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The Kin of Kings #5
The Edge of Shadow
In this epic culmination of the series, a betrayal forces Basen and his allies out from the protective walls of the Academy. A ruthless army begins hunting them down with plans of extermination. When Basen is separated from everyone, he must rely on himself to stay alive until he can reunite Kyrro’s Allies. His determination to not only survive, but to lead his army to victory, inspires a plan that will forever change the fate of Ovira. Now he just has to figure out how to implement it.
504 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2016
206 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 24, 2017
New Family!
I give "The Kin of Kings series" 5 stars plus! It clearly matters not what order you read the writings of B.T. Narro in as long as you stay within the "series". After book one I was again one with each character. I knew the love, loss, pain, victory and humor of each one's obstacles and fears. I felt the psyche being used and the weight of the different energies! Love the Krepps and shudder at the thought of febeetles! I knew I was one with the story when my heart raced and my respiration went shallow during the last few chapters when I could not stop reading. Now to enjoy another adventure, uh, five book series... Thank You B.T.!
I give "The Kin of Kings series" 5 stars plus! It clearly matters not what order you read the writings of B.T. Narro in as long as you stay within the "series". After book one I was again one with each character. I knew the love, loss, pain, victory and humor of each one's obstacles and fears. I felt the psyche being used and the weight of the different energies! Love the Krepps and shudder at the thought of febeetles! I knew I was one with the story when my heart raced and my respiration went shallow during the last few chapters when I could not stop reading. Now to enjoy another adventure, uh, five book series... Thank You B.T.!
January 10, 2019
I am having a VERY difficult time finishing this book. The writing is terrible.
I'm very critical later in this review, but that is only because I enjoyed book 2 in this series so much I gave it a 5 star rating. I know the author CAN write, that is why I am frustrated.
It seems to be a trend these days. Are publishers so hard up for books to publish that they'll push their authors for manuscripts and then skimp on the editing process so that they can get the work to the printers faster? I'm starting to suspect this is the case. There are so many books out there where the books just feel unfinished (and I know the writers CAN write).
It is worth taking the time to polish a book up before publishing. The book is going to be circulating in the world (hopefully many years) after you are dead. If it was me, I'd want it to be close to perfect. I'd want to have something out there I can be proud of.
Pros:
1. There are some original ideas. Some tropes are broken, some unexpected things happen.
2. A full cast of characters. I would have wanted to see more of characters other than Basen(Gary Stu).
3. I liked the different races. Elves aside, the Kreps and Sluggari were interesting, as were the Dodericks. (spelling? I listened to the audiobook)
4. Lots of battles and action.
CONS:
1. The writing:
a. The extreme overuse of the word "as". I couldn't get through one minute without hearing "as" at least twice. He got up as he smiled. He spoke as he glanced. Even the characters speak this way. Terrible.
b. The tenses. Incorrect use of, or rather the lack of, past perfect tense was painful. English is my second language, so it is beyond painful to see a 'first-languager' write this way.
c. "Within" is often used when it should simply be "in". The same goes for "upon."
d. "Enemies", "allies". It felt like I could be reading anything, since the enemies were just "the enemies" 90% of the time. It felt like a teenager wrote it. Give the armies names and stick to it.
2. Gary Stu. Basen is super "speshul". He is great at eeeeeverything. In fact he is so good at absolutely everything that He has NO faults. Remember that thing in book 1 he couldn't do? He can do that now and it makes him even more speshul. Yay!
3. "Basen's allies". How on earth am I supposed to believe that this kid Yes, it is fantasy, but we need a little bit of realism to sell it, yes? This "Basen's allies"-business started a few books ago and I had my suspicions then that this was going to end up being a grandiose narcissist trip...
How it could have been better:
4. Complete disregard for the value of human life. Everyone is just an "enemy" that has to die. WTH? Read a book about war. Watch a documentary. Wars are awful. The people on the other side are people too. From their perspective they are the good guys. But in this book the "enemies" are just faceless puppets that need to be cut down like mobs in an RPG. It felt so shallow.
