The Demon King (Seven Realms #1)
Summary:
Times are hard in the mountain city of Fellsmarch. Reformed thief Han Alister will do almost anything to eke out a living for his family. The only thing of value he has is something he can't sell—the thick silver cuffs he's worn since birth. They're clearly magicked—as he grows, they grow, and he's never been able to get them off.
One day, Han and his clan friend, Dancer, confront three young wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. Han takes an amulet from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to keep him from using it against them. Soon Han learns that the amulet has an evil history—it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece that powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.
Meanwhile, Raisa ana'Marianna, princess heir of the Fells, has her own battles to fight. She's just returned to court after three years of freedom in the mountains—riding, hunting, and working the famous clan markets. Raisa wants to be more than an ornament in a glittering cage. She aspires to be like Hanalea—the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But her mother has other plans for her...The Seven Realms tremble when the lives of Hans and Raisa collide, fanning the flames of the smoldering war between clans and wizards. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
This book alternates points of view between Hans and Raisa and how their story develops in parallel. They both have some pretty solid flaws, but grow throughout the book and series overall. Raisa is living in the shadow of her family while Han is a bit of an adopted stray. There is a great balance of world building, political complications, magical development, and intriguing interpersonal relationships. Chima does a great job keeping things unpredictable rather than following stereotypical storylines.
If I have any complaint it’s that there was a bit of a slow start, but I find that is a common problem in fantasy multi-book series that clearly are going to be hefty. It’s something I enjoy as it gives you greater depth and insight into the mechanics of the world, but it also may be tough for some who are not sure what they’re getting into. If you’re willing to invest a little time into the series, I think it will be well-worth your time.
Note: The books of the Shattered Realms series begin roughly 20 years after the completion of the events in the Seven Realms series.
Warning: Contains repeated violence.
Rating: 5 stars!
Who should read it? Fantasy fans looking for their next great series filled with kickass characters.
Want to read the whole series?
The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms #2)
The Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms #3)
The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4)