King's War ~ Review

King's War
The Kinsman Chronicles #3
By Jill Williamson

War is coming to Er'Rets - the remnants of the Five Realms have not settled into a peace in this new land. Those clinging to the old ways with its gods and magic are determined to keep it in this new world. While others seek out new magic with which to enhance their old beliefs. And others specifically the kingdoms of Armania and Sarikar are determined to follow Arman and his teachings. But even among those who seek out the will of Arman temptations to fall into the old ways abound.

Trevn-Rosar Hadar is now king of Armania following the death of his elder brother Wilek. This is a duty Trevn never wanted nor expected to inherit. But no matter how reluctant he might be he's determined to try to do his best to defend his people against the war that was coming.

Armania and Sarikar have allied themselves in the deaths of their respective kings and in their worship of Arman. But there are some who resent the leaving behind of the old gods and the old traditions and they are more than ready to stand against the new king and queen. With those he most trusts aiding him, Trevn hopes to gain the respect and support of his people while offering Princess Saria Pitney whatever support he can in ruling Sarikar.

But the thrones of Armania and Sarikar have captured the eye of King Barthel Rogedoth who desires to defeat and rule both. Chieftess Charlon of Magosia believes the throne of Armania should go to her own son Shanek (who is Barthel's ). Rogedoth holds to the old ways and the old magic while Charlon delves into the new magic that this world offers. Both are against the teachings Arman as they call upon the magic that is at their disposal.

Now there is a considerable amount of fighting throughout this book which with the title King's War should not be surprising. There are several deaths that may surprise reader's in how they come about - I know there was one I didn't at all see coming (not saying which as that would be a total spoiler). Readers who love classics like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or newer works like Patrick Carr's The Staff and The Sword will enjoy delving into this world.

The Kinsman Chronicles concludes with this book but it is not a quick conclusion to this series. This book is over 600 pages which may sound daunting but there are three parts so if the thought of large books scares think of this rather as 3-books-in-1. And this is not a series that can be read out of order - you must read them from first to last or you will be completely lost. And if it has been awhile since you've read the first two do yourself a huge favor and reread them and give yourselves a refresher you'll be glad you did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House with no expectation of a review positive or otherwise - All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Book:
Will the Gifts of Arman Be Enough to Defeat the Armies Gathering against His Name?
One battle is over, but the war has just begun. The Kinsman remnant escaped the Five Realms and have found a home, but peace is much harder to find. The aftermath of the Battle of Sarikar should have been a time to mourn those lost in the slaughter. The enemies of Armania are many, however, and when one steps back to regroup, another surges forward in attack.

While the remnant must take responsibility for the evil they brought to Er'Rets, it would seem that something just as dark already existed in this new world. The growing struggle between Armania and Barthel Rogedoth is but a pale reflection of a far more dangerous battle for the souls of humanity.

The Hadar family and their allies prepare to make one final stand in the name of Arman. There shall be war--in Er'Rets and in the Veil--to vanquish evil or be ruled by darkness. And so begins this rousing and epic conclusion to Jill Williamson's The Kinsman Chronicles.

This third volume collects parts seven through nine of The Kinsman Chronicles originally released as ebooks.
Part 7--The Reluctant King
Part 8--A Deliverer ComesPart 9--Warriors of the Veil