5. Everything was solved too easily. It is war, yes? An army marches on it's stomach, yes?
"Oh dear we don't have enough money for food, what'll we do?"
Basen: "Don't worry, I have an idea!" Goes and does something Problem solved!
No soldiers getting disgruntled. No one going AWOL. No one hates the waiting. No one gets drunk and lets something slip. Nope. Basen had an IDEA, and like everything he does it works out perfectly, because... you guessed it, he's speshul.
At this point I just want to get it over with. Hopefully Basen will die before the end. Obviously he won't, but I'm hoping something surprising will happen.
I would only recommend these books as an entry-level series to fantasy. Should please the casual reader.
I'm very critical later in this review, but that is only because I enjoyed book 2 in this series so much I gave it a 5 star rating. I know the author CAN write, that is why I am frustrated.
It seems to be a trend these days. Are publishers so hard up for books to publish that they'll push their authors for manuscripts and then skimp on the editing process so that they can get the work to the printers faster? I'm starting to suspect this is the case. There are so many books out there where the books just feel unfinished (and I know the writers CAN write).
It is worth taking the time to polish a book up before publishing. The book is going to be circulating in the world (hopefully many years) after you are dead. If it was me, I'd want it to be close to perfect. I'd want to have something out there I can be proud of.
Pros:
1. There are some original ideas. Some tropes are broken, some unexpected things happen.
2. A full cast of characters. I would have wanted to see more of characters other than Basen(Gary Stu).
3. I liked the different races. Elves aside, the Kreps and Sluggari were interesting, as were the Dodericks. (spelling? I listened to the audiobook)
4. Lots of battles and action.
CONS:
1. The writing:
a. The extreme overuse of the word "as". I couldn't get through one minute without hearing "as" at least twice. He got up as he smiled. He spoke as he glanced. Even the characters speak this way. Terrible.
b. The tenses. Incorrect use of, or rather the lack of, past perfect tense was painful. English is my second language, so it is beyond painful to see a 'first-languager' write this way.
c. "Within" is often used when it should simply be "in". The same goes for "upon."
d. "Enemies", "allies". It felt like I could be reading anything, since the enemies were just "the enemies" 90% of the time. It felt like a teenager wrote it. Give the armies names and stick to it.
2. Gary Stu. Basen is super "speshul". He is great at eeeeeverything. In fact he is so good at absolutely everything that He has NO faults. Remember that thing in book 1 he couldn't do? He can do that now and it makes him even more speshul. Yay!
3. "Basen's allies". How on earth am I supposed to believe that this kid Yes, it is fantasy, but we need a little bit of realism to sell it, yes? This "Basen's allies"-business started a few books ago and I had my suspicions then that this was going to end up being a grandiose narcissist trip...
How it could have been better:
4. Complete disregard for the value of human life. Everyone is just an "enemy" that has to die. WTH? Read a book about war. Watch a documentary. Wars are awful. The people on the other side are people too. From their perspective they are the good guys. But in this book the "enemies" are just faceless puppets that need to be cut down like mobs in an RPG. It felt so shallow.
5. Everything was solved too easily. It is war, yes? An army marches on it's stomach, yes?
"Oh dear we don't have enough money for food, what'll we do?"
Basen: "Don't worry, I have an idea!" Goes and does something Problem solved!
No soldiers getting disgruntled. No one going AWOL. No one hates the waiting. No one gets drunk and lets something slip. Nope. Basen had an IDEA, and like everything he does it works out perfectly, because... you guessed it, he's speshul.
At this point I just want to get it over with. Hopefully Basen will die before the end. Obviously he won't, but I'm hoping something surprising will happen.
I would only recommend these books as an entry-level series to fantasy. Should please the casual reader.
