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The King is dead.
Long live the Kheld King.


The Triempery lies crippled, its godborn princes slaughtered by treachery, its ruling houses desperate to maintain their monopoly of the god-machine Entities. In the aftermath of the slaughter, Stefan Stauberg-Randolph inherits his grandfather's throne. Already an outsider because of his Kheld heritage, Stefan sees enemies around every corner--but he particularly fears Dorilian Sordaneon, sole surviving heir of the Rill Entity's power.

Set upon conflicting paths by betrayal and suspicion, the animosity between the two young rulers could well threaten not only the Triempery's remaining houses, but the Entities themselves.

540 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2022

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74 people want to read

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L.L. Stephens

6 books49 followers

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Janny.
Author 106 books1,934 followers
Read
September 10, 2025
History is packed with brilliant kings, rulers who had vision and deep understanding of human nature and diplomacy, but who were followed by younger successors without the same depth of perception or subtlety.

Young Stefan ascends to his grandfather's throne with none of the requisite depth of training, and worse, packing prejudices and deep set enmity toward the one ally his world requires to achieve unity. This book is a brilliant telling of this dynamic, making Stefan relatable, human, but unbending with all of his ambitions and shortfalls in plain view.

Worse: his dream of elevating his downtrodden Khelds pushes him to force change too fast, making enemies and leaving his weaknesses open to exploitation by forces beyond his ability to imagine.

The man he hates, the man he continually refuses to understand, though his grandfather set the example to follow ahead of him, is as brilliant a representation of a complex protagonist/antagonist as I have ever encountered in fiction. Dorillian's fate is tied to the world, the Creation, and to forces far greater still, and his unique gifts and his entirely unique and power perception of the world and characters around him make for edge of the seat reading, where danger and honor and even kindness itself ride on the razor's edge.

All of this, laid into a jewel bright, imaginative and deeply original setting, create a delivery that, for me, hits all the right notes. If you have not given the Triempery Revelations a try, and you enjoy complex settings and characters, and a Real Enemy pulling the strings that is more terrifying than the rest put together - this book is for you.

I loved it.
Profile Image for Rebecca Crunden.
Author 29 books781 followers
Read
August 31, 2025
OOOOH this was quite the follow-up to the first book!! I spent the entire book raging at Stefan and cheering on Dorillian. Dorillian was so likeable in this book. He was just trying to protect his kids and it made him so easy to root for. Stefan, on the other hand? ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Can't wait to see where book three goes!

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Profile Image for Jamedi.
846 reviews149 followers
November 2, 2022
The review
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)
Full text review: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...
Interview with Dorilian, from The Triempery Revelations: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...

The Kheld King is the direct continuation of Sordaneon, the second installment of the epic fantasy series The Triempery Revelations, by the author L.L. Stephens and which has become one of my favourites without any doubts. L.L. Stephens has managed to continue blending high political plots with character extremely well developed, making The Kheld King an even more engaging book than Sordaneon, a task which seemed impossible.

This book continues after what happened at the Demise, following closely two of the main characters in our story, Dorilian and Stefan, and the conflict that has arisen between them. At the same time, new characters appear and are added to the plot, becoming another layer in the already complex situation, as is Nammour, the king of Mormantalorus and a new villain, because you know, the fire wasn't burning enough.

Stefan's situation becomes really difficult. Elevated as king of Essera by the Kheld, he is trying to deal with the numerous problem that appeared as a consequence of his conflict with Dorilian and Sordan; the pressure starts to affect him, having to deal with numerous problems that make him feel paranoid. Stability is lacking, forcing Stefan to only trust a few ones; taking decisions under this pressure certainly doesn't lead to the best results, gaining more enemies in the process, and offending powers he can't even comprehend. As a reader, even if Stefan is one of the antagonists of Dorilian, it is difficult to not empathize with him, especially when the puzzle starts to be solved.

On the other hand, we have Dorilian, trying to honour the promises he did to Marc Frederic, his spiritual father. The conflict with Stefan, and with Essera by extension, become one of his main concerns; without forgetting the difficulties he is experimenting after what happened in the Demise. At the same time, he's struggling and trying to learn more about how to use his connection with the Rill; finding himself doubting many times, trying to drive himself in the best way possible for everybody. Nammour, the king of Mormantalorus, plots to assassinate Dorillian, provoking collateral damages in the process. We have a more mature Dorilian, a grown-up person after all that happened in Sordaneon, and that gets reflected in this novel.

The politics in the plot get more intricate and complex, as the conflict between nations has arisen; and even inside the nations, there are several groups fighting for power or to have their agenda fulfilled. The world gets even more developed, and we, as readers, get a glimpse into what's lying in Triempery, what is really happening, and what's the real scope of everything. We are not getting a single moment of rest, because in every single of the chapters the plot is advancing, and slowly but continuously, a big web of different people or powers trying to impose their is weaved, leading to an ending, that in retrospective, I should or might have expected but that once you are submerged, it impacts you super hard.

In definitive, The Kheld King takes all the elements that made great Sordaneon and expands them. A serious candidate to be my favourite book of 2022, a character-driven story with high stakes, with politics as the main focus of this fantasy. I loved it, and honestly, the time can't pass fast enough to read The Second Stone, and continue The Triempery Revelations.
2 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2022
Sordaneon was my favorite book of 2021 and The Kheld King will definitely be the book of 2022. L.L.Stephens created a classic at the level of Lord of the rings, Asoiaf or Dune. Certain stories mark us in an unforgettable way and are forever engraved in our memory, thus becoming references for everything that comes next.

Knowing in advance that the first two books work almost as prequels for the next 4, which would be the original story, I don't know what else to expect from what's to come. The bar is very high.

Not wanting to give an in-depth opinion about what goes on in the 2nd book, so as not to ruin anyone's experience, I can only confess that it's on the same level as the first and it won't fail to surprise you until the last paragraph.

A story full of conflicts and betrayals and with a feeling of sadness and longing that are present throughout the book. I leave this experience enriched in literary terms and with the certainty that something special is being built by the author.

I hope that more people can have the privilege of reading these books and that some "Peter Jackson" or "Denis Villeneuve" will set their eyes on this masterpiece.
Profile Image for C.M. Debell.
Author 6 books37 followers
September 18, 2025
That was brilliant. Political fantasy at its best.
Profile Image for Nathalie.
6 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2022
I have been looking forward to this next book in the Triempery series for months. And oh, have I not been disappointed! The Kheld King continues where Sordaneon left off: after the Demise, where so many of his Highborn kindred died, Dorilian grieves Marc Frederic and tries to honour the promises he made his spiritual father. The task proves to be extremely difficult as not only Stefan, Marc Frederic’s grandson and heir, continues to hate and fear him but Dorilian finds himself hunted by Nammuor, the king of Mormantalorus, as well. As he struggles still to connect with his true powers, he has to use his cunningness to protect himself and the ones he loves. Luckily he also has a formidable army. Meanwhile Stefan descends into chaos due to his paranoia, his reign one of little stability and even less happiness.

The story continues to be as compelling as throughout the first book, with a sumptuous and fascinating world building. There’s an overall sense of pending doom, as if we’ve only barely begun to understand what perils really loom over the Triempery. The end-scene reduced me to an emotional mess. And the short scene from the upcoming sequel, The Second Stone, makes me wish it was already next year.

A special shoutout to Nammuor, who is a delightful villain so full of surprises. Also, but #whoisMarenthro ?!
5 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2022
A much promising stunning sequel to the amazing Sordaneon!

LL. Stephens has produced an intriguing sequel that blends political maneuvering with estranged interpersonal relationships and arcane arts. The Kheld King serves as an excellent next chapter in the Triempery Revelations series.

What drew me in from the first instance is the cinematic-like description of world building, the depth of the characters and the magic system. In general, I feel that this book not only covered a lot of gaps in the first one but also raised even more questions especially regarding Dorilian's powers and his Rill affinity. I was saddened to read of some deaths. Nevertheless, I am impressed by the quality of the text.
The only downside of the plot is the time jumps. These left me a little bit confused since the author seemed to try to cover a lot of events whilst simultaneously wishing to take forward the plot to a culmination.

All in all, I highly recommend reading the Kheld King and look forward to reading the next books in the series.
Profile Image for Chidiebere Ama.
17 reviews4 followers
September 4, 2025
I've never felt so much rage and disappointment in a character when reading a book like I felt with Stefan Stauberg-Randolf in this book

He is such a well written pathetic clown living in his self imposed fear based delusions, and as a result single-handedly destroyed everything his father and the demi immortals have been trying to build in the Triempery

But the good thing is, L.L Stephens with her super creative mind also used Stefan to expose the rot that existed in the Triempery. That society was already on the pathway of decay. Stefan just sped up the process

On a subtle level it reveals how societies don't see the pains and damages it inflicts on itself till an extremist shows up. I love the political nuance in this book so much

On a first read, this book gave me so much rage — in a good way — because of Stefan's decisions and the fact I had to spend so much time in his inspid pov. But now I appreciate it more

This series deserves to have its name at the fore of the greatest fantasy works of all time
Profile Image for Jord MiddleofNowhere.
190 reviews46 followers
May 14, 2024
Review originally posted on SFF Insiders website.

https://www.sffinsiders.com/blog/revi...

The Kheld King. A sequel that is both epic in scope as well as an epic fantasy tale that continues to breathe life into its own world. The world that L.L. Stephens has created is jaw droppingly amazing and thought out, continually making me feel like it is a world that is just waiting for the next thing to be discovered. It was gorgeously introduced in Sordaneon and I am pleased to say that it just continues to be one that keeps growing and evolving in all of the ways that a reader could ever want. The characters return from the incredible ending in book one and the impact that the ending had is very clearly evident in all of the characters lives. Rather than focusing on Dorilian, we now get to see more of the way that Stefan views the world and the changes that he tries to put into place. Once again, the complexity of the political landscape is influenced in many ways, often with personal bias from multiple characters being thrown in, all of it being presented as a tapestry of believable proportions that is not often seen in fantasy reads.

The strength of the novel were the characters that returned. A few of them are now in new positions of power, and the repercussions are clearly evident depending on the point of view that is being shown. The connection is so strong, that when calamity happens, it hits a reader in the heart in ways that are often indescribable. This is a series that allows readers to be immersed in multiple lives over many years. There is the constant plotting behind the scenes that keeps me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how they start to initialize each little piece. The pacing of the novel is slower, with some time jumps that may throw some readers off. It is done well and actually makes what is happening more believable as it shown in snapshots of the important goings on. I know this style is not for everyone, and it may deter some. The plot does flow smoothly and without interruption of what is happening in the lives of the many characters.

I am so glad that I took the dive into this deep pool of a series. I can fully immerse myself in this world and be amazed at the beauty that is described as well as being shocked by what happens. I will continue to hype up this series as one that could rival many different fantasy worlds. L.L. Stephens has written a sequel worthy of the Highborn and deserves its place among their ranks. I eagerly look forward to the next installments and what surprises are in store for us as readers.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
Profile Image for Steve Waldrop.
7 reviews
June 9, 2025
The Kheld King review

Here there be some mild spoilers.
The Kheld King, book two of the Triempary Revelations, takes the reader further and deeper into a fascinating and complex world of intrigue and growing up. The two main characters each deal with the death of the former king in their own way. Dorilian has to process the loss of the only true friend he had in his life, one who taught him about life and manhood as well as politics and ruling a nation. Stefan deals with the loss of a grandfather he barely knew.

Dorilian uses his lessons from King Marc Frederick well as he grows into manhood (godhood?) and learns how to reign in his impulsiveness in order to rule his nation and protect the ones closest to him. This is still not an easy process for him, but with the assistance of Palimia, Marc Frederick’s former lover. She brings Dorilian a gift beyond price and this begins a relationship that helps ground him and assists his growth..
Stefan seems to go the other direction, letting his paranoia toward Dorilian and other factions push him into rash decisions that end up having dire consequences.

This book develops the role of Nammuor, a wizard who is plotting against both Essera and Sordan. His actions can best be described as shocking. His lust for power and the lengths to which he will go to attain it know no bounds. He is an utterly frightening character.
The Kheld King gains a bit more of a science fiction flavor as we learn more bits and pieces about the Entities and how they function.

All in all, this was an excellent second book. It moves the story along quite well and at a quicker pace than book one. There are some deeply shocking moments in this book that left me shaken. I will be mourning some of the deaths for a long time.
Profile Image for Dr Sayuti.
87 reviews22 followers
May 1, 2025
This series has served me both the greatest sovereign I've seen in fiction with Marc Frederick and also the worst one with his grandson Stefan—who has the dishonour of claiming the title of the most pathetic character I've ever had the displeasure of reading considering the sheer amount of time we spend in his headspace.

Tho I've gotta acknowledge he's a well conceived and an even better delivered bastard by all standards from his pathetic intro down to his even more pathetic exit. In fact he's so much of a void that two of the strongest aspects of this series and world which are the metaphysical in the Rill and the Wall, and the larger than life characters in the likes of Labran, Sebbord and Marc Fredrick aren't only missing via their corporeal exits but also spiritually in the absence of such quality in what should be their inheritors in the rest of the living Sordaneons and Malyrdeons cuz his absolute lack of positive aspectation cannibalises any otherwise positive in the process. He’s a masterfully crafted example of boundless failure... What a fucking bastard—good riddance!.

Anyways, the political intrigue especially dominos associated with political moves remains strong even here, but sadly, the characters and the reading experience were overall less stellar (again this is intrinsically tied to Stefan, yeah need to give that reminder every chance I get haha). Overall a 4.25 ⭐️ for me.
Profile Image for Adam Joseph.
Author 1 book9 followers
May 19, 2025
I am now officially hooked on this series. The way the characters interact with one another is masterful and I can't get enough of the layers/nuances of their relationships.

Originally, I was sympathetic to Stefan but his actions throughout the book go from understandable to diabolical. I quite liked how Emyli and Palimia come into their own after being more secondary characters in the first book.

I also enjoyed the time jumps - they're not usually massive but they push the story forward and keep things at a nice pace.

Looking forward to the Hans/Dorilian aspect in the third book. There's a nice theme of Dorilian's relationship with a different member of the Stauberg-Randolph's in each book and I hope it continues.
Profile Image for Mike.
130 reviews11 followers
September 30, 2025
this series mesmerizes me. It is so unique and so beautifully written that even after I'm done reading it , it tends to keep creeping back into my thoughts. love the story love the characters love the writing highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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