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The Coming of Áed #2
The Last Prince
In a hellish city, the fate of a young boy rests on the very thing he fears most…
Robbed of his childhood by tragedy and betrayal and forced onto the streets, only fury makes young Ninian feel whole - and in a world of gangs and fae, Ninian is more than willing to fight for his life.
But it doesn’t take much to topple a life which is already balanced on the edge of a knife. And by the time a desperate Ninian realizes he’s crossed the wrong person, it is much, much too late.
In his frantic struggle to right his collapsing world, Ninian’s furious, bloody efforts are dredging up history he’d rather forget - the past is tired of being held at bay, and even fighting cannot protect Ninian from himself.
So when he meets a crimson-eyed stranger, a boy so broken he refuses even to speak, Ninian does not believe he has the capacity to care.
He is wrong.
And that will change everything…
Kindle Book Award SemiFinalist 2021
(This title is a full length origin story to The Hidden King)
Robbed of his childhood by tragedy and betrayal and forced onto the streets, only fury makes young Ninian feel whole - and in a world of gangs and fae, Ninian is more than willing to fight for his life.
But it doesn’t take much to topple a life which is already balanced on the edge of a knife. And by the time a desperate Ninian realizes he’s crossed the wrong person, it is much, much too late.
In his frantic struggle to right his collapsing world, Ninian’s furious, bloody efforts are dredging up history he’d rather forget - the past is tired of being held at bay, and even fighting cannot protect Ninian from himself.
So when he meets a crimson-eyed stranger, a boy so broken he refuses even to speak, Ninian does not believe he has the capacity to care.
He is wrong.
And that will change everything…
Kindle Book Award SemiFinalist 2021
(This title is a full length origin story to The Hidden King)
- GenresFantasy
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2020
17 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
E.G. Radcliff
7 books153 followersE.G. RADCLIFF IS A PART-TIME pooka and native of the Unseelie Court. She collects acorns, glass beads, and pretty rocks, and the crows outside her house know her as She Who Has Bread.
Her Coming of Áed fantasy series was crafted in the dead of night after offering sacrifices of almonds and red wine to the writing-block deities.
You can reach her by scrying bowl, carrier pigeon, or @egradcliff on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Amazon Author Page).
Books in The Coming of Áed series:
The Hidden King ∎ (Get Discussion Questions for Book Clubs)
The Last Prince ∎ (Get Discussion Questions for Book Clubs)
The Wild Court ∎ (Get Discussion Questions for Book Clubs)
See what book bloggers say, Read the interviews, Subscribe to E.G. Radcliff's newsletter for a bit of fun!
Her Coming of Áed fantasy series was crafted in the dead of night after offering sacrifices of almonds and red wine to the writing-block deities.
You can reach her by scrying bowl, carrier pigeon, or @egradcliff on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Amazon Author Page).
Books in The Coming of Áed series:
The Hidden King ∎ (Get Discussion Questions for Book Clubs)
The Last Prince ∎ (Get Discussion Questions for Book Clubs)
The Wild Court ∎ (Get Discussion Questions for Book Clubs)
See what book bloggers say, Read the interviews, Subscribe to E.G. Radcliff's newsletter for a bit of fun!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 20, 2020
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, so after realizing that The Last Prince was the second book in The Coming of Áed Series.. I decided to dive into the first book beforehand. That being said, I wouldn't necessarily count this as a book 2. Or even a sequel one bit. This is just based off of who the actual main character is in this one. So, after knowing what happened to Ninian in the first book this feels like a prequel to me.
Probably would've made more sense for this to be a novella, book 1, or even a book 0? Not sure if that last one is even a thing.. but just go with it. Now I'm not saying I hated the guy because I did like Ninian in the first book. It was also somewhat interesting and entertaining to learn more about him and how he learned to survive.
Yet, and this is a big yet, it just seemed odd to me to be reading about him. Especially since I read this series in order and my brain is just trying to compute everything right now. Other than that, it was an okay book.. it just wasn't a sequel.
Okay, so after realizing that The Last Prince was the second book in The Coming of Áed Series.. I decided to dive into the first book beforehand. That being said, I wouldn't necessarily count this as a book 2. Or even a sequel one bit. This is just based off of who the actual main character is in this one. So, after knowing what happened to Ninian in the first book this feels like a prequel to me.
Probably would've made more sense for this to be a novella, book 1, or even a book 0? Not sure if that last one is even a thing.. but just go with it. Now I'm not saying I hated the guy because I did like Ninian in the first book. It was also somewhat interesting and entertaining to learn more about him and how he learned to survive.
Yet, and this is a big yet, it just seemed odd to me to be reading about him. Especially since I read this series in order and my brain is just trying to compute everything right now. Other than that, it was an okay book.. it just wasn't a sequel.
March 16, 2022
A Kindle Book Award Semi-Finalist in 2021, "The Last Prince" by E.G. Radcliff, is Book Two in the author's The Coming of Áed Series, but is a prequel, rather than a sequel, to the outstanding "The Hidden King", which was the first book in the series.
At first, I candidly admit that I found it a curious choice to write the follow-up book in a series about the events that took place before the first book. Moreover, I was concerned that, knowing the fate of Ninian and Áed's relationship, I would not be as invested in reading about prior happenings.
Wow, was I mistaken! This poignant, heart-wrenching, beautiful book greatly moved me, and now I can't envision reading this series any other way, than having the second book as a prequel.
"The Last Prince" truly is Ninian's story. We see him alone, a young boy, an orphan, and a vagrant, barely scraping by on the streets of the Maze, which is the seedy, depressing, labyrinthine slum-like residential area that readers were first introduced to in "The Hidden King". Ninian is starving, stealing to survive.
Máel Máedóc is a store owner, whom Ninian steals from. Caught by Máel Máedóc, Ninian is in the gruff but secretly tender-hearted store owner's debt. Feeling compelled to earn back the money equaling the value of the stolen food, Ninian meets a woman, Laoise, who displays unusual kindness towards him, in a place where the denizens are frequently without mercy or compassion.
But kindness on the streets of the Maze typically comes with a price. In this case, Laoise, after seeing Ninian defend himself well in a brawl, "sells" Ninian's fighting services to a dangerous street gang.
Trapped in the vicious gang, with no seeming way out other than death, Ninian, who learned his fighting craft from his deceased mother, earns credibility and worthiness to the gang as a fearsome fighter and enforcer. Though, after a horrific incident, the noble Ninian vows not to kill any of the gang's enemies, only injure them.
In time, working to pay of his debt to Máel Máedóc, Ninian meets Áed, a wounded and seemingly mute boy, whom Máel Máedóc rescues and fosters. What initially begins as Áed fearing Ninian, and Ninian desperate to protect and help Áed recover, turns into a deep friendship, and years later, an abiding love.
But the constant danger of Ninian's life with the gang, and a secret that Ninian uncovers about Áed's heritage, threaten to rip the two damaged lovers apart forever.
This slow-burn, character driven novel, touched my soul. It would take a very cold heart not to be warmed by the beauty of Ninian and Áed's love for one another. With this installment, we learn much more about the backstory of Ninian in particular. The loss, tragedy, abuse, and despair that both Ninian and Áed come from, only to find comfort and security in each other, greatly accentuates the pathos for those who have read "The Hidden King". Because we the reader knows what awaits them.
While the courage and humanity of Ninian and Áed shine through their pain, trauma, and capacity to still trust, and love, the complex secondary characters are mostly decidedly unlikable. Still, they evoke empathy, and are very realistically-drawn by the author. For the most part, they are products of the soul-crushing existence that the downtrodden must eke out in the Maze. Either take advantage of, and hurt others, or hurt or be taken advantage of, is the Maze's code.
Though the tougher themes in the novel, including abject poverty and misery, brutality, torture, and sexual abuse, are extremely sensitively and properly handled, it does not mean it won't be hard to read.
I was heartbroken by what Ninian and Áed endured, and what Ninian felt forced to do to others, in the book. Still, seeing the two lovers find each other was wonderful, even if we know it will be only temporary happiness. My recommendation, don't read this book without a tissue box handy.
As with the previous book, Radcliff's prose is delightful. Her stellar writing style is very eloquent, but simultaneously simple. At around 325 pages, this book can be read quickly, but one will want to take sufficient time to absorb Radcliff's lovely writing.
"Ninian stepped into the sanctuary more fully, brushing his palms over the tips of tall grasses. The air smelled earthy and living, and though the plants looked a little scrawny, there were a lot of them. A woody vine crawled over a windowsill, playing hose to a line of ants; yellow flowers on spindly stalks swayed in the breeze. Low to the ground, bluebells carpeted every patch of earth not covered by cobblestones or grass."
Radcliff really earns her stars in this five-star read, a tale of struggle, survival, and love that is emotional, haunting, and ultimately unforgettable. I have "The Wild Court", Book Three, and the finale in the series, already on my shelves. Rest assured I will definitely be completing my reading of this wonderful series.
At first, I candidly admit that I found it a curious choice to write the follow-up book in a series about the events that took place before the first book. Moreover, I was concerned that, knowing the fate of Ninian and Áed's relationship, I would not be as invested in reading about prior happenings.
Wow, was I mistaken! This poignant, heart-wrenching, beautiful book greatly moved me, and now I can't envision reading this series any other way, than having the second book as a prequel.
"The Last Prince" truly is Ninian's story. We see him alone, a young boy, an orphan, and a vagrant, barely scraping by on the streets of the Maze, which is the seedy, depressing, labyrinthine slum-like residential area that readers were first introduced to in "The Hidden King". Ninian is starving, stealing to survive.
Máel Máedóc is a store owner, whom Ninian steals from. Caught by Máel Máedóc, Ninian is in the gruff but secretly tender-hearted store owner's debt. Feeling compelled to earn back the money equaling the value of the stolen food, Ninian meets a woman, Laoise, who displays unusual kindness towards him, in a place where the denizens are frequently without mercy or compassion.
But kindness on the streets of the Maze typically comes with a price. In this case, Laoise, after seeing Ninian defend himself well in a brawl, "sells" Ninian's fighting services to a dangerous street gang.
Trapped in the vicious gang, with no seeming way out other than death, Ninian, who learned his fighting craft from his deceased mother, earns credibility and worthiness to the gang as a fearsome fighter and enforcer. Though, after a horrific incident, the noble Ninian vows not to kill any of the gang's enemies, only injure them.
In time, working to pay of his debt to Máel Máedóc, Ninian meets Áed, a wounded and seemingly mute boy, whom Máel Máedóc rescues and fosters. What initially begins as Áed fearing Ninian, and Ninian desperate to protect and help Áed recover, turns into a deep friendship, and years later, an abiding love.
But the constant danger of Ninian's life with the gang, and a secret that Ninian uncovers about Áed's heritage, threaten to rip the two damaged lovers apart forever.
This slow-burn, character driven novel, touched my soul. It would take a very cold heart not to be warmed by the beauty of Ninian and Áed's love for one another. With this installment, we learn much more about the backstory of Ninian in particular. The loss, tragedy, abuse, and despair that both Ninian and Áed come from, only to find comfort and security in each other, greatly accentuates the pathos for those who have read "The Hidden King". Because we the reader knows what awaits them.
While the courage and humanity of Ninian and Áed shine through their pain, trauma, and capacity to still trust, and love, the complex secondary characters are mostly decidedly unlikable. Still, they evoke empathy, and are very realistically-drawn by the author. For the most part, they are products of the soul-crushing existence that the downtrodden must eke out in the Maze. Either take advantage of, and hurt others, or hurt or be taken advantage of, is the Maze's code.
Though the tougher themes in the novel, including abject poverty and misery, brutality, torture, and sexual abuse, are extremely sensitively and properly handled, it does not mean it won't be hard to read.
I was heartbroken by what Ninian and Áed endured, and what Ninian felt forced to do to others, in the book. Still, seeing the two lovers find each other was wonderful, even if we know it will be only temporary happiness. My recommendation, don't read this book without a tissue box handy.
As with the previous book, Radcliff's prose is delightful. Her stellar writing style is very eloquent, but simultaneously simple. At around 325 pages, this book can be read quickly, but one will want to take sufficient time to absorb Radcliff's lovely writing.
"Ninian stepped into the sanctuary more fully, brushing his palms over the tips of tall grasses. The air smelled earthy and living, and though the plants looked a little scrawny, there were a lot of them. A woody vine crawled over a windowsill, playing hose to a line of ants; yellow flowers on spindly stalks swayed in the breeze. Low to the ground, bluebells carpeted every patch of earth not covered by cobblestones or grass."
Radcliff really earns her stars in this five-star read, a tale of struggle, survival, and love that is emotional, haunting, and ultimately unforgettable. I have "The Wild Court", Book Three, and the finale in the series, already on my shelves. Rest assured I will definitely be completing my reading of this wonderful series.
February 23, 2021
What a book, what a series.
Radcliff’s storytelling reminds me why I fell in love with reading in the first place. THE LAST PRINCE is brilliant escapism, both fantastical and relatable, and evokes a mystical, magical air. With Celtic and fae influences, THE COMING OF ÁED is a remarkable reading experience. Visual and immersive, the prose sings off the page. This series is so sharply written; you become a character in the world, and Radcliff takes you on such a journey.
Book 2 is a prequel, and it works so well. I loved seeing Áed through Ninian’s eyes, since we saw Ninian through Áed’s eyes in THE HIDDEN KING (Book 1). This mirrored perception is intriguing and insightful. THE LAST PRINCE (Book 2) expands on the beloved world and characters, including Ninian’s and Áed’s backstories. Two broken people fix each other, helped by their surrogate father figure, Máel Máedóc (my favorite), a gruff yet caring teddy bear of a man.
There are gangs and magic, love and loss, pain and promise and power. One of the many things I love about Radcliff’s writing is that the fantasy is firmly rooted in reality, making it widely applicable. Every fantastical element serves a relatable purpose, and the story transcends genre. It truly has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a series to lose yourself in and characters to pledge your undying allegiance, you’ve found it. Another easy five stars ★★★★★
Radcliff’s storytelling reminds me why I fell in love with reading in the first place. THE LAST PRINCE is brilliant escapism, both fantastical and relatable, and evokes a mystical, magical air. With Celtic and fae influences, THE COMING OF ÁED is a remarkable reading experience. Visual and immersive, the prose sings off the page. This series is so sharply written; you become a character in the world, and Radcliff takes you on such a journey.
Book 2 is a prequel, and it works so well. I loved seeing Áed through Ninian’s eyes, since we saw Ninian through Áed’s eyes in THE HIDDEN KING (Book 1). This mirrored perception is intriguing and insightful. THE LAST PRINCE (Book 2) expands on the beloved world and characters, including Ninian’s and Áed’s backstories. Two broken people fix each other, helped by their surrogate father figure, Máel Máedóc (my favorite), a gruff yet caring teddy bear of a man.
There are gangs and magic, love and loss, pain and promise and power. One of the many things I love about Radcliff’s writing is that the fantasy is firmly rooted in reality, making it widely applicable. Every fantastical element serves a relatable purpose, and the story transcends genre. It truly has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a series to lose yourself in and characters to pledge your undying allegiance, you’ve found it. Another easy five stars ★★★★★
August 24, 2020
So this review is LONG overdue, my sincere apologies to you all, especially to the author who was kind enough to send me a digital advance copy for review! As you know I had been unwell the last couple of weeks but I am back now and ready to review this beautiful book!
The Last Prince, by EG Radcliff is a beautiful, harrowing and rich story of love, family, life and trauma. Labelled as the sequel to the phenomenal The Hidden King, its story is actually set prior to the first book thus acting more as a prequel that follows Ninian’s early life as a child and exploring how he came to meet Aed.
While the contents make this book a prequel, I would personally recommend reading The Hidden King first for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it will make this book much more emotional for you because you already know the outcome of certain events. Secondly, the familiarity with the characters means you will be able to fully appreciate the message and core themes of this story without any confusion. Lastly, it makes the experience of this story just generally much richer.
This review may contain spoilers for The Hidden King #1 (Click for my review - https://kbbookreviews867789450.wordpr... Book 1 in the Coming Of Aed series.)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Synopsis: Ninian’s childhood was torn apart – he is no stranger to tragedy and pain, but as he tries to live in the harsh life of The Maze he soon realises his only choice is to fight. Forced into a life he never anticipated, Ninian is lonely and isolated, until he meets a crimson-eyed stranger who reminds him what it is like to love and be loved.
CW/TW: Trauma/PTSD, Abuse, References to Sexual Assault/Rape, Emotional Abuse/Manipulation, Alcohol, Violence, Gore.
The Last Prince, by EG Radcliff is another beautiful and captivating instalment in this epic YA series. If you read my review of The Hidden King then you will know that I loved the richness of the world and the characters relationships that infused this book – and I get to love it even more here! The Last Prince is a magnification of these brilliant characters and has even richer descriptions of The Maze than before, Radcliff is excellent at writing about the bonds between characters and this book shows this wonderfully.
The Last Prince is a quick, intense and emotional read. Radcliff’s writing is incredibly immersive and the settings jump of the page – the level of detail is eye catching and paints a vivid image that draws you in and captivates you. This book has an incredible balance between beautiful and natural descriptions and imagery as well as harsh and gut wrenching depictions of the rough and brutal life in the maze. The second instalment is as well written as the first with even more focus on the setting – Racliff is excellent at crafting fascinating and realistic scenery that evokes empathy and deepens our connection with the characters and the story.
The Hidden King is told from the perspective of Aed, in this book however we have a change in narrative. Due to taking place before book 1, this time we experience the story from Ninian’s perspective. This was refreshing, interesting and effective as we follow Ninian as he grows from a child to a young adult, due to this perspective we can easily connect with Ninian’s character and feel for him and the tragedies he has faced. This series is full of emotional depth and the narration is perfect for the story it tells. The narration can be quite hard-hitting at times, particularly Ninian’s traumatic episodes, which at one point bought a tear to my eye, showing the true depth of the harsh life of the Maze.
On the whole the narrative and writing is brilliant, effective, evocative and impactful allowing us to easily connect with the characters, follow the story and picture the settings.
The story/plot is incredibly unique, it is a story of tragedy, heartache, family, love and humanity infused with Celtic myth and magic. Old Royal blood runs through Ninian’s veins, throughout his childhood he was taught to fight the Fae, which we see a lot of traditional methods which I thoroughly appreciated, and protect those who live in the Maze but unfortunate events leave him alone in the world and out on the streets. I really enjoyed the prequel storyline of this book and it’s focus on Ninian, personal relationships and healing.
There are a few strands of the story that interconnect over the course of the book. Firstly, Ninian’s trauma and life on the streets. Secondly, Ninian and Aed’s relationship and the healing that comes along with it. Third is the Celtic/Gaelic magic and existence the Fae. Lastly, the ingrained violence of The Maze and its gangs. Each of these elements are well explored and developed and combine perfectly to create a raw, original story that looks deeply into its characters. Thus, this story is heavily character driven and is perfect for anyone looking for a fantasy story that revolves around deep personal development.
The story, at times, is very heart-breaking and hard-hitting, particularly because Ninian (and Aed) are still children for the majority of the book, and what they, particularly Ninian, have gone through is horrifying – the most heart-breaking part was Ninian’s internalised shame and guilt despite being the victim. This was portrayed clearly and well, making it all the more harsh and gut-wrenching. This book is one where you want to jump in and take the characters into your arms and let them know they’ll be okay and that they are strong enough.
While I love the Fae and all the magic it brings, this book is more peppered with magic rather than having it be the sole focus of the story. If you have read Book 1 then you are already aware of Aed’s situation, which we get more glimpses of in this book in an intriguing way. But, we also see more of the history and natural uses of magic for those who have it and see how the gangs try to utilize it – it was interesting to see the magic so naturally incorporated, and it was done wonderfully, as well as the negatives attitudes surrounding it.
Ninian and Aed meeting each other and healing together was a strong part of the story that played out excellently. It was heart-breaking and sweet to watch the two accept each other and help each other heal both physically and emotionally simply through mutual understanding, love and trust. The relationships built between the characters, particularly those who go on to become found family, is a true strength of these books- their love, their conversations and their bond is so pure and well crafted that you cannot help but fall in love with them.
This book deals with a lot of trauma and being forced into battles and fights against your will, focusing on the treatment of Ninian, who is only a child, and each element truly portrays the extreme cruelty of the conditions of the Maze (made even worse if you have read Book 1 and are aware of what goes on outside). This is a beautifully written book that delves deep into its characters and their emotions making it a heart-breaking but thought-provoking read.
The last quarter of the book has a time jump to match it up with the Hidden King, which I really appreciated because we got to see adult Ninian’s perspective of his relationship with Aed, and his found family including his ‘trash child’ (this will amuse you in context I promise!). The idea of found family and what makes a true family is at the heart of this book and it is mesmerising to watch when a true family comes together because it is something so pure in the midst of the cruelty of The Maze.
Again, the characters are the true highlight of this book, their development over the course of the story is brilliant, they are diverse (with an m/m couple featured), multi-dimensional, and real. Every character has strong characterisation that makes you feel for them, whether it is empathy or hatred, and Radcliff plays with preconceptions making you fall in love with the characters over and over again.
Ahh overall, there is A LOT to this book despite being relatively short in length and I could go on and on about it but it is far to easy to spoil due to the emotional nature. I hope my rambly review portrayed just how much I loved this book and the journey of emotional growth and trauma it takes you on. I adored the sprinkle of Celtic magic, the fictional world and the fantasy woven into the words – it was beautiful and rich. The characters and their relationships were brilliantly crafted, realistic and memorable and I loved every minute of it. The only reason this book missed out on the full 5 stars was because I wanted more magic – that’s just personal preference for my fantasy reads though and this book is truly amazing with the sprinkle of magic we get which is interwoven into this worlds rich history.
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series – it is fantastic and I definitely recommend it to those who love fantasy that places its characters at its center!
*I received and Advance Review ECopy of this book from the author (thank you) in exchange for an honest review*
https://kbbookreviews867789450.wordpr...
The Last Prince, by EG Radcliff is a beautiful, harrowing and rich story of love, family, life and trauma. Labelled as the sequel to the phenomenal The Hidden King, its story is actually set prior to the first book thus acting more as a prequel that follows Ninian’s early life as a child and exploring how he came to meet Aed.
While the contents make this book a prequel, I would personally recommend reading The Hidden King first for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it will make this book much more emotional for you because you already know the outcome of certain events. Secondly, the familiarity with the characters means you will be able to fully appreciate the message and core themes of this story without any confusion. Lastly, it makes the experience of this story just generally much richer.
This review may contain spoilers for The Hidden King #1 (Click for my review - https://kbbookreviews867789450.wordpr... Book 1 in the Coming Of Aed series.)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Synopsis: Ninian’s childhood was torn apart – he is no stranger to tragedy and pain, but as he tries to live in the harsh life of The Maze he soon realises his only choice is to fight. Forced into a life he never anticipated, Ninian is lonely and isolated, until he meets a crimson-eyed stranger who reminds him what it is like to love and be loved.
CW/TW: Trauma/PTSD, Abuse, References to Sexual Assault/Rape, Emotional Abuse/Manipulation, Alcohol, Violence, Gore.
The Last Prince, by EG Radcliff is another beautiful and captivating instalment in this epic YA series. If you read my review of The Hidden King then you will know that I loved the richness of the world and the characters relationships that infused this book – and I get to love it even more here! The Last Prince is a magnification of these brilliant characters and has even richer descriptions of The Maze than before, Radcliff is excellent at writing about the bonds between characters and this book shows this wonderfully.
