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Riland Throne #1
Crystal King
Gavin Stoutheart’s father the baron is missing, along with Gavin’s brother the heir. He must step up to lead his people as they flee before an invading army. His only hope is that a combination of prohibited animal magic and his knack for strategy will keep them safe as they make their way through a fractured kingdom with an army on their tail.
- GenresFantasy
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2017
6 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
John M. Olsen
50 books27 followersJohn M. Olsen uses writing to harness his burning desire to create, hoping to entertain and enlighten others as well as himself. A love of stories about ordinary people stepping up to extraordinary circumstances permeates his writing. He approaches writing and editing like he approaches his secret lair full of dangerous power tools (aka wood shop), hoping to create something new and interesting with each new project.
As the 2020-2021 President of the League of Utah Writers and as a speaker at several conferences and conventions, he helps other writers to identify and reach their goals to improve and succeed at their craft.
John lives in Utah with his lovely wife and a variable number of mostly grown children and a constantly changing subset of extended family.
Check out his blog and join his mailing list while you're there.
As the 2020-2021 President of the League of Utah Writers and as a speaker at several conferences and conventions, he helps other writers to identify and reach their goals to improve and succeed at their craft.
John lives in Utah with his lovely wife and a variable number of mostly grown children and a constantly changing subset of extended family.
Check out his blog and join his mailing list while you're there.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 30, 2020
3.5 stars
Gavin, a second son of a baron, has to step into a leadership role when his father and brother disappear during an invasion of their kingdom. He leads a group of peasants away from the invaders even though they are unlikely to outrun them.
Magic is done via crystals: A person gets one, and an animal gets one, and the person can control the animal. Because of this, the invading army has a ton of “war animals” with it, such as bears and wolves. The peasants scramble to get their own animal army up, which consists mostly of cats and rats and a couple dogs, so there is some humor in the danger.
While Gavin faces the external threat, he also struggles internally with doubts and fear and frustration. Still, it’s not a “heavy” book that gets bogged down in emotions. It’s pretty fast-paced; a light adventure. Descriptions are minimal. Great characters.
Disclaimer: I think I am just as harsh on friends as I am on strangers. But I know the author pretty well and a lot of the people in the acknowledgements, and I work freelance for the publisher.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence: Battle violence; not gory
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
Gavin, a second son of a baron, has to step into a leadership role when his father and brother disappear during an invasion of their kingdom. He leads a group of peasants away from the invaders even though they are unlikely to outrun them.
Magic is done via crystals: A person gets one, and an animal gets one, and the person can control the animal. Because of this, the invading army has a ton of “war animals” with it, such as bears and wolves. The peasants scramble to get their own animal army up, which consists mostly of cats and rats and a couple dogs, so there is some humor in the danger.
While Gavin faces the external threat, he also struggles internally with doubts and fear and frustration. Still, it’s not a “heavy” book that gets bogged down in emotions. It’s pretty fast-paced; a light adventure. Descriptions are minimal. Great characters.
Disclaimer: I think I am just as harsh on friends as I am on strangers. But I know the author pretty well and a lot of the people in the acknowledgements, and I work freelance for the publisher.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence: Battle violence; not gory
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
April 26, 2018
An amazing book, overflowing with lovable characters and fierce peril. Olsen's debut is a stunning fantasy that brings a refreshing uniqueness to an often redundant genre. With only a simple magic, crystals that allow humans to control animals, he turns the whole world on its end and hinges the fate of a huge cast on one unlikely and unwilling leader. An emotional perspective on humanity and the difference a few good and kind people can make in life. This book is surprisingly amazing.
October 26, 2017
It's been a bit since I've found a solid fantasy to satisfy my cravings, and I'm very glad I got the chance to pick up the ARC for this one. If you like a good sword-and-sorcery with a unique world and feel, I’d highly recommend it.
Olsen’s book is enjoyable and well-written. The characters and setting feel very much alive. In particular, I was impressed by the variety of the characters, and thoroughly enjoyed how much each of them grew and changed. Feeling the main characters grow and develop, as well as many of the side (and even "spear-carrier") characters changing as the novel progressed, made everything feel so much more real. The plot was thick with the sort of upheaval that can’t fail to leave a mark, and the way Olsen acknowledged such “marks” was very natural and very compelling. There were plenty of characters to sympathize with, plenty to admire…and of course a few good villains to despise. The hero’s development in particular was interesting. His “coming of age,” being spurred on by such a personal and fatal threat to himself and his people, was appropriately more complex and troubled than is acknowledged in many a fantasy story.
I also have to mention that I loved the unique aspects to the magic system. I’m a big fan of animal magics, and it’s not easy to find new material that doesn’t just fall on the “same-old” tropes of the genre. Olsen did a good job laying the groundwork for the magic, as well as the culture and politics for the setting. You get a good taste of each in the book, and it was fun to dive deeper into them over the course of the story.
The plot was also quite fun to read, with the politicking, machinations, and intrigue…the friendships, traitors, and heroes. Overall, a good story well-told.
Olsen’s book is enjoyable and well-written. The characters and setting feel very much alive. In particular, I was impressed by the variety of the characters, and thoroughly enjoyed how much each of them grew and changed. Feeling the main characters grow and develop, as well as many of the side (and even "spear-carrier") characters changing as the novel progressed, made everything feel so much more real. The plot was thick with the sort of upheaval that can’t fail to leave a mark, and the way Olsen acknowledged such “marks” was very natural and very compelling. There were plenty of characters to sympathize with, plenty to admire…and of course a few good villains to despise. The hero’s development in particular was interesting. His “coming of age,” being spurred on by such a personal and fatal threat to himself and his people, was appropriately more complex and troubled than is acknowledged in many a fantasy story.
I also have to mention that I loved the unique aspects to the magic system. I’m a big fan of animal magics, and it’s not easy to find new material that doesn’t just fall on the “same-old” tropes of the genre. Olsen did a good job laying the groundwork for the magic, as well as the culture and politics for the setting. You get a good taste of each in the book, and it was fun to dive deeper into them over the course of the story.
The plot was also quite fun to read, with the politicking, machinations, and intrigue…the friendships, traitors, and heroes. Overall, a good story well-told.
August 30, 2024
Crystal King was an excellent book from a local, inexperienced author. The story revolves around a young, inexperienced Gavin and his ascendency to the throne of is father's barony. Olsen manages to make Gavin one of the most relatable characters from any book I've read. He encapsulates his youth not only through dialogue, but the style of the entire text; it sounds as though he is the one telling a story, even though the book is in the third person. Pacing within the book remained my biggest concern throughout the book, much of it was far too varied. It would have felt better if the style of pace was more consistent. Olsen's character development is some of the best I've seen in literature, putting it in high regard in my library, it is a shame that I only heard of it through Olsen himself. I would recommend this book to any who appreciates fantasy.
October 1, 2017
Crystal King by John M. Olsen was a delight to read. The author had me hooked by the very first page. The characters were well developed and the story line was full of action. I would love to see the story done as a movie.
March 19, 2019
Basic plot: Gavin, the second son of a King is thrust into leadership when his father and older brother are killed by an invading army. Gavin must lead his people on a tactical retreat to the capital city of their federation of kingdoms utilizing his wits and a team of untrained animal riders - the magic system allows a person to control animals by going into a deep sleep and moving their conciousness into the animal.
listened to the audio version of this book, which I'm certain has an affect in my enjoyment of it, but I try to not let negative aspects of a performance affect my rating of the book. I say that because there are some negatives to the audio. If you read Crystal King you won't have to deal with it. So let me first give some of the things I didn't like about the audio:
- music at the beginning of each chapter. I don't like my audiobooks to have soundtracks or sound effects. This was particularly annoying because when the music was just as loud as the reader sometimes, making it difficult to hear the reader.
- The reader made main character sound too immature and whiny.
- the reader pronounced the word "Wolf" as if it rhymed with "roof". The L was completely missed. This wouldn't have been a problem except their is a wolf in the book.
Now for my review of the actual story. This is a good solid book that I would recommend to a younger reader, probably in the tweens or young teens. I liked the magic. It wasn't too complicated and didn't make any one character overly powerful. It would fit well into the Brandon Sanderson cosmere and the only reason this book wouldn't fit completely into the cosmere is because it isn't 32 hours long. The character development is brief but sufficient. I give this book 3 stars because that's what I give good books. I reserve 5 stars for books I will read over and over again. I probably won't read Crystal King again, but I'd happily recommend it to others.
PS - John Olson, the author, is my cousin-in-law.
listened to the audio version of this book, which I'm certain has an affect in my enjoyment of it, but I try to not let negative aspects of a performance affect my rating of the book. I say that because there are some negatives to the audio. If you read Crystal King you won't have to deal with it. So let me first give some of the things I didn't like about the audio:
- music at the beginning of each chapter. I don't like my audiobooks to have soundtracks or sound effects. This was particularly annoying because when the music was just as loud as the reader sometimes, making it difficult to hear the reader.
- The reader made main character sound too immature and whiny.
- the reader pronounced the word "Wolf" as if it rhymed with "roof". The L was completely missed. This wouldn't have been a problem except their is a wolf in the book.
