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The King's Watch #2
The 12 Dragons of Albion
My name is Conrad Clarke and I claim my reward…
You’d think that staying alive and saving the girl would be enough for now.
After proving himself in a desperate magickal battle, Conrad is admitted to the King’s Watch.
And what does the world of magick do? It laughs in his face.
At least Conrad now has a partner with some serious magickal firepower.
Vicky Robson joins him on a mission to investigate rumours of a Dragon’s egg, and to get him through his entry test for the Invisible College.
But the Invisible College won’t play ball, and that Dragon’s egg is all too real.
Conrad grits his teeth and reminds the magickal world that he who laughs loudest laughs last…
You’d think that staying alive and saving the girl would be enough for now.
After proving himself in a desperate magickal battle, Conrad is admitted to the King’s Watch.
And what does the world of magick do? It laughs in his face.
At least Conrad now has a partner with some serious magickal firepower.
Vicky Robson joins him on a mission to investigate rumours of a Dragon’s egg, and to get him through his entry test for the Invisible College.
But the Invisible College won’t play ball, and that Dragon’s egg is all too real.
Conrad grits his teeth and reminds the magickal world that he who laughs loudest laughs last…
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2017
587 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Mark Hayden
27 books284 followersAuthor also writes under Ruth Ward
Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.
Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.
He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.
His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.
Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.
Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.
He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.
His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
February 24, 2020
I like the story, but there are some questionable views from Conrad (or the author). It focuses a lot on class/gender-centric interactions. All the females in the story have to be considered sexually at some point or another. Which disrupts my enjoyment of the story. Also some Harry Potter parady moments in relation to some of the magic ministry buildings. No talking portraits yet, though. The plot is interesting enough, but will see whether it'll be enough to outweigh the cons of the prose.
February 10, 2020
This review will be short because I devoured all six published books in a matter of two or three days. Hence my brain is awash with magick and the adventures of Conrad Clarke, former RAF pilot turned KIngs Watch officer.
Someone has stolen a dragon's egg and they are trying to hatch it. Can Conrad use his considerable wiles and knowledge of human nature combined with his partner the magically gifted Vicky.
Loving this series and highly recommended to anyone who loves magickal mysteries set in London.
Someone has stolen a dragon's egg and they are trying to hatch it. Can Conrad use his considerable wiles and knowledge of human nature combined with his partner the magically gifted Vicky.
Loving this series and highly recommended to anyone who loves magickal mysteries set in London.
December 10, 2019
Really enjoyable
Will getting to like this series. Highly recommended by me to all my goodreads friends.
Nice to fill the gap while waiting for the next Peter grant and harry Dresden books.
Will getting to like this series. Highly recommended by me to all my goodreads friends.
Nice to fill the gap while waiting for the next Peter grant and harry Dresden books.
January 22, 2020
Oh, Mr. Hayden. I may never forgive you for this one. You know what you've done, don't try to deny it.
There's a Dragon on the loose, and a delicate political situation with the Druids. So who better to send in than Captain Caveman himself - Conrad Clarke.
To be fair, Conrad does quite well at the diplomacy stuff. It's not his fault that the poo hits the propeller when he's around.
More delightful characters. More action. And more of the complicated and fascinating world of magic in which these stories reside.
Just because a crime involves magic doesn't mean it's not a crime. So when a mysterious chamber is discovered by the Lord Mayor of Moles himself, Conrad and Vicky are off and running to investigate it, tiptoeing through the minefield of politics as they go.
But this is the King's Watch, so things are never that straightforward. Mina is suffering racial abuse in prison; Conrad's 11x grandfather drops by to say hello. Oh and he may have some books to return to the esoteric library that are around 500 years overdue. Wouldn't like to see the fees on those.
Again, I inhaled this book and dove straight into book 3. I don't want to give too much away, because I found the devices and plotting unravels in such a delightful way that I don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone else. Suffice to say, the writing is enjoyable, the story is engaging, the characters are likeable.
But oh - Mr. Hayden - why did you have to do what you did!
There's a Dragon on the loose, and a delicate political situation with the Druids. So who better to send in than Captain Caveman himself - Conrad Clarke.
To be fair, Conrad does quite well at the diplomacy stuff. It's not his fault that the poo hits the propeller when he's around.
More delightful characters. More action. And more of the complicated and fascinating world of magic in which these stories reside.
Just because a crime involves magic doesn't mean it's not a crime. So when a mysterious chamber is discovered by the Lord Mayor of Moles himself, Conrad and Vicky are off and running to investigate it, tiptoeing through the minefield of politics as they go.
But this is the King's Watch, so things are never that straightforward. Mina is suffering racial abuse in prison; Conrad's 11x grandfather drops by to say hello. Oh and he may have some books to return to the esoteric library that are around 500 years overdue. Wouldn't like to see the fees on those.
Again, I inhaled this book and dove straight into book 3. I don't want to give too much away, because I found the devices and plotting unravels in such a delightful way that I don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone else. Suffice to say, the writing is enjoyable, the story is engaging, the characters are likeable.
But oh - Mr. Hayden - why did you have to do what you did!
December 24, 2019
I really wanted to enjoy this book but the author's obsession with women's breasts, not to mention the homophobia was unacceptable.
March 19, 2020
This is the ‘additional’ review I posted for The 13th Witch – but the comments made in this review apply to all the books I have read so far in the series, so I am copy/pasting this for the rest of the books I have read. ;)
I've finished reading the series as far as it goes and I am now waiting eagerly for the next book to be published - sometime around the end of March 2020. I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed an urban fantasy series quite so much, and to the extent that I immediately started reading again, from the start. The writing is deliciously 'British', the characters each have their own distinctive 'voice' and the author uses some subtle and clever ways to change POVs (which doesn't happen very often.) And I LOVE the slight obsession with shrugging!
As the series progresses, the back story becomes clearer, though there are still several mysteries regarding Conrad, and usually that would irritate me. But it doesn't here. It works really well for some reason (and yes, I know Conrad's story is written in a different series, but I hadn't read those)
I also love the way details are dropped into the story with an almost casual air. I expect the author has done a phenomenal amount of research and it shows, but not in massive info-dumps, or great wodges of boring details. There's a comfortable sense that this author isn't going to drop a clanger or write something so stupid that I want to throw my Kindle across the room. Instead I am quietly enjoying learning small details without feeling I am being lectured at!
There are a few niggles about the actual format of the book - changes in scenes/times are not sometimes marked with the usual *** and it can confuse the reader. The chapter titles are a tad too large - maybe because I have my kindle font set at 'large' and although I like the covers, they have a slight 'blurriness' about them – but I think that might be the Kindle?
However, I have read all six books in the series and I am going to start reading them again, tonight. I think that's a good enough recommendation. ;)
I've finished reading the series as far as it goes and I am now waiting eagerly for the next book to be published - sometime around the end of March 2020. I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed an urban fantasy series quite so much, and to the extent that I immediately started reading again, from the start. The writing is deliciously 'British', the characters each have their own distinctive 'voice' and the author uses some subtle and clever ways to change POVs (which doesn't happen very often.) And I LOVE the slight obsession with shrugging!
As the series progresses, the back story becomes clearer, though there are still several mysteries regarding Conrad, and usually that would irritate me. But it doesn't here. It works really well for some reason (and yes, I know Conrad's story is written in a different series, but I hadn't read those)
I also love the way details are dropped into the story with an almost casual air. I expect the author has done a phenomenal amount of research and it shows, but not in massive info-dumps, or great wodges of boring details. There's a comfortable sense that this author isn't going to drop a clanger or write something so stupid that I want to throw my Kindle across the room. Instead I am quietly enjoying learning small details without feeling I am being lectured at!
There are a few niggles about the actual format of the book - changes in scenes/times are not sometimes marked with the usual *** and it can confuse the reader. The chapter titles are a tad too large - maybe because I have my kindle font set at 'large' and although I like the covers, they have a slight 'blurriness' about them – but I think that might be the Kindle?
However, I have read all six books in the series and I am going to start reading them again, tonight. I think that's a good enough recommendation. ;)
December 13, 2019
Dresden's British Uncle.
The Harry Dresden series are the only books I've been successful in force feeding to certain psudo- illiterate friends. This series is the Dresdon Files true and rightful heir. These will reach even the most hesitate of readers.
A real stand out of Urban fantasy the likes of which I've not encountered in a long time. Was astonished how close to tears this one brought me. Over a bleeding "unstable Imprint".
Very, very well done.
The Harry Dresden series are the only books I've been successful in force feeding to certain psudo- illiterate friends. This series is the Dresdon Files true and rightful heir. These will reach even the most hesitate of readers.
A real stand out of Urban fantasy the likes of which I've not encountered in a long time. Was astonished how close to tears this one brought me. Over a bleeding "unstable Imprint".
Very, very well done.
February 21, 2020
A brilliant romp!
I'm new to Mark Hayden but his writing is fast paced and really good fun. I've struggled to put the last two books down! Really well drawn and likeable characters combined with magic that doesn't seem out of place in the real world setting. Brilliant, brilliant stuff!!
I'm new to Mark Hayden but his writing is fast paced and really good fun. I've struggled to put the last two books down! Really well drawn and likeable characters combined with magic that doesn't seem out of place in the real world setting. Brilliant, brilliant stuff!!
April 22, 2020
Quite addictive, very fun series so far
Read book 1 for free... Bought book 2 straight after... Now buying book 3. Need I say more? Lovelu escapism from the craziness we are currently experiencing to a fun crazy version of Britain with magic, mayhem, giant moles and, of course, dragons.
Read book 1 for free... Bought book 2 straight after... Now buying book 3. Need I say more? Lovelu escapism from the craziness we are currently experiencing to a fun crazy version of Britain with magic, mayhem, giant moles and, of course, dragons.
May 30, 2021
It's not often that you are tasked by one of the old gods, even less often when you discover an entire hidden world of myth and legend. Now Conrad Clarke has passed the test and will become a Captain in the King's Watch given the responsibility of dealing with those same beings and creatures from myth and legend that have an agenda that isn't exactly warm and fuzzy for the rest of humanity. Dwarves and Gnomes and giant sentient Moles are one thing...the return of creatures that could decimate the British Isles and beyond simply because of longstanding nationalism and conflict - and a mother's love - seems to be a little over the top.
Unfortunately, the King's Watch isn't spared when it comes to betrayal and loss and RAF Squadron Leader Clarke and his partner are soon in it up to their proverbial necks.
A new story brings unrequited love...forgotten ancestors...familial sacrifice...and lost friends.
Author Mark Hayden's transition from the genre of action stories and thrillers to urban and mythic fantasy continues to be a success as each story builds upon the last with new magic and new revelations. Hayden manages to blend many aspects of his previous story telling with that of the new and gives a fun and exciting adventure that has a main character that has the practical problem resolution skills from the mundane world that he uses to solve issues in the magical. Making it even more fun is that, Clarke is NOT the typical hero thrown into a world of magic and the supernatural who suddenly develops major wizardly skills. Hayden's hero is severally limited in that manner and uses what little he is capable of to augment the life skills that he has learned while serving in the RAF and a questionable life after.
Two books in and this series has become one of my must reads.
Unfortunately, the King's Watch isn't spared when it comes to betrayal and loss and RAF Squadron Leader Clarke and his partner are soon in it up to their proverbial necks.
A new story brings unrequited love...forgotten ancestors...familial sacrifice...and lost friends.
Author Mark Hayden's transition from the genre of action stories and thrillers to urban and mythic fantasy continues to be a success as each story builds upon the last with new magic and new revelations. Hayden manages to blend many aspects of his previous story telling with that of the new and gives a fun and exciting adventure that has a main character that has the practical problem resolution skills from the mundane world that he uses to solve issues in the magical. Making it even more fun is that, Clarke is NOT the typical hero thrown into a world of magic and the supernatural who suddenly develops major wizardly skills. Hayden's hero is severally limited in that manner and uses what little he is capable of to augment the life skills that he has learned while serving in the RAF and a questionable life after.
Two books in and this series has become one of my must reads.
dnf
September 15, 2022DNF @ 11%- not bad. I just can't get excited about it.
April 12, 2022
Fun read
This is the second in a series, I recommend reading in order. This is fun and not intellectually taxing. Try not to take yourself seriously
This is the second in a series, I recommend reading in order. This is fun and not intellectually taxing. Try not to take yourself seriously
November 12, 2021
I'm really liking this series so far. It's fast-paced, funny, and fresh. Plus this installment has dragons! I really like the world building and the characters are quite appealing. Looking forward to the next book.
May 24, 2023
2023 bk 171. Rarely does a 2nd book in a series come off as better than the first. The 12 Dragons of Albion exceeded my expectations and made me eager to read more in the series. The interplay between Conrad and Vicky, between those who think Conrad has no business in the King's Watch and his supporters. I particularly enjoyed the fact that those who weren't backing Conrad entirely did allow his actions to change their minds, not a lot, but enough to remind us that not all people operate in a black/white world and the best of leadership does not close its eyes. There are a lot of leadership lessons in this book and also a lot of reminder that your friends do not always have your best interests at heart. Well done!
April 25, 2020
I had a good time reading this book although it did take a while to get going. The first part of the book felt more like it was tying up elements of the first volume, then set up the new status quo, and only then did the story begin. I felt like some of that could have been done in the first book (which I felt had a dissatisfyingly abrupt ending - presumably to encourage you to pick up the next book.
I also felt like the subplots got less development time in this book, the combination of Conrad's regular life and his new fantastical one were a really strong element of the first book.
My final gripe is about the level of detail in the world-building. I actually really love how in-depth Hayden had gone with really thinking about magick in his world. How it works and how that has affected the world's development etc. That really makes the book stand out from a lot of the hand-waving explanations that you get in a lot of urban fantasy that. However, the presentation of the information in this book is often a bit confusing and info-dumpy. Ultimately I'm glad it's there.
What did I like about the book? That characters are all strong and distinct. YOu can imagine them all living their lives beyond the page. They don't just exist to move the plot on. I also love how Hayden imparts information to the reader. Things are often inferred rather than spelled out and I love that. You have to work a bit harder as a reader. But it is all there, and all the more rewarding because you have to think about what the characters are telling you. I also love the action set-pieces they are exciting and the magical elements are described in fresh, inventive ways.
So despite my bitching, I'm still well on-board with this series. For what it's worth it is probably my favourite currently ongoing UF series.
I also felt like the subplots got less development time in this book, the combination of Conrad's regular life and his new fantastical one were a really strong element of the first book.
My final gripe is about the level of detail in the world-building. I actually really love how in-depth Hayden had gone with really thinking about magick in his world. How it works and how that has affected the world's development etc. That really makes the book stand out from a lot of the hand-waving explanations that you get in a lot of urban fantasy that. However, the presentation of the information in this book is often a bit confusing and info-dumpy. Ultimately I'm glad it's there.
What did I like about the book? That characters are all strong and distinct. YOu can imagine them all living their lives beyond the page. They don't just exist to move the plot on. I also love how Hayden imparts information to the reader. Things are often inferred rather than spelled out and I love that. You have to work a bit harder as a reader. But it is all there, and all the more rewarding because you have to think about what the characters are telling you. I also love the action set-pieces they are exciting and the magical elements are described in fresh, inventive ways.
So despite my bitching, I'm still well on-board with this series. For what it's worth it is probably my favourite currently ongoing UF series.
January 14, 2021
I liked this book even more than the first. Things are starting to gel a lot more. The ending in this felt a lot more satisfying than the first book where the villain gets offed so quickly it felt kinda pointless.
Conrad is growing on me. I didn’t feel sure about him first time around. He’s like a military version of Sherlock Holmes sometimes but without the cocky genius attitude. Vicky too. I didn’t know if she’d hang around or not and I wasn’t really worried about it last time, but I’m glad she’s his partner. Her voice really came into better focus and I like her.
I get that Conrad offers a different set of skills for a Watch Captain and it it’s supposed to make up for his lack of magic but sometimes it’s annoying. If stopping magical foes is part of their job and he can’t do it without tricks, ingenuity, and luck then that’s a useless Watch Captain. The author makes it work because that’s what he wants but it doesn’t realllly make sense most of the time. Also, I really hope we get to see him fly a bird!
Mina I’m meh about. It gives Conrad depth, so I get it. But I also find myself not really caring about her in the story? She’s like window dressing. He could have a three legged dog he really loves and it would be the same to me. “That’s nice and all but let’s get back to the interesting bits like Lux and dragons, thanks.”
I knew next to nothing about Wales before this but it in a book makes me interested in a subject, it’s a good feeling.
Can’t wait for the next one. I highly recommend this series!
Conrad is growing on me. I didn’t feel sure about him first time around. He’s like a military version of Sherlock Holmes sometimes but without the cocky genius attitude. Vicky too. I didn’t know if she’d hang around or not and I wasn’t really worried about it last time, but I’m glad she’s his partner. Her voice really came into better focus and I like her.
I get that Conrad offers a different set of skills for a Watch Captain and it it’s supposed to make up for his lack of magic but sometimes it’s annoying. If stopping magical foes is part of their job and he can’t do it without tricks, ingenuity, and luck then that’s a useless Watch Captain. The author makes it work because that’s what he wants but it doesn’t realllly make sense most of the time. Also, I really hope we get to see him fly a bird!
Mina I’m meh about. It gives Conrad depth, so I get it. But I also find myself not really caring about her in the story? She’s like window dressing. He could have a three legged dog he really loves and it would be the same to me. “That’s nice and all but let’s get back to the interesting bits like Lux and dragons, thanks.”
I knew next to nothing about Wales before this but it in a book makes me interested in a subject, it’s a good feeling.
Can’t wait for the next one. I highly recommend this series!
November 24, 2021
The series is starting to leave a bad taste in my mouth.
December 17, 2022
Quietly Excellent
I rated the first book in this series 4 or 5 stars (can’t remember which), butI didn’t take the time to write a review…
At the end of this book, after I’d pondered for a bit on what I’d thought throughout of the story, I finally figured out what I wanted to say—
This is something of a quiet series in that the characters and their actions are not BAM! SmackYouintheFace! These novels seem, well, thoughtfully written, and the characters, singly, and together are revealed to the reader slowly and carefully— kind of like the way you might take the time to develop a new acquaintance into a friend learning about them bit by bit and growing to love them deeply as you come to understand who they really are.
Sorry… this is my long-winded way of saying that the author did a rather lovely job of introducing us to the principal characters and showing us bit by bit why we should absolutely love them.
Conrad is the kind of mature-age man I was lucky enough to have met when I was growing up: just, principled, disciplined, and compassionate. He exemplifies the kind of leader I always wanted to grow into - a stalwart guardian who steps up at need to shoulder the burden of paladin when those appointed to the role are unwilling or unable to discharge its duties; and then steps right back down when the appropriate authority arrives to properly assume the mantle. Stoic, kind, and carrying a backbone of steel, he is quiet as he kicks ass, and is just as quiet when the limelight shines.
Vicky is both his charge and his student, and has, in quantity, many of the same worthy characteristics displayed by her mentor. His power differs from hers, and hers is arguably greater than her boss’s, but she understands the deep value in his lessons and friendship, and is learning who she wants to be as she works with him.
Wonderful tropes- wonderful characters- LOVED the book!
I rated the first book in this series 4 or 5 stars (can’t remember which), butI didn’t take the time to write a review…
At the end of this book, after I’d pondered for a bit on what I’d thought throughout of the story, I finally figured out what I wanted to say—
This is something of a quiet series in that the characters and their actions are not BAM! SmackYouintheFace! These novels seem, well, thoughtfully written, and the characters, singly, and together are revealed to the reader slowly and carefully— kind of like the way you might take the time to develop a new acquaintance into a friend learning about them bit by bit and growing to love them deeply as you come to understand who they really are.
Sorry… this is my long-winded way of saying that the author did a rather lovely job of introducing us to the principal characters and showing us bit by bit why we should absolutely love them.
Conrad is the kind of mature-age man I was lucky enough to have met when I was growing up: just, principled, disciplined, and compassionate. He exemplifies the kind of leader I always wanted to grow into - a stalwart guardian who steps up at need to shoulder the burden of paladin when those appointed to the role are unwilling or unable to discharge its duties; and then steps right back down when the appropriate authority arrives to properly assume the mantle. Stoic, kind, and carrying a backbone of steel, he is quiet as he kicks ass, and is just as quiet when the limelight shines.
Vicky is both his charge and his student, and has, in quantity, many of the same worthy characteristics displayed by her mentor. His power differs from hers, and hers is arguably greater than her boss’s, but she understands the deep value in his lessons and friendship, and is learning who she wants to be as she works with him.
Wonderful tropes- wonderful characters- LOVED the book!
October 4, 2021
3.5 stars, but I still think that it is under a 4 star book.
The second in the King's Watch series is definitely better than the first simply from a writing standpoint. You could tell in the first book that the author had some good characters and a compelling story to tell, but the writing got in the way a little bit especially at the beginning. There's some better editing going on now, and this book benefits from it.
12 Dragons of Albion continued to flesh out this iteration of a magickal Great Britain / world. But the best parts were the character development and relationship building between the main characters - Conrad and Vicky. They are a great team with room to grow, and they continue to discover the role they have to play in "keeping the King's Peace."
There are still a couple of call backs to Conrad's past that maybe we as readers should know about? Are these short stories? Blog posts? I'm honestly unsure and maybe I need to do a little more research, but the references are kind of ham-fisted - "I did this thing and know this guy in the past, but you can find out all about that on your own if you want to" (that's my quick summary of how all those references are handled by Conrad). Other than those kind of awkward introductions to some characters and/or situations, the plot moves along at a good clip and the characters are genuinely likeable or unlikeable with some clear motivations that the Merlyn's Tower Irregulars discover during their investigations.
So overall, this book is an improvement on the first and I want to keep reading the series. I hope they continue to get better!
The second in the King's Watch series is definitely better than the first simply from a writing standpoint. You could tell in the first book that the author had some good characters and a compelling story to tell, but the writing got in the way a little bit especially at the beginning. There's some better editing going on now, and this book benefits from it.
12 Dragons of Albion continued to flesh out this iteration of a magickal Great Britain / world. But the best parts were the character development and relationship building between the main characters - Conrad and Vicky. They are a great team with room to grow, and they continue to discover the role they have to play in "keeping the King's Peace."
There are still a couple of call backs to Conrad's past that maybe we as readers should know about? Are these short stories? Blog posts? I'm honestly unsure and maybe I need to do a little more research, but the references are kind of ham-fisted - "I did this thing and know this guy in the past, but you can find out all about that on your own if you want to" (that's my quick summary of how all those references are handled by Conrad). Other than those kind of awkward introductions to some characters and/or situations, the plot moves along at a good clip and the characters are genuinely likeable or unlikeable with some clear motivations that the Merlyn's Tower Irregulars discover during their investigations.
So overall, this book is an improvement on the first and I want to keep reading the series. I hope they continue to get better!
June 28, 2020
An improvement on the first book but not by much. Generally less painful world description but three things majorly wrong for me:
1. Pace of plot - snail like for the first half then really fast for last third. I get that a book tends to crescendo towards the end, but these drastic changes meant I was, at times, confused with what was going on.
2. Conrad - all Bond/RAF hero/underdog (due to limited natural magical ability) on one side, gibbering wreck of a boyfriend in a relationship with a one dimensional irritating Mina, the other. Often not authentic or likeable.
3. General character development of other protagonists is often poor. To many characters thrown in so it’s a constant battle to work out who everyone is. It needed streamlining and then there would be time to develop the main characters more adequately. Also living in the North East of England, I got repeatedly annoyed by the Geordie/Newcastle stereotype put on Vicky; including making her Dad a rough around the edges former miner.
Really undecided about reading the 3rd book. If they weren’t free to borrow through my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I wouldn’t bother.
1. Pace of plot - snail like for the first half then really fast for last third. I get that a book tends to crescendo towards the end, but these drastic changes meant I was, at times, confused with what was going on.
2. Conrad - all Bond/RAF hero/underdog (due to limited natural magical ability) on one side, gibbering wreck of a boyfriend in a relationship with a one dimensional irritating Mina, the other. Often not authentic or likeable.
3. General character development of other protagonists is often poor. To many characters thrown in so it’s a constant battle to work out who everyone is. It needed streamlining and then there would be time to develop the main characters more adequately. Also living in the North East of England, I got repeatedly annoyed by the Geordie/Newcastle stereotype put on Vicky; including making her Dad a rough around the edges former miner.
Really undecided about reading the 3rd book. If they weren’t free to borrow through my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I wouldn’t bother.
February 10, 2022
Good 2ND In The Series
This one, like the first, took me a while to really get into and feel the flow. It seemed to move at a much slower pace than I would have liked. It took quite a bit to get around to the main premise of the book. Not at all in the sense boring, just slow.
In defense of this style of writing, I do understand the necessity of it. There's a lot to unpack before you can truly understand what is about to happen. Even then, I was completely lost at a few points, and ended up having to use Kindle search feature on certain names that were being used interchangeably, as well as the fact there's so many co-characters, I couldn't keep them straight, or even remember if they had been mentioned before at all.
I ended up having to reread some passages, and even entire chapters a few times.
But when it finally did pick up, it was well worth the wait!
I will continue on with the series at this point. The main characters really do grow on you after awhile.
Once again, it’s a well wrapped up ending, without any major cliffhanger, just plenty of promise to delve deeper into the main story as The Watch progresses through their adventurous quests.
This one, like the first, took me a while to really get into and feel the flow. It seemed to move at a much slower pace than I would have liked. It took quite a bit to get around to the main premise of the book. Not at all in the sense boring, just slow.
In defense of this style of writing, I do understand the necessity of it. There's a lot to unpack before you can truly understand what is about to happen. Even then, I was completely lost at a few points, and ended up having to use Kindle search feature on certain names that were being used interchangeably, as well as the fact there's so many co-characters, I couldn't keep them straight, or even remember if they had been mentioned before at all.
I ended up having to reread some passages, and even entire chapters a few times.
But when it finally did pick up, it was well worth the wait!
I will continue on with the series at this point. The main characters really do grow on you after awhile.
Once again, it’s a well wrapped up ending, without any major cliffhanger, just plenty of promise to delve deeper into the main story as The Watch progresses through their adventurous quests.
September 13, 2024
This one was fine, there was a lot of intrigue around the dragon that felt a little convoluted and not super interesting. Like a lot of Welsh names were thrown at me that I didn’t really feel motivated to keep super close track of. And the characters we met felt interchangeable often. Very little flavor to go around. And people like A Darron / Imogen – like he had a crush on her when they were in high school ? That’s so fucking random ? And not well addressed at all. The final battle with the dragon and the welsh fuckboy warrior was good. And I liked Odin appearing and saying he wouldn’t punish him for hubris. But the explanation saying like “oh normally I couldn’t come but now I can because the dragon dying was so crazy…” ok but why did you come? And I have no faith that kind of mechanic will stay relevant…
I felt like the dragon bit was good and the Vicky and Conrad connection strengthened but that for the most part it was a bit of a slog.
WHY did the Lord Mayor of Moles have to die???? That was so insane. And so unnecessary. He was by far the most interesting character with the most room for growth, just narratively unsatisfying for that to happen.
I felt like the dragon bit was good and the Vicky and Conrad connection strengthened but that for the most part it was a bit of a slog.
WHY did the Lord Mayor of Moles have to die???? That was so insane. And so unnecessary. He was by far the most interesting character with the most room for growth, just narratively unsatisfying for that to happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
In this, second installment of The King's Watch Conrad is in WAY OVER HIS HEAD. Thank goodness Vicky is there to help as Conrad navigates the events uncovered by a chance visit to The Lord Mayor of Moles, where he discovers that a dragon egg is missing. And after some investigating he discovers that some rebel Welsh mages are trying to hatch the egg and release the dragon on the unsuspecting residents of England. Take that you English scum; Welsh independence now (tongue in cheek reference to the long standing Welsh / English historical encounters; but as Scotland explores independence will the UK become five separate countries one day???)
Back on track. Conrad really has his hands full with this investigation. How does a mage with almost no magic stand up to a dragon? This book will cement Conrad's place in magical society and put the Kings Watch on the map of forces with which to be reckoned.
It's a great story, probably better than the first installment, and is well work the read.
Back on track. Conrad really has his hands full with this investigation. How does a mage with almost no magic stand up to a dragon? This book will cement Conrad's place in magical society and put the Kings Watch on the map of forces with which to be reckoned.
It's a great story, probably better than the first installment, and is well work the read.
September 26, 2024
As with the first book, the pace of the narration is quick, and filled with interesting information, details and events, mixed in with lively dialogue, which, on the whole, I managed to keep track of and understand. I did, however, fall foul of how the dialogue between characters is presented on the page, with the text sometimes being contained on the same lines, with just a comma and speech marks to break it up, which is usually fine, but which I sometimes don't register, and so end up confusing myself when I lose track of who is saying what.
The characters are wonderfully written, and I was surprised to find I had developed emotional attachments to some of them when I found my eyes misting over, with a couple of the scenes described in the latter half of the book.
This was a highly enjoyable read, with the plot's main thrust being Conrad trying to track down a Dragon egg, before it can hatch, which, if it does, could mean implementing the current procedure for dealing with a Dragon, a nuclear bomb!
The characters are wonderfully written, and I was surprised to find I had developed emotional attachments to some of them when I found my eyes misting over, with a couple of the scenes described in the latter half of the book.
This was a highly enjoyable read, with the plot's main thrust being Conrad trying to track down a Dragon egg, before it can hatch, which, if it does, could mean implementing the current procedure for dealing with a Dragon, a nuclear bomb!
May 11, 2024
Title: The 12 Dragons of Albion A Conrad Clarke Novel (Kings Watch Book 1)
Author: Mark Hayden @mhaydenauthor
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4)
Pages: 331
Also available on @amazonkindle - kindle unlimited
Another great book. I was gripped. I enjoyed the rapport between Conrad and Vicky. I can't wait to see what they uncover with Conrad's ancestors. (I hope that's in the next book)
The book triggered a range of emotions, making me feel sad and angry at the injustice.
I struggled to understand some sections of the book. I'm not sure if that's because there were words missed and grammar mistakes. I also struggled to envisage the dragon as the author took on a different approach.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm currently downloading book 3 the 11th hour as I type!
Have you read this book or series?
Will you give it a go?
What's your favourite urban fantasy book at the moment?
Author: Mark Hayden @mhaydenauthor
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4)
Pages: 331
Also available on @amazonkindle - kindle unlimited
Another great book. I was gripped. I enjoyed the rapport between Conrad and Vicky. I can't wait to see what they uncover with Conrad's ancestors. (I hope that's in the next book)
The book triggered a range of emotions, making me feel sad and angry at the injustice.
I struggled to understand some sections of the book. I'm not sure if that's because there were words missed and grammar mistakes. I also struggled to envisage the dragon as the author took on a different approach.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm currently downloading book 3 the 11th hour as I type!
Have you read this book or series?
Will you give it a go?
What's your favourite urban fantasy book at the moment?
December 17, 2024
A nice continuation of the King's Watch series. Following the adventures of the last book, it looks like it's all hitting the fan with the introductions of the dragons of albion! I loved Mole in the last book, and he's such a treat in this one too. What an absolute unit.
Conrad Clarke forms a great partnership with Vicky in the challenges ahead, and we get some real urban fantasy magic with this installment. There's a lot of drama in regards to the nurturing of dragon, and Conrad really gives it a good crack. He's pretty good with the business. Conrad puts on his detective hat and the stakes are high to prevent something that would be absolutely devastating. The finale is satistfying, and a good time. We also get to see some progression in Conrad, and follow several of the other storylines, introduced in the first book.
A nice little audiobook.
3/5
Conrad Clarke forms a great partnership with Vicky in the challenges ahead, and we get some real urban fantasy magic with this installment. There's a lot of drama in regards to the nurturing of dragon, and Conrad really gives it a good crack. He's pretty good with the business. Conrad puts on his detective hat and the stakes are high to prevent something that would be absolutely devastating. The finale is satistfying, and a good time. We also get to see some progression in Conrad, and follow several of the other storylines, introduced in the first book.
A nice little audiobook.
3/5
January 14, 2020
Following on from The Thirteenth Witch, this is the second King's Watch book featuring featuring Ex RAF helicopter pilot Conrad Clarke who is beginning to get his head around Magick, but hasn't yet joined the King's Watch. Despite completing the task set for him in the last book, Conrad has to undertake several tests helped by Vicky who is fast becoming his partner. She has more magick than Conrad and is trying to teach him what he needs when he needs it to pass his tests
This is not as fast paced as the previous book and, indeed, rather more of the book is taken up with Conrad's tests and not the dragon problem promised by the title, which dragged a bit for me untiil they got to the dragons. Then it woke up and gave me a fast, danger-packed story.
This is not as fast paced as the previous book and, indeed, rather more of the book is taken up with Conrad's tests and not the dragon problem promised by the title, which dragged a bit for me untiil they got to the dragons. Then it woke up and gave me a fast, danger-packed story.
September 26, 2020
Loved it!
So, at one point, Conrad comes up with an idea that worked, and made sense, but felt too much like he actually knew what he was talking about. I suppose that any group, especially religious, has some formal method of excommunication, but the fact that Conrad not only knew about this aspect of Druidism, and what it was specifically called, felt just a bit out of character.
Other than that, I was captivated by this story from the first. I like how Conrad may not particularly like politics, but he plays the game ably, as you would expect from someone of his military rank.
I can't wait to see what happens as Conrad and Vic spend time in his ancestral home, and what Thomas might be able to reveal.
So, at one point, Conrad comes up with an idea that worked, and made sense, but felt too much like he actually knew what he was talking about. I suppose that any group, especially religious, has some formal method of excommunication, but the fact that Conrad not only knew about this aspect of Druidism, and what it was specifically called, felt just a bit out of character.
Other than that, I was captivated by this story from the first. I like how Conrad may not particularly like politics, but he plays the game ably, as you would expect from someone of his military rank.
I can't wait to see what happens as Conrad and Vic spend time in his ancestral home, and what Thomas might be able to reveal.
December 26, 2020
After the promise of the first King's Watch I couldn't resist the next - it's the time of year for lighter reading even though I try not to inhale series in one go. This delivered.
The characters are filling out, the Merlyn's Tower Irregulars are coming together, there is magick and there are Dragons - what better additions to a tale of wrong doing and derring-do could you ask for?
The relationships are developing well, loyalties forming, backstories emerging making everyone just a little more real. The writing shows a surer hand, and the editing is tighter, though a little way to go - but that is very much a personal view and there are many who would not pander to my obsession with tight story telling.
I have high hopes of the rest of the series.
The characters are filling out, the Merlyn's Tower Irregulars are coming together, there is magick and there are Dragons - what better additions to a tale of wrong doing and derring-do could you ask for?
The relationships are developing well, loyalties forming, backstories emerging making everyone just a little more real. The writing shows a surer hand, and the editing is tighter, though a little way to go - but that is very much a personal view and there are many who would not pander to my obsession with tight story telling.
I have high hopes of the rest of the series.
January 4, 2021
Considering becoming a Merlyn Tower Irregular
Though not usually a fan of fantasy novels i confess i have enjoyed the first two books in the Conrad clerke series. My imagination has been stretched while earthing me in the reality of places as I know. Two criticisms, first the use of the “F” word. I know !its the 21st century and that young people (including my children) use this old Saxon word but there is a plethora of words in the English language to use to set an example to the younger generation. The second is Conrads enthusiasm for guns to solve is issues, rather in the American style of policing unlike the British use of guile and a blunt instrument in police work. Looking forward to reading more of the adventures in the North of England.
Though not usually a fan of fantasy novels i confess i have enjoyed the first two books in the Conrad clerke series. My imagination has been stretched while earthing me in the reality of places as I know. Two criticisms, first the use of the “F” word. I know !its the 21st century and that young people (including my children) use this old Saxon word but there is a plethora of words in the English language to use to set an example to the younger generation. The second is Conrads enthusiasm for guns to solve is issues, rather in the American style of policing unlike the British use of guile and a blunt instrument in police work. Looking forward to reading more of the adventures in the North of England.
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