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The Ruin of Kings

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The Ruin of Kings

Written by: Jenn Lyons
Narrated by: Feodor Chin, Vikas Adam, Soneela Nankani
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About this listen

"Everything epic fantasy should be: rich, cruel, gorgeous, brilliant, enthralling and deeply, deeply satisfying. I loved it." (Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians)

Jenn Lyons begins the Chorus of Dragons series with The Ruin of Kings, an epic fantasy audiobook about a man who discovers his fate is tied to the future of an empire.

When destiny calls, there's no fighting back.

Kihrin grew up in the slums of Quur, a thief and a minstrel's son raised on tales of long-lost princes and magnificent quests. When he is claimed against his will as the missing son of a treasonous prince, Kihrin finds himself at the mercy of his new family's ruthless power plays and political ambitions.

Practically a prisoner, Kihrin discovers that being a long-lost prince is nothing like what the storybooks promised. The storybooks have lied about a lot of other things, too: dragons, demons, gods, prophecies, and how the hero always wins.

Then again, maybe he isn't the hero after all. For Kihrin is not destined to save the world.

He's destined to destroy it.

Library Journal Best Books of the Year - 2019
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year - 2019

©2019 Jennifer Williamson (P)2019 Macmillan Audio Action & Adventure Destiny Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Royalty Dragons

What the critics say

"A trio of talented narrators tackles the first book in a new fantasy series centered on a man who is destined to destroy an empire...the trio complement each other and elevate an unconventional story filled with intense world-building and vivid characters." (AudioFile Magazine)

Featured Article: The Best Fantasy Audiobook Series

From grim worlds of gritty war and betrayal to light-hearted stories of romance, adventure, and magic, fantasy has it all. It’s the genre to listen to for a little escapism and a lot of enjoyment. And it’s one that is constantly updated with new names, new voices, and new stories to explore.

Featured Article The Best Fantasy Audiobook Series
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This is long and while there are parts that lost the momentum, the voice acting was memorable and the story overall was fantastic. Every time the story split narrators I was mad as I wanted to hear more of the story but in the end it all blends wonderfully. I'll be getting the rest of the series too.

Saga in the making

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Very engaging story once you get past the unique story perspective. The story jumps between narrators and timelines.
Our hero Kihrin, orphan and thief raised in a brothel as the adopted son of a blind musician turns out to be a kidnapped son of a high lord. Insert magic, dragons, demons, revenge, treason, slavery, death/resurrection, a few prophesies, some fantastical races and gods and this will give you the ruin of kings.
I found it a wonderfully spun story where it is quite apparent that even with the help of the goddess of luck our hero isn’t coming out on top. Can’t wait to find out what comes next.

Magical hero story

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The split narrative did not work as the plot was complex making this hard to follow. loved the intersections however.

Good 👍

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Believable character motives. Awesome story in general. Worth a listen even though the sequel is so disappointing.

Epic.

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