Now for my review of the actual story. This is a good solid book that I would recommend to a younger reader, probably in the tweens or young teens. I liked the magic. It wasn't too complicated and didn't make any one character overly powerful. It would fit well into the Brandon Sanderson cosmere and the only reason this book wouldn't fit completely into the cosmere is because it isn't 32 hours long. The character development is brief but sufficient. I give this book 3 stars because that's what I give good books. I reserve 5 stars for books I will read over and over again. I probably won't read Crystal King again, but I'd happily recommend it to others.
PS - John Olson, the author, is my cousin-in-law.
July 22, 2022
I had a difficult time getting into this book at first. It tries to kill off a bunch of characters and set up this intense danger. It doesn’t feel earned because we as readers have no idea who these people are, or why we should care. It spends a decent chunk of time on world-building and setting up the new Baron. I eventually started to care, around the 1 hour, 5 minutes mark left (listening at 2.55x speed).
That last hour and 5 minutes really pulled me in though. The amount of story crammed into that section of the book was impressive. I kept expecting it to be over and it kept giving me interesting scenario after interesting scenario. For me, I think it would hold up better to a re-read (listen), as I’d have some understanding of who these people are now. if you’re a first-time reader, I think you should stick with it. The last third is pretty damn good and well worth waiting for.
I think using crystals to control animals/people is extremely creative. It led to some exciting, and fun combat scenes. I don’t care so much about the lore or how it works, it’s just intriguing how different animals are used for different types of combat, as well as how their handlers develop a bond with them.
Overall, the narration was excellent, he did a superb job with voices and acting out lines. Each character was emoted well and felt unique. The audio did have some issues with ridiculously loud, poorly balanced audio playing during chapter transitions. They drowned out the narration and made it difficult to concentrate on what anybody was saying.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
That last hour and 5 minutes really pulled me in though. The amount of story crammed into that section of the book was impressive. I kept expecting it to be over and it kept giving me interesting scenario after interesting scenario. For me, I think it would hold up better to a re-read (listen), as I’d have some understanding of who these people are now. if you’re a first-time reader, I think you should stick with it. The last third is pretty damn good and well worth waiting for.
I think using crystals to control animals/people is extremely creative. It led to some exciting, and fun combat scenes. I don’t care so much about the lore or how it works, it’s just intriguing how different animals are used for different types of combat, as well as how their handlers develop a bond with them.
Overall, the narration was excellent, he did a superb job with voices and acting out lines. Each character was emoted well and felt unique. The audio did have some issues with ridiculously loud, poorly balanced audio playing during chapter transitions. They drowned out the narration and made it difficult to concentrate on what anybody was saying.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
November 1, 2018
Some people are born great. Others have greatness thrust upon them.
In a world where people and animals work side by side through the use of magic crystals, Gavin is an example of the latter. As the youngest son of Baron Stoutheart, Gavin spent his days avoiding responsibility. When tragedy strikes, he has hard decisions to make and sometimes they make him. Follow this reluctant hero as he shoulders responsibilities no one ever believed him capable of bearing.
What I liked:
The characters are engaging and diverse, and I enjoyed their development and peeks into their various histories. The magic system is simple, but in the case of binding a person to an animal, it didn't need to be complex. I found it easy to relate to Gavin, a person who feels unequal to the tasks and responsibilities that fall upon him due to the decisions of others.
What I didn't like:
I thought the plot felt a little slow at the beginning, and I would have enjoyed more world-building. Aside from the use of crystals to harness animals, there wasn't much unique to the land of Riland that you couldn't find in any other generic fantasy.
Overall, I gave the Crystal King four solid stars and look forward to reading book two: Crystal Queen.
In a world where people and animals work side by side through the use of magic crystals, Gavin is an example of the latter. As the youngest son of Baron Stoutheart, Gavin spent his days avoiding responsibility. When tragedy strikes, he has hard decisions to make and sometimes they make him. Follow this reluctant hero as he shoulders responsibilities no one ever believed him capable of bearing.
What I liked:
The characters are engaging and diverse, and I enjoyed their development and peeks into their various histories. The magic system is simple, but in the case of binding a person to an animal, it didn't need to be complex. I found it easy to relate to Gavin, a person who feels unequal to the tasks and responsibilities that fall upon him due to the decisions of others.
What I didn't like:
I thought the plot felt a little slow at the beginning, and I would have enjoyed more world-building. Aside from the use of crystals to harness animals, there wasn't much unique to the land of Riland that you couldn't find in any other generic fantasy.
Overall, I gave the Crystal King four solid stars and look forward to reading book two: Crystal Queen.
June 16, 2021
Not all things are crystal clear
The story is an interesting tale of deception and obligation that has more twists and turns than you’d expect. An enjoyable and mostly fast-paced read/listen in a world thrust into chaos for the sake of power. While this isn’t a shifter series, it does carry that vibe to an extent but in a way that keeps you intrigued. The main character is fun to watch as he grows into the position that is thrust upon him; I’m excited to see how things shake out in the next installment.
Parents: It's appropriate for YA+, there's no bad language, the violence is mainly animal and human warfare with no explicit gore, and no sexual content.
Narrator: has ok differences between characters, transition music is a bit loud and competitive with the narration.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The story is an interesting tale of deception and obligation that has more twists and turns than you’d expect. An enjoyable and mostly fast-paced read/listen in a world thrust into chaos for the sake of power. While this isn’t a shifter series, it does carry that vibe to an extent but in a way that keeps you intrigued. The main character is fun to watch as he grows into the position that is thrust upon him; I’m excited to see how things shake out in the next installment.
Parents: It's appropriate for YA+, there's no bad language, the violence is mainly animal and human warfare with no explicit gore, and no sexual content.
Narrator: has ok differences between characters, transition music is a bit loud and competitive with the narration.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 6, 2018
"A fantasy book with underlining lessons. This coming of age story is a quick read. Gavin Stoutheart, a carefree youth of royal birth finds himself thrown into the grown up world of responsibility. With the help of his father's trusted advisor,Draken, he begins the tasks of saving the people of his barony. His concern for his people helps him make creative decisions. A great book to read to middle school children."
August 16, 2019
Crystal King (Riland Throne Book 1), my first read from author John M. Olsen. I was given an Audible copy of Crystal Queen (Riland Throne Book 2) and wanted to read the first book before reading it so I went out & got a copy. From the opening pages, you could tell this was an epic in the making with the story requiring multiple volumes to tell. Wonderful characters, detailed settings. Very good read! I look forward to the next volume of the tale! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 16, 2021
The author did a great job with this one. A story full of grief, courage, loyalty & war. Gavin's father the baron is missing along with his brother the Heir. So like it or not Gavin is thrust into the role of leader. He has no idea what to do & feels he will make a huge mess of things. However he accepts his role and all the responsibilities. His struggle to lead his people to safety will depend on if they will follow him. Great characters and twists you won't see coming.
February 8, 2018
I have to say this was not really my genre. So I had to adjust my brain and took me a while to get into it. Also great for a younger audience. Writing was well written, characters defined.
It reminded me of Spirit Animals, but the comparison ends there. I liked the doing what i say i will in a good way theme. The moral. It was good."
It reminded me of Spirit Animals, but the comparison ends there. I liked the doing what i say i will in a good way theme. The moral. It was good."
December 9, 2020
Unique magic, epic battles, concise prose. Likable, brave characters, evil bad guys. This was a fantastic read. I will be moving on to book 2!
May 12, 2021
I really enjoyed listening to this book on audio. It was well written with characters I enjoyed and a good mix of action and fun.
February 19, 2025
Gavin Stoutheart doesn't want much to do with the responsibilities of his father's barony. He's the second son, so it's not like he'll be taking over. He avoids his lessons and when his father and older brother leave for an important royal council of barons, he sneaks off into the countryside to visit his friends. Along the way he is attacked, as part of a larger plot that means that Gavin is, after all, going to have to be in charge of things...to prepare for an impending invasion. And since his father took all of the war animals with him, Gavin is going to have to figure out how to train common people with crystal magic, using every resource they have available.
I enjoyed the world in this book, and the crystal magic is fun. A mage wears one crystal and an animal wears another, and the person has to attune to the animal over time. Once attuned, the mage can enter a trance and live through the animal.
The plot was exciting in essence and went through good paces. It had a satisfying conclusion with lots of room for sequels.
I had a little trouble connecting with the characters, and part of that might have to do with the writing. While I said the plot was exciting, well, logically it was, but I never got particularly excited. I was engaged maybe twice in the book. The writing is matter-of-fact, straightforward, and perhaps lacking variety and flourish? It makes it very easy to digest, but not that easy to get drawn in. For this reason, even though I did enjoy the book, I won't be reading the next one.
I enjoyed the world in this book, and the crystal magic is fun. A mage wears one crystal and an animal wears another, and the person has to attune to the animal over time. Once attuned, the mage can enter a trance and live through the animal.
The plot was exciting in essence and went through good paces. It had a satisfying conclusion with lots of room for sequels.
I had a little trouble connecting with the characters, and part of that might have to do with the writing. While I said the plot was exciting, well, logically it was, but I never got particularly excited. I was engaged maybe twice in the book. The writing is matter-of-fact, straightforward, and perhaps lacking variety and flourish? It makes it very easy to digest, but not that easy to get drawn in. For this reason, even though I did enjoy the book, I won't be reading the next one.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews