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King Rolen's Kin #3
The Usurper
Now a slave, Piro finds herself in the royal palace of Merofynia, serving her parents’ murderer. She must watch every step, for if her real identity is discovered, she will be executed. Fyn is desperate to help his brother, now the uncrowned king of Rolencia. Byren never sought power, but finds himself at the centre of a growing resistance movement as people flee
Palatyne’s vicious soldiers. Can he hope to repel the invasion with a following of women, children and old men?
Palatyne’s vicious soldiers. Can he hope to repel the invasion with a following of women, children and old men?
489 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 31, 2010
8 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
About the author
Rowena Cory Daniells
39 books360 followersI write the kind of books that keep you up all night.
I write the kind of books that got you reading fantasy way back when. I also write gritty crime-noir with a touch of paranormal under RC Daniells.
I am unashamedly a Genre Writer!
I write the kind of books that got you reading fantasy way back when. I also write gritty crime-noir with a touch of paranormal under RC Daniells.
I am unashamedly a Genre Writer!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 12, 2020
I'm rating this somewhere between two and a half and three stars.
After enjoying the first two books more than I originally thought I would, this one was a disappointment. This is partly my own fault as I thought that this was a trilogy and the story lines would be wrapped up, but alas, it wasn't to be.
I don't honestly know if I'll bother picking up the next book; the frustrating appearance of a love triangle and problems that could be resolved if people would just talk to each other have irritated and irked me. And yes, it's mostly my own fault, but the fact that it took me almost two weeks to struggle through a book that I'd normally polish off in three or four days has really turned me off the story I'm afraid.
I'll keep it on my shelf and maybe I'll pick up the last book and read all four in the future, but not right now.
After enjoying the first two books more than I originally thought I would, this one was a disappointment. This is partly my own fault as I thought that this was a trilogy and the story lines would be wrapped up, but alas, it wasn't to be.
I don't honestly know if I'll bother picking up the next book; the frustrating appearance of a love triangle and problems that could be resolved if people would just talk to each other have irritated and irked me. And yes, it's mostly my own fault, but the fact that it took me almost two weeks to struggle through a book that I'd normally polish off in three or four days has really turned me off the story I'm afraid.
I'll keep it on my shelf and maybe I'll pick up the last book and read all four in the future, but not right now.
July 15, 2011
While nowhere near as bad as The Archer (different genre, I know, but it has the distinction of being the worst book I have ever read in my life so far), this still frustrated and disappointed to a major degree - major, because I think the story really had potential to be something amazing, but the author basically just kept to the shallows. My brother in fact hit the nail on the head when I was bitching to him about it telling him about it. He said "Sounds like something you'd enjoy when you were in high school and reading Forgotten Realms books" and I thought, actually, yeah. I probably would have thought this was a great romp when I was a teenager. Instead I was reading the Thomas Covenant Chronicles and The Hobbit. And I have read a lot of increasingly sophisticated stuff since then so sadly this series did not hold ground well against much more intelligent, thoughtful, risk-taking writers like Parker, Erikson and Martin.
So I guess I have to say I didn't personally enjoy this series all that much. And with the way this book ended, I suspect (although am not convinced) that there is more? Anyway, I had more fun imagining how good they could have been. For people who don't ask for a lot from their fantasy fiction, they're probably worth the short time it will take to read them. They are fun - all frustrations with the author's writing ability and choices aside - and the characters, while a little two-dimensional, were for the most part endearing. I'll be avoiding this author's work in the future, however.
A word of final warning: seriously don't expect anything but the 'dueling kingdoms' issue to be resolved; particularly not the issue raised between Byren and his best friend Orrie. In a world where gay men
So I guess I have to say I didn't personally enjoy this series all that much. And with the way this book ended, I suspect (although am not convinced) that there is more? Anyway, I had more fun imagining how good they could have been. For people who don't ask for a lot from their fantasy fiction, they're probably worth the short time it will take to read them. They are fun - all frustrations with the author's writing ability and choices aside - and the characters, while a little two-dimensional, were for the most part endearing. I'll be avoiding this author's work in the future, however.
A word of final warning: seriously don't expect anything but the 'dueling kingdoms' issue to be resolved; particularly not the issue raised between Byren and his best friend Orrie. In a world where gay men
March 31, 2013
These books are an enigma to me. On the one hand,I find aspects of how the author writes jarring. Scene transitions and sudden changes seem to need work. On the other hand, however, I have come to really enjoy reading about Byren, Fyn and Piro of House Rolencia. And instead of reading it with half a dozen other books (like normal), I tend to read these books exclusively which is a mark of how much I am enjoying myself.
Ultimately, I found most of the resolution of the plot lines to be satisfying. I like that our hero's have more allies than they had at the beginning of the book and that things are looking up. I didn't expect to have so much unresolved, however, at the end of what I thought was a trilogy. There is just so much more to resolve,there must be another book to finish the story.
Overall, I felt the three books, ending with this one, told a strong story and i enjoyed it very much. I will definitely read the next book, but hope we get a more complete ending. I want some of the romantic aspects of the book to be resolved and if there is another novel, let them face the issues together.
Ultimately, I found most of the resolution of the plot lines to be satisfying. I like that our hero's have more allies than they had at the beginning of the book and that things are looking up. I didn't expect to have so much unresolved, however, at the end of what I thought was a trilogy. There is just so much more to resolve,there must be another book to finish the story.
Overall, I felt the three books, ending with this one, told a strong story and i enjoyed it very much. I will definitely read the next book, but hope we get a more complete ending. I want some of the romantic aspects of the book to be resolved and if there is another novel, let them face the issues together.
July 24, 2015
At last: I’m done with this trilogy!
I often cursed my inability to leave stories unfinished, because this whole trilogy is so ordinary, so common, and instead of feeling happy about reading it, around the second book it started to feel like a chore.
Like I said on my review of the 1st book: the potential is there, but the author just doesn’t do anything with it. The affinity “powers” are unexplored and unexplained, the characters are unremarkable, and there are really no surprises, you can see the events and relationships coming from a mile away. And even though the “soap opera” feeling lightens up on the 2nd and 3rd books it is still too present for my taste.
Also, the book titles made no sense to me. I felt no relationship between the titles and the stories.
I am only giving 3 stars instead of 2 because of the potential this “world” holds.
I often cursed my inability to leave stories unfinished, because this whole trilogy is so ordinary, so common, and instead of feeling happy about reading it, around the second book it started to feel like a chore.
Like I said on my review of the 1st book: the potential is there, but the author just doesn’t do anything with it. The affinity “powers” are unexplored and unexplained, the characters are unremarkable, and there are really no surprises, you can see the events and relationships coming from a mile away. And even though the “soap opera” feeling lightens up on the 2nd and 3rd books it is still too present for my taste.
Also, the book titles made no sense to me. I felt no relationship between the titles and the stories.
I am only giving 3 stars instead of 2 because of the potential this “world” holds.
July 11, 2013
The Good. Book three was everything book one was only better. This one was much more of a page turner. Bryen, Fyn and Piro all had more or less equally important roles and the POV switched smoothly between the three. There was much less time spent on feeling sorry for themselves and alot more moving forward with a purpose. Tension mounted as the story built to a rousing crescendo of an ending. I admit it, I saw dawn break the night I finished this book.
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August 25, 2014
This book his chock full unbelievable coincidences you can be confident that every new character with a name will show up again later. Overall this book is pretty worth reading.
