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Eight Kingdoms #1
Blessed King
An ill-fated king. A princess with a damning secret. And an army of phantom witches intent on destroying them both.
Returning from war, King Jack Oden and Princess Lyana vow to rebuild the starving kingdom of Rhodainia.
When innocent children are found murdered, Lyana must risk all and enter the world of outlawed spell-weavers to seek the culprit.
As Jack fights for the survival of the kingdom, Lyana’s own secret threatens not only her chance to bring the killer to justice but more bloodshed and war.
With every life in the kingdom hanging in the balance, will Jack and Lyana lose themselves and their love in the coming battle?
After all, the phantoms are coming and they will annihilate everything to get what they want...
Dive into this romantic fantasy and join a cast of fabulous characters who will steal your breath, set your heart pounding and leave you yearning for more as they battle for a better world, a better future and a love that will transcend adversity.
Note: The Eight Kingdoms novels are standalone and duology stories set after the events in The Goddess and the Guardians series. As such they are best read after that series but can also be read seperately. It is a YA fantasy series aimed at older YA readers with some cursing and sex.
Returning from war, King Jack Oden and Princess Lyana vow to rebuild the starving kingdom of Rhodainia.
When innocent children are found murdered, Lyana must risk all and enter the world of outlawed spell-weavers to seek the culprit.
As Jack fights for the survival of the kingdom, Lyana’s own secret threatens not only her chance to bring the killer to justice but more bloodshed and war.
With every life in the kingdom hanging in the balance, will Jack and Lyana lose themselves and their love in the coming battle?
After all, the phantoms are coming and they will annihilate everything to get what they want...
Dive into this romantic fantasy and join a cast of fabulous characters who will steal your breath, set your heart pounding and leave you yearning for more as they battle for a better world, a better future and a love that will transcend adversity.
Note: The Eight Kingdoms novels are standalone and duology stories set after the events in The Goddess and the Guardians series. As such they are best read after that series but can also be read seperately. It is a YA fantasy series aimed at older YA readers with some cursing and sex.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2019
109 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Karen Tomlinson
33 books516 followersKaren Tomlinson is a USA Today Bestselling author of action-packed, spicy romantic fantasy and paranormal romance books.
You can keep up with Karen's writing by joining her mailing list & grab a FREE BOOK!
(Please see karentomlinson.com/books for all books)
Karen writes a mix of M/M, M/F, and M/M/F books. If you love strong female leads, kickass heroines, swoon-worthy, powerful Alpha heroes, magic, action, battles, bloodshed, hot scenes, and a HEA then look no further! Come and meet strong characters who will destroy worlds for those they love.
Like you, Karen adores books and likes nothing better than to lose herself in a spicy romance with amazing characters and a HEA! She lives in Derbyshire, England, (think Mr. Darcy territory) with her husband, twin girls, and her gorgeous dalmatian. As well as reading and writing books, she loves keeping fit, walking in the hills with her family, and dancing around with her earbuds in while singing badly! You can find all her books on her website: karentomlinson.com
Join Karen’s mailing list to receive free stories, writing updates, and hear about new releases and deals. Sign up here ➜ https://karentomlinson.com/social
If you'd like to support Karen on her journey to audiobook production see what's happening on her BUY ME A COFFEE site, or PATREON.
She loves to connect with her readers and you can find her on:
Blog-https://karentomlinson.com/news
Facebook page-@ktomlinson.author.
Facebook group-Karen Tomlinson’s Silver Guardians.
Twitter-@kytomlinson
Instagram-@karentomlinsonauthor
Book Bub-@karentomlinsonauthor
Patreon-karentomlinsonauthor
TikTok-karentomlinsonauthor
You can keep up with Karen's writing by joining her mailing list & grab a FREE BOOK!
(Please see karentomlinson.com/books for all books)
Karen writes a mix of M/M, M/F, and M/M/F books. If you love strong female leads, kickass heroines, swoon-worthy, powerful Alpha heroes, magic, action, battles, bloodshed, hot scenes, and a HEA then look no further! Come and meet strong characters who will destroy worlds for those they love.
Like you, Karen adores books and likes nothing better than to lose herself in a spicy romance with amazing characters and a HEA! She lives in Derbyshire, England, (think Mr. Darcy territory) with her husband, twin girls, and her gorgeous dalmatian. As well as reading and writing books, she loves keeping fit, walking in the hills with her family, and dancing around with her earbuds in while singing badly! You can find all her books on her website: karentomlinson.com
Join Karen’s mailing list to receive free stories, writing updates, and hear about new releases and deals. Sign up here ➜ https://karentomlinson.com/social
If you'd like to support Karen on her journey to audiobook production see what's happening on her BUY ME A COFFEE site, or PATREON.
She loves to connect with her readers and you can find her on:
Blog-https://karentomlinson.com/news
Facebook page-@ktomlinson.author.
Facebook group-Karen Tomlinson’s Silver Guardians.
Twitter-@kytomlinson
Instagram-@karentomlinsonauthor
Book Bub-@karentomlinsonauthor
Patreon-karentomlinsonauthor
TikTok-karentomlinsonauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 10, 2020
Now, this is what happens when an author grows with her work. You end up with phenomenal novels. And with the sincere humility that is Karen, she is able to create book after book that just gets better and better, because she is always willing to learn more. It shows in the constant improvement of her world building, character building and storyline creations.
Blessed King takes us back into the world of the Eight Kingdoms, giving us a solid look into King Jack Oden's life after the war he fought beside Diamond and Eryanth (Hugo). We now get to follow Jack and his love, Lyana, into the rebuilding of his kingdom and the hardships and horrors that continue to plague them. We get to continue getting to know Zane and Tom, Simeon, General Arades and all the folks we previously met from Rhodainia, his kingdom, and those living inside of Stormguaard, his castle.
The adventures abound. The heartache sneaks in, constantly trying to keep Jack and Lyana apart. The magic becomes a real part of their lives, much to the consternation of Jack's council. New information comes to light regarding Jack's heritage. And the Witches are back to create chaos wherever they go.
Karen wrote this book in such a way that there is no putting it down. The flow of the story just won't allow for breaks. You just don't want to stop finding out what comes next. And that, for me, is the definition of a very fine author. So, put aside some time because once you start, you'll be hard-pressed to stop.
Come back to the world of King Jack and crew and settle in for a wild ride. It begins here, after they come home from the war to regain the Kingdom of Rhodainia, and will continue in following volumes. Once begun, never done!
So Excellently Done, Karen! I am so amazed at how far you've come in so short a time, and how much you do to make sure you are giving us your very best! I am in love with this world and can't wait to go back! Very Very Excellently Done, Ms. Tomlinson! So excellently done, indeed! (and yes I know "excellently" isn't a proper word for the thought, but I don't care cause it fits!)
While I received this book as an ARC, this review is completely in my own words and of my own volition.
Blessed King takes us back into the world of the Eight Kingdoms, giving us a solid look into King Jack Oden's life after the war he fought beside Diamond and Eryanth (Hugo). We now get to follow Jack and his love, Lyana, into the rebuilding of his kingdom and the hardships and horrors that continue to plague them. We get to continue getting to know Zane and Tom, Simeon, General Arades and all the folks we previously met from Rhodainia, his kingdom, and those living inside of Stormguaard, his castle.
The adventures abound. The heartache sneaks in, constantly trying to keep Jack and Lyana apart. The magic becomes a real part of their lives, much to the consternation of Jack's council. New information comes to light regarding Jack's heritage. And the Witches are back to create chaos wherever they go.
Karen wrote this book in such a way that there is no putting it down. The flow of the story just won't allow for breaks. You just don't want to stop finding out what comes next. And that, for me, is the definition of a very fine author. So, put aside some time because once you start, you'll be hard-pressed to stop.
Come back to the world of King Jack and crew and settle in for a wild ride. It begins here, after they come home from the war to regain the Kingdom of Rhodainia, and will continue in following volumes. Once begun, never done!
So Excellently Done, Karen! I am so amazed at how far you've come in so short a time, and how much you do to make sure you are giving us your very best! I am in love with this world and can't wait to go back! Very Very Excellently Done, Ms. Tomlinson! So excellently done, indeed! (and yes I know "excellently" isn't a proper word for the thought, but I don't care cause it fits!)
While I received this book as an ARC, this review is completely in my own words and of my own volition.
June 3, 2019
This is the first in a series of standalone and duology books set in the Eight Kingdoms. Jack's book is part one of a duology. It is an awesome story of how the prince we know from the Goddess and the Guardians series takes back his kingdom and has to fight for his home and the one he loves. For those of you who adore witches and wiccans, be prepared for a different take on them! It's been great fun imagining this world and making it real amongst the pages of Blessed King and Wiccan Queen. I hope to have the second part of this story out in the autumn of 2019!
If you love your fantasy heavy on the romance and full of epic battles and fantastical beings get ready to dive in on the 22nd June!
If you love your fantasy heavy on the romance and full of epic battles and fantastical beings get ready to dive in on the 22nd June!
June 24, 2019
The massive war waged by the Eight Kingdoms, against Erebos, the dark Lord of Chaos has come to an end and King Jack Oden of Rhodainia has managed to kill Sulphurious, Erebos' black guardian dragon but he lost his arm during the battle and fell into a darkness of the soul. Princess Lyana of Houria was by his bedside continuously making sure he would get better and in this book which is the first in a duology which follows the Goddess and the Guardians series, Jack and Lyana are travelling back to Stormguaard to build back Jack's Kingdom which lay in ruins and look after his people. They are desperately in love and promise to stand by one another and build their home together; however our blessed King is once again attacked by evil both inside and outside his own Stormguaard, feels like he should have been called the cursed king instead! Lyana is hiding a dark secret of her own and when children start being murdered on a nightly basis the people of Rhodainia turn against her, blaming her for the murders which she was doing her best to solve but she is the outsider and another who is full of jealousy and spite is out to take her place. Can Jack's love for Lyana save her and their budding relationship? This beautifully thrilling romantic fantasy stops at a cliffhanger so we will have to wait with bated breath to find out what happens in the next book, The Wiccan Queen and I for one cannot wait! I love the fact that we now get to read about wiccans and witches in this novel added to the characters we had met before in books brimming with magic, fae and shifters. What more could one ask for?
June 8, 2019
I'm so excited to get Jack's story!!! In this one, we learn a little more about both Lyanna and Jack's childhoods and families. I love the mystery surrounding the witches, wiccans, and Jack's family that we learn right along with the characters. The foreshadowing is done in such a way that you CAN figure out things before the characters but isn't so obvious that you want to throttle the characters for being slow. And even with so much foreshadowing, I still found many surprises that I didn't see coming either. If you liked the goddess and guardians series, you'll live this one too!
June 22, 2019
Blessed King
Phenomenal! A fantastically magical tale that enchanted me from the first page. I loved the characters their relationship was spellbinding, two fierce fighters that compliment each other perfectly. The story was fast paced and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the twists and turns and can’t wait to see where things go from here. Magic, mayhem and plenty of mischief afoot!
Phenomenal! A fantastically magical tale that enchanted me from the first page. I loved the characters their relationship was spellbinding, two fierce fighters that compliment each other perfectly. The story was fast paced and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the twists and turns and can’t wait to see where things go from here. Magic, mayhem and plenty of mischief afoot!
June 25, 2019
FREAKING LOVED!
I freaking LOVED this book, so much. I was so glad to revisit Karen Tomlinson's fantasy world. I'm so glad Jack got his own book. I HAVE DIBS ON JACK. I WILL FIGHT YOU. The opening to this book had me in utter shock. It was so heart-wrenching. And so well written. If you have not picked up this book, I highly recommend you do. You will not be disappointed. This is a book for fans of Elise Kova, Michelle Madow, Alisha Klapheke, and Laura Thalassa.
I freaking LOVED this book, so much. I was so glad to revisit Karen Tomlinson's fantasy world. I'm so glad Jack got his own book. I HAVE DIBS ON JACK. I WILL FIGHT YOU. The opening to this book had me in utter shock. It was so heart-wrenching. And so well written. If you have not picked up this book, I highly recommend you do. You will not be disappointed. This is a book for fans of Elise Kova, Michelle Madow, Alisha Klapheke, and Laura Thalassa.
June 7, 2019
And she hits a home run again! This book is oh so good, I didn't think a spin off could be as good as the original, but this one could be even better. Jack 's story will catch you from the first line and not let you go. I cannot wait for book 2 and see what happens with all of them
June 6, 2019
Yessssssss. This book was such a nice addition to the saga and to the eight kingdom universe that I want to cry! Jack better tell his council to suck it!
June 22, 2019
Blessed King by Karen Tomlinson is set in the same wold as the Guardians and the Goddess. It follows King Jack Oden, the close friend of Diamond and Eryanth, as he returns to the kingdom he and his army were driven out of during the recent war staged in nearby Avalonia. The story picks up as Jack his fae guards, Lyana - the illegitimate princess of Houria. As Jack and Lyana begin the process of rebuilding of Stormguaard and then all of Rhodania, they find that an ancient evil has become active again and threatens not only Rhodania, but also the budding relationship between Jack and Lyana. As Jack learns as much as he can about the Witches, a secret Lyana is hiding threatens her life.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's well written with well developed, complex characters. Following the "adventures" of Jack - who I fell in love with in the Guardians and the Goddess series - was satisfying in that I was able to spend more time getting to know him. I also loved learning more about Lyana, who was a minor character in the series.
The storyline has several unexpected twists and turns which made it difficult to put down the book! However, the book ends with a major cliffhanger, which can be frustrating for readers who want each storyline to be wrapped up in each book. I generally don't like cliffhangers, but this one makes me itching to get my hands on The Wiccan Queen, which I assume will concentrate mainly on Lyana.
If you are looking for a terrific YA summer read, this is one that will keep you guessing. I highly recommend this first book in Karin Tomlinson's Eight Kingdoms series.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's well written with well developed, complex characters. Following the "adventures" of Jack - who I fell in love with in the Guardians and the Goddess series - was satisfying in that I was able to spend more time getting to know him. I also loved learning more about Lyana, who was a minor character in the series.
The storyline has several unexpected twists and turns which made it difficult to put down the book! However, the book ends with a major cliffhanger, which can be frustrating for readers who want each storyline to be wrapped up in each book. I generally don't like cliffhangers, but this one makes me itching to get my hands on The Wiccan Queen, which I assume will concentrate mainly on Lyana.
If you are looking for a terrific YA summer read, this is one that will keep you guessing. I highly recommend this first book in Karin Tomlinson's Eight Kingdoms series.
July 2, 2019
It took a little time for me to get into this book. I almost listed this as DNF, but I'm glad I didn't. Once it picked up, it was full speed ahead. You follow King Jack Oden, a fallen king (made me think of Odin a little bit), as he regains his kingdom and land. If you haven't read "The Guardians and Goddess" series, which I haven't, you'll feel like you're missing something. The book is written in a way the characters aren't really introduced because you should know them if you read the previous series. However, it is also written in a way that if you didn't read the previous series, you can still follow along and enjoy it. It was nice to see Jack and Lyana grow close. Lyana's secret, it was interesting. I will say, this ends in a cliffhanger, but you'll want the next book!
January 7, 2021
From the moment I began, I was trapped into this fantastic story of Jack & Lyana as they find their way back to his kingdom. When they hope for a peaceful start to their rule, it’s anything but. Jack finds out he’s more than what he thought and Kyana must fight to keep her place at Jacks side. But this story isn't just about these two lovebirds...oh no! There are spirits, witches, Fae, shadows, and wiccans to contend with among many things. This world is fantastic, the characters are very well defined, and you won’t be disappointed!
May 18, 2021
Eh
It was an interesting book, cool world, good story of good versus evil. Definitely felt like I missed some world building by not reading any of the other books in the series/group. Overall I did struggle with it, I found myself skipping a lot of pages, and putting it down, not really being bored but more like not being interested. If they had Cliff's notes on the ending of the book, I would gladly read those just to know how it ended, but I will not read the next book.
It was an interesting book, cool world, good story of good versus evil. Definitely felt like I missed some world building by not reading any of the other books in the series/group. Overall I did struggle with it, I found myself skipping a lot of pages, and putting it down, not really being bored but more like not being interested. If they had Cliff's notes on the ending of the book, I would gladly read those just to know how it ended, but I will not read the next book.
July 7, 2019
Captivating
I'm glad I have this book a second chance. The beginning was very violent, and I almost quit reading. Although there were a few things I did not like, the rest completely free me in. Lyanne is an amazing and strong woman and Jack is compassionate and strong. Great combination and lots of chemistry.
I'm glad I have this book a second chance. The beginning was very violent, and I almost quit reading. Although there were a few things I did not like, the rest completely free me in. Lyanne is an amazing and strong woman and Jack is compassionate and strong. Great combination and lots of chemistry.
August 1, 2019
A great start to this next chapter in this series following King Jack Oden discovering how to be a king who has a whole load of work rebuilding his kingdom to do.
The surprise is the magic he thought died out did die but now it's come to haunt him and his bride to be.
A well written excellent fantasy tale. Loved the crazy magic being introduced in this and can't wait for the next book!
The surprise is the magic he thought died out did die but now it's come to haunt him and his bride to be.
A well written excellent fantasy tale. Loved the crazy magic being introduced in this and can't wait for the next book!
July 11, 2019
Loved it! The author has successfully made a story in the own right of what were secondary characters in her first series. The story of Jack and Lyana had me gripped all the way through and I can't wait for the next book to follow.
November 4, 2019
Another home run
I raved about 'The Goddess and The Guardians' series. It was spell binding. This book is almost out of the park. I'm sure this next book, the sequel, will ensure 'another's home run' for this word weaver. Karen Tomlinson, ya done good!
I raved about 'The Goddess and The Guardians' series. It was spell binding. This book is almost out of the park. I'm sure this next book, the sequel, will ensure 'another's home run' for this word weaver. Karen Tomlinson, ya done good!
January 29, 2020
Amazing
I highly recommend reading this book. It has a amazing storyline. I’m so glad I came across it.
The storyline grabs you from the very beginning. After that it slows a little but still interesting. Keep reading. It’s worth it.
I highly recommend reading this book. It has a amazing storyline. I’m so glad I came across it.
The storyline grabs you from the very beginning. After that it slows a little but still interesting. Keep reading. It’s worth it.
March 16, 2020
This book was amazing! Many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat as I read. I felt like I was there. It was original and I couldn't help but be pulled in! The main characters are brave and they don't give up.
March 27, 2020
Detailed
I chose this rating because of the attention to detail and how it brought the story to life. The characters draw you in and keep you enthralled. I can't wait to continue this story and follow these characters through this adventure.
I chose this rating because of the attention to detail and how it brought the story to life. The characters draw you in and keep you enthralled. I can't wait to continue this story and follow these characters through this adventure.
December 31, 2020
A must read
I feel in love with all if the characters instantly. Karen develops every character with incredible depth and detail. I don't want the stories to end and keep my fingers crossed for more
I feel in love with all if the characters instantly. Karen develops every character with incredible depth and detail. I don't want the stories to end and keep my fingers crossed for more
June 13, 2019
She’s done it again. The rising star of epic fantasy and romance. I had the pro page of an early copy. It comes out on the 22nd of June read it. It won’t disappoint
June 24, 2019
You really are the cliffhanger royalty, I need more and I need it yesterday
August 22, 2019
Imagination to whisk you away for a few hours. Fabulous first book in a hopefully long series. Once you start reading, you won’t put it down.
September 11, 2019
Fabulous
I loved the series featuring Diamond and this adventure with jack and lyana has been just as good, looking forward to reading the Wiccan queen
I loved the series featuring Diamond and this adventure with jack and lyana has been just as good, looking forward to reading the Wiccan queen
October 19, 2019
Stopped after a few chapters
October 25, 2019
Another Awesome book !!!
I have read all of Tomlinson books! They are all excellent reads! Can not wait for more of her books !!!
I have read all of Tomlinson books! They are all excellent reads! Can not wait for more of her books !!!
May 5, 2020
Amazing world
This is a great series to read! I hAve !oved every book! The depth nd probability of these characters is wonderful !
This is a great series to read! I hAve !oved every book! The depth nd probability of these characters is wonderful !
February 19, 2022
Heart stopping action filled with romance, intrigue and greed.
I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next. The characters are strong with a great storyline.
I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next. The characters are strong with a great storyline.
June 21, 2019
This book was super different from Hugo and Diamond's story but I really enjoyed seeing more of the world/history that Karen has crafted. Look forward to reading the next book!
September 24, 2019
Once again Karen knocks it out of the park! I love this spin off of Goddess and Guardians. It follows Jack and Lyana’s Story. I loved Jack in the Goddess of Guardians. So happy that we will see more of his story. Can’t wait to see how Jack and Lyana’s story proceeds in the next book.
If you like romance, action, adventure, strong females, strong friendships. This is a series for you.
If you like romance, action, adventure, strong females, strong friendships. This is a series for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews