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The Undying King
The stories are told in whispers, even after so of a man whose fair rule soured when he attained eternal youth. Imprisoned by a sorceress wife in a city out of time and place, he has passed into legend. Few believe in him, and fewer would set their hopes on his mercy. But Imogen has no choice. To break the curse that's isolated her since birth, she'll find the Undying King--and answer his secrets with her own... ^^Author The Undying King is a stand-alone (not part of any series) novella of approximately 43,000 words and is also available in a duology titled FOR CROWN AND KINGDOM.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2016
185 people are currently reading
2405 people want to read
About the author
Grace Draven
53 books7,687 followersI'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
May 17, 2017
That was a strange read. At first I was a bit bored in the first part of the book, then I was annoyed in the second part and the last,third, part, made me like this short book. Hence three stars :)
What bored me a bit in the start is that this story felt like a simple read without any strong input into the characters or place. By the time I reached the second part of the book I was a bit annoyed, but then it got worse and I got long episodes of stroking a man and discussing it. Hah, I wouldn't mind it if the male was a cat. I spend at least half an hour to caress my Mr. Purr and he purrs at least!!!! :) Luv ya Mr. purr <3 Anyway, my first thought was
Where was I? Ok, back to ranting. Together with almost endless and aimless stroking, there came some pointless discussions about smut scenes. Oh, I think my eye rolling reached the speed of light back then. To tell the truth, my eye balls exploded as there was some smut hidden there. Ugh.
Annndd let us get back to the part, I enjoyed the most while reading. The third part of the book. That's where I saw the beautiful worldbuilding, the characters got some nice action, some nice scheming was going on and at last I found the aim of this short book. The secrets and revelations were gripping :) So I just need to ask now, what the hell is going on with this book? O.o
So my advice is
What bored me a bit in the start is that this story felt like a simple read without any strong input into the characters or place. By the time I reached the second part of the book I was a bit annoyed, but then it got worse and I got long episodes of stroking a man and discussing it. Hah, I wouldn't mind it if the male was a cat. I spend at least half an hour to caress my Mr. Purr and he purrs at least!!!! :) Luv ya Mr. purr <3 Anyway, my first thought was
Where was I? Ok, back to ranting. Together with almost endless and aimless stroking, there came some pointless discussions about smut scenes. Oh, I think my eye rolling reached the speed of light back then. To tell the truth, my eye balls exploded as there was some smut hidden there. Ugh.
Annndd let us get back to the part, I enjoyed the most while reading. The third part of the book. That's where I saw the beautiful worldbuilding, the characters got some nice action, some nice scheming was going on and at last I found the aim of this short book. The secrets and revelations were gripping :) So I just need to ask now, what the hell is going on with this book? O.o
So my advice is
November 26, 2016
4 "Cededa" stars
Tineroth is real as is her king. His people once called him Cededa the Fair, then Cededa the Butcher, and then they called him no more. Only the carvings on Tineroth's gates remember him and not by name. He drank the Waters and became the Undying King.
Imogen of Leids was raised on these legends, as they were known for thousands of years and yet when her mother on her death bed tells her to seek the very same legend, by revealing her the key to follow in search of the long lost city of Tineroth,
King Cededa, corrupted by immortality and doomed to imprisonment in a city caught between worlds.
as he – the Undying King, holds the answers to lifting her curse.
Can an immortal king truly help a woman who's been born as Death's handmaiden.
And that's the burden Imogen carries with her, her touch brings death, therefore she's never known what skin on skin feels like, she's never touched anyone in her young adult life and the notion that she could be free of that imprisonment fills her with an eagerness and resolvment to set upon that journey.
What she ultimately finds is more than she ever thought possible...
„I saw the man within the king, Sire. Even if you had no way of lifting my bane, i'd remain grateful and happy to the end of my days that I met you, Cededa the fair.“
she's awakened in her senses, as her mere presence brings the same to the imortal man who craves to be just that, after the being depraved of all the senses for so long...
„Your bane has been my blessing. Those desires once dead for me are alive again. I may be resistant to your curse, but I'm no longer resistant to your touch.
„I never thought I'd hold Death...or beg her love and mercy.“
BUT along with the resolution of her burden, she also finds the truth about her past and the ploy to keep her in bonds of her past and yet it's only on her to fight for what she truly wants, or better yet who.
„I will love you until we are both dust when even Tineroth is no more and passes from all memory.“
Ever since I have read Radiance and Eidolon, then Master of Crows series by Grace Draven, she became my one click to buy author. I would jump in blind, no questions asked or whatsoever...that's why making a decision to read The Undying King was the easiest one I have ever made.
And I liked it, I liked it cause I love the way Grace writes and she, again, gave me another reason for an escape into her fantasy world...and boy, what a fantasy that was. I loved her „stepping up“ into the more explicit detailed description of sexual content which actually only made my rating of this novella higher, LOL, but seriously, she emphysized the sensuality of tenderness as she usually writes in that tone, it only made it more palpable!
What I wasn't pleased with, though, was the abrupt ending and not enough explainatory segments that I thought would be significant to the story and its development. Therefore, i felt I was depraved of the full experience I usually get from her masterpieces.
BUT I guess that's always the risk one takes while either writing or reading a novella considering all the segments one must be content with for the full impact.
For more info and reviews visit
April 17, 2017
3.5*
Dark and haunted fairytale with antiheroes, tortured souls and cursed characters instead of heroes, with hot and sexy romance in the middle and enough bloodshed, death and dark magic to chill your blood after. Classic Draven.
Great worldbuilding for such a short story. Haunted ruins of lost Tineroth captured my imagination.
Recommended for darker fairytales and fantasy romance readers.
Dark and haunted fairytale with antiheroes, tortured souls and cursed characters instead of heroes, with hot and sexy romance in the middle and enough bloodshed, death and dark magic to chill your blood after. Classic Draven.
Great worldbuilding for such a short story. Haunted ruins of lost Tineroth captured my imagination.
Recommended for darker fairytales and fantasy romance readers.
December 13, 2016
Grace Draven does many things really, really well. Her book covers are atmospheric and evocative - true art. Her main male characters have anti-hero tendencies that cling much longer than normal, which adds drama and anxiety to an already good story. Her female characters have quirks and a commonality that bring them to normal for the rest of us bourgeois human beings. She has a knack for crafting cold, powerful men undone by their fascination for honest, appealing women. Often there is this twist or unapproachable element that bolsters the narrative, like the hero thinking the heroine has the look of an eel (see Radiance), or in the case of The Undying King, the heroine has a deadly touch. As soon as I heard that, I was intrigued by the exotic possibilities in a romance novel of a woman experiencing touch and giving touch for the first time. Draven did not disappoint.
"Deprived of another's unadorned touch all her life, Imogen drowned in the pleasure of his caress."
Of course, with an undying king and a woman whose touch brings death, the tension in the narrative is sourced from when these two diametrically opposed curses will meet. Every step of the romance, every horror that is revealed, every new sensation experienced is in anticipation of this moment. Yet, the tale didn't go where I thought it would. My imagination wasn't broad enough or bold enough. But Draven's thankfully was. The novel wrapped a little quickly for my taste, but such is the tragedy of choosing to download a novella (approx. 137 pages) rather than a full novel.
A special shout-out to the artwork design by Isis Sousa, which embodies the beauty of Cededa the Fair and the coldness of Cededa the Butcher. Fabulous.
4.5 rounded to 5 stars.
"Deprived of another's unadorned touch all her life, Imogen drowned in the pleasure of his caress."
Of course, with an undying king and a woman whose touch brings death, the tension in the narrative is sourced from when these two diametrically opposed curses will meet. Every step of the romance, every horror that is revealed, every new sensation experienced is in anticipation of this moment. Yet, the tale didn't go where I thought it would. My imagination wasn't broad enough or bold enough. But Draven's thankfully was. The novel wrapped a little quickly for my taste, but such is the tragedy of choosing to download a novella (approx. 137 pages) rather than a full novel.
A special shout-out to the artwork design by Isis Sousa, which embodies the beauty of Cededa the Fair and the coldness of Cededa the Butcher. Fabulous.
4.5 rounded to 5 stars.
May 11, 2017
I liked it. I didn't love it, but I liked it. The story was interesting and so were the characters, however, I felt like Grace Draven only scratched the surface. The world, the future, questions of why magic and such. I have many questions, and I was a bit disappointed in the ending. Also, I wish we had gotten a epilogue or a another book featuring Imogen and Cededa. And things - and people, felt a bit...unconnected to me. Like I had I was meeting them, seeing things without me seeing it/them. Overall, the story was still enjoyable, simple and a quick read. Though understanding the writing and its meanings was a bit confusing... Was the king beautiful? Or scarred?...
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Fantasy Romance
Series: - Standalone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - King Cededa of Tineroth
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - I'm not sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure, it a quick read.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows.
Rating - 3 stars.
“His people once called him Cededa the Fair, then Cededa the Butcher, and then they called him no more.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Fantasy Romance
Series: - Standalone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - King Cededa of Tineroth
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - I'm not sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure, it a quick read.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows.
Rating - 3 stars.
February 23, 2017
This was great! Better as a novella I think than a full scale novel. I'm not an enormous fan of fantasy romance: I've only read one Juliet Marillier book and this is my first by this author, so I'm not really qualified to make this next statement. But....this was like a Juliet Marillier, but briefer and with sex.
August 7, 2017
3.5/5 stars
What an absolutely beautiful and fantastical novella! This is only my second of Grace Draven's books and I am already obsessed with her writing style. She has woven the perfect blend of fantasy, curses and romance into such a small amount of words. It's safe to say that Ms. Draven is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors!
Imogen knows that she has been cursed into being 'death's handmaiden'. If someone was to touch her bare skin, they would die instantly and this as been her life for as long as she can remember. In her last dying moments, Imogen's mother informs her of a way to break the curse...the undying king.
Cededa, the king of Tineroth is trapped between worlds with only the company of his ghosts and past brutalities. Tineroth is a sort of magical world that cannot be seen by outsiders unless they have powerful magic or are guided by the king himself. He is almost completely forgotten and his to many, his existences is merely a fable. Imogen has been told that only him — cursed with immortality can save her from the curse of death.
This was such an interesting and intriguing story packed into such a short book. I hardly ever read novellas or short stories because I'm always worried that the story will be rushed and unsatisfying. I'm glad that I chose The Undying King to bring back my love for novellas because it was super exciting, action packed and completely satisfying. With that said, I still wish this book was a full length novel or even a series because it was just so interesting. I want to hear more about Cededa and his story as well as the newfound relationship between him and Imogen. This author has such a way with creating beautiful characters and magical lands that just keep me hooked.
I was a little confused at the start of the novel and had absolutely no clue what was happening. We are just thrown in the middle of a story and are expected to keep up with all the new information we receive. It's so hard to understand an entire magic system and grasp a completely orginal world in such a short amount of time. I felt overwhelmed and as if the author had just info-dumped in the first one or two chapters. I think that if this were a full novel, the information would have been more spread out making the book much easier to get into.
I had a bumpy start in the first couple of chapters but after that, I was completely captivated by the story. As soon as Imogen set off on her journey, I felt as if the book became more consistent and much easier to follow. By the time she reached Tineroth, I was 100% invested in the story and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
I was extremely surprised with romance in this book. Instead of if being rushed and unbelievable, the author was able to creat a genuine and believable connection in such a small amount of time. I loved the scenes between Imogen and Cededa and felt their chemistry immediately. Imogen, due to her deadly touch, had never felt intimacy until Cededa. Due to the king's own curse, he was able to withstand Imogen's touch and even become awakened by it. Imogen discovered the pleasure of human touch and it made every interaction between them so much more sensual and erotic because she was only now discovering these pleasures.
I was complete taken aback by the sex scenes in this book. As a lover of romance, I am no stranger to erotic scenes but I just didn't expect it in this book. I thought this was going to be a totally clean romance but, whew, I was definitely wrong. I definitely blushed more than once in this book!
“I never thought I’d hold Death,” he whispered in the darkness. “Or beg her love and mercy.”
What an absolutely beautiful and fantastical novella! This is only my second of Grace Draven's books and I am already obsessed with her writing style. She has woven the perfect blend of fantasy, curses and romance into such a small amount of words. It's safe to say that Ms. Draven is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors!
Imogen knows that she has been cursed into being 'death's handmaiden'. If someone was to touch her bare skin, they would die instantly and this as been her life for as long as she can remember. In her last dying moments, Imogen's mother informs her of a way to break the curse...the undying king.
His people once called him Cededa the Fair, then Cededa the Butcher, and then they called him no more. Only the carvings on Tineroth's gates remember him and not by name. He drank the Waters and became the Undying King.
Cededa, the king of Tineroth is trapped between worlds with only the company of his ghosts and past brutalities. Tineroth is a sort of magical world that cannot be seen by outsiders unless they have powerful magic or are guided by the king himself. He is almost completely forgotten and his to many, his existences is merely a fable. Imogen has been told that only him — cursed with immortality can save her from the curse of death.
This was such an interesting and intriguing story packed into such a short book. I hardly ever read novellas or short stories because I'm always worried that the story will be rushed and unsatisfying. I'm glad that I chose The Undying King to bring back my love for novellas because it was super exciting, action packed and completely satisfying. With that said, I still wish this book was a full length novel or even a series because it was just so interesting. I want to hear more about Cededa and his story as well as the newfound relationship between him and Imogen. This author has such a way with creating beautiful characters and magical lands that just keep me hooked.
I was a little confused at the start of the novel and had absolutely no clue what was happening. We are just thrown in the middle of a story and are expected to keep up with all the new information we receive. It's so hard to understand an entire magic system and grasp a completely orginal world in such a short amount of time. I felt overwhelmed and as if the author had just info-dumped in the first one or two chapters. I think that if this were a full novel, the information would have been more spread out making the book much easier to get into.
I had a bumpy start in the first couple of chapters but after that, I was completely captivated by the story. As soon as Imogen set off on her journey, I felt as if the book became more consistent and much easier to follow. By the time she reached Tineroth, I was 100% invested in the story and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
I was extremely surprised with romance in this book. Instead of if being rushed and unbelievable, the author was able to creat a genuine and believable connection in such a small amount of time. I loved the scenes between Imogen and Cededa and felt their chemistry immediately. Imogen, due to her deadly touch, had never felt intimacy until Cededa. Due to the king's own curse, he was able to withstand Imogen's touch and even become awakened by it. Imogen discovered the pleasure of human touch and it made every interaction between them so much more sensual and erotic because she was only now discovering these pleasures.
I was complete taken aback by the sex scenes in this book. As a lover of romance, I am no stranger to erotic scenes but I just didn't expect it in this book. I thought this was going to be a totally clean romance but, whew, I was definitely wrong. I definitely blushed more than once in this book!
“Why are you here, Imogen?”
“Because you’re here.” She planted soft kisses on his cheeks, his hairline. “I want to stay. You are home to me and so is Tineroth.”
August 11, 2019
The Undying King is part beauty and the beast retelling, part fantasy romance and it all adds up into a great read. Friends have been recommending Grace Draven's books for years but it was only after reading Phoenix Unbound that I realised how much I'd been missing out. Now after enjoying this book too I'm planning on working my way through the rest of her backlist as soon as I get a chance.
Imogen has spent her whole life living with a curse and unable to have skin to skin contact with anyone without causing their death. Her mother helped her live in isolation but on her deathbed she offered Imogen a glimmer of hope telling her that if she could track down the Undying King he would be able to cure her. The Undying King is living with a curse of his own though, he achieved eternal youth but ended up imprisoned alone in a lost city. Most people don't even believe the legends anymore but Imogen is desperate and she'll take any chance she can for the possibility of a normal life.
I really enjoyed this story and found it easy to root for Imogen and Cededa, I liked the hints of beauty and the beast but that it was still completely it's own story. The world building was good but I have to admit I wanted a little more of that side, this is a relatively short book and as a stand alone it didn't have a lot of time to delve into a detailed new world. I was also hoping for more at the end, it finished a little abruptly and left me wishing for a sequel. It was still a great story though and I have very high expectations for this author's other books.
Imogen has spent her whole life living with a curse and unable to have skin to skin contact with anyone without causing their death. Her mother helped her live in isolation but on her deathbed she offered Imogen a glimmer of hope telling her that if she could track down the Undying King he would be able to cure her. The Undying King is living with a curse of his own though, he achieved eternal youth but ended up imprisoned alone in a lost city. Most people don't even believe the legends anymore but Imogen is desperate and she'll take any chance she can for the possibility of a normal life.
I really enjoyed this story and found it easy to root for Imogen and Cededa, I liked the hints of beauty and the beast but that it was still completely it's own story. The world building was good but I have to admit I wanted a little more of that side, this is a relatively short book and as a stand alone it didn't have a lot of time to delve into a detailed new world. I was also hoping for more at the end, it finished a little abruptly and left me wishing for a sequel. It was still a great story though and I have very high expectations for this author's other books.
own-need-to-read
February 10, 2017This story, THE UNDYING KING by Grace Draven, was gifted to me by Beanbag in protest of the outrageous prices professional publishers are charging for their books. She's chosen a few of her very favorite INDY published books to share with some of her Goodreads friends. She explains her unusual form of protest beautifully, here: Beanbag's Review of J.R. WARD's Blood Vow
A glimpse of what she has to say:
A glimpse of what she has to say:
"But some of us are just plain tired of being played for chumps and something that might seem like just a few bucks give or take ... well there's that one last straw that breaks the camel's back. Frankly, it's insulting, and my money goes where I want it to go. Because while authors may not be their readers' bitches (thank you Neil Gaiman for that one), readers are not authors' bitches either."Please take a moment to visit her "review" of Blood Vow to read for yourself all that she has to say!
July 13, 2017
If you're looking for a nice short read, you can check out Grace Draven's novellas.
The Undying King is a fun read but it leaves me hanging and wanting for more. I wish this is a full length novel because Grace Draven fucking knows how to create a fantasy land filled with characters that leaves a mark into you.
The Undying King is a fun read but it leaves me hanging and wanting for more. I wish this is a full length novel because Grace Draven fucking knows how to create a fantasy land filled with characters that leaves a mark into you.
February 10, 2017
http://bookslifewine.com/r-the-undyin...
"It's no tale, girl, but the truth. Tineroth is real as is her king. His people once called him Cededa the Fair, then Cededa the Butcher, and then they called him no more. Only the carvings on Tineroth's gates remember him and not by name. He drank the Waters and became the Undying King."
-location 142
Strangely enough, I learned about the release of The Undying King via Ilona Andrews instead of Grace Draven. As soon as she mentioned the release, I purchased a copy and started reading.
The Undying King is (what I call) typical Grace Draven. The hero, Cededa, is unnaturally gorgeous and incredibly broody. He’s a damaged hero who had to go through a pretty serious redemption in order to get his HEA. In The Undying King, Cededa is imprisoned in the ruined fabled city of Tineroth alone. Unable to die and unable to leave, Cededa and his prison are set out of time and are considered rumors only. I liked Cededa but I never got attached to him. Imogen, the heroine, is a pretty typical Grace Draven heroine as well. She is intelligent, kind and pretty self-sufficient. She is not a maiden waiting for some shining Knight to show up – and I love that about her. Imogen isn’t plain but she isn’t a great beauty...and she is cursed. Imogen was cursed as a baby – how and why she does not know – and her touch brings death. She’s often referred to “Death’s Handmaiden” in the story.
Imogen goes to Cededa after the death of her mother – who believed that Cededa would be able to remove Imogen’s curse.
Interestingly, the conflict in The Undying King is twofold: one is external and one emotional. Imogen is wanted as wife by a local king – her presence/marriage to her would give this king trading rights that he desperately wants. He dispatches his mage and a battalion to forcibly bring her to him. This is the external conflict and I can admit that I really disliked the way the conflict and resolution were handled. The emotional conflict revolves around Cededa’s broodiness (of course) as well as the details behind how he became known as Cededa the Butcher. This conflict I feel was...expected so not a surprise. The way this (these?) conflicts were handled worked for me – mostly because I felt Imogen would have had to be an idiot (and she’s not) to at least not have given this/these situation(s) some [previous] thought.
The final resolution of the story left me feeling conflicted. I felt the ending was rather realistic but I wanted a bit more. In comparison to other works by Ms Draven (Master of Crows, Entreat Me) I feel that The Undying King has the proper amount of angst and atmosphere but is a little lightweight on the depth.
All in all, I really enjoyed The Undying King and I do recommend it.
"It's no tale, girl, but the truth. Tineroth is real as is her king. His people once called him Cededa the Fair, then Cededa the Butcher, and then they called him no more. Only the carvings on Tineroth's gates remember him and not by name. He drank the Waters and became the Undying King."
-location 142
Strangely enough, I learned about the release of The Undying King via Ilona Andrews instead of Grace Draven. As soon as she mentioned the release, I purchased a copy and started reading.
The Undying King is (what I call) typical Grace Draven. The hero, Cededa, is unnaturally gorgeous and incredibly broody. He’s a damaged hero who had to go through a pretty serious redemption in order to get his HEA. In The Undying King, Cededa is imprisoned in the ruined fabled city of Tineroth alone. Unable to die and unable to leave, Cededa and his prison are set out of time and are considered rumors only. I liked Cededa but I never got attached to him. Imogen, the heroine, is a pretty typical Grace Draven heroine as well. She is intelligent, kind and pretty self-sufficient. She is not a maiden waiting for some shining Knight to show up – and I love that about her. Imogen isn’t plain but she isn’t a great beauty...and she is cursed. Imogen was cursed as a baby – how and why she does not know – and her touch brings death. She’s often referred to “Death’s Handmaiden” in the story.
Imogen goes to Cededa after the death of her mother – who believed that Cededa would be able to remove Imogen’s curse.
Interestingly, the conflict in The Undying King is twofold: one is external and one emotional. Imogen is wanted as wife by a local king – her presence/marriage to her would give this king trading rights that he desperately wants. He dispatches his mage and a battalion to forcibly bring her to him. This is the external conflict and I can admit that I really disliked the way the conflict and resolution were handled. The emotional conflict revolves around Cededa’s broodiness (of course) as well as the details behind how he became known as Cededa the Butcher. This conflict I feel was...expected so not a surprise. The way this (these?) conflicts were handled worked for me – mostly because I felt Imogen would have had to be an idiot (and she’s not) to at least not have given this/these situation(s) some [previous] thought.
The final resolution of the story left me feeling conflicted. I felt the ending was rather realistic but I wanted a bit more. In comparison to other works by Ms Draven (Master of Crows, Entreat Me) I feel that The Undying King has the proper amount of angst and atmosphere but is a little lightweight on the depth.
All in all, I really enjoyed The Undying King and I do recommend it.
December 16, 2016
3.5-stars
Cursed with a deadly touch since birth, Imogen wanted to live a normal life.
Trapped in the ruins of his humanity, Cededa, the undying king, wanted to die a normal death.
Grace Draven is in the list of my favorite authors, and reading her novella-length book is like taking a short trip to the fantasy land filled with magic, and intriguing characters. The tale of Imogen and Cededa didn’t leave readers hanging off the cliff, but it did end in a rush.
Cursed with a deadly touch since birth, Imogen wanted to live a normal life.
Trapped in the ruins of his humanity, Cededa, the undying king, wanted to die a normal death.
Grace Draven is in the list of my favorite authors, and reading her novella-length book is like taking a short trip to the fantasy land filled with magic, and intriguing characters. The tale of Imogen and Cededa didn’t leave readers hanging off the cliff, but it did end in a rush.
January 6, 2017
Ms Draven knows how to capture my heart and my imagination, and sweep me up in an unforgettable fantasy adventure. The Undying King was captivating and intriguing. It was beautiful and sweet. It was romantic and erotic. It was tragic and uplifting. But what stole my heart was the exquisite, richly descriptive writing style.
In order to break her life-long curse where her touch is death, Imogen must find the Undying King: a fabled king corrupted by immortality and doomed to imprisonment in a city caught between worlds. His people once called him Cededa the Fair, then Cededa the Butcher, and then they called him no more. Imogen was expecting to find a great warrior and mage, but she never imagined to find such powerful, broken, tormented, intriguing man.
"I'd never thought I'd meet a king," she said in a sleepy voice. "Especially a fabled one."
"I never thought I'd hold Death," he whispered in the darkness. "Or beg her love and mercy.".
I love this book. It's brilliantly written and not the typical romance. I'd recommend any fantasy fan to give it a try.
In order to break her life-long curse where her touch is death, Imogen must find the Undying King: a fabled king corrupted by immortality and doomed to imprisonment in a city caught between worlds. His people once called him Cededa the Fair, then Cededa the Butcher, and then they called him no more. Imogen was expecting to find a great warrior and mage, but she never imagined to find such powerful, broken, tormented, intriguing man.
"I'd never thought I'd meet a king," she said in a sleepy voice. "Especially a fabled one."
"I never thought I'd hold Death," he whispered in the darkness. "Or beg her love and mercy.".
I love this book. It's brilliantly written and not the typical romance. I'd recommend any fantasy fan to give it a try.
January 30, 2018
I think I would've loved this had THE UNDYING KING been a full-length novel. Which, full disclosure, is what I thought it was when I picked it up.
I love how Draven weaves her fantasy worlds. Filled with flawed, imperfect, redeemable characters, interesting fantastical elements, and fascinating magic. This one gave me slight shades of Beauty and the Beast but not in a traditional way. I so enjoyed how these two characters fit together but I also wish everything had just been.. more.
I might come back and round this one up but for now..
3.75 stars
I love how Draven weaves her fantasy worlds. Filled with flawed, imperfect, redeemable characters, interesting fantastical elements, and fascinating magic. This one gave me slight shades of Beauty and the Beast but not in a traditional way. I so enjoyed how these two characters fit together but I also wish everything had just been.. more.
I might come back and round this one up but for now..
3.75 stars
October 25, 2020
After loving Radiance this book was such a huge letdown. The circumstance that Imogen is cursed with and the Undying King cannot, well, die, were means to make the romance and the sex a little more spicy, at least that's the feeling I got. For example: "He stood still and enjoyed the once forgotten sensations of an erection."
There was no engaging plot, nothing I haven't already read 100 times before (and some of those times it was way better done). And what was his obsession with possessing/claiming her ("Her contented sigh echoed his as he possessed her once more." *gags*) as well as her being a virgin? Besides, this guy was a walking red flag. One of his bynames was "The Butcher". Yeah, I'd fuck him as well before answering questions about this, which superficial being wouldn't? *rolls eyes* And "In the darkest hours, the Undying King entered her room on silent feet and stood sentinel by her bed, admiring her beauty." Maybe this king and Edward Cullen are relatives?
So, if you want to waste your time on this book, you do you, but I wouldn't recommend it.
There was no engaging plot, nothing I haven't already read 100 times before (and some of those times it was way better done). And what was his obsession with possessing/claiming her ("Her contented sigh echoed his as he possessed her once more." *gags*) as well as her being a virgin? Besides, this guy was a walking red flag. One of his bynames was "The Butcher". Yeah, I'd fuck him as well before answering questions about this, which superficial being wouldn't? *rolls eyes* And "In the darkest hours, the Undying King entered her room on silent feet and stood sentinel by her bed, admiring her beauty." Maybe this king and Edward Cullen are relatives?
So, if you want to waste your time on this book, you do you, but I wouldn't recommend it.
March 27, 2017
In the Undying King, we get a brief tale of two beings who were absolutely, positively made only for each other. She? Cursed with the touch of death. He? Cursed with immortality. She longs for the touch of another she cannot kill and he longs to die.
See? Made for eachother, because this is the epitome of two wrongs making a right- their curses cancel each other out. :) sigh. Utterly romantic, if macabre if you think about it. haha
As I was reading this I thought, "This is the story that I wanted for Paris” an untouchable from another paranormal romance series. The story we never got. sigh.
Grace Draven is definitely an one of few auto buys anymore. She expertly weaves fantastical settings with steamy romance- mmmm my favorite! I just wish it had been longer.
OH and she also receives the praise due a goddess for the price points on her books. All Hail.
See? Made for eachother, because this is the epitome of two wrongs making a right- their curses cancel each other out. :) sigh. Utterly romantic, if macabre if you think about it. haha
As I was reading this I thought, "This is the story that I wanted for Paris” an untouchable from another paranormal romance series. The story we never got. sigh.
Grace Draven is definitely an one of few auto buys anymore. She expertly weaves fantastical settings with steamy romance- mmmm my favorite! I just wish it had been longer.
OH and she also receives the praise due a goddess for the price points on her books. All Hail.
no-dnf-zzz-avoid
July 20, 2016DNF
January 6, 2019
3.5 stars
I liked so much about this short read (140 pages). The story, the characters, the world had the high quality I expect and love from Grace Draven but it felt a little rushed at the end and I felt the story could have been fuller.
Imogen and Ceceder were fantastic characters, unusual, strong-minded with slow building but fantastic chemistry. The romance and intimacy was superb and Grace Draven excels at writing these parts without one bit of awkwardness.
The bottom line is, I just wanted more story and story development from a certain point. Clearly, I still liked this story and I’m a staunch fan of the author. All her books are an automatic read for me. If you are a fan, it is definitely worth reading and it will hold you over until her next book release.
I liked so much about this short read (140 pages). The story, the characters, the world had the high quality I expect and love from Grace Draven but it felt a little rushed at the end and I felt the story could have been fuller.
Imogen and Ceceder were fantastic characters, unusual, strong-minded with slow building but fantastic chemistry. The romance and intimacy was superb and Grace Draven excels at writing these parts without one bit of awkwardness.
The bottom line is, I just wanted more story and story development from a certain point. Clearly, I still liked this story and I’m a staunch fan of the author. All her books are an automatic read for me. If you are a fan, it is definitely worth reading and it will hold you over until her next book release.
February 13, 2021
”His people once called him Cededa the Fair, then Cededa the Butcher, and then they called him no more.”
Тази повест има невероятните предимства да не е YA и да не е 3 тома с тръшкане и ученически вълнения.
Това е и недостатъкът и. Светът на Тинерот не е развит в много детайли, събитията от миналото са бегло загатнати, куп въпроси остават без отговор. Да я беше подхванал дядо Мартин, щеше поне едни 1000 страници да изцеди от сюжета, а ако се беше заел и с 4-те хилядолетия минала история - поне 5 тома, плюс един с разкази от предисторията.
Но пък точно заради краткостта и факта, че героите не са с манталитет на 13-годишни, сюжетът не дразни и осигурява приятно изкарване.
3,5 звезди
Тази повест има невероятните предимства да не е YA и да не е 3 тома с тръшкане и ученически вълнения.
Това е и недостатъкът и. Светът на Тинерот не е развит в много детайли, събитията от миналото са бегло загатнати, куп въпроси остават без отговор. Да я беше подхванал дядо Мартин, щеше поне едни 1000 страници да изцеди от сюжета, а ако се беше заел и с 4-те хилядолетия минала история - поне 5 тома, плюс един с разкази от предисторията.
Но пък точно заради краткостта и факта, че героите не са с манталитет на 13-годишни, сюжетът не дразни и осигурява приятно изкарване.
3,5 звезди
June 27, 2018
This is a Grace Draven book. Grace Draven writes one type of book - fantasy romance and she does it VERY well. This is a novella that was originally available in a bind up called For Crown and Kingdom.
Imogen is cursed. She will give death to those she touches, so she must ensure that she does not accidentally come into contact with another person. With the death of her mother, she is sent on a quest to find the person that may be able to help her lift her curse. This will put her into contact with The Undying King. Of course, since this is a romance, it'll lead to some slow build-up and then an eventual romance.
Unfortunately since this was just a novella, there were some (I think) pacing issues. The beginning was a bit slow, the two leads meet, then there is some smutty sections and most of the world-building seemed to come at the end. That seemed a little odd to me, and it was unfortunate, since Grace usually does a great job of world-building. I wish that it had been a bit longer, since the ending seemed rather abrupt.
Imogen is cursed. She will give death to those she touches, so she must ensure that she does not accidentally come into contact with another person. With the death of her mother, she is sent on a quest to find the person that may be able to help her lift her curse. This will put her into contact with The Undying King. Of course, since this is a romance, it'll lead to some slow build-up and then an eventual romance.
Unfortunately since this was just a novella, there were some (I think) pacing issues. The beginning was a bit slow, the two leads meet, then there is some smutty sections and most of the world-building seemed to come at the end. That seemed a little odd to me, and it was unfortunate, since Grace usually does a great job of world-building. I wish that it had been a bit longer, since the ending seemed rather abrupt.
December 11, 2016
I love the Beauty and the Beast trope, but I admit it's gotten a bit stale. Not this one, though! This was so good I stared at the last page trying to will more into existence. Grace Draven has such a way with a story like this.
Imogen has a curse which brings death to anyone who touches her skin. She has spent her life without touching anyone, knowing she can never have the love of a man or children.
Cededa is cursed with immortality. He's been alive for around four thousand years and his weariness and regret are palpable. There is no hope for him whatsoever.
