Synopsis: The planet Urth was once a green and verdant paradise. Powerful elemental beings with deep magic were stewards to this wonder, but not all could agree on its destiny. When gods war, it is the small who always suffer and the First Great Age ended with a battle that nearly destroyed all life. To end the conflict an Accord was put in place to preserve the balance of life, and the elementals withdrew their influence to allow new, less powerful races to grow and to thrive in the world.
That balance was destroyed, however, when the Kothites, a race of near immortals, came to Urth. In the ensuing centuries they have wreaked havoc on the planet, and the mortal races of men, elves, and other creatures seek a way to break free of the Kothite menace.
There is a fable told to those who hope that there is a Sleeping King, a powerful elvish elemental trapped in a spell, who possesses powers that may bring Urth back to health.
Many seek this treasure: a mad Immortal Emperor who would destroy it to ensure his race’s power forever. An avaricious governor who seeks to enrich himself beyond measure. Old powers seeking to capture lost glory.
A young girl seeking to thwart property to save her future, and a young woodsman out to discover a lost past. Together they might finally extinguish the Black Flame of Koth.
Review: By receiving the book, the cover intrigued me right away. I tried several books lately which had disappointed me but I was hoping it would change with The Sleeping King. The fact that this is fantasy novel did not demotivate me and I must say that it was great to get into the adventure because the history was really amazing.
We discover a quite original world, a world filled with different creatures and characters that we take pleasure to learn about. The first chapter presents us a bit the universe, with an Emperor meeting one of the central protagonists of the story. We then continue with several characters, some arriving later than others and who take us into their lives. It is difficult to understand at first how their lives will bind together, but they’ll manage to do that in a very unusual way. I’m sure you are already wondering if the number of POVs is not too much for our poor memory … but no! I think the main idea of the novel is really well done. Indeed, we can get to know the two main characters in the story slowly, leaving us time to mingle a bit before launching into another, never leaving us the possibility to be lost.
But even if we discover some other protagonists, we mainly follow two of them as I said, Will and Raina. The two had not intended to meet, in fact, the Will’s family was destroyed by orcs one day, and his life was turned upside from that time. Promising his parents to resume the quest they had begun long ago, he must find the Sleeping King to free his country. Raina, meanwhile, ran away from home, with hopes of finding a solution to the curse that hangs over her family and save her older sister.
Thus, we embark on an epic journey that our heroes will undertake separately and that will connect them gradually to save a king who could only be a legend. An adventure that keeps us in suspense throughout the story and which we eagerly await for the outcome. Yes, you can understand that I had a great time with the story and the characters and I’m really curious to discover what will happen because a large number of events are initiated and that much remains to be undertaken.
In conclusion, I recommend with great pleasure this fantasy story!
Tracy Terry
Loving the cover, I’m so pleased that this book wasn’t a disappointment to you.
Melliane
yes I was very happy about it
Carole Rae
Happy weekend!
This sounds interesting. Not feeling fantasy at the moment though.
Melliane
we have our moments
Joy // Joyousreads
I tend to get confuse when there’s more than 3 points of view. But I’m glad you were able to keep your head in the story despite having more than that.
Lovely review, Melliane!
Melliane
it was really well done there.
Emma @ Never Judge a Book by its Cover
Oooo I love the sound of this fantasy novel. I love the fact that we have such an original world to discover with various creatures and characters. Thanks for putting this on my radar! 🙂
Melliane
yes it was realy well done
Braine
I DNFd this!
I will give it another go because I really want to read an epic fantasy like this. I’ll tweet you for support! Lol
Melliane
sorry to see it wasn’t for you
Heidi
I can’t think of the last time I read a really good fantasy was. This one sounds intriguing. I think I might have to give it a go.
Melliane
yes it was a good one!
blodeuedd
Well, I do like fantasy 😀
Melliane
I’m sure you could enjoy this one as well
Kirsty-Marie Jones
Unique world, yay! But all those perspectives, uh-oh, but I mean, if we mainly only follow the two, and get some other perspectives every now and then or something, I would be able to handle. 🙂
Melliane
yes I was surprised by the fact that it was ok for me.
Ramona
It does sound like an epic journey indeed! And you’re right, that cover is striking!
Melliane
yes I love the cover
Silvia
Noted! You know I’m always up for a good fantasy 😉
Melliane
yes!
kindlemom1
It has been forever since I have read a King book, glad this was so well done!
Melliane
it’s not a King book
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Ah, this one came to me from the publisher unexpectedly and I was thinking about reading it. This is a great review that makes it sound very good, now I will make extra effort to check it out, thanks so much!
Melliane
I really enjoyed it
Lorna
I am not a big fantasy of this type reader, but I am glad you enjoyed it so much. Enjoyed your review 🙂
Léa Touch Book
Il me le faut absolument !!! 😀
Carole Rae
😀 I am glad this was a good one and got you out of the mini slump!