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The Kingshield #1
The Seventh Knight
Ancient evil vies against prophecy, and out of chaos a hero emerges… The realm of Faladir has known centuries of peace, until now. Of old, the Kingshield Knights were founded. They were warriors and men of learning. The six of them wandered the land and dispensed wisdom, knowledge and justice. But they bore a sacred charge greater still. Their solemn trust was to guard against a primal evil. But they have fallen to its lure. Dark things stir. Beasts of nightmare stalk the land and haunt the skies. Blood-drenched sorcery casts its shadow over the realm. Ancient prophecy foretold that when the Kingshield Knights failed the Seventh Knight would rise to challenge them. But the knights know this, and they seek to kill him before he comes into his destiny. But fate will not be denied. And the Seventh Knight will stand tall to defy the powers of darkness…
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2020
About the author
Robert Ryan
38 books141 followersI am a man born in the wrong era. My heart yearns for faraway places and even further afield times. Tolkien had me at the beginning of The Hobbit when he said, ". . . one morning long ago in the quiet of the world . . ."
I love to read high fantasy and epic fantasy novels, and I have a passion to write, to weave a story with words that draws the reader into another world.
I love to read high fantasy and epic fantasy novels, and I have a passion to write, to weave a story with words that draws the reader into another world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 26, 2022
A nice kick back read.
Always enjoy reading Robert Ryan. He takes you on a journey in a world you would rather be. He leads you along the way with the characters an live an do as they do. This is a story of a young man who's life is changed forever whether he wants it to or not. But for now he is running with others that want to help him fight a king an a Kingshield Knight. Thay want him dead so he will not become what they fear. A great kick back read. Robert Ryan hits his mark once again.
Always enjoy reading Robert Ryan. He takes you on a journey in a world you would rather be. He leads you along the way with the characters an live an do as they do. This is a story of a young man who's life is changed forever whether he wants it to or not. But for now he is running with others that want to help him fight a king an a Kingshield Knight. Thay want him dead so he will not become what they fear. A great kick back read. Robert Ryan hits his mark once again.
February 2, 2022
I really wanted to like this book but I didn’t. I couldn’t care about any of the characters and there just wasn’t enough characters for me. I’ve picked up too many books where the MC ends up being so young, the word “boy” or “youth” is constant being used 15 times in every chapter. Seriously, stop it. Give me some ages 20 and up once in a while. Anyway, I won’t be continuing this series.
December 14, 2020
Interesting blurb, archaic writing style...
I liked the blurb. It's really cool. Six knights are good but eventually turn evil, until a seventh knight must rise to defeat the forces of evil. It reminds me of Lord of the Rings. I like the trope of good turning evil until new good must arise to defeat the ancient evil.
However, the writing style feels very archaic and wordy. It feels like it's written in the 1960s, such as this quote, "In the middle of the group strode a man, taller than the others. Haughty he seemed, and his helm gleamed silver-bright in the dark."
There are many phrases like this in the book that could have been shortened to make the words flow smoother and for the story to be more enjoyable.
I read the author's website and he said he skips reading fantasy books written with modern prose so I can understand what he's trying to do here. I commend him for that, but this book isn't for me. Maybe I could have read it when I was younger but not now that I'm older.
If you like reading books with a more classic feel to them (those tend to be more wordy), you might like this.
I liked the blurb. It's really cool. Six knights are good but eventually turn evil, until a seventh knight must rise to defeat the forces of evil. It reminds me of Lord of the Rings. I like the trope of good turning evil until new good must arise to defeat the ancient evil.
However, the writing style feels very archaic and wordy. It feels like it's written in the 1960s, such as this quote, "In the middle of the group strode a man, taller than the others. Haughty he seemed, and his helm gleamed silver-bright in the dark."
There are many phrases like this in the book that could have been shortened to make the words flow smoother and for the story to be more enjoyable.
I read the author's website and he said he skips reading fantasy books written with modern prose so I can understand what he's trying to do here. I commend him for that, but this book isn't for me. Maybe I could have read it when I was younger but not now that I'm older.
If you like reading books with a more classic feel to them (those tend to be more wordy), you might like this.
December 26, 2021
4 stars
Nothing much really happens in this book, It's just as how I like fantasy, No rape, no edgy characters and all that. I like the premise, the world building isn't anything special.
We follow a gang of 4 characters on this adventure and all 4 are likeable.
It is a really short read so can plow through it pretty fast
Nothing much really happens in this book, It's just as how I like fantasy, No rape, no edgy characters and all that. I like the premise, the world building isn't anything special.
We follow a gang of 4 characters on this adventure and all 4 are likeable.
It is a really short read so can plow through it pretty fast
April 15, 2022
The Seventh Knight
Great first book! Young man and a hunter for his village returns home to find everyone dead. An old wandering healer shows up and leads him onto a path of danger and magic. For he is to be the Seventh Knight all but a reluctant one.
Great first book! Young man and a hunter for his village returns home to find everyone dead. An old wandering healer shows up and leads him onto a path of danger and magic. For he is to be the Seventh Knight all but a reluctant one.
February 26, 2023
Old school heroic fantasy!
Long had the Kingshield Knights maintained peace. Through the passage of time an ancient evil slithered within their ranks.
Prophecy spoke of yet another however.
One to forge light against darkness.
Shannara/Belgariad vibes.
Entertaining. Well paced!
Long had the Kingshield Knights maintained peace. Through the passage of time an ancient evil slithered within their ranks.
Prophecy spoke of yet another however.
One to forge light against darkness.
Shannara/Belgariad vibes.
Entertaining. Well paced!
August 25, 2020
This book was surprisingly good!! It reminded me of the Farworld books by J Scott Savage, and the writing style is similar to tolkien's, but less filler. The plot was vague, but it seems the main plot must be stretched into multiple books. So it's not much of a problem.
- read on Kindle through kindle unlimited
- read on Kindle through kindle unlimited
August 6, 2021
Decent fantasy
Typical old magic fantasy but the entire book is focused on the protagonist’s escape. Literally nothing else. So it feels repetitive.
Typical old magic fantasy but the entire book is focused on the protagonist’s escape. Literally nothing else. So it feels repetitive.
May 26, 2023
The premise sounded great but unfortunately it wasn't really my kind of book.
The characters feel rather flar and 2d. Even the MC doesn't feel very realistic to me. Lots of cliches I am not a fan of, like the wise old man refusing to explain what is happening because there isn't time but expecting the MC to follow him and put his life in his hands.
I think if you're a plot-driven reader you might enjoy this. There's quite a lot of action, and the story isn't bad.
If you enjoyed more character depth like me then you might not like it as much.
The characters feel rather flar and 2d. Even the MC doesn't feel very realistic to me. Lots of cliches I am not a fan of, like the wise old man refusing to explain what is happening because there isn't time but expecting the MC to follow him and put his life in his hands.
I think if you're a plot-driven reader you might enjoy this. There's quite a lot of action, and the story isn't bad.
If you enjoyed more character depth like me then you might not like it as much.
August 8, 2021
The Seventh Knight is the first book in The Kingshield series by Robert Ryan.
4.5 And What They Must Do, They Could Endure Stars
I love books that offer this kind of prose, somewhat reminiscent of J. R. R. Tolkien, that sweeps you into the mysteries of faraway lands and forgotten lore of long lost races and mysteries. Robert Ryan does such a wonderful job of wrapping one in his tale, from even the very first line.
Faran of Dromdruin comes to us as a simple and content man; he enjoys the small and isolated nature of his village and the life of the hunter that he leads. That he is about to be irrevocably changed and forced on a journey, nay a destiny, that he does not desire is almost ridiculous at the moment we first meet him. Along with Ferla, he travels in the protection and mystery of the wandering healer known only as Nuatha, thus far. (Someone whose secret identity is easily deciphered with just a little poking under the surface.) Chased by what was once considered the greatest of men, and their deceived or equally as corrupted followers, for the mere possibility of a future threat on their lauded goals.
The only aspect I found lacking enough to deduct from the rating was how short this book was. I’m not even offended by that which we do not yet know, that already holds great import even in mystery. I will say that I’m excited and intrigued to keep learning more of Aranloth, and to discover Kareste’s hidden past as well. Even to experience Faran’s future training.
4.5 And What They Must Do, They Could Endure Stars
I love books that offer this kind of prose, somewhat reminiscent of J. R. R. Tolkien, that sweeps you into the mysteries of faraway lands and forgotten lore of long lost races and mysteries. Robert Ryan does such a wonderful job of wrapping one in his tale, from even the very first line.
Faran of Dromdruin comes to us as a simple and content man; he enjoys the small and isolated nature of his village and the life of the hunter that he leads. That he is about to be irrevocably changed and forced on a journey, nay a destiny, that he does not desire is almost ridiculous at the moment we first meet him. Along with Ferla, he travels in the protection and mystery of the wandering healer known only as Nuatha, thus far. (Someone whose secret identity is easily deciphered with just a little poking under the surface.) Chased by what was once considered the greatest of men, and their deceived or equally as corrupted followers, for the mere possibility of a future threat on their lauded goals.
The only aspect I found lacking enough to deduct from the rating was how short this book was. I’m not even offended by that which we do not yet know, that already holds great import even in mystery. I will say that I’m excited and intrigued to keep learning more of Aranloth, and to discover Kareste’s hidden past as well. Even to experience Faran’s future training.
March 20, 2021
Good read
I was expecting more. More action, more confrontation, more depth. Don’t hold your breath....nothing exciting happens. If you’re looking to pass some time, this is the book for you.
I was expecting more. More action, more confrontation, more depth. Don’t hold your breath....nothing exciting happens. If you’re looking to pass some time, this is the book for you.
March 11, 2021
My immediate thought upon reading the introduction to this was "Did I accidentally pick up Tolkien?" I mean that in both the good and bad ways. You're immediately introduced into a world of scope. One in which ages have already come and gone, and one in which we're only exposed to a small portion of the world to boot.
The writing is flowery and poetic. If that's the kind of writing you enjoy - such as if you're a fan of Tolkien or Rothfuss - then you will like Robert Ryan's writing style. He does tend to have a "tell, don't show" when it comes to history which is one of my main reasons for deducting a star.
Thus far we've got a classic reluctant chosen one story, but I look forward to seeing how the story evolves.
The writing is flowery and poetic. If that's the kind of writing you enjoy - such as if you're a fan of Tolkien or Rothfuss - then you will like Robert Ryan's writing style. He does tend to have a "tell, don't show" when it comes to history which is one of my main reasons for deducting a star.
Thus far we've got a classic reluctant chosen one story, but I look forward to seeing how the story evolves.
June 16, 2023
Decent, but a mere apetitizer
The book is the usual "young man on the run to become a hero" story - or at least it's shaping up to be, because the book is way too short. And that's with quite a small cast that, so far, includes less than 10 major characters. It barely covers the first act of the typical hero's journey and there's not much happening yet, but it has potential which I hope will be shown more in the next book. At least the flow and pacing are decent.
Thus, I'm giving it 3,5, rounded up to 4.
The book is the usual "young man on the run to become a hero" story - or at least it's shaping up to be, because the book is way too short. And that's with quite a small cast that, so far, includes less than 10 major characters. It barely covers the first act of the typical hero's journey and there's not much happening yet, but it has potential which I hope will be shown more in the next book. At least the flow and pacing are decent.
Thus, I'm giving it 3,5, rounded up to 4.
June 28, 2020
If you are looking for Tolkien's successor then you found it
Now if we could squeeze ten more chapters in these books, that would be better. This is a great new series by Robert Ryan. The reluctance of the main character is a bit new for the author but makes the story interesting as well as perhaps a simmering romance and the reaquaintence of an old character. This series is bound to epic as all the others.
Now if we could squeeze ten more chapters in these books, that would be better. This is a great new series by Robert Ryan. The reluctance of the main character is a bit new for the author but makes the story interesting as well as perhaps a simmering romance and the reaquaintence of an old character. This series is bound to epic as all the others.
November 15, 2020
Good Start - Great Possibilities
The first book in this series appeared to me more of an introduction and stage setter. It’s an interesting read and certainly alludes to more depth within future books. The main characters are well defined and likable. The enemy is well defined as well but likable, not so much. The writing is well done and very descriptive. I’m eager to start Book 2 and recommend book 1 for those looking for an interesting and entertaining read.
The first book in this series appeared to me more of an introduction and stage setter. It’s an interesting read and certainly alludes to more depth within future books. The main characters are well defined and likable. The enemy is well defined as well but likable, not so much. The writing is well done and very descriptive. I’m eager to start Book 2 and recommend book 1 for those looking for an interesting and entertaining read.
March 31, 2021
Very outdated style of prose. Short sentences with little detail. Lots of unnecessary insights into character's thoughts, and uses "but" a LOT.
Up against some of the amazing modern fantasy you get these days (Abercrombie, Ryan, Hayes etc) it's really lacking. Relatively basic story concept (young man discovers he is actually the savior of mankind) which is fine if delivered well and it isn't.
After about halfway through I stopped and moved onto something else.
Up against some of the amazing modern fantasy you get these days (Abercrombie, Ryan, Hayes etc) it's really lacking. Relatively basic story concept (young man discovers he is actually the savior of mankind) which is fine if delivered well and it isn't.
After about halfway through I stopped and moved onto something else.
August 25, 2020
I quite enjoyed the story and the characters were pretty good. The reason for the 2 stars was the continued use of the word "but" it must appear on every page at least 5 to 10 times. It seemed to invade my thinking and detracted from the reading. Similar to when people speak and they say um or you know seems the author goes BUT
August 30, 2020
Wow Great Cliffhanger
Great writing. Good pace. Magic, mystery and heart pounding action. Story is written with enough mystery to keep you intrigued. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series after I catch my breath!
So they are in a violent twisting whirlwind of magic...
Great writing. Good pace. Magic, mystery and heart pounding action. Story is written with enough mystery to keep you intrigued. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series after I catch my breath!
So they are in a violent twisting whirlwind of magic...
January 10, 2021
Nice single threaded story line setting up for an easy fast read. Good characters and imagination. The magic system is mostly unexplained and simple but this doesn't detract from the story. The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger, but the book is short for a standard Epic Fantasy.
I would still recommend it to Epic Fantasy readers looking for a straight forward and light read.
I would still recommend it to Epic Fantasy readers looking for a straight forward and light read.
June 30, 2022
Epic. But not awesome.
Loved the flowing language and the pace of the story. But there's nothing that comes of as a "punch" or an "Aha!" Moment. It's good for LOTR fans for passing time. Ends in a cliffhanger scenario with no closure. I like small serialized books/ episodic ones, but this one is just cutting a big book into pieces.
Loved the flowing language and the pace of the story. But there's nothing that comes of as a "punch" or an "Aha!" Moment. It's good for LOTR fans for passing time. Ends in a cliffhanger scenario with no closure. I like small serialized books/ episodic ones, but this one is just cutting a big book into pieces.
September 8, 2020
Life changes in the blink of an eye - evil comes for you.
The past of his grandfather knight has reached out to set his future place in the coming war. Thank goodness Faran has friends with magic on his side. Is he the key to victory?
The past of his grandfather knight has reached out to set his future place in the coming war. Thank goodness Faran has friends with magic on his side. Is he the key to victory?
October 25, 2020
Good book
It does start a little confusing but by the first quarter of the book it catches you up and takes a good ride. I like the way characters are introduced and am enjoying the story line can't wait to start the next one.
It does start a little confusing but by the first quarter of the book it catches you up and takes a good ride. I like the way characters are introduced and am enjoying the story line can't wait to start the next one.
November 24, 2020
Storyteller
A good tale, well begun. On a winter’s day, in these times, a fine combination. Told simply, with only small embellishments, it fits this generation. But even to one a little more seasoned it seems worth listening to, or a reading.
A good tale, well begun. On a winter’s day, in these times, a fine combination. Told simply, with only small embellishments, it fits this generation. But even to one a little more seasoned it seems worth listening to, or a reading.
December 19, 2020
Solid. Will read the second book.
First book in this series is a solid introduction. I wasn’t enthralled at any point. Mostly skimmed through the chapters. Seemed short. Not much established. It almost seems like an elongated introduction.
First book in this series is a solid introduction. I wasn’t enthralled at any point. Mostly skimmed through the chapters. Seemed short. Not much established. It almost seems like an elongated introduction.
May 16, 2021
Excellent
A great first book to what is hopefully going to be a great series. The introduction to the main characters and story line has been strong and kept me reading Looking forward to the next book
A great first book to what is hopefully going to be a great series. The introduction to the main characters and story line has been strong and kept me reading Looking forward to the next book
September 2, 2021
The book was was good enough to keep my attention but in the end it was disappointing . It ends with more questions than answers. If you like a true cliffhanger then this book might be for you. I don’t think I’ll be reading the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2021
Should be one book
I liked the characters and the story line alot. I have a big problem with ending a book without concluding a storyline . It seems a ploy to get you to buy the next book rather than good authorship.
I liked the characters and the story line alot. I have a big problem with ending a book without concluding a storyline . It seems a ploy to get you to buy the next book rather than good authorship.
September 30, 2023
Picked this up from a library book sale. Didn't realize it was part of a series.
This book was a quick read but seems like an overall small portion of the story. Not self contained.
Maybe I'll try to finish once I get through my back log.
This book was a quick read but seems like an overall small portion of the story. Not self contained.
Maybe I'll try to finish once I get through my back log.
December 27, 2023
What an amazing first book in a series! It's thrilling, it's pacy and the plot twists and turns blending myths, ancient magic, lores, sunken cities, dark creatures to take you on a remarkable journey! Looking forward to finishing the series.
July 17, 2020
Another good book!
I enjoyed this very much. I am looking forward too the next installment! This was not long enough! I need the next one!!!!
I enjoyed this very much. I am looking forward too the next installment! This was not long enough! I need the next one!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews