Killers & Kings: Sword and sorcery Fantasy adventure where a sellsword becomes a hero

by Mark Goodrum

An action-packed Fantasy adventure with the swords and sorcery excitement of a George RR Martin or a Brandon Sanderson series. Epic battles, magic duels, and romance abound, and not even the Old Gods can stop the coming of the ‘Age of Magic’.The Hero – a sellsword is drawn into a widespread conflict that threatens to end the reign of the kings and put the world of Xoran under the oppressive rule of a murderous death cult. He must put aside his self-centered ways to become a leader.The twins – facing sure death, ‘the twins’ discover that they are born with incredibly strong magic. Though they are still apprentices, they join with the heroes of the King’s Table to fight against the evil Quell.The Killers – a psychopath is chosen by a demon to start and lead the false religion called Quell. No crime, no cruelty is beyond the pale.The Kings – the kings and queens of Kronos must put aside their petty squabbles to stand against the hordes of murderers and rapists of the Quell.

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2018

Reviews

[Agnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Killers & Kings: Sword and Sorcery Fantasy Adventure," the first book in "The Age of Magic" series by Mark Goodrum, gives me Game of Throne’s vibes.

It is an exhilarating journey into the enchanting world of Xoran. This land, initially devoid of magic, undergoes a breathtaking transformation when a demon's arrival ushers in the wondrous ‘Age of Magic.’

At the heart of this tale is a seasoned sellsword, whose journey from a self-serving mercenary to a heroic leader shines as a beacon of hope against the looming threat of the Quell cult. His transformation is not just a personal evolution but a powerful symbol of resilience and courage in the face of darkness.

Mark Goodrum's writing is nothing short of masterful. The characters are richly developed, each with their own compelling arcs that draw readers deeper into the story. The battle scenes are particularly outstanding—dynamic and vividly described, they immerse you right in the midst of the action. While the large cast of characters can be a bit challenging to keep track of, each one is distinct and adds depth to the narrative. This minor complexity is the only reason I didn't award the book a full five stars.

"Killers & Kings" is a beautifully crafted tale that will undoubtedly captivate fans of epic fantasy. Its seamless blend of magic, warfare, and intricate character development creates a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply moving. Despite the typical gore and violence of the genre, Goodrum handles these elements with a level of restraint that broadens the book's appeal.

For those who relish tales of magic, heroism, and epic battles, "Killers & Kings" is an absolute must-read. This story is a testament to the power of courage and unity in the face of adversity, and it promises to leave a lasting impression on all who venture into its pages.

[Cassie Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of fantasy works, I was pleasantly surprised with this story. The characters are strong and determined even when facing adversity, dealing with problems with such creativity that it left me smiling. The work is well written and the story flows nicely. A lot of the religious undertones are eerily similar to those of Christianity, so if you’re easily offended by this religion’s past (or believe that past to be false), you may have some issues… or need to do some self reflecting. I’m curious to see how the twins progress with their powers, as it seems like there are great things in store for their future, now that their mentor is gone and they must face the witch in the without him. I received the audible version for free, and in the beginning I wasn’t sure I was ok with the narrator’s portrayal of female voices, but their overall performance had me hooked, and I’m glad I stayed.

[Simon Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth a read, enjoyable from start to finish!