킹스메이커 2

King's Maker #2

by Haga, 강지영 (illustrator)

아버지에게 복수심을 품고 그의 모든 것을 증오하는 4황자 볼프강, 현실을 벗어날 수 있을 힘과 황제의 몰락을 원하는 신수혁. 다른 생각을 가지고 같은 꿈을 꾸는 두 사람의 초대형 BL 판타지.

Genres: Manhwa, Manga, Fantasy, Romance, LGBT, Graphic Novels, Historical

312 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2018

Reviews

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually started crying at the end.

[Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

[Vedeneeva Yulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Все ще ідеально. Дуже цікаво

[Frank Chillura (OhYouRead) · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOW COULD YOU LEAVE ME WITH THIS CLIFFHANGERS?????!!! I don’t know how I’m going to survive until September to find out how the story continues. What do I dooooooo??? 😭🫠

I have never been a huge lover of political intrigue in books, but there’s something about King’s Maker that makes me want to eat those words. Wolfgang is the 4th Prince and was not raised by the King or in the castle, so he should have no hope of ever succeeding to the throne. But seeing as how much the King adored his mother, it feels like he has a chance.

There are so many parts of the story that makes me want to keep going and read faster: the King is obviously a tyrant, so I can do nothing but hope for his untimely death. He doesn’t care about gender or age, he’ll take any man, woman, or child into his bed chamber, so this is another reason to want him 🔪🩸😵!

Wolfgang’s only confidante, Shin, is one of the King’s chosen “darlings.” He has a group of very young boys who follow him around that he chooses to bed whenever he wishes. It’s hard to stomach it. So the fact that Shin WANTS to help Wolfgang become King makes complete sense. He doesn’t want to be a darling. He wants to be free.

I get a lot of Game of Thrones vibes from this story. It’s giving Lannister realness in all the worst ways and I love it. It’s juicy, dramatic, and unputdownable!

Thank you to Inklore publishing for my gifted copy of the book!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

That warning for implied sexual abuse of a minor? Ramp that sucker up, because it gets worse. What's impressive is that it's not just for show; the way Shin is treated is absolutely an important piece of the story for both he and Wolfgang. If ever a king needed to go, it's Wolfgang's dad.

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally I gave this a try on Tappytoon (it's also available via Lezhin) and soon in paper too, and I loved it. The art is amazing, I loved the drawing and colouring and the story is good if a bit rushed at times. I had some problems with time transition. I don't know if it's due to translation but it was difficult to have a sense of the passing of time because it's not clearly stated through dialogue. Fortunately the authors do a good job showing it through their drawing.
The plot (the review is for the whole series) touch hard themes like pedophilia and a tyrant ruler so this isn't for the faint of heart. I had a very hard time during some parts of the plot. Some of them maybe some people will think they were of no importance, but for me were hard to read, like when the kitten was killed. I can't read about animal death, it makes me truly upset. It's too painful for me, especially cats. And the way it was done, like the cat was of no importance, like it was replaceable, was very disturbing for me. And others were disturbing for very different reasons. All the things that involved the King's "children" were too unsettling to read. The way he was sexually involved with all those children and everyone looked to the other side because he was the King was too much at times. That and Dandellion death, it took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting that, and it was heartbreaking.
I liked how this ended. I liked that Wolfgang wanted to avoid a huge confrontation and I'm looking forward to see how he is going to rebuild the country with Shin's help, because they have a huge job in front of them. I'm going to read Triple Crown to see how their journey ends.

[Jess | jadecanread · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a really splendid level of tension that radiates out these pages. I am riveted and so engrossed.

Fuck the king.

I love the subtlety, the plot, the dark themes, the highs and the lows. Wolfgang and Shin are so easy to root for.

Recap: Horse race, underdog wins, meet brother 5 and the other brothers, Shin keeping Wolfgang in line during dinner, dancing together at a party, Shin having to go to the king and then Wolfgang giving Shin hickies, king punishing Shin by having him stand in the snow nude. Wolfgang resolving to kill the king but then holding back because Shin tells him to.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that this is dark but not overly explicit. We get the hints of the darkness without having to subjected to it. Our romance is romancing, we get hints at how deeply they feel for each other. The next volume is the end of this series before the sequel starts and I have to say I am happy about that, I don't think I could take 10 volumes of this current awful king just hoping for some kindness for our couple and the 5th king. The extras at the end were pretty cute with the horse.
5/6 stars

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, Shin Soohyuk. He is so intelligent but he can also be really dumb sometimes. He reminds me of Kim Dokja from ORV because they're both self sacrificing idiots. Him believing that he doesn't deserve Wolfgang while Wolfgang is literally willing to do anything for him is such an exquisite flavour of angst. The plot in this season was really plotting, if you get what I mean. They've made so much progress from when they overthrew the previous emperor and every day Soohyuk strives to make more progress with legitimising Wolfgang. But of course, there's only so much that he can do and as readers, we got to see Soohyuk coming to terms with the fact that he, too, has limitations.

Sys is a gem though! He's such an interesting character and I really like how he goes for whatever he wants, especially when it comes to men. His interactions with Randolph were hilarious too. Yoosung and Yuri's wedding was a pleasant surprise! It's one of those rare times where the author actually included a lesbian side couple and gave them a happy ending.

[Heather’s Reading Bubble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I get what everyone was gushing about!!! This was so good!!! I honestly don’t know where to start.

This volume really showcased why both Wolfgang and Shin are doing the things they are doing. Plus honestly the king is such a scumbag that he deserves anything that happens to him and more.

The introduction of Dandelion was not what I was expecting at all but he is too cute and his teary face broke my heart. He deserves the world and I really hope he survives.

That ending!!! I won’t spoil it but I honestly never would’ve guessed. It had me shocked. I need to know what happens next. Oh what a read this was.

[Arielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't wait until March for the physical copy so I read it online. Really, really good. The near wordless chapter 24 was the standout. Gorgeous artwork and coloring. The framing of each panel was so cinematic and created a sense of motion that made the whole work feel alive and three-dimensional. The drama was dialed up and those last few chapters were incredibly emotional. Highly recommended.

[Rachael ༊·˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This covers episodes 13 - 25.)

"You died once today. Be grateful you were born with golden hair and golden eyes. You owe your life to them."

YESSS this is absolute gold. A diamond in the rough. Not regretting in the slightest picking this up, and every episode and panel keeps delivering chef's kiss perfection.

"Sometimes, everything seems too good to be true. Everything comes easy to me... I feel as though I'm walking on a path someone else has already paved for me."

But really, how does this genuinely get better and better? :0 This is definitely a new favourite of mine, because holy shit this plot is so intricate and the suspense for every episode keeps me on my toes throughout, and the art hasn't failed in the slightest! I have only come to love Wolfgang and Soohyuk even more (and despise that goddamn king even more, while simultaneously being disgusted and put off by him). AND DANDY DELLY HAS APPEARED!! (istg I hate Wolfgang for making that nickname stuck in my head 😭)

"...Why did you come all the way here. Had you consulted the librarian, he would've shown you the books you needed. Is there perhaps something else you are concerned with?"
"Well... I doubt the librarian would've been able to tell me how successful the aldein hunt was this spring. The man merely knows how to locate the books. You, on the other hand, are the only one in the palace who knows how to actually utilise them."

This ended on that god awful cliffhanger that makes me want to burn the king at the stake, because castration isn't enough, and there aren't enough torture methods for me to use on him for the pain he brings me and every goddamn CHILD he sets his eyes and hands on in this series.

Putting that... disgusting worm of a human being... aside... I can't believe this will end with the next book D: How in the world is everything going to fall into place in the remaining episodes?? I have not a clue, but I am SO excited to come on this ride and figure out!

Shin, I'm going to become king. For those who live in fear, like this little one here. For those who lost their lives in vain, like my mother. ...And for you.

(Also, special mention that oh my gosh I think I can die happy simply by being edged on the knowledge that those two have mutual feelings for each other. They don't even need to say a word to keep me excited to see them together when they are all grown up! And may the manhwa gods forever shine brightly on Haga and Jiyoung for the absolute masterpiece that was Episode 24, because wow it is telling that the storytelling and art is so, so beautiful and compelling if not a single word needs to be said or written to convey such emotion. And the absolutely captivating Disney-esque final panel for Episode 22!!)

Somewhere, a voice cries out in panic. "Do not take his hand."
But, oh, I am tied by desire, overtaken by impulse. I am blinded by this golden light. How utterly blinding is this golden light.

---

other quotes i've fallen for, since i can't keep track of my favourite panels:

"Who says I'm going to be his puppet forever? One day, I'm going to be king. Not because someone tells me to, but because I want to. So if I need to be someone's chess piece or a puppet along the way, so be it."

"I don't care what you want from me, and I don't care how you use me. As long as you stay by my side, I'm going to keep my promise and become king. I gave you my word, not as a royal with golden hair and golden eyes, but as a person who believed in a better future."

I know Shin is wary about referring to me as the 'next king'. And can I blame him? I can talk about becoming king all I want, but the crown does not belong to the one with the loudest voice. The crown belongs to the one who survives 'til the very end.

"But... this is your chance to make acquaintance with the nobles, to form allies... to dance with the noblewomen..."
"But I want to dance with you. Would you... do me the honour?"

"I am yours."

[Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating: 4.5

i feel like so much happened in this one volume and they all had completely different vibes, but the shift between them felt very well written. we start off with the festival in which wolfgang took part in the horse racing competition and we see him establish more of his compassionate personality as a character. then we get more politicking and more of an explanation of how the kingdom is run and the current state of affairs which i really appreciated. we got to meet all the other princes, including the youngest who is so adorable and i can only pity his position. i do hope that nothing bad happens to him, but with him being so young and having such a frail constitution, i don’t see him having too great an ending if it does get that bad.

speaking of the deaths of children, we get more information on the king and his perverse nature and how one of the children he SA’d died as a result which was so disturbing to read. i really do feel like the triggers on this need to be much clearer on the publishers behalf and readers too as i feel like no one mentions it. not to mention having to see shin and the king in private, and whilst nothing happens on page, you know that isn’t the first time at all.

with wolfgang’s arrival, shin seems to have decided to finally start taking action as he’s found himself someone worth serving and helping to help himself and all the other young boys subjected to a life as the king’s ‘darlings’. the scene in the hallway with wolfgang and shin did confuse me a little as there’s no dialogue, but the as it went on, the intent became clear, especially at the end when shin is found with a hickey and punished and banished. it ends on a cliffhanger and left me not knowing at all how it will continue, but i’m very interested in seeing where the story goes next.

[sandrasliteratur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auf Deutsch bei papertoons erschienen

Definitiv eine der stärksten Fantasy / Boys Love Reihen aktuell!

King´s maker hat mich einfach komplett umgehauen Schon in Band 1 hat man deutlich gemerkt, dass man es hier mit einem absoluten Fantasyhighlight zu tun hat. Die Welt ist High Fantasy und die Charaktere sind so unglaublich stark und facettenreich, wie ich es bisher kaum gelesen habe. Genau wie der Protagonist Wolfgang die Herzen der Leser:innen für sich gewinnt, so tut er es auch mit den Menschen im Buch.
Besonders spannend war in dem Band seine Begegnung mit den anderen Söhnen des Königs und der mehr als fiese Cliffhanger am Ende. Der Webtoon erzählt auf eine faszinierende und fesselnde Art von der Grausamkeit des Königs und sorgt für eine emotionsgeladene Spannung, die wirklich atemberaubend ist. Definitiv einer meiner absoluten Lieblingstitel und eine ganz große Empfehlung. Die Boys Love ist auch wirklich sehr subtil und slow burn, daher kann ich den Titel auch für Fans von reiner Fantasy, Spannung und royalen Intrigen empfehlen.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series makes me fight for my life 😩 I fucking hate the king with everything in my heart and soul.

I genuinely can’t believe the people in this kingdom just let the king be a pedophile just out in the open. My poor Shin has to scheme just to try not to get raped by the king. Like, I’m gonna be sick. Even worse is the absolute humiliation and physical abuse he’s subjected to once he finally allows himself a crumb of happiness by letting Wolfgang kiss him.

Like, when I say I hate the king… I hate that fucking bastard. I want him to rot in hell. I want Wolfgang to kill him with his bare hands. I want it to be intimate and personal because it’s personal TO ME 🤬

Anyway. I’m once again reminded of why I love this series. I’m glued to the pages as we follow Wolfgang’s attempt at navigating court politics.

P.S. Dandelion is a cutie patootie. He better realize his allegiance lies with Wolfgang, though, or we’re gonna have a big problem 🤨

[Estibaliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could just copy and paste my review for the first instalment, because everything I said there still applies to this second volume. So great to see the quality is holding up!

Plus, if you are here for the BL, you'll probably enjoy this one even a little more, with the second to last chapter being a pivotal moment for the story, and with the original addition of it being completely wordless. Nice touch.

From the thrilling horserace at the start, to that shocking ending, which can almost qualify as a cliffhanger, 'King's Maker' continues to be so entertaining, with intrigue, politics, some emotional moments, and also, always, some fun ones (special mention, once more to the bonus content).

4.75

[Denise DeLeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Even better than the first one & has me so excited for the last book!

The illustrations are so great, with such rich colors that show off the world that they’re in.

In this one, we get more information on the king & the princes. There’s a lot more palace politics that we get to see unfolding. Wolfgang continues to grow & learn & adapt. We see him work hard to become who he needs to be if he really intends to become the future king.

It was another quick, intriguing read & I’m sad I have to wait 4 months for the next one to be released here!

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume packed in a lot! There were the other brothers, including Dandelion, a sickly brother who had just returned to the kingdom.

The king truly is awful, so please be mindful that if this were modern day, he'd have shares in a certain island.

Oh, and there's a cliffhanger ending

[icedcoffeeandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I'm simply baffled to have the opportunity to read this masterpiece? I don't really know how this beautiful piece of manhwa is still underrated?

(Also, dandy is my favourite name from here on).

[Damien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this graphic novel that was gifted by Random House. It is my first manhwa and I’m a fan. I love the detailed graphics and rich story of a games of thrones vibes. I’m rooting for Wolfgang and Soohyuk and their journey. It’s the perfect book for pride month.

[^•^ Liss ^•^ · Rating 5 out of 5]

No hay palabras para describir semejante obra de arte, en dibujo, trama, historia y personajes. Tanto principales como secundarios 💕

[jisung ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

gente, yo ya leí todo esto y recién me doy cuenta-

[Ori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simplemente hermoso, toda la saga lo es

[Jezrhen · Rating 5 out of 5]

dandy :(((

[Yasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd read

[Deniz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ay şimdi de bebe katili oldu yeter indirin şu yaşlı bunağı tahttan😖😭😈😈😈

[Asya Pambouc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently translating it for a French client and I am scarred for life. Thank you very much.

[clarkeackerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so apparenly this is also S1

[Alma nicomio · Rating 5 out of 5]

DIOSSSS ES QUE LANDOSJDOANDK OMG

[Dianavrc · Rating 5 out of 5]

BELLO