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Khyven the Unkillable
A rising champion. A secret rebellion. A deadly crossroads.
After forty-nine victories in the bloody Night Ring, Khyven the Unkillable is a celebrity gladiator. If he can survive one more battle, King Vamreth will free him and declare him a knight.
But the king doesn’t play fair.
Instead, for Khyven’s fiftieth “battle,” the king orders him to travel through the magical noktum and infiltrate the secret lair of a rebel leader known only as “The Queen in Exile.” All Khyven must do to earn his knighthood is gain the queen’s trust…
…and betray her
After forty-nine victories in the bloody Night Ring, Khyven the Unkillable is a celebrity gladiator. If he can survive one more battle, King Vamreth will free him and declare him a knight.
But the king doesn’t play fair.
Instead, for Khyven’s fiftieth “battle,” the king orders him to travel through the magical noktum and infiltrate the secret lair of a rebel leader known only as “The Queen in Exile.” All Khyven must do to earn his knighthood is gain the queen’s trust…
…and betray her
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2021
37 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Todd Fahnestock
47 books81 followersTODD FAHNESTOCK is a fantasy/sci-fi author of the bestselling Tower of the Four, Threadweavers and The Whisper Prince series. He was a winner of the New York Public Library’s Books for the Teen Age, a finalist for the Colorado Book Award in 2021 for Tower of the Four: The Champions Academy, and a finalist in the Colorado Authors League Writing Awards for the past two years, for Charlie Fiction and The Undying Man. His passions are fantasy and his quirky, fun-loving family. When he’s not writing, he teaches taekwondo, swaps middle grade humor with his son, plays Ticket to Ride with his wife, scribes modern slang from his daughter and goes on morning walks with Galahad the Weimaraner. Visit Todd at www.toddfahnestock.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 3, 2022
A great launch for the new shared world of Eldros Legacy. I’m a sucker, and can’t resist these type of things and I’m eager for more.
December 8, 2021
Excellent new epic fantasy!
Khyven is a great character. This is the first book in a new epic fantasy series and I can't wait to read the next one!
Khyven is a great character. This is the first book in a new epic fantasy series and I can't wait to read the next one!
August 17, 2023
This was a quick and dirty read – and I mean that in the best way. Khyven the Unkillable is faced-paced, gritty and dark and it has all the elements to cater up to a big audience: fantasy, mystery, magic, a bit of romance, companionship/found family, everything a good read needs. And not only does the author use the right ingredients, he also knows how to prepare them. The characters that seemed somewhat flat at the beginning, quickly began evolving in the course of the story. There are four different perspectives, Khyven clearly whopping the majority of the book (but then he IS starring in the title).
The worldbuilding is intriguing, there are lots of tidbits, but never a huge info-dump. As this is a book in a shared world, I guess we will slowly get a bigger picture when the story moves on. And I am really curious to see if any of the characters in this book will influence the story later on, too.
The magic system is still something of a mystery for me, but I am pretty sure that it’s done on purpose.
There are quite a few questions remaining unanswered at the end of the book. And I’ll admit, I’m hooked and want to know more about the Eldros Legacy now.
The worldbuilding is intriguing, there are lots of tidbits, but never a huge info-dump. As this is a book in a shared world, I guess we will slowly get a bigger picture when the story moves on. And I am really curious to see if any of the characters in this book will influence the story later on, too.
The magic system is still something of a mystery for me, but I am pretty sure that it’s done on purpose.
There are quite a few questions remaining unanswered at the end of the book. And I’ll admit, I’m hooked and want to know more about the Eldros Legacy now.
June 25, 2022
7.5/10*
A very good read, just a wee bit on the fast side of things.
Good action, interesting world, good characters.
A very good read, just a wee bit on the fast side of things.
Good action, interesting world, good characters.
August 11, 2024
I picked this one up at the Salt Lake Fan-X, The author, Todd Fahnestock, had his own booth and he was selling hard to just about anyone paying attention there, including me and my family. It was enough that we picked up a couple books here and there and this was the one I nabbed. And indeed the steak matches the sizzle here. This read a lot like those great old Forgotten Realms or Dragonlance books read. Good hard fantasy with a lot of action and even character growth.
The titular hero, Khyven, was entertaining to follow, and he of course grows the most through these books. Perhaps the greatest is his change from not just surviving but finding something to live for. He's skilled but not infallible and he stumbles and struggles to the end. For the most part we follow his viewpoint, but we get a couple others in the course of the novel, from the villain Vamreth to the strange Luminent (one of the fantasy races within the novel) named Lorelle. These viewpoints add additional insight to the world and the plot as well as our title character.
The world building is interesting, and the locale of the noktum was particularly so. The main world has much that takes from typical fantasy, but the noktum adds a strange, different layer that remains ill-known by most in the book.. In the end, this book left me wanting more which is a good thing. Also, that's why I didn't entirely care for the cliffhangers at the end, though I suppose knowing already that it was first in a series mitigated that. The book on its own was entertaining enough that mid-way through I was saying I should get more of Fahnestock's work, let it stand there I say!
Interesting note: this is a part of a great work of multiple authors -- The Eldros Legacy. If this series holds its own, it speaks well for me to check out others to see how it all comes together in the end.
The titular hero, Khyven, was entertaining to follow, and he of course grows the most through these books. Perhaps the greatest is his change from not just surviving but finding something to live for. He's skilled but not infallible and he stumbles and struggles to the end. For the most part we follow his viewpoint, but we get a couple others in the course of the novel, from the villain Vamreth to the strange Luminent (one of the fantasy races within the novel) named Lorelle. These viewpoints add additional insight to the world and the plot as well as our title character.
The world building is interesting, and the locale of the noktum was particularly so. The main world has much that takes from typical fantasy, but the noktum adds a strange, different layer that remains ill-known by most in the book.. In the end, this book left me wanting more which is a good thing. Also, that's why I didn't entirely care for the cliffhangers at the end, though I suppose knowing already that it was first in a series mitigated that. The book on its own was entertaining enough that mid-way through I was saying I should get more of Fahnestock's work, let it stand there I say!
Interesting note: this is a part of a great work of multiple authors -- The Eldros Legacy. If this series holds its own, it speaks well for me to check out others to see how it all comes together in the end.
August 4, 2024
This was a fun read. Fahnestock is certainly a skilled writer. However, the pacing felt a bit off to me. The first half was great, then things just started to move far too quickly, to the point where it was difficult to understand the significance of some of the plot points. A few times, characters made baffling decisions that might have seemed less baffling if there had been more development of their thought processes. There was one twist that seemed completely nonsensical, and the ending and epilogue introduced complications whose significance is lost without the required context. I'm sure these elements will be cleared up in succeeding books, though!
One thing that is funny is that, as I was reading it, it felt very much like the author had made a checklist of audience-pleasing story elements and built the narrative around that. It also frequently made me feel like I was reading a D&D campaign. Well, I got to the Author's Note at the end and, it turns out, that's exactly what Fahnestock intended! So...mission accomplished! But the story did end up feeling a bit hollow to me for that reason.
One thing that is funny is that, as I was reading it, it felt very much like the author had made a checklist of audience-pleasing story elements and built the narrative around that. It also frequently made me feel like I was reading a D&D campaign. Well, I got to the Author's Note at the end and, it turns out, that's exactly what Fahnestock intended! So...mission accomplished! But the story did end up feeling a bit hollow to me for that reason.
August 19, 2024
At first glance, one might describe this as George R. R. Martin meets Robert E. Howard, with a heaping helping of Gladiator.
I am not sure if this was originally intended as a short story (see the section "If you liked..." at the end of the book) but if so, it outgrew the confines of the genre like one of H.G. Wells' giant children.
Khyven the Unkillable, a popular ringer (read: gladiator) wants nothing more than to forget past trauma, curry favour with the corrupt overlord, obtain a higher social status and bed an opportunistic temptress. But when he agrees to go after the competitor for the throne, he soon finds himself up against some formidable foes. He must use all his skill and training just to keep one swordstroke ahead of his opponents.
While there are undoubtedly many swashes which get buckled in this novel, Khyven is more than just a brawny swordsman who is short on brains and long on libido. This story is well written, imaginative and exciting.
I am not sure if this was originally intended as a short story (see the section "If you liked..." at the end of the book) but if so, it outgrew the confines of the genre like one of H.G. Wells' giant children.
Khyven the Unkillable, a popular ringer (read: gladiator) wants nothing more than to forget past trauma, curry favour with the corrupt overlord, obtain a higher social status and bed an opportunistic temptress. But when he agrees to go after the competitor for the throne, he soon finds himself up against some formidable foes. He must use all his skill and training just to keep one swordstroke ahead of his opponents.
While there are undoubtedly many swashes which get buckled in this novel, Khyven is more than just a brawny swordsman who is short on brains and long on libido. This story is well written, imaginative and exciting.
December 10, 2021
Khyven is the first book in an ambitious, multi-authkor, shared-world fantasy epic. And it's definitely setting the bar high for the rest of the series.
Khyven is a gladiator on a hot-streak. One more win to be elevated to glory and riches. His "Unkillable"ness comes from a mysterious blue light that leads him in all of his fights. What is it? Where did it come from? Who is the Queen in Exhile?
And how does all of this tie into the Giants? Godlike creatures, thought to be extinct.
Todd writes in a fast-paced, character-driven style. It's loaded with world-building, an interesting magic system (shared by the entire Eldros Legacy universe). Yet doesn't seem too heavy of a read.
It's definitely going to be interesting, watching this shared universe take shape. Seeing which heroes play roles in the endgame. Seeing which bad guys turn into even more dangerous threats.
I'm in.
Khyven is a gladiator on a hot-streak. One more win to be elevated to glory and riches. His "Unkillable"ness comes from a mysterious blue light that leads him in all of his fights. What is it? Where did it come from? Who is the Queen in Exhile?
And how does all of this tie into the Giants? Godlike creatures, thought to be extinct.
Todd writes in a fast-paced, character-driven style. It's loaded with world-building, an interesting magic system (shared by the entire Eldros Legacy universe). Yet doesn't seem too heavy of a read.
It's definitely going to be interesting, watching this shared universe take shape. Seeing which heroes play roles in the endgame. Seeing which bad guys turn into even more dangerous threats.
I'm in.
August 1, 2024
So many modern high fantasy series tell the same story in slightly different fonts, and while I do love clichés, this book is such a refreshing change from modern "BookTok" fantasy. The universe-building is efficient and easy to understand, the characters are multidimensional, and the story is enthralling. Khyven will have you loving and hating him, because his mistakes are so characteristically human; no action of any main character seems wildly unbelievable, unlike so many famous novels that I have read recently. In addition, I couldn't put the book down. A wonderful combination of the quick addiction of modern fantasy and the sophisticated storytelling of any modern classic. So excited to start on book 2.
April 28, 2022
I was jumping between 3 and 4 stars for this. The description of combat was something I loved, but I felt the character was fairly bland and everyone jumped from one emotion to another in a way that just didn't make sense. I'm going to betray you because you rejected my advances... Oh no I feel bad.... Please welcome.me back.... Oh I'm going to sacrifice myself for you ... That didn't work but now you all love me. All within 100 pages of each other.
I'm giving it a 4 for the combat and the realm of the noktun.
I'm giving it a 4 for the combat and the realm of the noktun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2022
It's ben a while since I actually thought about a book I was in the middle of reading when I wasn't reading it, wondering what might happen, but that's what I experienced with Khyven the Unkillable. I've read a number of Fahnestock's books, and I think it's safe to say this is one of his very best. The pacing is good, the characters are distinct, memorable, and interesting, the plot isn't so complicated you can't keep anything straight, and there's just enough mystery to suggest there's a whole lot more to be revealed. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
July 19, 2022
Amazing book. I haven't found a book that hooks me and this did after a few pages in. But it was halfway through the book when I realized that this story has more than it seemed, and the characters were deeper than they showed in the first chapters. And I loved that!
It has all that I like in a book: fantasy, adventure, mystery, a good twist, and some romance. Great narrative and characterization were on spot--usually characters in Fantasy like this are a bit flat, but these had a few layers that were a joy to find.
This is the first book I've read from Todd Fahnestock and it won't certainly be the last. Couldn't put it down and I am thankful for that.
It has all that I like in a book: fantasy, adventure, mystery, a good twist, and some romance. Great narrative and characterization were on spot--usually characters in Fantasy like this are a bit flat, but these had a few layers that were a joy to find.
This is the first book I've read from Todd Fahnestock and it won't certainly be the last. Couldn't put it down and I am thankful for that.
April 16, 2022
This is my favorite fantasy read in years. Fast-paced but with all magic, deep lore, and vivid world building I love in fantasy. This book has the emotional punches, twists, and gut-wrenching choices that will keep you reading late into the night.
I’m an instant Todd Fahnestock fan. I’ll be buying and reading everything he writes.
I’m an instant Todd Fahnestock fan. I’ll be buying and reading everything he writes.
February 2, 2023
What a great read! I don't think I put the book down much while reading this, and it was very reluctantly if I did so. The action was great and you really get to care for the characters a lot. I need to read the next one soon.
December 21, 2025
DNFed this book. It’s got good ideas but the delivery is lacking. Characters are a little flat. It’s just interesting enough that I may consider picking it up in the future, but I have SO many books on the TBD I’m not sure when that would be. 2.5/5
April 3, 2022
Khyven the Unkillable is unforgettable!
July 20, 2022
Phenomenal book. Terrific characters (especially the titular gladiator, but lots of them!), very well written, tightly plotted and paced.
June 15, 2023
What a wonderful, well-written adventure! The world building was rich and deep, hinting at secrets and promising more revelations to come. I loved the mysterious history of the world and the strange overlap of the seemingly dead giants' realm full of nightmarish yet intriguing creatures. The characters were well-crafted, with deep motivations, believable struggles, and engaging arcs that made me want to root for them even when they stumbled and made me sad to leave them at the end. In fact, I immediately bought the next book so I can jump back in! Excellent start to a promising series.
February 19, 2023
Excellent introduction to the world of the Eldridge Legacy. Khyven is a character who makes you cheer and then gasp within a few pages. The world building is excellent. Character development is great. And it even ends happily ever after! Sort of!
March 17, 2023
First, let me tell you a bit about this big, epic fantasy world. Eldros Legacy.
Five continents were ruled by Giants.
Before 2000 years, Giants used to be the rulers of Eldros, they were superior and the masters of the other mortal races. They ruled mercilessly, and because of that, Humans, Elves, Delvers, Arachlan, and Shadowvar revolted and won. Half the Giants were dead, and the other half vanished. Or that's what everyone had thought.
Four authors founded the Eldros Legacy. There are four series so far, and each series takes place on a different continent. Legacy of Shadows by Todd Fahnestock is set in the world of Noksonon, where we are introduced to Khyven the Unkillable.
Khyven had been a slave who won his 49th victory in the Night Ring. Everyone hated him because he was strong and always put down his foes easily in fights, and he was proud of it. He’s a smug A-hole, but a smug A-hole who kills masterfully. He got the title “unkillable” for a reason, after all.
The merciless King Vamreth promises him freedom and fortune if he spies on a rebel leader known as the Queen of the Exile.
Throughout the mission with the rebel queen, Khyven felt what friendship was like for the first time—being cared for and loved. He came here to do a job and get his reward, but these new feelings started to bother him. Will he betray his King or the Queen?
What got me hooked was discovering and learning about the world. The magic in the noktum and the world inside it, as well as the power Khyven was able to use, were all quite intriguing.
The plot was fast-paced and action-packed. Fight after fight non-stop. The characters, though, felt YA to me, but I still loved them.
I enjoyed this book page to page. It felt like I was watching DOTA, the animated series on Netflix. There are still many unanswered questions that are thought-provoking. Especially that end! I’m very excited to explore Eldros and learn more about its world.
Five continents were ruled by Giants.
Before 2000 years, Giants used to be the rulers of Eldros, they were superior and the masters of the other mortal races. They ruled mercilessly, and because of that, Humans, Elves, Delvers, Arachlan, and Shadowvar revolted and won. Half the Giants were dead, and the other half vanished. Or that's what everyone had thought.
Four authors founded the Eldros Legacy. There are four series so far, and each series takes place on a different continent. Legacy of Shadows by Todd Fahnestock is set in the world of Noksonon, where we are introduced to Khyven the Unkillable.
Khyven had been a slave who won his 49th victory in the Night Ring. Everyone hated him because he was strong and always put down his foes easily in fights, and he was proud of it. He’s a smug A-hole, but a smug A-hole who kills masterfully. He got the title “unkillable” for a reason, after all.
The merciless King Vamreth promises him freedom and fortune if he spies on a rebel leader known as the Queen of the Exile.
Throughout the mission with the rebel queen, Khyven felt what friendship was like for the first time—being cared for and loved. He came here to do a job and get his reward, but these new feelings started to bother him. Will he betray his King or the Queen?
What got me hooked was discovering and learning about the world. The magic in the noktum and the world inside it, as well as the power Khyven was able to use, were all quite intriguing.
The plot was fast-paced and action-packed. Fight after fight non-stop. The characters, though, felt YA to me, but I still loved them.
I enjoyed this book page to page. It felt like I was watching DOTA, the animated series on Netflix. There are still many unanswered questions that are thought-provoking. Especially that end! I’m very excited to explore Eldros and learn more about its world.
February 7, 2024
Sucked me right in.
I was skeptical if I'd even like the series because I'm picky about fantasy books. I haven't liked a fantasy book ever since I read Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. I'm not sure who won me over more...Kyven, Renn, Vohn, or Lorelle.
I was skeptical if I'd even like the series because I'm picky about fantasy books. I haven't liked a fantasy book ever since I read Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. I'm not sure who won me over more...Kyven, Renn, Vohn, or Lorelle.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews