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The King's Watch #9
Five Leaf Clover
Welcome to Ireland. Now die.
Conrad has a lot on his plate, and recovering from a punctured kidney is only the start…
Top of his to-do list is a trip to Cornwall for an interview with Morwenna Mowbray, Vessel and victim of Fae magick.
Before he can go, Tom Morton has news on the missing book, the Codex Defanatus.
And soon it becomes clear that all roads lead across the Irish Sea, to a country where Conrad has no jurisdiction, no allies, and where his enemies are not one, but two Fae Queens.
He knows that it’s a long road to Galway, and that when he gets to the end, he’ll be alone, but choosing his travelling companions is only the first challenge.
Conrad’s struggle to wash the stain of the Codex from his family name reaches a climax in the Ninth Book of the King’s Watch – Five Leaf Clover.
Conrad has a lot on his plate, and recovering from a punctured kidney is only the start…
Top of his to-do list is a trip to Cornwall for an interview with Morwenna Mowbray, Vessel and victim of Fae magick.
Before he can go, Tom Morton has news on the missing book, the Codex Defanatus.
And soon it becomes clear that all roads lead across the Irish Sea, to a country where Conrad has no jurisdiction, no allies, and where his enemies are not one, but two Fae Queens.
He knows that it’s a long road to Galway, and that when he gets to the end, he’ll be alone, but choosing his travelling companions is only the first challenge.
Conrad’s struggle to wash the stain of the Codex from his family name reaches a climax in the Ninth Book of the King’s Watch – Five Leaf Clover.
238 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2021
212 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Mark Hayden
27 books285 followersAuthor also writes under Ruth Ward
Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.
Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.
He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.
His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.
Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.
Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.
He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.
His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 26, 2021
While I appreciate a lot of loose ends being tied up, it seems this story is getting overly complicated. There are so many characters with so much backstory (I realize this is often a good thing in world building but in this series it's overkill), politics, warring factions, family alliances, and too much going on behind the scenes that's revealed afterwards to make the story very enjoyable. It feels like work to remember how this character is related to that character and their history with this clan or this political organization..
The first book or two I really enjoyed the character development, the characters themselves, and how the Magick and Mundane world coexist. The last couple of books have been too much of a good thing.
The Kindle version had enough typos to make it seem rushed, sloppy.
The first book or two I really enjoyed the character development, the characters themselves, and how the Magick and Mundane world coexist. The last couple of books have been too much of a good thing.
The Kindle version had enough typos to make it seem rushed, sloppy.
June 6, 2021
Another excellent well written urban fantasy from the pen of Mark Hayden. A must read, keeps getting better with every new book.
The world building is fantastic,well researched and believable in the way it works.
One of the best UK based urban fantasy series ever.
Highly recommended to all fantasy readers
The world building is fantastic,well researched and believable in the way it works.
One of the best UK based urban fantasy series ever.
Highly recommended to all fantasy readers
May 30, 2021
On form
Not for the new reader, if you haven't met Conrad and the Merlyn's Tower Irregulars before go find ' The Thirteenth Witch ' and start there. If you have then this will not disappoint. Fae politics is complex dirty and deadly, but then so is Conrad
Not for the new reader, if you haven't met Conrad and the Merlyn's Tower Irregulars before go find ' The Thirteenth Witch ' and start there. If you have then this will not disappoint. Fae politics is complex dirty and deadly, but then so is Conrad
June 4, 2021
[The King’s Watch is a series that consists, as of June 2021, of nine novels and five connective short stories. This review covers the entire series instead of the individual tales. I read them all, including the linked but still separate Operation Jigsaw trilogy, between March 2 and June 3 of 2021. That alone should tell you almost all you need to know about how strong - and how addictive - these stories are.]
I love these books. Every single one.
At their center is one Conrad Clarke, a RAF helicopter pilot in the mundane world, who is slowly exposed to the world of magic and its many denizens. Conrad’s slow-building understanding of just how that world works, and his acquisition of magical objects, lessons, and friends (as well as foes) are the main thrust of all of these tales.
What impressed me most, among the many strong impressions left while reading each one, was that they kept getting better - the next was even more exciting and funny and touching and revelatory than its predecessor. That’s saying a lot since the series started by setting a very high bar. Mr. Hayden routinely exceeded that bar, and each subsequent one, cleanly and with no penalty points from this judge.
Each book managed to introduce wonderful new characters (sometimes wonderfully bad, sometimes wonderfully good), new races, new uses for or clearer definitions of the magical systems used by all - without being obvious or heavy-handed in the slightest. Clarke, the sometimes reluctant protagonist, learns about all of these marvelous people, places, and things as we do, so we are him and he is us - we’re all on the same enchanting journey together.
Like most great long tales, nobody in this one is ever simply black and white; most live in the very gray in-between areas that are always more interesting than the poles of Good and Bad. To be sure there are some Big Bads that are totally bad, and some Good characters that are almost always pure and good, but Conrad and his merry band are, almost without exception, flawed in some deeply human (usually) way. Often times these flaws are physical as well as mental or spiritual; I don’t think I’ve ever come across a story where so many of the principals are so scarred and battle-worn, from facial deformities (of which there are plenty), to slow-to-heal broken or replaced bones, to prosthetic limbs (magic really comes in handy there, for sure…), to the shrapnel scars left by survivors of explosions, no one seems safe from some sort of physical tragedy or impairment. None of them are truly whole, or who they were before the trials they’ve lived through.
Speaking of Conrad’s group, the way it grows so organically is very deftly handled. Some of my favorite parts are when all or most of them get together at one or another of Clarke’s fantastic lodgings. Whether it’s a lavish party or a hasty breakfast or a simple dinner and drinks these scenes cemented, for me, the many facets of these deeply interesting relationships.
It’s no small feat to balance all of the action and excitement, all the varied characters and places and plots, and be set in a world of always-surprising magical powers and effects without something, at some point, going completely off the rails. I can say unequivocally that Mr. Hayden never allows that to happen, and that there’s honestly never a dull moment. And again, some of the quieter (but never dull) moments are some of my favorites.
But the action and adventure scenes are darned good, too.
Though these books can be read quickly, the ebb and flow of the action is set at a very manageable and natural pace. I’m not sure I could have read all 17 in three months otherwise (while also reading a few non-Haydenian ones, as well.)
I can’t wait for the next short story (Summer of 2021) and the next novel (Fall of 2021) to come out. I always make myself promise to SLOW DOWN and make them last. And I always break that promise.
I can’t recommend these books highly enough for anyone who likes their stories loaded with magic, urban (and not-so-urban) fantasy, action and adventure, heroism (and its counterpart), and even romance. You will not be disappointed.
(My only fear is that since the series started with the number 13 in the title and each subsequent one seems to be counting down, when he gets to one or zero that will be it. The definite end to the tale.)
Thanks, Mr. Hayden. It’s been a frighteningly fun ride so far, and I wish it would never end.
I love these books. Every single one.
At their center is one Conrad Clarke, a RAF helicopter pilot in the mundane world, who is slowly exposed to the world of magic and its many denizens. Conrad’s slow-building understanding of just how that world works, and his acquisition of magical objects, lessons, and friends (as well as foes) are the main thrust of all of these tales.
What impressed me most, among the many strong impressions left while reading each one, was that they kept getting better - the next was even more exciting and funny and touching and revelatory than its predecessor. That’s saying a lot since the series started by setting a very high bar. Mr. Hayden routinely exceeded that bar, and each subsequent one, cleanly and with no penalty points from this judge.
Each book managed to introduce wonderful new characters (sometimes wonderfully bad, sometimes wonderfully good), new races, new uses for or clearer definitions of the magical systems used by all - without being obvious or heavy-handed in the slightest. Clarke, the sometimes reluctant protagonist, learns about all of these marvelous people, places, and things as we do, so we are him and he is us - we’re all on the same enchanting journey together.
Like most great long tales, nobody in this one is ever simply black and white; most live in the very gray in-between areas that are always more interesting than the poles of Good and Bad. To be sure there are some Big Bads that are totally bad, and some Good characters that are almost always pure and good, but Conrad and his merry band are, almost without exception, flawed in some deeply human (usually) way. Often times these flaws are physical as well as mental or spiritual; I don’t think I’ve ever come across a story where so many of the principals are so scarred and battle-worn, from facial deformities (of which there are plenty), to slow-to-heal broken or replaced bones, to prosthetic limbs (magic really comes in handy there, for sure…), to the shrapnel scars left by survivors of explosions, no one seems safe from some sort of physical tragedy or impairment. None of them are truly whole, or who they were before the trials they’ve lived through.
