The Uncrowned King (King Rolen's Kin) [Mass Market Paperback]

Ah, THE UNCROWNED KING... If you read my review of book 1 in the King Rolen's Kin series, you know that I was eagerly awaiting the second book. Imagine my dismay when the entire month of August passed with me being unable to read what happened next until the very end. Now imagine my delight when I finally could read it (I was doing a bit of a happy dance in my seat, if you couldn't imagine said delight).

I will admit, I did enjoy the first book better. Setting the scene, learning about the world/characters, and having a front row seat to all the drama was entertaining. When I cracked open book 2--which is my favorite cover for the entire series, though I think my vote is biased since my favorite color is red--I was eagerly anticipating what would happen next. Especially with that cliffhanger at the end of book 1!

Much to my disappointment, the drama seemed to be toned down a teensy bit. Also, two out of the three characters we follow sounded like broken records after a while. Both had to return home. One had to prove to his father he was a worthy, loyal son. One had to return home and warn his father that the Merofynians were coming. Another had to get the warrior monks and warn his father about the invaders. Don't get me wrong, it didn't really annoy me while I was reading. In fact, I tended to shrug these parts off. However, looking back, I do think the repetition will agitate quite a few readers, should they explore this series further.

There's oodles of violence and death in this book, though not enough to be deemed overkill (which is half the length of the first, by the way). I couldn't help but shake my head when Piro confronted her father. What a way to say goodbye... I couldn't imagine being placed in her position. And then to witness what happens in the court with her mother? I teared up at that part--after I cheered when that awesome little woman attacked Cobalt the bastard. Jeez, can you tell I don't like him? Ha.

Once again, readers are left to agonize over another long wait for the third and final book in this series. I can assure you I'm eagerly awaiting THE USURPER. I'm dying to know what will ultimately happen in the end. Will Byren avenge his kingdom? Will Fyn foolishly help Cobalt? Will Piro's true identity be revealed? So many questions... such a long wait!

If you want to take a break from your typical Urban Fantasy/Young Adult/Paranormal-Historical-Contemporary Romance reads, I suggest checking out the King Rolen's Kin series. Lots of drama, plus an easy to adjust to world is the perfect escape for any fantasy reader!

Some spoilers from book 1 are coming up

This was a good follow-up to book 1, it is also much shorter than book 1. Not that I mind chunky books, oh no, I love those. But this one still was packed with action and drama.

Lence is dead and Byren is no heir to Rolencia. He needs to get to the warrior monks to save his kingdom. Fyn has a feeling that they have been betrayed, and for someone who didn't have much affinity he sure feels more now. And then there is the last sibling, Piro, who is hiding in her own home in fear of her wicked cousin Cobalt.

In this book Byren got into a lot of trouble, I feared for him as the tried to reach the monks, reach home. All while an invading army was nipping at his heels. He is still the strong warrior, but I have started to wonder now if he will get the throne in the end. Because in this one he makes some very unlikely friends, and then there is the whole rumour that he is gay. Piro is a feisty little girl, and I do like her. She hides as a servant and witness the destruction of the kingdom with her own eyes. As the book was ending I was very unsure how she would fare. Then there is Fyn, I got really angry at him at one point when he tried to rescue Cobalt. To his defence he didn't know that snake led the army into the town, and wanted to marry Piro, and take his mother as his lover. Fyn at the end, oh I am sure he will have quite the adventure in book 3, and then there is that dream he has of Isolt, the daughter of the Merofynian king..could the meaning be..no, oh I need the next book.

This book had some daring escapes and darkest betrayal. These three siblings are doing their parts to save their dying kingdom, and I have no idea what the future holds for them. The bad guys are well done, and with one I am not sure what to make of him. He has his own agenda. The book has a good cast of characters, and I am happy to see them evolve. There is adventure, action, and a rich world with interesting beasts.

A good middle book to a good new series. The third will bring this saga to an end, and it is a book that I must read so that I finally will know what happens to King Rolen's Kin.

Final thoughts: If you are looking for some new fantasy this year then try this one.

I have enjoyed all three of these books in the series, however while fun and engaging they could use some polish. The author tends to leave many plot lines hanging or unresolved. She sets things up and then later seems to change her mind on the direction the book (characters, plot) is going and just lets the previous set up vanish. While things like this can happen in life it could have been done smoother in the writing. I don't have a problem with plots changing but it *felt* like they were done on the fly because the other just changed their mind and did not have any real plan for the series. However that criticism aside I really enjoyed the series.