Suldric's King

by Brom Geistman

Calen is a blacksmith’s apprentice with an ordinary life—until a magic stone rips him out of it.

Taken far from home, he finds himself marked by a power he doesn’t understand, in a world where the wrong kind of attention is fatal. The men who find him are not what they one is gentle, grieving, and more devoted to Calen than he knows; another is powerful enough to reshape the world—and has.

As danger closes in, Calen must decide what he owes the people who claim him, and how much of himself he is willing to lose to protect them in return.

Suldric’s King is an adult epic fantasy about loyalty, power, and the price of brotherhood.

Genres: Fantasy

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2026

Reviews

[The Reading Frog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Brom Geistman, Geistman Press, NetGalley & BookSprout for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review

Rating: 3.75/5 ⭐
CW: Explicit | Objectification
Moderate | Sexual harassment, digit severance/amputation, some sexual content (not detailed), assassinations/murders
Mild | Death, blood, injury description, feces, urine, description of clothed genitals, mention of past child-death, past parental death, scar description, mention of sexwork
My chosen soundtrack: Calibre - Anne Nikitin | Portals - Lindsay Chai

“I didn’t ask for any of this,” he said. “I didn’t want it. But—I’m still me. I’m still the same person—the same Calen—I always was.”Liri studied him like she was seeing him for the first time. Something shifted behind her eyes. Then she said quietly: “That’s the most dangerous lie of all."

Representation
╰┈➤ Nothing specific in this one, though ARC sites include the LGBTQIA+ tag.
╰┈➤ Some B-text seems to imply a queernormative society, but this isn't explicitly stated.
╰┈➤ Some characters seem to be attracted to a multitude of genders, but once again, this isn't very explicitly stated.


Themes
Magic, mages/wizards, secrets, fairies, imperialism, adventure, autonomy or the lack of it, irresistibility, morality, ethics, enchantment/mind control, the concept of 'home', brotherhood, political intrigue, magic in the hands of the ruling and enforcer class, law regulated black/illegal magic, illusions, free will or the lack of it, ethics of magic that influences connections.


Tropes
‎ ‎ ‎ ❥ Found-family
‎ ‎ ‎ ❥ Adventure quest
‎ ‎ ‎ ❥ Reluctant chosen one


What I liked/loved
‎ ‎ ‎ ✧ Plotheavy stories aren't always my vibe, but I've enjoyed it in this specific book.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✧ It seems to suggest that this universe is queer-normative, with no homophobia so far, but this is not explicitly confirmed.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✧ A sentient magical stone, a fairy, a reluctant chosen one, and a blacksmith apprentice walk into a bar.... oh, and an additional group member is lurking in the shadows. I love me a little ragtag group of unlikely allies and eventual found-family.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✧ Morally-grey/evil POV, my beloved!!! I love spending time in those types of headspaces.

No tremble. No guilt. Not even a flicker of hesitation. Just…clarity.

‎ ‎ ‎ ✧ There is a setup to explore some interesting ethical dilemmas around magic that influences emotions or magic that enforces care/like/love/lust.

You could probably get free buns every morning. Discounts. Better rooms. Skip every line in the market. I bet you could ask someone for their boots, and they'd hand them over with a smile."

Lyra frowned. "Yeah, but...what if you couldn't stop? What if it's too easy to use it? You wouldn't even notice you're doing it anymore. Just-turn it on whenever you wanted something."

She glanced at Calen and then Reeve. "That's how good people go bad."

This is touched upon in this book, but the subtext leads me to believe it will play a heavier part in future books. Which I hope is the case!
‎ ‎ ‎ ✧ Calen develops a very intriguing dynamic with another character in the third part of the book, and I NEED to know more.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✧ Regardless of my dislikes, I am invested now, which is why I'll definitely pick up the sequel.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✧ Discourse on how to move through a world that has already formed an opinion on you, especially when these aren't always positive.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✧ Intriguing world-building, power structures, magic system, and the regulation of this magic.

Black magic was a close-quarters art—intimate, invasive. It didn’t reach. It took.

‎ ‎ ‎ ✧ There is a lot of potential here!!!



What I didn't like/felt lackluster about
‎ ‎ ‎ ✦ Disclaimer: I acknowledge that some of my complaints are about presumed plot-holes, missing information, or the lack of exploration of certain themes, which could still be highlighted in future books.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✦ Unless I missed it, it was never explained why the stone needed to be returned ASAP. This could be revealed in the future, but it did leave me a little confused in the first few chapters.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✦ I really disliked how everyone touched and felt entitled to Calen, which is a concept that I don't mind exploring, but I wish this were more explicitly discussed and/or deemed as problematic. There is definitely some sexual harassment aspect to it, but in this context of Calen's magic, it becomes more nuanced and complex, which was really interesting to me, if not a little brushed over. I'm manifesting further exploration of this concept in the rest of this series.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✦ Some of the things happening in the first half feel like they have no purpose, for example, the bond with Lyra and many other characters we only spend a brief moment with.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✦ There is a character of great importance to the plot who is introduced in the last third of the book that I really wish had been introduced earlier.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✦ The LGBTQIA+ tag on most ARC sites enticed me, but there isn't much here yet to state that these characters are confirmed queer. Though implied, some editing might help make it clearer that this world is queernormative if the author indeed intended it to be as such.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✦ There are some pacing issues in my opinion, sometimes it felt slow to me, while at other times I felt confused why we were rushing over stuff.
‎ ‎ ‎ ✦ A different blurb/marketing might help with a lot of these issues since it reflects a lot of the story that happens only in the last third of the book, which might have contributed to me feeling like there was a slow pace at the beginning because I kept wondering when what is mentioned in the blurb would come to fruition.



Conclusion/Notes
Regardless of some of my irks with this book, it definitely shines with potential.

There is a lot of setup that makes me extremely curious about where this adventure will take us, as well as intriguing world-building.

The group we follow isn't stereotypically sure or heroic, which makes me excited for possible grey area exploration in the future. Especially after the last addition to the group, which introduced a more morally ambiguous POV.

Throughout this book, I've felt myself becoming more and more immersed and emotionally attached to the characters. And I'm excited to find out where this will all lead to!


Suldric's King has now officially been released. Make sure to pick it up if you love fantasy and adventure stories!


⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆



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[Jade☕️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was offered in return for my honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and Gesitman Press for providing me with this ARC.

Calen is an ordinary boy, living on the outskirts of a village with his parents and his brother. An apprentice's blacksmith, he lives a peaceful life in the countryside. When he finds a magical stone in the bed of the river, his whole life takes a turn and he is thrown in a complex game of magic, survival and false appearances. With newfound powers and a fairy ally, Calen embarks on an adventure to find his true purpose, new friendships and betrayals, and who - and what - he really is.

Upon reading the book summary, I knew I would be in for a wild ride with Suldric's King: An epic fantasy, dangerous powers, a mysterious romance? Count me in. Unfortunately for me, it did not live up to the hype... Though the cover is absolutely stunning, I feel like it also played a role in deceiving me: It does look like the type of cover one would expect for an epic fantasy novel, but maybe it actually is the most epic fantasy trait of this novel.

I do believe this novel has some very solid foundations to turn out great in the next book, I really do. However, this first instalment felt rushed, incomplete, and very YA.
We enter a new fantasy world, from which we know next to nothing, just like Calen. And just like Calen, we get a lot of information - like, a lotthrough dialogues. Calen does not know anything about this new magical world whose doors just opened to him, and in fact, he does not know anything about the real world either. Up to this day, I still do not know how old he is supposed to be. Is he 12? 16? Is he a young adult? He just sounded so ignorant for the majority of the book that I really failed to understand his age. He did not even know he had powers!

The pacing of the novel was rather... off? It started out so slow: Calen is a normal boy, he finds a stone, he is introduced to new powers he did not know he had until then, a fairy shows up, his grandmother lied to him his entire life, he has to leave his family to know who he is meant to be, his quest leads him to new friends, he is betrayed, a new character is introduced mid-story and then, the pacing shifts and rushes towards the end. Why?
The introduction of Suldric could have been promising, but why is the character whose name literally makes up the title introduced at the 66% mark? Who is the main character? Calen? Suldric? Is Calen Suldric's king?

The characters in themselves are interesting. I would love for Calen to grow some backbone in the next book, maybe grow in character the more he learns about his power.
Suldric is extremely intriguing: He is powerful, a rogue assassin, and magically forced into subservience to Calen, after he accidentally performed an occult ritual to bind Suldric to him...
Liri is a fairy, she is supposed to accompany Calen on his quest to discover his true self and his magic, but she disappeared all of a sudden before coming back after Calen was betrayed by a friend.
Talking about friends: Calen is dropped off in a city he never heard of, away from his family for the first time EVER, with a quest to complete and he just stays there? Making no move to return to both his family and his quest? He just... stayed there, awaiting something without even knowing what.
Both the stone and Liri, magical beings, should have acted as guides to him, but it felt like they just waited for the whole story to unfold before them.
Reeve was a correct supporting character. A good friend, clearly in love with Calen but that's another story. (Is the love interest Reeve? Suldric? Only time will tell...)
As the chapters went by, it became clear that despite the found family the novel wanted to be, it could not fully become one for neither of the characters were fully developed.

Suldric's King was very promising on paper but I think I was not its right audience. Calen's journey is only starting, and the very ending was actually alluring and managed to intrigue me. I really hope the next instalment in the series will introduce more world building and stakes. I would love to learn more about the magic system and the magical council Calen had to hide his powers from.

[Endless Shelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This ARC was offered free of charge in return for my honest opinion. Thank you to NetGalley and Geistman Press for this opportunity.

When I stumbled on this book I was hooked by the synopsis and excited to give it a try. Unfortunately, what I thought the book would be about wasn't quite what I got. "Calen can make people trust him. Obey him. Want him. He doesn’t know how—and if anyone finds out, it will get him killed." left me with the impression that Calen was already aware he was magical and understood what that meant.. Because of that, I incorrectly assumed the reader would be following him on a getaway in progress. In reality, the story starts at the very beginning before Calen knows anything himself or magic and slowly unfolds from there. This change of starting point seems like a small thing but it had me going back to the synopsis repeatedly trying to figure out what exactly intrigued me about the book in the first place and what go lost in communication.

As I was reading I initially thought the pacing was all right. Things were happening at a decent rate even if it was different than I expected. Then we get to chapter 18 and that changes. The story unfold very quickly over the next several chapters and was a big disorienting. The introduction of a new character, the "big reveal', and the new character's eventual acceptance into the group all happens too fast considering how long it took to get to that point in the book. I also found it odd that when the big reveal finally happens it's to someone else and not the person it's actually about.. The last 20% or so in general felt very rushed. Which, in turn, made the pacing of the book as a whole feel off.

That said, I do think the series has potential. I liked the world building, the magic system was fairly interesting, and the characters were enjoyable enough. However, for me personally, there were (potentially unfair) expectations created by the synopsis and LGBTQIA+ label (which is not a factor in this particular book) that the execution didn't live up to. While I have no doubt this book will find it's audience, I am not it.

[Keturah Sergeant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like Suldric should have been introduced to the narrative way sooner than he was, the sudden switch in narrative, the introduction of this powerful, rogue, dark-magic wielding assassin, could have added more to the story. There could have been more awareness of magic and world-building through this character, instead of solely following an oblivious new to the world, new to magic, incredibly important and powerful but technically illegal and definitely not trained enough MC. The side characters we instead see a lot of are the girl that befriends and betrays him easily, a boy oblivious to magic but definitely in love with him and an extremely secretive fairy who knows his whole family history but doesn't tell him anything, even when the initial plan falls apart. There are a lot of intriguing elements but very little is elaborated on until the last few chapters, when the drama picks up, Suldric is accidentally magicked into subservience and the whole ruling magic council has finally chosen to pursue this powerful stranger to their world.

This book was fairly slow-paced, with the exception of a few bursts of action and drama, it was essentially a long journey. The discovery of a magic stone leads to the MC being sent to return it to another world, the castle from whence it came, a ten minute job. When that goes wrong he instead spends months working in this other world, as a blacksmith, accidentally enchanting everybody, giving people erections, making friends and laying down roots... He makes no attempt to return to his family, or get to the castle, or find the fairy that sent him to this world... Then after an altercation and major betrayal, the fairy rediscovers him, and they set off on a journey, crushing friend in tow, the untrustworthy magic stone as a guide. It's not not engaging... But not much actually happens, and in the end the MC has gained a magic servant, a bad reputation and has got no closer to helping the stone...

The premise is intriguing but more needed to happen in this book... And the titular character needed to feature way sooner than he did.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did enjoy this despite my 2-star rating.

Calen is a normal boy living on the outskirts of a village with his family. On a hot day, he runs to the river with his younger brother and finds a glowing/shiny/whatever stone and takes it, without realizing it's a bit of magic, and because of the stone, he has to take it all the way back to where it belongs, only the plan goes awry and he ends up miles and miles away from home and alone. Before long, he finds out he possesses a magic of some sort that enchants people to obey his command, and the stone can talk. This is where Calen's journey really starts.

I think the novel has the foundation of something that can be much better. It just needs some work and editing. The plot and world itself are interesting enough for me to want to know more, but the execution is done poorly with exposition and explaining. We're info dumped via dialogue/conversation and it's my least favourite way when there's a ton of it. You may as well orate to me at that point. While I do understand Calen is our main character and narration is largely through him, and he's unknowing to a lot, it is less becoming when the other characters that should know things do not react in a way that I find to be appropriate? Liri is a fairy that knows more about magic than Calen or Reeve, and while she is not all knowing, there are moments when she should be the guiding force for Calen, or I guess also the stone, but the stone doesn't particularly make itself known all the time.

I love a good found family trope, but these characters aren't developed individually or with one another well enough in this first book to even begin the found family trope.

The first half of this book was really fun, but then the second half fell really flat because the author attempted to do more than they could, and the plot sort of spun faster than it needed to?

Calen's journey is only starting, so I'd still be open to reading the sequel and seeing where this goes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Geistman Press for the eARC!

[Shymsal · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVE the cover!

2.5 stars. The book's pace seemed measured at first, but then a dramatic shift mid-story sent the MC and friends travelling at speed across the world on a quest. Yet, abruptly, even jarringly, they are in a fanciful forest city and decide they have the time to be leisurely tourists... Naturally things fall apart again and our heroes have to run... And the book ends.

While I enjoyed my reading experience, I feel like there should have been more pay-off and, perhaps, a few more editorial passes paying more attention to structure.

There is also the pivotal entrance of the named titular character in the last act, and several things about his addition to the party that felt like there should have been an even more emotional response of the other party members. I can accept the MC's response as he was likely in shock and go figure - it seems perfectly likely that someone would shut down when confronted not only with that kind of information, but beyond that the actions - both Suldric's and his - committed.

I am interested to see where this goes. Hopefully, the follow up will have better flow, though.

Thanks to Mr. Geistman and Netgalley for the review arc in return for my unbiased opinion.

[Mavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable and interesting read. It didn't quite match my expectations based on the description, I was expecting older characters and more mature content based on it being described as adult, so a 17 year old main character surprised me, but I still really enjoyed it and it feels like the content will be more mature as the series continues. I'm also a bit unsure about the LGBTQ+ label, there are definitely hints at queerness, but nothing definite in this first book and their was an almost kiss for the male main character with a woman, so don't expect clear queer relationships right off.

I loved watching Calen get thrown into a quest with no information, very limited life experience, and have to figure out what comes next and who he wants to be. I enjoyed the flow of the story and how the characters are willing to throw themselves into the journey and see what comes next. I never knew what to expect from the book, and it kept me guessing (in a good way) till the end. I can't wait to see where the story goes in the next book and how the characters develop.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a brief introduction to Calen’s family and his quiet forest village life, this fun story quickly shifts into overdrive. We’re swept up alongside Calen on an unexpected journey. One he neither chose nor fully understands. We then quickly find ourselves on epic road trip through a world of magic, deepening friendships, forest fae, and a mysterious stone searching for a body.

What makes this story truly compelling is its grounding in something that is simply human: family. Calen’s touchstones are the families he forms across very different worlds. There’s his original family in Edge Hollow, especially his mysterious grandmother, Mira. Then there’s the home he finds in Hearthmere, where Reeve emerges as both brother and unwavering supporter. And finally, there’s the deep, complex, accidental bond he shares with Suldric, created via a spell gone wrong.

Just as the story starts to reveal its secrets, it leaves us more than a little impatient for book two.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suldric’s King is an adult epic fantasy about loyalty, power, and the price of brotherhood.
Calen is a blacksmith’s apprentice with an ordinary life—until a magic stone rips him out of it.
This book is a coming of age story, Calen the MC is 17 who meets and makes friends with Reeve and others on his journey.
This book was a great read, there is vivid world building with an interesting magic system.
Unusually you don't meet Suldric from the start so I was intrigued to who he was and who the king would be and their role.
I loved Reeve, he saw Calen for himself and is what Calen needs. They were both so sweet and supportive of each other.
The story development was really well done, it was well paced where you learn as Calen does.
So much has happened, and it leaves you excited for the next book.
Recommend this book.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will definitely have you waiting for the next one! You get drawn in almost from the start by Calen's adventure. The plot seems to, at times, flow as swiftly as a river. What exactly are Calen's powers? What secrets does his grandmother, Mira, hold? Who is the dark, mysterious mage/assassin that becomes attached to Calen against his will? The diverse cast of characters are simultaneously relatable and extremely intoxicating. Reeve, the trusty and trusting sidekick who is just along for the ride. Liri, the sassy fae who got them all in this mess. And Suldric, who the reader is instantly drawn to, but knows almost nothing about. Just when it's getting good and you learn juicy details and well kept secrets...BAM! The ending sneaks up on you. I didn't want it to end!

[Kardelen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of the book had me excited, unfortunately it didn't grip me.

The story follows Calen, a blacksmith's son who after finding a strange stone near the river has to embark on a journey full of magic and perils.

I liked the story and the characters. Calen is not an ordinary strong and skillful hero. He is an ordinary boy who suddenly becomes powerful but doesn't know what is happening to him or how to use his powers. The descriptions of places and magic were immersive and atmospheric. I wish we could get more world building. The characters were well fleshed out and realistic. I loved the relationship between Calen and Reeve. The plot is fast paced and exciting but sometimes the pacing was a bit off. The various kinds of magic and spells were interesting. I am looking forward to learn more about Calen and his group of friends.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and will read the next one when it comes out. If you like exciting stories about magical journey, found family and strong relationships, you will like this story.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.