This is a novella that tells a complete story. Both lead characters are rich and interesting, their relationship is complex and satisfying and the challenges they face are daunting. It's just a really beautifully told story, IMO. Sexy too.
This is a one shot, so if you're interested in trying Draven without committing to a longer read, this would be a great place to start.
Imogen has a curse which brings death to anyone who touches her skin. She has spent her life without touching anyone, knowing she can never have the love of a man or children.
Cededa is cursed with immortality. He's been alive for around four thousand years and his weariness and regret are palpable. There is no hope for him whatsoever.
This is a novella that tells a complete story. Both lead characters are rich and interesting, their relationship is complex and satisfying and the challenges they face are daunting. It's just a really beautifully told story, IMO. Sexy too.
This is a one shot, so if you're interested in trying Draven without committing to a longer read, this would be a great place to start.
August 18, 2017
A fairly short read, yet it packs a wallop. Not a light romance by any means. A dark Fairy tale.
Cededa the undying King meets Imogen the death-bringer.
Cededa has lived for thousands of years and feels nothing. Imogen grew up in secret with her foster mother to whom Cededa owes a boon. Upon her mother's death Imogen travels to Cededa to see if he can lift her curse. Meanwhile there are greedy evil villains out to get what they can from the both of them. Can Cededa feel love? Has he ever felt love? Can Imogen forgive all that has happened to her. if ever there was an innocent victim! But she has a will of steel and she's nobody's fool.
A beautifully crafted tale by an author whose work I admire. It does have an HEA... of sorts.
Cededa the undying King meets Imogen the death-bringer.
Cededa has lived for thousands of years and feels nothing. Imogen grew up in secret with her foster mother to whom Cededa owes a boon. Upon her mother's death Imogen travels to Cededa to see if he can lift her curse. Meanwhile there are greedy evil villains out to get what they can from the both of them. Can Cededa feel love? Has he ever felt love? Can Imogen forgive all that has happened to her. if ever there was an innocent victim! But she has a will of steel and she's nobody's fool.
A beautifully crafted tale by an author whose work I admire. It does have an HEA... of sorts.
January 1, 2017
A new novella by Grace Draven. A fairytale with hints of Beauty and the Beast and then some. She's not exactly a beauty and he is not exactly a beast, but parts of the plot reminded me.
The story is fairly predictable, there are no great surprises and no nail-biting tension. But it is still an entertaining tale, if you are looking for a quick read and like fairytales.
The story is fairly predictable, there are no great surprises and no nail-biting tension. But it is still an entertaining tale, if you are looking for a quick read and like fairytales.
December 31, 2016
Love it!
A beautiful novella about two cursed people, brought together by fate. Set in a fantasy realm, with magic and sorcery, Grace Draven weaves an enchanting tale. Will be reading again.
Loved the cover! Reminds me of a blonde Raistlin from the Dragonlance books.
A beautiful novella about two cursed people, brought together by fate. Set in a fantasy realm, with magic and sorcery, Grace Draven weaves an enchanting tale. Will be reading again.
Loved the cover! Reminds me of a blonde Raistlin from the Dragonlance books.
April 27, 2017
I loved it! I love all of her books! Loved it!!!
March 15, 2019
3 1/2 stars
This tale had great potential but it felt somewhat unfinished when I reached the end.
I was intrigued by the rather interesting dynamics between Imogen (death's handmaiden) and Cededa (immortal king) and liked the oppositions/contrasts that formed the whole.
I also enjoyed some of the beautiful descriptions and unique imagery in this tale, and was fascinated by the mysterious circumstances that dictated and shaped the lives of the main characters.
But it felt like certain question marks were still lingering, that the villains hadn't been dealt with in a way that brought forth a sense of justice for this reader, and that certain aspects were yet to be resolved beyond the inevitable declarations of love.
Imogen and Cededa being together in the end was both expected and appreciated, but for some odd reason, it just feels like there's more to this story. And that the desired conclusion is still out there, trapped between worlds like the lost city of Tineroth and its undying king...
This tale had great potential but it felt somewhat unfinished when I reached the end.
I was intrigued by the rather interesting dynamics between Imogen (death's handmaiden) and Cededa (immortal king) and liked the oppositions/contrasts that formed the whole.
I also enjoyed some of the beautiful descriptions and unique imagery in this tale, and was fascinated by the mysterious circumstances that dictated and shaped the lives of the main characters.
But it felt like certain question marks were still lingering, that the villains hadn't been dealt with in a way that brought forth a sense of justice for this reader, and that certain aspects were yet to be resolved beyond the inevitable declarations of love.
Imogen and Cededa being together in the end was both expected and appreciated, but for some odd reason, it just feels like there's more to this story. And that the desired conclusion is still out there, trapped between worlds like the lost city of Tineroth and its undying king...
March 5, 2018
I have found another favorite author of mine. Grace Draven writes high fantasy sublimely and I'm addicted. The Undying King is a novella, unrelated to any of her other books, and it's awesome.
What I really appreciate with Grace's writing style is that she doesn't waste time in useless explanations/descriptions. She goes straight to the point and I find this very enjoyable. Makes for an even more interesting read. The Undying King is indeed a novella but it doesn't feel that way at all, as I've said, Grace writes what needs to be written so even if the book is short, it does not impact the story.
I absolutely loved both characters. Cededa is quite complex, he's very old and wasn't always the man he is now. He used to be a cruel ruler until fate caught up with him and forced him to forever live in his Kingdom, Tineroth, alone and tormented by his past mistakes. As for Imogen, she's a sheltered young woman with a death curse, anything she touches, dies. After her adoptive mother dies, she goes on a quest to fulfill her late mother's last wish: find the Undying King so he may cure her from her curse.
For such a short book, The Undying King was enthralling and full of surprises. I wasn't bored once and I fell in love with the characters and the story right from the start. I'm a sucker for a good redemption story with an innocent heroine and a sweet/sexy romance, this book had it all.
If you're in the mood for a high fantasy romance but you don't want to read a 600 pages long book, The Undying King is definitely a book you should add to your TBR!
What I really appreciate with Grace's writing style is that she doesn't waste time in useless explanations/descriptions. She goes straight to the point and I find this very enjoyable. Makes for an even more interesting read. The Undying King is indeed a novella but it doesn't feel that way at all, as I've said, Grace writes what needs to be written so even if the book is short, it does not impact the story.
I absolutely loved both characters. Cededa is quite complex, he's very old and wasn't always the man he is now. He used to be a cruel ruler until fate caught up with him and forced him to forever live in his Kingdom, Tineroth, alone and tormented by his past mistakes. As for Imogen, she's a sheltered young woman with a death curse, anything she touches, dies. After her adoptive mother dies, she goes on a quest to fulfill her late mother's last wish: find the Undying King so he may cure her from her curse.
For such a short book, The Undying King was enthralling and full of surprises. I wasn't bored once and I fell in love with the characters and the story right from the start. I'm a sucker for a good redemption story with an innocent heroine and a sweet/sexy romance, this book had it all.
If you're in the mood for a high fantasy romance but you don't want to read a 600 pages long book, The Undying King is definitely a book you should add to your TBR!
February 2, 2017
Imogen of Leids is a "Deaths handmaiden" her very touch kills so she has been raised in isolation and under a magic spell that disguises her true form and keeps people away. Now however her foster mother a powerful witch is dying.
Before using her cursed touch to ease her mothers suffering ,she is given an amulet,a key to of Tineroth a city of legend. Perhaps if she seek out the immortal sorcerer king he will be able to cure her of her affliction.
Caught between a "meh" and a "at least it wasnt horrible"
The beginning seemed rather promising until heroine actually arrives in the city. Then the story and romance feels rushed. More lust than love.
I also found it a bit offputting that Cededa the Fair aka the Butcher came across so cold and unfeeling in regards to some events that happened in the past.
Maybe this story could have been expanded to a longer format to realize its potential but as it is now I would rather re-read Master of Crows
Is Tineroth the same city/ruin as the one Silhara and Martise visit and only just escape in that book by the way? I got that impression.
Before using her cursed touch to ease her mothers suffering ,she is given an amulet,a key to of Tineroth a city of legend. Perhaps if she seek out the immortal sorcerer king he will be able to cure her of her affliction.
Caught between a "meh" and a "at least it wasnt horrible"
The beginning seemed rather promising until heroine actually arrives in the city. Then the story and romance feels rushed. More lust than love.
I also found it a bit offputting that Cededa the Fair aka the Butcher came across so cold and unfeeling in regards to some events that happened in the past.
Maybe this story could have been expanded to a longer format to realize its potential but as it is now I would rather re-read Master of Crows
Is Tineroth the same city/ruin as the one Silhara and Martise visit and only just escape in that book by the way? I got that impression.
June 11, 2019
3.5 ★
Made me think of a “Beauty & the Beast” retelling, but with added magic and cuses, and sexual scenes that are worthy of an erotica.
The characters are well written (intelligent and independent female; anti-hero male character), the romance is not rushed, but built-up and seemingly real, and the descriptions are masterfully done, so you can easily imagine the eerie bridge and the misterious Tineroth ruins.
The worldbuilding is quite ok, especially considering the story’s length, although (1) the magic could have used a little more detailing and (2) I was not very clear about the timeline: Cededa is 4000 yo, Niamh met him sometimes after he was burnt, but Tineroth disappeared and became of legend some few hundred years ago I think, so how old was the witch Niamh?
The ending was a bit rushed, but I really liked Grace Draven's writing and I'll check some more of her works.
Tags: romance, fantasy, magic, adventures
Made me think of a “Beauty & the Beast” retelling, but with added magic and cuses, and sexual scenes that are worthy of an erotica.
The characters are well written (intelligent and independent female; anti-hero male character), the romance is not rushed, but built-up and seemingly real, and the descriptions are masterfully done, so you can easily imagine the eerie bridge and the misterious Tineroth ruins.
The worldbuilding is quite ok, especially considering the story’s length, although (1) the magic could have used a little more detailing and (2) I was not very clear about the timeline: Cededa is 4000 yo, Niamh met him sometimes after he was burnt, but Tineroth disappeared and became of legend some few hundred years ago I think, so how old was the witch Niamh?
The ending was a bit rushed, but I really liked Grace Draven's writing and I'll check some more of her works.
Tags: romance, fantasy, magic, adventures
January 4, 2017
I had no idea this book existed! I think I overlooked it because it was part of a duology.
Grace Draven writes some of the best couples in fantasy romance. I fell asleep rereading Master of Crows last night. Silhara is protobae.
As everyone else seems to be saying about The Undying King, I wish it was a full length novel but honestly I don't feel cheated.
We got all the meat and good stuff. Everything else would have been padding (albeit very welcome padding) that I would end up skipping anyways on a re-read.
Grace Draven writes some of the best couples in fantasy romance. I fell asleep rereading Master of Crows last night. Silhara is protobae.
As everyone else seems to be saying about The Undying King, I wish it was a full length novel but honestly I don't feel cheated.
We got all the meat and good stuff. Everything else would have been padding (albeit very welcome padding) that I would end up skipping anyways on a re-read.
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