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Kingmakers #1
Arrows of Change
“Be part of building a new kingdom, eh? Well, I admit that be an offer a man does no’ get every day. What say ye, daughter?”
“We came looking for work. I say this fits the bill.”
Broden and his daughter Riana have spent their lives as archers and hunters for their mountain village—and outcasts as well. When the infamous Court Wizard of Estole shows up, they discover they have the special affinity for magic he desperately needs. The two agree to his offer of becoming wizard-partners with him and his sister, but neither Broden nor Riana really know what to expect. Estole is a new country, only months old, and rife with problems as the new king tries to create a government, new laws, and fight off the old country he absconded from. They quickly learn that it will take every ounce of skill they have to keep their new countrymen alive and safe.
“We came looking for work. I say this fits the bill.”
Broden and his daughter Riana have spent their lives as archers and hunters for their mountain village—and outcasts as well. When the infamous Court Wizard of Estole shows up, they discover they have the special affinity for magic he desperately needs. The two agree to his offer of becoming wizard-partners with him and his sister, but neither Broden nor Riana really know what to expect. Estole is a new country, only months old, and rife with problems as the new king tries to create a government, new laws, and fight off the old country he absconded from. They quickly learn that it will take every ounce of skill they have to keep their new countrymen alive and safe.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2015
117 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
63 books842 followersEver since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 19, 2015
Sadly, this book was a bit of a disappointment for me. I felt it was missing the usual spark I've come to expect in Honor Raconteur books. The POV is split between two mage-archer teams, but the Ashlynn/Broden team is way more interesting and way better characterized than the Ash/Riana team (who didn't seem to do much and were pretty boring). Riana especially never seemed like a real character to me. The dialogue was also not nearly as fun as a typical Raconteur novel.
Edvard and his whole political situation seemed utterly unbelievable. He sits down and makes new laws for a new kingdom in literally about an hour. Everything about the political and military situation seemed vastly over-simplified to the point of ridiculousness. You have a few twenty-somethings with no practical ruling experience plus a couple of backwoods archers coming up with a new system of government in the time between lunch and dinner...yeah, right. I had some of these issues with Raconteur's Kingslayer, but while I felt some of the situations in that book were resolved a little too easily, it could be explained by the fact that the man had almost two decades of military experience under his belt and was a strategic genius besides. Watching these guys flail around trying to rule a kingdom wasn't nearly as fun.
Edvard and his whole political situation seemed utterly unbelievable. He sits down and makes new laws for a new kingdom in literally about an hour. Everything about the political and military situation seemed vastly over-simplified to the point of ridiculousness. You have a few twenty-somethings with no practical ruling experience plus a couple of backwoods archers coming up with a new system of government in the time between lunch and dinner...yeah, right. I had some of these issues with Raconteur's Kingslayer, but while I felt some of the situations in that book were resolved a little too easily, it could be explained by the fact that the man had almost two decades of military experience under his belt and was a strategic genius besides. Watching these guys flail around trying to rule a kingdom wasn't nearly as fun.
May 10, 2018
Riana negotiates a job with a visiting wizard (Ashtain) to protect him while he works in the forest, she doesn't realize her life is about to change. Bandits attack him and she is caught inside his magical shield - something that should be incredibly uncomfortable but doesn't seem to phase her at all. It seems Riana and her father, Broden, could be natural wizard partners. Ash convinces both of them to return with him to Estole and become partners with him and his twin wizard sister while they work to create a new kingdom with their blood brother, Edvard. Turns out creating a kingdom from scratch isn't very easy, but lowborn Riana and Broden are surprised that the king wants their advice and input into the creation of laws and government. So, they make a new home for themselves in Estole despite the growing pains.
This was a decent start to the series. I like all the characters and I am interested in seeing what happens now that they have the blueprint for their new kingdom.
This was a decent start to the series. I like all the characters and I am interested in seeing what happens now that they have the blueprint for their new kingdom.
June 27, 2016
Some characters had potential to be interesting, but overall the plot was meandering and felt more like endless exposition. It was like a really long build up to I have no idea what because I couldn't force myself to read past 42%, at which point nothing had happened.
July 8, 2017
This was one of her best series
February 20, 2024
Excellent
I loved this book. Of course I knew I would love it as I have loved everything I have read by this author no matter what name she is writing under. This book has great world building an excellent storyline and well developed charismatic characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I loved this book. Of course I knew I would love it as I have loved everything I have read by this author no matter what name she is writing under. This book has great world building an excellent storyline and well developed charismatic characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
November 15, 2024
DNF at 43%
It was the law making scene. Very very silly. Not tied to any actual science to human behavior or actual well-being outcomes. It read like a Power Rangers script. In fact, though I really enjoyed the first 30% of the book, it started to turn all saccharine and I got a sense I was reading fantasy in the form of the Brady Bunch.
It was the law making scene. Very very silly. Not tied to any actual science to human behavior or actual well-being outcomes. It read like a Power Rangers script. In fact, though I really enjoyed the first 30% of the book, it started to turn all saccharine and I got a sense I was reading fantasy in the form of the Brady Bunch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2020
Good, enjoyable and interesting
I liked the characters and was interested with the research she did on archers. It was also interesting to see the King working on a better form of government and seeing it is a bit harder than expected. Heading for second one.
I liked the characters and was interested with the research she did on archers. It was also interesting to see the King working on a better form of government and seeing it is a bit harder than expected. Heading for second one.
August 2, 2021
Great new series
Father and daughter archers meet a rebel king's Wizard Blood Brother and emigrate to start a new life. These people are human - not perfect but good. And emphasis is on family and justice.
Father and daughter archers meet a rebel king's Wizard Blood Brother and emigrate to start a new life. These people are human - not perfect but good. And emphasis is on family and justice.
December 19, 2021
Vintage Raconteur
A new set of characters, once again characterised by being nice and honourable people. The stage has been set for the next in the series and I shall look forward to it.
A new set of characters, once again characterised by being nice and honourable people. The stage has been set for the next in the series and I shall look forward to it.
February 10, 2023
Raine and Da
Good read. Interesting story of change and peoples reactt. Raine is just one of the principle characters. Her and her Da, left dangerous circumstances to better their lives and found acceptance and value. Good read.
Good read. Interesting story of change and peoples reactt. Raine is just one of the principle characters. Her and her Da, left dangerous circumstances to better their lives and found acceptance and value. Good read.
October 24, 2017
I really like Honor Raconteur's books. I've read all the other series and this one is as good as the others and at the same time different.
April 23, 2019
Wow!!
Just the type of book series I love to read!! Clean with a lot of excitement and adventure. It keeps you up at night though you should sleep
Just the type of book series I love to read!! Clean with a lot of excitement and adventure. It keeps you up at night though you should sleep
December 26, 2020
Loved it
I loved this story. I loved the characters and the world. It will be exciting to see what the next book brings.
I loved this story. I loved the characters and the world. It will be exciting to see what the next book brings.
January 12, 2021
Very enjoyable!
I really did enjoy this book ! The characters are well developed . I'm very glad I don't have to wait for the next book, in fact I'm off to do that right now!!
I really did enjoy this book ! The characters are well developed . I'm very glad I don't have to wait for the next book, in fact I'm off to do that right now!!
February 7, 2023
A fun read.
January 22, 2024
A wonderful start to the series.
The characters are wonderful, quirky, and evolving. The plot is interesting. The world building is fantastic. I can't wait to read the next book.
The characters are wonderful, quirky, and evolving. The plot is interesting. The world building is fantastic. I can't wait to read the next book.
Read
November 14, 2025I always like her stuff. I look forward to more in this world.
March 17, 2015
This is the newest series from Honor Raconteur. I did not see this book coming but like any other books from this author I looking forward to read it, although I prefer another book from Artifactor series.
