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New Blood #1
Crown Prince
2021 Firebird Book Award Winner • 2022 The BookFest Award Winner
The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Will his Sight be true? Or will his impure Firstblood prove the ruin of us all?
Natharr is Guardian of Maarihk, one of a long line of protectors dating back to the Firstborn Age, before the Aa Conquest. Natharr's is an ancient role, rooted in his Firstblood, giving him Sight to see what is yet to be. He adheres to his sacred duties even in the centuries since the Firstborn were forced to the brink of extinction by the Aa.
Natharr still stands guard over all men, Aa or Firstborn, Seeing what will come to pass, deciding what is unavoidable and what is not. He spends decades planning how to save the life of the newborn Crown Prince Vikari so he may one day reclaim the throne of the land where Mankind was created, back in the time when the Olde Gods still walked.
The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Will his Sight be true? Or will his impure Firstblood prove the ruin of us all?
Natharr is Guardian of Maarihk, one of a long line of protectors dating back to the Firstborn Age, before the Aa Conquest. Natharr's is an ancient role, rooted in his Firstblood, giving him Sight to see what is yet to be. He adheres to his sacred duties even in the centuries since the Firstborn were forced to the brink of extinction by the Aa.
Natharr still stands guard over all men, Aa or Firstborn, Seeing what will come to pass, deciding what is unavoidable and what is not. He spends decades planning how to save the life of the newborn Crown Prince Vikari so he may one day reclaim the throne of the land where Mankind was created, back in the time when the Olde Gods still walked.
- GenresFantasy
339 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2019
8 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
W.D. Kilpack III
11 books44 followersW.D. Kilpack III, MPC, PSMC, is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author recognized for his works across various media, including print, online, radio, and television. His writing journey began at the age of nine when he won an award for a poem. As an adult, his first four books — Crown Prince, Order of Light, Demon Seed and Pale Face — each won the International Firebird Book Award and The BookFest Award, with Crown Prince also receiving the International Impact Book Award and, in the Outstanding Creator Awards, won the Ultimate Championship Trophy, Super Champion Medal, Best Fiction Writing, Best Book in the following categories: Fiction, Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Myths/Legends, and Romance; Best Character for Natharr, Most Beautiful Character for Darshelle, and Best World-Building. His works Demon Seed, Rilari, and Vengeance Borne were featured as Editor’s Choice on BooksShelf, and both Order of Light and Rilari were named Top Picks. He earned an Honorable Mention from L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest for his novella Pale Face. To date, his books have garnered 47 awards.
In addition to his writing career, W.D. Kilpack III has served as the editor and publisher of 23 print and online news and literary publications, with circulations as high as 770,000. He is also a partner at Safe Harbor Films, LLC, where he writes screenplays and oversees marketing efforts.
He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Westminster University, where he double-majored in communication and philosophy and completed the Honors Program. He went on to earn a Master of Professional Communication with a writing emphasis. As a high-performing athlete, he also qualified for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling.
For 25 years, he was a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. Outside of his professional accomplishments, he is an accomplished cook. He resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and is father to five children, as well as helping to raise five step-children.
In addition to his writing career, W.D. Kilpack III has served as the editor and publisher of 23 print and online news and literary publications, with circulations as high as 770,000. He is also a partner at Safe Harbor Films, LLC, where he writes screenplays and oversees marketing efforts.
He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Westminster University, where he double-majored in communication and philosophy and completed the Honors Program. He went on to earn a Master of Professional Communication with a writing emphasis. As a high-performing athlete, he also qualified for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling.
For 25 years, he was a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. Outside of his professional accomplishments, he is an accomplished cook. He resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and is father to five children, as well as helping to raise five step-children.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 27, 2025
I’ll start off by saying this is one of the best fantasies I’ve read in a while, and I’m glad it’s a series because I’m eager to begin the second book. In fact, I’ve already bought the next four! This is high fantasy, loaded with rich worldbuilding and steeped in magic. At the same time, the characters are deeply drawn, making this a character-driven and emotionally complex read.
Natharr is the main character, and most of the story is told from his point of view. He’s the Guardian of Maarihk and gifted with “sight”—an imperfect ability to gain glimpses of the future. When the Kingdom of Marrihk falls in battle, he flees with the king’s newborn heir and the infant’s protective wet nurse, a strong-willed woman named Darshelle. They enter the Ancient Wood, a dangerous place populated by strange creatures and beings, fashioned by the Olde Gods long ago. Natharr’s task, with the aid of Darshelle, is to keep the child safe until he is old enough to claim the throne.
There are some great battle scenes at the start of the story, including difficult decisions for Natharr since he must hide all traces of his flight with the prince. I love stories that put characters between a rock and a hard place. Natharr takes his role as Guardian seriously, but he’s not above second-guessing himself. His relationship with Darshelle and the prince (whom they name Nathan) provides an opportunity to see him as a man struggling between duty and the love of a “family” he never thought was possible.
It’s a fascinating world, peppered with wonderfully unique creatures with distinct personalities—some helpful, some deadly, and many somewhere in between. The characters are all nuanced, multi-layered, and thoroughly believable. All this sets the stage for what’s to come, when duty requires Natharr to leave the prince and Darshelle behind. The ending has a couple of cliffhangers, so be prepared for that urge to read onward. Highly recommended to any reader who loves a good fantasy series!
Natharr is the main character, and most of the story is told from his point of view. He’s the Guardian of Maarihk and gifted with “sight”—an imperfect ability to gain glimpses of the future. When the Kingdom of Marrihk falls in battle, he flees with the king’s newborn heir and the infant’s protective wet nurse, a strong-willed woman named Darshelle. They enter the Ancient Wood, a dangerous place populated by strange creatures and beings, fashioned by the Olde Gods long ago. Natharr’s task, with the aid of Darshelle, is to keep the child safe until he is old enough to claim the throne.
There are some great battle scenes at the start of the story, including difficult decisions for Natharr since he must hide all traces of his flight with the prince. I love stories that put characters between a rock and a hard place. Natharr takes his role as Guardian seriously, but he’s not above second-guessing himself. His relationship with Darshelle and the prince (whom they name Nathan) provides an opportunity to see him as a man struggling between duty and the love of a “family” he never thought was possible.
It’s a fascinating world, peppered with wonderfully unique creatures with distinct personalities—some helpful, some deadly, and many somewhere in between. The characters are all nuanced, multi-layered, and thoroughly believable. All this sets the stage for what’s to come, when duty requires Natharr to leave the prince and Darshelle behind. The ending has a couple of cliffhangers, so be prepared for that urge to read onward. Highly recommended to any reader who loves a good fantasy series!
August 29, 2021
If you are looking for something new with a twist of classical fantasy, this is for you.
As I always say, it amazes me that someone can create and entire world from scratch with everything that this involves.
Character building is wonderful and the descriptions of what happens are good. It is a very detailed one, so you get immersed in the story. Beware chapters are long due to these two factors!
Lots of things happen in this book so I won’t spoil it for anyone.
This is a good and strong start for a new series.
As I always say, it amazes me that someone can create and entire world from scratch with everything that this involves.
Character building is wonderful and the descriptions of what happens are good. It is a very detailed one, so you get immersed in the story. Beware chapters are long due to these two factors!
Lots of things happen in this book so I won’t spoil it for anyone.
This is a good and strong start for a new series.
September 15, 2020
From the start you are drawn into a world of fantasy. With each page, you want more. Natharr Guardian of Maarihk a long line of Protectors. With insight to see what will come, part of a long line with a scared duty to stand guard over all men. Join in each fight, with every swing of the sword! the author gives the feel you are the Character fighting for your life, and those you defend. A great read, with the power to keep you from putting it down. Highly recommend this book for anyone interested in something new, with a twist and feel of a classic fantasy.
January 6, 2024
I am quite disappointed in myself for not getting to this sooner!
The unique magic systems combined with the intricate world-building made this such an enthralling read but the characters are what drew me into this story and kept me captivated throughout. The harrowing events which formed these unexpected bonds between characters right from the beginning is what had me gripped from the first page to the last.
The author does a wonderful job exploring conflicting emotions and the toll from making hard-pressed decisions. I felt so strongly for the characters and my heart would not let me put the book down!
Also, the mysteries that abound within this world are so intriguing! I’m eager to get to book 2!
The unique magic systems combined with the intricate world-building made this such an enthralling read but the characters are what drew me into this story and kept me captivated throughout. The harrowing events which formed these unexpected bonds between characters right from the beginning is what had me gripped from the first page to the last.
The author does a wonderful job exploring conflicting emotions and the toll from making hard-pressed decisions. I felt so strongly for the characters and my heart would not let me put the book down!
Also, the mysteries that abound within this world are so intriguing! I’m eager to get to book 2!
January 31, 2021
A fantastic world of swords and magic
A very strong start to the series!
W.D. Kilpack III does know how to draw a reader in a world of swords and magic. I found myself unable to put the book down, diving deeper into the fantastic world.
I can say, that I am a fan of his work now and will soon be reading Order of Light, the second book from the New Blood series.
Christian
BooksShelf Reviewer
A very strong start to the series!
W.D. Kilpack III does know how to draw a reader in a world of swords and magic. I found myself unable to put the book down, diving deeper into the fantastic world.
I can say, that I am a fan of his work now and will soon be reading Order of Light, the second book from the New Blood series.
Christian
BooksShelf Reviewer
September 27, 2021
While I took a good few pages to get into this book, once I did I struggled to put it down. The world the Kilpack has created is so detailed and imaginative you can't help but be draw in. This book is a fantasy that gives you war, knights, romance and hidden dangers, it covers it all. It does however definitely read as the first in the series, it sets the scene brilliantly, but is clearly building to more and I look forward to the rest of the series.
I did get definite Sleeping Beauty vibes from this book. Smuggling the baby heir to the kingdom into a forest to raise in secret and safety, guardians with powers, the heir with no knowledge of their true identity and time passing strangely.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy books and fairytales. It is currently available to read for free on KindleUnlimited making now a great time to give it a go.
Thanks to @lovebookstours for my #gifted copy of this book.
I did get definite Sleeping Beauty vibes from this book. Smuggling the baby heir to the kingdom into a forest to raise in secret and safety, guardians with powers, the heir with no knowledge of their true identity and time passing strangely.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy books and fairytales. It is currently available to read for free on KindleUnlimited making now a great time to give it a go.
Thanks to @lovebookstours for my #gifted copy of this book.
September 28, 2021
What a tale the author tells!
The story begins on the day Vikari, the son of the Aa king is born... Outside the royal bedchamber a battle rages, between the forces of Aa and the usurper to the throne of Maarihk.
Natharr, the Guardian must do what's best for the kingdom, so he escapes with the crown prince, and the wet nurse - Darshelle.
Natharr is of the Olde Blood. He has the Sight... to protect his little family...
𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲, 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀.
A fantastic tale, filled with all things beautiful, dark, and magical... about Natharr's journey with the brave and bold Darshelle, and Vikari... filled with adventure, and drama...
The author's world building is absolutely stunning... and I can't wait to read the next installment of this story...
The story begins on the day Vikari, the son of the Aa king is born... Outside the royal bedchamber a battle rages, between the forces of Aa and the usurper to the throne of Maarihk.
Natharr, the Guardian must do what's best for the kingdom, so he escapes with the crown prince, and the wet nurse - Darshelle.
Natharr is of the Olde Blood. He has the Sight... to protect his little family...
𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲, 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀.
A fantastic tale, filled with all things beautiful, dark, and magical... about Natharr's journey with the brave and bold Darshelle, and Vikari... filled with adventure, and drama...
The author's world building is absolutely stunning... and I can't wait to read the next installment of this story...
May 17, 2025
I loved Crown Prince. I was happily caught off-guard by the energetic, intimate dynamics between the characters, especially Darshelle and Natharr, and my immersion into the world and its characters and creatures left me positively impressed and enchanted. I'm looking forward to reading Order of Light and Demon Seed. I'll want to read book 4 - Rilari as well, and book 5 - Vengeance Borne.
September 8, 2021
Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood: 1 is the first book in the series by W.D. Kilpack. The book is honestly an adventure full of thrilling moments. The reader is hooked right from page one. The storyline is based on Natharr, a firstborn, who has the ability to see what has not yet come into being. Though the firstborns have been reduced to the level of extinction by Aa or the newborns, he has foreseen the trouble that is going to surround the newborn Crown Prince and is trying to protect in any possible way. he is doing so because he thinks that it can help gain back his crown and then he will be able to make this world go back to the times when the Olde Gods walked on land.
This book absolutely leads a reader into the depths of the story. Each page has a new secret to unfold. For me, this book was a totally different genre as I am not a fantasy, fiction reader. But this book made a mark on my mind and now I am curious to read the other books in the series. The ending of this book is like a cliffhanger and leaves so many questions for the reader. The language of the book is quite simple and can be read by a slow reader or new reader too. The plot is very intriguing and the aura of the story is dark. I loved reading it and have rated it for stars. Books like these deserve the hype. And I am glad that I picked it up. It was worth a read.
This book is a recommendation for all fiction, thriller, mystery lovers. Also, those who have never read something like this and like to experience new genres, like me, can read it. It will make a really good pick. Happy reading.
This book absolutely leads a reader into the depths of the story. Each page has a new secret to unfold. For me, this book was a totally different genre as I am not a fantasy, fiction reader. But this book made a mark on my mind and now I am curious to read the other books in the series. The ending of this book is like a cliffhanger and leaves so many questions for the reader. The language of the book is quite simple and can be read by a slow reader or new reader too. The plot is very intriguing and the aura of the story is dark. I loved reading it and have rated it for stars. Books like these deserve the hype. And I am glad that I picked it up. It was worth a read.
This book is a recommendation for all fiction, thriller, mystery lovers. Also, those who have never read something like this and like to experience new genres, like me, can read it. It will make a really good pick. Happy reading.
September 7, 2021
Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood: 1 is the first book in the series by W.D. Kilpack. The book is honestly an adventure full of thrilling moments. The reader is hooked right from page one. The storyline is based of Natharr, a firstborn, who has the ability to see what has not yet come into being. Though the firstborns have been reduced to the level of extinction by Aa or the newborns, he has foreseen the trouble that is going to surround the newborm Crown Prince and is trying to protect in any possible way. he is doing so because he thinks that it can help gain back his crown and then he will be able to make this world go back to the times when the Olde Gods walked on land.
This book absolutely leads a reader into the depths of the story. Each page has a new secret to unfold. For me, this book was a totally different genre as I am not a fantasy, fiction reader. But this book made a mark on my mind and now I am curious to read the other books in the series. The ending of this book is like a cliff hanger and leaves so many questions for the reader. The language of the book is quite simple and can be read by slow reader or new readers too. The plot is very intriguing and the aura of the story is dark. I loved reading it and have rated it for stars. Books like these deserve the hype. And I am glad that I picked it up. It was worth a read.
This book is a recommendation for all the fiction, thriller, mystery lovers. Also, those who have never read something like this and like to experience new genres, like me, can read it. It will make a really good pick. Happy reading.
This book absolutely leads a reader into the depths of the story. Each page has a new secret to unfold. For me, this book was a totally different genre as I am not a fantasy, fiction reader. But this book made a mark on my mind and now I am curious to read the other books in the series. The ending of this book is like a cliff hanger and leaves so many questions for the reader. The language of the book is quite simple and can be read by slow reader or new readers too. The plot is very intriguing and the aura of the story is dark. I loved reading it and have rated it for stars. Books like these deserve the hype. And I am glad that I picked it up. It was worth a read.
This book is a recommendation for all the fiction, thriller, mystery lovers. Also, those who have never read something like this and like to experience new genres, like me, can read it. It will make a really good pick. Happy reading.
Want to read
January 4, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
I have been inordinately patient with this opening, but that is to the credit of the author. Though the beginning is several pages heavy with info dumping, once the story finally begins, it wonderfully rewards.
When you know so much about the world of your story, there is a temptation to tell the reader as much as you can as soon as you can. Beware this temptation. But, regardless, I’ve been won over by Crown Prince. The world seems deeply conceived.
The prose is well crafted. The solemn, inhuman-seeming guardian seer & the circumstances of a deadly siege even as the young queen is giving birth to an heir - when we finally get to them - are intriguing, strange, shadowed by ill-omens. It is Shakespearean. I’m in.
I have been inordinately patient with this opening, but that is to the credit of the author. Though the beginning is several pages heavy with info dumping, once the story finally begins, it wonderfully rewards.
When you know so much about the world of your story, there is a temptation to tell the reader as much as you can as soon as you can. Beware this temptation. But, regardless, I’ve been won over by Crown Prince. The world seems deeply conceived.
The prose is well crafted. The solemn, inhuman-seeming guardian seer & the circumstances of a deadly siege even as the young queen is giving birth to an heir - when we finally get to them - are intriguing, strange, shadowed by ill-omens. It is Shakespearean. I’m in.
October 16, 2025
Crown Prince by W.D. Kilpack III is a powerful and emotional fantasy story about Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk, who carries the great burden of protecting mankind. Natharr has the gift of Sight the ability to see what is yet to come but it is also a heavy curse. Through his visions, he knows that danger is coming for the newborn Crown Prince, Vikari. To protect him, Natharr risks everything and takes the baby and his wet nurse into hiding. From that moment, the story becomes a journey of love, sacrifice, and destiny.
What makes this book special is how deeply it connects emotion with fantasy. Natharr is not just a hero he is human, even with all his powers. He feels pain, doubt, and care. The way he raises the young prince shows a side of fatherly love that is very rare to see in fantasy stories. I liked how the author didn’t just focus on magic and wars but also on the bond between two souls brought together by fate. The relationship between Natharr and Vikari is the heart of the story, and it makes the reader feel close to them both.
The world-building in this book is excellent. W.D. Kilpack III has created a rich and detailed setting filled with kingdoms, legends, and old gods. Every chapter opens new layers of the story, and the pace keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The author’s writing style is clear and easy to follow, even for someone who doesn’t usually read fantasy. The book has a perfect mix of emotion, mystery, and action. By the end, it leaves you curious about what will happen next in the series.
I would strongly recommend Crown Prince to readers who love stories about courage, destiny, and deep human emotions. Even if you are new to fantasy, this book will surprise you with how real the characters feel. It is not just a story about a guardian and a prince it is about faith, hope, and the sacrifices made for love. Crown Prince is the kind of book that stays in your heart long after you finish it.
What makes this book special is how deeply it connects emotion with fantasy. Natharr is not just a hero he is human, even with all his powers. He feels pain, doubt, and care. The way he raises the young prince shows a side of fatherly love that is very rare to see in fantasy stories. I liked how the author didn’t just focus on magic and wars but also on the bond between two souls brought together by fate. The relationship between Natharr and Vikari is the heart of the story, and it makes the reader feel close to them both.
The world-building in this book is excellent. W.D. Kilpack III has created a rich and detailed setting filled with kingdoms, legends, and old gods. Every chapter opens new layers of the story, and the pace keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The author’s writing style is clear and easy to follow, even for someone who doesn’t usually read fantasy. The book has a perfect mix of emotion, mystery, and action. By the end, it leaves you curious about what will happen next in the series.
I would strongly recommend Crown Prince to readers who love stories about courage, destiny, and deep human emotions. Even if you are new to fantasy, this book will surprise you with how real the characters feel. It is not just a story about a guardian and a prince it is about faith, hope, and the sacrifices made for love. Crown Prince is the kind of book that stays in your heart long after you finish it.
January 3, 2024
The first few things I noticed when opening this book were the world map and the appendix. This intrigued me and I spent some time reading the character’s names, titles, and the names of fascinating places all conjured up by the mind of W. D. Kilpack III. This helped me better understand the many intricate facets of this novel. Creating worlds and characters is not an easy task, but the author did an excellent job.
The novel has everything you want in a fantasy: intertwining sword scenes, the battles of a war, kings, queens, knights, magic, fairies, love, sex, great beasts, and unthinkable dangers that the main protagonist, Natharr, Guardian of Maarihk, has to endure.
In the story, the baby heir of the overthrown king is taken by Natharr and the baby’s wet nurse, Darshelle, into a magical forest to save him from a certain death and to prepare the child for his rightful position as ruler.
Mr. Kilpack puts you there in the middle of the child’s life path as Vikari, crown prince of Maarihk, starts to grow and learn. So does Natharr for he begins to love the child as his own.
Then you add Mr. Kilpack's ability to crystally describe a scene, which made me feel like I was there taking part in a meal or a sword fight, which made the novel even more pleasing.
Crown Prince is part a series, the New Blood Saga, and although some chapters were lengthy, once I grasped the author's perspective, it flowed smoothly and I can add that any fan of fantasy will rejoice knowing that this is just the first book in a captivating series.
If you have never read a fantasy novel (like me), this one will get you hooked into the genre.
The novel has everything you want in a fantasy: intertwining sword scenes, the battles of a war, kings, queens, knights, magic, fairies, love, sex, great beasts, and unthinkable dangers that the main protagonist, Natharr, Guardian of Maarihk, has to endure.
In the story, the baby heir of the overthrown king is taken by Natharr and the baby’s wet nurse, Darshelle, into a magical forest to save him from a certain death and to prepare the child for his rightful position as ruler.
Mr. Kilpack puts you there in the middle of the child’s life path as Vikari, crown prince of Maarihk, starts to grow and learn. So does Natharr for he begins to love the child as his own.
Then you add Mr. Kilpack's ability to crystally describe a scene, which made me feel like I was there taking part in a meal or a sword fight, which made the novel even more pleasing.
Crown Prince is part a series, the New Blood Saga, and although some chapters were lengthy, once I grasped the author's perspective, it flowed smoothly and I can add that any fan of fantasy will rejoice knowing that this is just the first book in a captivating series.
If you have never read a fantasy novel (like me), this one will get you hooked into the genre.
February 19, 2024
The creator in his act of creationism. Such is W. D. Kilpack in his literary invention of Crown Prince: Book One Of The New Blood Saga. Intermingling real world matters of both realm and state, and legendary phenomena of ancient times, Kilpack builds a mythical epic of worlds within worlds, all suspended in time and universal fantastical realism. He has crafted an imaginative tale perfect for lovers of mysticism, magic, ancient battles, romance, and supernatural fantasy.
Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk, is one of the Firstblood with Firstborn abilities, like the gift of prophetic sight, and he, alongside his paramour, Darshelle, are charged with protecting and preparing the newly born prince of the realm, Vikari, until he is ready to take his rightful place as heir to his father’s throne. Set mostly in a richly imagined and described enigmatical world, the story explores themes of family, love, friendship, destiny, time, and power. There is just enough adventure and action to keep the reader quickly turning the pages to find out where the story is heading next. For those who love to dig into an episodic serial, this first book delivers a strong narrative of structure, character development, and world building, which smoothly paves the way for the next book in the series, Order Of Light, which I cannot wait to read. Simply put, Crown Prince is a masterful example of original storytelling. Five stars to Mr. Kilpack for this phenomenal literary creation.
Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk, is one of the Firstblood with Firstborn abilities, like the gift of prophetic sight, and he, alongside his paramour, Darshelle, are charged with protecting and preparing the newly born prince of the realm, Vikari, until he is ready to take his rightful place as heir to his father’s throne. Set mostly in a richly imagined and described enigmatical world, the story explores themes of family, love, friendship, destiny, time, and power. There is just enough adventure and action to keep the reader quickly turning the pages to find out where the story is heading next. For those who love to dig into an episodic serial, this first book delivers a strong narrative of structure, character development, and world building, which smoothly paves the way for the next book in the series, Order Of Light, which I cannot wait to read. Simply put, Crown Prince is a masterful example of original storytelling. Five stars to Mr. Kilpack for this phenomenal literary creation.
February 7, 2023
A fantastical read!
What a grand story in Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood by W. D. Kilpack III. This is the first book by this author that I have read, and I am very impressed with the writing, and storytelling of this author. Kilpack does a great job of building a world filled with princes, pasts that dictate the future, and of course, being able to see what is to come. Natharr has "Sight" and it's not always helpful and sometimes decisions can make or break something in the future. Their past roots and duties keep Natharr trying to maintain their lives. Kilpack details the scenes, filled with action, and brings the creatures to life. Crown Prince is filled with swords and sorcery, magic, myths and legends, that really bring it as believeable. This is the first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the next one. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical/fantastical creatures and other interesting beings? I hope to read more books by this author. Crown Prince is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
What a grand story in Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood by W. D. Kilpack III. This is the first book by this author that I have read, and I am very impressed with the writing, and storytelling of this author. Kilpack does a great job of building a world filled with princes, pasts that dictate the future, and of course, being able to see what is to come. Natharr has "Sight" and it's not always helpful and sometimes decisions can make or break something in the future. Their past roots and duties keep Natharr trying to maintain their lives. Kilpack details the scenes, filled with action, and brings the creatures to life. Crown Prince is filled with swords and sorcery, magic, myths and legends, that really bring it as believeable. This is the first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the next one. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical/fantastical creatures and other interesting beings? I hope to read more books by this author. Crown Prince is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
October 16, 2024
So I found this author by chance, so had to give the book a chance.
I love green, so the cover is great.
This is personal preference, but I felt some terms were used quite regularly like their eye colours were repeated almost every time an eye was mentioned etc. Absolutely fine as it didn't affect the story, but for me I didn't need this information repeated. Some people really like this, and if you do you'll really like it as it was detailed.
Overall, the story flowed well. I much enjoyed Natharr's point of view. I loved his character, losing everything which he couldn't stop and having to go back. His Sight kept me interested and I love the snippets of the future.
The world building was excellent. The support characters were intriguing.
I did quite like Ellis as well and look forward to seeing more of his character.
I would happily continue the series.
I love green, so the cover is great.
This is personal preference, but I felt some terms were used quite regularly like their eye colours were repeated almost every time an eye was mentioned etc. Absolutely fine as it didn't affect the story, but for me I didn't need this information repeated. Some people really like this, and if you do you'll really like it as it was detailed.
Overall, the story flowed well. I much enjoyed Natharr's point of view. I loved his character, losing everything which he couldn't stop and having to go back. His Sight kept me interested and I love the snippets of the future.
The world building was excellent. The support characters were intriguing.
I did quite like Ellis as well and look forward to seeing more of his character.
I would happily continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2022
I loved the world building in this book as well as the plot and the characters.
The story was very intriguing but I felt like it dragged a little as the chapters were extremely long. Some of the world building became quite confusing as it was very heavy at times but overall I enjoyed the book and might read the second one soon!
The story was very intriguing but I felt like it dragged a little as the chapters were extremely long. Some of the world building became quite confusing as it was very heavy at times but overall I enjoyed the book and might read the second one soon!
March 4, 2025
🌻This book was a great mix of fantasy and action and adventure! It kept me on my toes the whole time and I was completely hooked. The word building in this book is amazing. I feel like I could read 20 books in this world.
🌻The fight scenes and characters in the story are amazing. They pull you so deeply in the book that I didn’t want to stop reading way past when I should have!
🌻I’m so glad there’s a second book in this series because I want to read it right away! Thank goodness this series is on kindle unlimited!
🌻The fight scenes and characters in the story are amazing. They pull you so deeply in the book that I didn’t want to stop reading way past when I should have!
🌻I’m so glad there’s a second book in this series because I want to read it right away! Thank goodness this series is on kindle unlimited!
November 1, 2019
Excited for find out what happens
Find myself caring about what happens to the characters. Particularly Nathan and Natharr. Good story. Great start to a series.
Find myself caring about what happens to the characters. Particularly Nathan and Natharr. Good story. Great start to a series.
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