Meet New Books
Book Cover

Age of Assassins

Book 1 in the series:The Wounded Kingdom

Save:
Find on Amazon

Age of Assassins by R.J. Barker is a fantasy novel set in the Tired Lands, following the story of Girton Clubfoot, an apprentice assassin, and his master Merela Karn as they are tasked with uncovering a plot to assassinate the heir to the throne. The book combines elements of fantasy and mystery, with a focus on subterfuge and intrigue rather than traditional epic fantasy themes. The writing style is described as poetic at times, with beautiful passages and a nice flow that adds color to the story. The world building is subtly done, depicting a bleak setting where magic comes at a price and is considered an abomination by the people of the Tired Lands.

Girton Clubfoot's journey in the book involves discovering new emotions like friendship, love, betrayal, and loss as he navigates the complexities of life in the castle. The story is told from Girton's perspective, allowing readers to experience his coming of age as he questions his past and his role as an assassin, all while trying to prevent a murder and untangle a web of lies and deceit.

Characters:

The characters are rich and multifaceted, with Girton and Merela showcasing a deep bond, while other supporting roles contribute to a complex narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is a blend of humor and detail, featuring a smooth flow with poetic elements that enhance the storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on a plot to assassinate a prince, weaving in mystery and character dynamics within a backdrop of court intrigue.

Setting:

The setting is a vividly depicted, harsh world where magic is feared, contributing to the overall atmosphere of tension and intrigue.

Pacing:

The pacing effectively balances action and character development, maintaining reader engagement through varied narrative tempo.
We were attempting to enter Castle Maniyadoc through the night soil gate and my master was in the sort of foul mood only an assassin forced to wade through a week’s worth of shit can be. I was far mor...

Notes:

Girton, the protagonist, is a sympathetic character with a disability (club foot), and his character development is well-handled.
The relationship between Girton and Merela, his mentor, is a strong and touching aspect of the story, resembling a parent-child dynamic.
The novel is structured around a mystery plot, where Girton and Merela must uncover the identity of those wanting to kill the prince.
The setting has a dark tone, with magic being outlawed and its practitioners hunted due to its destructive nature on the land.
Reviewers praised the balance of humor and detail in the writing, making the prose engaging and fluid.
The story is told from Girton's first-person perspective, allowing for an emotionally resonant experience as he learns and grows.
Age of Assassins was compared favorably to Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy, indicating it shares themes but has a unique approach.
The world-building includes elements of caste systems, complex politics, and a history that enriches the narrative without overwhelming the reader.
Characters, including the antagonists, are well-written and have credible motivations, adding depth to the story.
There are dreamlike interludes throughout the book that intersperse Girton's narrative, which some readers found surprisingly effective despite a general dislike for dream sequences in books.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, mentions of abuse, and a dark atmosphere typical to fantasy narratives.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present, particularly seen through Girton's experiences and first love.

From The Publisher:

A young apprentice to an assassin becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that could destroy a kingdom in a brilliant epic fantasy debut by David Gemmell Award-nominated author RJ Barker

To catch an assassin, use an assassin…

Girton Club-foot has no family, a crippled leg, and is apprenticed to the best assassin in the land. He's learning the art of taking lives, but his latest mission tasks him with a far more difficult challenge: to save a life.

Someone is trying to kill the heir to the throne, and it is up to Girton to uncover the traitor and prevent the prince's murder.

In a kingdom on the brink of civil war and a castle thick with lies, Girton finds friends he never expected, responsibilities he never wanted, and a conspiracy that could destroy an entire kingdom.

Praise for The Wounded Kingdom:

"Dead gods, dread magic, and a lead that feels like a breath of fresh air. Great fun."-Peter Newman, author of The Vagrant

"Often poignant and always intriguing, Age of Assassins reveals its mysteries with the style of a magic show and the artful grace of a gifted storyteller."-Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wild

"The most interesting treatment of the fantasy assassin trope in a while, and an involving narrative in its own right."-RT Book Reviews

The Wounded Kingdom

Age of Assassins

Blood of Assassins

King of Assassins

For more from RJ Barker, check out:

The Tide Child Trilogy

The Bone Ships

Call of the Bone Ships

Ratings (3)

Loved It (2)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (17):

Read It (3)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (10)
Not Interested (3)
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.