Speaking of Conrad’s group, the way it grows so organically is very deftly handled. Some of my favorite parts are when all or most of them get together at one or another of Clarke’s fantastic lodgings. Whether it’s a lavish party or a hasty breakfast or a simple dinner and drinks these scenes cemented, for me, the many facets of these deeply interesting relationships.
It’s no small feat to balance all of the action and excitement, all the varied characters and places and plots, and be set in a world of always-surprising magical powers and effects without something, at some point, going completely off the rails. I can say unequivocally that Mr. Hayden never allows that to happen, and that there’s honestly never a dull moment. And again, some of the quieter (but never dull) moments are some of my favorites.
But the action and adventure scenes are darned good, too.
Though these books can be read quickly, the ebb and flow of the action is set at a very manageable and natural pace. I’m not sure I could have read all 17 in three months otherwise (while also reading a few non-Haydenian ones, as well.)
I can’t wait for the next short story (Summer of 2021) and the next novel (Fall of 2021) to come out. I always make myself promise to SLOW DOWN and make them last. And I always break that promise.
I can’t recommend these books highly enough for anyone who likes their stories loaded with magic, urban (and not-so-urban) fantasy, action and adventure, heroism (and its counterpart), and even romance. You will not be disappointed.
(My only fear is that since the series started with the number 13 in the title and each subsequent one seems to be counting down, when he gets to one or zero that will be it. The definite end to the tale.)
Thanks, Mr. Hayden. It’s been a frighteningly fun ride so far, and I wish it would never end.
December 30, 2021
Three and a half stars.
It's been over a year since I read the last book in the series and I have to confess I am just as confused (if not more) about who's who so I would definitely counsel against starting the series with this book LOL.
Some fae and other magick users have been perpetrating despicable crimes using information gleaned from an ancient text called the Codex Defanatus. A book which Conrad Clarke's ancestor thought he had hidden for all time. To stop further foul magic being performed against humans and other lesser fae, Conrad must track down who kept Morwenna Mowbray as a serf for years and performed forbidden magic to give her the appearance and memories of other beings.
Conrad's quest takes him to Ireland to confront two fae queens, he'll have to be extra Conrad to weave his way through the trickery of fae politics when (like Jackie Weaver of 2021 zoom fame) he has no jurisdiction.
Very much like my review of the last book, I feel that this had a cast of thousands, most of which I can no longer distinguish from one another, and seemed like a filler leading towards a final showdown soon.
It's been over a year since I read the last book in the series and I have to confess I am just as confused (if not more) about who's who so I would definitely counsel against starting the series with this book LOL.
Some fae and other magick users have been perpetrating despicable crimes using information gleaned from an ancient text called the Codex Defanatus. A book which Conrad Clarke's ancestor thought he had hidden for all time. To stop further foul magic being performed against humans and other lesser fae, Conrad must track down who kept Morwenna Mowbray as a serf for years and performed forbidden magic to give her the appearance and memories of other beings.
Conrad's quest takes him to Ireland to confront two fae queens, he'll have to be extra Conrad to weave his way through the trickery of fae politics when (like Jackie Weaver of 2021 zoom fame) he has no jurisdiction.
Very much like my review of the last book, I feel that this had a cast of thousands, most of which I can no longer distinguish from one another, and seemed like a filler leading towards a final showdown soon.
December 19, 2024
Conrad Clarke's ongoing search to find and destroy the CODEX DEFANATUS is finally bearing it's deadly and bitter fruit as the path has lead him to a place where all of his titles and authority means nothing. IRELAND. Where the King's Watch are forbidden and the FAE hold even more of a sway as two of the largest sidhes are ruled by two Queens who maintain an uneasy and fragile truce that would only need the smallest of sparks to turn the truce into a raging inferno. And there has never been a better "spark" then Conrad Clarke. Compounding his search is the revelation that one of his closest allies has discovered the source of the terrible magic that had turned on of her family into a "vessel," basically burying her self and her personality beneath the personas impressed upon the vessel and sending her into an unending dark. But the universe being what it is, Conrad and Company must go against a Fae Queen as well as ignore the people and the world that has made him the person that he has become. But, somethings must be fought for, and Conrad Clarke has never turned away from fighting for justice for those who have no can not or will not and will worry about the fall out and ramifications of his actions afterwards. And there WILL be dire fall out from those actions, regardless of the result.
