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The King's Watch #10
Four Roads Cross
The last time Conrad was unemployed, he got a visit from the Allfather. Look where that got him...
And now the Gnomes of Lakeland want him to be the new Commissioner.
A simple job: sort out the Assessors and put the Grand Union on a stable footing. They’re even willing to pay for an assistant to help him with the difficult magick stuff. What could possibly go wrong?
When you have two powerful factions who both think that they're above the law, you have a recipe for trouble when they fall out. Conrad has barely unpacked his suitcase before the Fae Queen of Derwent is in a standoff with the Greenings, and neither side look like they want to back down.
The peaceful fells and dales of Lakeland are about to see an all-out war unless Conrad, Cordelia and his under-strength team can keep them apart. When the walls close in, Conrad will need to make new friends and watch his back.
It all starts with a race down Great Langdale and it ends with an appointment at Lakeland’s oldest boundary marker, the Four Roads Cross.
And now the Gnomes of Lakeland want him to be the new Commissioner.
A simple job: sort out the Assessors and put the Grand Union on a stable footing. They’re even willing to pay for an assistant to help him with the difficult magick stuff. What could possibly go wrong?
When you have two powerful factions who both think that they're above the law, you have a recipe for trouble when they fall out. Conrad has barely unpacked his suitcase before the Fae Queen of Derwent is in a standoff with the Greenings, and neither side look like they want to back down.
The peaceful fells and dales of Lakeland are about to see an all-out war unless Conrad, Cordelia and his under-strength team can keep them apart. When the walls close in, Conrad will need to make new friends and watch his back.
It all starts with a race down Great Langdale and it ends with an appointment at Lakeland’s oldest boundary marker, the Four Roads Cross.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2021
157 people are currently reading
127 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 49 reviews
January 12, 2022
I think this one may be a 2.5 or 2.75.
While the King's Watch stories are still fairly entertaining, I found myself bored and just a little confused during most of this installment. I feel like the deeper into the series I get, the more I notice how quickly these books are put together and edited. I think I'm mostly disappointed in the editing, actually. The flow and continuity of the story feel like they could be more polished. The switching of character point of views - especially in this one - are unnecessary and disjointed. In Four Roads Cross, I particularly had a problem with character motivations and decision making. Leaps of logic were made (or at least it felt like it); actions were taken without any real reasoning or even emotional buy-in. I think most of this could have been solved by a little more time spent editing and making the story tighter instead of roping in as many previous characters and backstories as possible.
And I still have an issue with setting up a scene and then *BAM* "I'm not going to tell you what happened, you'll just have to read about it in this short story about this character you don't care about." Sorry, if the story isn't a Vicky/Conrad team up, then I don't care.
Speaking of, I miss Vicky.
While the King's Watch stories are still fairly entertaining, I found myself bored and just a little confused during most of this installment. I feel like the deeper into the series I get, the more I notice how quickly these books are put together and edited. I think I'm mostly disappointed in the editing, actually. The flow and continuity of the story feel like they could be more polished. The switching of character point of views - especially in this one - are unnecessary and disjointed. In Four Roads Cross, I particularly had a problem with character motivations and decision making. Leaps of logic were made (or at least it felt like it); actions were taken without any real reasoning or even emotional buy-in. I think most of this could have been solved by a little more time spent editing and making the story tighter instead of roping in as many previous characters and backstories as possible.
And I still have an issue with setting up a scene and then *BAM* "I'm not going to tell you what happened, you'll just have to read about it in this short story about this character you don't care about." Sorry, if the story isn't a Vicky/Conrad team up, then I don't care.
Speaking of, I miss Vicky.
December 12, 2021
Well, that was quite the ending was not expecting it to end that way at all. Mark is ramping it up for the end of the series hope he can do it justice with the high standards he’s set with this book.
Highly recommended to all my good read friends.
Highly recommended to all my good read friends.
December 13, 2021
Sigh.....I have read every book in the series, so far. This includes the stand-alone short stories. I have enjoyed all of them, and, rated them highly. Until now.
My Rating of “3” is generous. The best word to describe this book is...tedious. It is a slog, with endless side plots and activities; and more characters than War & Peace.
Endless discussions, babble, and talk; in which pretty much nothing happens. Conrad, in this work, just floats along, flying, riding, and practicing his swordsmanship. No plans, no direction, just an extended holiday in which he is seen in all-too-many locations.
It seems, after the explosive ending to the prior volume; that the author hasn’t a clue what to do with all these people. Much like the film “The Man Who Invented Christmas”; the key characters sit around, waiting for a plot.
Now that I’ve finished, I am borderline clueless as to the huge and confused mass of outcomes. People running about, people dying, lots of agreements, compromises, and a fair bit of handshaking. As regards the long-term key characters, it does not seem that their stories or lives are much changed. So, what was it all about? If somone has a PowerPoint outline of fewer than three slides, please post it!
How did this go so wrong?
My Rating of “3” is generous. The best word to describe this book is...tedious. It is a slog, with endless side plots and activities; and more characters than War & Peace.
Endless discussions, babble, and talk; in which pretty much nothing happens. Conrad, in this work, just floats along, flying, riding, and practicing his swordsmanship. No plans, no direction, just an extended holiday in which he is seen in all-too-many locations.
It seems, after the explosive ending to the prior volume; that the author hasn’t a clue what to do with all these people. Much like the film “The Man Who Invented Christmas”; the key characters sit around, waiting for a plot.
Now that I’ve finished, I am borderline clueless as to the huge and confused mass of outcomes. People running about, people dying, lots of agreements, compromises, and a fair bit of handshaking. As regards the long-term key characters, it does not seem that their stories or lives are much changed. So, what was it all about? If somone has a PowerPoint outline of fewer than three slides, please post it!
How did this go so wrong?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2022
I don’t know what happened to this book, I enjoyed the others in the series but found this one fractured and annoying. It was particularly annoying that the pov kept changing so it was unclear who was “speaking” there are now so many characters woven in that the story line is obscured. So it was disappointing for me and I didn’t finish it. I might try again but am not sure.
I managed to finish it. There were bits that were engaging and bubbly but bits that were disjointed and vague. I still don’t like the swapping of the pov and having to work out who is talking , it is annoying and distracting .
I managed to finish it. There were bits that were engaging and bubbly but bits that were disjointed and vague. I still don’t like the swapping of the pov and having to work out who is talking , it is annoying and distracting .
April 16, 2023
The Power Behind The Throne
My Thoughts:
The thing I like about this series is that Mark Hayden takes common concepts, insert it into the story, and thereby giving the story a common ground with the reader from which to weave his fiction, i.e., Brexit. This may not be as relevant to readers outside the UK though, but it is quite relevant to me.
It took me a long time to read this book even with the convenience that the audiobook format offered. It has also been a while since I've read the last book (Five Leaf Clover) that I have forgotten a lot of the characters. So, I have to pause to try to remember... who was that again!... I think the author might have an inkling about this. That readers are having a hard time keeping track of who's who because he published a handy list of characters in his website which I am thankful for! The story also kind of meandered around with seemingly no direction which made me loss interest. Thus it was a struggle to keep reading the book. So, no, this is not a fast-paced read.
Like the previous book(s), this one is also an advertisement for the novellas in the world of Conrad Clarke, i.e., French Leave, Fire Games. Reading this book without reading those novellas will leave readers slightly confused. It left me slightly confused for a minute there! (Obviously I have not read the novellas.)
Also in this book we see more of Cordelia which previous books has been pointing towards this story line. And now, here it is!
This book made me cry towards the end... and I want to know what was Lucas' intent, actually?! I can make guesses. But I don't want to guess. I want answers!
This is my first Tamsin Kennard audiobook and I like her voice. Her narration works well with Ciaran Saward's in this book. Kudos to the audiobook director and the narrators!
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 3.5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 3
Writing Style = 3.5
Ending = 3
World building = 4
Cover art = 3
Pace = (15 hrs and 53 mins listening time)
Plot = 3
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5
May 19, 2025
Following the events that changed the entire face of the FAE world in Ireland, Conrad Clarke now finds himself no longer part of the King's Watch. But Nimue and the Allfather still have plans for the suddenly unemployed Watch Captain. For years those in the Lakelands have separated themselves from the jurisdiction of the Watch, but now, those who rule and control the Particular and its Assessors know that they need a change...and that change is Conrad BLOODY Clarke. Newly appointed Commissioner, along with remaining as the Protector of the North, Conrad has received his marching orders from those above him. Bring the Particular INTO the King's Tower. But it takes another conflict between the FAE and the Mundane...over a magnificent Unicorn among other things, that finally opens the way. The only thing Conrad WASN'T prepared for was a betrayal by one of those closest to him. Yet, that betrayal pales in comparison to the plot to drive a goddess into insanity.
Book 10 of Mark Hayden's KING'S WATCH adventures is an interesting change to the previous world that Hayden has created. While he continues to expand the circle of characters and major players who make up the universe of CONRAD CLARKE, he pulls the rug out from under him by taking away the support structure that has been the stabilizing foundation foe Conrad's journey through these adventures. One of the cool things about Hayden's world and characters is...NO ONE IS SAFE. Mark will take even the most integral part of Conrad's life and turn it on its head. The series is now rushing to its conclusion and the story lines are heating up.
NOTE: While the full length novels flow one into another and are pretty entangled, I would definitely recommend going outside the main story arc and read the multiple short stories that Hayden and co-writer for those stories, Lucy Campbell, have written that fill in more than a few of the side adventures alluded to throughout the main series. Mark's side journeys are available in both Paper and eBook while Lucy's are currently only available in eBook.
Book 10 of Mark Hayden's KING'S WATCH adventures is an interesting change to the previous world that Hayden has created. While he continues to expand the circle of characters and major players who make up the universe of CONRAD CLARKE, he pulls the rug out from under him by taking away the support structure that has been the stabilizing foundation foe Conrad's journey through these adventures. One of the cool things about Hayden's world and characters is...NO ONE IS SAFE. Mark will take even the most integral part of Conrad's life and turn it on its head. The series is now rushing to its conclusion and the story lines are heating up.
NOTE: While the full length novels flow one into another and are pretty entangled, I would definitely recommend going outside the main story arc and read the multiple short stories that Hayden and co-writer for those stories, Lucy Campbell, have written that fill in more than a few of the side adventures alluded to throughout the main series. Mark's side journeys are available in both Paper and eBook while Lucy's are currently only available in eBook.
January 1, 2022
Read for PopSugar 2022 #29, An Author You Read in 2021
In this 10th book of the King's Watch, we continue to see Conrad's position unfold and grow, as he comes more into his own magic. He and Mina are still wedding planning and he's still dealing with treacherous Fae, as well as some of his own team who have other agendas than his own.
This book is substantively longer than many of the earlier ones.
In this 10th book of the King's Watch, we continue to see Conrad's position unfold and grow, as he comes more into his own magic. He and Mina are still wedding planning and he's still dealing with treacherous Fae, as well as some of his own team who have other agendas than his own.
This book is substantively longer than many of the earlier ones.
December 14, 2021
Wow! What a ride. I guess the highest praise I can give such a novel is that even though it was the longest one in the series so far, I wasn’t ready for it to be over.
It has to be very difficult juggling all these characters and places the longer the series gets, but Mr. Hayden does it masterfully; just when the story threatened to burst at the seams with all the characters’ stories criss-crossing and overlapping and crashing headlong into one another, a corner would be turned or a perspective changed, and I could catch my breath again - briefly, before the next drop of the tracks.
Highly recommended, and the short stories and in-betweeners are just as enjoyable as the “main” tales, in my opinion. Check them all out. You won’t be disappointed.
It has to be very difficult juggling all these characters and places the longer the series gets, but Mr. Hayden does it masterfully; just when the story threatened to burst at the seams with all the characters’ stories criss-crossing and overlapping and crashing headlong into one another, a corner would be turned or a perspective changed, and I could catch my breath again - briefly, before the next drop of the tracks.
Highly recommended, and the short stories and in-betweeners are just as enjoyable as the “main” tales, in my opinion. Check them all out. You won’t be disappointed.
February 12, 2023
Fab series.
May 27, 2023
2023 bk 188. I have loved this series and getting to know Conrad and Mina. The books have stayed fairly consistently strong in style, although I have not enjoyed the north country books quite as much as those set in the south. That said, this story left me with more questions than the others and feeling bereft because of the horrible sense of betrayal. This book did wrap up a lot of the side plots, since the major plot line had been wrapped up in #9. So I'm left wondering - what is next?
September 14, 2023
Too Many Points of View
Hayden is still an excellent author, and his story is good. But there are so many points of view in this book, and it's extremely difficult to figure out who is now the protagonist. It's jarring! I'm beginning to feel that the series is too long, and there's just too much going on. Another aspect that I dislike intensely is the direct reference in the novels to the side novels, which are written by a family member who is not as good as he is. I would happily read the side novels, but I don't like part of this story depending on information in them. According to the numbering system, there are three novels left. I'm not sure if I'm going to finish them, but if he extends past those three, I will definitely stop. It's been a good run up till now, but I think he's losing focus.
Hayden is still an excellent author, and his story is good. But there are so many points of view in this book, and it's extremely difficult to figure out who is now the protagonist. It's jarring! I'm beginning to feel that the series is too long, and there's just too much going on. Another aspect that I dislike intensely is the direct reference in the novels to the side novels, which are written by a family member who is not as good as he is. I would happily read the side novels, but I don't like part of this story depending on information in them. According to the numbering system, there are three novels left. I'm not sure if I'm going to finish them, but if he extends past those three, I will definitely stop. It's been a good run up till now, but I think he's losing focus.
June 8, 2022
A Bit Disappointed
I'm disappointed in the novel, and the fact that I couldn't, in good conscience, rate this higher than 3 stars.
Unfortunately, I also have to reach the same conclusion as a lot of the other reviewers out there. The series is getting bogged down with so many characters, that it has begun to take away from the main premise of the story. I'm at the point where I don't feel I should have to go back and forth between documents to keep straight who's who, and than to have an entire separate list for just this book alone, sent me into overload.
There's a lot of extraneous material constantly mentioned that could easily be cut. Another reviewer mentioned the wedding, and said it would be more exciting at this point if Conrad and Mina split up, and I hate to say it, but at this juncture, I'd have to agree. We get it by now-they're engaged and there's a wedding/weddings to be had in the future. Under these current circumstances, it's subsequently heading toward it requiring it's own devoted book.
I was also grateful to read other reviews that made me feel as if I wasn't the only one to feel lost, confused, and perplexed. I too had to read back a few pages, and was constantly using the Kindle search feature to help me feel less dazed and scrambled. There's nothing worse than an author planting the seed of doubt in the reader, as to their comprehensive abilities to retain, assimilate, and digest the written word presented.
I think at this point, Hayden needs to try and begin to wrap this up. Lengthy series don't generally work out when there's more than a few main characters. And don't even get me started on these "side" novellas that I feel forced to read!!
I also started this when all 10 had been released, being under the impression this was a completed body of work. Now to find out this is not the case, makes me almost regret all the time I've spent on reading these 10, in addition to the 7 novellas!
Not sure how many more of these I can handle. This last one eluded to the fact that there's still a lot more Hayden plans on writing about. And since he takes approximately 7 months in between releases, that could easily be another 2+ years were talking. Ugh!!!
I'm disappointed in the novel, and the fact that I couldn't, in good conscience, rate this higher than 3 stars.
Unfortunately, I also have to reach the same conclusion as a lot of the other reviewers out there. The series is getting bogged down with so many characters, that it has begun to take away from the main premise of the story. I'm at the point where I don't feel I should have to go back and forth between documents to keep straight who's who, and than to have an entire separate list for just this book alone, sent me into overload.
There's a lot of extraneous material constantly mentioned that could easily be cut. Another reviewer mentioned the wedding, and said it would be more exciting at this point if Conrad and Mina split up, and I hate to say it, but at this juncture, I'd have to agree. We get it by now-they're engaged and there's a wedding/weddings to be had in the future. Under these current circumstances, it's subsequently heading toward it requiring it's own devoted book.
I was also grateful to read other reviews that made me feel as if I wasn't the only one to feel lost, confused, and perplexed. I too had to read back a few pages, and was constantly using the Kindle search feature to help me feel less dazed and scrambled. There's nothing worse than an author planting the seed of doubt in the reader, as to their comprehensive abilities to retain, assimilate, and digest the written word presented.
I think at this point, Hayden needs to try and begin to wrap this up. Lengthy series don't generally work out when there's more than a few main characters. And don't even get me started on these "side" novellas that I feel forced to read!!
I also started this when all 10 had been released, being under the impression this was a completed body of work. Now to find out this is not the case, makes me almost regret all the time I've spent on reading these 10, in addition to the 7 novellas!
Not sure how many more of these I can handle. This last one eluded to the fact that there's still a lot more Hayden plans on writing about. And since he takes approximately 7 months in between releases, that could easily be another 2+ years were talking. Ugh!!!
April 26, 2022
Wow Conrad is out of a job; or is he??? Turns out that while the Kings Watch may not want him there are others who do. This is another great installment in the series and it sees Conrad investigating an event near and dear to his own desires, a horse race. Well not just any horse race; but the premier horse race for England's magical beings through multiple dimensions aboard Unicorns no less.
This installment also provides more insight into Cordelia's motives and tests her loyalty to Conrad and the Kings Watch. It provides a further chance for Mina to grow and gives some true insights into Tamsin and the true story about how she came to go from 30 something to 16.
It's full of fresh new characters, new places, Mark Hayden loves the Lakes District and twists. It wasn't my favorite in the series but is was refreshing to see Conrad out of the Kings Watch but still kicking butt. Who knows what he will get up to in the next installment; it's due Spring 2022.
This installment also provides more insight into Cordelia's motives and tests her loyalty to Conrad and the Kings Watch. It provides a further chance for Mina to grow and gives some true insights into Tamsin and the true story about how she came to go from 30 something to 16.
It's full of fresh new characters, new places, Mark Hayden loves the Lakes District and twists. It wasn't my favorite in the series but is was refreshing to see Conrad out of the Kings Watch but still kicking butt. Who knows what he will get up to in the next installment; it's due Spring 2022.
January 30, 2022
Crikey - Book 10 - This is a good one but you need to read carefully!
Okay for those who moaned … you really need to read the first part of the last three quarters of the book carefully, slowly & remember who the characters are. It’s not confusing, it’s not poorly written - quite the opposite - you obviously need something simpler for your IQ’s or take your time & go back a few pages sometimes to make sure you understand. I had the same trouble a few times & due to the sheer amount of what was going on it was hard going which is unusual. Hence the book loses a star, but it’s not the worst book in the serious by a very long mile.
Nice to see some things from previous books make a reappearance as well along with relationships, friendships etc. moving on.
Looking forward to the next one.
Okay for those who moaned … you really need to read the first part of the last three quarters of the book carefully, slowly & remember who the characters are. It’s not confusing, it’s not poorly written - quite the opposite - you obviously need something simpler for your IQ’s or take your time & go back a few pages sometimes to make sure you understand. I had the same trouble a few times & due to the sheer amount of what was going on it was hard going which is unusual. Hence the book loses a star, but it’s not the worst book in the serious by a very long mile.
Nice to see some things from previous books make a reappearance as well along with relationships, friendships etc. moving on.
Looking forward to the next one.
February 6, 2022
relaxing , engaging, and fun
The stories of the King’s Watch continue to be engaging and to grow in complexity and fullness (these are good things). My one request is the the author come up with a better way for us readers to keep track of the characters. He HAS laid it out online in a long table, but it’s not as well organized as it should be, and it’s unwieldy to have to keep referencing it online rather than within the books themselves.
Other than that, the books have retained their quality through ten books so far without any fall-off and I recommend them as light, fun, but not overly-simplistic or formulaic reads. For the record: 3 stars from me is a “good read” and worth the time. 4 stars, are for truly fantastic books, and 5 stars are reserved for books that either fundamentally changed my life perspective or are simply so brilliant that I am in awe.
The stories of the King’s Watch continue to be engaging and to grow in complexity and fullness (these are good things). My one request is the the author come up with a better way for us readers to keep track of the characters. He HAS laid it out online in a long table, but it’s not as well organized as it should be, and it’s unwieldy to have to keep referencing it online rather than within the books themselves.
Other than that, the books have retained their quality through ten books so far without any fall-off and I recommend them as light, fun, but not overly-simplistic or formulaic reads. For the record: 3 stars from me is a “good read” and worth the time. 4 stars, are for truly fantastic books, and 5 stars are reserved for books that either fundamentally changed my life perspective or are simply so brilliant that I am in awe.
December 25, 2021
Brilliant as usual.
Longer than usual but well worth it, if you have never read this series start at the beginning and it will all make sense and your appreciation for mole related comments on the webpage will also become clear. I made this book last longer than usual too instead of reading it quickly, so, it is Christmas morning and what better way to finish this latest story than with a cup of coffee and a cat for company. Looking forward to Spring now and not only for the sunshine and warmer weather. Keep up the the good work Mr Hayden and thank you Mrs Hayden for letting him.
Longer than usual but well worth it, if you have never read this series start at the beginning and it will all make sense and your appreciation for mole related comments on the webpage will also become clear. I made this book last longer than usual too instead of reading it quickly, so, it is Christmas morning and what better way to finish this latest story than with a cup of coffee and a cat for company. Looking forward to Spring now and not only for the sunshine and warmer weather. Keep up the the good work Mr Hayden and thank you Mrs Hayden for letting him.
January 25, 2023
Wow! 10 books in three weeks and I have enjoyed the experience greatly!
Four Roads Cross, maintains the high level of quality storytelling and I am in the depth of depression now that I have to wait for the next book. The lake country which is as lonely as it is beautiful is the setting for this tale. That is my opinion, but I have no magic, and a 30-year-old memory. This has all the elements that has made these books so enjoyable, the magic community, Mina, the return of Katrina, the wolf pack, all that other stuff that forces Conrad to act. How long do I have to wait for the next book?
Four Roads Cross, maintains the high level of quality storytelling and I am in the depth of depression now that I have to wait for the next book. The lake country which is as lonely as it is beautiful is the setting for this tale. That is my opinion, but I have no magic, and a 30-year-old memory. This has all the elements that has made these books so enjoyable, the magic community, Mina, the return of Katrina, the wolf pack, all that other stuff that forces Conrad to act. How long do I have to wait for the next book?
July 19, 2024
Magic show nightmare w/in another great novel.
I've got to lead with this: the latest parlor mystery party underscores the single challenge for me in the series. A lot of characters were there. Sometimes they were referred to by first name, or last, or by title. George is female. Many are lesser characters and so not as firm in my mind. Such a headache! By the last 4 chapters I couldn't discern how anything at the party had helped move along the plot. And a reveal at the end of the party came out of left field. Implications of the issue were not elaborated on. Otherwise another book in a well plotted, interesting series.
I've got to lead with this: the latest parlor mystery party underscores the single challenge for me in the series. A lot of characters were there. Sometimes they were referred to by first name, or last, or by title. George is female. Many are lesser characters and so not as firm in my mind. Such a headache! By the last 4 chapters I couldn't discern how anything at the party had helped move along the plot. And a reveal at the end of the party came out of left field. Implications of the issue were not elaborated on. Otherwise another book in a well plotted, interesting series.
November 6, 2023
I started this series on 23 October. It's only 6 November and I have just two books left, Tangled Bow and Third Eye. How will I cope when I have finished? For me it has been the best series since David Eddings' four sets: Belgariad, Mallorean, Elenium and Tamuli. It is totally different to them but riveting, humorous, well written, scary, exciting, full of engaging characters (and nasty ones).
I think I shall have to wait a couple of months and re-read the whole lot.
I think I shall have to wait a couple of months and re-read the whole lot.
December 6, 2021
I love the King's Watch series.
I've been reading the series from The 13th Witch and haven't found a disappointing book yet,
You find yourself rooting for the characters almost automatically and the only problem is that you can start reading, then look up and find that 2 hours have passed. Excellent!
I've been reading the series from The 13th Witch and haven't found a disappointing book yet,
You find yourself rooting for the characters almost automatically and the only problem is that you can start reading, then look up and find that 2 hours have passed. Excellent!
December 12, 2021
Conrad at his Best
This series just gets better and better. All the characters grow with every book and the events just sweep you along. Great plots, believable characters, terrific writing. What’s not to like. And of course the scenery. One of the best series of fantasy books In be ever read
This series just gets better and better. All the characters grow with every book and the events just sweep you along. Great plots, believable characters, terrific writing. What’s not to like. And of course the scenery. One of the best series of fantasy books In be ever read
December 20, 2021
Mmm, what to say I am sure that others will have waxed lyrical about this book while others will be disappointed. I do enjoy Mark's books in this series except for his want to change things that have not been in place for decades. The stories that he writes are getting a bit formulaic but are still a good read.
January 11, 2022
Amazing series
I've thoroughly enjoyed The King's Watch series. It's imaginative, descriptive to the point where I could see the pictures in my mind, made sense despite the convoluted storyline and I couldn't wait to read the next book, and the next! Thank you Mark Hayden, sincerely.
I've thoroughly enjoyed The King's Watch series. It's imaginative, descriptive to the point where I could see the pictures in my mind, made sense despite the convoluted storyline and I couldn't wait to read the next book, and the next! Thank you Mark Hayden, sincerely.
January 16, 2022
Magik and meyhem!
Conrad and Mina continue with wedding plans and they seem to be getting more and more complicated . The Red Queen loses a High Unicorn race and all hell breaks loose! A brilliant continuation of the amazing story of Conrad Clark. Hurry up Spring 2022, I need more...
Conrad and Mina continue with wedding plans and they seem to be getting more and more complicated . The Red Queen loses a High Unicorn race and all hell breaks loose! A brilliant continuation of the amazing story of Conrad Clark. Hurry up Spring 2022, I need more...
January 24, 2022
Excellent
The whole series is excellent. I discovered this series of magical fantasy books just before Christmas 2021. I have read the whole series and cannot wait for The Third Eye. I have also read the complete short novella series, which are also excellent. Thank Mark Hayden and Lucy Campbell
The whole series is excellent. I discovered this series of magical fantasy books just before Christmas 2021. I have read the whole series and cannot wait for The Third Eye. I have also read the complete short novella series, which are also excellent. Thank Mark Hayden and Lucy Campbell
March 26, 2022
Felt as a setup for next books in the series as one of the more overarching storylines have ended in the last book. There were too many secondary characters. Would love to see Conrad focus on one single mystery. He was hopping through multiple responsibilities mundane and magical all at once. So the book lacked focus and ended bitter sweet.
December 7, 2021
Great Stuff.
Loved it. These books get better and better. Not too sure about "bored off" though, and for me a span is a bridge, but these are minor niggles. I gobbled up the end so fast, I had to go back and read it again. Looking forward to the next one.
Loved it. These books get better and better. Not too sure about "bored off" though, and for me a span is a bridge, but these are minor niggles. I gobbled up the end so fast, I had to go back and read it again. Looking forward to the next one.
December 14, 2021
Brilliant
Another great instalment in the kings watch series! There is a lot going on and a lot of different characters but its a romp a minute from beginning to end. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book already
Another great instalment in the kings watch series! There is a lot going on and a lot of different characters but its a romp a minute from beginning to end. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book already
December 14, 2021
This wedding!
How much fuss and arranging is really necessary for this annoying wedding? It’s distracting and getting boring. However, this story is fairly well imagined and devised, so one can escape from wedding planning into the adventure and plotting.
How much fuss and arranging is really necessary for this annoying wedding? It’s distracting and getting boring. However, this story is fairly well imagined and devised, so one can escape from wedding planning into the adventure and plotting.
January 13, 2022
Conrad is building his supporters
I enjoyed the formula that addresses the main story but takes time to weave all of the extra strands together allowing all the sub stories to continue seamlessly. Another good read from Mark Hayden.
I enjoyed the formula that addresses the main story but takes time to weave all of the extra strands together allowing all the sub stories to continue seamlessly. Another good read from Mark Hayden.
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