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Form and Function
From the bestselling author of The Legend of ZERO and bestselling artist of Flea, Agent of Chaos comes a brand new adventure in a mind-blowing epic fantasy setting...
"Those who try to change Form without likewise shifting Function are doomed to a lifetime of agony and mediocrity--or they make the best assassins." -Auld Wynfor Ganlin
An orphan with powers not seen in a thousand years, trapped in a world only she can see, her life a waking nightmare.
A boy long ago lost to his family, forced to masquerade as the enemy by one of his own, his continued facade his people's only hope of salvation.
An immortal trapped in the flesh of a man, a prisoner for something he has not yet done, fleeing something he thought he had killed.
A girl abandoned in the mountains, without memories or a note, her people the stuff of legends, but whose villages have never been found.
Meet these and many more incredible characters as they engage in a complex struggle for survival in the latest gripping King book, set in a realm about to plunge in a downward spiral of politics, death, and treachery.
Like all King novels, every chapter of this epic fantasy adventure will leave you immersed in her world until you've turned the very last page, going toe-to-toe with the classics. If you enjoy sword and sorcery and are looking for a heart-pounding action & adventure, get ready to be blown away. This is an ILLUSTRATED serialized novel, with each part being approximately 70,000 words, and containing exclusive access to Lance MacCarty's desktop backgrounds and full-resolution downloadable images of the scenes contained within the book.
"Those who try to change Form without likewise shifting Function are doomed to a lifetime of agony and mediocrity--or they make the best assassins." -Auld Wynfor Ganlin
An orphan with powers not seen in a thousand years, trapped in a world only she can see, her life a waking nightmare.
A boy long ago lost to his family, forced to masquerade as the enemy by one of his own, his continued facade his people's only hope of salvation.
An immortal trapped in the flesh of a man, a prisoner for something he has not yet done, fleeing something he thought he had killed.
A girl abandoned in the mountains, without memories or a note, her people the stuff of legends, but whose villages have never been found.
Meet these and many more incredible characters as they engage in a complex struggle for survival in the latest gripping King book, set in a realm about to plunge in a downward spiral of politics, death, and treachery.
Like all King novels, every chapter of this epic fantasy adventure will leave you immersed in her world until you've turned the very last page, going toe-to-toe with the classics. If you enjoy sword and sorcery and are looking for a heart-pounding action & adventure, get ready to be blown away. This is an ILLUSTRATED serialized novel, with each part being approximately 70,000 words, and containing exclusive access to Lance MacCarty's desktop backgrounds and full-resolution downloadable images of the scenes contained within the book.
- GenresFantasy
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2016
92 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Sara King
21 books785 followersAfter a long, twisted road, Alaskan Fury is my 15th book. The rest (aside from the first five or so ‘practice books’) spent the last 3-6 years languishing on my hard drive as I waited for some really cool editor at a big, traditional publishing house to notice me. It didn’t happen, even with a world-famous agent doing his damnedest to get my books out there.
So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.
On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!
Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!
I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingfiction
So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.
On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!
Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!
I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingfiction
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 13, 2016
This book had such high reviews and I have read some of this writers other work that I really liked, so I decided to give it a try. Especially since it was offered as a kindleunlimited. Sadly, this must be one of those occasions where its "just me" because I couldn’t get into this book. It took me numerous attempts to complete it. The characters nor the storyline ever pulled me in and I just didn’t connect to it. Sorry. I will still check out this writers future work, this one just wasn’t for me personally.
February 7, 2016
"Tell you what...You keep the bugs away from me and I'll keep the other kids away from you "
I love science fiction and am not usually a fantasy reader. But this is not the 'usual' fantasy story. It is a totally complex and engrossing world peopled with characters both ordinary and extremely strange, but all very real in their hopes, fears, loves and desires. As Sara King says of herself, she is one of the "maverick sci-fi authors that writes about the characters, not the machines" And she does it superbly.
There are a lot of disparate people to meet in Form and Function so that who is who could become very confusing. But each is introduced to the reader within chapter blocks which fix each one in the mind before slotting, jigsaw piece by piece, into the greater picture. This is a simple world peopled with ordinary near-peasant folk; but it is also a dangerous world rife with ruling lords and their creations, memories of old hurts and grievances, family loyalties and passions for power or revenge. And another terrible war is coming which will leave no one unaffected. The world is about to be torn apart again and with it everyone who still lives. Can anything, or anyone, stop it from happening?
This was a book which left me bereft when I discovered I was on the last page, not a feeling I often get nowadays, and I am gratefully awaiting the publication of the second part of this serial to transport me back to this marvellously frightening world.
Highly recommended even if you don't usually enjoy sci fi or fantasy but do like vibrant characters in a rattling good story.
And the illustrations by Lance MacCarty are a cherry-on-the-top delight
I love science fiction and am not usually a fantasy reader. But this is not the 'usual' fantasy story. It is a totally complex and engrossing world peopled with characters both ordinary and extremely strange, but all very real in their hopes, fears, loves and desires. As Sara King says of herself, she is one of the "maverick sci-fi authors that writes about the characters, not the machines" And she does it superbly.
There are a lot of disparate people to meet in Form and Function so that who is who could become very confusing. But each is introduced to the reader within chapter blocks which fix each one in the mind before slotting, jigsaw piece by piece, into the greater picture. This is a simple world peopled with ordinary near-peasant folk; but it is also a dangerous world rife with ruling lords and their creations, memories of old hurts and grievances, family loyalties and passions for power or revenge. And another terrible war is coming which will leave no one unaffected. The world is about to be torn apart again and with it everyone who still lives. Can anything, or anyone, stop it from happening?
This was a book which left me bereft when I discovered I was on the last page, not a feeling I often get nowadays, and I am gratefully awaiting the publication of the second part of this serial to transport me back to this marvellously frightening world.
Highly recommended even if you don't usually enjoy sci fi or fantasy but do like vibrant characters in a rattling good story.
And the illustrations by Lance MacCarty are a cherry-on-the-top delight
February 6, 2016
What a beautiful Mind...
If you have not checked out this author yet...boy are you missing out!!!! REALLY...REALLY BIG TIME. And here's your chance to see what you have been missing. This is the beginning of a NEW series of books from the beautiful Mind of Sara King. You will get caught up in the characters...as with all her books. Just remember to open up your mind, because if you don't it will explode. As I read the more my mind opened up...letting go of the real world, being pulled into the world of Ms King. And let me tell ya...that's not a bad place to be (IF YOU CAN HANDLE IT)!! If you're not interested in an epic ride and a feast for your mind and imagination...this book is not for you. If you love good sci/fi/fantasy...don't hurt yourselves getting over to buy this book. You won't be disappointed!!!
If you have not checked out this author yet...boy are you missing out!!!! REALLY...REALLY BIG TIME. And here's your chance to see what you have been missing. This is the beginning of a NEW series of books from the beautiful Mind of Sara King. You will get caught up in the characters...as with all her books. Just remember to open up your mind, because if you don't it will explode. As I read the more my mind opened up...letting go of the real world, being pulled into the world of Ms King. And let me tell ya...that's not a bad place to be (IF YOU CAN HANDLE IT)!! If you're not interested in an epic ride and a feast for your mind and imagination...this book is not for you. If you love good sci/fi/fantasy...don't hurt yourselves getting over to buy this book. You won't be disappointed!!!
February 17, 2016
Great start to a new Series by Sara King
I'm definitely loving this new series by Sara King and am anxiously awaiting Form and Function part 2. The characters are well written, as they always are in her books. Give it a try and you'll be happy you did.
I'm definitely loving this new series by Sara King and am anxiously awaiting Form and Function part 2. The characters are well written, as they always are in her books. Give it a try and you'll be happy you did.
January 3, 2017
Wow. What a cliffhanger. All I can say is you won't be disappointed reading this and now I need book 2 to come out.
March 13, 2018
Great start to a series.
I wasn't sure I'd care for this story because I'm not currently reading much "magic" related literature but this book is different. There's an entire ecosystem and hierarchy of other-than-normal human beings and a well thought out plot line. One thing I had issues with is that the story skips from one character's view to another's fairly quickly but doesn't always get back to the earlier character for awhile. I'm at the point where remembering who is who and who did what to whom is getting a little bit difficult without the story threads resuming more quickly. But that's a minor issue. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I wasn't sure I'd care for this story because I'm not currently reading much "magic" related literature but this book is different. There's an entire ecosystem and hierarchy of other-than-normal human beings and a well thought out plot line. One thing I had issues with is that the story skips from one character's view to another's fairly quickly but doesn't always get back to the earlier character for awhile. I'm at the point where remembering who is who and who did what to whom is getting a little bit difficult without the story threads resuming more quickly. But that's a minor issue. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 7, 2017
I'll try almost anything Sara King writes because of how much I liked the Zero books, but this book didn't do it for me. I don't care for fantasy dungeons and magic books at all, so I can't hold that against this book, but I have to say that the wide variety of characters kept me confused all the way through. Three stars just because I was able to finish the book (which is just Part 1), but I won't be looking for any more books in this series.
December 11, 2017
I'm 60% through this book, and am loving it so far. The characters are engaging, the fantasy world is convincing, and the story is eventful, sad, moving, inspiring. I'm not looking forward to reaching the end of the book, because I know already I'll want more.
Update: I've finished the book, and an disappointed that it doesn't come to a conclusion but rather leaves us hanging until part 2 arrives. It gets 4 stars from me because I enjoy the author's style, but I'd prefer a book that ends neatly, even if there's a sequel in the works.
Update: I've finished the book, and an disappointed that it doesn't come to a conclusion but rather leaves us hanging until part 2 arrives. It gets 4 stars from me because I enjoy the author's style, but I'd prefer a book that ends neatly, even if there's a sequel in the works.
November 2, 2023
There is a lot going on, so much so that this is really just half a book - parts of the story were starting to come together by the "end" but not even close to any resolutions. Unlike many authors, I totally trust her to bring it together, but it is a bit exasperating that there wasn't a conclusion at all.
September 26, 2018
Hard start, until you figure what is going on, good rest of read
I love Sara King's writing style. Once I figured out what was going on, who the cast of characters were, I enjoyed the story.
I love Sara King's writing style. Once I figured out what was going on, who the cast of characters were, I enjoyed the story.
September 25, 2017
Great book
All the makings of an epic. A gripping read. Can't wait for the next book in this series. Thank you Sara.
All the makings of an epic. A gripping read. Can't wait for the next book in this series. Thank you Sara.
October 2, 2019
Wow! Epic!
Loved this book. And we all know Sara king can write. I just hope she continues on with this epic story.
Loved this book. And we all know Sara king can write. I just hope she continues on with this epic story.
January 15, 2020
Great book. Great characters. The book ended requiring a sequel and consolidation of each and very thread and story line
October 16, 2021
Unique Look at this Genre
An interesting story with the hallmarks of Sara King: great dialogues, fascinating characters and tight writing. If you can, read her Zero novels!
An interesting story with the hallmarks of Sara King: great dialogues, fascinating characters and tight writing. If you can, read her Zero novels!
February 20, 2021
Good book
Good book, though I don’t see a sequel coming anytime within the next decade. Read at your own risk. A few more words to pass word requirements
Good book, though I don’t see a sequel coming anytime within the next decade. Read at your own risk. A few more words to pass word requirements
February 13, 2016
This book was a little too Game of Thrones for my taste (meaning no character is truly safe, even if you like them buckets), but I gave it five stars anyway because it's extremely well written with characters that are truly interesting. Sara King is an AMAZING independent author. If you like sci fi and fantasy and don't know about her, TRY HER RIGHT NOW! I'm not kidding. She should be on your must-read list.
This book is about a world where a certain class of people have magic. They rule, and many of them aren't nice. There are also magical creatures, many of which are just as sentient as you and me. There are a lot of characters in this book, but right now, there are three that seem most important to me: Saebrya, an orphan with the ability to see magic and stop it; Ryan, the son of the innkeeper who is exactly her same age and seems to have an excess of magic slopping out of him; and Maelys, a "rockfarmer" who can literally walk through rocks. There's a big feud between two large magical families that is about to explode into all-out war.
This book is about a world where a certain class of people have magic. They rule, and many of them aren't nice. There are also magical creatures, many of which are just as sentient as you and me. There are a lot of characters in this book, but right now, there are three that seem most important to me: Saebrya, an orphan with the ability to see magic and stop it; Ryan, the son of the innkeeper who is exactly her same age and seems to have an excess of magic slopping out of him; and Maelys, a "rockfarmer" who can literally walk through rocks. There's a big feud between two large magical families that is about to explode into all-out war.
February 11, 2016
A new series from Sara King, this time in the fantasy genre. But it's a fantasy in sense of run your imagination wild and create unique world and characters without any restrictions.
The world has a fantasy setting: taverns, castles, royal families, no advanced technology, intrigue between top players. The supernatural part is that some can tap to the power in the world and there are beings with more then just human in them.
The most important thing is the characters - a girl that sees another world around her, spilling from others and affecting only her directly, or another girl that can talk to stone and flow through it.
We're introduced to the world and few unique characters for what looks like a great new series.
The world has a fantasy setting: taverns, castles, royal families, no advanced technology, intrigue between top players. The supernatural part is that some can tap to the power in the world and there are beings with more then just human in them.
The most important thing is the characters - a girl that sees another world around her, spilling from others and affecting only her directly, or another girl that can talk to stone and flow through it.
We're introduced to the world and few unique characters for what looks like a great new series.
February 17, 2016
Good book
Great writing and character development but a bit dry at times. This book feels more like an introduction to a full story than an actual story in it self. Lots of beginnings to separate issues that are starting to come together but just enough disconnected to make the reader feel like they are almost told a story, but not quite. I will probably keep reading, but only if nothing else catches my eye. It didn't suck me in enough to be invested into the lives of the characters. Felt a bit of disconnect with the feelings and actions the characters had and did. I like descriptive language that describes the reason and depth the characters are feeling and this book didn't go deep enough for me.
Great writing and character development but a bit dry at times. This book feels more like an introduction to a full story than an actual story in it self. Lots of beginnings to separate issues that are starting to come together but just enough disconnected to make the reader feel like they are almost told a story, but not quite. I will probably keep reading, but only if nothing else catches my eye. It didn't suck me in enough to be invested into the lives of the characters. Felt a bit of disconnect with the feelings and actions the characters had and did. I like descriptive language that describes the reason and depth the characters are feeling and this book didn't go deep enough for me.
February 7, 2016
LOTR Fans will like F&F!
The characters in Form & Function get into your brain, and want to take up residence. Saebrya sees what others don’t and we aren’t sure if others will kill her if they find out. Dustin is a fire drake that is destined to overthrow a majestic home of magicians, if he isn’t flambéed and eaten on the mountainside by an ancient demon. Maelys can talk to rocks (I’m jealous!), but is young, inexperienced and friendless. Really, quit reading the reviews and read the book. It’s a great read!
The characters in Form & Function get into your brain, and want to take up residence. Saebrya sees what others don’t and we aren’t sure if others will kill her if they find out. Dustin is a fire drake that is destined to overthrow a majestic home of magicians, if he isn’t flambéed and eaten on the mountainside by an ancient demon. Maelys can talk to rocks (I’m jealous!), but is young, inexperienced and friendless. Really, quit reading the reviews and read the book. It’s a great read!
March 4, 2016
A fantasy world with a whole host of different people, creatures and abilities. There is so much going on that it leaves one wanting more and wondering about the world and story when not reading.
The plot is set in part one but like an iceberg, you will know that there is so much more beneath the surface.
It has political intrigue as well as personal stories. Young magicians, old teachers, family feuds, it has so much that it is hard to keep the review short.
A great read and I can't wait to get the next instalment.
The plot is set in part one but like an iceberg, you will know that there is so much more beneath the surface.
It has political intrigue as well as personal stories. Young magicians, old teachers, family feuds, it has so much that it is hard to keep the review short.
A great read and I can't wait to get the next instalment.
February 8, 2016
Wonderful Story
So well written with such wonderfully crafted characters. I am completely in awe of Form and Function and I'm anxious for the next book. Sara King's imagination and skill, her ability to craft such amazing books is mind blowing. I want more.
So well written with such wonderfully crafted characters. I am completely in awe of Form and Function and I'm anxious for the next book. Sara King's imagination and skill, her ability to craft such amazing books is mind blowing. I want more.
February 15, 2016
I'm really enjoying this fantasy world and its characters. I can't put it down! I removed one star for minor errors in editing. Other than that, this is a great read! Thank you Sara! I love your creative mind!
Read
August 25, 2016Quite an interesting read!
Pretty original to say the least. I found the multi-speciation, mixed-civilization, mixed-race world fascinating. Book 1 is a cliff hanger and needs to be followed.
Pretty original to say the least. I found the multi-speciation, mixed-civilization, mixed-race world fascinating. Book 1 is a cliff hanger and needs to be followed.
Read
May 8, 2016Where's book two?
Hard to grasp for first quarter of book, then starts coming together nicely. Imaginative, nice character development, interesting and different use of magics, then the book runs out and you have to wait for number two...thus four stars instead of five.
Hard to grasp for first quarter of book, then starts coming together nicely. Imaginative, nice character development, interesting and different use of magics, then the book runs out and you have to wait for number two...thus four stars instead of five.
June 28, 2016
The novel didn't feel like it was done. I love Sara King, but this one felt rushed. Too much information, yet not enough. I felt like characters could have been eliminated or more fully developed. I still don't really know what it was about.
March 20, 2016
Wow, almost had a heart attack!!
There I was reading merrily along and it ended
There I was reading merrily along and it ended
February 26, 2016
Wow, rally amazingly good story, here. I can't wait for the next one!
March 6, 2016
Great new series!
Great new series by Sara King; can't get enough of her writing. Engaging characters and setting. Look forward to reading the next installment!
Great new series by Sara King; can't get enough of her writing. Engaging characters and setting. Look forward to reading the next installment!
June 13, 2016
A little hard to follow. When I get book 2 I will have to re-read this one first. Hopefully I'll understand who's who better with second read
April 21, 2017
Ah, no stop, please! I need to sleep. Write less engaging stories. I resisted starting this one for as long as I could, then tried really hard to put it down two different times. failed both times; stayed up through the night until I finished it. Now begins the long wait until the next book in the series comes out.
On a practical note, I was reminded a little of Will Wight's Cradle series (unsouled, soulsmith, more coming soon). I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it was some of the mechanics of the magic. I recommend both series, for totally different reasons.
On a practical note, I was reminded a little of Will Wight's Cradle series (unsouled, soulsmith, more coming soon). I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it was some of the mechanics of the magic. I recommend both series, for totally different reasons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews