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The Kingsmen Chronicles #1
Blackmark
Wrongfully accused of treason, veteran Kingsman Elohl seeks the truth of a betrayal that caused the Kingsmen to vanish a decade ago. Inked with the Blackmark and despised for it, Elohl uncovers the truth and exposes ancient enemies. Now, he must give everything to shatter the hidden sect that usurps power from the throne.
531 pages, ebook
First published June 15, 2016
1988 people are currently reading
2424 people want to read
About the author
Jean Lowe Carlson
18 books317 followers"Richly set and beautifully told, Carlson paints a story filled with love, lust, and tragedy. She captures the tortured emotions of temptation and desire perfectly and leaves you wanting more." - Chris Patchell, author of In the Dark
“Like George RR Martin and Joe Abercrombie, Carlson writes in the fantasy genre for grown-ups, with flair and elegance. A complex world with characters that develop well, The Kingsmen Chronicles reveals as it builds!” - Daniel F., Amazon Review
Jean Lowe Carlson blends deep wisdom, fast-paced adventure, and timeless discovery into exquisite fantasy. Her raw worlds are reminiscent of George RR Martin, Robert Jordan, Joe Abercrombie, Clive Barker, and Robin Hobb.
Jean holds a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND), and has a keen awareness of psychology and human behavior, using it to paint vivid characters set amidst nations in turmoil or societies with riveting secrets. Exciting, challenging, and passionate, her novels take the reader upon dire adventures while exploring deep human truths and self-knowledge.
In 2016, she was the recipient of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist medal for her dark fantasy Tears. She was also longlisted for the 2016 Online Writing Tips Short Fiction Prize for her dark fairytale The Man in White.
“Like George RR Martin and Joe Abercrombie, Carlson writes in the fantasy genre for grown-ups, with flair and elegance. A complex world with characters that develop well, The Kingsmen Chronicles reveals as it builds!” - Daniel F., Amazon Review
Jean Lowe Carlson blends deep wisdom, fast-paced adventure, and timeless discovery into exquisite fantasy. Her raw worlds are reminiscent of George RR Martin, Robert Jordan, Joe Abercrombie, Clive Barker, and Robin Hobb.
Jean holds a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND), and has a keen awareness of psychology and human behavior, using it to paint vivid characters set amidst nations in turmoil or societies with riveting secrets. Exciting, challenging, and passionate, her novels take the reader upon dire adventures while exploring deep human truths and self-knowledge.
In 2016, she was the recipient of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist medal for her dark fantasy Tears. She was also longlisted for the 2016 Online Writing Tips Short Fiction Prize for her dark fairytale The Man in White.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
May 28, 2018
Blackmark is uneven, with some great things going for it and some really abysmal stuff that annoyed the fuck out of me.
Let's talk about the bad stuff first. I found the book a chore to read. The reason being that the pacing sucks. Really, with an epic story like this, there is really no excuse for the many boring sections in the book. The second problem is the reuse of phrases over and over in the book. I am a shit writer (which is why I review books instead of writing them), but, again, there is no excuse for a professional to make these kinds of elementary mistakes. The third problem is the sheer predictability of the story. While the author tries to bring in some sense of a hidden enemy in the first half of the book; she negates this by revealing that the hidden enemy was known to a hidden faction of the good guys. I mean - WTF
Now, coming to the good stuff. In spite of the vitriol I spewed in the previous paragraph, there is still something about the book which prevented me from throwing it away. It could be the decent characters or it could be something about the action itself.
Overall, this is an ok read.
Let's talk about the bad stuff first. I found the book a chore to read. The reason being that the pacing sucks. Really, with an epic story like this, there is really no excuse for the many boring sections in the book. The second problem is the reuse of phrases over and over in the book. I am a shit writer (which is why I review books instead of writing them), but, again, there is no excuse for a professional to make these kinds of elementary mistakes. The third problem is the sheer predictability of the story. While the author tries to bring in some sense of a hidden enemy in the first half of the book; she negates this by revealing that the hidden enemy was known to a hidden faction of the good guys. I mean - WTF
Now, coming to the good stuff. In spite of the vitriol I spewed in the previous paragraph, there is still something about the book which prevented me from throwing it away. It could be the decent characters or it could be something about the action itself.
Overall, this is an ok read.
July 29, 2016
Jean Lowe Carlson's Blackmark is a wonderful epic fantasy filled with fresh characters populating an in-depth world one can nearly reach out and touch, I can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 10, 2018
5 stars - English Ebook - I have dyslexia -.
- Black cowl raised against the windswept silene of the city, Elohl den'Alrahel darted through the night -
Wrongly accused are the Kingsmen. Summond to go and ply their oath before their King, the King they swore to protect, all the kingsmen disappear. Elhol and Olea, twins are kingskinder and spread apart like all the other kingskinder.
This books keeps you conseintlously involved with the Kingsman and the kingskinder. Against all odds their are still Alive. Only most do not know where.
Wrongly accused of treason, verteran Kingsman Elohl seeks the truth of a betrayal that caused the Kingsmen to vanish a decade ago. Inked with the blackmark and despired for it, Elohl uncovers the truth and exposes ancient enemies. Now he must hunt the secret sect that usurps power from the throne.
- Her levelheadedness was a boon in the thieving trade, however. Her ability to plan, navigate situations and think things through. -
More kingskinder are told about in this Epic fantasy. The storyline well followed and woven with their adventures make me want to read the second book in this series : Bloodmark.
- And still....... the Lotheren will come for you. - 🌹🦋🌷🌸
- Black cowl raised against the windswept silene of the city, Elohl den'Alrahel darted through the night -
Wrongly accused are the Kingsmen. Summond to go and ply their oath before their King, the King they swore to protect, all the kingsmen disappear. Elhol and Olea, twins are kingskinder and spread apart like all the other kingskinder.
This books keeps you conseintlously involved with the Kingsman and the kingskinder. Against all odds their are still Alive. Only most do not know where.
Wrongly accused of treason, verteran Kingsman Elohl seeks the truth of a betrayal that caused the Kingsmen to vanish a decade ago. Inked with the blackmark and despired for it, Elohl uncovers the truth and exposes ancient enemies. Now he must hunt the secret sect that usurps power from the throne.
- Her levelheadedness was a boon in the thieving trade, however. Her ability to plan, navigate situations and think things through. -
More kingskinder are told about in this Epic fantasy. The storyline well followed and woven with their adventures make me want to read the second book in this series : Bloodmark.
- And still....... the Lotheren will come for you. - 🌹🦋🌷🌸
February 26, 2020
***Recieved a copy in exchange for an honest review***
A spellbinding, exciting and fast paced fantasy novel that had me hooked almost instantly. Truly did not expect to like it as much as i did.
Usually i give myself 10 days per book to review but i only needed 5 for Blackmark. It was so good that it even drew me away from another book i was reading from a favourite series.
Carlson brings us a new adult fantasy masterpiece with a well developed and complex layered world with its adventure and oh so subtle introduction to magic.
With a strong development of characters with fully integrated storylines and brilliant plot twists, Blackmark follows a group of four childhood friends in a fantasy kingdom who, through tragic events, were forced to follow separate paths that eventually, after many years, begin to draw them back together. Each character has their own story and plot that Carlson weaves together seamlessly. I love how there is still an air of mystery surrounding each character even as you get to know them throughout the story.
I love how the story moves forward with each characters individual journeys explaining past events in their own voices, with a writing style similar to that of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.
Overall Blackmark is an enthralling, well written fantasy with so much emotion and adventure that i am truly excited to start the next book.
"'You've seen me in the ring with fists!' Dherran bellowed, letting the rage in his hot green eyes be felt by the mob as he brandished the black-tipped spear. 'Who will be the first to see what i can do with a weapon?!'"
- This guy is my favourite character, LOVE him!
A spellbinding, exciting and fast paced fantasy novel that had me hooked almost instantly. Truly did not expect to like it as much as i did.
Usually i give myself 10 days per book to review but i only needed 5 for Blackmark. It was so good that it even drew me away from another book i was reading from a favourite series.
Carlson brings us a new adult fantasy masterpiece with a well developed and complex layered world with its adventure and oh so subtle introduction to magic.
With a strong development of characters with fully integrated storylines and brilliant plot twists, Blackmark follows a group of four childhood friends in a fantasy kingdom who, through tragic events, were forced to follow separate paths that eventually, after many years, begin to draw them back together. Each character has their own story and plot that Carlson weaves together seamlessly. I love how there is still an air of mystery surrounding each character even as you get to know them throughout the story.
I love how the story moves forward with each characters individual journeys explaining past events in their own voices, with a writing style similar to that of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.
Overall Blackmark is an enthralling, well written fantasy with so much emotion and adventure that i am truly excited to start the next book.
"'You've seen me in the ring with fists!' Dherran bellowed, letting the rage in his hot green eyes be felt by the mob as he brandished the black-tipped spear. 'Who will be the first to see what i can do with a weapon?!'"
- This guy is my favourite character, LOVE him!
January 8, 2019
A complex yet poignant fantasy filled with conflict, action and intriguing characters. While the plot meandered a bit off course, I did enjoy this one.
My Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
June 19, 2017
I started this book and stopped reading after about the 6th chapter. I felt like I was missing something because I was having a hard time with the foreign words for names, locations, and even things like trees. After reading the pronouncement of things more closely, I finally decided to dive back in. I devoured it breathlessly. This is a brilliant creation. The characters, plot, clothing, weapons, in fact, every detail is written to perfection.
The Kingsmen were dealt with a swift and sudden ending. No one knows how or why, not really. All that's known is that two thousand men and women disappeared in one night without a trace. The King summoned the Kingsmen, accused of treason, to renew their oaths of fealty on pain of death. The Kingsmen have always been loyal to the crown. They're considered the best negotiators, and deadliest fighters, of the kingdom. A party of 5 young Kingskinder left before the meeting with the King to discover the reason behind the summons. Disaster will occur if they fail. That's how this story begins.
Follow the surviving members of the Kingsmen and learn about the treacherous acts committed against them and the secret plot against the crown. Nothing is as it seems. Friend and foe are hidden behind every shadow. Trust no one.
The Kingsmen were dealt with a swift and sudden ending. No one knows how or why, not really. All that's known is that two thousand men and women disappeared in one night without a trace. The King summoned the Kingsmen, accused of treason, to renew their oaths of fealty on pain of death. The Kingsmen have always been loyal to the crown. They're considered the best negotiators, and deadliest fighters, of the kingdom. A party of 5 young Kingskinder left before the meeting with the King to discover the reason behind the summons. Disaster will occur if they fail. That's how this story begins.
Follow the surviving members of the Kingsmen and learn about the treacherous acts committed against them and the secret plot against the crown. Nothing is as it seems. Friend and foe are hidden behind every shadow. Trust no one.
April 27, 2017
Just... WOW!!!
I was a little bit daunted by the length of the audiobook, but Carlson has constructed a world and history with so much depth and detail that I was disappointed when the book was finished and now cannot wait to experience the next one. This is the beginning of an epic story of dark fantasy. Mysteries and intrigue abound as layers of story are exposed one after the next. Both foes and allies are hiding in plain sight as the story moves between the main characters who are heading toward reunions both joyous and heartbreaking on their quests to find out what happened to their people and, in the process, trying to fulfill their heritage and destiny. Pick up the book and move it to the top of your 'to read' list. You won't be disappointed.
I was a little bit daunted by the length of the audiobook, but Carlson has constructed a world and history with so much depth and detail that I was disappointed when the book was finished and now cannot wait to experience the next one. This is the beginning of an epic story of dark fantasy. Mysteries and intrigue abound as layers of story are exposed one after the next. Both foes and allies are hiding in plain sight as the story moves between the main characters who are heading toward reunions both joyous and heartbreaking on their quests to find out what happened to their people and, in the process, trying to fulfill their heritage and destiny. Pick up the book and move it to the top of your 'to read' list. You won't be disappointed.
May 24, 2017
Received a copy from author honest review.This was a really entertaining and enjoyable read,that had me hooked from the start.I really enjoyed all the characters and the author did well with the sites and sounds as well. A really good adventure.
February 12, 2019
An enjoyable indie fantasy.
See my full video review at
https://youtu.be/0mAplSCZa9o
The Book Goblin
See my full video review at
https://youtu.be/0mAplSCZa9o
The Book Goblin
May 26, 2017
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Jean Lowe Carlson has scribed the beginnings of a great epic fantasy.
Gripping characters, great action, a mystery and a sense that although this is the point that we came in on, the story has been going on for quite some time. I have found that I can't yet choose a favourite character as they are all so well written.
I highly recommend this to any fan of epic fantasy. I can not wait to delve into Bloodmark (The Kingsmen Chronicles #2): An Epic Fantasy Adventure Sword and Highland Magic.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Gripping characters, great action, a mystery and a sense that although this is the point that we came in on, the story has been going on for quite some time. I have found that I can't yet choose a favourite character as they are all so well written.
I highly recommend this to any fan of epic fantasy. I can not wait to delve into Bloodmark (The Kingsmen Chronicles #2): An Epic Fantasy Adventure Sword and Highland Magic.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 17, 2017
Wonderful stuff! A great story. The Kingsmen,the King's most loyal subjects and defenders are called to renew their vows. Rumours of treason are in the air. They all disappear. Nobody knows how or why, it's a mystery. Just before the Summons a small group of Kingsmen in training are sent on a secret mission, which fails. They and the other children of the Kingsmen are captured and sentenced to serve in the army, in an unending war, for the sins of their fathers. Some serve their time, some desert and some are in hiding. An intense and complicated story. Something to get your teeth into. Loved the characters. It's full of mystery, intrigue, wild magic, an ancient enemy and haunted heroes. Do you like sword wielding warriors and sexy, but deadly women? Secrets within secrets, plots within plots? Then this is the book for you. It's a series, so the story continues. I would highly recommend this novel to any fantasy fan.
November 29, 2017
There are many interesting and compelling parts to this saga, enough to have me rate it with 3 stars (easily with some polishing it would have deserved more simply for its creative scope). The author misuses words, over complicates things with his word choices and sentence construction, and describes, at times, things excessively without apparent reason. Even so, there is no doubting the authors imagination and storytelling (the former being her strength in my opinion).
Ordinarily I'd be eager to start the next novel (yes, I am compelled to know what happens to the characters and such) but I hesitate because the aspects mentioned above seriously lessened the enjoyment of an exceptionally inventive story-line, making it read laboriously.
Will I read more? It's a coin toss.
Ordinarily I'd be eager to start the next novel (yes, I am compelled to know what happens to the characters and such) but I hesitate because the aspects mentioned above seriously lessened the enjoyment of an exceptionally inventive story-line, making it read laboriously.
Will I read more? It's a coin toss.
May 15, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This was an amazing beginning to a series. This is a well developed world with characters that are complex and believable. The plot is steady and keeps you reading to discover what happens next. but you are never lost. This is not a quick and fluffy read. It is very indepth and detailed. It is a fantasy novel for adults and I will certainly be reading the sequels.
This was an amazing beginning to a series. This is a well developed world with characters that are complex and believable. The plot is steady and keeps you reading to discover what happens next. but you are never lost. This is not a quick and fluffy read. It is very indepth and detailed. It is a fantasy novel for adults and I will certainly be reading the sequels.
January 26, 2018
An epic adventure of sword fighters and loyalty. I took a while to get used to the characters per chapter style of writing but once I sorted out the characters I loved this book. A whole nation has been almost wiped out but another nation looking for vengeance. This book grips you and you are hissing at the villains and cheering the hero and heroine. This is the first book by this author I have read, it won't be the last.
May 21, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great book. The author does an excelent job at worldbuilding and character developement. The story is told from the POV of various characters and it reminded me of George RR Martin. The plot developed subtly from the start and is engaging through the entire novel to its finale. Will definitely read the next one and would recomend.
-Juan
This was a great book. The author does an excelent job at worldbuilding and character developement. The story is told from the POV of various characters and it reminded me of George RR Martin. The plot developed subtly from the start and is engaging through the entire novel to its finale. Will definitely read the next one and would recomend.
-Juan
June 22, 2016
Blackmark is a fantasy novel at its best! The character development is phenomenal. The layered storylines and plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat. Jean Lowe Carlson successfully establishes her place among the great fantasy fiction writers of this generation.
June 15, 2016
Epic and adventurous, this book gives all the classic twists and turns of fantasy in an exciting new way!
June 15, 2016
Awesome and epic! Such an adventure!
June 15, 2016
This is the next epic fantasy you've been looking for. A+ storytelling with thoughtful nods to the classics of the genre. Can't wait for the rest of the series!
April 16, 2017
Wonderful fantasy story that keeps your interest until the very end. First time for me reading this author's book. Certainly not the last. Appreciated being able to review
April 12, 2017
THE KINGSMEN CHRONICLES: wundervoll und episch, ich bin völlig begeistert ♥♥♥
Schnappatmung, hämisches Gelächter, verzweifeltes Wispern, erstaunte Ausrufe, enthusiastisches Gequietsche - zum Glück war keine Live-Kamera in der Nähe, als ich mich auf die Pfade der Alrashemni-Kingsmen in Jean Lowe Carlson's "Blackmark: The Kingsmen Chronicles #1" begab. Dieses Buch ist verdammt toll, jenseits aller schon Tausendfach abgelatschten Fantasy-Klischees und zugleich so vielschichtig und verknüpfend (jedoch überschaubar!), dass jedes andere Fantasy-Meisterwerk dezent erblassen könnte 🙂
Hier mal kurz, worum es geht (das Buch ist auf Englisch): Elohl den'Alrahel und seine Zwillingsschwester Olea gehören zu den letzten Kingsmen auf dem Kontinent. Die meisten sind nämlich alle in einer Nacht vor 11 Jahren spurlos verschwunden und die, die zurückgeblieben sind, tragen ihre einst königlichen Inkings jetzt als Schandfleck auf der Brust: als Blackmarks. Doch das Massenverschwinden der Kingsmen auf Befehl von King Uhlas weckt heute neue Gefahren - sowohl für die letzten Kingsmen als auch Uhlas' Tochter, die Thronerbin Elyasin den'Ildrian. Eine neue Ära beginnt für die Kingsmen, wo sie ihren mysteriösen Feinden (The Khehemni) beweisen müssen, wofür Kingsmen stehen: Strength. Flexibility. Wisdom. Knowledge. Patience.
Jean Lowe Carlson hat einen göttlichen Schreibstil. Nein, ich übertreibe nicht, denn die Autorin schreibt mit solch detailgetreuer Präzision, die mich sofort in die Welt hinabgezogen hat. Jeder Schauplatz - ob die Hauptstadt Lintesh von Alrou-Mendera oder die Oasen von Ghrec - ist ganz eigenständig und die Karten sowie der Anhang helfen weiter, wenn man trotzdem mal durcheinander kommt. Durch die authentische Fantasy-Welt mit ihren eigenen Magiesystemen kommt "Blackmark" an Brandon Sanderson und Sebastien de Castell ran!
Ich habe Stunden durchgelesen, weil das Buch High Fantasy vom Feinsten ist: Ein Palast mit einem dunklen Geheimnis, Intrigen zwischen den einzelnen Untertanen der Dhenra/ Prinzessin, Elohls Reisen. Alle Charaktere sind völlig faszinierend auf ihre eigene Art, wobei ich hoffe besonders, im nächsten Band mehr über Khouren und Fenton zu erfahren. Das Buch ist voller Blut und Geheimnisse, Verrat und Leidenschaft!
Ich brenne, BRENNE buchstäblich darauf, so schnell wie möglich die Fortsetzung "Bloodmark" in die Finger zu bekommen. Ich bekomme eine Gänsehaut bei dem Gedanken, welche Rätsel vielleicht gelöst werden und was alles noch passieren wird - ich meine, ich habe richtig Angst um meine Lieblinge! Carlson lässt den Leser wirklich die heftigsten Gefühle spüren, was für eine grausam geniale Autorin ... Also, ich könnte herausschreien, wie sehr mir "The Kingsmen Chronicles: Blackmark" gefallen hat. Wenn ihr gut Englisch könnt, dann zögert nicht dieses außergewöhnliche Indie-Fantasyepos zu lesen 😍
Schnappatmung, hämisches Gelächter, verzweifeltes Wispern, erstaunte Ausrufe, enthusiastisches Gequietsche - zum Glück war keine Live-Kamera in der Nähe, als ich mich auf die Pfade der Alrashemni-Kingsmen in Jean Lowe Carlson's "Blackmark: The Kingsmen Chronicles #1" begab. Dieses Buch ist verdammt toll, jenseits aller schon Tausendfach abgelatschten Fantasy-Klischees und zugleich so vielschichtig und verknüpfend (jedoch überschaubar!), dass jedes andere Fantasy-Meisterwerk dezent erblassen könnte 🙂
Hier mal kurz, worum es geht (das Buch ist auf Englisch): Elohl den'Alrahel und seine Zwillingsschwester Olea gehören zu den letzten Kingsmen auf dem Kontinent. Die meisten sind nämlich alle in einer Nacht vor 11 Jahren spurlos verschwunden und die, die zurückgeblieben sind, tragen ihre einst königlichen Inkings jetzt als Schandfleck auf der Brust: als Blackmarks. Doch das Massenverschwinden der Kingsmen auf Befehl von King Uhlas weckt heute neue Gefahren - sowohl für die letzten Kingsmen als auch Uhlas' Tochter, die Thronerbin Elyasin den'Ildrian. Eine neue Ära beginnt für die Kingsmen, wo sie ihren mysteriösen Feinden (The Khehemni) beweisen müssen, wofür Kingsmen stehen: Strength. Flexibility. Wisdom. Knowledge. Patience.
Jean Lowe Carlson hat einen göttlichen Schreibstil. Nein, ich übertreibe nicht, denn die Autorin schreibt mit solch detailgetreuer Präzision, die mich sofort in die Welt hinabgezogen hat. Jeder Schauplatz - ob die Hauptstadt Lintesh von Alrou-Mendera oder die Oasen von Ghrec - ist ganz eigenständig und die Karten sowie der Anhang helfen weiter, wenn man trotzdem mal durcheinander kommt. Durch die authentische Fantasy-Welt mit ihren eigenen Magiesystemen kommt "Blackmark" an Brandon Sanderson und Sebastien de Castell ran!
Ich habe Stunden durchgelesen, weil das Buch High Fantasy vom Feinsten ist: Ein Palast mit einem dunklen Geheimnis, Intrigen zwischen den einzelnen Untertanen der Dhenra/ Prinzessin, Elohls Reisen. Alle Charaktere sind völlig faszinierend auf ihre eigene Art, wobei ich hoffe besonders, im nächsten Band mehr über Khouren und Fenton zu erfahren. Das Buch ist voller Blut und Geheimnisse, Verrat und Leidenschaft!
Ich brenne, BRENNE buchstäblich darauf, so schnell wie möglich die Fortsetzung "Bloodmark" in die Finger zu bekommen. Ich bekomme eine Gänsehaut bei dem Gedanken, welche Rätsel vielleicht gelöst werden und was alles noch passieren wird - ich meine, ich habe richtig Angst um meine Lieblinge! Carlson lässt den Leser wirklich die heftigsten Gefühle spüren, was für eine grausam geniale Autorin ... Also, ich könnte herausschreien, wie sehr mir "The Kingsmen Chronicles: Blackmark" gefallen hat. Wenn ihr gut Englisch könnt, dann zögert nicht dieses außergewöhnliche Indie-Fantasyepos zu lesen 😍
June 30, 2017
A great read full of suspense and adventure. Jean Lowe Carlson brings the places she created to life in her beautiful almost poetic writing. Could compare this first book of the Kingsmen Chronicles to some other epic fantasy writers such as Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Patrick Rothfuss and Peter V. Brett however I do this to put readers, who might not have ever read Jean's writing, in mind of how great her epic series is and in no way to take away any of her originality! Her Alrashemni characters namely Elohl and his twin Olea with their wyrric abilities are amazing! The Alrashemni and the secret faction of this group who all bear the blackmark inkings or the red blood inkings of the mountain and five stars are staunch and loyal to their monarchs but are betrayed by the Lothren of the Khehemni but who are these people and why are they so against the Alrashemni? I love Arlen and his rabble rousing, as well as the Jenner faction of Alrashemni and could not stop reading hence have already started reading the 2nd book of the series and i highly recommend this series to all those who love political intrigues, secrets, traitors and heroes and great fighting with a dash of magic enhancement by both men and women!
October 4, 2016
Wow. I think I have just found my new favorite series. Ok, some detail. This book takes a bit of the feel of Game of Thrones, and slows it down to a place that you can understand the different peoples, and their lives. I love that there is still mystery about the characters while you feel as if you get to know them well. And I think the thing that makes me the happiest is that Magic is introduced to this book. But not an "oh, by the way, I will to call the power of lightening", it is subtle, and you start to see early on how there are aspects of magic all around, bit it is almost as if the masses have forgotten it. And you slowly start to see it come into play, but, sticking within the reality of the world created. I love it. You should read it.
June 29, 2017
This was a book that I was prepared to like but found myself disappointed. I read a lot, sometimes a book a day. I have never before said that I couldn't keep the characters straight. This book was so confusing that even after having read more than 70% of the book, a chapter would start and I would ask myself, "Wait, who is this person?" Additionally, I have never had problems with odd names but the names in this book although beautiful, exponentially multiplied the confusion.
I didn't much care for the characters and there were so many of them that surely I should have resonated with someone. Some of the characters reminded me of those from a cartoon since they were so exaggerated in their words and conduct.
I didn't much care for the characters and there were so many of them that surely I should have resonated with someone. Some of the characters reminded me of those from a cartoon since they were so exaggerated in their words and conduct.
February 18, 2021
I found the beginning slow and confusing, but stuck with it and discovered wonderful world building, beautiful prose, and one heck of a plot.
"As with many seminal works, the story centers around an ancient blood feud, reminiscent of Montagues vs. Capulets, Jedi vs. Sith, Kanye West vs. Taylor Swift."
Full review here:
http://fantasy-faction.com/2018/black...
"As with many seminal works, the story centers around an ancient blood feud, reminiscent of Montagues vs. Capulets, Jedi vs. Sith, Kanye West vs. Taylor Swift."
Full review here:
http://fantasy-faction.com/2018/black...
September 4, 2016
Just couldn't get into this book. Almost put it away twice but decided to slug through it. Two main issues. 1) took the author a long time to develop the characters and the plot. Didn't meld them together until late into the book. and 2) way too many curse words. The book became more interesting in the end but I am glad it ended.
August 4, 2017
Fantastic!
A true epic fantasy adventure. Could not put it down until I was finished. The story is fantastic and the characters are well developed. Fast pace action with plenty of magic. I like a story I can emerse myself in and feel like I am there. This book did that and more. A must read for fantasy lovers.
A true epic fantasy adventure. Could not put it down until I was finished. The story is fantastic and the characters are well developed. Fast pace action with plenty of magic. I like a story I can emerse myself in and feel like I am there. This book did that and more. A must read for fantasy lovers.
June 27, 2017
Excellent story that grabs your attention right away, with plenty of action to keep it. The 4 main characters are separated and must somehow find and save themselves as well as the kingdom. Well written to keep you guessing who is aligned with or against our protagonists.
September 4, 2018
Wow. Once again my expectations have been shattered, I am engaged in this story and I believe it is an epic, defining adventure fantasy. Intense, breathtaking landscapes, castles, villains and secrets. An unpredictable ride, action packed and driven with extraordinary, grand world building, complemented by raw, emotional, engaging and in depth characters. Action packed, driven with profound, passionate realism.
A really impressive, well written story. I am beginning book two immediately, a true, vivid engaging story of epic proportions. Well done Jean Lowe Carlson, well done!
A really impressive, well written story. I am beginning book two immediately, a true, vivid engaging story of epic proportions. Well done Jean Lowe Carlson, well done!
March 3, 2024
Amazing fantasy tale from this author comparable with Tolkien. This is not a light read, it is a complex, deep plot with many characters and written from multiple POVs so pay attention. The author takes us on a journey of intrigue, deception and at times violent and heartwrenching. I found myself immersed in this fantastic world and the characters within. I recommend this to any fan of intense fantasy fiction. Off to read Bloodmark now.
A quick note to tell you there are many terms, names and places that may be difficult to pronounce or understand. At the end of each book is an appendix that explains all these so you can refer to that on your journey through this epic world.
A quick note to tell you there are many terms, names and places that may be difficult to pronounce or understand. At the end of each book is an appendix that explains all these so you can refer to that on your journey through this epic world.
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