Review: The Ruin of Kings

I have recently found it more difficult to find a book I want to read/finish but The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons was recommended to me by one of my co-workers (at the library) because she thought I might enjoy it. I did for the most part but felt that some arcs were not necessary to move the plot along. This book is most certainly for a more mature audience, even than I typically read.

The Plot

For the most part, this story is told by two narrators, coming to the same end from different times but still with the same main character. Kihrin is a young thief and singer living in the Velvet Town (basically the red light district) of the capital city of Quur, where he lives with his father at a Velvet club. Kihrin, who is almost 16 at the beginning of the tale, and his father perform while the clients watch the women perform. This backdrop is key to some points in the story and is used to cover up who Kihrin truly is (revealed later in the narrative).

The story is told by two narrators in alternating turns. Kihrin is the first narrator and explains how he came to be involved with Darzin, the Lord Heir to the House D’Mon, and the other high courts. While the second narrator is Talon, a Mimic who can change form and absorb other’s personalities, memories, and shapes. Talons tale is more sensual and darker she details the many dark secrets of Kihrin’s past and what led to his ultimate capture.

In the course of both narratives, Kihrin learns that he must ultimately aid in the defeat of Xaltorath the King (or Queen) of the Demons.  At each turn, there is deception and intrigue, followed closely with romance and pleasures. He never knows who to trust, even beginning to doubt his own beliefs in the process. Kihrin learns that everything he thought was real may have been a lie, causing him to trust no one, not even the Eight Immortals, who are viewed as gods.

My Opinion

In my opinion, the Lyons does well in writing the story. It is intriguing and hard to put down, though I could have done with out many of the sex scenes. However, in the story the did tend to be important. Each character is given a unique personality and even grows as the tale is told. Having two stories with the same key character was difficult, for time did not seem to pass but did it? The book, as a whole, was great but would only be for mature audiences. Take this book carefully the action is well written, but this also means any other actions are detailed as well. Lyons style is exciting, even if I did not fully appreciate all of the content.

Reference

Lyons, J. (2019). The ruin of kings. New York: Tor.

Images of books taken by me.