there, the story is impossible to put down.
The book is a deep psychological exploration of trust and lies, manipulation of the weak by the strong and the foolish by the clever. Along the way, battles are fought, men are made, others are broken. The lead up to the Botani insurrection and the pushback by the Huctan Empire is fully believable, and overall superb.
In general, most readers like some amount of sorcery with their sword, but the Everknot Duet has zero magic at all, unless you count the magic of clever wordplay or superb plotting and pacing.
Overall, there are zero bad things to say about this book, so long as brutality and truthful storytelling aren't too difficult to handle. Awesome Indies proudly awards this book Five Stars.
March 1, 2015
King's Table continues where Thane (the first book in Everknot Duet) ended. Timothy is still in the north, a slave forced to fight in death-matches for his Huctan owner. Robert is leading what was left of the Band in guerrilla fighting in central Botan. Nick, a likeable Thane who does not have Timothy's fighting instincts and Robert's “born leader” qualities, volunteers for a risky mission that takes him away from the rest of the group.
The rebellion gains momentum, Robert faces an elaborate deception, and Nick continues his fight against Huctan soldiers with an increasing number of followers. Timothy is brought to the Hutcans' royal palace, for what should be his last death-match. Being condemned-to-death, his last hope is to kill his opponent, a would-be elite royal guard who was training for that role since childhood. However, before the fight, Timothy meets another challenge – an annoying do-gooder princess, who self-appoints herself to provide psychological help.
I cannot tell more without spoiling this engaging adventure, which entwines battles, diplomacy, father-and-son issues and boy-and-girl love. For me, meeting familiar tropes added to the story, because their mix was not formulaic, and it provided a hiatus between fighting scenes. I recommend King's Table to everyone who enjoys a fast-paced adventure without caring about its originality or plausibility.
I received a free copy of this book for a non-reciprocal review.
The rebellion gains momentum, Robert faces an elaborate deception, and Nick continues his fight against Huctan soldiers with an increasing number of followers. Timothy is brought to the Hutcans' royal palace, for what should be his last death-match. Being condemned-to-death, his last hope is to kill his opponent, a would-be elite royal guard who was training for that role since childhood. However, before the fight, Timothy meets another challenge – an annoying do-gooder princess, who self-appoints herself to provide psychological help.
I cannot tell more without spoiling this engaging adventure, which entwines battles, diplomacy, father-and-son issues and boy-and-girl love. For me, meeting familiar tropes added to the story, because their mix was not formulaic, and it provided a hiatus between fighting scenes. I recommend King's Table to everyone who enjoys a fast-paced adventure without caring about its originality or plausibility.
I received a free copy of this book for a non-reciprocal review.
May 18, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So, I knew from the dedication that this was going to be a great read. :) And I was right.
Previous reviewers have outlined the basics of the plot, so I'll start by pointing out that the writing itself is truly beautiful -- the descriptions especially are engrossing and paint an amazing picture for the reader. The story was fast-paced, but I never felt like it was moving so fast that it was underdeveloped. The action sequences were incredibly fluid yet really edge-of-your-seat -- really well done.
I find that a lot of books I've read recently have trouble with dialogue, but Travis' conversations were pitch perfect. I love the relationships within the story, of all kinds, and especially the interaction between Timothy and the princess. And there were a lot of things that passed between people without having to be said aloud, which is an entirely different kind of dialogue -- one that is maybe even harder to write, but it is brilliantly accomplished here.
Can't wait to read more!
So, I knew from the dedication that this was going to be a great read. :) And I was right.
Previous reviewers have outlined the basics of the plot, so I'll start by pointing out that the writing itself is truly beautiful -- the descriptions especially are engrossing and paint an amazing picture for the reader. The story was fast-paced, but I never felt like it was moving so fast that it was underdeveloped. The action sequences were incredibly fluid yet really edge-of-your-seat -- really well done.
I find that a lot of books I've read recently have trouble with dialogue, but Travis' conversations were pitch perfect. I love the relationships within the story, of all kinds, and especially the interaction between Timothy and the princess. And there were a lot of things that passed between people without having to be said aloud, which is an entirely different kind of dialogue -- one that is maybe even harder to write, but it is brilliantly accomplished here.
Can't wait to read more!
December 21, 2015
It's been awhile since I've read something like this. I started with the second novel, so when I began I was a bit confused. However, once I passed the fifth chapter, I started to get into the swing of the story.
I don't want to give away any spoliers. However, I can say the writing is great. The descriptions were so detailed, the battles make me feel like I was standing right there and I could feel the characters emotions like they were my own.
Also, I love the fact each chapter comes from different perspectives. It allows you to see the multiple bits of the story to help make it whole.
At several points I did get confused, but that is probably my fault for not reading the first book. However, the quality of King's Table encourages me to go back and read Thane.
I don't want to give away any spoliers. However, I can say the writing is great. The descriptions were so detailed, the battles make me feel like I was standing right there and I could feel the characters emotions like they were my own.
Also, I love the fact each chapter comes from different perspectives. It allows you to see the multiple bits of the story to help make it whole.
At several points I did get confused, but that is probably my fault for not reading the first book. However, the quality of King's Table encourages me to go back and read Thane.
March 30, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say it is probably thirty or more years since I have picked up a book of this genre and it did take some time for me to get into it, probably not helped by it being the second in the series.
In many ways it a saga in the classic mould with the epic struggle between the Huctons and Botanis with a multifaceted arrangement of events and associations within a story painted in an amazing fast-paced depiction. The action sequences were masterly and the intricate webs of intrigue accomplished and flowing. The interchange between disparate events meant that at several points I did get confused. However the writing style, the plot and the suspense are first-rate.
A book of this variety well worth reading.
I have to say it is probably thirty or more years since I have picked up a book of this genre and it did take some time for me to get into it, probably not helped by it being the second in the series.
In many ways it a saga in the classic mould with the epic struggle between the Huctons and Botanis with a multifaceted arrangement of events and associations within a story painted in an amazing fast-paced depiction. The action sequences were masterly and the intricate webs of intrigue accomplished and flowing. The interchange between disparate events meant that at several points I did get confused. However the writing style, the plot and the suspense are first-rate.
A book of this variety well worth reading.
May 12, 2015
King's Table sucked me in after the first few chapters and I couldn't put it down. It moves at a fast pace and is full of action and intriguing plot twists. I felt very connected to the characters throughout the story. It's a great conclusion to the Everknot Duet and I thought King's Table was even better than Thane! (I received an ARC of King's Table)
February 22, 2015
A masterful plot accompany brilliant characterization and believable setting. The author has done it again. Travis Bow knows how to write YA fantasy. I would read more books by this author. This is a five-star read!
August 25, 2015
We are proud to announce that KING'S TABLE by Travis Daniel Bow is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
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