The Last Prince is a quick, intense and emotional read. Radcliff’s writing is incredibly immersive and the settings jump of the page – the level of detail is eye catching and paints a vivid image that draws you in and captivates you. This book has an incredible balance between beautiful and natural descriptions and imagery as well as harsh and gut wrenching depictions of the rough and brutal life in the maze. The second instalment is as well written as the first with even more focus on the setting – Racliff is excellent at crafting fascinating and realistic scenery that evokes empathy and deepens our connection with the characters and the story.
The Hidden King is told from the perspective of Aed, in this book however we have a change in narrative. Due to taking place before book 1, this time we experience the story from Ninian’s perspective. This was refreshing, interesting and effective as we follow Ninian as he grows from a child to a young adult, due to this perspective we can easily connect with Ninian’s character and feel for him and the tragedies he has faced. This series is full of emotional depth and the narration is perfect for the story it tells. The narration can be quite hard-hitting at times, particularly Ninian’s traumatic episodes, which at one point bought a tear to my eye, showing the true depth of the harsh life of the Maze.
On the whole the narrative and writing is brilliant, effective, evocative and impactful allowing us to easily connect with the characters, follow the story and picture the settings.
The story/plot is incredibly unique, it is a story of tragedy, heartache, family, love and humanity infused with Celtic myth and magic. Old Royal blood runs through Ninian’s veins, throughout his childhood he was taught to fight the Fae, which we see a lot of traditional methods which I thoroughly appreciated, and protect those who live in the Maze but unfortunate events leave him alone in the world and out on the streets. I really enjoyed the prequel storyline of this book and it’s focus on Ninian, personal relationships and healing.
There are a few strands of the story that interconnect over the course of the book. Firstly, Ninian’s trauma and life on the streets. Secondly, Ninian and Aed’s relationship and the healing that comes along with it. Third is the Celtic/Gaelic magic and existence the Fae. Lastly, the ingrained violence of The Maze and its gangs. Each of these elements are well explored and developed and combine perfectly to create a raw, original story that looks deeply into its characters. Thus, this story is heavily character driven and is perfect for anyone looking for a fantasy story that revolves around deep personal development.
The story, at times, is very heart-breaking and hard-hitting, particularly because Ninian (and Aed) are still children for the majority of the book, and what they, particularly Ninian, have gone through is horrifying – the most heart-breaking part was Ninian’s internalised shame and guilt despite being the victim. This was portrayed clearly and well, making it all the more harsh and gut-wrenching. This book is one where you want to jump in and take the characters into your arms and let them know they’ll be okay and that they are strong enough.
While I love the Fae and all the magic it brings, this book is more peppered with magic rather than having it be the sole focus of the story. If you have read Book 1 then you are already aware of Aed’s situation, which we get more glimpses of in this book in an intriguing way. But, we also see more of the history and natural uses of magic for those who have it and see how the gangs try to utilize it – it was interesting to see the magic so naturally incorporated, and it was done wonderfully, as well as the negatives attitudes surrounding it.
Ninian and Aed meeting each other and healing together was a strong part of the story that played out excellently. It was heart-breaking and sweet to watch the two accept each other and help each other heal both physically and emotionally simply through mutual understanding, love and trust. The relationships built between the characters, particularly those who go on to become found family, is a true strength of these books- their love, their conversations and their bond is so pure and well crafted that you cannot help but fall in love with them.
This book deals with a lot of trauma and being forced into battles and fights against your will, focusing on the treatment of Ninian, who is only a child, and each element truly portrays the extreme cruelty of the conditions of the Maze (made even worse if you have read Book 1 and are aware of what goes on outside). This is a beautifully written book that delves deep into its characters and their emotions making it a heart-breaking but thought-provoking read.
The last quarter of the book has a time jump to match it up with the Hidden King, which I really appreciated because we got to see adult Ninian’s perspective of his relationship with Aed, and his found family including his ‘trash child’ (this will amuse you in context I promise!). The idea of found family and what makes a true family is at the heart of this book and it is mesmerising to watch when a true family comes together because it is something so pure in the midst of the cruelty of The Maze.
Again, the characters are the true highlight of this book, their development over the course of the story is brilliant, they are diverse (with an m/m couple featured), multi-dimensional, and real. Every character has strong characterisation that makes you feel for them, whether it is empathy or hatred, and Radcliff plays with preconceptions making you fall in love with the characters over and over again.
Ahh overall, there is A LOT to this book despite being relatively short in length and I could go on and on about it but it is far to easy to spoil due to the emotional nature. I hope my rambly review portrayed just how much I loved this book and the journey of emotional growth and trauma it takes you on. I adored the sprinkle of Celtic magic, the fictional world and the fantasy woven into the words – it was beautiful and rich. The characters and their relationships were brilliantly crafted, realistic and memorable and I loved every minute of it. The only reason this book missed out on the full 5 stars was because I wanted more magic – that’s just personal preference for my fantasy reads though and this book is truly amazing with the sprinkle of magic we get which is interwoven into this worlds rich history.
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series – it is fantastic and I definitely recommend it to those who love fantasy that places its characters at its center!
*I received and Advance Review ECopy of this book from the author (thank you) in exchange for an honest review*
https://kbbookreviews867789450.wordpr...
June 28, 2020
.
.
.
This was amazing!
I wasn't expecting this book to be about Ninian. And I was so happy when I started the first chapters and realized it was about him. I loved him from the first book and really wanted to learn more about him and how his relationship with Aed began. And I have to say I wasn't disappointed. I loved every line in this book ❤️❤️❤️
His bad childhood taught him how to survive on his own on the streets and not to trust or let anyone touch him.
When he decides to stole from Mael Maedoc his life takes a sudden turn, ending with him joining a gang in order to pay his debt for what he stole.
So, after his first fight he goes to pay a part of his debt to Mael Maedoc but he changes the rules and instead of money he asks Ninian to take care of a damaged boy.
"Ninian stared in shock as the stranger met his gaze, noticing the way the color danced like the glow of embers over a coal. It was darkly brilliant around the edges, licking crimson in toward the center, and around the pupil glimmered a fine circle of bright copper flecks.
It was stunning."
He begins to come daily to check on Aed and help him heal and also to heal himself too. And a little more
" Ninian fidgeted with candle wax and tried not to be too overt in studying the freckles over Áed’s nose. There were a lot of them, and they crossed his cheekbones like little constellations."
“Áed,” he whispered, too softly to be heard. Just trying out the words. Just to hear them, maybe convince himself to swallow them again. “Please.” He swallowed; it was hard to say. “Please catch me.”
Áed opened his eyes.
Ninian’s breath choked him.
Áed looked otherworldly in the moonlight, and a slow, tiny smile crept over his face. “Okay.”
Ninian finds out about Aed's true origins and he really tries to tell him the truth but he's scared both for Aed and for him, as he doesn't want to lose him.
"I know there’s something you’re not telling me,” Áed said, and Ninian’s stomach flopped. “But I’m happy right now. If I’m happy not knowing, and you’re not ready to tell me, then is there really any harm in waiting?”
That sounded so simple. So appealing. “Is that really okay?” It shouldn’t be Ninian’s choice to decide whether or not he was ready for Áed to know his own secret."
So he decides to wait a little while longer, until the moment is right.
If you read The Hidden King you know what happens to them. And I know it too.
But even though I know I still read it with hope in my heart, hope for them to have a happy ending. I know it's not the case but they are such a beautiful couple and I love them so much that I secretly fantasized that it would turn out to be a SF book and Ninian will be brought to life through some kind of magic 🙏
Thank you E.G. Radcliff for such an amazing book and thank you Booksprout for the ARC.
❤️❤️❤️
.
.
This was amazing!
I wasn't expecting this book to be about Ninian. And I was so happy when I started the first chapters and realized it was about him. I loved him from the first book and really wanted to learn more about him and how his relationship with Aed began. And I have to say I wasn't disappointed. I loved every line in this book ❤️❤️❤️
His bad childhood taught him how to survive on his own on the streets and not to trust or let anyone touch him.
When he decides to stole from Mael Maedoc his life takes a sudden turn, ending with him joining a gang in order to pay his debt for what he stole.
So, after his first fight he goes to pay a part of his debt to Mael Maedoc but he changes the rules and instead of money he asks Ninian to take care of a damaged boy.
"Ninian stared in shock as the stranger met his gaze, noticing the way the color danced like the glow of embers over a coal. It was darkly brilliant around the edges, licking crimson in toward the center, and around the pupil glimmered a fine circle of bright copper flecks.
It was stunning."
He begins to come daily to check on Aed and help him heal and also to heal himself too. And a little more
" Ninian fidgeted with candle wax and tried not to be too overt in studying the freckles over Áed’s nose. There were a lot of them, and they crossed his cheekbones like little constellations."
“Áed,” he whispered, too softly to be heard. Just trying out the words. Just to hear them, maybe convince himself to swallow them again. “Please.” He swallowed; it was hard to say. “Please catch me.”
Áed opened his eyes.
Ninian’s breath choked him.
Áed looked otherworldly in the moonlight, and a slow, tiny smile crept over his face. “Okay.”
Ninian finds out about Aed's true origins and he really tries to tell him the truth but he's scared both for Aed and for him, as he doesn't want to lose him.
"I know there’s something you’re not telling me,” Áed said, and Ninian’s stomach flopped. “But I’m happy right now. If I’m happy not knowing, and you’re not ready to tell me, then is there really any harm in waiting?”
That sounded so simple. So appealing. “Is that really okay?” It shouldn’t be Ninian’s choice to decide whether or not he was ready for Áed to know his own secret."
So he decides to wait a little while longer, until the moment is right.
If you read The Hidden King you know what happens to them. And I know it too.
But even though I know I still read it with hope in my heart, hope for them to have a happy ending. I know it's not the case but they are such a beautiful couple and I love them so much that I secretly fantasized that it would turn out to be a SF book and Ninian will be brought to life through some kind of magic 🙏
Thank you E.G. Radcliff for such an amazing book and thank you Booksprout for the ARC.
❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2021
I read book 1 of this series, THE HIDDEN KING, last year, and finally got around to reading the prequel this spring!
Brief summary of my thoughts, **no spoilers here**: THE LAST PRINCE is an intimate prequel, honing in on the endearing M/M romance briefly glimpsed in book 1. This story is smaller-scale in plot and setting, which is perfect for the relationship it explores. As proven in her debut, Radcliff proves that she excels with character-driven stories and can tap into the complex backstories of those characters.
Recommended for those looking for:
M/M romance of an innocent, slow-burn nature
Gang strife/life
Fantasy that relies heavily on time period (a Euro-medieval setting) rather than on genre tropes such as magic, dragons, etc.
Character driven
***Potential spoilers ahead, but I tried to keep them vague/brief:***
Trigger warning for the book: strong hints at childhood trauma, most likely incestual abuse. This is not a huge part of the plot, but it does affect the MC at times as he works through this trauma when interacting with older males in the story. The author handles it well in my opinion.
WHAT I LIKED: loved the M/M relationship. It develops naturally as a friendship given the boys' ages, which only increases the reader's growing attachment to both characters before the relationship evolves into romance as they age.
The characters were written beautifully. Ninian's protective nature, Aed's physical ailment and his distrust of others, the gang members, and Mael's misunderstood reputation were brilliant.
Also, loved the fact that this series is so diverse in its LGBTQ+ rep. Not only do we get a M/M romance, there is also a non-binary side-character with they/them pronouns that I felt was written well.
PERSONAL CRITIQUES:
It took me a while to get into the book, but that could be chalked up to the mood I was in when I started (had just come out of a cosmic horror read). Still, I want to encourage similar readers to stick it through the first couple chapters. The story is so worth it.
I need more Aed and Ninian! Which is a good thing, not a bad thing, but I do wish there were more books that occurred after this prequel and before book 1 so we could experience all the tiny moments of their relationship evolving from friendship to romance. Maybe someday Radcliff will bestow us such a gift.
My only other critique is the time jump at the end. I totally get why the author did this. TLP is a prequel, and the author wanted to connect it more smoothly timeline-wise to book 1, and subsequentially leaves the reader with some loose ends on what will occur next.
Lastly, I do want to note that although this is a fantasy, there isn't much magic in this book (that comes later in book 1 and presumably in the yet-to-be-released-as-of-now sequel). This book deals more with knives/swords skirmishes, survival in poverty, and life's traumas rather than with magic. But, the fae and magic are certainly hinted at as upcoming plot points that are explored in the next book. Nothing wrong with this, but leaving it here in the review all the same.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS: I highly recommend this book to those who are wanting fantasy that focuses on the characters. It's well worth the investment, and the author excels at exploring the traumas, relationships, dynamics, strife, and growth of these characters. There's plenty of drama and conflict outside of that too, and this book does a good job of setting up Book 1 while giving us what readers of book 1 wanted: the backstory that lead to Aed and Ninian's relationship.
Brief summary of my thoughts, **no spoilers here**: THE LAST PRINCE is an intimate prequel, honing in on the endearing M/M romance briefly glimpsed in book 1. This story is smaller-scale in plot and setting, which is perfect for the relationship it explores. As proven in her debut, Radcliff proves that she excels with character-driven stories and can tap into the complex backstories of those characters.
Recommended for those looking for:
M/M romance of an innocent, slow-burn nature
Gang strife/life
Fantasy that relies heavily on time period (a Euro-medieval setting) rather than on genre tropes such as magic, dragons, etc.
Character driven
***Potential spoilers ahead, but I tried to keep them vague/brief:***
Trigger warning for the book: strong hints at childhood trauma, most likely incestual abuse. This is not a huge part of the plot, but it does affect the MC at times as he works through this trauma when interacting with older males in the story. The author handles it well in my opinion.
WHAT I LIKED: loved the M/M relationship. It develops naturally as a friendship given the boys' ages, which only increases the reader's growing attachment to both characters before the relationship evolves into romance as they age.
The characters were written beautifully. Ninian's protective nature, Aed's physical ailment and his distrust of others, the gang members, and Mael's misunderstood reputation were brilliant.
Also, loved the fact that this series is so diverse in its LGBTQ+ rep. Not only do we get a M/M romance, there is also a non-binary side-character with they/them pronouns that I felt was written well.
PERSONAL CRITIQUES:
It took me a while to get into the book, but that could be chalked up to the mood I was in when I started (had just come out of a cosmic horror read). Still, I want to encourage similar readers to stick it through the first couple chapters. The story is so worth it.
I need more Aed and Ninian! Which is a good thing, not a bad thing, but I do wish there were more books that occurred after this prequel and before book 1 so we could experience all the tiny moments of their relationship evolving from friendship to romance. Maybe someday Radcliff will bestow us such a gift.
My only other critique is the time jump at the end. I totally get why the author did this. TLP is a prequel, and the author wanted to connect it more smoothly timeline-wise to book 1, and subsequentially leaves the reader with some loose ends on what will occur next.
Lastly, I do want to note that although this is a fantasy, there isn't much magic in this book (that comes later in book 1 and presumably in the yet-to-be-released-as-of-now sequel). This book deals more with knives/swords skirmishes, survival in poverty, and life's traumas rather than with magic. But, the fae and magic are certainly hinted at as upcoming plot points that are explored in the next book. Nothing wrong with this, but leaving it here in the review all the same.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS: I highly recommend this book to those who are wanting fantasy that focuses on the characters. It's well worth the investment, and the author excels at exploring the traumas, relationships, dynamics, strife, and growth of these characters. There's plenty of drama and conflict outside of that too, and this book does a good job of setting up Book 1 while giving us what readers of book 1 wanted: the backstory that lead to Aed and Ninian's relationship.
July 27, 2022
Heartwarming and Heartbreaking in equal measure!!
The second book in EG Radcliff’s ‘Coming of Aed’ trilogy is a story that both warms the cockles of your heart and breaks them at the same time!
SPOILER ALERT!!! DON’T READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU’VE NOT READ THE HIDDEN KING! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!!
While this is technically book 2 in the series, the story is a prequel to The Hidden King. And because of that the reading of it leaves me conflicted.
Would it have been better reading The Last Prince first?
This book crafts a beautifully written tale of two young boys, broken in very different ways. Aed and Ninian. Where The Hidden King was ostensibly Aed’s book, this one is very much Ninian’s. It gives real depth to him, fleshing out a backstory that rounds the character out into deeper clarity than was achieved in The Hidden King. Knowing the fate that befalls Ninian adds real weight to how The Last Prince FEELS to read. Every step Ninian takes toward healing as a person, and every step forward his relationship with Aed takes, brings an agonising pathos.
I loved The Hidden King, and while Ninian’s fate was saddening, my empathy was more with Aed and how he felt. How he grieved. The Last Prince changes that, and now I feel a real urge to go revisit The Hidden King again before moving on to book 3.
So I don’t honestly know whether I’d have rather read these in reverse order or not. Each book MASSIVELY informs the other and lends huge emotional weight to the storytelling which, by the way, is sublime.
As mentioned previously, this is a story about beauty, hope, and being kind to those less fortunate. At least that’s what I got from it. (This is a theme that runs through The Hidden King too!) Even though there’s trauma and loss, the story strikes a hopeful tone. There’s almost always someone willing to help when the characters need it.
From Ninian’s early efforts to share and help his fellow street urchins to Mael Maedoc taking in Ninian and Aed. The blossoming relationship between Aed and Ninian reinforces this.
More than that there’s also a theme of tolerance and acceptance. Of course when people are different (as Aed is) some people will shun them, or belittle them. But there’s also people who are kind hearted and will see beyond the surface and take someone for who they truly are. It’s a lovely message, subtly and wonderfully delivered.
I heartily recommend this book. It’s truly wonderful.
And after much deliberation… reading order: The Hidden King > The Last Prince > The Hidden King (again!) > The Wild Court
The second book in EG Radcliff’s ‘Coming of Aed’ trilogy is a story that both warms the cockles of your heart and breaks them at the same time!
SPOILER ALERT!!! DON’T READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU’VE NOT READ THE HIDDEN KING! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!!
While this is technically book 2 in the series, the story is a prequel to The Hidden King. And because of that the reading of it leaves me conflicted.
Would it have been better reading The Last Prince first?
This book crafts a beautifully written tale of two young boys, broken in very different ways. Aed and Ninian. Where The Hidden King was ostensibly Aed’s book, this one is very much Ninian’s. It gives real depth to him, fleshing out a backstory that rounds the character out into deeper clarity than was achieved in The Hidden King. Knowing the fate that befalls Ninian adds real weight to how The Last Prince FEELS to read. Every step Ninian takes toward healing as a person, and every step forward his relationship with Aed takes, brings an agonising pathos.
I loved The Hidden King, and while Ninian’s fate was saddening, my empathy was more with Aed and how he felt. How he grieved. The Last Prince changes that, and now I feel a real urge to go revisit The Hidden King again before moving on to book 3.
So I don’t honestly know whether I’d have rather read these in reverse order or not. Each book MASSIVELY informs the other and lends huge emotional weight to the storytelling which, by the way, is sublime.
As mentioned previously, this is a story about beauty, hope, and being kind to those less fortunate. At least that’s what I got from it. (This is a theme that runs through The Hidden King too!) Even though there’s trauma and loss, the story strikes a hopeful tone. There’s almost always someone willing to help when the characters need it.
From Ninian’s early efforts to share and help his fellow street urchins to Mael Maedoc taking in Ninian and Aed. The blossoming relationship between Aed and Ninian reinforces this.
More than that there’s also a theme of tolerance and acceptance. Of course when people are different (as Aed is) some people will shun them, or belittle them. But there’s also people who are kind hearted and will see beyond the surface and take someone for who they truly are. It’s a lovely message, subtly and wonderfully delivered.
I heartily recommend this book. It’s truly wonderful.
And after much deliberation… reading order: The Hidden King > The Last Prince > The Hidden King (again!) > The Wild Court
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2021
5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
On this prequel of The Hidden King we follow Ninian, Áed's lover, from his childhood to his adulthood.
Ninian is angry, tired and scared, and living in the streets doesn't help either. From a young age he has had to fend for himself, after his family died some years ago, and he is strong enough to do it.
Since I had already read the first book I knew where all of this was going, but I did not expect to get an equally good novel as the first.
The hardships Ninian's gone through, the pain, the hunger and betrayal he's had to endure from a young age has made him angry and rough, and his panic attacks make him dangerously unstable.
He falls in debt with a guy, and while he looks for ways to get out of it he is forced to join a gang, fighting for survival. When he goes to pay his debt to Máel Máedóc, the man he's in debt with, he is offered the opportunity to help a kid around his age, and that's when he meets Áed.
While Ninian is aggressive and angry, when he's with Áed he transforms. He becomes soft, helpful and attentive, and he can't help but protect the boy. They get close fast, and slowly they discover there is more to the world than harshness and pain.
I would have loved to learn more about the start of their relationship or how they found Ronan, but not everything fits in a book.
I found myself laughing out loud at some chapters, and aww-ing whenever they were cute together.
All in all, it's a heartbreaking but beautiful novel that deserves every star.
On this prequel of The Hidden King we follow Ninian, Áed's lover, from his childhood to his adulthood.
Ninian is angry, tired and scared, and living in the streets doesn't help either. From a young age he has had to fend for himself, after his family died some years ago, and he is strong enough to do it.
Since I had already read the first book I knew where all of this was going, but I did not expect to get an equally good novel as the first.
The hardships Ninian's gone through, the pain, the hunger and betrayal he's had to endure from a young age has made him angry and rough, and his panic attacks make him dangerously unstable.
He falls in debt with a guy, and while he looks for ways to get out of it he is forced to join a gang, fighting for survival. When he goes to pay his debt to Máel Máedóc, the man he's in debt with, he is offered the opportunity to help a kid around his age, and that's when he meets Áed.
While Ninian is aggressive and angry, when he's with Áed he transforms. He becomes soft, helpful and attentive, and he can't help but protect the boy. They get close fast, and slowly they discover there is more to the world than harshness and pain.
I would have loved to learn more about the start of their relationship or how they found Ronan, but not everything fits in a book.
I found myself laughing out loud at some chapters, and aww-ing whenever they were cute together.
All in all, it's a heartbreaking but beautiful novel that deserves every star.
September 30, 2020
I didn't realize that book 2 was going to be a prequel to book 1 (I clearly didn't look into it enough before diving right into reading), but I was so happy that it was.
Honestly, you could probably read the first two books in either order and it would make sense. I almost wish I had read this book before the Hidden King because I love Ninian and I was able to read about him more in this book.
The best part was that I was able to read the love story from the beginning between Aed and Ninian. The love these two boys have for each other is just so sweet, and something that I wish I read more often in books. Not just a romance between two characters, but a story of two people who mutually inspire each other to live. And as Hayao Miyazaki says, "perhaps [that is] closer to portraying a true expression of love." EG Radcliff definitely shows that here.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Honestly, you could probably read the first two books in either order and it would make sense. I almost wish I had read this book before the Hidden King because I love Ninian and I was able to read about him more in this book.
The best part was that I was able to read the love story from the beginning between Aed and Ninian. The love these two boys have for each other is just so sweet, and something that I wish I read more often in books. Not just a romance between two characters, but a story of two people who mutually inspire each other to live. And as Hayao Miyazaki says, "perhaps [that is] closer to portraying a true expression of love." EG Radcliff definitely shows that here.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2020
Disclaimer: I didn't read book one before reading this, but I still understood the story pretty well.
This isn't a terrible book and it was a pretty quick read. I like the friendship between Ninian and Aed and how protective Ninian was. I just felt like nothing happened in the story. There were no big fights or dramatic moments, no one died and we didn't get to see real fae. I thought with Ninian joining the gang there would be more action, but not really.
I did like the time jump, even though it was a small part of the overall story. I was happy to have some romance and the cute family Ninian makes was sweet. Maybe I'd like the third book more, since now they're older and the ending of this seemed to hint at more action and a war. I also will read Aed's book, so I can see his beginning and learn what happened to him before Ninian came into the picture.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't a terrible book and it was a pretty quick read. I like the friendship between Ninian and Aed and how protective Ninian was. I just felt like nothing happened in the story. There were no big fights or dramatic moments, no one died and we didn't get to see real fae. I thought with Ninian joining the gang there would be more action, but not really.
I did like the time jump, even though it was a small part of the overall story. I was happy to have some romance and the cute family Ninian makes was sweet. Maybe I'd like the third book more, since now they're older and the ending of this seemed to hint at more action and a war. I also will read Aed's book, so I can see his beginning and learn what happened to him before Ninian came into the picture.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2020
It was impossible not to get emotionally invested in these characters! I felt for them and I rooted for them and I hurt for them. Ninian is a feisty yet fragile eleven-year-old who has been forced to grow up too quickly. Aed is a sweetheart I just wanted to wrap up in cotton wool and protect.
Ninian and Aed’s stories are painful but not gratuitous. At times I was reminded of A Little Life, but this story doesn’t aim to kick you while you’re down, rub salt in your wounds and then set you on fire just for good measure. Rather it is well-paced and well-balanced, and it is not all pain, there is plenty of fluff. There is also a good deal of action, and moral-greyness and in a fantasy setting that gave me Six of Crows vibes.
Whilst there is something driving the plot, if you’ve read the The Hidden King it will leave you with a sense of unease. You know what’s going to happen (no spoilers!) This is a story you read for the characters - who have a place in my heart now and I can’t wait to read the third instalment!
(There is also non binary representation which is another reason why I loved this book!)
I received a free copy of this E-book from Voracious Readers Only for an honest review :)
Ninian and Aed’s stories are painful but not gratuitous. At times I was reminded of A Little Life, but this story doesn’t aim to kick you while you’re down, rub salt in your wounds and then set you on fire just for good measure. Rather it is well-paced and well-balanced, and it is not all pain, there is plenty of fluff. There is also a good deal of action, and moral-greyness and in a fantasy setting that gave me Six of Crows vibes.
Whilst there is something driving the plot, if you’ve read the The Hidden King it will leave you with a sense of unease. You know what’s going to happen (no spoilers!) This is a story you read for the characters - who have a place in my heart now and I can’t wait to read the third instalment!
(There is also non binary representation which is another reason why I loved this book!)
I received a free copy of this E-book from Voracious Readers Only for an honest review :)
November 3, 2021
I loved getting to know Ninian more in this prequel. It was a bit dark for me, especially when it depicted how he joined the gang. If he'd been a few years older it might not have seemed as jarring, though I know his age was intended to make it that way, to really set up the darkness before he found himself. Or, more accurately, before he found Aed.
Once he met Aed I was sucked back in. I loved seeing them get to know each other (and care for each other). I'd love snippets of their time together! Once again I loved many of the descriptions-especially the emotions Ninian felt. They were described so organically and elegantly. In sum, I'm very glad I read the prequel!
Once he met Aed I was sucked back in. I loved seeing them get to know each other (and care for each other). I'd love snippets of their time together! Once again I loved many of the descriptions-especially the emotions Ninian felt. They were described so organically and elegantly. In sum, I'm very glad I read the prequel!
July 5, 2020
I received a free eARC of The Last Prince from the author, E. G. Radcliff, and Booksprout. This is my honest review. *Spoiler free* *TW listed at the end*
Rating: 4.5-4.75 stars
I really enjoyed this fantasy sequel--though it was actually a prequel rather than a true sequel, as instead of picking up where we left off at the end of The Hidden King (book 1), the first almost 3/4 of the book took place 7 years earlier, and the ending took place seemingly right before book 1 started. This did not make book 2, The Last Prince, bad, it just wasn't what I was expecting, and I am hoping book 3 will be following Aed and Ronan after book 1's ending. I enjoyed reading about Ninian's background and his meeting Aed, since we did not get too much of this in book 1.
This book was equally as interesting as the first book for me. I really enjoy the Celtic fae-inspired fantasy aspects (though I felt that there could have been more of this in this second book, however I understand why there was not since the majority of the book was in Ninian's point of view rather than Aed's this time), and I like the main characters.
I think the author created this world well, and had great character development. I enjoyed the plot developments and the many little twists throughout the book--though some twists weren't a shock/I was able to mostly figure a lot of them out before the reveal, I do think this was intentional, and done well in this book. I like twists in books, but I love when their are hints throughout the book to provide the reader an opportunity to figure things out as the characters do and to provide reason for the twists, rather than them be outlandish and random.
I found the story engaging and hopeful. I like Aed and Ninian's storyline of those with so little can still be so happy and be good people, even when facing bad situations, and work to improve their lives and themselves further. I also liked how everything connected well with book 1 without being too repetitive; it was fun to connect the extra details from book 2 to what I had already known from reading book 1.
This book has great diversity in characters, without making it a big deal that a person is a woman in a traditionally man's role (i.e. a woman fighter), gay, or non binary. These characters' identities were just a fact, which I found great and refreshing.
Overall, it was a fun and interesting read, and I am looking forward to book 3 coming out next year!:)
Trigger warnings: violence/fighting; implications/vague discussions regarding child abuse and sexual assault (nothing graphic or direct regarding this subject, but hinted at several times through a character's indirect thoughts/mentions of their past); language/curse words
Rating: 4.5-4.75 stars
I really enjoyed this fantasy sequel--though it was actually a prequel rather than a true sequel, as instead of picking up where we left off at the end of The Hidden King (book 1), the first almost 3/4 of the book took place 7 years earlier, and the ending took place seemingly right before book 1 started. This did not make book 2, The Last Prince, bad, it just wasn't what I was expecting, and I am hoping book 3 will be following Aed and Ronan after book 1's ending. I enjoyed reading about Ninian's background and his meeting Aed, since we did not get too much of this in book 1.
This book was equally as interesting as the first book for me. I really enjoy the Celtic fae-inspired fantasy aspects (though I felt that there could have been more of this in this second book, however I understand why there was not since the majority of the book was in Ninian's point of view rather than Aed's this time), and I like the main characters.
I think the author created this world well, and had great character development. I enjoyed the plot developments and the many little twists throughout the book--though some twists weren't a shock/I was able to mostly figure a lot of them out before the reveal, I do think this was intentional, and done well in this book. I like twists in books, but I love when their are hints throughout the book to provide the reader an opportunity to figure things out as the characters do and to provide reason for the twists, rather than them be outlandish and random.
I found the story engaging and hopeful. I like Aed and Ninian's storyline of those with so little can still be so happy and be good people, even when facing bad situations, and work to improve their lives and themselves further. I also liked how everything connected well with book 1 without being too repetitive; it was fun to connect the extra details from book 2 to what I had already known from reading book 1.
This book has great diversity in characters, without making it a big deal that a person is a woman in a traditionally man's role (i.e. a woman fighter), gay, or non binary. These characters' identities were just a fact, which I found great and refreshing.
Overall, it was a fun and interesting read, and I am looking forward to book 3 coming out next year!:)
Trigger warnings: violence/fighting; implications/vague discussions regarding child abuse and sexual assault (nothing graphic or direct regarding this subject, but hinted at several times through a character's indirect thoughts/mentions of their past); language/curse words
December 19, 2022
The Last Prince is the second book (by publishing order) in The Coming of Áed series by E.G. Radcliff, acting as a prequel chronologically to The Hidden King, as the story mainly shows how Ninian and Áed met in their youth, and how their relationship grew between themselves, in a slow burn character-focused novel.
So first of all, I would like to discuss a little bit the decision of making this book the second of the saga, despite being the first chronologically. While I understand that this works as a prequel, it is true that the emotional punch gains strength if this book is read after The Hidden King, as it is easier to get invested in the story of Ninian.
Ninian is surviving in the Maze's streets, being a motherless child, as his mother flew years ago, a place we got to know during the first book; as a desperation act, he decides to steal from Maél Maédóc, a scary merchant, getting caught in the process. And surprisingly, Maél spares Ninian, just making him promise that he will pay his debt by working honestly, not stealing from other people.
On his first day trying to recoup the money, he meets a mysterious lady that apparently is nice to him. But as you can have guessed by now, nobody does things for free in the Maze. Ninian gets sold to a gang as a fighter, becoming trapped, with no way to go out except death. But after having a bad experience, Ninian swears to never kill anyone, even if that means he will be punished by the band leader, Cahir.
On one of his visits to Maél's place, he is kinda led into taking care of another poor orphan guy called Áed (mostly due to Maél's intervention). And while at the start, Ninian is reticent to take care of Aéd, we slowly get to see how this relationship grows, and how both at the same time bring what the other needs.
This story is really focused on the characters, and how each of them develops due to the circumstances they are living in. The band subplot allows us to understand more how Ninian becomes who he is in the first book, and also serves as a way to get more knowledge on how the Maze as a city works. The relationship with Aéd also works as a catalyst to improve his moral compass. The work that E.G. does with the characters is certainly unmatched, making any single of them really deep, even some that I thought at the start they won't improve (Cahir, for example).
The Last Prince is an excellent prequel to The Hidden King, and is a total recommendation if you want to read more fantasy featuring faes, despite their presence in this concrete book being mostly residual. Now, it's time to soon read The Wild Court and see what more E.G Radcliff has in the inkwell.
So first of all, I would like to discuss a little bit the decision of making this book the second of the saga, despite being the first chronologically. While I understand that this works as a prequel, it is true that the emotional punch gains strength if this book is read after The Hidden King, as it is easier to get invested in the story of Ninian.
Ninian is surviving in the Maze's streets, being a motherless child, as his mother flew years ago, a place we got to know during the first book; as a desperation act, he decides to steal from Maél Maédóc, a scary merchant, getting caught in the process. And surprisingly, Maél spares Ninian, just making him promise that he will pay his debt by working honestly, not stealing from other people.
On his first day trying to recoup the money, he meets a mysterious lady that apparently is nice to him. But as you can have guessed by now, nobody does things for free in the Maze. Ninian gets sold to a gang as a fighter, becoming trapped, with no way to go out except death. But after having a bad experience, Ninian swears to never kill anyone, even if that means he will be punished by the band leader, Cahir.
On one of his visits to Maél's place, he is kinda led into taking care of another poor orphan guy called Áed (mostly due to Maél's intervention). And while at the start, Ninian is reticent to take care of Aéd, we slowly get to see how this relationship grows, and how both at the same time bring what the other needs.
This story is really focused on the characters, and how each of them develops due to the circumstances they are living in. The band subplot allows us to understand more how Ninian becomes who he is in the first book, and also serves as a way to get more knowledge on how the Maze as a city works. The relationship with Aéd also works as a catalyst to improve his moral compass. The work that E.G. does with the characters is certainly unmatched, making any single of them really deep, even some that I thought at the start they won't improve (Cahir, for example).
The Last Prince is an excellent prequel to The Hidden King, and is a total recommendation if you want to read more fantasy featuring faes, despite their presence in this concrete book being mostly residual. Now, it's time to soon read The Wild Court and see what more E.G Radcliff has in the inkwell.
November 2, 2022
This was a really enjoyable follow-up to The Hidden King, although I'm having trouble deciding which order I would have preferred to read them in. On the one hand, I feel that the bond that's developed between Ninian and Aed as adolescents and all of the trials they endure on the path to self-acceptance and growth in The Last Prince really makes what happens in the beginning of The Hidden King far more potent. While I didn't really care much about Ninian in book 1, I feel like I would have had I read The Last Prince first. On the other hand, not knowing all the details adds mystery to The Hidden King. So I suppose either order works, but if you're coming in without having read book 1 - don't worry. You'll be fine. And then maybe go back and read it afterward. Cause it's good.
Lots of great characters in this book, with Mael being a standout favorite for me. I absolutely loved his scary-on-the-outside, marshmallow-on-the-inside persona, and the scenes at his shop were by far my favorite ones to read.
There are some serious emotions in this one with past trauma playing a key role in the young boys' lives. And while there's nothing overly explicit (thank you!), I would definitely recommend checking trigger warnings if you're concerned.
Overall a great read, and I'll definitely be moving on to book 3 - The Wild Court!
Lots of great characters in this book, with Mael being a standout favorite for me. I absolutely loved his scary-on-the-outside, marshmallow-on-the-inside persona, and the scenes at his shop were by far my favorite ones to read.
There are some serious emotions in this one with past trauma playing a key role in the young boys' lives. And while there's nothing overly explicit (thank you!), I would definitely recommend checking trigger warnings if you're concerned.
Overall a great read, and I'll definitely be moving on to book 3 - The Wild Court!
July 1, 2020
I received this as an eARC to read for free in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Booksprout and E.G. Radcliff for giving me access.
This is a wonderful prequel style novel that takes you through Ninian’s life and how he was led to Áed.
Upon reading The Hidden King last June, Radcliff destroyed my heart with some events that take place early on. Needless to say, it was repaired slightly with The Last Prince.
In book one, I fell in love Ninian, so I was exited that this book was about him. My heart aches for him and how his life became. No child should have to suffer as he did.
Radcliff knows how to really drawn you into this world from page one. I feel like I have been to The Maze and maybe lost a fight or two to a local gang.
This is a must read for any fan of high fantasy reads, YA or not. I cannot wait for the third book which will be through Ronan’s experience.
This is a wonderful prequel style novel that takes you through Ninian’s life and how he was led to Áed.
Upon reading The Hidden King last June, Radcliff destroyed my heart with some events that take place early on. Needless to say, it was repaired slightly with The Last Prince.
In book one, I fell in love Ninian, so I was exited that this book was about him. My heart aches for him and how his life became. No child should have to suffer as he did.
Radcliff knows how to really drawn you into this world from page one. I feel like I have been to The Maze and maybe lost a fight or two to a local gang.
This is a must read for any fan of high fantasy reads, YA or not. I cannot wait for the third book which will be through Ronan’s experience.
July 3, 2020
I had been waiting for The Last Prince since November 2019, which is when I finished reading The Hidden King. Since the first installment was an amazing read, my expectations were set quite high, but E.G. Radcliff didn’t disappoint me. Quite the opposite, she did a splendid job!
The first several pages instantly got me sucked into the Ninian’s universe. The author sets up the pace of the orphaned boy’s story in a perfect way that makes you unable to put the book down. You simply have to find out what happens next. The plot is very tight and believable within the rules the author set for this version of reality. I absolutely loved the magnificent descriptions and the elements of surprise throughout book.
If you’re a fan of YA fantasy, you’ll enjoy The Last Prince.
The first several pages instantly got me sucked into the Ninian’s universe. The author sets up the pace of the orphaned boy’s story in a perfect way that makes you unable to put the book down. You simply have to find out what happens next. The plot is very tight and believable within the rules the author set for this version of reality. I absolutely loved the magnificent descriptions and the elements of surprise throughout book.
If you’re a fan of YA fantasy, you’ll enjoy The Last Prince.
July 10, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Last Prince" and learning more about how Ninian and how he survived after the death of his family. From wrestling with a duck in order to eat, his brotherly instincts that were left dormant, resurfacing to fighting for his protection and to make money, it takes you through the things in which people may revert to in order to survive. It also takes you through the psychological process in which Ninian goes through in order to survive as he joins a make-shift family who fight for a living.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2020
A brilliant followup to 2019’s THE HIDDEN KING, THE LAST PRINCE builds upon the mythology of its predecessor and weaves a tale of heroism, resilience, and friendship. Fast-paced and gripping, THE LAST PRINCE tells the story of Ninian, Áed’s lover from the first book, and a hero in his own right. E. G. Radcliff delivers a sequel that is every bit as magical as her debut, all while shifting her storytelling and writing into another gear. Slated for release on August 6th, this is one 2020 read you don’t want to miss out on!
April 29, 2022
This is one of those books that swept me away, though it happens to be that I picked up The Hidden King first, and was swept away by its opening and knew I’d love these characters. But then I went back to The Last Prince (or forward, since it’s the second one written, but the first one in the chronology of Áed and Ninian’s lives).
The Last Prince is Ninian, an orphaned boy living on the street after he fled from an abusive uncle. Ninian has to steal not to eat well, but to eat at all, and those who are slightly better off throw him out of the shelter he takes in the lees of their dwelling places. Yet, even though Ninian doesn’t look like much, wrapped in an old, old cloak, he speaks like royalty – or, rather unsuccessfully, struggles not to speak like royalty. No one else in the Maze knows half the words Ninian does, and while some of Ninian’s skills may turn out to be useful, others – like reading and writing – are absolutely useless. This is not a classic lost or last prince fantasy story.
Ninian captured my heart at once, as he wanders determinedly through the Maze, hungry and trying to find something to eat, and failing at stealing anything without being caught. He uses anger to help him get through things and not to feel the pain and despair, and everything about him is so personable and touching. And then there are characters, even the ones you only meet once, like Kelp, the homeless child who calls herself whatever she finds that’s pretty that day, who Ninian shares his duck with.
Ninian’s journey is so heart-rending and hopeful at once, and the way he reacts when he’s locked in the cellar by the gang and he tries to get out, and he writes down all the reasons he is angry – both at himself and at everyone else – in the dark, and everything else – it’s so touching and real. He’s so worried about belonging only to himself and not letting anyone own him, and in the end the way that goes is ironic.
And then when he meets Áed, and the way their relationship grows after that, is the most touching heart-warming thing in the world. For the things he’s done and the things that have happened to him and the things he has let happen to him, Ninian feels like a monster and like he might as well die, and why does he even want to live, and he doesn’t want to live, even though for some reason he grovels and begs and fights and does things that are abhorrent to him to keep it. But the broken boy with the shattered hands who won’t even speak – at first – breathes hope and the knowledge Ninian still cares back into him. Slowly, Áed’s confidence becomes enough, or at least becomes an anchor for Ninian, and Ninian has a reason to live and to enjoy life.
The book made me feel so much. The characters and their interactions always evoke feeling, and sometimes it is very, very strong. Sometimes, for some of the characters, it’s pretty mixed, too. And I loved the character of a street-boy thief who gets pulled into a gang, and Ninian think he has no spine, and maybe he should have more, but there are lines he won’t cross, and he still has a heart even when he thinks he doesn’t, and he cares and loves, and I liked that so much.
I really loved Ronan, too, but not everything can fit in a review or it will get really long!
I just wish that something that’s pretty disgusting had been written a little differently. What happened was not gratuitous, but it was pretty gross, and I thought some references and sentences could have been made … less gross, without losing anything, I think. But it was not really gore or graphic. A great many adult fantasy novels – and young adult fantasy novels – are far, far worse. I’m just sensitive.
This review appeared first and in full on Enthralled By Love (Paths of Fantasy)
The Last Prince is Ninian, an orphaned boy living on the street after he fled from an abusive uncle. Ninian has to steal not to eat well, but to eat at all, and those who are slightly better off throw him out of the shelter he takes in the lees of their dwelling places. Yet, even though Ninian doesn’t look like much, wrapped in an old, old cloak, he speaks like royalty – or, rather unsuccessfully, struggles not to speak like royalty. No one else in the Maze knows half the words Ninian does, and while some of Ninian’s skills may turn out to be useful, others – like reading and writing – are absolutely useless. This is not a classic lost or last prince fantasy story.
He was so tired of thinking. He was so angry – most feelings felt better as anger, and that condensed behind his breastbone. It was safe to hate. Hatred didn’t hurt.
Ninian captured my heart at once, as he wanders determinedly through the Maze, hungry and trying to find something to eat, and failing at stealing anything without being caught. He uses anger to help him get through things and not to feel the pain and despair, and everything about him is so personable and touching. And then there are characters, even the ones you only meet once, like Kelp, the homeless child who calls herself whatever she finds that’s pretty that day, who Ninian shares his duck with.
Ninian’s journey is so heart-rending and hopeful at once, and the way he reacts when he’s locked in the cellar by the gang and he tries to get out, and he writes down all the reasons he is angry – both at himself and at everyone else – in the dark, and everything else – it’s so touching and real. He’s so worried about belonging only to himself and not letting anyone own him, and in the end the way that goes is ironic.
And then when he meets Áed, and the way their relationship grows after that, is the most touching heart-warming thing in the world. For the things he’s done and the things that have happened to him and the things he has let happen to him, Ninian feels like a monster and like he might as well die, and why does he even want to live, and he doesn’t want to live, even though for some reason he grovels and begs and fights and does things that are abhorrent to him to keep it. But the broken boy with the shattered hands who won’t even speak – at first – breathes hope and the knowledge Ninian still cares back into him. Slowly, Áed’s confidence becomes enough, or at least becomes an anchor for Ninian, and Ninian has a reason to live and to enjoy life.
The book made me feel so much. The characters and their interactions always evoke feeling, and sometimes it is very, very strong. Sometimes, for some of the characters, it’s pretty mixed, too. And I loved the character of a street-boy thief who gets pulled into a gang, and Ninian think he has no spine, and maybe he should have more, but there are lines he won’t cross, and he still has a heart even when he thinks he doesn’t, and he cares and loves, and I liked that so much.
I really loved Ronan, too, but not everything can fit in a review or it will get really long!
I just wish that something that’s pretty disgusting had been written a little differently. What happened was not gratuitous, but it was pretty gross, and I thought some references and sentences could have been made … less gross, without losing anything, I think. But it was not really gore or graphic. A great many adult fantasy novels – and young adult fantasy novels – are far, far worse. I’m just sensitive.
This review appeared first and in full on Enthralled By Love (Paths of Fantasy)
November 25, 2020
The Last Prince (Book 2 in The Coming of Aed Series) – E.G. Redcliff
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in order to provide and honest review.
Is an American author who writes YA Fantasy stories. “The Last Prince” is the second book in her “The Coming of Aed Series”, the first book in the series being “The Hidden King”. Though I have not read “The Hidden King” the author assures me that this wont affect anything and that I can read the books in any order.
Ninian is a young boy fighting to survive the rough streets of the Maze, separated from the faded splendour of the fabled White City, a place Ninian could only dream about. Soft clean beds and contented bellies full of warm food, safe and without fear. Such a stark difference from the reality that Ninian faced. Stealing food and sometimes going days without, hiding out in abandoned dwellings barely fit for inhabiting – but there was little else for him.
Having lost both his parents at an early age, Ninian had to learn how to survive on his own. One day the hunger and temptation of good grew too much for him. Ninian had discovered the biggest store of food he could ever imagine hidden in the winding and towering shelves of a trading shop. Before Ninian was able to stop himself, he had gorged himself on the food.
Yet Ninian was caught, the trader shop owner Mael, instead of having Ninian beaten or killed, insisted Ninian pay back what he ate. At a loss as to how Ninian was going to pay back such a large debt, through a series of unfortunate circumstances Ninian finds himself a member of a gang, forced to fight and kill for money. But as with all gangs, once you are in, you are never out.
So, with his first purse full of coin, Ninian dutifully heads back to Mael to pay part of his debt, yet what he finds back at the trading shop is something he never could have imagined. A young boy like himself yet left brutally tortured and mutilated, too afraid to speak. Mael refuses the coin and instead insists Ninian help Mael care for the boy. Yet the boy has a dark secret even he does not know of. But as Ninian and the boy grow closer, Ninian struggles to accept the truth that is there before his very eyes.
“The Last Prince” is an exciting YA Fantasy tale of magic, mystery and hardship. It was emotional to read young Ninian go through some of the ordeals that he had to face, which is attributable to the writing ability of the author. I feel that this book can definitely been read as a stand alone and hasn’t affected the story line – though I will have to read book one in the series to confirm this. Though I do hope in the next book that Aed’s secret comes out. It may just be me, but I feel that Ninian not revealing the truth to Aed is a betrayal to him, one he may live to regret.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in order to provide and honest review.
Is an American author who writes YA Fantasy stories. “The Last Prince” is the second book in her “The Coming of Aed Series”, the first book in the series being “The Hidden King”. Though I have not read “The Hidden King” the author assures me that this wont affect anything and that I can read the books in any order.
Ninian is a young boy fighting to survive the rough streets of the Maze, separated from the faded splendour of the fabled White City, a place Ninian could only dream about. Soft clean beds and contented bellies full of warm food, safe and without fear. Such a stark difference from the reality that Ninian faced. Stealing food and sometimes going days without, hiding out in abandoned dwellings barely fit for inhabiting – but there was little else for him.
Having lost both his parents at an early age, Ninian had to learn how to survive on his own. One day the hunger and temptation of good grew too much for him. Ninian had discovered the biggest store of food he could ever imagine hidden in the winding and towering shelves of a trading shop. Before Ninian was able to stop himself, he had gorged himself on the food.
Yet Ninian was caught, the trader shop owner Mael, instead of having Ninian beaten or killed, insisted Ninian pay back what he ate. At a loss as to how Ninian was going to pay back such a large debt, through a series of unfortunate circumstances Ninian finds himself a member of a gang, forced to fight and kill for money. But as with all gangs, once you are in, you are never out.
So, with his first purse full of coin, Ninian dutifully heads back to Mael to pay part of his debt, yet what he finds back at the trading shop is something he never could have imagined. A young boy like himself yet left brutally tortured and mutilated, too afraid to speak. Mael refuses the coin and instead insists Ninian help Mael care for the boy. Yet the boy has a dark secret even he does not know of. But as Ninian and the boy grow closer, Ninian struggles to accept the truth that is there before his very eyes.
“The Last Prince” is an exciting YA Fantasy tale of magic, mystery and hardship. It was emotional to read young Ninian go through some of the ordeals that he had to face, which is attributable to the writing ability of the author. I feel that this book can definitely been read as a stand alone and hasn’t affected the story line – though I will have to read book one in the series to confirm this. Though I do hope in the next book that Aed’s secret comes out. It may just be me, but I feel that Ninian not revealing the truth to Aed is a betrayal to him, one he may live to regret.
January 25, 2021
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I definitely liked this book better than the first book in the series, The Hidden King. The story was tighter and the development of the relationships between the characters seemed less rushed and more natural. While there were again scenes missing that felt like missed opportunities, it was less of a problem in this book than the first.
Pros:
The protagonists in this book continue to be well-developed and likable. You want Ninian, the scrappy but tragic underdog to survive the streets and his life in his gang. You feel for both Aed and Ninian and the loss and abuse they have both suffered as children. Supporting characters in this book are also better developed and more naturally incorporated than the first book. Mael Maedoc, the misunderstood gentle giant shop-keeper, brings a grounding presence to an otherwise chaotic cast of gang members and street folk. His intervention in the lives of Ninian and Aed embeds fairly seamlessly in the narrative as the plot device that brings them together. The villains are also better developed and incorporated in the narrative. We understand the motivations of the gang leader and members. They are given more opportunity to interact and speak with the protagonist and play an active role in the development of events. The introduction of Morcant, who plays a role in The Hidden King as well, is also fairly logical.
The world-building of the Maze seems slightly less detailed than the descriptions offered in The Hidden King, but is still pretty strong. The poverty of the city and the different areas incorporated in the Maze are easy to imagine and provide a solid background for the events of the story. Radcliff provides enough descriptions to give the story a sense of place and mood, but not so much that it becomes a major aspect of the narrative.
Cons:
Much like the first book, there seems to be missing scenes. The end of the novel jumps forward in time and glosses over some scenes about the development of Ninian’s life that would be nice to experience as a reader. There is also a missed opportunity in developing the gang. The reader gets a sense of the hierarchy and the rules of being a member, but we see very little about the gang itself considering what a huge impact it has on Ninian’s life. Developing some of the relationships there and seeing a bit more of Ninian’s navigation of that lifestyle that was forced upon him would have added a bit of depth and substance that is missing.
Overall, this is another enjoyable YA read. There is a strange division of events between this book and The Hidden King. Some rearrangement and development of certain aspects, like life in the gang, would have made it feel a bit more natural. I would also much rather have read this book first to give more impact to the events in Book 1.
I definitely liked this book better than the first book in the series, The Hidden King. The story was tighter and the development of the relationships between the characters seemed less rushed and more natural. While there were again scenes missing that felt like missed opportunities, it was less of a problem in this book than the first.
Pros:
The protagonists in this book continue to be well-developed and likable. You want Ninian, the scrappy but tragic underdog to survive the streets and his life in his gang. You feel for both Aed and Ninian and the loss and abuse they have both suffered as children. Supporting characters in this book are also better developed and more naturally incorporated than the first book. Mael Maedoc, the misunderstood gentle giant shop-keeper, brings a grounding presence to an otherwise chaotic cast of gang members and street folk. His intervention in the lives of Ninian and Aed embeds fairly seamlessly in the narrative as the plot device that brings them together. The villains are also better developed and incorporated in the narrative. We understand the motivations of the gang leader and members. They are given more opportunity to interact and speak with the protagonist and play an active role in the development of events. The introduction of Morcant, who plays a role in The Hidden King as well, is also fairly logical.
The world-building of the Maze seems slightly less detailed than the descriptions offered in The Hidden King, but is still pretty strong. The poverty of the city and the different areas incorporated in the Maze are easy to imagine and provide a solid background for the events of the story. Radcliff provides enough descriptions to give the story a sense of place and mood, but not so much that it becomes a major aspect of the narrative.
Cons:
Much like the first book, there seems to be missing scenes. The end of the novel jumps forward in time and glosses over some scenes about the development of Ninian’s life that would be nice to experience as a reader. There is also a missed opportunity in developing the gang. The reader gets a sense of the hierarchy and the rules of being a member, but we see very little about the gang itself considering what a huge impact it has on Ninian’s life. Developing some of the relationships there and seeing a bit more of Ninian’s navigation of that lifestyle that was forced upon him would have added a bit of depth and substance that is missing.
Overall, this is another enjoyable YA read. There is a strange division of events between this book and The Hidden King. Some rearrangement and development of certain aspects, like life in the gang, would have made it feel a bit more natural. I would also much rather have read this book first to give more impact to the events in Book 1.
July 10, 2020
While billed as Book 2 in the series, it's actually a prequel with all of the events set prior to the beginning of Book 1. I am not altogether certain how I feel about this. On the one hand, I mostly know how things end (at least until the end of Book 1). On the other hand, this novel really did flesh out some backstory and add layers of character development to Ninian, who stood out in the first novel and whose story I was itching to learn. I think it was a bit of a risk to bill it as a second book in the series (rather than as a prequel) as I have certain expectations for a second installment that don't apply to a prequel.
I didn't feel that the world-building was significantly expanded, although we did learn more about some of the politics and more about living conditions among the poor of the Maze - they are terrifying. The pacing was also good, although the formatting in the edition I read (more on that momentarily) definitely hurt this element for me.
As with the first novel, it was the characters that shone for me in this novel. This is Ninian's story, so it's all about his experiences and perspective. He is greatly enriched as a character and much more fleshed out. It's also interesting to have a different perspective on Aed. My one quibble with this novel is that 11 year-old Ninian's voice wasn't aged down - he sounds the same no matter his age. While I can accept that his experiences would have hardened and matured him in some ways before his time, there were elements that seemed inconsistent with what we know of his experiences, and he certainly would have developed significantly over the time period covered in this novel.
The edition that I read had some formatting problems. Essentially, every chapter had at least one blank page inserted between the first letter in the chapter and the remainder. In some cases, more than one page was inserted and I believe there were deleted pages as the one letter on the chapter numbered page was not connected to the subsequent visible text. In addition, I was not able to adjust the font size on my ereader and the default font size was about 2 points too small to be comfortable for me.
I suspect, owing to the more than half-dozen missing pages, I missed some key information and transitional scenes. This left me with some confusion of the set up - I missed almost an entire chapter at a critical moment (only ending up with about a half-page of text which resulted in a major change in Ninian's position) - and cause the pacing to feel disjointed.
In spite of the problems with the edition I read, I really did enjoy this novel - I love the series - and I can't wait for the next installment.
I received an ARC via the author.
I didn't feel that the world-building was significantly expanded, although we did learn more about some of the politics and more about living conditions among the poor of the Maze - they are terrifying. The pacing was also good, although the formatting in the edition I read (more on that momentarily) definitely hurt this element for me.
As with the first novel, it was the characters that shone for me in this novel. This is Ninian's story, so it's all about his experiences and perspective. He is greatly enriched as a character and much more fleshed out. It's also interesting to have a different perspective on Aed. My one quibble with this novel is that 11 year-old Ninian's voice wasn't aged down - he sounds the same no matter his age. While I can accept that his experiences would have hardened and matured him in some ways before his time, there were elements that seemed inconsistent with what we know of his experiences, and he certainly would have developed significantly over the time period covered in this novel.
The edition that I read had some formatting problems. Essentially, every chapter had at least one blank page inserted between the first letter in the chapter and the remainder. In some cases, more than one page was inserted and I believe there were deleted pages as the one letter on the chapter numbered page was not connected to the subsequent visible text. In addition, I was not able to adjust the font size on my ereader and the default font size was about 2 points too small to be comfortable for me.
I suspect, owing to the more than half-dozen missing pages, I missed some key information and transitional scenes. This left me with some confusion of the set up - I missed almost an entire chapter at a critical moment (only ending up with about a half-page of text which resulted in a major change in Ninian's position) - and cause the pacing to feel disjointed.
In spite of the problems with the edition I read, I really did enjoy this novel - I love the series - and I can't wait for the next installment.
I received an ARC via the author.
August 20, 2020
I love this book. I don't normally have expectations for books, but when I do, said books don't reach that mark. This is probably one of the few that did. I literally read the first half in just a few hours yesterday.
Cons:
× I don't believe a presumebly malnourished, starving eleven year old child could take down an adult in a brawl. I don't care how good he is at fighting, it just doesn't seem realistic to me.
× I'm confused on Ninian's bloodline. It sounds like his ancestors were Fae at one point, but his mother apparently hunted Fae and was training him to do the same. He also had a family emblem which marked him as royalty or something? I guess this might be explained more in the first book, though I was under the impression that book centers around Aed, not Ninian.
× This is listed as book 2 in the series but it is a prequel (hence why I picked it up before the first one). Not really a con but I imagine it may bother some people going backwards in the storyline for book 2 instead of forwards.
Now let's move in to the things I loved:
Everything.
I loved seeing how Ninian ended up in a gang.
I loved the writing.
I loved the growing bond between Ninian and Aed.
I love the cover (front and back).
I love how the brand is cresent moon.
I love how all the characters who fight feel like they fight differently.
I love our dear Shopkeeper, Mael.
I love how the gang is portrayed, like they defend and protect their own but if their own betray them or leave, they'll hunt them down and kill them.
I love the dark themes and how they were presented.
I love how all of the characters are written, even the ones that are clearly in the wrong or are bad.
I love Ninian.
I loved the time skip and how genuine Ninian's and Aed's relationship feels even with the time skip.
I love the jingle bell Seer.
I love trash child.
Did I mention I love this book?? Or how much I love this book?? Or how I'm eagerly waiting the delivery for the first book now??
Also, my heart is not okay because I haven't read the first book and plan to do so as soon as I get my hands on it, but I'm pretty sure I know what the tragedy is going to be, just given by how this prequel ended off on. You can't be breaking my heart like this. I will be a sobbing mess if this happens and I'm not ready.
Cons:
× I don't believe a presumebly malnourished, starving eleven year old child could take down an adult in a brawl. I don't care how good he is at fighting, it just doesn't seem realistic to me.
× I'm confused on Ninian's bloodline. It sounds like his ancestors were Fae at one point, but his mother apparently hunted Fae and was training him to do the same. He also had a family emblem which marked him as royalty or something? I guess this might be explained more in the first book, though I was under the impression that book centers around Aed, not Ninian.
× This is listed as book 2 in the series but it is a prequel (hence why I picked it up before the first one). Not really a con but I imagine it may bother some people going backwards in the storyline for book 2 instead of forwards.
Now let's move in to the things I loved:
Everything.
I loved seeing how Ninian ended up in a gang.
I loved the writing.
I loved the growing bond between Ninian and Aed.
I love the cover (front and back).
I love how the brand is cresent moon.
I love how all the characters who fight feel like they fight differently.
I love our dear Shopkeeper, Mael.
I love how the gang is portrayed, like they defend and protect their own but if their own betray them or leave, they'll hunt them down and kill them.
I love the dark themes and how they were presented.
I love how all of the characters are written, even the ones that are clearly in the wrong or are bad.
I love Ninian.
I loved the time skip and how genuine Ninian's and Aed's relationship feels even with the time skip.
I love the jingle bell Seer.
I love trash child.
Did I mention I love this book?? Or how much I love this book?? Or how I'm eagerly waiting the delivery for the first book now??
Also, my heart is not okay because I haven't read the first book and plan to do so as soon as I get my hands on it, but I'm pretty sure I know what the tragedy is going to be, just given by how this prequel ended off on. You can't be breaking my heart like this. I will be a sobbing mess if this happens and I'm not ready.
May 10, 2021
I read a digital copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Part One of The Last Prince, a prequel, starts off seven years before the beginning of The Hidden Prince and explains the circumstances of how Áed and Ninian met and their immediate connection. Ninian’s love and caring attitude saves Áed emotionally from his terribly violent beginnings and, equally, Áed saves Ninian from memories of his abusive childhood and makes him stronger in much the same way.
The Last Prince also tells of how Ninian became involved with the gang for which he becomes a highly respected fighter in order to pay for food for himself, Áed and eventually their ward, Ronan.
Part Two jumps forward seven years to the same timeframe in which The Hidden King is set and since the reader already knows the tragic outcome of Ninian’s gang involvement from the first book in the trilogy, this whole second part is tempered with sadness and an ominous feeling begins to take over as the story moves on towards its conclusion...
Similar to The Hidden King, The Last Prince is full of beautiful prose - I really love E G Radcliff’s talented writing style and the character building is masterful:
“The gray streets slid by as they walked through the city, passing familiar old buildings and crumbling tenements, dirty cobblestones and cracked windows. Despite the ordinary dinginess of his surroundings and the faint prickle of nervous anticipation in his gut, Ninian felt sunny. He dropped an arm over Áed’s shoulders, unable to keep his good mood from showing on his face. Áed smiled too and held Ninian’s waist.“
I would highly recommend The Last Prince to people who enjoy low fantasy with romance, well developed characterisation and gorgeous prose! There are a fair few violent fight scenes and hints to Ninian’s abuse as a child to be aware of, if such things disturb you. I cannot wait to read the conclusion to the trilogy The Wild Court, out soon!
Part One of The Last Prince, a prequel, starts off seven years before the beginning of The Hidden Prince and explains the circumstances of how Áed and Ninian met and their immediate connection. Ninian’s love and caring attitude saves Áed emotionally from his terribly violent beginnings and, equally, Áed saves Ninian from memories of his abusive childhood and makes him stronger in much the same way.
The Last Prince also tells of how Ninian became involved with the gang for which he becomes a highly respected fighter in order to pay for food for himself, Áed and eventually their ward, Ronan.
Part Two jumps forward seven years to the same timeframe in which The Hidden King is set and since the reader already knows the tragic outcome of Ninian’s gang involvement from the first book in the trilogy, this whole second part is tempered with sadness and an ominous feeling begins to take over as the story moves on towards its conclusion...
Similar to The Hidden King, The Last Prince is full of beautiful prose - I really love E G Radcliff’s talented writing style and the character building is masterful:
“The gray streets slid by as they walked through the city, passing familiar old buildings and crumbling tenements, dirty cobblestones and cracked windows. Despite the ordinary dinginess of his surroundings and the faint prickle of nervous anticipation in his gut, Ninian felt sunny. He dropped an arm over Áed’s shoulders, unable to keep his good mood from showing on his face. Áed smiled too and held Ninian’s waist.“
I would highly recommend The Last Prince to people who enjoy low fantasy with romance, well developed characterisation and gorgeous prose! There are a fair few violent fight scenes and hints to Ninian’s abuse as a child to be aware of, if such things disturb you. I cannot wait to read the conclusion to the trilogy The Wild Court, out soon!
March 28, 2021
I received both The Hidden King and The Last Prince as a gift from a family member, via my Amazon wish list. I read The Hidden King first. It was good, but The Last Prince is even better. The prose in this one is even more absorbing, assured, and effortless.
The Last Prince, as a prequel, fills in character details missing from The Hidden King. Important characters such as Brigh and Máel Máedóc, who have no more than cameo appearances in The Hidden King, are fully fleshed out characters here--and interesting characters at that!
I loved every scene in Máel Máedóc's shop/home, which, despite Máel Máedóc's fearsome reputation, turns out to be a rare place of safety and healing. It is Máel Máedóc who brings Ninian and Áed together, seeing two boys with traumatic pasts who have the potential to help each other. A minor wrinkle to their budding friendship and trust is that Ninian was raised by his mother to kill fae, and it turns out that Áed is half fae, half human.
The last few chapters of this book lead directly into the first chapter of the Hidden King. I feel that each book needs the other. This prequel needs the continuation, because it basically ends on a cliffhanger. The Hidden King needs the character details provided in The Last Prince. I definitely recommend them both together, no matter in which order they are read. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series.
The Last Prince, as a prequel, fills in character details missing from The Hidden King. Important characters such as Brigh and Máel Máedóc, who have no more than cameo appearances in The Hidden King, are fully fleshed out characters here--and interesting characters at that!
I loved every scene in Máel Máedóc's shop/home, which, despite Máel Máedóc's fearsome reputation, turns out to be a rare place of safety and healing. It is Máel Máedóc who brings Ninian and Áed together, seeing two boys with traumatic pasts who have the potential to help each other. A minor wrinkle to their budding friendship and trust is that Ninian was raised by his mother to kill fae, and it turns out that Áed is half fae, half human.
The last few chapters of this book lead directly into the first chapter of the Hidden King. I feel that each book needs the other. This prequel needs the continuation, because it basically ends on a cliffhanger. The Hidden King needs the character details provided in The Last Prince. I definitely recommend them both together, no matter in which order they are read. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series.
June 29, 2022
Great Read
What a good story in The Last Prince by E.G. Radcliff. This is the second book in The Coming of Aed book series. I've read the one before this one, The Hidden King and really liked it. I believe that all books in a series, when possible, should be read, and in order. However, I have read books in a series out of order. This one has been in order. The first one, I was introduced to Aed, and what incredible things were going on in his life, and how he struggled against lost memories, and the fight for survival. This is the story that is the prequel to this series. (so read the first one first). In this story, a young boy, Ninian, who lives life on the edge of a sword (figuratively) balancing between life and death. And, he is a very angry boy, fighting with gangs and fae. But he discovers things about himself, he never thought possible. It is an honor to read this author's books. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical and fantastical interesting beings? The Last 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 good story in The Last Prince by E.G. Radcliff. This is the second book in The Coming of Aed book series. I've read the one before this one, The Hidden King and really liked it. I believe that all books in a series, when possible, should be read, and in order. However, I have read books in a series out of order. This one has been in order. The first one, I was introduced to Aed, and what incredible things were going on in his life, and how he struggled against lost memories, and the fight for survival. This is the story that is the prequel to this series. (so read the first one first). In this story, a young boy, Ninian, who lives life on the edge of a sword (figuratively) balancing between life and death. And, he is a very angry boy, fighting with gangs and fae. But he discovers things about himself, he never thought possible. It is an honor to read this author's books. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical and fantastical interesting beings? The Last 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.
July 8, 2020
"Somewhere in Ninian's beautiful, red-eyed love, there was a monster of magic and flame."
Ninian was born to fight. From his mother, he learned to kill powerful, magical fae. But since he was orphaned, his greatest enemy has been hunger. While searching for a place to call home, Ninian is drawn into a vicious gang, which forces him to fight rivals for his supper. When he meets Aed, a boy who's even more broken and desperate than himself, Ninian discovers that Aed holds a dangerous, otherworldly power inside of him: Aed is fae, the same magical kind of creature that his mother taught him to fear. But as he draws closer to Aed, Ninian realizes he's finally found something that is worth fighting for.
This is a prequel to The Hidden King, which I really enjoyed. But I loved The Last Prince even more! The author weaves an immersive fantasy world, full of rich detail. For me, the heart of the story is the connection between Ninian and Aed. It's beautiful how these two lonely boys--and later, men--find safety and love together. I also enjoyed the cast of secondary characters, which are vividly portrayed.
I received a gifted advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ninian was born to fight. From his mother, he learned to kill powerful, magical fae. But since he was orphaned, his greatest enemy has been hunger. While searching for a place to call home, Ninian is drawn into a vicious gang, which forces him to fight rivals for his supper. When he meets Aed, a boy who's even more broken and desperate than himself, Ninian discovers that Aed holds a dangerous, otherworldly power inside of him: Aed is fae, the same magical kind of creature that his mother taught him to fear. But as he draws closer to Aed, Ninian realizes he's finally found something that is worth fighting for.
This is a prequel to The Hidden King, which I really enjoyed. But I loved The Last Prince even more! The author weaves an immersive fantasy world, full of rich detail. For me, the heart of the story is the connection between Ninian and Aed. It's beautiful how these two lonely boys--and later, men--find safety and love together. I also enjoyed the cast of secondary characters, which are vividly portrayed.
I received a gifted advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2022
This series is just amazing! But I have to admit in the beginning I was not as much into it as I was with the first one. But once we got to be more into the story and the story line of Ninian and Áed I loved it. Not only have I come to LOVE Áed in the first, I fell in love with Ninian and their relationship. Just beautiful. It’s filling in the blanks and questions I had during the first book and it’s tying up knots I was wondering about and just it made so much sense. I cannot wait to read book three and I am happy I waited for it to be out before starting this series so I can binge read it!
July 9, 2020
Wow! E.G. Radcliffe has done it again. I just love her storytelling, it's so rich and immersive and I was immediately hooked. I could almost smell The Maze and see the scenery before me as I read. My heart broke for Ninian and his plight and I was invested in his story right from the beginning and I loved seeing him grow as the book went on, becoming a man of integrity.
I love this book as much as The Hidden King and can't wait for the third book. Well done E.G.!
I love this book as much as The Hidden King and can't wait for the third book. Well done E.G.!
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