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The Zero Enigma #7

The King's Man

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The City of Shallot is on the verge of revolution. The Great Houses are mustering their forces, readying themselves for a shift in the balance of power. The poor have found a new leader and are - finally - demanding their rights. Shadowy figures and old ghosts are prowling the streets. It is only a matter of time before the unease and unrest explodes into violence, as the wealthy and powerful seek to secure themselves in a changing world. And dark forces are laying plans to take advantage of the chaos ...

A newly-graduated student, the son of a proudly independent merchant, Adam Mortimer is recruited into the Kingsmen and charged with helping to track down the anarchists and terrorists before they trigger an explosion. But, as he delves into the mystery, he finds himself caught between the scars of his childhood and his hopes for the future, loyalties tested as he finds himself caught between old friends and new.

And, as infernal devices begin to terrorise the city, Adam must risk everything to save the people he loves ...

465 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2020

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74 people want to read

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Christopher G. Nuttall

229 books1,494 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
721 reviews17 followers
June 19, 2020
This was a great story, well told, and a strong addition to the Zero Enigma series. I love the scenario, the characters, the mystery, and the way it all unfolds from start to finish. My one complaint is that this particular series has heretofore been one I could recommend to younger readers or listeners, as it lacked any "adult" themes or situations. That was not entirely the case with this book, and it caught me by surprise and disappointed me. Such things are never gratuitous, graphic, or pervasive in Christopher Nuttall's writing, although they do appear within the narrative of many of his books, serving the purposes of the story and character development, etc. In this case, while "working" within the storyline and contributing to it, I don't believe it was necessary. And now, unfortunately, I no longer feel as though I could recommend the series to younger readers, as I have done in the past.
Profile Image for Jas.
1,026 reviews
September 23, 2022
Adam Mortimer was born a commoner and his father has always told him to remain free of any entanglements to the Aristocrats, so that he can stay his own man. Whilst for the large part, this is great advice, Adam has found that has he has moved through his schooling at Jude’s, he has suffered as he has not been able to create the friendships that others have. Over his time at Jude’s, Adam grew somewhat resentful of the Aristocrat’s and their priviledge, their excess, and their blatant abuse of power. As a result, when the time came to undertake the Wizarding Challenge, he took it all on his own, much to the chagrin of other participants.
It is therefore somewhat of a surprise when at the end of his schooling, that Adam, forlorn and worried that he has absolutely no prospects for a future (There are none unless you are willing to sell your soul to the Aristocrat’s!!), finds himself in the presence of a King’s Man. Sir Gareth offers tells him he is actually impressed by his integrity, something that is rare these days, and offers him a position to train as a Kingsman.
Adam joins 5 other candidates, known as ‘Princelings’ on their journey to becoming ‘Squires’ before they will become fullyfledged Kingsman if they pass everything. Here Adam meets Caroline, a beautiful, charismatic, highly intelligent woman, one who outshines most of the other Princelings in just about every aspect of their training. Caroline and Adam have an affinity together, working very well with each other, and find themselves paired on a lot of challenges together, growing as friends and comrades. The training is brutal, intense (And I should note that this is a step up from previous books, there is some pretty graphic violence in this story, not for really young readers without parental supervision), and it is obvious that they have been paired so that can not only learn with, but from each other, as well as lean on each other from the psychological stress of the training. Nuttall has done a brilliant job of creating this gritty and realistic training environment, one in which you can really feel the fierce intensity of the scenarios that they are put under, the stress they have to endure. Whilst this is just a fantasy story, and obviously there is the magical element, Nuttall has really captured the human and psychological aspect of their training so you can really empathise with them. It is very well done.
This is a story that is divided into multiple sections, with the start being Adam’s initial history, from his time at school, to his training, and ultimately, being selected by the very gruff and intense, but fair, Sir Griffon, as a Squire. He and Caroline are chosen to return to Shallot, to help Sir Griffon with the ongoing troubles there, as the city is beginning to tear itself apart. The lower classes have had enough, sick of their lot in life at the hands of the Great Houses and the Aristocracy, they have found a new voice, someone who is educated and intelligent and able to articulate their troubles, pull them together and rally them under a single, powerful cause. This of course has sent a ripple of fear through the Great Houses, and the quickly pull together their own vast forces and power to retaliate.
What follows is nothing short of gruesome and intense. Again, this is one book that is not for younger readers.
This is a fascinating book in this series, as it brings together so many elements of the existing series. Adam was a student at Jude’s, and therefore knows all of the major characters we have come across in the previous stories (from House’s Ruben, Aguirre, Bolingbroke, even those in Water Shallot. This book ties together each of the previous 6 books in unique ways, whilst bringing to light the intriguing political situation that is underlying the three sections of the city, North, South and Water Shallot, separated by the great river. Nuttall has not only crafted this exceptional story, but the world building that ties them all together is nothing short of masterful.
The Character work in this book is outstanding. From the main characters of Adam and Caroline, who are both fascinating as the two prospective Kingsman Candidates, to the Kingsman themselves, and then so many other characters we have come across from other books. The wonderful thing about this book though, is that the characters are all out of their ‘comfort’ zones, we get to see them in new ways, and it is intriguing seeing them in new ways, especially some of them several years on.
This is easily one of the best books in the series, for many reasons, the clever and intriguing mystery of the story as the Kingsman (Squires!), must rush to find what is happening in the city before thousands are killed. There is the underlying story of Adam, as well as Caroline, which is wonderful to watch their story unfold. There are so many characters that come into this story from all aspects of both Upper Houses and Lower classes, that are just wonderful to read about and see engage, it is brilliant from both the characters, and the storylines. Overall though, is just the brutal, powerful and at times intense, (but at all times, utterly captivating), storyline, that you just can’t put down. I went through this one in less than a day as I couldn’t put it down. Absolutely stunning!!!
Profile Image for Dayne Edmondson.
Author 37 books279 followers
March 11, 2021
Another fantastic installment

This book is like magical James Bond in training. It’s the perfect combination of magic and intrigue and politics and all that combined in a realistic way, so much that I could have envisioned this happening somewhere on earth.
Profile Image for Bob.
148 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2024
Excellent Series

This is a lengthy series, but, instead of focussing throughout on the same protagonists, the plot development and the social interactions depicted are seen through the eyes of different participants and the lines between principal characters and supporting ones are blurred to the point that they all have principal roles, often in tbeir own book. This gives a surprising degree of solidity to the magical fantasy landscape, and also makes the people within it very recognisable and real. When protagonists have conflicting sympathies, the reader too is drawn into the balancing act. This may sound a little demanding for lightreading, but the characters are strongly drawn, the plots very well constructed, and the dialogue is natural and convincing. I'm enjoying the series immensely both for the underpinning dynamics mentioned, and for its sheer entertainment value which is satisfyingly high. I'd categorise its intended audience as being at the upper end of the YA spectrum, but there's plenty in it for older readers too - I speak as one such in his 70s! An extra dash of amusement was provided by tbe author's cheerful recycling of Scottish placenames in his fantasy geography. The series starts as a touch Harry Potter-ish but soon slides into a literary landscape more reminiscent of early Mark Lawrence - all good as far as I'm concerned!
Profile Image for Doug Sundseth.
882 reviews9 followers
September 7, 2025
Nuttall writes a lot of books is several different series. It's my impression that he does this in part by regularly writing books set in the same world as the rest of the series, but that are not a part of the main storyline.

The protagonist in this book was a minor character barely mentioned in the previous volume. After his unsuccessful solo attempt in The Challenge, Adam Mortimer is recruited to become a King's Man, which is apparently a combination Special Forces soldier, secret agent, and criminal investigator.

There is a decent training sequence, followed by an investigation of terrorism, the source of which is unclear. The plot flows well, with nice pacing and a satisfying conclusion. The character work is solid, with believable arcs for the main and secondary characters. The final villain is a bit more "evil for evil's sake" than I would prefer, but there is a real goal other than evilness.