After reading it, I feel a bit disappointed. This book doesn't reached the standard I expected from Honor Raconteur publish. First, the MC is not witty enough and the banter among the character is rather bland. Second, too many hole in the story, its not well constructed story.
I hope it can get better, but I doubt it. Maybe I will read it later if this series reached the 3rd book. For now it goes straight to my 'read it if no other book available' folder.
After reading it, I feel a bit disappointed. This book doesn't reached the standard I expected from Honor Raconteur publish. First, the MC is not witty enough and the banter among the character is rather bland. Second, too many hole in the story, its not well constructed story.
I hope it can get better, but I doubt it. Maybe I will read it later if this series reached the 3rd book. For now it goes straight to my 'read it if no other book available' folder.
Read
March 24, 2015I could not finish this.
Based on the cover showing an older man with an arrow, I thought this was High Fantasy for Adults,
However based on the simplicity of the writing style, the numerous plot holes and the overall"light" feel to the story, this felt more like YA. That too on the younger side of the YA spectrum/Middle School.
Younger readers may find it fascinating but as a not so YA, it could not keep my interest.
The pre use was interesting, and again, a younger reader may really enjoy it.
I would suggest changing the cover to make it more appropriate for the content.
Based on the cover showing an older man with an arrow, I thought this was High Fantasy for Adults,
However based on the simplicity of the writing style, the numerous plot holes and the overall"light" feel to the story, this felt more like YA. That too on the younger side of the YA spectrum/Middle School.
Younger readers may find it fascinating but as a not so YA, it could not keep my interest.
The pre use was interesting, and again, a younger reader may really enjoy it.
I would suggest changing the cover to make it more appropriate for the content.
March 7, 2015
She does it again
I really enjoyed this book. I had to read in three sessions because of work. If it was not for that I would not have put it down. I want to know what is going to happen next with this new kingdom.
I really enjoyed this book. I had to read in three sessions because of work. If it was not for that I would not have put it down. I want to know what is going to happen next with this new kingdom.
March 7, 2015
A fun read
I enjoyed this book. It was a fun little light read. It has wizards, good kings, bad kings, kidnapping and building a new country with so much more.
I enjoyed this book. It was a fun little light read. It has wizards, good kings, bad kings, kidnapping and building a new country with so much more.
March 14, 2015
Good book
Solid world building. Good editing. This book is a bit predictable but solid enough that one reads it and enjoys the experience.
Solid world building. Good editing. This book is a bit predictable but solid enough that one reads it and enjoys the experience.
March 24, 2015
could have been better if set only in dad's pov. otherwise this continues to be an author my kids ADORE reading. nothing too heavy or yucky. lots of good fighting evil, etc. always a win at bed time.
April 1, 2015
Fast read good story
The characters are all drawn tacitly and the relationships make for an interesting narrative. I was entertained and engage d.
The characters are all drawn tacitly and the relationships make for an interesting narrative. I was entertained and engage d.
July 11, 2022
forming a new government is never easy. Last read 2015. Re-read july, 2022. Enjoyed again.
May 11, 2015
Great book
Reminds me a little ( only a little of Ranger's Apprentice). Fun new world and characters. Looking Forward to reading more.
Reminds me a little ( only a little of Ranger's Apprentice). Fun new world and characters. Looking Forward to reading more.
September 14, 2015
Building a fair country
I like all of this author's work and it is well
proofread too. Likeable characters, intelligent without being perfect, with believable problems. Well done!
I like all of this author's work and it is well
proofread too. Likeable characters, intelligent without being perfect, with believable problems. Well done!
May 31, 2016
Great book
It is more of a back story and prepares you for the second i suppose, but i still loved it
It is more of a back story and prepares you for the second i suppose, but i still loved it
July 13, 2015
Intersting! I def want to see more Ash/Riana in the next one though!! <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews