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Blood of Kings #2
The Banneret
Demons have been hunted to the verge of extinction. Those who know of the horrors lurking in the dark act as though the threat is long past. It has allowed Conrad to continue his education undisturbed, to work towards joining his friends as a comrade-in-arms rather than a child to be protected.
The appearance of two powerful demons changes everything. The creatures are back, stronger than ever, and the years of quiet are at an end. The Principality finds itself in need of demon hunters once again. Conrad and his comrades are the ones for the job.
The chain of clues draws them ever closer to what their unseen enemy desires, and they find themselves in a deadly race to stop it from regaining its former power.
The appearance of two powerful demons changes everything. The creatures are back, stronger than ever, and the years of quiet are at an end. The Principality finds itself in need of demon hunters once again. Conrad and his comrades are the ones for the job.
The chain of clues draws them ever closer to what their unseen enemy desires, and they find themselves in a deadly race to stop it from regaining its former power.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2022
330 people are currently reading
1477 people want to read
About the author
Duncan M. Hamilton
26 books1,093 followersHi, thanks for visiting my page. I’m Duncan, a fantasy and science fiction author from Ireland. I love to blend my passion for Medieval and Renaissance history with the freedom of fantasy environments to create fast paced heroic fantasy adventures with compelling characters and high stakes—exactly the types of stories that I love to read, so I hope you’ll like them too.
You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!
I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!
Society of the Sword
The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!
In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.
Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.
Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.
Wolf of the North
It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!
You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!
I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!
Society of the Sword
The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!
In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.
Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.
Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.
Wolf of the North
It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!
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March 15, 2022Not a review - just a placeholder where I can post some updates to keep you all informed of how things are progressing!
15-3-22 The Banneret is out today! I hope you all enjoy reading it!
1-2-22 The Banneret is all finished, and is set for release on 15 March!
30-11-22 The Banneret is now at proof reading stage. The cover art is progessing very nicely also, created once again by the superbly talented Andreas Rocha. Despite the book being delayed from my original release target, things are nicely on track for the new target of end of Feb 2022!
15-3-22 The Banneret is out today! I hope you all enjoy reading it!
1-2-22 The Banneret is all finished, and is set for release on 15 March!
30-11-22 The Banneret is now at proof reading stage. The cover art is progessing very nicely also, created once again by the superbly talented Andreas Rocha. Despite the book being delayed from my original release target, things are nicely on track for the new target of end of Feb 2022!
April 22, 2022
Usually a middle book has its own problems! this case this middle book succeeded in every way !!!Filling in the gap in the first and left you thinking for the third.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 10, 2022
This is a brilliant sequel to The Squire. Conrad has grown up and graduated from the Banneret school. He discovers that demons are working in the cities now. As the same time, his friends want to know why demons seem to be getting tougher and tougher. What follows is an exciting chase and a race against time.
March 15, 2022
I received this as an ARC and could not put it down. It reconnects with Conrad a few years after the end of The Squire, his skill has grown but unfortunately so has the power of the Demons all very exciting. It was fast-paced and easy to read and is an excellent sequel to The Squire.
My only criticism is that I have to wait for the next book in the series.
My only criticism is that I have to wait for the next book in the series.
December 23, 2022
THE BANNERET starts several years after the events of THE SQUIRE. As the title implies, Conrad is no longer a squire but a full-blown Banneret - still hanging with his old crew, of course. This decision to go with a bit of a time jump as opposed to digging into Conrad’s time training is a good one, in my opinion. With the way book 1 ended, I think these characters needed time to develop away from prying eyes. Plus, this is a great writing method because it allows the author to drop bits of interesting and important information from that time during the current arc.
The story evolves, the stakes get higher for everyone involved, and Hamilton does a nice job of growing the characters and the story itself. The author explores the depths of this world, as well. And I like where the story leaves off.
I enjoyed the first book more for a couple of reasons. Manfred’s story in this book could have been more well-defined. He almost feels like a bit of an also-ran, and I wish there had been more of an emphasis on him. Also, there were times when I felt this story lulled a little; whereas, in the first book the pacing was perfect.
Still, THE BANNERET is a good read, and it especially makes sense to continue the story of you have read the first book. I am interested to see where it goes.
The story evolves, the stakes get higher for everyone involved, and Hamilton does a nice job of growing the characters and the story itself. The author explores the depths of this world, as well. And I like where the story leaves off.
I enjoyed the first book more for a couple of reasons. Manfred’s story in this book could have been more well-defined. He almost feels like a bit of an also-ran, and I wish there had been more of an emphasis on him. Also, there were times when I felt this story lulled a little; whereas, in the first book the pacing was perfect.
Still, THE BANNERET is a good read, and it especially makes sense to continue the story of you have read the first book. I am interested to see where it goes.
May 3, 2023
I received a copy of this book as an ARC and could in all honesty say I really enjoyed it. Conrad's story carries on a few years from the The Squire, and he is now a newly qualified banneret. The story flows well and is fast paced and easy to read. Looking forward to seeing what happens in the final book.
August 23, 2024
An ok continuation of our blood bearers quest to complete his blood oath but it raised lots of issues for me. I did specifically like the hunt for the 'ghost' -very Dracula's castle feel to that adventure! Nice. I was also drawn in by the ice runners and drama that ensued. Of course, I still don't like the name Conrad and I connected less with him than I did in book 1 - in fact, the most annoying part about this book was the strange character development - Conrad seemed to be determined and smart in the first book as a teen but after 8 years and study at the academy he merely becomes this kind of boring guy who just follows his old comrads around with a chip on his shoulder about a grey priest? And to contrast this we have Manfred who has been forced to live beneath his station all this time and has suddenly grown from a stupid snob and bully into a strategic smart capable fighter out for revenge? It's strange and not explained well enough. Nor is the disappearance of the demons and their activity in the time between books- one would think the intelligencia would have a clue about something- anything- but by now I think we have realised they have NO CLUE - nothing they are left to investigate or study is understood - they are useless (and yet Manfred pays some academics and they get answers for him within days?! the intelligencia had the knowledge his father was a demon sympathiser and yet they couldn't track down that trunk of books? come on ) - and why does Heidi just flash a badge and everyone does what she says - because of intelligencia reputation? but when have we ever really seen proof of this reputation - I mean really I don't get it. This one probably needs a 2 star rating but I did like some moments and it's just a shame there are so many holes here - I will get onto book 3 just to conclude the story. Hopefully some holes are fixed up.
September 29, 2023
The second entry of author Duncan M. Hamilton’s Blood of Kings trilogy opens in Ostenheim several years after its predecessor, with Manfred, who served as a rival to the main character Conrad when they were squiring, visiting a lawyer. The sequel follows the parallel storylines of Conrad and Manfred, with the latter seeking power through demonic medallions and contacting a demon named Isgurin. Manfred seeks a group known as the watchers who protect the blood bearer, with his goal of killing them before aiming for the life of the one whom they protect.
In the meantime, Conrad’s protectors, Nicolo, Qenna, Franz, and Petr, a former Grey Priest, ride to Ostbrucken, which seems abandoned, deemed to be the work of demons. Conrad is celebrating becoming a banneret, becoming inebriated but finding demons in a warehouse, which he attempts to subdue. However, his attempts fail, with Heidi the Intellegencier bailing him out of jail. Conrad ultimately reunites with his protectors, who visit the estate of a recently deceased count, after which they travel the seas via the Albatross and reach Ostenheim themselves.
The sequel climaxes at a gambling establishment and the estate of the Count of Urveni, where Manfred and Conrad have a reunion that isn’t necessarily tearful. Overall, the second Blood of Kings book is enjoyable like its predecessor, with plenty of action and development, alongside parallel narratives that aren’t too difficult to follow, even if the breaks between characters happen within the same chapters when separating them would have been preferable. Regardless, I enjoyed this niche fantasy novel and look forward to reading the concluding entry of its respective series.
In the meantime, Conrad’s protectors, Nicolo, Qenna, Franz, and Petr, a former Grey Priest, ride to Ostbrucken, which seems abandoned, deemed to be the work of demons. Conrad is celebrating becoming a banneret, becoming inebriated but finding demons in a warehouse, which he attempts to subdue. However, his attempts fail, with Heidi the Intellegencier bailing him out of jail. Conrad ultimately reunites with his protectors, who visit the estate of a recently deceased count, after which they travel the seas via the Albatross and reach Ostenheim themselves.
The sequel climaxes at a gambling establishment and the estate of the Count of Urveni, where Manfred and Conrad have a reunion that isn’t necessarily tearful. Overall, the second Blood of Kings book is enjoyable like its predecessor, with plenty of action and development, alongside parallel narratives that aren’t too difficult to follow, even if the breaks between characters happen within the same chapters when separating them would have been preferable. Regardless, I enjoyed this niche fantasy novel and look forward to reading the concluding entry of its respective series.
July 25, 2023
The Banneret was an exhilarating and captivating part two to the Blood of Kings trilogy.
Eight years after the events of The Squire, Conrad has completed his training at the academy and is now officially a banneret. But a demon sighting close to home soon thrusts Conrad back in the nightmare he’d narrowly escaped years ago. A scarring time he’d hoped was a thing of the past after so many relatively blissful, quiet years.
Fortunately, Conrad is reunited with the family he’d made with Nicolo, Qenna, and Frantz. They, along with the Grey Priest, Petr, and the Intelligencier, Heidi, set off to investigate the resurgence of demons and find the other two blood bearers before the demons do. Conrad is eager to prove himself useful now that he’s an adult and a banneret.
Unfortunately, the demons have been getting stronger and more aware much faster than they used to, which makes them tougher to kill. Conrad is also trying to fit back into the group while dealing with the animosity he still feels towards Petr. With old and new foes to battle at every turn, our heroes’ mission swiftly becomes more challenging and dangerous than any of them could have imagined.
I really enjoyed reading The Banneret. It was a harrowing adventure full of heart-stopping action and elevated dangers. I’m very excited to continue on and see how the story concludes in The Demon Hunter.
Eight years after the events of The Squire, Conrad has completed his training at the academy and is now officially a banneret. But a demon sighting close to home soon thrusts Conrad back in the nightmare he’d narrowly escaped years ago. A scarring time he’d hoped was a thing of the past after so many relatively blissful, quiet years.
Fortunately, Conrad is reunited with the family he’d made with Nicolo, Qenna, and Frantz. They, along with the Grey Priest, Petr, and the Intelligencier, Heidi, set off to investigate the resurgence of demons and find the other two blood bearers before the demons do. Conrad is eager to prove himself useful now that he’s an adult and a banneret.
Unfortunately, the demons have been getting stronger and more aware much faster than they used to, which makes them tougher to kill. Conrad is also trying to fit back into the group while dealing with the animosity he still feels towards Petr. With old and new foes to battle at every turn, our heroes’ mission swiftly becomes more challenging and dangerous than any of them could have imagined.
I really enjoyed reading The Banneret. It was a harrowing adventure full of heart-stopping action and elevated dangers. I’m very excited to continue on and see how the story concludes in The Demon Hunter.
February 25, 2022
First & foremost I was given an advance copy as part of Duncan's Arc team but I will be as honest as possible with this review. Before we get to that, the issue with Fantasy is that there tends to be multiple books in each series & I've lost count of the number of "balls" i'm currently juggling so it took me a chapter or 2 to recall the Squire!
It's not really a 5* but 4* would have been too harsh so 4.5-4.75. We start with Conrad having graduated as a Banneret, not sure why the author so quickly glanced over this story arc plus in the intervening years the demons that the "team" have encountered have grown stronger & harder to kill, so much so that you have to wonder if they will ever be able to win! Who would have expected that the bully from the Squire & as it turns out also the Son of the "baddie" from the Squire, would find a medallion, no real explanation as to why his father would need 2?
One thing in favour of the author, is that he isn't afraid to kill off some of the main goodies, unfortunately this does not remain the same for the baddies & all too convenient escape.
Not sure how many are in the series, but as Conrad is now the only one with the "Blood of Kings" left 'it's hard to imagine anything beyond Book 3.
Good well written story, with a minor gripe about the current trope for fantasy authors, in which the main "bad guy" is seemingly all powerful.
It's not really a 5* but 4* would have been too harsh so 4.5-4.75. We start with Conrad having graduated as a Banneret, not sure why the author so quickly glanced over this story arc plus in the intervening years the demons that the "team" have encountered have grown stronger & harder to kill, so much so that you have to wonder if they will ever be able to win! Who would have expected that the bully from the Squire & as it turns out also the Son of the "baddie" from the Squire, would find a medallion, no real explanation as to why his father would need 2?
One thing in favour of the author, is that he isn't afraid to kill off some of the main goodies, unfortunately this does not remain the same for the baddies & all too convenient escape.
Not sure how many are in the series, but as Conrad is now the only one with the "Blood of Kings" left 'it's hard to imagine anything beyond Book 3.
Good well written story, with a minor gripe about the current trope for fantasy authors, in which the main "bad guy" is seemingly all powerful.
March 28, 2022
Enjoyable sword adventure
As usual an exciting tale, well written with plenty of action. The only reason I took off one star is it did not have any real new elements and there was a little more character development but not a lot. Don't get me wrong, nothing annoys me more than wading through page after page of mc agonizing and navel gazing while I wish hopelessly for the real story to start up again. But on the other hand since this book jumps to Conrad graduating as a young adult I would really have liked him to have more chance to bond with Niccolo and the others on an adult to adult level and find out more about them. It was still a very enjoyable swashbuckler and I will be looking forward to the next installment (Hint to author:, I really like Niccolo as a character and would love to see his untold depths tapped properly in a book of his own once this tale is through!).
As usual an exciting tale, well written with plenty of action. The only reason I took off one star is it did not have any real new elements and there was a little more character development but not a lot. Don't get me wrong, nothing annoys me more than wading through page after page of mc agonizing and navel gazing while I wish hopelessly for the real story to start up again. But on the other hand since this book jumps to Conrad graduating as a young adult I would really have liked him to have more chance to bond with Niccolo and the others on an adult to adult level and find out more about them. It was still a very enjoyable swashbuckler and I will be looking forward to the next installment (Hint to author:, I really like Niccolo as a character and would love to see his untold depths tapped properly in a book of his own once this tale is through!).
January 17, 2023
Book 2 of the Blood of Kings series was as excellent and enjoyable as the opener. I randomly stumbled across @duncanmhamilton last year and I'm glad I did .
The Banneret picks up a few years after the events of book 1 (The Squire) and wastes no time in falling right back into the same great character writing, banter, action and intrigue that the first book delivered on. .
As expected the story has escalated and the stakes are higher. Conrad and his merry group of mercenaries are edging closer to paying the blood debt , and the evil threat of the demons that reared their head in book 1 are becoming even more frequent. There's action, heartbreak , twists and turns throughout this one.
Really enjoying this series and very excited for the finale whenever it releases. In the meantime , I'll be checking out more of the authors books and series , many of which are set in the same universe as this one
The Banneret picks up a few years after the events of book 1 (The Squire) and wastes no time in falling right back into the same great character writing, banter, action and intrigue that the first book delivered on. .
As expected the story has escalated and the stakes are higher. Conrad and his merry group of mercenaries are edging closer to paying the blood debt , and the evil threat of the demons that reared their head in book 1 are becoming even more frequent. There's action, heartbreak , twists and turns throughout this one.
Really enjoying this series and very excited for the finale whenever it releases. In the meantime , I'll be checking out more of the authors books and series , many of which are set in the same universe as this one
November 7, 2024
DNF 60%
The series loses steam after the main character gets his power boost. The fact that the most important person in the kingdom with the special blood is sent around on random missions with a smaller and smaller entourage, without a real magician or healer, without a couple more rogues or soldiers, is ridiculous. At this stage the country leadership is aware of how big the threat is and they wouldn't send their best agents in with no support to dangerous places like the home of a cultist lord.
There is also a lack of a deepening threat, it is just more of the same monsters and amulets. No real new magic or a surprising betrayal, civil war etc.
The addition of a new POV spellcaster was not well integrated, I was hoping there would be more of a connection, and again, the best spellcaster in a country or possibly the world being guarded by a single swordsman is ridiculous. Especially one who gets killed almost instantly.
The series loses steam after the main character gets his power boost. The fact that the most important person in the kingdom with the special blood is sent around on random missions with a smaller and smaller entourage, without a real magician or healer, without a couple more rogues or soldiers, is ridiculous. At this stage the country leadership is aware of how big the threat is and they wouldn't send their best agents in with no support to dangerous places like the home of a cultist lord.
There is also a lack of a deepening threat, it is just more of the same monsters and amulets. No real new magic or a surprising betrayal, civil war etc.
The addition of a new POV spellcaster was not well integrated, I was hoping there would be more of a connection, and again, the best spellcaster in a country or possibly the world being guarded by a single swordsman is ridiculous. Especially one who gets killed almost instantly.
March 15, 2022
A bit slow to catch back up but then it’s off to the races!
Book two “The Banneret” starts off a little disjointed, mainly getting the reader set up in the timeline and introducing an antagonist to the story that will hound Conrad throughout. The demons have been quiet for some years now but they are also developing into stronger beings much faster than before. Our crew of four Banerettes who saved Conrad continue working for the crown tracking down demons and eradicating them. But they are all fatigued and bowed under the pressure of budget cuts by the crown that cause needless deaths of colleagues. Nicolo is especially angry and it shows in everything he does and says. Heidi has been busy as well and after many years they meet again to yank Conrad out of jail on the eve of his graduation as a new banneret. Why is he there? He caught an arch demon in the city and got into big trouble. With the crew all together again, Heidi activates them for a new more urgent mission, to find the remaining blood bearers and get them into protection. Petr, the grey priest is helpful with his mediocre skills and off to the races goes the crew.
Book two is darker in my opinion. The scar of the demons on the land is marked now and we see a new strategy unfold with an arch demon. Manfred, son of the traitor in book one, is reintroduced as a bitter and deluded young man, but a very clever and vicious one. It’s a great race to out-pace and out-think each human player, and to try and anticipate the next move of the demons. An excellent second book and an excellent series.
Book two “The Banneret” starts off a little disjointed, mainly getting the reader set up in the timeline and introducing an antagonist to the story that will hound Conrad throughout. The demons have been quiet for some years now but they are also developing into stronger beings much faster than before. Our crew of four Banerettes who saved Conrad continue working for the crown tracking down demons and eradicating them. But they are all fatigued and bowed under the pressure of budget cuts by the crown that cause needless deaths of colleagues. Nicolo is especially angry and it shows in everything he does and says. Heidi has been busy as well and after many years they meet again to yank Conrad out of jail on the eve of his graduation as a new banneret. Why is he there? He caught an arch demon in the city and got into big trouble. With the crew all together again, Heidi activates them for a new more urgent mission, to find the remaining blood bearers and get them into protection. Petr, the grey priest is helpful with his mediocre skills and off to the races goes the crew.
Book two is darker in my opinion. The scar of the demons on the land is marked now and we see a new strategy unfold with an arch demon. Manfred, son of the traitor in book one, is reintroduced as a bitter and deluded young man, but a very clever and vicious one. It’s a great race to out-pace and out-think each human player, and to try and anticipate the next move of the demons. An excellent second book and an excellent series.
August 5, 2022
About eight years have passed since Conrad entered the Academy at Brixton in order to become a swordsman and gain the title of Banneret, while Nicolo and his little band composed of Frantz, Qenna and Petr continue working for the Princess Alys of Ruripathia hunting and killing demons.
But funds have started to become scarce while the demons have, after seeming to be falling back for a few years, resurfacing and becoming more powerful and harder to kill, so by the time Conrad is grown and has obtained his banner he is reunited with both Nicolo and the rest and with the Intelligencier they worked with in the previous book to attempt to find the source of the demon plague and end it once and for all.
Much like last book, things don't exactly work out perfectly since this is the middle book in a trilogy, but the story advances a bit, an old foe comes back (or is that two?), some characters sadly die, Conrad comes into his own, and your appetite is whetted for the final volume of the trilogy, which I hope doesn't take too long to come out since this felt like "The Empire Strikes Back" and things are still up in the air.
But funds have started to become scarce while the demons have, after seeming to be falling back for a few years, resurfacing and becoming more powerful and harder to kill, so by the time Conrad is grown and has obtained his banner he is reunited with both Nicolo and the rest and with the Intelligencier they worked with in the previous book to attempt to find the source of the demon plague and end it once and for all.
Much like last book, things don't exactly work out perfectly since this is the middle book in a trilogy, but the story advances a bit, an old foe comes back (or is that two?), some characters sadly die, Conrad comes into his own, and your appetite is whetted for the final volume of the trilogy, which I hope doesn't take too long to come out since this felt like "The Empire Strikes Back" and things are still up in the air.
March 12, 2022
Honestly can't wait for the next installment! Conrad is all grown up freshly graduated from the academy and ready to finally kick some demon butt! Unfortunately the demons seem to be getting stronger and harder to kill and it's a races against time to try and save the remaining blood bearers.. I don't really want to give too many spoilers so I'll leave it at that But I'd like to take a second to thank Duncan Hamilton for being such an amazing Author, I'm always excited when a book is anounced! I received this book for an honest review and ever since I introduced my husband to these audiobooks I have to hear him whine about how long he has to wait before he gets to listen. (Not complaining just saying that he loves these books as much as I do).
May 12, 2022
Surprisingly Weak Series from this author
Since I read it, kinda(lot of skimming), 2 stars instead of one.
The major issue — character development…it’s poor, stereotyped and doesn’t leave a single character for anyone to embrace. I’d thought that this book would be the ‘breakout’, and great characters would be flushed out to be enjoyed. NO, didn’t happen, just got worse.
The overall plot maybe good — BUT, I’d have to get past no like-able characters, awful magic, fairytale swordsmanship and written for preschool — to comment on a plot that I didn’t care about, considering my reading experience.
Surprised, frustrated over my time spent and leads me to be very cautious with this author in the future. KU only and gotta start , stay strong.
Since I read it, kinda(lot of skimming), 2 stars instead of one.
The major issue — character development…it’s poor, stereotyped and doesn’t leave a single character for anyone to embrace. I’d thought that this book would be the ‘breakout’, and great characters would be flushed out to be enjoyed. NO, didn’t happen, just got worse.
The overall plot maybe good — BUT, I’d have to get past no like-able characters, awful magic, fairytale swordsmanship and written for preschool — to comment on a plot that I didn’t care about, considering my reading experience.
Surprised, frustrated over my time spent and leads me to be very cautious with this author in the future. KU only and gotta start , stay strong.
March 9, 2022
I received an advance copy of this book for which I'm immensely thankful. I absolutely love the world that Mr. Hamilton has created. The reader can easily envision themselves traveling on the roads with the team, visiting the town's establishments and battling the baddies. I think the story would have benefited with a several page prologue to encapsulate what transpired in the first book. It was difficult for me to remember some story arcs due to the time between stories... or COVID killed my memory, I can't decide. I highly recommend this book to those who want to lose themselves in a book with great characters and dialogue, a good plot and solid world building.
March 21, 2022
Once again, I was fortunate enough to get an ARC copy and I was very eagerly looking forward to digging in.
As always, the book was worth the wait. I don't think we've ever seen as significant a time jump between books as there was between "The Squire" and this one but it flowed smoothly and there was no sensation of having missed anything in the intervening years.
It was fairly predictable that an old nemesis would re-surface but was enjoyable nonetheless. It feels as though the stakes continue to ratchet higher and higher without seeming forced.
This is a great example of a series where the story arc is self-contained and feels full for each individual book while still building the overall plot of the series. Now time to wait a bit longer to finish this one up!
As always, the book was worth the wait. I don't think we've ever seen as significant a time jump between books as there was between "The Squire" and this one but it flowed smoothly and there was no sensation of having missed anything in the intervening years.
It was fairly predictable that an old nemesis would re-surface but was enjoyable nonetheless. It feels as though the stakes continue to ratchet higher and higher without seeming forced.
This is a great example of a series where the story arc is self-contained and feels full for each individual book while still building the overall plot of the series. Now time to wait a bit longer to finish this one up!
December 6, 2022
Could not finish
Although I enjoyed the first novel, I could not finish this one. Somewhere around chapter 7 the company from the previous book, spent several pages, complaining about their treatment by the princess over the past few years. Then, they took the princess's offer to hire them again, without sufficient explanation on why they were accepting it. Something about that behavior, and the general tone just rubbed me the wrong way, and made me not want to finish the book.
Although I enjoyed the first novel, I could not finish this one. Somewhere around chapter 7 the company from the previous book, spent several pages, complaining about their treatment by the princess over the past few years. Then, they took the princess's offer to hire them again, without sufficient explanation on why they were accepting it. Something about that behavior, and the general tone just rubbed me the wrong way, and made me not want to finish the book.
July 25, 2024
The Banneret is the second part in Hamiltons Blood of King series. Returning to the adventures of Conrad, eight years after the events of the last novel. Conrad having freshly gained the title of Banneret joining Heidi and Nicolo in the ongoing hunt on demons. The later taking increasingly vampiric features.
On the opposing team we find an old acquaintance as well Manfred, who believes Conrad had denounced his father. He still is as charming as you remember him from the squire.
I look forward to reading the conclusion of the story, yet have dire fears for Conrad's friends.
On the opposing team we find an old acquaintance as well Manfred, who believes Conrad had denounced his father. He still is as charming as you remember him from the squire.
I look forward to reading the conclusion of the story, yet have dire fears for Conrad's friends.
February 27, 2022
Fast paced, action packed and full of ethical & moral dilemmas, Duncan's latest offering is so good that I couldn't put it down. Duncan's easy to read style draws the reader into the continuing journey to find and protect the blood bearers. So many wonderful descriptions of landscapes, people, places and the internal dialogues of both Conrad and Manfred make this another incredible read. Well done, Duncan!
March 9, 2022
Like the book before it in this series, and all of the books in this shared world, the pacing, world-building, and character development come together to tell a story that you become immersed in from the first chapter. The only complaint I have is the same one that I've had since reading the Tattered Banner years ago: they always leave me wanting to go on to the next book long before they're published!
March 15, 2022
I received an advanced copy of this book to read and leave an unbiased review.
In this second instalment of the Blood of Kings series we have jumped forward several years, Conrad is no longer a young boy and now has the strength and skills to fight, after several quiet years the demons have become more active with newly corrupted humans leading Conrad and his friends into new dangers and fights.
An excellent follow on from The Squire and I can’t wait for the next one.
In this second instalment of the Blood of Kings series we have jumped forward several years, Conrad is no longer a young boy and now has the strength and skills to fight, after several quiet years the demons have become more active with newly corrupted humans leading Conrad and his friends into new dangers and fights.
An excellent follow on from The Squire and I can’t wait for the next one.
March 19, 2022
The second installment of this series is as good as the first. Following Conrad and his comrades is an exciting and fast-paced adventure as they traverse the globe on their crusade. They go through new environments and encounter unique situations, keeping the book interesting and fresh. Hamilton's writing flows well and is easy to read. Couple that with a great storyline and you've got a real winner. I'm looking forward to continuing the series with book 3!
November 10, 2022
Great Story! Very good extension of the 1st book.
Great story. I really enjoyed the character development. Although, I wished the author did more on his training instead of skipping, but I understand the reason behind it. The only other thing that was upsetting:*** Spoiler***, was the female blood of king. Not that I have an issue with it being woman, but the 1st book said it could only be passed to the first son.
Great story. I really enjoyed the character development. Although, I wished the author did more on his training instead of skipping, but I understand the reason behind it. The only other thing that was upsetting:*** Spoiler***, was the female blood of king. Not that I have an issue with it being woman, but the 1st book said it could only be passed to the first son.
September 17, 2023
Good read but lacked the thrills of the first book!
This was an okay attempt at a second book but it lacked the thrills that the first book had. The main character and cast were jumped eight years into the future. The world building was still enjoyable but the story really didn't have any thrills as a lot of the writing seemed a little contrite to make the story flow. I'm enjoying the series but the first book was a much better read, I hope this third book will improve.
This was an okay attempt at a second book but it lacked the thrills that the first book had. The main character and cast were jumped eight years into the future. The world building was still enjoyable but the story really didn't have any thrills as a lot of the writing seemed a little contrite to make the story flow. I'm enjoying the series but the first book was a much better read, I hope this third book will improve.
November 21, 2023
Ok but...
Ok book. Fun to read. If you don't want to think too much, it is good.
Too much of the plot feels contrived, though. Too much coincidental meeting and racing neck and neck with independent parties (and intelligence sources) for the same goal only to finish moments apart... without any real reason for it except it being in the plot.
I personally couldn't finish it because it started feeling so contrived.
Ok book. Fun to read. If you don't want to think too much, it is good.
Too much of the plot feels contrived, though. Too much coincidental meeting and racing neck and neck with independent parties (and intelligence sources) for the same goal only to finish moments apart... without any real reason for it except it being in the plot.
I personally couldn't finish it because it started feeling so contrived.
February 27, 2022
I had to pace myself so I didn’t read The Banneret in one night. Excellent book and I’m already anticipating the next one… until then, I’m going back to re-read the Squire, and the Banneret again, to pass the time until book three gets here.
I’m a huge fan of Duncan’s books and he just gets better with every new book he writes.
I’m a huge fan of Duncan’s books and he just gets better with every new book he writes.
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