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Earthking
When a killer strikes from the shadows, young prince Colmeron is torn from the comfort of his father’s castle and sent into hiding with the man he's sure is the traitor. Secluded in a distant refuge, Col comes to know the power of his ancestors, the Earthkings: men with the power to shape and control the land. But will that be enough to save the kingdom when an ancient enemy returns to free their long captive master?
- GenresFantasy
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 5, 2019
Modern Day Beowulf
This is a fantastic read! I can’t wait to read the next one. Characters are fascinating and I loved seeing the growth I Your Cole.
This is a fantastic read! I can’t wait to read the next one. Characters are fascinating and I loved seeing the growth I Your Cole.
May 30, 2025
Review of Earthking: The Earthking Chronicles, Book 1 by Christopher C. Hall
Earthking is a refreshing return to the roots of classic fantasy, blending timeless themes with compelling character development and an imaginative, earth-bound magic system that truly sets it apart. From the first chapter, Christopher C. Hall crafts a world that feels both familiar and newly alive, one filled with shadowy threats, ancient power, and the kind of coming-of-age tension that pulls you in and won’t let go.
At the center of the story is Prince Colmeron. Col, a character I grew to admire deeply as the narrative unfolded. When a deadly betrayal rips through the royal court, Col is forced from his life of privilege and cast into hiding with a man he doesn't trust, a man he believes to be a traitor. What follows is not just a physical journey through the wilds of the kingdom, but a personal one, as Col grapples with fear, loss, and the slow realization that he carries something greater than royal blood, he carries the legacy of the Earthkings.
The Earthking power itself is one of the novel’s highlights. Hall has imagined a magic tied not to arcane spells or artifacts, but to the land itself organic, raw, and symbolically rich. As Col trains and uncovers his ancestral connection to the earth, the story takes on a mythic quality. But it never loses its human core. Col's uncertainty, courage, and growth are written with empathy and depth, making him a truly relatable protagonist for young adult readers and older fantasy fans alike.
The pacing is brisk without sacrificing detail. The political intrigue at court, the looming threat of an ancient enemy, and Col's internal struggle are all expertly balanced. And while the stakes grow higher with every chapter, Hall never forgets to explore the moral undercurrents of leadership, trust, and sacrifice.
By the time I reached the final page, I was already eager for Book 2. Earthking is not just an exciting fantasy adventure it's a thoughtful, character-driven tale about the weight of legacy and the courage it takes to claim your place in the world. If you love fantasy with heart, depth, and a strong sense of place, this is a series to watch.
Earthking is a refreshing return to the roots of classic fantasy, blending timeless themes with compelling character development and an imaginative, earth-bound magic system that truly sets it apart. From the first chapter, Christopher C. Hall crafts a world that feels both familiar and newly alive, one filled with shadowy threats, ancient power, and the kind of coming-of-age tension that pulls you in and won’t let go.
At the center of the story is Prince Colmeron. Col, a character I grew to admire deeply as the narrative unfolded. When a deadly betrayal rips through the royal court, Col is forced from his life of privilege and cast into hiding with a man he doesn't trust, a man he believes to be a traitor. What follows is not just a physical journey through the wilds of the kingdom, but a personal one, as Col grapples with fear, loss, and the slow realization that he carries something greater than royal blood, he carries the legacy of the Earthkings.
The Earthking power itself is one of the novel’s highlights. Hall has imagined a magic tied not to arcane spells or artifacts, but to the land itself organic, raw, and symbolically rich. As Col trains and uncovers his ancestral connection to the earth, the story takes on a mythic quality. But it never loses its human core. Col's uncertainty, courage, and growth are written with empathy and depth, making him a truly relatable protagonist for young adult readers and older fantasy fans alike.
The pacing is brisk without sacrificing detail. The political intrigue at court, the looming threat of an ancient enemy, and Col's internal struggle are all expertly balanced. And while the stakes grow higher with every chapter, Hall never forgets to explore the moral undercurrents of leadership, trust, and sacrifice.
By the time I reached the final page, I was already eager for Book 2. Earthking is not just an exciting fantasy adventure it's a thoughtful, character-driven tale about the weight of legacy and the courage it takes to claim your place in the world. If you love fantasy with heart, depth, and a strong sense of place, this is a series to watch.
January 4, 2023
Col’s world is falling apart and he doesn’t know who to trust. He is the second prince and acts like it, knowing he will never come to power. Until, his brother is killed by evil forces. His father sends him and his younger brother to safety with two different trusted people in two different directions.
Christopher C. Hall has developed his characters into believable people. Readers will wonder, along with Col, who is trustworthy and who has been overtaken by the evil forces who oppose the Earthkings.
Earhking is an epic fantasy. The setting is not earth. It is like earth in many ways but there are different plants, different creatures, and different cultures. There is a world-level conflict. The evil forces who are inhabiting “good people” have a goal of taking over the world and doing away with all that is good. There is a hero. Prince Col is an unlikely hero but he works his way into the role as the story progresses. There are fantastic creatures. Hall has created the Kheva Adem and the Noflim, believable but fantastical creatures. Another characteristic of epic fantasy is historical or unusual technologies. Hand-to-hand combat is the form of most of the fights in Earthking. The final characteristic of epic fantasy is magic. The evil forces in this story appear to use magic in their dealings with others.
Earthking is the first book in The Earthkings Chronicles. I can’t wait to read the next book. I found the book very enjoyable to read and hard to put down.
Earthking would be a great addition to the fantasy section of a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for middle school and up.
I received a complimentary copy of Earthking. This is my honest review.
Christopher C. Hall has developed his characters into believable people. Readers will wonder, along with Col, who is trustworthy and who has been overtaken by the evil forces who oppose the Earthkings.
Earhking is an epic fantasy. The setting is not earth. It is like earth in many ways but there are different plants, different creatures, and different cultures. There is a world-level conflict. The evil forces who are inhabiting “good people” have a goal of taking over the world and doing away with all that is good. There is a hero. Prince Col is an unlikely hero but he works his way into the role as the story progresses. There are fantastic creatures. Hall has created the Kheva Adem and the Noflim, believable but fantastical creatures. Another characteristic of epic fantasy is historical or unusual technologies. Hand-to-hand combat is the form of most of the fights in Earthking. The final characteristic of epic fantasy is magic. The evil forces in this story appear to use magic in their dealings with others.
Earthking is the first book in The Earthkings Chronicles. I can’t wait to read the next book. I found the book very enjoyable to read and hard to put down.
Earthking would be a great addition to the fantasy section of a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for middle school and up.
I received a complimentary copy of Earthking. This is my honest review.
September 19, 2022
This is the story of a young prince who is running for safety from a killer who is trying to wipe out the royal family and threatening the entire kingdom. The fantasy adventure has a great plot and well-defined mythos and world-building, but lacks somewhat in character development and scene transition. This leaves some elements of the story feel abrupt and jarring to the reader, causing some parts to be confusing to follow. Loaded with action and intrigue, however, this story brings the high fantasy of kings and successions to meet the epic travel across a dessert and a battle against the forces of evil. In this coming of age novel, this young prince will have to find his way to his destiny in the search for his remaining family and what’s left of his kingdom.
March 4, 2026
Col is starting out on what I hope is the next widely appreciated, multi-book, fantastical adventure series. More! I wanted more details, more back story, more time with these characters I grew to love and root for by the end of the book. Started out a bit slowly, gathered momentum; and by the last third of the book, I was wishing it was twice its length.
At one point, I had to stop reading, because the spirits and other fantasy creatures literally gave me spooky dreams!
But I’m so glad I kept reading because this story is so satisfying. Covering human emotions from dark and lonely hiding places to warm and comforting embraces; some moments were so beautiful they brought me to tears.
Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
At one point, I had to stop reading, because the spirits and other fantasy creatures literally gave me spooky dreams!
But I’m so glad I kept reading because this story is so satisfying. Covering human emotions from dark and lonely hiding places to warm and comforting embraces; some moments were so beautiful they brought me to tears.
Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
August 12, 2025
What I enjoyed most about Earthking is how the personal and political stakes are intertwined. Col isn’t just hiding from danger; he’s wrestling with questions of loyalty, trust, and responsibility. The idea of an ancient, long-imprisoned master waiting to be freed gives the story real urgency. Hall’s writing is descriptive without being heavy, and the pacing is just right.
March 21, 2017
This was an action packed middle school adventure book. It was rather heavy on the violence, not so much graphic, but there is a great deal of it. I found it difficult to get into, but the middle was good. The end felt too rushed. This book is part of a series, but it could be read as a stand alone; there isn't much of a cliffhanger to it, but I felt like that might of actually helped the ending and helped it to feel less frantic at the end. Oh and I minor pet peeve...why do fantasy writers always feel the need to give people and places odd names? I personally find this very distracting. The names catch me and pull me out of the story.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, but the opinion was all my own
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, but the opinion was all my own
August 6, 2017
A pretty solid fantasy book, though heavy on the Christian allegory. Hall did something that not a lot of books can do and that's keep me guessing. I never knew where the book was going and the pace propels you along at a nice clip. I'd be interested in reading the sequel.
August 18, 2022
This was such an enjoyable read. My sister and I read it together, and both of us were caught off guard at how captivating and unique the storyline is. From the very beginning, this one had us hooked!
October 5, 2022
Great read. Good story line, kept me hooked. Quite a bit of violence and a bit of a abrupt ending, but had good morals. Good growing up/maturing story amid fantasy.
December 6, 2015
This book like any other young adult/middlegrade novel is filled with mystery,magic ,power ,giants and of course the Blackbirds . But what makes it to stand apart is that …(wait for it …) Its a bedtime story ! Yes you got me right . The writing is so intricate and drifts to several fables along with the story line . I think i am going to compile all of the short tales together for a reread . Yes i am going to do that some time soon . It felt so satisfying to imagine and bring life to the words .
The lead character(Colmeron /Colby/Col) is finely scripted .Emotions are very relate-able ,starting off as a care free prince who loves to prank his brother slowly moves on to become devastated when disaster strikes the door .This gets him clueless ,lost and to be filled with rage only to learn he is going to be the NePrince . The death of characters who I thought were leads got me off guard every time and from then on the confusion on whom to trust and whom not to made me turn the pages .In addition the story takes you across the boundary through the winter storm , the waving seas , lone islands ,shadowy forests and dusty roads . Surely the traveller in me had masterful journey .
Did i love reading it ? Yes but I expected a bit more of action-clashing of the Good and the Bad . We only get glimpses in the short fables for more than half way through the story . Therefore in my opinion it makes it more like a mystery novel??!
Get it from a girl who read this book in a day with her exams scheduled the next morning -It is a good read with wonderful writing and characters . I would rate it 4.5 on 5 and definitely recommend to get yourself consumed in the tale before drifting off to dreams .
The lead character(Colmeron /Colby/Col) is finely scripted .Emotions are very relate-able ,starting off as a care free prince who loves to prank his brother slowly moves on to become devastated when disaster strikes the door .This gets him clueless ,lost and to be filled with rage only to learn he is going to be the NePrince . The death of characters who I thought were leads got me off guard every time and from then on the confusion on whom to trust and whom not to made me turn the pages .In addition the story takes you across the boundary through the winter storm , the waving seas , lone islands ,shadowy forests and dusty roads . Surely the traveller in me had masterful journey .
Did i love reading it ? Yes but I expected a bit more of action-clashing of the Good and the Bad . We only get glimpses in the short fables for more than half way through the story . Therefore in my opinion it makes it more like a mystery novel??!
Get it from a girl who read this book in a day with her exams scheduled the next morning -It is a good read with wonderful writing and characters . I would rate it 4.5 on 5 and definitely recommend to get yourself consumed in the tale before drifting off to dreams .
November 19, 2025
A coming of age tale set in a fantasy world, Earthking is a thrilling adventure that follows Prince Colmeron, second in line to the throne. A dark mysterious force threatens the kingdom, turning its ugly eye to those that sit on the throne. Young Col is forced to flee to safety with an advisor he’s not certain he can trust, to shoulder a burdensome role he never expected, and to handle a power that is altogether new to him.
Earthking reminded me of other sprawling fantasies such as Lord of the Rings and The Inheritance Cycle. The magical worldbuilding, the lore and fantastic creatures, as well as the storyline of a young boy being sent on a journey of discovery. Earthking had a quiet start, just as each of those other series do, but by the end of the book I was fully enthralled and interested in how Col’s story will continue.
Earthking reminded me of other sprawling fantasies such as Lord of the Rings and The Inheritance Cycle. The magical worldbuilding, the lore and fantastic creatures, as well as the storyline of a young boy being sent on a journey of discovery. Earthking had a quiet start, just as each of those other series do, but by the end of the book I was fully enthralled and interested in how Col’s story will continue.
August 10, 2016
Not bad
I felt 4 stars was was generous. I feel it could have been better he takes you to a point to were your month will water. But instead of making you want more he gives you the cake to soon. However I am looking forward the next book the 2nd almost always is the improvement of the first.
I felt 4 stars was was generous. I feel it could have been better he takes you to a point to were your month will water. But instead of making you want more he gives you the cake to soon. However I am looking forward the next book the 2nd almost always is the improvement of the first.
June 23, 2016
Enjoyed it
It was a little slow at first but that picked up as the story went on. Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more about the Earthkings.
It was a little slow at first but that picked up as the story went on. Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more about the Earthkings.
April 11, 2017
A Masterful First Book
Christopher Hall spins a captivating yarn in his first book. His descriptions of Col's world are deliciously vivid. This book was definitely a page turner. I really didn't like the main character, Col, but I think that may have ben by design. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I get the impression that we'll be returning to this world sometime in the near future. Over all, I enjoyed the book. It kept me engaged and wondering what would happen next. Well done.
Christopher Hall spins a captivating yarn in his first book. His descriptions of Col's world are deliciously vivid. This book was definitely a page turner. I really didn't like the main character, Col, but I think that may have ben by design. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I get the impression that we'll be returning to this world sometime in the near future. Over all, I enjoyed the book. It kept me engaged and wondering what would happen next. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews