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2021 Astounding Award for Best New Writer (nominee)
2020 Astounding Award for Best New Writer (nominee)
In this thunderously good read, prophecy and magic combine in an incredible epic fantasy of imperial politics, gods and demons. The Ruin of Kings is the first book in Jenn Lyons's extraordinary series, A Chorus of Dragons.
When destiny calls, there's no fighting back . . .
As a bard’s apprentice, Kihrin grew up with tales of legendary deeds. He also steals, desperate to buy a way out of Quur’s slums. But when he raids the wrong house, he’s marked by a demon and life will never be the same again.
Kihrin’s plight brings him to the attention of royalty, who claim him as the lost son of their immoral prince. But far from living the dream, Kihrin’s at the mercy of his new family’s ruthless ambitions. However, escaping his jewelled cage just makes matters worse. Kihrin is horrified to learn he’s at the centre of an ancient prophecy. And every side – from gods and demons to dragons and mages – want him as their pawn. Those old stories lied about many things too, especially the myth that the hero always wins.
Then again, maybe Kihrin isn’t the hero, for he’s not destined to save the empire. He’s destined to destroy it.
Continue the epic fantasy adventure with The Name of All Things and The Memory of Souls.
‘What an extraordinary book . . . enthralling and deeply, deeply satisfying. I loved it' - Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians
‘A fantastic page-turner with a heady blend of great characters' - John Gwynne, author of A Time of Dread
'A virtually un-put-down-able read' - Kirkus Reviews
Genre: Fantasy
When destiny calls, there's no fighting back . . .
As a bard’s apprentice, Kihrin grew up with tales of legendary deeds. He also steals, desperate to buy a way out of Quur’s slums. But when he raids the wrong house, he’s marked by a demon and life will never be the same again.
Kihrin’s plight brings him to the attention of royalty, who claim him as the lost son of their immoral prince. But far from living the dream, Kihrin’s at the mercy of his new family’s ruthless ambitions. However, escaping his jewelled cage just makes matters worse. Kihrin is horrified to learn he’s at the centre of an ancient prophecy. And every side – from gods and demons to dragons and mages – want him as their pawn. Those old stories lied about many things too, especially the myth that the hero always wins.
Then again, maybe Kihrin isn’t the hero, for he’s not destined to save the empire. He’s destined to destroy it.
Continue the epic fantasy adventure with The Name of All Things and The Memory of Souls.
‘What an extraordinary book . . . enthralling and deeply, deeply satisfying. I loved it' - Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians
‘A fantastic page-turner with a heady blend of great characters' - John Gwynne, author of A Time of Dread
'A virtually un-put-down-able read' - Kirkus Reviews
Genre: Fantasy
Praise for this book
"It was one hell of a ride." - Glen Cook
"A fascinating story about a compellingly conflicted young hero in an intriguingly complex world." - L E Modesitt Jr
"The Ruin of Kings revs up with the glitz of a high-speed, multi-level video game, with extreme magic." - Janny Wurts
"A fascinating story about a compellingly conflicted young hero in an intriguingly complex world." - L E Modesitt Jr
"The Ruin of Kings revs up with the glitz of a high-speed, multi-level video game, with extreme magic." - Janny Wurts
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