July 19, 2019
The Usurper (King Rolen’s Kin #3) by Rowena Cory Daniells sees me finally putting this trilogy to bed. I’ve got many thoughts about this epic, and they’re conflicted, so bear with me. Daniells starts out with all the elements that I love about a meaty fantasy trilogy – courtly intrigue, royal heirs thrust into unwished-for situations, treachery and a side order of the occasional fantasy beast. But…
I think she took a leaf out of the GRRM handbook but didn’t flesh things out nor develop her narrative arcs fully. So, while things started out promising (I really did enjoy book one and two) by the time we hit book three, I gained a nagging suspicion that she was pantsing her way through the epic without any clear idea of where or how to end.
There are so many promising characters and some lovely interactions, for instance friendships that develop in unlikely places (no, I’m not going to spoil it). I found myself enjoying those secondary arcs more than I did the primary ones, which all seemed rather standard (winning back the crown at all cost, etc etc).
I feel more could have been made of the theme of characters having to cope with the lot handed to them in life – Byren the reluctant king; Fin, the warrior monk who doesn’t have a shred of magical ability; Piro the princess who has all the magical ability but needs to keep it hidden… And while the writing is solid, I often felt that the point of view did not go deep enough – especially in terms of crisis situation which felt almost a little glossed over – I’m thinking of the ending in particular (you blink, and it’s over in a whiff of vapour). Too many conveniences – for instance, instead of executing someone you dislike the moment you lay hands on them, why then apparently starve them to death very publicly when you know they have sympathisers who’ll no doubt try to save them. (It feels too much like the Disney villain whose gloating ends up being his undoing.)
As much as I wanted to love Byren, there were times when I felt he was almost too trusting, too obstinately obtuse about the people and their feelings around him – not quite in the TSTL category, but verging very near to that. Not to mention his bungling of his friendship with Orrie.
I think what stole most of the joy of the story for me was the way it felt rushed towards the conclusion after events dragged out midway in the trilogy, as if the author had gone off on a bunch of tangents but then wasn’t exactly quite sure how to wrap them all together for a satisfying ending – but had to, within a specified word count. And it’s difficult. I understand all too well when writing merely one character’s narrative arc. And we’re sitting with not one but three point-of-view characters here. So, though I don’t want to lean on the GRRM reference too hard, it’s painfully apparent here. Added to that, the author flips between points of view rapidly, sometimes within a scene. Now, I don’t know if it was how the book was formatted (I was reading the ebook so don’t know if those spaces accimagically vanished during the final production) but I’d have liked some scene breaks indicated – I sometimes had to stop and go back a few sentences to realise we’d switched characters. And if no scene breaks, a better transition could have smoothed this out. Not a complete deal-breaker, because I don’t know if it is a formatting glitch, but if not…
I wanted to like this trilogy very much, and it had such a promising start, but I’ve been spoilt by so many more complex, textured and lush fantasy writing that this felt like something I may have enjoyed more when I was in my early teens. I know I’ve gone on a bit in this review, more than I ordinarily would, and King Rolen’s Kin is not a bad little fantasy trilogy, but it could have packed a stronger punch to conclude better at book three.
I think she took a leaf out of the GRRM handbook but didn’t flesh things out nor develop her narrative arcs fully. So, while things started out promising (I really did enjoy book one and two) by the time we hit book three, I gained a nagging suspicion that she was pantsing her way through the epic without any clear idea of where or how to end.
There are so many promising characters and some lovely interactions, for instance friendships that develop in unlikely places (no, I’m not going to spoil it). I found myself enjoying those secondary arcs more than I did the primary ones, which all seemed rather standard (winning back the crown at all cost, etc etc).
I feel more could have been made of the theme of characters having to cope with the lot handed to them in life – Byren the reluctant king; Fin, the warrior monk who doesn’t have a shred of magical ability; Piro the princess who has all the magical ability but needs to keep it hidden… And while the writing is solid, I often felt that the point of view did not go deep enough – especially in terms of crisis situation which felt almost a little glossed over – I’m thinking of the ending in particular (you blink, and it’s over in a whiff of vapour). Too many conveniences – for instance, instead of executing someone you dislike the moment you lay hands on them, why then apparently starve them to death very publicly when you know they have sympathisers who’ll no doubt try to save them. (It feels too much like the Disney villain whose gloating ends up being his undoing.)
As much as I wanted to love Byren, there were times when I felt he was almost too trusting, too obstinately obtuse about the people and their feelings around him – not quite in the TSTL category, but verging very near to that. Not to mention his bungling of his friendship with Orrie.
I think what stole most of the joy of the story for me was the way it felt rushed towards the conclusion after events dragged out midway in the trilogy, as if the author had gone off on a bunch of tangents but then wasn’t exactly quite sure how to wrap them all together for a satisfying ending – but had to, within a specified word count. And it’s difficult. I understand all too well when writing merely one character’s narrative arc. And we’re sitting with not one but three point-of-view characters here. So, though I don’t want to lean on the GRRM reference too hard, it’s painfully apparent here. Added to that, the author flips between points of view rapidly, sometimes within a scene. Now, I don’t know if it was how the book was formatted (I was reading the ebook so don’t know if those spaces accimagically vanished during the final production) but I’d have liked some scene breaks indicated – I sometimes had to stop and go back a few sentences to realise we’d switched characters. And if no scene breaks, a better transition could have smoothed this out. Not a complete deal-breaker, because I don’t know if it is a formatting glitch, but if not…
I wanted to like this trilogy very much, and it had such a promising start, but I’ve been spoilt by so many more complex, textured and lush fantasy writing that this felt like something I may have enjoyed more when I was in my early teens. I know I’ve gone on a bit in this review, more than I ordinarily would, and King Rolen’s Kin is not a bad little fantasy trilogy, but it could have packed a stronger punch to conclude better at book three.
September 3, 2022
Picking up where she left off in The Uncrowned King, Rowena Cory Daniells brings her King Rolen's King trilogy to a close (if not an altogether tidy conclusion) with The Usurper.
This final instalment begins much as we would expect, with King Byren quietly raising a rebellion under the nose of his cousin, Lord Cobalt. Although largely consisting of young boys, maimed men, and resourceful old women, the fate of his arm slowly begins to turn with the emergence of the last living warrior monks. Together, they sneak over hidden passes, led by Orrie and Florin, to recruit the support of the same warlords who swore fealty to his father just months before.
Meanwhile, Piro and Fyn find themselves on the other side of the world, prisoners of tyrants and pirates. It is here that the novel really shines, with the development of some intricate political manoeuvring, backstabbing, conspiracies, and secrets. The friendship between Piro and Isolt is an intriguing development, bridging the warring factions, of you will, and offering a glimmer of hope for a peaceful future. Fyn, meanwhile, is forced to confront his fears, to sacrifice his future, and to take a role in the conflict that his status as a monk would have once forbid.
As the three becoming entangled with Tyro, agent of the mysterious Mage, the story takes an interesting and dramatic turn. Espionage and hidden agendas come to the forefront, with allies turning up in the most unexpected places, and treachery looming in ever shadow. The climactic battle of Rolencia that we had been expecting never comes to pass, with the story centring instead around a more intimate battle of wills. Palatyne and Byren do get their final confrontation, but within the distant halls of Merofynia. Even then, the outcome is not what we've come to expect, but there is a sort of poetic justice in how it all works out. Like I said earlier, it doesn't completely resolve the story line (there's still a traitorous cousin in charge across the sea), robbing us of possibly the most anticipated showdown in the series, but it does offer us hope for a successful resolution.
Should this turn out to be the end of the series, I would have to admit to a little disappointment. There are too many questions left unanswered, too many relationships left in limbo, and too much violence left off the page. The story really does demand one more volume but, should that come to pass, it wouldn't take much to transform that disappointment into satisfaction.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
This final instalment begins much as we would expect, with King Byren quietly raising a rebellion under the nose of his cousin, Lord Cobalt. Although largely consisting of young boys, maimed men, and resourceful old women, the fate of his arm slowly begins to turn with the emergence of the last living warrior monks. Together, they sneak over hidden passes, led by Orrie and Florin, to recruit the support of the same warlords who swore fealty to his father just months before.
Meanwhile, Piro and Fyn find themselves on the other side of the world, prisoners of tyrants and pirates. It is here that the novel really shines, with the development of some intricate political manoeuvring, backstabbing, conspiracies, and secrets. The friendship between Piro and Isolt is an intriguing development, bridging the warring factions, of you will, and offering a glimmer of hope for a peaceful future. Fyn, meanwhile, is forced to confront his fears, to sacrifice his future, and to take a role in the conflict that his status as a monk would have once forbid.
As the three becoming entangled with Tyro, agent of the mysterious Mage, the story takes an interesting and dramatic turn. Espionage and hidden agendas come to the forefront, with allies turning up in the most unexpected places, and treachery looming in ever shadow. The climactic battle of Rolencia that we had been expecting never comes to pass, with the story centring instead around a more intimate battle of wills. Palatyne and Byren do get their final confrontation, but within the distant halls of Merofynia. Even then, the outcome is not what we've come to expect, but there is a sort of poetic justice in how it all works out. Like I said earlier, it doesn't completely resolve the story line (there's still a traitorous cousin in charge across the sea), robbing us of possibly the most anticipated showdown in the series, but it does offer us hope for a successful resolution.
Should this turn out to be the end of the series, I would have to admit to a little disappointment. There are too many questions left unanswered, too many relationships left in limbo, and too much violence left off the page. The story really does demand one more volume but, should that come to pass, it wouldn't take much to transform that disappointment into satisfaction.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
August 23, 2012
The Usurper is the final book in Daniells' King Rolen's Kin trilogy. As such a review of this book will unavoidably contain some slight spoilers for the previous books in the series, if only by dint of alluding to events and characters in the prior books. So read on at your own peril, if you want to remain completely unspoiled, now is the time to click away.
Still with me? Good! So this is the final book in the King Rolen's Kin trilogy and while I loved the trilogy as a whole and enjoyed this last instalment tremendously, I did have some problems with the book, the biggest of which was Byren. Because Byren? Can we say clueless about relationships? In fact, his bumbling became rather annoying by the end of the book, where I ended up just wanting him to just wake up and smell the coffee, because he is being totally dense. Not just about his feelings for Florin and his reactions and behaviour because of this, but also his inner conflict about Orrade's feelings for him. He's partly glad when he thinks Orrade and Florin have taken up together, because it solves both the problem of having people find out about Orrade and suspecting him and it makes Florin unavailable so he won't have to deal with his feelings for her, while at the same time being angry and jealous about it. It just annoyed the heck out of me, because it made him seem really immature, something which I didn't find reflected in the rest of his behaviour. At the same time there is a scene where he and Orrade talk about what is happening, or not happening as is the case, which I found really touching and I think will resonate with anyone who has ever fallen in unrequited love with their best friend.
The other thing that bugged me a little was the resolution of the Palatyne problem. Everything converged on this scene, but at one point it looks like the boys aren't needed at all, as Piro and Isolt seem to be solving things all on their own. This had me literally cheering in my seat, as I loved the fact that these girls were smart enough and strong enough to solve things by themselves. Unfortunately, they never get the chance to see their ploy played out, because the boys take over and solve things their way, though arguably Isolt has the last word. This rather saddened me, because it felt like it negated all that the girls had done and had them just be rescued like damsels in distress, which they are emphatically not. It's true that in the end they still come back and are instrumental in defeating Palatyne, but in reading the scene it didn't feel like that at all, it's only now I write it out like this that I realise how important they were in the actual resolution of the scene. However, the wrap-up of the book gives plenty of promise of both Piro and Isolt coming into their own in the future and making their own destiny.
Looking back at my review for The Uncrowned King , I had some suspicions on where the story and certain things would go. It turned out I was completely wrong. That thing I thought would happen with Lord Dunstany? Not so much, there was something up with him, but Daniells took it in a completely different direction which took me quite by surprise. And which I actually really enjoyed. In fact, I loved Piro's story arc and the character of Isolt. The entire Ostron Isle sequence was wonderful and I think my favourite part of this book. There is so much mystery and so many revelations in this section, that I just couldn't get enough of it. Also, it had the one not too complicated, star-crossed romance in it and that sucked me right in.
One thing that bothered me a lot in the last book was the development for Byren and Fyn's guilt complexes. Luckily in this book, Fyn deals with his and in quite a satisfactory matter. I loved how Daniells made him go all the way to the bottom only to be forced to confront it and then set free of his guilt and fears. It was a powerful scene and I loved the resonance of his journey in it. Unfortunately Byren still struggles with his guilt. On the whole, Byren's character arc didn't feel finished at the end of this trilogy, he still has a lot of growing up to do and issues to resolve, such as his guilt and his mixed feelings about Orrade. Then again, the story isn't done, there are still more things to do and Daniells is working on a concluding book provisionally called King-maker, King-breaker which is due to be published by the end of 2013, so hopefully he'll have been able to do his growing-up by the end of it.
The Usurper was a really enjoyable novel, but didn't feel like the end of the story, even if it ended at the right time for this book. I'm glad that I knew before finishing this book that Daniells is working on a continuation of the story, wrapping the story up in a fourth book, otherwise I would have been really frustrated at the ending. As it is, I think one shouldn't think of this series as a trilogy – even if it was published as such – but as a quartet. Despite my problems as described above, King Rolen's Kin is a really fun series and if you enjoy high fantasy tales, this one comes very much recommended. And if you start now, you'll have time to catch up on the series before the publication of the final book next year!
Still with me? Good! So this is the final book in the King Rolen's Kin trilogy and while I loved the trilogy as a whole and enjoyed this last instalment tremendously, I did have some problems with the book, the biggest of which was Byren. Because Byren? Can we say clueless about relationships? In fact, his bumbling became rather annoying by the end of the book, where I ended up just wanting him to just wake up and smell the coffee, because he is being totally dense. Not just about his feelings for Florin and his reactions and behaviour because of this, but also his inner conflict about Orrade's feelings for him. He's partly glad when he thinks Orrade and Florin have taken up together, because it solves both the problem of having people find out about Orrade and suspecting him and it makes Florin unavailable so he won't have to deal with his feelings for her, while at the same time being angry and jealous about it. It just annoyed the heck out of me, because it made him seem really immature, something which I didn't find reflected in the rest of his behaviour. At the same time there is a scene where he and Orrade talk about what is happening, or not happening as is the case, which I found really touching and I think will resonate with anyone who has ever fallen in unrequited love with their best friend.
'No,' his hands dropped and he stared away, so that all Byren could see of him was the line of his lean cheek and jaw, lightly dusted with a wispy black beard. 'No, you haven't offended me, quite the opposite. But you don't want what I want. And tonight I can't pretend I feel only friendship for you.' (p.159)
The other thing that bugged me a little was the resolution of the Palatyne problem. Everything converged on this scene, but at one point it looks like the boys aren't needed at all, as Piro and Isolt seem to be solving things all on their own. This had me literally cheering in my seat, as I loved the fact that these girls were smart enough and strong enough to solve things by themselves. Unfortunately, they never get the chance to see their ploy played out, because the boys take over and solve things their way, though arguably Isolt has the last word. This rather saddened me, because it felt like it negated all that the girls had done and had them just be rescued like damsels in distress, which they are emphatically not. It's true that in the end they still come back and are instrumental in defeating Palatyne, but in reading the scene it didn't feel like that at all, it's only now I write it out like this that I realise how important they were in the actual resolution of the scene. However, the wrap-up of the book gives plenty of promise of both Piro and Isolt coming into their own in the future and making their own destiny.
Looking back at my review for The Uncrowned King , I had some suspicions on where the story and certain things would go. It turned out I was completely wrong. That thing I thought would happen with Lord Dunstany? Not so much, there was something up with him, but Daniells took it in a completely different direction which took me quite by surprise. And which I actually really enjoyed. In fact, I loved Piro's story arc and the character of Isolt. The entire Ostron Isle sequence was wonderful and I think my favourite part of this book. There is so much mystery and so many revelations in this section, that I just couldn't get enough of it. Also, it had the one not too complicated, star-crossed romance in it and that sucked me right in.
One thing that bothered me a lot in the last book was the development for Byren and Fyn's guilt complexes. Luckily in this book, Fyn deals with his and in quite a satisfactory matter. I loved how Daniells made him go all the way to the bottom only to be forced to confront it and then set free of his guilt and fears. It was a powerful scene and I loved the resonance of his journey in it. Unfortunately Byren still struggles with his guilt. On the whole, Byren's character arc didn't feel finished at the end of this trilogy, he still has a lot of growing up to do and issues to resolve, such as his guilt and his mixed feelings about Orrade. Then again, the story isn't done, there are still more things to do and Daniells is working on a concluding book provisionally called King-maker, King-breaker which is due to be published by the end of 2013, so hopefully he'll have been able to do his growing-up by the end of it.
The Usurper was a really enjoyable novel, but didn't feel like the end of the story, even if it ended at the right time for this book. I'm glad that I knew before finishing this book that Daniells is working on a continuation of the story, wrapping the story up in a fourth book, otherwise I would have been really frustrated at the ending. As it is, I think one shouldn't think of this series as a trilogy – even if it was published as such – but as a quartet. Despite my problems as described above, King Rolen's Kin is a really fun series and if you enjoy high fantasy tales, this one comes very much recommended. And if you start now, you'll have time to catch up on the series before the publication of the final book next year!
September 1, 2017
I really like this series. The character development is great. The choice to have a novella focusing on Garzik was a good move. I very much enjoyed "The King's Man." I'm looking forward to book book #4. That said, the showdown with Palatyne was not exactly satisfying for me. I imagined Isolt becoming a warrior queen literally, like one of the Utland Beardless. The prospect was interesting and exciting. Instead, it is her pet who saves the day on her command...
I'm very interested in Tyro. I feel sympathy for him and the stress that he lives with (maintaining two false identities as the most powerful affinity wielding people in the world), but I'm not sure if Piro should trust him. Also, does he have a growing interest in her?
I'm very interested in Tyro. I feel sympathy for him and the stress that he lives with (maintaining two false identities as the most powerful affinity wielding people in the world), but I'm not sure if Piro should trust him. Also, does he have a growing interest in her?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2019
I quite liked this installment of King Rolen's Kin. The strength of this series to me are the characters and many of them really solidified for me in this book. Byren and Orrade have always been my favorites, but I have really enjoyed Piro's evolution into a strong and resourceful young woman. She is intuitive and clever and has just enough guts to really make an impact on the story. Isolt has been a good edition as well and it has been nice to see Fyn gain some confidence and start to figure out his place in life. He still has a long way to go but being out of the Abbey has exposed him to a whole new world.
I was pleased with the ending as I was starting to think the King's kids could never catch a break.
I was pleased with the ending as I was starting to think the King's kids could never catch a break.
September 18, 2019
I'm getting tired of this series being stretched out to fill more pages. It was supposed to be a trilogy, but now there's a 4th book I have to read? The wording is often repetitive and I felt the story kept going in circles.
August 19, 2020
3.5 Not as good as the first two. This book took awhile to pick up, the first half was really slow and the switches between characters seemed constant. It picked up more after the halfway point. I'll definitely be continuing.
January 2, 2017
Very good book
Well written, if a bit dark at times, great story twists, involving all the characters in the story. I will read the next in the series.
Well written, if a bit dark at times, great story twists, involving all the characters in the story. I will read the next in the series.
May 30, 2017
Horrible ending. So many things are drawn out, then the end comes and it's over in a matter of seconds.
January 12, 2019
Pretty decent story but just never quite got to great
January 25, 2019
Sucked. Couldn't finish it. Feels like a copy and pasted Game of Thrones novel, with the best parts edited out.
March 30, 2019
love love love love love it!
October 15, 2023
4.5 stars
September 8, 2017
I've struggled to articulate why these books are good/ok but not great. I've read some really captivating series and just couldn't put my finger on what it was about this series that's lacking. I think reading The Usurper finally clarified it for me. Rather than provide vague statements I'm going to quote the book (nothing significant/spoilery mentioned).
Lack of sequence flow: from page 210
For me, it seems like I'm missing a sentence, something about finding Catillum's room, knocking or opening the door, etc. As is, it just feels jarring to me. I don't have a fluid picture of the character moving through the world because it seemed to jump from going in search of to talking to.
No reminders for minor characters: from page 213
Who is Ovido again? I don't remember reading about him before. He must be a servant or something but he was forgettable whoever he was. I think if it's been many pages since this character was introduced, reminding the reader of the minor character would have been helpful.
Too quick character POV switching: from page 286
We get all three major characters POV literally on one page. It was a little too jarring for me. I wish I just got more with each character. This is a really minor point but there were several chapters where you only get a page or so from one of the characters before the chapter ends.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the action and what goes on in this series. I just feel like the writing style doesn't mesh with me that much. I'll keep reading. I'll probably just keep giving these books three stars :)
Lack of sequence flow: from page 210
What could the mystics master want with him? He stayed and watched the hall, until enough time had passed for Joff and Feldspar to go back downstairs, then he went in search of Catillum.
'You sent for me, mystics master.'
For me, it seems like I'm missing a sentence, something about finding Catillum's room, knocking or opening the door, etc. As is, it just feels jarring to me. I don't have a fluid picture of the character moving through the world because it seemed to jump from going in search of to talking to.
No reminders for minor characters: from page 213
'Agent Tyro?' Ovido came trotting into the garden. He ignored Piro as if she was an interloper.
Who is Ovido again? I don't remember reading about him before. He must be a servant or something but he was forgettable whoever he was. I think if it's been many pages since this character was introduced, reminding the reader of the minor character would have been helpful.
Too quick character POV switching: from page 286
Piro smiled.
...
Fyn walked ...
...
Byren hung from ...
We get all three major characters POV literally on one page. It was a little too jarring for me. I wish I just got more with each character. This is a really minor point but there were several chapters where you only get a page or so from one of the characters before the chapter ends.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the action and what goes on in this series. I just feel like the writing style doesn't mesh with me that much. I'll keep reading. I'll probably just keep giving these books three stars :)
March 28, 2014
This was supposed to be the final volume in a trilogy and as such, I think I would have been dissatisfied at the end of it. As it is, there is a 4th book that came out last year, so the questions I have after this book may still be answered. I’m glad Rowena wrote another book about King Rolen’s Kin, because there was so much more left to discuss. We get an ending to one of the major storylines, but the one that got the most attention in the first book is still left unresolved. I’m pretty curious what the 4th book will bring us in that aspect.
‘The Usurper’ picks up right after ‘The Uncrowned King’ where Byren is licking his wounds in the mountains in a camp they built for everyone that wants to join Byren against Cobalt plus the survivors from Dovecote estate. Piro is on her way to Merofynia, claimed by Palatyne to serve his bride-to-be Isolt Kingsdaughter, while her previous master, the mysterious Lord Dunstany, wants her to spy for him. Fyn finds himself on a ship full of sea-hounds, the rough equivalent of pirates, with a rather obscure allegiance. All of them still want to avenge the deaths of their family and take back Rolencia.
If I had to choose my favourite storyline in this book, it would definitely be Piro’s. She is such a strong character and is not afraid to take matters into her own hands to make sure she survives. This way she ends up on Ostron Isle, in Mage Tsulamyth’s tower. There is a great deal of mystery in this storyline, where the powerful character of Lord Dunstany also makes an appearance. Trust me, you won’t expect everything that Piro finds out on Mage Isle! I really liked the interaction between Piro and Agent Tyro. There is certainly more there, but due to everything that has happened so far, Piro can’t trust him, though she really wants to. The tension, the magic, the mystery, it all serves to make this storyline the most powerful of the whole book.
There is however another character in this storyline, namely Isolt, but I didn’t really like her. I can’t quite pinpoint why that is, but I lacked every sort of connection with her. Piro was the star of the story for me.
Second on my top storylines is Fyn’s. The insecure monk from the first book who only had to worry about bullies and the fact that his affinity wasn’t good enough to become a mystic, the monk who froze when he had to kill a man, has now grown out to be a strong and clever man. Only 17, but already very mature and full of ideas and daring. I think putting Fyn with the Sea-hounds was a fantastic idea to develop his character further. The only thing that bothered me with Fyn was his romantic storyline. I can understand why he doesn’t want to show his feeling in the situation he’s in, but their feelings for each other are so obvious that it gets annoying to watch them be oblivious about it and trying to avoid it. We already have something like that with Byren, so twice in one book was a bit much.
Byren’s was my least favourite storyarc. It feels a bit like his character is slipping away from me. Where I could really feel for him in the first book, that is now almost completely gone. I thought the action we got in during his time in the spotlight was pretty good and even with a quite surprising outcome, but all the stuff going on at the sidelines couldn’t really touch me. I had hopes for the romantic part when Florin came in to the picture and I liked the tension between them, but it dragged out a bit, both of them not willing to acknowledge their feelings.
Even with the few minor stuff that I didn’t like in this book, I enjoyed ‘The Usurper’ very much. I love diving back into the story of Byren, Fyn and Piro and I enjoyed the fact that we got to see a whole lot more of the world Rowena created. The ending was climatic, full of action and wrapped up one of the major arcs wonderfully. We even got a full on Affinity battle, which I had been hoping for since the first book. Speaking of which, Affinity gets a lot more mention in this book and takes on a leading role in the story.
If you enjoyed the previous books, there is no doubt you will also enjoy ‘The Usurper’.
‘The Usurper’ picks up right after ‘The Uncrowned King’ where Byren is licking his wounds in the mountains in a camp they built for everyone that wants to join Byren against Cobalt plus the survivors from Dovecote estate. Piro is on her way to Merofynia, claimed by Palatyne to serve his bride-to-be Isolt Kingsdaughter, while her previous master, the mysterious Lord Dunstany, wants her to spy for him. Fyn finds himself on a ship full of sea-hounds, the rough equivalent of pirates, with a rather obscure allegiance. All of them still want to avenge the deaths of their family and take back Rolencia.
If I had to choose my favourite storyline in this book, it would definitely be Piro’s. She is such a strong character and is not afraid to take matters into her own hands to make sure she survives. This way she ends up on Ostron Isle, in Mage Tsulamyth’s tower. There is a great deal of mystery in this storyline, where the powerful character of Lord Dunstany also makes an appearance. Trust me, you won’t expect everything that Piro finds out on Mage Isle! I really liked the interaction between Piro and Agent Tyro. There is certainly more there, but due to everything that has happened so far, Piro can’t trust him, though she really wants to. The tension, the magic, the mystery, it all serves to make this storyline the most powerful of the whole book.
There is however another character in this storyline, namely Isolt, but I didn’t really like her. I can’t quite pinpoint why that is, but I lacked every sort of connection with her. Piro was the star of the story for me.
Second on my top storylines is Fyn’s. The insecure monk from the first book who only had to worry about bullies and the fact that his affinity wasn’t good enough to become a mystic, the monk who froze when he had to kill a man, has now grown out to be a strong and clever man. Only 17, but already very mature and full of ideas and daring. I think putting Fyn with the Sea-hounds was a fantastic idea to develop his character further. The only thing that bothered me with Fyn was his romantic storyline. I can understand why he doesn’t want to show his feeling in the situation he’s in, but their feelings for each other are so obvious that it gets annoying to watch them be oblivious about it and trying to avoid it. We already have something like that with Byren, so twice in one book was a bit much.
Byren’s was my least favourite storyarc. It feels a bit like his character is slipping away from me. Where I could really feel for him in the first book, that is now almost completely gone. I thought the action we got in during his time in the spotlight was pretty good and even with a quite surprising outcome, but all the stuff going on at the sidelines couldn’t really touch me. I had hopes for the romantic part when Florin came in to the picture and I liked the tension between them, but it dragged out a bit, both of them not willing to acknowledge their feelings.
Even with the few minor stuff that I didn’t like in this book, I enjoyed ‘The Usurper’ very much. I love diving back into the story of Byren, Fyn and Piro and I enjoyed the fact that we got to see a whole lot more of the world Rowena created. The ending was climatic, full of action and wrapped up one of the major arcs wonderfully. We even got a full on Affinity battle, which I had been hoping for since the first book. Speaking of which, Affinity gets a lot more mention in this book and takes on a leading role in the story.
If you enjoyed the previous books, there is no doubt you will also enjoy ‘The Usurper’.
November 21, 2019
Great story, with many unexpected twists, love this series
December 16, 2012
The third book of The Chronicles of King Rolen’s Kin picks up right where #2 left off, and as with the second book it feels like part of what should have been one complete volume. For me this ‘series’ would have worked really well as a single volume epic, and other than financial reasons I can’t see why it was split. The individual volumes are small, the font is large and you can read each one in two days, max. I don’t think this is something I’ve ever felt about a series before, but for me the splits in each book felt irritatingly artificial. And even with this third and originally ‘final’ volume, there are still so many loose ends left that I would imagine I’m going to say exactly the same about book four when it’s released next year. If I’d read this series when it originally came out, that ending would have had me properly narked, to get to the end of a series and still have no answers to the biggest questions..well..I’d have been wanting my monies back!
As it stands I know there’s more to come, and soon, so I’m kind of OK with being left hanging, but I do think that in general authors have a ‘duty of care’ to readers who’ve bombed through a series to find out what happens and then…don’t find out what happens. ‘Tis annoying.
In essence, if you’ve enjoyed books one and two of King Rolen’s Kin you’re going to enjoy the third one. It’s more of the same Soap Opera-esque fantasy romp. The story widens out a bit in The Usurper, and we get to visit more places and meet more characters. Broadens! that’s the word I’m looking for, the whole feel of the story takes on a wider impact and a broader viewpoint. I liked that aspect of it.
The Soap Opera thing..I should probably try and explain better. There are huge amount of improbable coincidences here, and you can judge by how many sentences begin with the word ‘luckily’ that this isn’t the most plausible of plots you’re going to have ever read. The main characters are all running around individually, each taking the blame for all that’s happened, each trying to guess what’s happened to everyone else, and each falling in love with someone and not wanting to say anything. There’s a lot of frustration here, I’m not sure if Daniells isn’t comfortable with the whole romance aspect…or just likes keeping everyone hanging…or what. It really is like an implausible and maddening, but at the same time completely unmissable soap.
I genuinely did enjoy this one, as I’ve enjoyed the series, even though there are niggles along the way. I think to get the best out of it you have to be ready to fully suspend all disbelief and to just sit back and have a bit of fun. Fans of Martin and Erikson are not going to find King Rolen’s Kin satisfying. But that said, even when you love steak, sometimes it’s nice to just nip out every now and then and have a cheeseburger. That’s what this series felt like, an enjoyable cheeseburger. You’re not completely satisfied when you get to the end, and you feel a bit guilty, but you enjoy it all the same! and you wouldn’t mind another one…..
http://phoenixfantasyreviews.com/2012...
As it stands I know there’s more to come, and soon, so I’m kind of OK with being left hanging, but I do think that in general authors have a ‘duty of care’ to readers who’ve bombed through a series to find out what happens and then…don’t find out what happens. ‘Tis annoying.
In essence, if you’ve enjoyed books one and two of King Rolen’s Kin you’re going to enjoy the third one. It’s more of the same Soap Opera-esque fantasy romp. The story widens out a bit in The Usurper, and we get to visit more places and meet more characters. Broadens! that’s the word I’m looking for, the whole feel of the story takes on a wider impact and a broader viewpoint. I liked that aspect of it.
The Soap Opera thing..I should probably try and explain better. There are huge amount of improbable coincidences here, and you can judge by how many sentences begin with the word ‘luckily’ that this isn’t the most plausible of plots you’re going to have ever read. The main characters are all running around individually, each taking the blame for all that’s happened, each trying to guess what’s happened to everyone else, and each falling in love with someone and not wanting to say anything. There’s a lot of frustration here, I’m not sure if Daniells isn’t comfortable with the whole romance aspect…or just likes keeping everyone hanging…or what. It really is like an implausible and maddening, but at the same time completely unmissable soap.
I genuinely did enjoy this one, as I’ve enjoyed the series, even though there are niggles along the way. I think to get the best out of it you have to be ready to fully suspend all disbelief and to just sit back and have a bit of fun. Fans of Martin and Erikson are not going to find King Rolen’s Kin satisfying. But that said, even when you love steak, sometimes it’s nice to just nip out every now and then and have a cheeseburger. That’s what this series felt like, an enjoyable cheeseburger. You’re not completely satisfied when you get to the end, and you feel a bit guilty, but you enjoy it all the same! and you wouldn’t mind another one…..
http://phoenixfantasyreviews.com/2012...
February 14, 2014
I am so glad that this book came to be better than its predecessors. I will always have small things to be critical of, but I really did enjoy this capstone to the trilogy (though not of the adventures of King Rolen's kin). Like with my other reviews, I won't summarize the plot - that's already been provided, courtesy of Ms. Daniells.
For the first time, I enjoyed the multiple perspectives of the remaining Rolencian royals. The plot and goings-on of the book weren't constantly repeated by each character, as they often were, to my weary chagrin, in The Uncrowned King. However, Byren, once again, loves to rehash his problems internally and repetitively - he's still strung out about Orrade (who somehow becomes ninja-like in this book, don't ask me how) and now has another girl to crush on... Even if she is a tomboy (are we sure he's not gonna wind up batting for the other team?). Fyn however is a breath of fresh air, as always, and Piro really demonstrates growth - I do enjoy Daniells' gradual maturation of this character, peppered with flare-ups of childlike frustration. Fyn is by far the most exciting to read about - to me at least. His growth is fraught with more moral dilemmas. And despite this, he is still resolute in the choices he makes. Byren is no less so, but we hear him moaning about it so much it seems insincere.
Daniells stepped up her writing game here - I never grew confused or just frustrated as I did in the first book, and i was pleased to find pulse-pounding pace set to the plot. The Uncrowned King didn't really have a climax, so I was glad to see what I waited two whole books for. However, I can't deny that this book felt rushed. I understand pacing, but I have a hard time condoning Byren's virtual teleportation from leading a rebellion in Rolencia to starving in a cage in Merofynia. Maybe this because it's easy to forget how small the three kingdoms are, but travel seems to take much less time than it should, especially by foot or horse. And by boat, but I won't belittle the book because of logical inconsistencies as I was sincerely entertained by it.
I probably won't return to Rolencia for a while, though I know Daniells' 4th book is out there already. This trilogy was fun, but on a whole, I'm not entirely sure why it was a trilogy. Like I said, the middle installment seemed like a lot of fluff to me, and merely served to set up the final book. These books were enjoyable, but in my opinion, would struggle to stand up to scrutiny in comparison with some Daniells' contemporary peers in the fantasy genre (Brett, Sanderson, Lawrence, Weeks, Lynch, the list goes on). A fun read, but not the best. Read it, though - it's a grand adventure.
For the first time, I enjoyed the multiple perspectives of the remaining Rolencian royals. The plot and goings-on of the book weren't constantly repeated by each character, as they often were, to my weary chagrin, in The Uncrowned King. However, Byren, once again, loves to rehash his problems internally and repetitively - he's still strung out about Orrade (who somehow becomes ninja-like in this book, don't ask me how) and now has another girl to crush on... Even if she is a tomboy (are we sure he's not gonna wind up batting for the other team?). Fyn however is a breath of fresh air, as always, and Piro really demonstrates growth - I do enjoy Daniells' gradual maturation of this character, peppered with flare-ups of childlike frustration. Fyn is by far the most exciting to read about - to me at least. His growth is fraught with more moral dilemmas. And despite this, he is still resolute in the choices he makes. Byren is no less so, but we hear him moaning about it so much it seems insincere.
Daniells stepped up her writing game here - I never grew confused or just frustrated as I did in the first book, and i was pleased to find pulse-pounding pace set to the plot. The Uncrowned King didn't really have a climax, so I was glad to see what I waited two whole books for. However, I can't deny that this book felt rushed. I understand pacing, but I have a hard time condoning Byren's virtual teleportation from leading a rebellion in Rolencia to starving in a cage in Merofynia. Maybe this because it's easy to forget how small the three kingdoms are, but travel seems to take much less time than it should, especially by foot or horse. And by boat, but I won't belittle the book because of logical inconsistencies as I was sincerely entertained by it.
I probably won't return to Rolencia for a while, though I know Daniells' 4th book is out there already. This trilogy was fun, but on a whole, I'm not entirely sure why it was a trilogy. Like I said, the middle installment seemed like a lot of fluff to me, and merely served to set up the final book. These books were enjoyable, but in my opinion, would struggle to stand up to scrutiny in comparison with some Daniells' contemporary peers in the fantasy genre (Brett, Sanderson, Lawrence, Weeks, Lynch, the list goes on). A fun read, but not the best. Read it, though - it's a grand adventure.
October 1, 2010
THE USURPER, book three in the King Rolen's Kin series, and, much like its predecessors, is chock full of drama, action, and adventure. The only difference is that, due to my attachment to Byren, Fyn, and Piro, I was much more invested with what happened to them this time around. I was so attached that I tried to prolong ending the book for two days, which is why this review is being posted on October 1st.
THE USURPER picks up where we left off in THE UNCROWNED KING; the kids are still coping with the loss of their kingdom, the loss of their brother, and the loss of their parents. Everyone blames themselves. Each sibling is convinced another is dead. Lots of good old angst. Then people start getting reunited, and characters start acting a bit brash and start getting arrogant, and we, as readers, are shipped off to different lands. (Yes, the stark difference between the first two books and the final book is that, while we do spend some time in Rolencia, it is not the only country we read about).
The romantic in me squealed in happiness. There's lots of sexual tension in this book, and each character seems to have someone they're attracted to (whether or not they admit to this attraction, however, is another story). I think Byren's attraction is purely lust, whereas, I feel bad for Fyn. The "intended" pairing I found most exciting was Piro's. I'm still not entirely sure why, I think it's because I was more mentally prepared for it, thanks to book two.
I loved what happened to Palatyne. It was so fitting and it made me grin/cackle. I wasn't expecting that to happen, which made the scene even better. He had it coming. I find with most authors that the final battles are usually anticlimactic; there's so much buildup that I can't help but anticipate a mind-blowing fight scene. Upon reading those final battles, I usually feel let down. Not the case in THE USURPER. I think I was too surprised to feel disappointed.
It was also nice learning more about Isolt, who we only briefly hear about in the past books. I thought she was a brat initially, but I think Piro's perspective definitely influenced that opinion.
I am so incredibly sad to see this trilogy come to an end. At this point, I'm not entirely sure if Rowena will write any other books as a followup, but I'm hoping she will. She leaves the ending open-ended. So open, that if there isn't a fourth book, I will be enraged beyond belief. There's enough covered to satisfy the reader for this book, yet, if you're hooked on this series like me, you'll be upset that there wasn't more. Highly recommend checking this series out if you're looking for a fantasy fix.
THE USURPER picks up where we left off in THE UNCROWNED KING; the kids are still coping with the loss of their kingdom, the loss of their brother, and the loss of their parents. Everyone blames themselves. Each sibling is convinced another is dead. Lots of good old angst. Then people start getting reunited, and characters start acting a bit brash and start getting arrogant, and we, as readers, are shipped off to different lands. (Yes, the stark difference between the first two books and the final book is that, while we do spend some time in Rolencia, it is not the only country we read about).
The romantic in me squealed in happiness. There's lots of sexual tension in this book, and each character seems to have someone they're attracted to (whether or not they admit to this attraction, however, is another story). I think Byren's attraction is purely lust, whereas, I feel bad for Fyn. The "intended" pairing I found most exciting was Piro's. I'm still not entirely sure why, I think it's because I was more mentally prepared for it, thanks to book two.
I loved what happened to Palatyne. It was so fitting and it made me grin/cackle. I wasn't expecting that to happen, which made the scene even better. He had it coming. I find with most authors that the final battles are usually anticlimactic; there's so much buildup that I can't help but anticipate a mind-blowing fight scene. Upon reading those final battles, I usually feel let down. Not the case in THE USURPER. I think I was too surprised to feel disappointed.
It was also nice learning more about Isolt, who we only briefly hear about in the past books. I thought she was a brat initially, but I think Piro's perspective definitely influenced that opinion.
I am so incredibly sad to see this trilogy come to an end. At this point, I'm not entirely sure if Rowena will write any other books as a followup, but I'm hoping she will. She leaves the ending open-ended. So open, that if there isn't a fourth book, I will be enraged beyond belief. There's enough covered to satisfy the reader for this book, yet, if you're hooked on this series like me, you'll be upset that there wasn't more. Highly recommend checking this series out if you're looking for a fantasy fix.
June 10, 2016
I am immensely glad that there is still one book left in this series, as the third book left off with a lot of loose ends and unresolved conflict. While this book had a distracting number of typos, I overlooked those for the sake of the amazing story, which has continued to captivate me and has me eager for more.
I will admit that, at a certain point in this book, the plot began to drag. Once I reached the halfway point, however, it picked back up, returning to the suspenseful story that set me on edge for the first two books. In addition, as I mentioned before, my copy (and I'm not sure if it was just this edition or if the book was poorly edited) has a great deal of typos and incorrect grammar. While I found it somewhat distracting at times, the story itself was good enough that it didn't stop me from continuing. I also noticed that this book, unlike the other two, started each chapter with locations, and then the locations mysteriously trickled away. The editing was a bit of the mess, but I don't fault the author for that.
Now that the mild criticism is out of the way, I'd like to share my positive thoughts. I love Fyn and Isolt together, and I really hope their relationship is developed further in the next book. I find it hard to believe that this was originally a trilogy, as it left me with more questions than answers. For example, the issue of Orrade's affections for Byren is never resolved, nor is Florin's fate ever revealed. I also really need to see Cobalt punished for his actions, as his character has left me with a rage that only a justified death in the fourth book can calm. I was, however, happy to see Palatyne finally killed off, as he was just as slimy (if not slimier) than Cobalt himself.
As I've said in previous reviews of this series, I can't wait to see what happens next! I'm hoping all of my questions will be resolved, but I must admit I'll be sad to end this series. It's been a fun ride so far, and I look forward to reading more of Rowena Daniells's work in the future.
I will admit that, at a certain point in this book, the plot began to drag. Once I reached the halfway point, however, it picked back up, returning to the suspenseful story that set me on edge for the first two books. In addition, as I mentioned before, my copy (and I'm not sure if it was just this edition or if the book was poorly edited) has a great deal of typos and incorrect grammar. While I found it somewhat distracting at times, the story itself was good enough that it didn't stop me from continuing. I also noticed that this book, unlike the other two, started each chapter with locations, and then the locations mysteriously trickled away. The editing was a bit of the mess, but I don't fault the author for that.
Now that the mild criticism is out of the way, I'd like to share my positive thoughts. I love Fyn and Isolt together, and I really hope their relationship is developed further in the next book. I find it hard to believe that this was originally a trilogy, as it left me with more questions than answers. For example, the issue of Orrade's affections for Byren is never resolved, nor is Florin's fate ever revealed. I also really need to see Cobalt punished for his actions, as his character has left me with a rage that only a justified death in the fourth book can calm. I was, however, happy to see Palatyne finally killed off, as he was just as slimy (if not slimier) than Cobalt himself.
As I've said in previous reviews of this series, I can't wait to see what happens next! I'm hoping all of my questions will be resolved, but I must admit I'll be sad to end this series. It's been a fun ride so far, and I look forward to reading more of Rowena Daniells's work in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2010
First, the guy looks totally scary, fear not though, he is not a zombie. I guess he is meant to be Fyn, the prince destined to become a monk because of his magic.
This book picks up where the last ended. Piro is on her way to Merofynia as a slave and she will serve princess Isolt. While her capturer expects her to be a spy for him. Byren has a camp filled with women, children, and some soldiers. He is trying to figure out how he can win his country back from his cousin, and kick out all the Merofynians. All while the young Fyn has been shanghaied and is now a sea hound. They all want to restore the throne.
I liked Piro's adventure, because later she meets this young mage, and I do like when I suddenly gets hopes up for possible romance. Byren's tale was war, as before, he is the fighter, the brave one and the one destined to be king. While Fyn really stepped up in this one, he showed he is courageous and noble, and he falls in love, sort of.
There were also some new faces, the young mage Tyro, princess Isolt, and then the evil Palatyne who wants to rule the world, and marry the young pretty Isolt. He does not care who he kills on hsi way to his throne. He feels like a very believable bad guy. Greedy for power.
The only negative part is the end. Oh it's a very happy fulfilling ending, but at the at same time it's open, and some major conflicts are left, especially in the romantic department. I want more, I need more, I must Daniells.
This is still a good end to a fantasy series that kept me enthralled and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The political plots, the hidden agendas, the magic, it all makes this an interesting tale of good, bad, and all that lies in between.
This book picks up where the last ended. Piro is on her way to Merofynia as a slave and she will serve princess Isolt. While her capturer expects her to be a spy for him. Byren has a camp filled with women, children, and some soldiers. He is trying to figure out how he can win his country back from his cousin, and kick out all the Merofynians. All while the young Fyn has been shanghaied and is now a sea hound. They all want to restore the throne.
I liked Piro's adventure, because later she meets this young mage, and I do like when I suddenly gets hopes up for possible romance. Byren's tale was war, as before, he is the fighter, the brave one and the one destined to be king. While Fyn really stepped up in this one, he showed he is courageous and noble, and he falls in love, sort of.
There were also some new faces, the young mage Tyro, princess Isolt, and then the evil Palatyne who wants to rule the world, and marry the young pretty Isolt. He does not care who he kills on hsi way to his throne. He feels like a very believable bad guy. Greedy for power.
The only negative part is the end. Oh it's a very happy fulfilling ending, but at the at same time it's open, and some major conflicts are left, especially in the romantic department. I want more, I need more, I must Daniells.
This is still a good end to a fantasy series that kept me enthralled and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The political plots, the hidden agendas, the magic, it all makes this an interesting tale of good, bad, and all that lies in between.
December 13, 2011
Each book in the King Rolen's Kin trilogy picks up exactly where the previous one ended. And each one is better than the first. Being book 3, The Usurper answers some important questions, but also leaves brand new ones unanswered.
Picking up The King's Bastard (Book 1) was a brilliant idea. It turned out to be an incredible story with great characters and an amazing plot that you can't get enough of. I was so happy when I bought The Uncrowned King and The Ursurper (books 2 and 3) that I read both of them in one go. And if that wasn't enough, I had to start reading the trilogy again. It's been a week since I finished reading them (again!!) and I haven't been able to read a new book since - I can't get this world out of my head! :) That's the type of effect this series had on me. I just couldn't get enough of the world of Rolencia. And Byren. :D
Many events happen in the Ursurper that bring an end to what started in The King's Bastard. However - and this is the really REALLY annoying part - the third book sees brand new events occur that we won't see concluded until King Byren's Kin trilogy is released. I don't think I can wait that long.....Though I am hoping that we will see an marvellous fight to the death epic scene that will see the end of the traitorous one-armed Cobalt. Here's hoping Byren will slice off his other arm!!!
The Ursurper also leaves us pondering what will happen between the characters: Isolt and Fyn, Piro and Tyro, Byren and Florin, FLorin and Orrade?!?!
WHatever happens next, The Chronicles of King Rolen's Kin is an amazing series full of magic and the mysteries of royal politics that will have you dreaming weeks later!!!
AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ for science-fiction and fantasy lovers.
Picking up The King's Bastard (Book 1) was a brilliant idea. It turned out to be an incredible story with great characters and an amazing plot that you can't get enough of. I was so happy when I bought The Uncrowned King and The Ursurper (books 2 and 3) that I read both of them in one go. And if that wasn't enough, I had to start reading the trilogy again. It's been a week since I finished reading them (again!!) and I haven't been able to read a new book since - I can't get this world out of my head! :) That's the type of effect this series had on me. I just couldn't get enough of the world of Rolencia. And Byren. :D
Many events happen in the Ursurper that bring an end to what started in The King's Bastard. However - and this is the really REALLY annoying part - the third book sees brand new events occur that we won't see concluded until King Byren's Kin trilogy is released. I don't think I can wait that long.....Though I am hoping that we will see an marvellous fight to the death epic scene that will see the end of the traitorous one-armed Cobalt. Here's hoping Byren will slice off his other arm!!!
The Ursurper also leaves us pondering what will happen between the characters: Isolt and Fyn, Piro and Tyro, Byren and Florin, FLorin and Orrade?!?!
WHatever happens next, The Chronicles of King Rolen's Kin is an amazing series full of magic and the mysteries of royal politics that will have you dreaming weeks later!!!
AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ for science-fiction and fantasy lovers.
February 13, 2013
WOW...I just finished the third book in THE CHRONICLES OF KING ROLEN'S KIN trilogy and I have to say: I am blown away. Author Rowena Cory Daniells is an amazing storyteller and builds a world both vivid and believable. I don't think I've read epic fantasy this, well, `epic' since the last Forgotten Realms novel, which would have been around 1996. Whatever you do, pick up these three books as soon as possible.
If you've never read high fantasy before, now is the time to start. This is a master of the genre at her finest. I have only read these three books of Daniells', but I will tell you right now that I am a life-long fan. I will certainly be reading whatever else she writes.
Daniells writes with a simplistic yet efficient style. Her prose in THE CHRONICLES OF KING ROLEN'S KIN is smooth and flows in effortless waves, right off the page. I found myself mesmerized by her story and never once stopped because of a wording snafu, awkward sentence structure or anything similar. This is, in short, a joy to read.
The characters are also well written. They are vibrant and alive, ready to leap out of the story and into your room. This again is a true testament to how well Ms. Daniells can convey and illicit emotion with the written word.
If I were forced to find a flaw with THE CHRONICLES OF KING ROLEN'S KIN, I simply could not. The story is full of intrigue and action, the characters are both likable and hatable, and each book leaves you craving more. This is a series to be reckoned with, for sure.
I highly recommend this series and suggest you check it out soon. There are three follow-up books after this trilogy, although I'm not sure how they fit into the equation just yet. This series is available now, so snatch them up.
If you've never read high fantasy before, now is the time to start. This is a master of the genre at her finest. I have only read these three books of Daniells', but I will tell you right now that I am a life-long fan. I will certainly be reading whatever else she writes.
Daniells writes with a simplistic yet efficient style. Her prose in THE CHRONICLES OF KING ROLEN'S KIN is smooth and flows in effortless waves, right off the page. I found myself mesmerized by her story and never once stopped because of a wording snafu, awkward sentence structure or anything similar. This is, in short, a joy to read.
The characters are also well written. They are vibrant and alive, ready to leap out of the story and into your room. This again is a true testament to how well Ms. Daniells can convey and illicit emotion with the written word.
If I were forced to find a flaw with THE CHRONICLES OF KING ROLEN'S KIN, I simply could not. The story is full of intrigue and action, the characters are both likable and hatable, and each book leaves you craving more. This is a series to be reckoned with, for sure.
I highly recommend this series and suggest you check it out soon. There are three follow-up books after this trilogy, although I'm not sure how they fit into the equation just yet. This series is available now, so snatch them up.
March 20, 2013
UPDATE: Although I initially fumed about Daniells following up this trilogy with ANOTHER trilogy, it seems that she is instead following it up with ONE final novel. With that being said, I WILL actually end up reading it. As I mentioned below, my main gripe with the novel was that she was expanding it by so many volumes, but as I said before- this third entry was actually pretty enjoyable. Hopefully the final novel in the series will be both conclusive and enjoyable, I look forward to it.
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Alright, my main problem with this novel was that it´s not the last one. Who sets out to write a ¨trilogy¨, doesn´t wrap up half the storylines by the last volume, and then announces they´re going to release another trilogy to serve as a sequel to the first trilogy? Rowena Cory Daniells, I am never reading any of your books again. This series wasn´t even good enough to recommend to anyone in the first place, and I read through 3 novels and didn´t even get a conclusive ending? I am not reading another 3 books, the plot and characters of King Rolen´s Kin are not nearly impressive enough to make me want to sit through another 3 books...
This one WAS, however, better than the first two novels and while there´s still a lot of open ends, the ending of it was satisfying enough. I learned my lesson, will not be reading any more books by this author. I would not recommend this series, as there are plenty of other higher quality fantasy series out there.
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Alright, my main problem with this novel was that it´s not the last one. Who sets out to write a ¨trilogy¨, doesn´t wrap up half the storylines by the last volume, and then announces they´re going to release another trilogy to serve as a sequel to the first trilogy? Rowena Cory Daniells, I am never reading any of your books again. This series wasn´t even good enough to recommend to anyone in the first place, and I read through 3 novels and didn´t even get a conclusive ending? I am not reading another 3 books, the plot and characters of King Rolen´s Kin are not nearly impressive enough to make me want to sit through another 3 books...
This one WAS, however, better than the first two novels and while there´s still a lot of open ends, the ending of it was satisfying enough. I learned my lesson, will not be reading any more books by this author. I would not recommend this series, as there are plenty of other higher quality fantasy series out there.
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