Review
The trilogy is a highly enjoyable series of books to read. If you were looking for comparisons in style and substance then the late Professor Tolkien and the wonderful Robin Hobb would come close. The narrative is at is strongest when dealing with the past, the creation theory is first-rate, well conceived and genuinely moving, and the way in which Kaplyn experiences the past-life of his shaol (a kind of guardian spirit), Shastlyn, is delightfully well described. The parts where Kaplyn battles with his very real inner demon make for compelling reading as the noble and caring man struggles with violent, cruel and tyrannical compulsions. (8/10 stars), http://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk
Product Description
Why should you read The Prophecy of the Kings? It is pure escapism. Find yourself engrossed in a world where good and evil strive in an epic battle for domination. It has fast action, tremendous characterisation and a unique plot. Feel remorse for Kaplyn, the hero, as he is taken to the very brink of despair when his world is plunged into nightmare
Kaplyn seeks an adventure to impress his brothers but instead his life is ripped apart. In a clash of powers his shaol (guardian spirit), is replaced with the spirit of a dead emperor. Shastlan is evil. He has summoned dragons to his world and then fallen under their spell. With their aid he has destroyed his world and his ghost wanders the land in misery, seeking the companionship of others but shunned by his own realisation of dire deeds that cannot be undone.
Kaplyn experiences the horrors of the demon world, and he sees souls damned to eternal horror. And yet, as low as his life has become, Kaplyn is seen as a saviour. He, too, summons a dragon and he fights off a demon attack. But deep down his soul is restless, he senses that dragons are evil, he dare not lead the army, and yet there seems to be no option. The power of the demons and the spirit world far exceeds any defence the people might raise.
Astalus has returned bearing good news. He has found an Eldric spell book and, in particular, a spell to summon dragons. The allies march north to confront the Trosgarth’s growing might, but the people of Trosgarth have been busy. Warrior priests can now communicate across the battlefield using their shaol, death knights have been resurrected, and in the air grakyn are supported by a new threat--a demon/dragon hybrid. To make matters worse, Astalus discovers that the power that Kaplyn and Vastra recovered so long ago can open a permanent gateway to the demon world. Drachar is finally free and he and all his minions will march from the very depths of hell. Astalus knows all of this through a demon that has possessed him.
The army marches to its fate, unaware of the trap awaiting them. Prince Fiad leads them. Will he be the army’s salvation or damnation? The men mutter, uncomfortable in the knowledge that, at the final battle, a king will not lead them against the tides of evil. Drachar is poised, his death knights ready to tear the army apart.
Kaplyn seeks an adventure to impress his brothers but instead his life is ripped apart. In a clash of powers his shaol (guardian spirit), is replaced with the spirit of a dead emperor. Shastlan is evil. He has summoned dragons to his world and then fallen under their spell. With their aid he has destroyed his world and his ghost wanders the land in misery, seeking the companionship of others but shunned by his own realisation of dire deeds that cannot be undone.
Kaplyn experiences the horrors of the demon world, and he sees souls damned to eternal horror. And yet, as low as his life has become, Kaplyn is seen as a saviour. He, too, summons a dragon and he fights off a demon attack. But deep down his soul is restless, he senses that dragons are evil, he dare not lead the army, and yet there seems to be no option. The power of the demons and the spirit world far exceeds any defence the people might raise.
Astalus has returned bearing good news. He has found an Eldric spell book and, in particular, a spell to summon dragons. The allies march north to confront the Trosgarth’s growing might, but the people of Trosgarth have been busy. Warrior priests can now communicate across the battlefield using their shaol, death knights have been resurrected, and in the air grakyn are supported by a new threat--a demon/dragon hybrid. To make matters worse, Astalus discovers that the power that Kaplyn and Vastra recovered so long ago can open a permanent gateway to the demon world. Drachar is finally free and he and all his minions will march from the very depths of hell. Astalus knows all of this through a demon that has possessed him.
The army marches to its fate, unaware of the trap awaiting them. Prince Fiad leads them. Will he be the army’s salvation or damnation? The men mutter, uncomfortable in the knowledge that, at the final battle, a king will not lead them against the tides of evil. Drachar is poised, his death knights ready to tear the army apart.
