Our protagonist finds himself trussed up in some dungeon or another and, with the aid of a magical rock that records everything he says (fantasy’s answer to a tape recorder) and the insistent prodding of his jailer, he retells his life story up until the point he finds himself behind bars. It is told from the point of view of Khirin (the main character that the book revolves around). I know, that sounds utter madness, and I can only imagine the noise made by many a literary agent’s eyes as they rolled sardonically when seeing that description on the covering letter from a submission package. I hadn’t read a fantasy that was over five-hundred pages in a while so thought diving into one was well overdo.įor anyone out there that will or won’t read a book depending on whether it is written in first or third person point of view … run away screaming now. The Ruin of Kings was a novel I had seen rated very highly on a dozen or so blogs and one I knew I just had to try for myself. My Rating of ‘The Ruin of Kings’: 4 out of 5 Then again, maybe Kihrin isn’t the hero, for he’s not destined to save the empire. Those old stories lied about many things too, especially the myth that the hero always wins. And every side – from gods and demons to dragons and mages – want him as their pawn.

Kihrin is horrified to learn he’s at the centre of an ancient prophecy. However, escaping his jewelled cage just makes matters worse. But far from living the dream, Kihrin’s at the mercy of his new family’s ruthless ambitions. Kihrin’s plight brings him to the attention of royalty, who claim him as the lost son of their immoral prince. Then he raids the wrong house, he’s marked by a demon and life will never be the same again.

He also steals, desperate to buy a way out of Quur’s slums. Īs a bard’s apprentice, Kihrin grew up with tales of legendary deeds. When destiny calls, there’s no fighting back.

The ruin of kings book order