August 30, 2017
I have many mixed feelings about the final installment in the Kin of Kings series. First off, when I started reading this book I was completely enthralled with the huge story twist. I got to about 25% in and couldn't stop, finishing the rest in only a couple days. While I absolutely loved the story twist and direction its characters went, there were a couple things that upset me that in the end dropped this rating from a 5 to a 4. First off, there were a handful of characters that used to be major and have a lot of perspectives that partway through were dropped off and given no time at all. I felt cheated that they were discarded so carelessly. A second thing that upset me was the ending, for a couple reasons. While it was a sort of cliche ending it left me dissatisfied by not being cliche enough. I wanted to see Basen get his revenge on those that wronged him, and what we got was not satisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2024
5 Stars!
I rarely give a book a 5 star rating. I gave different books in this series 3's and 4's, but this final culminating book earned a 5 star rating. This is a journey of power, war, magic, becoming, and finally of acceptance and forgiveness. It is about a group of young people that come into their own- overcoming their famous, infamous, cruel, and overbearing parents. Along the way they have teachers, mentors, and friends who live and die in order for them to earn these lessons. It's a series well worth reading.
I rarely give a book a 5 star rating. I gave different books in this series 3's and 4's, but this final culminating book earned a 5 star rating. This is a journey of power, war, magic, becoming, and finally of acceptance and forgiveness. It is about a group of young people that come into their own- overcoming their famous, infamous, cruel, and overbearing parents. Along the way they have teachers, mentors, and friends who live and die in order for them to earn these lessons. It's a series well worth reading.
April 6, 2018
the plan of warr
Basen must plan his multi-sided battles for the most damage using only a few people at a time. troop movement is key to any war and Basen must know every footprint on both sides of the war. losing even one of his key people makes his job very difficult. and this time, they must win in order to save Kyrro
Basen must plan his multi-sided battles for the most damage using only a few people at a time. troop movement is key to any war and Basen must know every footprint on both sides of the war. losing even one of his key people makes his job very difficult. and this time, they must win in order to save Kyrro
September 14, 2018
Amazing
This series is a coming of age fantasy that has many hidden lessons of love sacrifice and forgiveness throughout. It's an exciting page turner that I have missed quite a few hours of sleep over. It's well written and carefully edited. Thank you for keeping me well entertained for a couple weeks.
This series is a coming of age fantasy that has many hidden lessons of love sacrifice and forgiveness throughout. It's an exciting page turner that I have missed quite a few hours of sleep over. It's well written and carefully edited. Thank you for keeping me well entertained for a couple weeks.
November 1, 2018
WOW
What a fantastic read. I love reading fantasy and this series reminds me why. The characters were vibrant. The plot poignant. Romance was perfect.; never mushy but heartfelt. Was absolutely the type of story that bleeds over into ones dream. Darn good job!!
What a fantastic read. I love reading fantasy and this series reminds me why. The characters were vibrant. The plot poignant. Romance was perfect.; never mushy but heartfelt. Was absolutely the type of story that bleeds over into ones dream. Darn good job!!
August 6, 2021
Good ending
The series got pretty boring for a while. Got a little frustrated. I wanted resolution. Got to say he pulled it out at the end. Great battle stories. Impressive personal interaction.
The series got pretty boring for a while. Got a little frustrated. I wanted resolution. Got to say he pulled it out at the end. Great battle stories. Impressive personal interaction.
December 19, 2016
Fantastic Ending
This was the perfect ending to the series. Nothing seemed forced, and there was just the right amount of death. I can't wait for the next one!
This was the perfect ending to the series. Nothing seemed forced, and there was just the right amount of death. I can't wait for the next one!
July 22, 2018
Great series
Well written could not put it down. Truly enjoyed this series would highly recommend all books by BY Narro all are very enjoyable
Well written could not put it down. Truly enjoyed this series would highly recommend all books by BY Narro all are very enjoyable
May 26, 2019
Finale
Awesome finale with tears as treachery abounds and magic intertwined throughout the saga as the are loses, loves and deaths emerge.
Awesome finale with tears as treachery abounds and magic intertwined throughout the saga as the are loses, loves and deaths emerge.
July 15, 2020
WOW
That was a fantastic ending! This was a very good ending to the story. I loved how the story ended!
That was a fantastic ending! This was a very good ending to the story. I loved how the story ended!
June 19, 2021
My review
This was my favorite series yet by Mr narro. Fast paced and an easy one to read. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy.
This was my favorite series yet by Mr narro. Fast paced and an easy one to read. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy.
April 7, 2023
Life challenges
I read all 5 books in this series. They are exciting, loving, mystery, and learning. They keep you reaching for the answers being amazed. Good reading.
I read all 5 books in this series. They are exciting, loving, mystery, and learning. They keep you reaching for the answers being amazed. Good reading.
June 23, 2023
This book was great. I enjoyed the total read, however I could have imagined a thousand endings and never thought of the one that you wrote. It was exceptional!
August 26, 2024
Read this many years ago. Started it again because I forgot I had read it. Then, I remembered. It was an ok read. About book 3 or 4 I started to have problems with the portals.
October 29, 2025
good reading
Nice read with good continuity. It bogged down in a few places; worth the wading. Series is available as Audible and Kindle versions.
Nice read with good continuity. It bogged down in a few places; worth the wading. Series is available as Audible and Kindle versions.
January 18, 2021
Great conclusion
I just love reading interesting well developed series that actually give a well rounded conclusion where we know what each character is going to do in the future. No loose ends, no uncertainties just the way a story is supposed to end.
The last book in Kin of Kings was probably my favorite. It was the most dynamic in my opinion and we see a great development in some of the main characters.
I just love reading interesting well developed series that actually give a well rounded conclusion where we know what each character is going to do in the future. No loose ends, no uncertainties just the way a story is supposed to end.
The last book in Kin of Kings was probably my favorite. It was the most dynamic in my opinion and we see a great development in some of the main characters.
April 26, 2019
A great and well written series. Couldn't put them down, makes you go through all your emotes reading this series. This was a great ending for the series, tying everything together. Basen and his follow sudents makes you root for them thoughout the book. Pick this series to read, you will not be disappointed. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!
December 20, 2016
Very entertaining. Nice to have an ending that has common sense and compromise
Very entertaining. Nice to have an ending that has common sense and compromise. Integrity and Sanya's confusion over what it even is was a good character.
Very entertaining. Nice to have an ending that has common sense and compromise. Integrity and Sanya's confusion over what it even is was a good character.
October 18, 2016
10/10 this
Series was actually quite good and I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys reading. I hope the author doesn't let this glorious story world die.
Series was actually quite good and I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys reading. I hope the author doesn't let this glorious story world die.
October 31, 2016
Good ending
The story came together quite well. I think that this ending was done very well I was really surprised and enjoyed it. Thank you!
The story came together quite well. I think that this ending was done very well I was really surprised and enjoyed it. Thank you!
January 19, 2017
Fitting finale
The whole Kin of Kings series was an excellent read, in my opinion. Book five delivered a particularly satisfying end to the saga.
The whole Kin of Kings series was an excellent read, in my opinion. Book five delivered a particularly satisfying end to the saga.
January 24, 2017
Mage
This book and its following has left me with happiness! I feared for Cleve! he survived and made it past rock break! This entire novel with thrill! Stay focused and intuned/)
This book and its following has left me with happiness! I feared for Cleve! he survived and made it past rock break! This entire novel with thrill! Stay focused and intuned/)
May 25, 2025
There are a lot of things to love about this series and considering the universe continues on that’s a good thing. It’s not perfect but I love it and this book in particular is my favourite.
April 21, 2017
Enjoyed it.
More than pretty okay, but not amazing. I found myself thinking it was written for teenagers a lot. Maybe it was...?
More than pretty okay, but not amazing. I found myself thinking it was written for teenagers a lot. Maybe it was...?
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews