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dragool's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
boards_books_and_brews's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Justice of Kings (Empire of the Wolf #1)
Written by Richard Swan
Read by Lucy Paterson
Book 101/250
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery
Format: Audio
Pages/Time: 432/13hr 46min
Published: 2022
Rating: 9.25/10
Narration: 8/10
“Beware the idiot, the zealot and the tyrant; each clothes himself in the armour of ignorance.”
Richard Swan’s The Justice of Kings is an interesting fusion of high fantasy and detective mystery with omens of eldritch horror. This is the genre fusion I wasn’t aware I needed until now! And I am hooked. The action is visceral, and the magic is well thought out.
I also love how this story is told. Similar to a Holmes and Watson perspective, Sir Konrad Vonvalt’s murder investigation is told through his clerk, Helena Sedanka. So, while we get the details of investigation and magic, we also have a front row seat to Helena’s struggles. She’s extremely conflicted on being a Justice like Konrad, and her perspective outside the zealotry of the members adds some interesting views. I was a huge fan of this first novel, and the next two are ready on my TBR.
Written by Richard Swan
Read by Lucy Paterson
Book 101/250
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery
Format: Audio
Pages/Time: 432/13hr 46min
Published: 2022
Rating: 9.25/10
Narration: 8/10
“Beware the idiot, the zealot and the tyrant; each clothes himself in the armour of ignorance.”
Richard Swan’s The Justice of Kings is an interesting fusion of high fantasy and detective mystery with omens of eldritch horror. This is the genre fusion I wasn’t aware I needed until now! And I am hooked. The action is visceral, and the magic is well thought out.
I also love how this story is told. Similar to a Holmes and Watson perspective, Sir Konrad Vonvalt’s murder investigation is told through his clerk, Helena Sedanka. So, while we get the details of investigation and magic, we also have a front row seat to Helena’s struggles. She’s extremely conflicted on being a Justice like Konrad, and her perspective outside the zealotry of the members adds some interesting views. I was a huge fan of this first novel, and the next two are ready on my TBR.
dorien_s's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
aliciarosa's review against another edition
2.0
I really liked the writing style itself. What I found interesting here is that the protagonist basically writes the story down and from time to time also tells it in present trense.
Unfortunately, the book didn't really grab me from the start. The story was very legal rights and politics heavy and it was difficult for me to get into the plot. It wasn't until about the middle of the book that there was a little more tension, but unfortunately the plot didn't go in the direction I was hoping for. So my attention was only briefly grabbed.
The medieval setting was good in itself, but the worldbuilding was to weak.
The characters didn't seem interesting to me either, and I would have wished for stronger traits from the protagonist in particular.
All in all I was hoping for more from the book based on the blurb, but unfortunately it wasn't for me.
Unfortunately, the book didn't really grab me from the start. The story was very legal rights and politics heavy and it was difficult for me to get into the plot. It wasn't until about the middle of the book that there was a little more tension, but unfortunately the plot didn't go in the direction I was hoping for. So my attention was only briefly grabbed.
The medieval setting was good in itself, but the worldbuilding was to weak.
The characters didn't seem interesting to me either, and I would have wished for stronger traits from the protagonist in particular.
All in all I was hoping for more from the book based on the blurb, but unfortunately it wasn't for me.
elderberry99's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bassgirl456's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sp00pylexi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
tarasbookhub's review against another edition
5.0
this was so good! fast paced, interesting and complex judicial system, great politics, everything you want in a high fantasy series
I’ve bought the second and am going to read straight away
I’ve bought the second and am going to read straight away