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The King's Watch #4
Tenfold
Unto the Tenth Generation…
Must we atone for our ancestors’ sins?
Conrad’s 11xGreat Grandfather has been haunting his house since 1622, keeping a secret and biding his time. A secret that spells trouble for the world of magick.
The King’s Watch want to Summon him. The keepers of the secret don’t want that to happen.
They unleash a fire Mage to stop the summoning and don’t care who dies on the way.
And when Spectre Thomas finally makes an appearance, he passes the guilt of old sins on to Conrad’s shoulders. Wild, dark magick is on the loose, and Conrad has to carry the burden of tracking it down.
With death and destruction on all sides, his problems have multiplied. Tenfold.
The King’s Watch are back. Grab a copy of Tenfold and check out just how much trouble one man can get into when you enlist in the deadly world of magick.
Must we atone for our ancestors’ sins?
Conrad’s 11xGreat Grandfather has been haunting his house since 1622, keeping a secret and biding his time. A secret that spells trouble for the world of magick.
The King’s Watch want to Summon him. The keepers of the secret don’t want that to happen.
They unleash a fire Mage to stop the summoning and don’t care who dies on the way.
And when Spectre Thomas finally makes an appearance, he passes the guilt of old sins on to Conrad’s shoulders. Wild, dark magick is on the loose, and Conrad has to carry the burden of tracking it down.
With death and destruction on all sides, his problems have multiplied. Tenfold.
The King’s Watch are back. Grab a copy of Tenfold and check out just how much trouble one man can get into when you enlist in the deadly world of magick.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2019
395 people are currently reading
188 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 55 reviews
October 18, 2020
Really intense from the beginning to the end.
February 11, 2020
Book 4 of this series doesn't disappoint. We learn more of Conrad's family history with the KIng's Watch and the dark secrets held by the spectre of his 11x Great Grandfather Thomas when they summon him.
I can't praise this series highly enough. It combines urban fantasy (can it be urban if it is set in the English countryside?) with hard-nosed detective work, a charmingly understated romance and a wry humour.
On to the next one ...
I can't praise this series highly enough. It combines urban fantasy (can it be urban if it is set in the English countryside?) with hard-nosed detective work, a charmingly understated romance and a wry humour.
On to the next one ...
January 1, 2020
Good
Another enjoyable read, world building and the characters keep evolving in each book as the series continues.
I really enjoyed how the author is bring British and world mythology into the books and twists them to fit his storytelling.
Another enjoyable read, world building and the characters keep evolving in each book as the series continues.
I really enjoyed how the author is bring British and world mythology into the books and twists them to fit his storytelling.
July 12, 2021
In Conrad's short time as a captain in the King's Watch his life had not been a dull one. Old Gods...Dragons...Enchanted Horses...Dwarves...Gnomes...Dragons (did I say Dragons?)...and MAGYCK. His duties...and those of his partner Victoria Robson...have not gone unnoticed. And, as with any government - or pseudo-government - entities, recognition means a ceremony. But, what begins as a chance to gather together and celebrate soon becomes a nightmare of loss and destruction as forces are set into motion that will bring the battle to the gates of Conrad's home and sanctuary.
Author Mark Hayden continues to work with the Fate's of ancient myths and legends as he spins and weaves the fates of his characters into wider and broader tapestries that tell the stories of a world of magic and the supernatural. Wonderfully, while the main character of Conrad Clarke has embraced the transition from the mundane world of intrigue and adventure that he was a part of in his introduction through the OPERATION JIGSAW trilogy into the world of all things magical...and MAGYCKAL...perhaps Hayden's best claim to fame in this series is the introduction and development of some superior supporting characters. With each story, the growth and maturing of players such as Vicki, Desi, Hanna, Myfanwy, and so many others, is a critical piece of the development of the series as a whole that keeps a series from becoming repetitive and stale as many ongoing series can be.
Hayden continues to make his mark as an excellent story-teller in the Urban Fantasy genre. This is the 4th book in the series and, as of this review, there are 5 more novels and a collection of short stories in the King's Watch series.
Author Mark Hayden continues to work with the Fate's of ancient myths and legends as he spins and weaves the fates of his characters into wider and broader tapestries that tell the stories of a world of magic and the supernatural. Wonderfully, while the main character of Conrad Clarke has embraced the transition from the mundane world of intrigue and adventure that he was a part of in his introduction through the OPERATION JIGSAW trilogy into the world of all things magical...and MAGYCKAL...perhaps Hayden's best claim to fame in this series is the introduction and development of some superior supporting characters. With each story, the growth and maturing of players such as Vicki, Desi, Hanna, Myfanwy, and so many others, is a critical piece of the development of the series as a whole that keeps a series from becoming repetitive and stale as many ongoing series can be.
Hayden continues to make his mark as an excellent story-teller in the Urban Fantasy genre. This is the 4th book in the series and, as of this review, there are 5 more novels and a collection of short stories in the King's Watch series.
November 15, 2023
Back on reading these again. Probably on a bit of a run again: I do rather enjoy the mix of Magickal and Mundane. Trying to keep it all straight in my head is another matter!
May 24, 2023
2023 bk 168. Reading these one after another results in the plot lines merging - you see the players maturing into their roles, new folks added, and some enemies vanquished. In this book, Vicky's old / current love comes to Conrad's aid in bringing his ancestor - Thomas Clarke back to life to help solve a mystery. What they don't realize is that a naga (dual natured snake/human) beholden to Ganeesh is also now living in the well and has Mina under obligation. What fun!
February 2, 2020
Brilliant
There's always so much action in these books and the characters have so much depth that as a reader, you become desperate to reach the end. I love the strength and unique personality intwined into every character.
There's always so much action in these books and the characters have so much depth that as a reader, you become desperate to reach the end. I love the strength and unique personality intwined into every character.
August 5, 2019
It's been a long time since a series gripped me so much that I have read the first 4 back to back. Love the writing style, humour , everything basically.
I can hear these characters as if they were my colleagues end friends. Love these books.
I can hear these characters as if they were my colleagues end friends. Love these books.
January 14, 2020
Consistently high standards
This series maintains pace, characterisation and good plotting. It will be interesting to check out the novellas being created as side journeys from the main narrative thread.
This series maintains pace, characterisation and good plotting. It will be interesting to check out the novellas being created as side journeys from the main narrative thread.
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. ;)
June 15, 2022
My Thoughts:
So.... am I supposed to count Conrad's troubles to see if there are ten of them... as in tenfold?!... — This was my thought when I first bought this book. However, I did not need to do any counting. Good thing too, because, I am crap at math! Another thing, I did not understand the "cricket speak" at all!
Anyway, this being book 4 and still going strong. I am now a firm fan and my review is going to be biased. I would only be fan-girling at this point. However, it does not make it any less true that this book is a wonderful read! And Conrad has a few more scars. I am hoping that Desi would become part of the team though! Despite Tennille and all...
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 4
Cover art = 3
Pace = (9 hours and 52 minutes listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 4.5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 4
Cover art = 3
Pace = (9 hours and 52 minutes listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 4.5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cherries
March 4, 2022
Great Read
This one was so much better than book 3. I was confused and constantly lost in that one, and was fearful to pick up this one.
This one tells more of the life of Conrad, Vicki, and the side characters with a great style to the writing.
The major drama begins to unfold, and we get underway with further development of the King's Watch, and life in the Village Of Clerkswell.
For the most part each one of these books, at least so far, have a specifc theme, or mission. But, they would read best as a chronological series. There's so much going on within each book, it would be easy to become overwhelmed, if you chose to do otherwise.
At times, there's a lot of new characters and different "world's," in which some of these originate from, including dwarves, other-worldly spirits. etc.
I've decided with the spin-offs, written as novellas, I'm going to wait to read the first couple of one's for a bit. I hope I don't regret doing so.
For now, I'm much more revved about book 5, and really want to get started on that one!
Highly recommend, especially if you like Urban Fantasy, with a touch of the Paranormal.
This one was so much better than book 3. I was confused and constantly lost in that one, and was fearful to pick up this one.
This one tells more of the life of Conrad, Vicki, and the side characters with a great style to the writing.
The major drama begins to unfold, and we get underway with further development of the King's Watch, and life in the Village Of Clerkswell.
For the most part each one of these books, at least so far, have a specifc theme, or mission. But, they would read best as a chronological series. There's so much going on within each book, it would be easy to become overwhelmed, if you chose to do otherwise.
At times, there's a lot of new characters and different "world's," in which some of these originate from, including dwarves, other-worldly spirits. etc.
I've decided with the spin-offs, written as novellas, I'm going to wait to read the first couple of one's for a bit. I hope I don't regret doing so.
For now, I'm much more revved about book 5, and really want to get started on that one!
Highly recommend, especially if you like Urban Fantasy, with a touch of the Paranormal.
May 15, 2024
Title: Tenfold A Conrad Clarke Novel (Kings Watch Book 4)
Author: Mark Hayden @mhaydenauthor
Rating: 5/5*
Pages: 271
Also available on @amazonkindle - kindle unlimited
I'm still not a fan of Mina.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the storyline. The adventure and descriptions of new places. I love that it's based in the UK, and I know the places mentioned. It helps to imagine where they are, just that little bit now.
The series is getting better and better with each read. I couldn't wait to start nine of wands. (Which I already have)
The series is bingeable, light. My comfort reads.
There's enough adventure, but nothing to make you feel uneasy. I really am enjoying the character development.
Have you read this book or series?
Will you give it a go?
What's your favourite urban fantasy book at the moment?
*Note from me: I never want to dim people's shine. It's brave for the author to put themselves out there in the public eye. Books/stories are personal preferences. What might be my cup of tea may not be yours. And vice Versa! Keep creating!
Author: Mark Hayden @mhaydenauthor
Rating: 5/5*
Pages: 271
Also available on @amazonkindle - kindle unlimited
I'm still not a fan of Mina.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the storyline. The adventure and descriptions of new places. I love that it's based in the UK, and I know the places mentioned. It helps to imagine where they are, just that little bit now.
The series is getting better and better with each read. I couldn't wait to start nine of wands. (Which I already have)
The series is bingeable, light. My comfort reads.
There's enough adventure, but nothing to make you feel uneasy. I really am enjoying the character development.
Have you read this book or series?
Will you give it a go?
What's your favourite urban fantasy book at the moment?
*Note from me: I never want to dim people's shine. It's brave for the author to put themselves out there in the public eye. Books/stories are personal preferences. What might be my cup of tea may not be yours. And vice Versa! Keep creating!
June 19, 2020
Lots of story, no conclusions
Is a book on a fantasy series a movie or an episode of TV?
I like the honesty (or hubris) that the author committed to a 13 books series for the main story arc of this series. As long as he can get to the end and maintain quality, I'm along for the ride.
Does that mean you have to accept that some books in the series will be about filling in the meta narrative rather than telling a discreet story? Apparently with book 4 the answer is yes. We find out what our big McGuffin is and how it is tied into our protagonist, we have put first direct interactions with the organisation being controlled by our eventual antagonist, there is some great world building and individual scenes but the main story arc of the book felt pushed aside for the story arc of the series.
Better than book 3. Not as good as the first 2 books. Still in the top division urban fantasy.
Is a book on a fantasy series a movie or an episode of TV?
I like the honesty (or hubris) that the author committed to a 13 books series for the main story arc of this series. As long as he can get to the end and maintain quality, I'm along for the ride.
Does that mean you have to accept that some books in the series will be about filling in the meta narrative rather than telling a discreet story? Apparently with book 4 the answer is yes. We find out what our big McGuffin is and how it is tied into our protagonist, we have put first direct interactions with the organisation being controlled by our eventual antagonist, there is some great world building and individual scenes but the main story arc of the book felt pushed aside for the story arc of the series.
Better than book 3. Not as good as the first 2 books. Still in the top division urban fantasy.
August 17, 2021
Tenfold continues the reverse numbering approach to The Kings Watch.
The 13th Witch =book 1
Twelfth Dragons of Albion = Book 2
Eleventh Hour =Book 3
Tenfold = book 4
Nine of Wands = book 5
Eight Kings = book 6
I will have to assume Hayden plans for 13 books in the series; though he, like other British authors in this space, yea you Ben Aaronovitch has started writing novellas that occur outside the main story arc to milk the public of their dollars or pounds or euros.
This book spends some of the beginning focusing on Conrad's many great grandfathers who is coerced into leaving his well to share what he knows. Then the adventures start and we get another volume where gnomes are key characters. I like the little guys who are often skipped over in other fantasy stories; other than the Shannara series.
This one improves overall on the third volume and was a worthy if somewhat forgettable read.
The 13th Witch =book 1
Twelfth Dragons of Albion = Book 2
Eleventh Hour =Book 3
Tenfold = book 4
Nine of Wands = book 5
Eight Kings = book 6
I will have to assume Hayden plans for 13 books in the series; though he, like other British authors in this space, yea you Ben Aaronovitch has started writing novellas that occur outside the main story arc to milk the public of their dollars or pounds or euros.
This book spends some of the beginning focusing on Conrad's many great grandfathers who is coerced into leaving his well to share what he knows. Then the adventures start and we get another volume where gnomes are key characters. I like the little guys who are often skipped over in other fantasy stories; other than the Shannara series.
This one improves overall on the third volume and was a worthy if somewhat forgettable read.
September 29, 2020
So very satisfying
I enjoyed how the series plot was advanced in some serious ways, in this book. Once again, Conrad was able to make solid and meaningful alliances between the King's Watch and the magical community that didn't previously seem possible. I love that he constantly questions the status quo and doesn't accept that the magical world should have a separate standard.
Who is targeting the Watch? And why are they so adamant about it? What does the Watch have that would keep them from accomplishing their goals? And what could they possibly have on a senior Watch Captain to trigger the dramatic events in this book? Ultimately, Conrad seems to be their worst nightmare, and yet, they must be getting unnerved at how nothing deters him, and nothing can stop him.
I enjoyed how the series plot was advanced in some serious ways, in this book. Once again, Conrad was able to make solid and meaningful alliances between the King's Watch and the magical community that didn't previously seem possible. I love that he constantly questions the status quo and doesn't accept that the magical world should have a separate standard.
Who is targeting the Watch? And why are they so adamant about it? What does the Watch have that would keep them from accomplishing their goals? And what could they possibly have on a senior Watch Captain to trigger the dramatic events in this book? Ultimately, Conrad seems to be their worst nightmare, and yet, they must be getting unnerved at how nothing deters him, and nothing can stop him.
June 15, 2021
This was a fun read. The author really hit his stride with this one. We now have a big-league evil conspiracy, new characters, including a self-aware dowsing rod, and family feuds. I'm hoping we'll learn more about the Dwarves and the Gnomes. The story pacing was good with drama interspaced with the mundane aspects of life. The fight in the dwarven tunnels was an exciting read. Lloyd is one gutsy Gnome.
June 27, 2024
Wonderful
Many UF authors seem to swing for grand quests of Tolkien. Most then write dull and irrelevant episodes into their books which would be so much better pared down. Interestingly, Hayden has a sense of place, character and adventure that in this book in the series approaches the high fantasy quests of Tolkien and successors. Missing: a specific big bad opponent. The stories so far mention the Fae, or at least members who intrude. I guess I'll just keep reading.
Many UF authors seem to swing for grand quests of Tolkien. Most then write dull and irrelevant episodes into their books which would be so much better pared down. Interestingly, Hayden has a sense of place, character and adventure that in this book in the series approaches the high fantasy quests of Tolkien and successors. Missing: a specific big bad opponent. The stories so far mention the Fae, or at least members who intrude. I guess I'll just keep reading.
August 2, 2020
So the Conrad Clarke series, becoming chapters of a much larger book instead of stand alone stories and presumably will cost the same as a much larger book but in hard print. This story felt like a bit of a filler, the middle of a sandwich, as it were. It follows the overarching theme and does it well but not quite what I was hoping for.
October 1, 2020
It gets better and better...
This is actually my favourite so far. I'm not sure if its because there was less characters. My brain is terrible for names, so the more characters the more confusing I find it! Ok... that aside, the story flowed a bit like the canals in the book and the labyrinth history and story line was inspired.
This is actually my favourite so far. I'm not sure if its because there was less characters. My brain is terrible for names, so the more characters the more confusing I find it! Ok... that aside, the story flowed a bit like the canals in the book and the labyrinth history and story line was inspired.
February 5, 2021
This was a major step up from the last book which was needlessly convoluted. The story was much more straightforward and we get to the meat of the problem almost right away.
However, for being somewhat shorter length books they sure like to dither sometimes. I feel like more time was spent talking about playing cricket than anything else in this one! Mina improved a lot over the last book where she seemed like an ass, so that was nice.
Lots to like here, though. Much more interactions with magical creatures which I like. The fae, goblins, and a different dwarf were all very welcome.
However, for being somewhat shorter length books they sure like to dither sometimes. I feel like more time was spent talking about playing cricket than anything else in this one! Mina improved a lot over the last book where she seemed like an ass, so that was nice.
Lots to like here, though. Much more interactions with magical creatures which I like. The fae, goblins, and a different dwarf were all very welcome.
October 22, 2021
Tenfold by Mark Hayden’s is the fourth in my current popcorn reading series, though I am beginning to think it should perhaps be promoted to Caramel Salt and Sweet Popcorn (yes, there are levels of Popcorn Reading – whatever made you think there weren’t?)... continues https://booksginandsausagerolls.com/t...
March 31, 2022
These get better as they go... I like how Hayden can bring the reader up to speed if they've joined in the middle of the series, but not make those of us who are reading them in order, have to live through lengthy flashbacks.
The characters are getting richer and more complex. I'm enjoying the fantastical stories...and realistic characters.
The characters are getting richer and more complex. I'm enjoying the fantastical stories...and realistic characters.
February 4, 2024
Once again, a straightforward adventure, from a bomb at a ceremony, through an ambush at Clerkswell to a showdown in a dwarf's hall, it was what I became to love. Some characters got more time here, some less and we meet new ones... still, a bit more Vicky and Conrad and their banter would be appreciated.
June 6, 2020
Described as Urban fantasy, i think so even if it is in various parts of the country side. I just could not put it down.
Brilliant series, as good as the “Rivers of London” series.
I would recommend this.
Brilliant series, as good as the “Rivers of London” series.
I would recommend this.
June 25, 2020
Best Series of Books in a long time!
So that’s book four now done & I’m torn!
Do I now read the novella PHANTOM STAG or press on to the NINE OF WANDS ...
Bloody hell!
Oh by the way, if you haven’t read the series so far, then do so - superb 👍
So that’s book four now done & I’m torn!
Do I now read the novella PHANTOM STAG or press on to the NINE OF WANDS ...
Bloody hell!
Oh by the way, if you haven’t read the series so far, then do so - superb 👍
February 7, 2021
Brilliant and heartily recommended.
I adore this series, but I think it would be a "marmite reaction" for most people. If you like The Rivers of London series, you'll love this. Ditto if you're a Tolkien fan. You have to be mentally agile though.
I adore this series, but I think it would be a "marmite reaction" for most people. If you like The Rivers of London series, you'll love this. Ditto if you're a Tolkien fan. You have to be mentally agile though.
August 8, 2021
More story, and more places to go...
If you have enjoyed any of the King's Watch stories, you will like this, and the possibilities it opens.
It seems the things that can happen are just getting started.
If you have enjoyed any of the King's Watch stories, you will like this, and the possibilities it opens.
It seems the things that can happen are just getting started.
August 26, 2021
Four days, four very entertaining books
Never have I read so many mythology's combined, let alone done so well. If it wasn't midnight and a work day I'm certain I'd start the next in the series right now. But I do need some sleep.
Never have I read so many mythology's combined, let alone done so well. If it wasn't midnight and a work day I'm certain I'd start the next in the series right now. But I do need some sleep.
January 8, 2023
More fun with Conrad and Vicky
The fourth Kings Watch brew past my eyes like a freight train. I could hardly put it down except to eat, bathe, and walk the dog. Highly enjoyable. And so the countdown continues.
The fourth Kings Watch brew past my eyes like a freight train. I could hardly put it down except to eat, bathe, and walk the dog. Highly enjoyable. And so the countdown continues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews