Joey was never meant to be king. The Night Rider is gone, but Aon’s battles are far from over. With Joey's disputed coronation come not only rumors of a royal challenge to his throne, but sinister whispers of war. To keep his country safe, Joey gives his hand to a foreign princess, denying himself the only person he has ever loved—Elizabeth, the Keeper—while driving a wedge between himself and everyone he cares about. Trapped in a storm of conflict, he carries a secret he's desperate to keep, but cannot control. As he battles to keep allies happy, the first rule of reign becomes immediately clear. Trust no one. But there are worse things to fear. His secret threatens to expose him and he struggles to keep his emotions at bay, and the second rule of reign comes in a sobering reality. Every crown comes with a price. The question is: is he willing to pay it?
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*Book Ends* Me:*drops book and stares in shock at the wall* Mom: Are you okay? Me: *whispers* I will never be okay.
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This book is the essence of amazing. It truly is. I loved every second of it and was always rooting for the characters, even if they drove me crazy (I'm looking at you, Joey). And don't even get me started on the plot twists...*screams* I don't know if I'll ever get over that.
Characters:
Elizabeth: Love this girl! Her fighting spirit and love of others is fantastic. Also she has mad sword skills so....no complaints there! ☺️
Joey: Ugh. I love Joey so much, but I wish he wouldn't push Elizabeth away so much. How long is it going to take him to realize that he needs her? Other than that, I love his character growth and how he tries to do what is right.
Alec: Alec is absolutely amazing. He's funny (which is a nice break from the overall seriousness of everyone else) and is a true best friend. I like his and Elizabeth's relationship like siblings. It's really sweet.
Evelyn: First off, this girl and I share a name so... how could she not be amazing?! 😉😊 Second, it's so nice to finally have a royal who looks out for others and is kind and thoughtful. That being said, she knows where she stands and doesn't let others push her around. Overall, a wonderful character!❤️
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OVERVIEW "Joey was never meant to be king. The Night Rider is gone, but Aon’s battles are far from over. With Joey's disputed coronation come not only rumors of a royal challenge to his throne, but sinister whispers of war. To keep his country safe, Joey gives his hand to a foreign princess, denying himself the only person he has ever loved—Elizabeth, the Keeper—while driving a wedge between himself and everyone he cares about. Trapped in a storm of conflict, he carries a secret he's desperate to keep, but cannot control. As he battles to keep allies happy, the first rule of reign becomes immediately clear. Trust no one. But there are worse things to fear. His secret threatens to expose him and he struggles to keep his emotions at bay, and the second rule of reign comes in a sobering reality. Every crown comes with a price. The question is: is he willing to pay it?"
POSITIVE ELEMENTS Evelyn is very kind and patient. Positive role models. A message to fight for what is right
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS Mentions of praying . God's name said (ex. God save the king).
VIOLENCE Descriptions of blood and injuries (this may be too much for younger readers but didn't bother me). An attempted assassination. Death described. People have to be stitched up. War mentioned. Sword fights. A kingdom is overthrown. Alec was whipped by his uncle. During a battle, a woman is stabbed in the side and a man healer has to lift up her shirt to heal her (not inappropriate; this scene is handed very well).
SEXUAL CONTENT Attraction between characters. Two semi-detailed kisses. Mentions of betrothal. Mentions of butterflies in one's stomach. Alex kisses Elizabeth to prove a point.
LANGUAGE Mild cursing including one "pissed". "Bloody hell" is said a few times and "h--l" is said both as a place and an insult. "Bastard" used in the literal sense.
DRUGS/ALCOHOL Mentions of drinking wine. A man is injured and the healer has him drink whiskey to help with the pain.
OTHER NOTES This book follows four characters (3 written in first person; 1 in third person limited) and may be confusing to younger readers.
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I have only two questions: 1. Why isn't this book better known? (seriously EVERYONE should read it) 2. When is the next one coming out? (I NEED to know...now!!!)
sjkakfbljadbhg I HAVE NO WORDS?!?!?!!?!? what. a. story. WOW. Kate?! i am still shook over how good The Blood Revolution was.
Overview: -Language: bloody hell was used (2) times if I remember correctly, though this was the only language I found -Romance: lots and lots of feelings, attraction, several kisses, gentle cheek touches, denial of feelings -Violence: lots and lots of fighting, inflicting of injuries on others, fighting to the point of killing someone, flashbacks and terrible nightmares -Blood/Gore: many many injuries, blood 'seeping through the floor', multiple incidences of stabbing, descriptions of a dead body, descriptions of tending to a serious wound (stitching) -Potentially sensitive: The gore is a bit heavy in this one. I have a pretty high tolerance, but I must say I got a little squirmy reading some of the scenes. I would definitely caution younger readers who are considering reading this! There is also a scene where a male medic is tending to a woman's severely injured side, and her shirt is pulled up revealing a good bit of skin. It was written very well, I did not have any issue with it.
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I can't say much, because I would most likely end up spoiling the entire book. But first things first, do not read book 2 before you read book 1!! This is the second installment in the Keeper trilogy, so definitely go read Keeper: the Book of Aon before this one!
Likes: Joey's character. I feel emotionally attached to this man, and I just want him to have some peace and for his nightmares to cease. He never wanted to become king, and his whole world turned upside down after he did. Kate did a wonderful job writing him and packing so much pain and emotion into one person. He is strong, I know, and I hope for a good ending for him in book 3.
Elizabeth's character. How could I not love her? She was not a cookie cutter "perfect character". She's also seen a lot and been through a lot, so I really felt for her as well. I love her stubbornness and how she can go from acting like a princess one minute to a warrior the next. I loved how she cared for Joey and just wanted to see the familiar glow in his eyes again.
Alec's character. What a brilliant man. He loves Joey like a brother, and he's stuck by his side. I had to admit I was afraid he would betray Joey at some point, but I was completely wrong. I grew attached to him as well. I admire his multiple talents and knowledge in fighting, being an advisor, and medical training. He's definitely a noble man, and I hope his ending is great as well.
Evelyn?!!?!? Can't say much about her without spoiling, but I do want to give multiple rounds of applause because FINALLY!? a princess that is a side character who isn't snobby, stuck up, or prideful. A beautiful person all around.
Dislikes: Maybe a bit too much on the gore side? I probably would have toned down the more gore-y scenes and not have been as descriptive.
- What a beautiful continuation of the previous book. Joey becomes king, and he gives his hand in marriage to a foreign princess in order to form an alliance with the kingdom. There are many scenes to keep you on your toes in anticipation and excitement and other scenes that may make you emotional. I could not recommend this trilogy more.
KATE!!!! I need book 3!!! You've got serious serious talent. I cannot wait.
Recommended for ages 13+ due to content listed above.
I had been patiently waiting for this book and K.M. did not disappoint. I did miss a certain character very much but I love getting glimpses. Joey and Elizabeth have so much to face and it was beautifully written. The book takes you back to the wonderful world of Aon and once aging it's keeper works her magic.