The 9th book of the King's Watch, is another amazing journey through the universe that author MARK HAYDEN has created and populated with his wonderful world-building and character development skills. Each and every story pushes the story forward and provides the readers with more and more insight into the people, the PEOPLE, the creatures, and the magick found in each and every one of these adventures. I stumbled upon this series while looking for a diversion from my norm and have never looked back. Hayden has become one of my favorite authors and the journey through the world of the King's Watch one that I hope never ends.
The 9th book of the King's Watch, is another amazing journey through the universe that author MARK HAYDEN has created and populated with his wonderful world-building and character development skills. Each and every story pushes the story forward and provides the readers with more and more insight into the people, the PEOPLE, the creatures, and the magick found in each and every one of these adventures. I stumbled upon this series while looking for a diversion from my norm and have never looked back. Hayden has become one of my favorite authors and the journey through the world of the King's Watch one that I hope never ends.
May 27, 2023
2023 bk 186. Conrad almost has the clues as to who sold the book, made Morwenna a vessel, and other hideous crimes. In order to stop the culprit from further steps he will need to step outside the Watch, the Guardianship, and all of his other English roles and go into Ireland. This is a hold your breath novel where each phone call he makes, step he takes could be one that would move him forward or betray him into the hands of the most evil. I'm still not quite sure of the logic behind the final moves and the whole issue of timing and the planes just lost me - I'm still now sure how or why that was so important. It was interesting that as the story lines go along, Conrad's magic strengthens and manifests itself in different ways.
April 26, 2022
This is another juicy installment in the Conrad Clarke procedurals. This time Conrad is forced to take action to redress the family misdeeds from centuries prior. They lead him out of the purview of the Kings Watch and to Ireland where he ends up in a Fae Queen's alternate world from which he must do the unforgettable, betray Mina Desai, to escape.
This is another great romp in the world of the gnomes, dwarves, Fae and witches and warlocks, oh yea in the magical persona of Conrad, bloody Clarke. Mark Hayden doesn't invent anything new with this series but he tells a great story and makes the characters seem somehow more real than other similar "policing the magical realm" series. Like I really wonder if the Tower of London does house a secret police force that oversees magic. If Conrad Clarke had been on the job Lord Voldemort wouldn't have stood a chance.
This series is heading for its culmination based on the fact the next book is Four Roads Cross; we only have four to go. I even enjoy the short stories that fill in the gaps; though before I found them I admit to playing mental catch up a few times. I would actually enjoy a spin off with Vicky as the main character. All of the supporting cast to Conrad have been enjoyable except Cordelia and I'm sure that she has her own agenda and isn't being a team player.
This is another great romp in the world of the gnomes, dwarves, Fae and witches and warlocks, oh yea in the magical persona of Conrad, bloody Clarke. Mark Hayden doesn't invent anything new with this series but he tells a great story and makes the characters seem somehow more real than other similar "policing the magical realm" series. Like I really wonder if the Tower of London does house a secret police force that oversees magic. If Conrad Clarke had been on the job Lord Voldemort wouldn't have stood a chance.
This series is heading for its culmination based on the fact the next book is Four Roads Cross; we only have four to go. I even enjoy the short stories that fill in the gaps; though before I found them I admit to playing mental catch up a few times. I would actually enjoy a spin off with Vicky as the main character. All of the supporting cast to Conrad have been enjoyable except Cordelia and I'm sure that she has her own agenda and isn't being a team player.
June 2, 2022
One Of The Best Ones So Far
I've now read 1-9, and the first 5 of the novellas. This one has got to be at the top of my favorites, so far. I believe it's because it begins to bring everything together from all the others.
The only parts I struggled with were the additional characters added in, which I've had issues with keeping track of in every book in this series. It's hard to know who's making a one time guest appearance, or will possibly be featured more prominently later on in another book. The extras Hayden provides on his website, can only do so much.
The other part I struggled with was the eventual battle that took place with the fairies. It just seemed all over the place and was rather confusing at times. There were certain periods when things were mentioned, or happened, and I was totally clueless to the reference being implied. The rest of the book, although it reads fast paced, and moves along at a good clip, just had a better flow to it. The battle scenes and confrontation seemed strained, and jumped at an awkward speed.
I almost never re-read books. I become quickly bored when I run across scenes I know I've already read. This series may be different. After reading it all, I may attempt to see if it makes more sense, knowing what I now know.
I'm still curious to see what Cordelia is up to, besides her issues with Raven. I think there's going to be some sort of betrayal or selfish act on her part. With book 10 being the number of pages it is, there's obviously a whole lot going, and potentially wrapped up. And of course, the big wedding is finally approaching!
Can't wait to start it. But for now I'm off to read what I've come to look at as "homework," which would be the next novella. Not a fan of novellas to begin with and I've covered them enough in my previous reviews. It's like beating a dead horse at this point.
I've now read 1-9, and the first 5 of the novellas. This one has got to be at the top of my favorites, so far. I believe it's because it begins to bring everything together from all the others.
The only parts I struggled with were the additional characters added in, which I've had issues with keeping track of in every book in this series. It's hard to know who's making a one time guest appearance, or will possibly be featured more prominently later on in another book. The extras Hayden provides on his website, can only do so much.
The other part I struggled with was the eventual battle that took place with the fairies. It just seemed all over the place and was rather confusing at times. There were certain periods when things were mentioned, or happened, and I was totally clueless to the reference being implied. The rest of the book, although it reads fast paced, and moves along at a good clip, just had a better flow to it. The battle scenes and confrontation seemed strained, and jumped at an awkward speed.
I almost never re-read books. I become quickly bored when I run across scenes I know I've already read. This series may be different. After reading it all, I may attempt to see if it makes more sense, knowing what I now know.
I'm still curious to see what Cordelia is up to, besides her issues with Raven. I think there's going to be some sort of betrayal or selfish act on her part. With book 10 being the number of pages it is, there's obviously a whole lot going, and potentially wrapped up. And of course, the big wedding is finally approaching!
Can't wait to start it. But for now I'm off to read what I've come to look at as "homework," which would be the next novella. Not a fan of novellas to begin with and I've covered them enough in my previous reviews. It's like beating a dead horse at this point.
July 17, 2024
Another good 'un. Here, Scout
I took a break from binging before reading this. I was going cross-eyed with characters, plot twists, and alliances. I miss Scout. There are a lot of territories, creatures each with their own norms, and the writers take interesting directions principally when event X results in action Y, all presented with a tone of inevitability that I can't always apprehend. Around book 7 or 8, I read a synopsis that I wrongly interpreted as Hannah dying. I was bummed at the possibility, so I skimmed further books to make sure she was still mentioned. And i looked for signs of Scout. Doing so did not help with keeping things straight. Nothing stays the same, so when centers of gravity such as houses, pubs, villages, manors, granges shift, and when lesser characters...Liz, Tamsin, Chris, Cora and so forth take a more center stage, then recede. I have challenges; I need a flow chart. Mina got annoying again. For the longest time, Erin and Mwylf got crossed in my head. Most of all, Scout needs returning to faithful companion. Seriously. Without Scout at Clark's side the light is a bit dimmed. And don't you be having him given away, die, or just mentioned less and less. Non-negotiable.
I took a break from binging before reading this. I was going cross-eyed with characters, plot twists, and alliances. I miss Scout. There are a lot of territories, creatures each with their own norms, and the writers take interesting directions principally when event X results in action Y, all presented with a tone of inevitability that I can't always apprehend. Around book 7 or 8, I read a synopsis that I wrongly interpreted as Hannah dying. I was bummed at the possibility, so I skimmed further books to make sure she was still mentioned. And i looked for signs of Scout. Doing so did not help with keeping things straight. Nothing stays the same, so when centers of gravity such as houses, pubs, villages, manors, granges shift, and when lesser characters...Liz, Tamsin, Chris, Cora and so forth take a more center stage, then recede. I have challenges; I need a flow chart. Mina got annoying again. For the longest time, Erin and Mwylf got crossed in my head. Most of all, Scout needs returning to faithful companion. Seriously. Without Scout at Clark's side the light is a bit dimmed. And don't you be having him given away, die, or just mentioned less and less. Non-negotiable.
December 30, 2024
I have always tried to finish books and there are just a few (using the fingers on one hand) I have failed to complete. This book could join that infamous list and this book will probably the last I will read in this series. If someone is interested in this series then they must start at the first volume.
The number of characters in the book is huge (the preface has a website address to view the list of characters, roles and places, which is difficult to do when reading a Kindle version) and Mark Hayden then adds more on almost a chapter basis and even added a list in one chapter of some of their names, their position and an English pronunciation guide. Alas, it is increasingly difficult to maintain who they are and their role in the story. Each book in the series has a larger number of characters and locations than the previous book and it is getting more and more difficult to remember who they are even though Mark references their introductions to the story in previous volumes - if you are like me and do not binge read series. Moreover, the secret scheming in the mind of Conrad Clarke makes him a liar, something that I am finding it difficult to come to terms with. The enjoyment I got from reading the first two or three books has been lost and that enjoyment has decreased exponentially with each volume.
The number of characters in the book is huge (the preface has a website address to view the list of characters, roles and places, which is difficult to do when reading a Kindle version) and Mark Hayden then adds more on almost a chapter basis and even added a list in one chapter of some of their names, their position and an English pronunciation guide. Alas, it is increasingly difficult to maintain who they are and their role in the story. Each book in the series has a larger number of characters and locations than the previous book and it is getting more and more difficult to remember who they are even though Mark references their introductions to the story in previous volumes - if you are like me and do not binge read series. Moreover, the secret scheming in the mind of Conrad Clarke makes him a liar, something that I am finding it difficult to come to terms with. The enjoyment I got from reading the first two or three books has been lost and that enjoyment has decreased exponentially with each volume.
May 1, 2022
Hayden-istic Pleasure!
If you haven’t sampled the King’s Watch or other “Conrad” novels, I’d urge you to do so. What began as a mundane adventure trilogy has evolved into a fully fleshed out world of the arcane with ever evolving characters, excellent story telling and an intriguing over all plot driving the long game. I know there’s suddenly about a bazillion fantasy writers out there clamoring for your attention (I try to give as many authors as possible some of my time and attention) but, as for Mr. Hayden’s work, I’d ask you a simple question: Of all the sci-fi fantasy you’ve read, how many author’s do you actually return to for a second (or third) helping? Put Mark Hayden’s work on my short list!
If you haven’t sampled the King’s Watch or other “Conrad” novels, I’d urge you to do so. What began as a mundane adventure trilogy has evolved into a fully fleshed out world of the arcane with ever evolving characters, excellent story telling and an intriguing over all plot driving the long game. I know there’s suddenly about a bazillion fantasy writers out there clamoring for your attention (I try to give as many authors as possible some of my time and attention) but, as for Mr. Hayden’s work, I’d ask you a simple question: Of all the sci-fi fantasy you’ve read, how many author’s do you actually return to for a second (or third) helping? Put Mark Hayden’s work on my short list!
July 2, 2021
Very good
Conrad’s magical circle of family and friends continues to expand as his exploits eddy ever onwards.
I do find some of the magical (magical?) stuff to be getting a tad involved and a little confusing but the plots in these books are usually pretty well thought out and intricate enough.
This book is fairly representative of the series but I would recommend reading the series from book one. I get a little confused about who’s who and some of the events of the past even though I did start with book 1!
Conrad’s magical circle of family and friends continues to expand as his exploits eddy ever onwards.
I do find some of the magical (magical?) stuff to be getting a tad involved and a little confusing but the plots in these books are usually pretty well thought out and intricate enough.
This book is fairly representative of the series but I would recommend reading the series from book one. I get a little confused about who’s who and some of the events of the past even though I did start with book 1!
February 22, 2024
A little bit like going back to the roots, this story was told mainly from the Conrad's perspective, with a couple of chapters from the perspective of others. It was interesting, set in Ireland and completely focusing on Fae. I didn't expect the end and it was nice surprise. Also, I didn't expect that killing the Fair queen would mean end of Codex Defanatus - that bit was rather anticlimactic. Still, I really enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to reading new adventures, centred in the Lakeland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2021
Every time one of these damn books is released I have to go back and read the previous three in the sequence just to try and pick up what’s going on. In a way these books are prolonged chapters in a much bigger tale. The list of dramatis personae is getting on for absurd and yet Mark Hayden still makes a good story.
I wouldn’t bother too much with the novellas.
I wouldn’t bother too much with the novellas.
July 7, 2021
Fit for a Queen
If you love an adventure then this book /series is for you.
Conrad Clarke now feels like a acquaintance, he is a hero but Mark Hayden has made sure he is more realistic than other heroes. He has a great team around him and this time he takes on more than he can manage, but with a twist or two maybe he can save the day, only at what cost?
If you love an adventure then this book /series is for you.
Conrad Clarke now feels like a acquaintance, he is a hero but Mark Hayden has made sure he is more realistic than other heroes. He has a great team around him and this time he takes on more than he can manage, but with a twist or two maybe he can save the day, only at what cost?
August 3, 2021
Brilliant
Probably my favorite in the series so far. Conrad Clark takes on the Fae in Ireland, with some help of course. Of course not everyone is happy about it and The Watch may have to employ a new Deputy.
Sadly Mark Hayden is is keeping us in suspense! Roll on Autumn and the next in the series.
Probably my favorite in the series so far. Conrad Clark takes on the Fae in Ireland, with some help of course. Of course not everyone is happy about it and The Watch may have to employ a new Deputy.
Sadly Mark Hayden is is keeping us in suspense! Roll on Autumn and the next in the series.
August 18, 2021
Mr HAYDEN Does it Again!
This definitely felt like a much longer book to read - not quite the same on a Kindle app to see the thickness of a book! However a lot happens in this one, especially Clarke’s future towards the end & it’s nice that the author changes things up regularly.
Another great book in the series & looking forward to the next.
This definitely felt like a much longer book to read - not quite the same on a Kindle app to see the thickness of a book! However a lot happens in this one, especially Clarke’s future towards the end & it’s nice that the author changes things up regularly.
Another great book in the series & looking forward to the next.
June 5, 2021
Captivated
I started with number 13 and just finished number 5, being an American I have a hard time understanding the subtleties of what is being said but interestingly I am somewhat enthralled with this writing. I sure I will need to re read to gather more in.
I started with number 13 and just finished number 5, being an American I have a hard time understanding the subtleties of what is being said but interestingly I am somewhat enthralled with this writing. I sure I will need to re read to gather more in.
June 10, 2021
Another excellent chapter in the Conrad saga
Conrad on his own in Ireland. Well not entirely on his own, he does have help. Still he manages to take on the might of Fae Queens and the locals almost single handed. A great continuation of the series
Conrad on his own in Ireland. Well not entirely on his own, he does have help. Still he manages to take on the might of Fae Queens and the locals almost single handed. A great continuation of the series
July 21, 2021
Well, another enjoyable if quick read from Conrad and his chums. this book felt as if it was a "tidying up loose ends" type of book with a twist. As I said I did enjoy the book however the ending I wasn't expecting just wonder what the pension arrangements are for him.
January 20, 2023
a great read for sure!
I have been reading this series one after another. Just a great reading experience. This is one of my favorites an I can recommend with out reserve. The Irish adventure was all I could want and more. The Fae are detailed in ways new and unique bravo!
I have been reading this series one after another. Just a great reading experience. This is one of my favorites an I can recommend with out reserve. The Irish adventure was all I could want and more. The Fae are detailed in ways new and unique bravo!
June 3, 2021
Ireland mayhem and magic
Have loved everyone of this series.
I feel part of the Kings Watch crew.
I want to live in their world.
Have loved everyone of this series.
I feel part of the Kings Watch crew.
I want to live in their world.
June 10, 2021
Good from the first to the last
Kept me engaged until the last page. Looking forward to the next books. If you like urban fantasy, you will enjoy this.
Kept me engaged until the last page. Looking forward to the next books. If you like urban fantasy, you will enjoy this.
June 12, 2021
Excellent next installment in Conrad's story.
June 21, 2021
Lord of Death
I just love this series! I love the characters and I love Conrad, a true gent! Look forward to more in the series
I just love this series! I love the characters and I love Conrad, a true gent! Look forward to more in the series
July 1, 2021
Fun and adventure
An epic tale this is a rollicking tale. It scales the British isles and exudes a sense of adventure. It is not great literature but is a very good read.
An epic tale this is a rollicking tale. It scales the British isles and exudes a sense of adventure. It is not great literature but is a very good read.
July 8, 2021
Amazing
Another amazing book from Mark Hayden! Can't wait for the next one. Always pleasure to read. I couldn't recommend more. Thank you Mark 😊
Another amazing book from Mark Hayden! Can't wait for the next one. Always pleasure to read. I couldn't recommend more. Thank you Mark 😊
August 30, 2021
Conrad really is admirable
I really enjoyed this tenth book, I don’t want to spoil it for other readers but it was worth the wait to read the action unfold.
I really enjoyed this tenth book, I don’t want to spoil it for other readers but it was worth the wait to read the action unfold.
October 17, 2021
Another Conrad Clarke Novel and time passes so fast before the book is over. Always eagerly waiting for the next one.
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