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Kingslayer
King Harold Fyedragon is dead, murdered in his own bed by a lowborn knight who has since fled the capital. It falls to his disabled son, Prince Gideon, to bring the rogue knight to justice and stamp out a plot to steal the Cantarian throne.
To this end, he hires a local bounty hunter, Brandon Piper. Together, the two of them will travel across the sea in pursuit of the knight, and there learn dark secrets that have been locked away deep in King Harold's palace...
To this end, he hires a local bounty hunter, Brandon Piper. Together, the two of them will travel across the sea in pursuit of the knight, and there learn dark secrets that have been locked away deep in King Harold's palace...
283 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Joshua A. Harris
5 books20 followersJoshua has existed for most of his life in the south of England, and despises bios which open with one's love for something mundane, such as coffee.
His first published work was the short comic book 'Samurai Bears', published by Subversive Comics in May 2015. Since then, Joshua has written several works, including the first three novels in the 'Tales From Arlanon' series. He is currently writing a graphic novel called 'Teachers', a murder mystery set at a high school, to be published and released by TPub in 2019.
Joshua doesn't really believe in genre, but if his work had to be categorised, he would prefer the label 'comedic horrifying dramatic serious non-serious fantasy adventure mystery bonanza'.
When not writing or doing his day job as a lecturer, Joshua likes to play video games, attempt to socialise, and attempt even harder to play music.
He also likes to drink coffee.
His first published work was the short comic book 'Samurai Bears', published by Subversive Comics in May 2015. Since then, Joshua has written several works, including the first three novels in the 'Tales From Arlanon' series. He is currently writing a graphic novel called 'Teachers', a murder mystery set at a high school, to be published and released by TPub in 2019.
Joshua doesn't really believe in genre, but if his work had to be categorised, he would prefer the label 'comedic horrifying dramatic serious non-serious fantasy adventure mystery bonanza'.
When not writing or doing his day job as a lecturer, Joshua likes to play video games, attempt to socialise, and attempt even harder to play music.
He also likes to drink coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 22, 2020
Had a hard time deciding my rating for this one. It’s somewhere between 3-4 stars but not quite in the middle nor leaning more towards one than the other. Put it at 4 nevertheless, because I enjoyed reading it and it was a good book.
I really like how it’s connected to Assassin’s Prince (which I read first) and how characters appear in different stories, but you can still read the books out of order. It’s well done too, so nothing is particularly confusing. All the characters are easy to follow and I liked the dynamic between the three mains, though Gideon and Brandon were my favorites. That might be because I didn’t personally like Freyja in AP either though. She’s a bit too rash for me, but I liked the way she cared for her sister in both books. She obviously protects the ones she loves, and had no qualms about killing those who get in her way. That I like about her, but there were some instances I struggled to understand her. Brandon was gold; literally the worst at reading the room, but the way he bounced off the others was fun and it made the darker situations more light-hearted. I liked the conflicts within Gideon and how he struggled with adapting to a world outside the world he was used to.
What lowers the score for me is that it was unfortunately a bit predictable. I instantly knew who committed the murder the moment he entered the room. I would’ve liked a bit more subtlety and maybe more red herrings? Like maybe different court members could all have been playing their own games, thus making the real killer harder to track. It would also have made it easier to remember which court member was which, along with providing a stronger connection to all of them.
There were some misspellings and missing words scattered throughout, but that didn’t bother me that much. Despite this, it might be good to check a bit more thoroughly to get rid off those to help people who may not have it easy to follow otherwise.
Overall, it was well written. Occassionally too fast-paced, but that might be because I’m used to slow-paced books, so I’m not all that bothered by it. It made for an enjoyable read and I did have a hard time putting it down (which is why I finished it in a day *cough*). I will most certainly check out the rest of the series once I get the opportunity and look forward to any future works!
I really like how it’s connected to Assassin’s Prince (which I read first) and how characters appear in different stories, but you can still read the books out of order. It’s well done too, so nothing is particularly confusing. All the characters are easy to follow and I liked the dynamic between the three mains, though Gideon and Brandon were my favorites. That might be because I didn’t personally like Freyja in AP either though. She’s a bit too rash for me, but I liked the way she cared for her sister in both books. She obviously protects the ones she loves, and had no qualms about killing those who get in her way. That I like about her, but there were some instances I struggled to understand her. Brandon was gold; literally the worst at reading the room, but the way he bounced off the others was fun and it made the darker situations more light-hearted. I liked the conflicts within Gideon and how he struggled with adapting to a world outside the world he was used to.
What lowers the score for me is that it was unfortunately a bit predictable. I instantly knew who committed the murder the moment he entered the room. I would’ve liked a bit more subtlety and maybe more red herrings? Like maybe different court members could all have been playing their own games, thus making the real killer harder to track. It would also have made it easier to remember which court member was which, along with providing a stronger connection to all of them.
There were some misspellings and missing words scattered throughout, but that didn’t bother me that much. Despite this, it might be good to check a bit more thoroughly to get rid off those to help people who may not have it easy to follow otherwise.
Overall, it was well written. Occassionally too fast-paced, but that might be because I’m used to slow-paced books, so I’m not all that bothered by it. It made for an enjoyable read and I did have a hard time putting it down (which is why I finished it in a day *cough*). I will most certainly check out the rest of the series once I get the opportunity and look forward to any future works!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2023
Want a fantasy book that doesn't shy away from having mature themes while still being just as childish and "simple" as other fantasy books? Then this is the book for you! With a warm sense of humour, great characters and nice writing, this is all in all a fantastic book. It also solved the problem of having a "fantasy language" by just having an actually language, Swedish! No more awful made up grammar, or words so few that they barely can create a sentence (because I mean, most authors do NOT have the language skills of Tolkien), just simple working Swedish. Best part is, if you really want to understand what those few sentences mean, just Google it (and I as a swede could feel a bit superior instead).
Outside of its themes and language, the plot is actually really good on its own and I found it quite impossible to put down after I had started to read it. All in all, a great book!
Outside of its themes and language, the plot is actually really good on its own and I found it quite impossible to put down after I had started to read it. All in all, a great book!
August 15, 2017
A great book to read if you want low-commitment, on the go reading. The minimalist writing style means that it can be easily skimmed and blasted through, making it suitable for impatient people.
Pros: World building is clear, and the geography has been well thought out. It'd be interesting to see how the author tackles other locations along the series. The character motivations are crystal clear, and the differences in personality makes for an interesting dynamic. There are a few good red herrings thrown into the mix to keep you guessing too, so always fun!
Cons: As another reviewer mentioned, the rape motivator was unsettling and put a damper on the story as a whole.
Summary: All in all! A good read with charming characters and the right level of intrigue to keep you going.
Pros: World building is clear, and the geography has been well thought out. It'd be interesting to see how the author tackles other locations along the series. The character motivations are crystal clear, and the differences in personality makes for an interesting dynamic. There are a few good red herrings thrown into the mix to keep you guessing too, so always fun!
Cons: As another reviewer mentioned, the rape motivator was unsettling and put a damper on the story as a whole.
Summary: All in all! A good read with charming characters and the right level of intrigue to keep you going.
November 2, 2018
This is possibly still my favourites of the Arlanon books. It is a fantastic introduction to the world of Arlanon, with an interesting cast of characters and a gripping story from start to finish. From the moment you start the book you are intrigued by the characters that you meet and they do not disappoint; driving the story through all its twists and turns they make it thoroughly enjoyable and make you want to read more about this interesting world of Arlanon.
April 8, 2023
The book was an easy-read and the chapters didn’t feel to long nor boring. Getting through the book would be both enjoyable and fast for anyone willing to read it. I, personally really enjoyed reading this book. Althought some parts was predictable such as the culprit in the end, the book made the journey more interesting then the conclusion.
Would recommend, especially for people that has it harder to read through books
Would recommend, especially for people that has it harder to read through books
June 4, 2017
Pros: easy to read, not over complicated language because it was fantasy. Happy to see some Swedish phrases and names in it. Interesting whodunnit plot. Piper and Gideon make an interesting duo.
Cons: a little too much rape to motivate other characters and prostitutes getting killed for my taste. Very few of the female characters stuck me as interesting sadly.
Cons: a little too much rape to motivate other characters and prostitutes getting killed for my taste. Very few of the female characters stuck me as interesting sadly.
August 14, 2018
This is a brilliant debut. Brandon Piper is the best character I've come across in a very long time. He is flawed and he knows it but he has his own morality and is very noble. The bond he forms with the young prince is believable. The pursuit across the well built world is fast paced and there is plenty of action. I highly recommend this book. Looking forward to Pipers Harp
July 25, 2017
A nice small book. The first sentence 'the king is dead' is a very nice start, and within a day I was finished. Loved the characters and the pacing. plus, Piper is bloody amazing.
Got this book at the MCM from the original author along with Piper's dream, and hope to get more when I visit again.
Got this book at the MCM from the original author along with Piper's dream, and hope to get more when I visit again.
May 5, 2018
Not something I wouldnt normally read but gave it ago. It was interesting to see the Prince come along on the quest/journey. Some parts I thought were'nt needed but I liked it.
November 25, 2023
Easily read, never really left me bored.
Even though this is not my favourite genre anymore, 17y/o me would have loved this profoundly.
I only have minor complaints, the biggest one being that he misspelled one of the shipnames the second time it was mentioned!
It is also very appreciated to read a book that doesn't put a romance in it just because.
Quick trigger warning, rape.
Even though this is not my favourite genre anymore, 17y/o me would have loved this profoundly.
I only have minor complaints, the biggest one being that he misspelled one of the shipnames the second time it was mentioned!
It is also very appreciated to read a book that doesn't put a romance in it just because.
Quick trigger warning, rape.
October 11, 2018
The book is captivating and enticing, with characters who make you gain a genuine connection with they are from there backstories to how they grow in the book, with a twisted ending to a journey that encourages you to read more.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews