Tough Traveling – Kings
The Thursday feature “Tough Traveling” is the brainchild of Nathan of Review Barn, who has come up with the excellent idea of making a new list each week based on the most common tropes in fantasy, as seen in The Tough Guide to Fantasyland by Diana Wynn Jones. Nathan has invited anyone who is interested to come play along, so be sure to check out the first link for more information.
This week’s tour topic is: Kings
KINGS come in four kinds: Puppet Kings, Bad Kings, Good Kings (rare), and Long Lost Kings.
Wendy’s Picks
Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne by David Gaider
An Oresian usurper sits on the Ferelden throne, and the rightful queen has been murdered by traitors. The prince must gather an army to win back what is his by blood.
The Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu
The Prophus and the Genjix have been here on earth since the time of the dinosaurs, shaping civilizations through the human hosts they claim. Before taking over the likes of overweight IT technician Roan, Tao and his compatriots have guided many a ruler.
The Broken Road by Teresa Frohock
Travys is a prince of the Chanteuse and the queen’s chosen heir. Though he is mute, he has learned how to command the magic of voice and song and would be a benevolent rule. But his twin brother is none too happy with the queen’s decision…
Naamah’s Blessing by Jacqueline Carey
King Daniel de la Courcel is a man of kindness and compassion, but he lacks the emotional strength of his predecessors, leading his kingdom to ruin, if Moirin, the Bear Witch, is unable to rescue the missing prince.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Aderlan’s Assassin serves at the mercy of the ruthless king whose life she would take, were she not his slave. If she becomes his champion instead, will she finally have her chance?
Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
Royce Melbourn and Hadrian Blackwater are framed for the murder of a king, and then charged with the safe return of his heir. Will this spoiled brat learn to be a good king in time to save his people from the conspiracy that has taken them?
King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Well there’s “king” in the title right? Jorg Ancrath is by no means a good king. But he is a determined one, even if his reasons for waging war and seeking the crown are spite and vengeance.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
There’s that word in the title again! And another king whose life is stolen early on in the story, to be replaced by an heir who may not be fit for the crown.
The Briar King by Greg Keyes
There is a king in this book, and conspiracies against said king. But the titular king is neither man, nor beast, and when he comes, death and destruction comes with him.
Man no longer believes in gods, but does that mean they no longer exist? Of course not. And Shadow discovers that he is, in fact, the son of Odin, the king of the gods.
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
Two young princesses, one destined to be the wife of Susebron, the god king. But with every kingdom comes those who would conspire against its king, or use him to their own ends.
Yay this time I know about two of them! LOL I’m glad when it’s more than one. Merry Chrismas!
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LOL dream big! 😉
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Great list!! 🙂 Completely forgot about The Tao books and The Broken Road.
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Kinds, even I could have gotten some here, cos I am so bad at remembering when I should, lol
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ahem…kings, ok spellcheck must go on this tab!
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That is a lot of kings. I struggled because I knew which book shad Kings, but honestly was too lazy/busy to go and figure out said kings names.
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Oooh good call with Throne of Glass! Talk about your bad kings.
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I think Kings would be hard for the opposite reason, there are just too many of them. Good job finding unique ones. I like the sounds of the mute, but magical king. I just bought Theft of Swords and King of Thorns. So many of these are on my have to read soon list!
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