Scoundrel of Claymore Keep ~ Review

Scoundrel of Claymore Keep

The King's Spies #2

By Jill Williamson

First thing you need to know is you must read Shadow of Ice Island before you read this book. The two books go together, and Scoundrel of Claymore Keep picks up where Shadow left off.

Kurtz Chazir, Zanna tan Quelle, Cole Tanniyn, and Mistel Wepp are continuing to search for answers to the questions that they came across in Shadow. And Kurtz is looking for the woman responsible for putting him Ice Island for thirteen years. He seeks justice for the woman who framed him for King Axel's murder, though some might call it vengeance, or revenge.

But when things start to go wrong Kurtz must face the truth—there's his way or the king's way. Then there is Zanna whom for some strange reason has become important to him, after viewing her as an irritant and nemesis for so long.

I love how this series has added to itself over the years. And this companion/spinoff series is an excellent addition to the Blood of Kings story world. I love the subtle and not so subtle nuisances. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

THE SCOUNDREL

Kurtz Chazir isn't looking for redemption—he's hunting for revenge.

Thirteen years in prison for a crime he didn't commit taught him three things: trust no one, question everything, and never forgive the woman who destroyed his life. Now free and working as one of the king's spies, Kurtz has a chance to track down Careeanne Nariel, the seductress who framed him for King Axel's assassination.

But first, he must lead a team into Barth, a city shrouded in supernatural darkness where magic and conspiracy intertwine. His mission: find a missing land warden and expose a trafficking ring selling innocent women. The catch? He has to do it while pretending to be a singing minstrel.

Kurtz may be many things, but a performer isn't one of them.

THE WARRIOR

Zanna tan Quelle doesn't take orders wellpespecially from arrogant former prisoners.

A half-giant soldier with more combat experience than patience, Zanna is assigned to Kurtz's team to provide protection. What she gets instead is endless bickering, impossible decisions, and a man who thinks he knows everything.

He's stubborn. Reckless. Infuriating.

And somehow, he's the only person who sees past her warrior's exterior to the woman beneath.

When their undercover mission goes sideways and ancient blood magic resurfaces, Zanna finds herself fighting battles on two fronts: against the black knights closing in, and against the unwanted feelings stirring in her heart.

THE CONSPIRACY

Duke Falkson's fortress holds dark secrets—human trafficking, demonic altars, and a thirteen-year-old murder conspiracy.

As Kurtz and Zanna infiltrate the nobility's inner circle, they discover the truth runs deeper than either imagined. The black knights aren't just soldiers—they're part of a network stretching across the kingdom. The missing women aren't lost—they're enslaved. And the darkness covering Barth isn't natural—it's powered by blood sacrifice.

When Zanna is captured inside Claymore Keep and Kurtz must choose between his quest for vengeance and saving the woman who's become everything he never knew he needed, he'll learn that some battles aren't won with swords.

They're won on your knees.

PERFECT FOR FANS OF:

Enemies-to-lovers romance with scorching tension
Action-packed fantasy with sword-wielding heroines
Inspirational fantasy grounded in faith
Found family and loyal friendships
Telepathic bonds and forced proximity
Undercover spy missions
Justice, redemption, and second chances

Continue the beloved Blood of Kings adventures today!