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King's Champion
After decades of peace, war is threatening the Kingdom of Avranche. Its old foes are stirring, in a new alliance with darker powers. Black wings bring death and torture in the night.
Owain, former King’s Champion, hears rumors of sorcery. Visiting the grave of his sword brother, he stumbles into a deadly raid, and uncovers coded orders for a larger plot.
The kingdom’s enemies know Owain is now their greatest danger. He must race against time to find and deal with them… before they deal with him!
Owain, former King’s Champion, hears rumors of sorcery. Visiting the grave of his sword brother, he stumbles into a deadly raid, and uncovers coded orders for a larger plot.
The kingdom’s enemies know Owain is now their greatest danger. He must race against time to find and deal with them… before they deal with him!
- GenresFantasy
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2017
44 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Peter Grant
17 books60 followersPeter Grant was born in South Africa in 1958. The state censor board did not allow television until 1973, and his parents didn't get one until 1974. So he grew up with books. Lots of books. He started out after school as a military man, moved into commercial information technology, and assisted with humanitarian work during South Africa's prolonged civil unrest that led to the end of apartheid in 1994.
After having been all over Africa, he emigrated to the USA in 1997, where there were far more English-language books, and more access to the internet. He married a pilot from Alaska and settled in Tennessee.
After having been all over Africa, he emigrated to the USA in 1997, where there were far more English-language books, and more access to the internet. He married a pilot from Alaska and settled in Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 1, 2017
I wish I had the skills to write the review this book deserves.
This novel fires at all levels. When I read Fantasy this book achieves what I desire most. I was amazed in what a rather short book by Fantasy standards achieved. Totally engaging plot and characters. It sweats the small stuff such as logistics without being boring. There is wisdom throughout and virtue is a dominant theme. There is redemption and sacrifice. So much to love.
Previously I had read only his two Westerns, a genre I don't normally read, and was impressed. This simply blew me away. I had never considered some of the commonalities before between Westerns and Fantasy, but I see this better now.
This is a great book which I will certainly re-read.
This novel fires at all levels. When I read Fantasy this book achieves what I desire most. I was amazed in what a rather short book by Fantasy standards achieved. Totally engaging plot and characters. It sweats the small stuff such as logistics without being boring. There is wisdom throughout and virtue is a dominant theme. There is redemption and sacrifice. So much to love.
Previously I had read only his two Westerns, a genre I don't normally read, and was impressed. This simply blew me away. I had never considered some of the commonalities before between Westerns and Fantasy, but I see this better now.
This is a great book which I will certainly re-read.
November 13, 2017
I obtained this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
It has been difficult for me to read and review this past week; the constant battle between evil and good flared up with the murders at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. Therefore, this review is not going to be my best work.
Excellent cover by Cedar Sanderson, who demonstrates once again her ability to take story elements and produce a character that we will recognize.
Let me explain something to you about the protagonist, Owain: this is a guy who only uses a mirror to make a promise to the person he sees in it. He's not fretting over the scars on his face. He doesn't worry about a receding hairline. He just looks himself in the eye, and says, I am the King's Champion.
He is aware that others won't like that.
He doesn't care.
He is aware that his duty will take him into danger.
He doesn't care.
He has a crystal-clear purity in his heart, because he wills ONE THING: he is the King's Champion.
It's not even a duty, to him; it's just who he is. And he makes the promise to himself, perhaps not formally, but nonetheless implacably, that he is the King's Champion.
His responsibility to that role transcends his duty to the King, because it isn't derived from the King. It is derived from his service to the God of Light. His worship consists of being prepared.
In his youth, he and brave companions fought off monsters. Some fell. Others are about to fall. But while his land has been at peace, in other lands, the evils sorcerers have been training up an army, and preparing troops of dragon-like beasts known as gruefells, who have both magical and physical power.
I'm not certain, but I THINK the key question the book poses is the issue of expediency in the service of a good cause. Is it permissible to break the rules, in order to combat evil?
It has been difficult for me to read and review this past week; the constant battle between evil and good flared up with the murders at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. Therefore, this review is not going to be my best work.
Excellent cover by Cedar Sanderson, who demonstrates once again her ability to take story elements and produce a character that we will recognize.
Let me explain something to you about the protagonist, Owain: this is a guy who only uses a mirror to make a promise to the person he sees in it. He's not fretting over the scars on his face. He doesn't worry about a receding hairline. He just looks himself in the eye, and says, I am the King's Champion.
He is aware that others won't like that.
He doesn't care.
He is aware that his duty will take him into danger.
He doesn't care.
He has a crystal-clear purity in his heart, because he wills ONE THING: he is the King's Champion.
It's not even a duty, to him; it's just who he is. And he makes the promise to himself, perhaps not formally, but nonetheless implacably, that he is the King's Champion.
His responsibility to that role transcends his duty to the King, because it isn't derived from the King. It is derived from his service to the God of Light. His worship consists of being prepared.
In his youth, he and brave companions fought off monsters. Some fell. Others are about to fall. But while his land has been at peace, in other lands, the evils sorcerers have been training up an army, and preparing troops of dragon-like beasts known as gruefells, who have both magical and physical power.
I'm not certain, but I THINK the key question the book poses is the issue of expediency in the service of a good cause. Is it permissible to break the rules, in order to combat evil?
February 23, 2021
I enjoyed the beginning and the middle, but didn't enjoy the supernatural elements so much. The use of monologue at the beginning to set the scene and put the reader in the picture felt a little clunky and amateurish. So, 3 stars only.
Apart from that, this story was full of many elements I enjoy in a Peter Grant story: some violence undertaken unwillingly by brave-hearted people (mostly, but not all, men); the camaraderie of men who have been through life-and-death situations together; a main character with an understanding of human nature that makes him act in ways that not only further his own interests but also of those under his command and even his opponents. This is not pure altruism and is often stated explicitly, thereby not only giving material assistance to others but also giving them an example of how they might behave honourably towards others in turn. In other words, it is also about growth and helping others to grow, either through kindness or tough love. However, we don't get to see characters actually growing. The protagonist is a kind of Howard Roark: an unchanging, romantic hero. There is one character, Garath, whose growth is often discussed but not actually shown.
All in all, an enjoyable read and if you are a Grant fan, this will not disappoint (unless, like me, you're allergic to tales of the supernatural).
Apart from that, this story was full of many elements I enjoy in a Peter Grant story: some violence undertaken unwillingly by brave-hearted people (mostly, but not all, men); the camaraderie of men who have been through life-and-death situations together; a main character with an understanding of human nature that makes him act in ways that not only further his own interests but also of those under his command and even his opponents. This is not pure altruism and is often stated explicitly, thereby not only giving material assistance to others but also giving them an example of how they might behave honourably towards others in turn. In other words, it is also about growth and helping others to grow, either through kindness or tough love. However, we don't get to see characters actually growing. The protagonist is a kind of Howard Roark: an unchanging, romantic hero. There is one character, Garath, whose growth is often discussed but not actually shown.
All in all, an enjoyable read and if you are a Grant fan, this will not disappoint (unless, like me, you're allergic to tales of the supernatural).
August 24, 2017
High fantasy with terrific action and heroism
I always enjoy Peter Grant's books, and this one was no exception even if it is a departure from his usual genre. This book harks back to sword and sorcery without being over-the-top corny like some of the Conan-era stories. The main character is a true hero, and the action ramps up as the story moves along to an exciting and satisfying denouement.
I always enjoy Peter Grant's books, and this one was no exception even if it is a departure from his usual genre. This book harks back to sword and sorcery without being over-the-top corny like some of the Conan-era stories. The main character is a true hero, and the action ramps up as the story moves along to an exciting and satisfying denouement.
August 26, 2017
Mr. Grant takes my lunch money again!
Mr. Grant's African childhood shines through with the establishment of a force similar to the commandos of the Boer wars. He also reaffirms a Heinlein - Ism "never frighten an old man, he'll just kill you." A story worth telling and certainly worth reading. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Peter Grant has stolen my lunch money with yet another book!
Mr. Grant's African childhood shines through with the establishment of a force similar to the commandos of the Boer wars. He also reaffirms a Heinlein - Ism "never frighten an old man, he'll just kill you." A story worth telling and certainly worth reading. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Peter Grant has stolen my lunch money with yet another book!
September 5, 2017
Champion
The legend written here reflects a wholly robust understanding of the necessity of moral character based on the divine law in the world. That those who pursue righteousness will be tested with the pragmatic response. If you enjoy the arch type of a Paladin, one that embraces all the virtues of man, you will be hard pressed not to enjoy this fight of good versus evil. Written by a man who knows of what he speaks. Worth your time and money.
The legend written here reflects a wholly robust understanding of the necessity of moral character based on the divine law in the world. That those who pursue righteousness will be tested with the pragmatic response. If you enjoy the arch type of a Paladin, one that embraces all the virtues of man, you will be hard pressed not to enjoy this fight of good versus evil. Written by a man who knows of what he speaks. Worth your time and money.
September 26, 2019
Very good story!
Good versus evil, it's a very old story. Evil never seems to give up. Is evil basically some one or some thing that wants to have "stuff" without working for it? Odd concept. If you want respect without warning it, you become a bully, if you want $$, you get into government (for the big bucks) or thief for smaller amounts. Folks look for love in all the wrong places. Is it a human condition to look for the easiest way to get what you want?
Good versus evil, it's a very old story. Evil never seems to give up. Is evil basically some one or some thing that wants to have "stuff" without working for it? Odd concept. If you want respect without warning it, you become a bully, if you want $$, you get into government (for the big bucks) or thief for smaller amounts. Folks look for love in all the wrong places. Is it a human condition to look for the easiest way to get what you want?
November 11, 2017
A well-told tale indeed!
I cannot fault the book that constrains me from sleep for a dozen one-last-chapters: it's almost a pity to have finished it all tonight. Even before the height of the last battle, I was looking forward to the next of the series. Is there more? Maybe about "The Young Champion"?
I cannot fault the book that constrains me from sleep for a dozen one-last-chapters: it's almost a pity to have finished it all tonight. Even before the height of the last battle, I was looking forward to the next of the series. Is there more? Maybe about "The Young Champion"?
December 14, 2019
A good story and a truly great climax! Excellent!
A good story and an mc answering the call to great service! Wow!
I read this story when it first came out, and was impressed and uplifted. I reread it when I want to re-admire someone giving the full measure of service to the light. Wow!
A good story and an mc answering the call to great service! Wow!
I read this story when it first came out, and was impressed and uplifted. I reread it when I want to re-admire someone giving the full measure of service to the light. Wow!
September 8, 2017
I've read many of Peter Grant's Books. This one was different. It was a purer form of S&S than usual. It brings forward an every man and puts him into both horrible danger and profound joy. A wonderful book and a true joy to read
September 12, 2017
A wicked good read.
Peter Grant excels again. Kong's Champion is an excellent fantasy novel, with exceptional focus paid to military accuracy. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an entertaining read, as well as Mr. Grant's excellent body of work.
Peter Grant excels again. Kong's Champion is an excellent fantasy novel, with exceptional focus paid to military accuracy. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an entertaining read, as well as Mr. Grant's excellent body of work.
August 27, 2017
Readable. Not the start of a series. I doubt I will want to reread it.
October 6, 2017
Very well done. I hope Grant does more in this genre.
Read
August 23, 2017The story is well-paced, with action punctuating an immersive narrative through a world where honor, magic, and bravery rule the day. The main character, Owain, is an old warrior who is called back to service by his sense of duty to the kingdom. He confronts an ancient evil that he thought he had defeated decades earlier, and works to restore the protectors of his land.
Grant brings his outstanding writing to this new genre, and he has captured the spirit of classic fantasy. He doesn’t dwell on descriptions, but does an excellent job of drawing out the lands and people that populate this new world.
King’s Champion is an easy, enjoyable read that grabs you and won’t let go. If you can put it down, it will keep you thinking until you pick it back up. It’s definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys excellent stories about honor and bravery.
Grant brings his outstanding writing to this new genre, and he has captured the spirit of classic fantasy. He doesn’t dwell on descriptions, but does an excellent job of drawing out the lands and people that populate this new world.
King’s Champion is an easy, enjoyable read that grabs you and won’t let go. If you can put it down, it will keep you thinking until you pick it back up. It’s definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys excellent stories about honor and bravery.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews