
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.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
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) |
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.