Goldenmark

The Kingsmen Chronicles #3

by Jean Lowe Carlson

Blood soils the hands of the righteous. Darkness fills the hearts of the brave. Now, bitter enemies must rise as one under a terrifying magic that could destroy them all, as nations fall to an ancient and ruthless power.

Dreams will die and legends will be born in this epic conclusion to The Kingsmen Chronicles.

Book Description:

Castellan Lhaurent den’Karthus has betrayed the Khehemni Lothren, annihilating all who would oppose him. Seizing the Menderian throne, he wages war to fulfill ancient prophecy and unite the continent under his rule. But an alternate Uniter has been Goldenmarked – Kingsman Elohl den’Alrahel. Captured during a mission for the exiled Queen, Elohl languishes under the dark and powerful magic of the Valenghian Vhinesse. To win back the nation, Elohl must now escape, and lead an army of Kingsmen in the most brutal war the continent has ever seen.

This dark and gritty sword and sorcery series from Amazon bestselling and award winning author Jean Lowe Carlson explores a complex world of treachery, passion, sex, and magic. Readers who enjoy Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time, Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicles, George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones, or Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series will love this fantastic adventure.

What Readers Are Saying:

“A wonderfully layered novel with spectacular world-building; a complex plot with layers of intrigue and compelling, damaged characters.” – JC Kang, Dragon Songs Saga Bestselling Author

“Once in a while a phenomenon happens. When it does, all existing icons are tumbled. New standards get set. A new legend gets born. This Kingsmen series is such a phenomenon.” – Manie Kilian, Amazon Reviewer

“Bloodmark is an amazing masterpiece that brings dark and gritty storytelling to the forefront. Imaginative and downright compelling, Jean Lowe Carlson is a master storyteller. A rightful comparison to George R.R. Martin, Joe Abercrombie, and Patrick Rothfuss of The Kingkiller Chronicles fame.” – Alina Hart, Amazon Reviewer

“Breathtaking till the last page, full of twists and turns, political intrigue and traitors galore! Puts me in mind of Brent Weeks and the Dragonlance epic series.” – Lana Turner, Amazon Reviewer

“Like George R.R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss, JL Carlson brought forth emotions in me that books from my youth never could.” – RonC, Amazon Reviewer

“Bloodmark is the kind of sequel that builds on its predecessor and improves it. Like George R.R. Martin, Jean Lowe Carlson builds a world were treason is around every corner and nothing can be taken for granted.” – Amazon Reviewer

“Fast-paced with twists and turns – a world I have no desire to leave!” Susan E. Latham, Amazon Reviewer

“An epic tale of love, heartache, horror, lust, hope, death, and redemption. I cried, laughed and had to stop myself from chewing my nails!” – Jennifer Manning, Amazon Reviewer

“If you like Jordan, Rothfuss, or Martin, the Kingsmen Chronicles are certainly worth your time!” – L4nner, Amazon Reviewer

“An amazing world that sucks you in – an awesome fantasy series for grown-ups.” – Jules, Amazon Reviewer

Genres: Fantasy, Magic

730 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2018

About the author

"Richly set and beautifully told, Carlson paints a story filled with love, lust, and tragedy. She captures the tortured emotions of temptation and desire perfectly and leaves you wanting more." - Chris Patchell, author of In the Dark

“Like George RR Martin and Joe Abercrombie, Carlson writes in the fantasy genre for grown-ups, with flair and elegance. A complex world with characters that develop well, The Kingsmen Chronicles reveals as it builds!” - Daniel F., Amazon Review

Jean Lowe Carlson blends deep wisdom, fast-paced adventure, and timeless discovery into exquisite fantasy. Her raw worlds are reminiscent of George RR Martin, Robert Jordan, Joe Abercrombie, Clive Barker, and Robin Hobb.

Jean holds a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND), and has a keen awareness of psychology and human behavior, using it to paint vivid characters set amidst nations in turmoil or societies with riveting secrets. Exciting, challenging, and passionate, her novels take the reader upon dire adventures while exploring deep human truths and self-knowledge.

In 2016, she was the recipient of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist medal for her dark fantasy Tears. She was also longlisted for the 2016 Online Writing Tips Short Fiction Prize for her dark fairytale The Man in White.

Reviews

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time deciding how to rate the final volume in the Kingsmen Chronicles trilogy. However, as only the actual ending irritates me, whereas Volume 2 lost me for the last third, I decided to give this a higher rating.

In the last third of the second book, the author introduced new elements. Jherrick traveled into the void, where the Albrenni explained to him about the red-eyed demon. Someone with strong wyrria has to accept the darkness within him, otherwise, the Beast will use this weakness over. So, Jherrick met the Jedi council and they told him about the dark side of the Force. Only that it could manifest.

One of the author's greatest strengths was writing about shades of grey. The series was about the conflict between two ancient races. However, the main idea was that with the exception of characters such as Lhaurent or Lhem everybody deserves a second chance. This is what made that story so compelling. In the second book, Elohl and Fenton met a giannik and he told them that Leith Alodwine wasn't the evil bastard everybody thought he was, but instead acted to protect the world from this Beast.

Something similar happens in this book, by having Theroun interact with the Kreth-Hakir (though I have to say that in their case it often had a retcon feel to it).

Here is the thing though. She started to introduce all these new elements and characters and I was starting to wonder how she would put all these puzzle pieces together. And the answer: she doesn't.

Goldenmark finishes the story arc involving Lhaurent. However, many of the elements she introduced are meant for a second series: the Khehemnis chronicles. And because of that, the ending seems incredibly unfinished, because these threads are just left hanging. I would even go so far to say that some of these elements are only loosely tied to the story, as she needed them for the second series. Introducing a new series could have been done in a better way. She brutalized her ending, ripping out threads to use in the next series, and the ending suffers because of it. She could have chosen a gentler transition.

On top of that are some serious editing issues. There are things, she quite simply forgot about. For example, the Rennkavi necklace. In the second book, they explained that there are four necklaces. One worn by Morvein, two by the Brother Kings, and the fourth by the Rennkavi. This is never mentioned in this book.

Or how about the fact, only the Alreshemi are supposed to have magic? Then where does the Vinesse get her gift from? Also, since the author made the Kreth-Hakir too powerful, suddenly new wyrria talents pop up left and right like a buffet of deus ex machine. That also left a bad aftertaste in my mouth.

Last but not least: the battle against Lhaurent. It was interminable. And also showed a certain lack of planning. How he got the Rennkavi markings was never fully explored. But given the revelation that he was not of Elohl's line, his incredible power and the way he just refused to die, to a point that he started using Leith's ring in ways that were never explained before in the book. Suddenly, the ring didn't give him power over Roushenn, it was more as if it enabled him to use Leith's power. It degraded to a point, where she needed to use resurrection to get out of this situation.

Overall the book was great and so was the series. But the ending is just horrible. It drags on forever, overuses deus ex machina to keep the story going and is incomplete for the sake of a new series. In short, it is a mess.

Based on this ending, I'm loathe to read the next series. But I'm going to have to if I ever want to find out how this story really ends.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great epic story full of twists and turns. The world building is wonderful and the characters are complex and rich.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the second book so much. Unfortunately this third volume isn't enthralling me. In my opinion there is far too much magic suddenly coming to the fore of characters who previously had none. I am especially referring to Theron and Jherrick. How can so much latent magic be suppressed for so long? King Therel and Queen Elyasin have been possessed by the former brother kings so their wyrria are somewhat explained.

I expected this book to focus more on Elohl but it continues to almost make him a minor character. The other's actions and adventures seem so much more interesting. He acts like a pawn to the Goldenmarks and not really having any influence over what is happening to him. It's taking a long time for him to understand what they are all about.

Why has Ghrnna turned into a succubus?

Since Elohl's Goldenmark wyrria is supposedly so much stronger than Lhaurent's, would it be possible for him to influence the opposing army with his power? That would certainly end the conflict without bloodshed.

What will happen when Fenton meets the reincarnated Leith Alodwine, his long-hated grandfather?

Let's just say that the ceremony to finalize Elohl's Goldenmark wyrria is beyond the pale. Are we to believe that if it had worked the first time, Morvein Vishke and the brother kings would have engaged in a three-way? Why did the brother kings exit from Elyasin and Therel but Morvein completely takes over Ghrnna? Why didn't we find out Khenria's reaction to Dherran's death? The ending involves time travel, sending us back in history. I personally would rather have started there and gone forward but that's just me.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Kingsmen Chronicles, a series which I thoroughly enjoyed, however this final book was so strong and so descriptive and so emotionally charged that I am afraid a review will not do it justice. I have just finished reading this awesome and grand finale and I am still reeling and spellbound. I do believe that this book should go right to the top of any bestseller list as the fight of good against evil and all the action that led to the final massive war is one of the best I have ever read including the big fight in The Lord of the Rings. Ms. Carlson wove so many different strands to her narrative, each telling their own angle of the tale and finally all meeting at the end point for the war on the Aphellian Way between the two Rhennkavi only one of whom is the real one. A fight between Elohl the Goldenmarked and Laurent the evil power hungry eel! There are so many beautiful characters in this book full of loyalty, courage, love, honour and loss, side by side with pure evil and hatred, each character brought to life for us through the great detail paid to the characterisation. Light always shines through the darkness and it did in this book too giving us the readers the ending we were dying to read about, a very satisfying ending. This is a book which just has to be read and the whole series owned by all those who enjoy epic fantasy and sword and sorcery epic sagas as it rates with the very best and would be a highlight on any bookshelf!

[Jordin Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay ending, if a bit frustrating

The way it ends gives you the feeling that it would be followed up by another book. Some threads that were building up all series were left unfinished. Some character returns were hinted at, along with new storylines. But it seems as if the author just kind of…stopped. As if she wasn’t sure how she wanted things to be tied up and completed, so she left them alone completely. Perhaps a new series is in the works, although I doubt it. I didn’t need (or expect) a happy ending, but some closure would have been nice, rather than being left with more questions and slight cliffhangers. 3.5/5, as the rest of the book was stellar. The author couldn’t quite stick the landing, however.

[Karina Halt · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE!!! Recommended!!! This series I will re-read again and again!!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started the first book during the Christmas holidays because I saw it on my recommended list on Amazon and it was free for my kindle so I said why not? A few days later and I was done with the trilogy! Bought it from the author's webpage because it was fortunately on sale! Well there was a referral at the end of book 1 to go get the whole trilogy for a good price and I did :)

I loved the whole story, Elohl is my favorite character out of all along with Olea. I couldn't believe what happened to her it was so sudden. Aaah. But it ended nicely (if you consider dark and broody to be nice) but with a promise of more adventure in another series. I was a bit confused with the ever changing view points but over all it was a good read. Not one of my favorite ones probably but still it was a good entertaining read. There was a buildup to the finale in this book, I couldn't wait until all the broken/separate units would get together and finally do the epic battle. And they did. And it was awesome.

The immortals in this story reminds me of the immortals in The Vampire Diaries (TV series). They have been around for hundreds of years. Hidden. Waiting for the golden marked. Like the first commander and his grandson "the ghost", and the uncle. That ghost character was such a mystery, with so much conflict he was one of the characters POV's I looked forward to reading from. I liked their characters and the air of mystery and the unfolding of their story little by little until the end in this book.

The mad general turned traitor turned spy was quite an interesting character as well. I love his twists and turns. I can't seem to remember the names, I'm so bad with that. So I'll stick with describing the characters and hope I get the point across.

[Bertha Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Lowe Carlson has nothing to envy to the great authors of fantasy. In my opinion, she is at the level of J. R. R. Tolkien, George Martin, C. S. Lewis and Christopher Paolini. On several occasions, it may feel as if the reader were present within the narrative, even as if the reader were one of the characters. There are a lot of passages written in a very lyrical prose, as in the descriptions of some characters, i.e. "Noldrones Flavian simply was, like a river or an ocean -silent and calm, endless and timeless."
Ms. Carlson manages to make the reader feel what her characters feel and identify deeply with them, understanding their emotions and the reasons that lead them to act as they do. This is a sample of what the epic fantasy must be: sometimes dark, sometimes luminous, with a very well planned plot, an excellent continuity between the three books and the most important thing is that the book answers the majority, if not all, of the questions that the reader could pose in the course of the story.
An excellent book! I recommend it especially to people interested in epic fantasy who have a very active imagination that allows them to insert themselves into the story.

[Roger Weetch · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, well worth reading if you enjoy sword and sorcery fantasy. This is the final book of a trilogy ("Blackmark" and "Bloodmark" precede it). Though each book has an ending and is a satisfying read in itself it would probably be best to read them in order in order to understand the background. The plot is moved along through the actions of the various main characters,
each of whom develops greater magical powers of different types as the story progresses. Initially, I found it slightly confusing trying to remember which person I was reading about, particularly as most have similar names to others, but I gradually got used to it. All of the characters are well developed and fully rounded with human flaws and emotions affecting their actions. The book is long, with a lot of twists in the plot leading up to and beyond the final battle between the forces of good and evil. It provides a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy while leaving a number of threads that might develop into further stories (I hope). I wholeheartedly recommend this trilogy.

[ForestGardenGal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning end to a twisting adventure saga

Ms. Carlson is a master storyteller, continuing to develop all of her characters up through the very end of the book, continuing to weave startling threads into the plot, and never giving the readers the trite ending they have come to expect through modern literature, but gratifying them nonetheless. She has given us a complete saga, but has also left herself two very clear possible open routes to explore in continuing related series, past and future- I hope she eventually revisits both in related series. I had moments of doubt when I feared how the story would end, but in reading this series I have developed a deep respect for the ingenuity of Ms. Carlson's work that few modern authors have inspired in me.

I highly recommend this series to lovers of high fantasy.

R for explicit sexual content and warfare violence, no language.

[Marco Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GRATIFYING! I have read and reviewed the first two in the series, and I loved them. This book is not only the magical place to understand the rest of the insights from the series, but it is also one of the lovely times where the third book in the trilogy is better than its previous volumes. The author did a fantastic job of tying up loose ends, making sure we understand the conclusion to any plots and subplots that came up through the series, while also giving us answers to mysteries that were part of the story. And while my review sounds very dry, Carlson some how did all of this while building excitement and throwing in aspects that while were clearly part of her plan, were a complete surprise to me. She put forward creativity, attention to detail, and a many details that told me how much she put into this book. Loved it! I might go back and read them again.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goldenmark is a fitting conclusion to a great series. It binds this complex story together nicely, and has far less spelling errors/typos than the earlier novels. I especially love the keshar-cats and the warrior women that ride them into battle. However, I’m still mourning the loss of one of my favourite characters who doesn’t feature this far into the series, and I sometimes feel that the overly descriptive narrative draws out the story a little too long for my liking. These are all large books, mostly weighing in at over 700 pages, with Blackmark the slimmest volume at just over 500 pages.

I received a free copy of this novel direct from the author and have voluntarily chosen to write this review. I would recommend it to adult fans of epic sword and sorcery fantasy, such as A Game of Thrones, who like to get stuck into long, dark and gritty books.

[Ronald Culbertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything wrapped up well. It was bittersweet though and though that's not a bad thing it leaves some of us feeling slightly cheated, had Elohl gotten the girl it would have been to easy so it's one or the other. I was also REALLY hoping that Olea was going to be resurrected, you have NO idea how bad I wanted to murder Lhaurent when he slipped in there and slit her throat MAN I was pissed. So though it didn't end the way I thought it should have and things I was hoping would happen didn't happen it was still a great book and a WAY better ending that a lot of writers leave you with so Kudos to you Jean Lowe Carlson for writing a great trilogy and I can't wait to read about what happens to Jherrick.

[LooseBoots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes I finally finished this book, despite almost being swayed by some negative reviews.
Once again it was a very long book to read but I always promise authors to give an honest review.
My words can never do this justice but it is an EPIC story, nei series, in every sense of the word. Such powerful characters at play and it is truly a world to loose yourself in.
It certainly was worth the perseverance to finish and in my humble opinion, was so worth it. Yes we list some favorites along the way but the end result was truly magnificent , with the next series promising to be just as amazing.
I personally enjoyed the whole saga and even though it’s taken me a while ( partly due to other commitments) I thoroughly enjoyed the read and wholeheartedly recommended it.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed book one in this series because it had magic, honor, and reviews that likened it to Game of Thrones. Now, I’ve watched the HBO series but not read the books so I don’t know how true that is. All I can say is the whole series was hard to put down. There’s magic, honor, fighting, gore, love, sex, and literally a whole army of..uh..sausages...swinging in the breeze. It’s all latent power and shocking revelation without the “teenage girl discovers she has ancient magical powers now she has to save the world” trope. I laughed, I cried, I said what the!? And plowed my way through the trilogy.

[Non Pantalones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into this last book, I was VERY concerned. The last book ended with a ton of new plotlines and I know that sometimes they can get away from an author when there's a set limit on real-estate... and I was right. The entirety of this book, I kept asking myself 'how will the author wrap up all these various story-lines... ?? There's more being created as I read!' And the ending was more abrupt than my liking - there's going to me more books in the *universe*... but I was unsatisfied in the ending of such a promising effort. Well-written... just needed more books; more time to address all of of the various threads.

[Terri West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I have thoroughly enjoyed this series I felt a little disappointed in this book. Although the title is Golden mark there is very little time devoted to Elohl. The development of many other characters is really good, it's a shame that he seemed to become a secondary figure. The epilogue takes us way back in the past to the time of Leith Alodwine, thereby launching us into a prequel series, however I would have preferred some clarity on the future of our supposed hero Elohl.
Overall a good series that could compete with Song of Fire and Ice, however like that series it feels incomplete.

[Georganne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turning experience. You get caught up in all the adventures that take place. Hard to put down. This is a love story mixed with war,betrayal and deceit. The players are so well described you know them,feel their strength,their weakness,love and rage. It is real life. Nations are torn apart by the past. Now the time has come for peace and unity. Can those that have been chosen,bring the nations together? Goldenmark wraps up this trilogy like I didn't quite expect. A must read if you like magic,adventures,war,love and loss. Turns,twists,good and evil,this is for you!

[Paulo De Sa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with this ARC of Goldenmark in return for an honest review.
What can I say about this book? It is awesome as the previous ones in the series and takes us into a voyage full of joy, rage, sadness and amazement. I really shed some tears in various places of the book and I wanted to enter in the book and just obliterate Lhaurent – a villain that you really love to hate.
This is the last chapter of “The Kingsmen Chronicles” but it opens several questions on what will be next as several questions have stayed unanswered, and I am eager to read them.

[Eleanor Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Well written,well developed characters and world. One of my criteria for a good sci fi or fantasy is a well developed world to hold it all together. This country is sprawling and diverse but creates a memorable and fantastic place. The characters are strong with great humanity. Elohl grows painfully into the Uniter of of all nations but at a loss of love and inner peace. Every character in this tale pays a high price for their ultimate happiness or salvation. I

Ll this is a bit extreme at times together,

[Jim Dowden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly enjoyed the series but started getting annoyed by things getting really sexual when there was just no need for it to be sexual. Over use of the word ‘devoured’ in the sex scene just made me cringe every time it was used thereafter.

Also started losing track of all the magic, all the characters end up becoming super powerful and it takes away some of the intricacies and by the end of it I was just glad it was over. Last couple of chapters were beautifully written and the writing throughout was decent, although some times it felt like things were ‘over described’

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've recently finished Goldenmark and I have to say I was very disappointed that it ended. It's one of those books that you want to savour. The world of Elohl, Elyasin and the rest is one you want to immerse yourself in for as long as you can. The epic nature of the story is well served by the broad sweep of the narrative. Fortunately there's a tantalising glimpse of the arc of the next story to keep readers hooked.

[BobA707 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Like books 1&2, this should have been a great fantasy book, it has 5 stars written all over it, but I just found it heavy going and was very relieved when I got to the end.

Plotline: Convoluted plot based around a complicated premise

Premise: Some very interesting magic and an interesting universe

Writing: Heavy going

Ending: Mostly done. Another series in the offing ... I will not be reading it

[Juan 🇵🇷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what I expect when reading an epic fantasy novel thats over 700 hundred pages. Complex characters with flaws, heroes that struggle but you can still root for, smart powerful villains to hate, deep world building with hystory going back thousands of years (and it makes sense), and magic that is original. Love the series and looking forward to future installments.

[Fiona Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome sit on the edge of your seat ending to an amazing series. This book is full of all the twists and turns you expect from this award winning author. Descriptions are so realistic you want to hiss (and sometimes I did) at the villains and cheer when the tale twists the good characters way. Totally enthralled with this series. Highly recommend.

[Darren McGowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars

I greatly enjoyed this whole series, this book unfortunately was my least. The writing is exceptional, characters are absolutely fantastic and the plot has multiple layers that I really enjoy. You can't go wrong by picking up this book, just wasn't my favorite.

[Mettesknit · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 87%
This was a disappointment.
I know authors are paid by number of read pages from amazon.
When you feel that the author knowingly put in way to much filling, just to make the page-count higher, I lose respect and joy from bothe the author and the work.
Therefore I cannot recommend this trilogy.
-even if I liked the first 2 books.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story

This was the best one in the series. It was mythical
And was a fast read which I could not out down.
I couldn't read it in one sitting but was thourly
Entranced was the story. There is love, death,
And new and old beginnings. It was hard for me
To see characters die. But It was beautiful to see
Love continue to grow and good verses evil.

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be careful what you wish for

The Rennkavi would bring the Unity and save the world from the red-eyed demon.

With twists and turns, back-stabbing and unexpected alliances, this book closes out the Kingsmen Chronicles. There’s not a happy ending for everyone. In fact, the person who deserves it the most, doesn’t get it.

The epilogue is a teaser for the new series.

[Dan Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

MARATHON

This is without a doubt, one of the toughest reads I have encountered. Very difficult to maintain interest through the fragmentation of characters. I found very little upbeat in this torturous tale. The author is clearly quite brilliant, but I think offers far more complexity, and detail than is enjoyable.