While the book isn't in the main story arc of the series, it does advance the worldbuilding a bit. The King's Men are not a bad conceit for a series of their own.

As a standalone or the first book in a series about these characters, this would have been quite good. As a side book sold as book 7 of the series, it doesn't work as well. Still, it was enjoyable to read and I do hope to see these characters again. Recommended, even if you haven't been reading the series.
Profile Image for Vincent Archer.
443 reviews22 followers
November 4, 2020
The title IS a spoiler for the story.

At least partially. But you can't escape the feeling that "The King's Man" book title is an obvious allusion to the "Kingsman" movie. Both feature spy organizations devoted to maintaining peace and order for the kingdom, a new recruit full of potential undergoing training spy-stuff training, unexpected shenanigans that drop him and his sidekick - and potential paramour - in hot waters and stuff.

Still, this is magical world rather than fake James Bond, so the details are different. But the overall feeling is absolutely the same. And that is rather good.

The Zero Enigma series shape up as a very specific and different kind of series, as, beyond the original trilogy, each book goes into a completely different aspect and set of characters of the same common setting of Shallot (a name that fills me with mirth everytime I see it used).
27 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2020
Goatfoot

As usual Nutta l has given a look at the pluses and minuses of classes and how they relate to each other. I liked the editorial at the end alot as it helped clarify some thoughts O have had about the upcoming election. The story line is good as well. It shows the struggle a young man has overcoming his social upbringing and how he has to relate to the different classes as he goes through his investigation. I really enjoy the zero enigma series. Looks forward to more stories in this world
Profile Image for Lois Mix.
13 reviews
March 7, 2020
Zero Enigma Series

I enjoyed the last book so fat in the series immensely. I became hooked on Christopher Nuttal's different series a few years ago. I am an avid reader and switched to kindle books due to the cost of the books. The Zero Enigm series gives different point of view characters I a world that has political aspects that are based on magical ability and characters who are at different levels in society. They intersect in this world and solve personal issues as the deal in this world. The books are fun and enjoyable reads.
Profile Image for LaDawn.
579 reviews
January 31, 2023
I enjoy this series, but by now I thought the author would’ve figured out how not to repeat information constantly, especially when it comes in the form of the character’s self-talk right in the middle of an exciting scene!

I was constantly thrown out of the story by thinking, “Seriously? He’s going to stop the story just so we can be told all the character’s innermost thoughts? Now?”

I’ll finish this series, but I don’t know that I will read any of the author’s other books. Not unless someone tells me he got an editor.
Profile Image for Peter.
Author 35 books66 followers
February 27, 2020
Another great story from Mr Nuttall

The Zero series is nit my favourite among his writings but it us right up there. The stories are always well crafted abd thoughtprovoking. He manages to bting depth to nearly evety charactet he puts on his stage and his story plots are always interesting and I have to add, generally free of artigicial constructs designed to draw the story out or make another book necessary to reach a conclusion.
1,185 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2020
Love all of Christopher Nuttall's books and this was no exception. I thought the Zero Enigma series was going to be a bit of a dead end, especially after the m/c gotten herself betrothed but the author has cleverly shifted his perspective and given us a new look at this universe.
Really hope the pair in this story are followed up on as I really want to know what happens to them and as a footnote also to Isabelle.
4 reviews
February 25, 2020
Entertaining and thought process

This is both an entertaining and thought-provoking book. Protagonist is likable if a little overly insecure. But the trait is useful in setting up the tension between right and wrong And showing that the world is really composed of shades of gray. Anyway, it is a very enjoyable read. I recommend it highly.
5 reviews
March 8, 2020
Another fun book in the zero milieu

The first six books in the series were a joy to read and this one continues the winning streak.

New characters and some guest appearances from old friends open a new storyline about the King's Men.

Glad we've graduated from boarding school and into the real world!

Looking forward to the next in the series, and his other, Schooled in Magic.
5 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2020
Another really good book.
Christopher Nuttall is always dependable for a good rousing story with lots of excitement and a complex interesting world with a logical, if deadly society.
He is a prolific writer and always entertains.

i hope he always finds as much personal success as the great satisfaction that his highly anticipated stories bring to us, his fans.
2 reviews
October 14, 2020
Interesting viewpoints

I haven't read as interesting dissertation since Heinlein's Starship Troopers. Very well written and thought out. If we're serious about solving social problems, we have to start with being honest about them. Thank you for your reasonings on "white privilege", I think you're onto something no one else has bothered to explore.
117 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2020
Wow

Once again a great indepth journey..I have read many a book by Mr, Nuttall and have yet to be disappointed. Im a whale reader and very rarely wait for months and months for the next book in a series to come out. Nuttall is among few select authors that I have and will wait for and that us best review anyone can give.
5 reviews
December 17, 2020
Complex story well told

What seemed to be a story about a ‘hero’s journey’ quickly developed into something much more nuanced. A lot of attention has been paid to the ‘world-building’ aspects of this story-arc and as a result the whole tale was richly textured and so was much more rewarding. A very engaging read that leaves you wanting more of the same.
62 reviews
May 17, 2021
Thoughtfull

I enjoyed this book like many of CGNs books. This was a fantasy telling of why people become first responders. I was drawn into the internal conflict of the protagonist. He had to save the day while dealing with his biases and culture. I applaud CGN in his frank discussions of the issues. Great read.
Profile Image for Kimberly Gordon-Bercich.
1,850 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2022
Adam is not an exactly likable character. He is relatable. Every time he starts to grow and become a better person he sticks his foot in it. That relatability keeps you from hating him. He does prevent an underprivileged political group from taking the blame of a few aristocratic members actions. So he is like a bumbling hero.
Profile Image for Paula Jean.
115 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2020
Awesome book!

Another awesome book in the Zero Enigma series! A whole new world brought to life by Christopher Nuttall. A world which parallels out Society in a lot of ways. This series is definitely worth a read it you like magic. Keep churning out the awesome stories!
8 reviews
February 28, 2020
Great read

I've all ways been impressed by this series vibrant identifiable characters fighting the good fight in classic fashion we love cheering the white hats but nobodys pure or 100% are they? We are all a mix aren't we?
1 review
April 23, 2020
Excellent Author

I have read most of Nuttall's books. I prefer his science Fiction, but find the Fantasies a quick enjoyable read. This has a little too much social commentary for my taste, but was still enjoyable. Keep writing.
23 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this one.

It was fascinating exploring Adam, a character that I had forgotten from the Zero books but now was brought back into focus in perhaps a role more interesting than any to date. I'd really love to see more adventures following him and Caroline!
20 reviews
July 7, 2020
Another enjoyable book from CGNuttall

I was expecting more involvement of characters I’ve met in earlier books but the involvement was only passing. This didn’t stop me from enjoying this new dimension to the Zero world. As usual I’ll look forward to his next book
11 reviews
July 11, 2020
Excellent book. Couldn't put it down.

Another excellent installment in a very entertaining series. Christopher Nuttall is one of my favorite authors. I enjoy both his fantasy and science fiction series.
11 reviews
June 10, 2021
I had been looking forward t this book based on the ones that came before it in the series but I was slightly disappointed as some of the characters an storylines were too far-fetched and difficult to believe.
1 review
September 1, 2021
The afterwards reflecting on race and class privilege were excellent and highly recommended.
The story, which the author wrote after those reflections was a good one that reflects the sometimes uncomfortable issues that so many face.
2 reviews
February 28, 2022
If you are interested in fantasy Christopher Nuttall is one of the best fantasy writers I have read.

Nuttall has an amazing ability to build a narrative around a fantasy that is realistic and entertaining with every page.
7 reviews
February 22, 2020
Good






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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6 reviews
February 23, 2020
Not Riviting

This book and the 6th book in the series are uninteresting. I enjoyed earlier books enough to read again. I hope future books will be better reads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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