Darkness Reigns (The Kinsman Chronicles): Part 1

If you have ever felt fed up with your own culture and powerless to help people who were suffering, then you will be able to relate to Wilek and Trevyn, princes of the House of Hadar. The kingdom of Armania is experiencing disaster after disaster. Earthquakes and sinkholes are destroying entire villages. Sar Wilek’s father, King Echad, believes that the gods are angry and require human sacrifices. But the offerings do not seem to appease the deities. Wilek hopes to be named Heir to the throne soon so he can protect his people from the evil that is tearing his country apart, including the ruthless executions. To appease his father and keep him from sacrificing more innocent victims, he plays the political games, but it is becoming more and more difficult to be diplomatic and follow his own conscience. Trevyn is an explorer and a scholar by nature and hates the political games of court. Like his brother, he cares nothing for the gods or his father’s superstitions. He seeks to distance himself from his father and brother Janek’s corrupt lifestyle, calling himself a renegade and freely speaking his opinions to whoever will listen. I loved this first installment of King’s Folly, a story that will be released in three parts. The story is written from several perspectives, including the handmaiden to Wilek’s betrothed, who wants to help her mistress find happiness in her upcoming marriage. The majority of the time we read through Wilek or Prince Trevyn’s point of view. I felt for Wilek in his powerlessness to protect his people from his own father. Trevyn’s energetic defiance of the courtly lifestyle reminded me of my own teenage years and my dissatisfaction with what was considered “normal”. I think a lot of teens will be able to relate to him, and I look forward to seeing how his character will grow throughout the story! Though Darkness Reigns is short, the reader has plenty of time to become fully invested in the characters. I can’t wait to see what will happen in book two of King’s Folly!

could have been good but author decided to concentrate on a gossip fest and soap opera antics.

the 1st couple chapters seemed disjointed but it came together and was really surprising. can't wait to read the next