Title: The Ruin of Kings
Author: Jenn Lyons
First published February 5, 2019
560 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250175489 (ISBN10: 1250175488)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
In Jenn Lyon’s epic fantasy novel, The Ruin of Kings, Kihrin’s world is turned upside down when he discovers he is the long-lost son of a traitorous prince. But being a prince is not as glamorous as he once thought.
Instead, Kihrin is trapped in a web of political intrigue and power struggles, struggling to escape from his new family’s grasp. As he unravels the truth about his past, Kihrin realizes that the stories he grew up with were nothing but lies, and the fate of the empire rests on his shoulders.
But is he destined to save it or destroy it? The Ruin of Kings is a thrilling adventure full of dragons, demons, and prophecies that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
About the Author
Meet Jenn Lyons, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia. She shares her living space with her husband, three feline companions, and a wealth of strong opinions – from the Sumerian creation myths to the proper way to concoct a martini.
Her career aspirations have been wide-ranging, spanning from archaeology, anthropology, and architecture, to diamond cutting, fashion illustration, graphic design, and even Batman. However, she has since shifted her focus and now works as a video game producer during the day, while spending her evenings writing science fiction and fantasy.
When she’s not busy at work or with her writing, you might find her engaged in lively debates about the Oxford comma and the works of Joss Whedon, over a cup of coffee at one of her favorite local cafes.
Editoral Review
Jenn Lyons’ debut novel, The Ruin of Kings, is an ambitious entry into the epic fantasy genre. The book, which was first published on February 5, 2019, promises to be the first in a five-book series that will follow the story of its protagonist, Kihrin.
The Ruin of Kings is a tale of magic, dragons, and prophecies, but also of deep-seated betrayals, family secrets, and the struggle for power. The author’s writing style and her approach to storytelling have been compared to some of the most prominent names in the genre, such as George R.R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss.
The novel begins with Kihrin, a young thief who discovers he has been chosen by fate to become the long-awaited savior of the world. As he navigates this new, dangerous world, he is aided by a cast of intriguing characters, including Talon, a shape-shifting demon, and his own long-lost father.
But as Kihrin uncovers more about his own past, he realizes that his fate may not be as heroic as he once thought. Lyons weaves her story through a series of flashbacks, switching between different narrators who reveal more about the characters’ past as well as larger historical events.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the writing itself. Lyons’ descriptive language brings the world of the Ruin of Kings to life, creating a vivid, fully-realized setting that is easy to lose oneself in.
However, the book’s structure has been criticized for being too complex and at times difficult to follow. Additionally, some reviewers have noted that some of the characters are underdeveloped, particularly those who do not receive as much focus as Kihrin himself.
The Ruin of Kings also benefits from its themes, which tackle issues of social injustice, identity, and the weight of history. The novel raises questions about power, and who gets to hold it, as well as the connections between personal decisions and larger societal structures.
While some readers may find these themes heavy-handed, others may appreciate the novel’s more thoughtful elements. Overall, The Ruin of Kings is a strong debut novel that showcases Jenn Lyons’ talent as a writer.
While some aspects of the book may be polarizing among readers, it remains a compelling and ambitious addition to the epic fantasy genre. Fans of the genre will likely appreciate the book’s various nods to other famous works, while newcomers may find it a daunting but rewarding introduction to the world of fantasy.
The Ruin of Kings earns a solid score of 4/5, based on its strong writing and complex themes, but is docked a point for its at times confusing structure and underdeveloped characters.
