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King's Dragon

Book 1 in the series:Crown of Stars

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King's Dragon, the first book in the Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliott, follows the intertwined fates of characters like Alain, Liath, and Sanglant in a fantasy world reminiscent of historical Europe but with added elements of magic and different fantasy races. The plot unfolds slowly, focusing on character development and world-building, with strong female characters and a mix of familiar fantasy tropes woven into a unique setting. The story is set in a kingdom torn by war, where the main characters, each with their own struggles and destinies, navigate through political intrigue, magic, and personal growth.

Characters:

Characterization includes a range of well-developed personalities, particularly focusing on Alain and Liath, with strong female roles present.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is richly descriptive and dense, focusing heavily on world-building and character development, often at the expense of pacing.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intertwines the lives of young protagonists navigating personal struggles amidst a larger civil conflict and external threats.

Setting:

Set in a richly imagined fantasy world based on medieval Europe, with distinct cultural and religious elements that diverge from historical norms.

Pacing:

The pacing varies throughout, beginning slowly and becoming uneven, bogged down by excessive detail and multiple intertwining plots.
In the northernmost reaches of the North Mark of Wendar lay a cluster of hamlets and villages known as Heart’s Rest. The people here spoke a peculiar dialect of Wendish flavored with odd words and unc...

Notes:

King's Dragon is the first book in the Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliott.
The story is set in a fantasy nation called Wendar, inspired by medieval Germany.
The kingdom is embroiled in civil war and under attack from raiders resembling orcs and Vikings.
The main characters are Alain, who is destined for a monastery, and Liath, who faces a traumatic background.
Liath's journey involves themes of abuse and recovery, which are handled with care in the narrative.
The world has a more egalitarian view of gender roles in society compared to historical norms, with women in high-ranking church positions.
Elliott's writing is known for its deep lore and world-building, incorporating elements from medieval religion and cosmologies.
The series includes multiple perspectives, creating a complex tapestry of characters and plots.
King's Dragon features familiar fantasy tropes like battles, political intrigue, and ancient myths, but with unique storytelling flair.
Despite its slow start, the book is recommended for those who appreciate detailed fantasy narratives.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/content warnings for King's Dragon include high levels of abuse and sexual assault, reflecting dark themes encountered by the characters.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in King's Dragon, with elements of love and relationships influencing character motivations.

From The Publisher:

Set in an alternate Europe where bloody conflicts rage, the first book of the Crown of Stars epic fantasy series chronicles a world-shaking conflict for the survival of humanity

It begins with civil war….

For though King Henry still holds the crown of Wendar, his reign has long been contested by his sister Sabella. There are many eager to flock to her banner, and there are ways to make even the most unwilling lord into a weapon pointed at the heart of Henry's realm.

Torn by internal strife, Wendar also faces deadly raids from the north by an inhuman race, the Eika. And now terrifying portents are being seen; old ruins restored to life under the light of the full moon and peopled by the long-vanished Lost Ones; dark spirits walking the land in broad daylight.

And suddenly two innocents are about to be thrust into the middle of the conflict.

Liath, who has spent her early years fleeing from unknown enemies, is a young woman with the power to change the course of history if she can only learn to master her fear and seize what is rightfully hers.

While Alain, a young man who may find his future in a vision granted by the Lady of Battles, must first unravel the mystery of who he is-whether the bastard son of a noble father, the half-breed child of an elfin lord, the unwanted get of a whore, or the heir to a proud and ancient lineage. For only when he discovers the truth can he accept the destiny for which he was born.

Liath and Alain, each trapped in a personal struggle for survival, both helplessly being drawn into a far greater battle, a war in which sorcery not swords will determine the final outcome, and the land itself may be irrevocably reshaped by the forces unleashed….

Ratings (6)

Loved It (3)
Liked It (2)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (22):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (11)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (4)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
4 months

3.5 stars, rounded down. I liked it better the second time around, although I hold by my earlier criticism of their being too much Christian doctrine. I understand why it's there, but as someone who considers herself Jewish culturally and agnostic, it was a little annoying.

 

About the Author:

Kate Elliott's credits include King's Dragon, a Nebula Awards finalist; its sequels, Prince of Dogs, The Burning Stone, Child of Flame, and The Gathering Storm; her groundbreaking DAW science-fiction series, The Novels of Jaran-Jaran, An Earthly Crown, His Conquering Sword, and…

 
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