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The Lords of Alekka #4
Heart of the King
The race to Ottby is on!
Having heard Gudrum’s threats and Alys’ warnings, Reinar is desperate to head South, back to his family. Though he must be patient. His army is far behind him, and Reinar knows he’ll need every pair of hands to get their fleet back home.
Waiting with his brother, Sigurd is looking forward to his reunion with Raf, unaware that she is now with Gudrum. And though Raf didn’t return to Gudrum willingly, she is still struggling, unable to decide where her true loyalties lie.
In Orvala, Tarl’s dreamer is dying, though he can find no way to help her. His city is a mess, his people are wounded and grieving, but he is consumed by his fears for an unresponsive Mirella.
And in Stornas, Ake Bluefinn farewells his family and readies his army to head to Ottby.
His dreamer may have foretold his end, but the King of Alekka is ready to fight.
Heart of the King is the fourth book in The Lords of Alekka, a thrilling new fantasy series set in the world of The Furyck Saga. Enter a kingdom in turmoil, where mysterious dreamers weave dark magic around vengeful lords, and those fated to rise are forced out of the shadows as the battle to claim the throne begins.
Having heard Gudrum’s threats and Alys’ warnings, Reinar is desperate to head South, back to his family. Though he must be patient. His army is far behind him, and Reinar knows he’ll need every pair of hands to get their fleet back home.
Waiting with his brother, Sigurd is looking forward to his reunion with Raf, unaware that she is now with Gudrum. And though Raf didn’t return to Gudrum willingly, she is still struggling, unable to decide where her true loyalties lie.
In Orvala, Tarl’s dreamer is dying, though he can find no way to help her. His city is a mess, his people are wounded and grieving, but he is consumed by his fears for an unresponsive Mirella.
And in Stornas, Ake Bluefinn farewells his family and readies his army to head to Ottby.
His dreamer may have foretold his end, but the King of Alekka is ready to fight.
Heart of the King is the fourth book in The Lords of Alekka, a thrilling new fantasy series set in the world of The Furyck Saga. Enter a kingdom in turmoil, where mysterious dreamers weave dark magic around vengeful lords, and those fated to rise are forced out of the shadows as the battle to claim the throne begins.
676 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2021
819 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Rayne
22 books635 followersIntroducing myself
Hello, I’m Amy!
I live in Auckland, New Zealand, and have done for three-quarters of my life. The other quarter was spent in England, where my kids were born. I have three of those, and they’re very cool. I’m a bit demented and thought it would be a good idea to have them a year or so apart. I’m still recovering from that misguided notion, but am convinced that a month in Bora Bora would set me right!
Speaking of travelling, as much as I crave a tropical island escape, you’re far more inclined to find me hankering after snow. We don’t have any of that in Auckland – not a drop! And, although it did snow occasionally in dear old England, I’m still looking for the up-to-your-window sort of snow experience. I come from Viking stock (my grandmother was Swedish), so maybe that’s why I have always craved the cold, white stuff. In fact, my husband and I bonded over our love of scarves.
'Twas love at first discussion about the pleasure of a good scarf!
My reading journey
I was drawn to historical romance as a young reader. I loved anything by the Brontë sisters, but I think Jane Austen was my favourite author at that time. It was a toss-up between Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre for my favourite book as a tween. As I got older and developed a real love of history, I became obsessed with anything do with Vikings. I fell in love with Bernard Cornwell and Robert Lowe, Giles Kristian, too. But there’s always been time to fit in the next Diana Gabaldon. Her Outlander series is probably my favourite series ever (great tv too!). History is my one true love, so some of my favourites lately have been C.J. Sansom’s thrilling Tudor series and Patrick O’Brien 19th century naval adventures.
I always thought I would write the Furyck Saga as a historical fiction series, but I never found a period or place where it felt possible. Ultimately, I realised that actual history was far too limiting, so I stepped away from reality and entered the wonderful world of fantasy, and that’s when the fun started…
It took me a long time to become a writer.
I have ring binders and ring binders of stories, screenplays, tv show concepts, and book ideas that I’ve been creating since I was 10-years-old.
I was always very fast with ideas but seeing them all the way through was a lot harder, and eventually, as I grew up, life and work got in the way.
I would try writing Winter’s Fury off and on, but I never got very far, and dissatisfied, I always gave up, telling myself there simply wasn’t enough
time to fit writing in around three children, two dogs, a graphic design business, etc. etc. But what I quickly discovered is that time is what you make of it.
Inspired by an article I read about James Patterson, who got up early to write his first book and fit it in around his job, I started making writing a
daily discipline; the idea being that, bit by bit, I would eventually create an actual book. At first, it was tough. It felt like I was training for a marathon
and I didn’t even know how to run. But every day it got a little easier and eventually, I started to write more freely, and one day I had enough of a
book to show my husband. At this point it was either, forget it again, or keep going.
He read it and said… keep going. So, I did.
And I haven’t stopped!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 28, 2023
WAR!!!
This story was all a endless war. Fought an won on two fronts an lost on one. Riner has lost his brother to the god of all an finds out that Sigurd is his son. Riner has to finger out is feels for Alys his dreamer an the hatred that his wife Elin feels about her she also has secret to hide from Riner. Riner has to clear his head an figure how he is going to take back the throne.
This story was all a endless war. Fought an won on two fronts an lost on one. Riner has lost his brother to the god of all an finds out that Sigurd is his son. Riner has to finger out is feels for Alys his dreamer an the hatred that his wife Elin feels about her she also has secret to hide from Riner. Riner has to clear his head an figure how he is going to take back the throne.
March 12, 2025
Not as good as expected
This book was a bit upsetting. It seemed to drag on and had very little progress over long periods.
Many things were left unresolved that likely should have come to a close. There was a lot of inaction and indecisiveness. And despite certain major events happening at a fast pace, the characters were slow to act and dragged out everything.
Alys was extremely disappointing. She stutters and shies away from stuff most times and then suddenly she’s a badass? She was insecure and timid one minute, then the next she’s got balls of steel. Her reactions and responses to both Elin and Irene had me so upset. I wanted to pull my hair out!
Hopefully, we will see some Jael in Book 5 because I can’t take the way these women in this Alekka series are portrayed as weak. See my notes, highlights and frustrations on Goodreads. Happy reading!
This book was a bit upsetting. It seemed to drag on and had very little progress over long periods.
Many things were left unresolved that likely should have come to a close. There was a lot of inaction and indecisiveness. And despite certain major events happening at a fast pace, the characters were slow to act and dragged out everything.
Alys was extremely disappointing. She stutters and shies away from stuff most times and then suddenly she’s a badass? She was insecure and timid one minute, then the next she’s got balls of steel. Her reactions and responses to both Elin and Irene had me so upset. I wanted to pull my hair out!
Hopefully, we will see some Jael in Book 5 because I can’t take the way these women in this Alekka series are portrayed as weak. See my notes, highlights and frustrations on Goodreads. Happy reading!
August 4, 2023
Not as tightly woven as the first 3 books
The story continues rough and exciting but adds so many threads that the story becomes haphazard and difficult to follow. Easy wins over fortresses made to be held by trained defenders fighting for their families leave a bitter frustration to anyone who knows the history of such battles. The "deus ex machina" use is overwhelming... the underlying characters and their passions are all that save this installment. Hoping it gets better...
The story continues rough and exciting but adds so many threads that the story becomes haphazard and difficult to follow. Easy wins over fortresses made to be held by trained defenders fighting for their families leave a bitter frustration to anyone who knows the history of such battles. The "deus ex machina" use is overwhelming... the underlying characters and their passions are all that save this installment. Hoping it gets better...
November 24, 2021
A great saga, absolutely captivating!
Alekka is in turmoil, divided. Gods are disgruntled, wanting power and control, some interfering with the mortal events occurring in Alekka, creating more upheaval for the various lords of Alekka. Lords are banning together to overthrow the king and destroy any lords who support the king, further dividing the kingdom . A thrilling Old World fantasy, filled with surprises ad lords, dreamers, witches and the gods battle for control. Yet in the midst of all this turmoil a discovery for the Vilanders of Ottby is made, a secret unraveled, as one of their own beloved is really the son of the most powerful god. The waiting is suspenseful for how the kingdom of Alekka will survive as the king is overthrown, A new king steps up to save the kingdom, and a son discovers immortality and wants to help his earthly family. The Furycks of Slave Island are summoned but will they arrive in Aliens in time to help? A super intense saga, one you cannot put down! Next......!
Alekka is in turmoil, divided. Gods are disgruntled, wanting power and control, some interfering with the mortal events occurring in Alekka, creating more upheaval for the various lords of Alekka. Lords are banning together to overthrow the king and destroy any lords who support the king, further dividing the kingdom . A thrilling Old World fantasy, filled with surprises ad lords, dreamers, witches and the gods battle for control. Yet in the midst of all this turmoil a discovery for the Vilanders of Ottby is made, a secret unraveled, as one of their own beloved is really the son of the most powerful god. The waiting is suspenseful for how the kingdom of Alekka will survive as the king is overthrown, A new king steps up to save the kingdom, and a son discovers immortality and wants to help his earthly family. The Furycks of Slave Island are summoned but will they arrive in Aliens in time to help? A super intense saga, one you cannot put down! Next......!
February 18, 2025
In this book, all the stakes are raised as Reinar and Sigurd desperately want to get back to Ottby after both Alyc and Eddeth have dreamt about it being attacked, but not by whom. However, they are forced to wait with their ships for Jonas, Vik, and the rest of their men who must travel overland from Orvala. Meanwhile, Ake Bluefinn is also racing to Ottby to try and defend it, his dreamer having also seen it will be attacked.
The pace of this book is relentless as it combines action, suspense, drama and high emotion to deliver the most gripping book in the series so far. There is plenty of action spread throughout the story, taking place in a variety of different locations. As is usually the case, there are several plot twists and surprises woven in, just to keep you guessing what will happen next.
The pace of this book is relentless as it combines action, suspense, drama and high emotion to deliver the most gripping book in the series so far. There is plenty of action spread throughout the story, taking place in a variety of different locations. As is usually the case, there are several plot twists and surprises woven in, just to keep you guessing what will happen next.
May 4, 2022
A really good series for a lover of epic fantasy fiction. The twists and turns are going on throughout and the action is non stop.
I have dropped one star for this book as I felt the army that follows the main characters’ up and down Elekka barely gets a mention. They just seem to turn up when needed. What happened to them when everyone was jumping into boats? According to the author Gudrum took a large contingent of boats so there wouldn’t have been room in them for all the Ottby men, but when they get back to Ottby, suddenly there are 700 of them!
This is just a minor problem with the continuity as the book as a whole is great.😊
I have dropped one star for this book as I felt the army that follows the main characters’ up and down Elekka barely gets a mention. They just seem to turn up when needed. What happened to them when everyone was jumping into boats? According to the author Gudrum took a large contingent of boats so there wouldn’t have been room in them for all the Ottby men, but when they get back to Ottby, suddenly there are 700 of them!
This is just a minor problem with the continuity as the book as a whole is great.😊
December 3, 2021
Captivating for sure
#4 definately kept up with the other three. Is there going to be a #5?
Yes. Yes. This was a great set. Kept me interested and anxious for the next chapter in the characters lives. HOWEVER... there are so many twists and turns and introduction of new characters quite often and made it hard to keep up with who was who, when, and where and how they related to other characters. At times I had to backtrack to remember some things. BUT, would definately recommend this set of reads and will be looking into other books by the same author for sure.
#4 definately kept up with the other three. Is there going to be a #5?
Yes. Yes. This was a great set. Kept me interested and anxious for the next chapter in the characters lives. HOWEVER... there are so many twists and turns and introduction of new characters quite often and made it hard to keep up with who was who, when, and where and how they related to other characters. At times I had to backtrack to remember some things. BUT, would definately recommend this set of reads and will be looking into other books by the same author for sure.
December 19, 2021
Jael Furyck she ain't
I guess I was spoiled. The character Jael was such a badass and the whole series was so WOW and this series started out that way that I expected this was going to be on that level. Don't get me wrong I really do like the story so far but its kinda losing a lot of its appeal because of all the god inter play. I don't care for it. But it isn't my story it's hers, so I guess ill read the next one because guess who's coming to dinner? That's right Jael Furyck is coming to kickass.
I guess I was spoiled. The character Jael was such a badass and the whole series was so WOW and this series started out that way that I expected this was going to be on that level. Don't get me wrong I really do like the story so far but its kinda losing a lot of its appeal because of all the god inter play. I don't care for it. But it isn't my story it's hers, so I guess ill read the next one because guess who's coming to dinner? That's right Jael Furyck is coming to kickass.
December 2, 2021
I loved this series and was so disappointed when it ended. Please tell me that there will be more books in the Lords of Alekka series. I've come to love so many of the characters and can't wait to hopefully see what's in store for them. I rarely buy paper copies of the books I read but I bought every one in this series as well as The Furyck Saga! I can't say enough good things and highly recommend all of these books!
December 6, 2021
My favorite fantasy writer. When the new books are released I know I've just lost 2 days while I read it. No spoilers here. The story continues with more action and suspense than ever before. I love that there were no real stupid mistakes made although at one point I wanted to ring Raf's neck. I'm sure she'll give me reason to before the series end s. Enjoying Eddeth getting better with her gifts. Trying hard for no spoilers so read and enjoy. Please write and release next book quickly😊
March 30, 2023
dreamers really come into their own
Alys Edith raf are our living “good guys” not quite sure about raf but we’ll see fights upon fights with who wants Alexa saving soronos loosing otby its all. Very confusing but our group of merry people seem to be in the mix of those fighting for sorronos will they win or lose everything so many good things and somany bad can’t wait to find out
Alys Edith raf are our living “good guys” not quite sure about raf but we’ll see fights upon fights with who wants Alexa saving soronos loosing otby its all. Very confusing but our group of merry people seem to be in the mix of those fighting for sorronos will they win or lose everything so many good things and somany bad can’t wait to find out
November 23, 2021
An excellent fantasy saga with a well written plot and great world building. The many characters are well developed and very interesting. Contains plenty of fast paced action, lots of suspense, many battles, and several twists and turns. A real page turner that I highly recommend. Ready for the next book in this great saga!
November 24, 2021
There is so much going on in this book. It has ups and downs, twists and turns, and lots of emotion and heart. I really am enjoying this series, it was hard to put the book down till I finished it. Rayne makes the characters live and breathe; they do all the foolish things people do and the their gods are just a bad. I am looking forward to the next book.
November 29, 2021
Heart stopping.
O my what a series ,book one too book four ,they have everything that you need for the best fantasy series that you will ever read apart from the Furyck Saga, which was my previous reading marathon. I think I will be hard pressed to find another series as these reads. I am going to look now and search. Cannot beat a good read.
O my what a series ,book one too book four ,they have everything that you need for the best fantasy series that you will ever read apart from the Furyck Saga, which was my previous reading marathon. I think I will be hard pressed to find another series as these reads. I am going to look now and search. Cannot beat a good read.
January 11, 2022
Lord's of Aleikka stunning story
The main characters separate to fight many different armies trying to take over the North and the South to be the king of Alekka. The gods also played their part with Rainer destined to be king helped by his brother Siguard who is revealed to be a god.
The main characters separate to fight many different armies trying to take over the North and the South to be the king of Alekka. The gods also played their part with Rainer destined to be king helped by his brother Siguard who is revealed to be a god.
January 22, 2022
Take a deep breath- intense and spellbinding.
I think I forgot to breath during the battle of Ottby; And at sea; and then cried for the selfless sacrifices …. The intense buildup was only matched by the battles. Can’t wait for the next book and especially for Jael - glorious warrior- to step into the drama of Alekka.
I think I forgot to breath during the battle of Ottby; And at sea; and then cried for the selfless sacrifices …. The intense buildup was only matched by the battles. Can’t wait for the next book and especially for Jael - glorious warrior- to step into the drama of Alekka.
December 6, 2022
I have loved this series!
Stuck in bed, this series of books has been an absolute lifesaver! Great stories, some achingly good characterisation, (I particularly love Eddeth, Sigmund & all the weirdo Gods & witches. I have it enjoyed fantasy writing so much since Stephen T Donaldson. Wonderful!
Stuck in bed, this series of books has been an absolute lifesaver! Great stories, some achingly good characterisation, (I particularly love Eddeth, Sigmund & all the weirdo Gods & witches. I have it enjoyed fantasy writing so much since Stephen T Donaldson. Wonderful!
March 26, 2023
Heart of the King- The Lords of Alekka Book 4
Heart of the King continues the thrilling epic of The Lords of Alekka series. While some series seem to run out of steam after a few books, this one just keeps getting better! Prepare yourself for a wild ride of non-stop action, fascinating characters, romance, and plot twists that will keep you guessing. Never a boring moment!
Heart of the King continues the thrilling epic of The Lords of Alekka series. While some series seem to run out of steam after a few books, this one just keeps getting better! Prepare yourself for a wild ride of non-stop action, fascinating characters, romance, and plot twists that will keep you guessing. Never a boring moment!
April 6, 2025
Wow! This book is filled with action! Nonstop. As their world around them crumbles, the main characters continue to discover and build their powers. There is an endless supply of hateable characters in this story. It will be both interesting and fun reading to see how this story continues! What an imagination!
February 2, 2022
I enjoyed it.
I really really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that it took too long after the one before it, so I had a hard time situating the players especially people like Gudrun and Tarl. Looks like the two series are about to merge. I’ve missed Jael and Eadmund. Hope it doesn’t take too long though.
I really really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that it took too long after the one before it, so I had a hard time situating the players especially people like Gudrun and Tarl. Looks like the two series are about to merge. I’ve missed Jael and Eadmund. Hope it doesn’t take too long though.
May 25, 2022
Good Read!
I have enjoyed reading this book very much. Word pictures painted helped make this book very easy to step into. It’s almost like a time machine allowing me to move back in time.
I have enjoyed reading this book very much. Word pictures painted helped make this book very easy to step into. It’s almost like a time machine allowing me to move back in time.
August 8, 2022
When, oh when, will Elin meet her end? When will it be revealed that she's not as good as Reinar thinks she is. Agnette knows - except that she doesn't. So frustrating.
But JAEL! Jael is on her way!!
But JAEL! Jael is on her way!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2022
Good reading
It didn't take as long to get into the meat of the action. The beginning is very slow, but there is more happening in quicker.
Anyone that likes Ms. Rayne will enjoy this book as well.
It didn't take as long to get into the meat of the action. The beginning is very slow, but there is more happening in quicker.
Anyone that likes Ms. Rayne will enjoy this book as well.
Read
October 15, 2022Exciting adventures, magic
Great characters, exciting adventures with magic .these books are well written with a flare and as you read them you feel present in the story of these warriors, family and friends
Great characters, exciting adventures with magic .these books are well written with a flare and as you read them you feel present in the story of these warriors, family and friends
March 25, 2024
Another one 😂
Intense, frustrating, nail biting, panic inducing, cheering, crying, anger, defensiveness, protective. This is but a short list of the emotions you'll be experiencing reading this book, so sit back and enjoy because you'll be begging for more when it's done.
Intense, frustrating, nail biting, panic inducing, cheering, crying, anger, defensiveness, protective. This is but a short list of the emotions you'll be experiencing reading this book, so sit back and enjoy because you'll be begging for more when it's done.
June 18, 2024
Heart of the King
I can't put these books down. I think I
have now read all of them and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. A E Rayne is a fantastic writer and I'm so glad I discovered her books.
I can't put these books down. I think I
have now read all of them and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. A E Rayne is a fantastic writer and I'm so glad I discovered her books.
January 12, 2026
Amazing
Just when I thought it couldn't get any better and Bam!! It did. This one is non stop action, from beginning to end. Exciting to say the least. On to the next adventure!!!!!
Just when I thought it couldn't get any better and Bam!! It did. This one is non stop action, from beginning to end. Exciting to say the least. On to the next adventure!!!!!
November 23, 2021
Action packed, suspenseful, and fast paced…you will be unable to put this book down!
November 26, 2021
Fabulous!!
Totally gripping from book one to book four, literally couldn't put it down, eager to read others by this brilliant author.
Totally gripping from book one to book four, literally couldn't put it down, eager to read others by this brilliant author.
December 1, 2021
Riveting
Amazing and spellbinding! I could not put this book down! I love these characters and the flow between worlds! Thank you
Amazing and spellbinding! I could not put this book down! I love these characters and the flow between worlds! Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews