Synopsis
Once Second Prince of the mightiest kingdom in the known world, Othrun now leads the last survivors of his exiled people into an uncertain future far across the Shimmering Sea from their ancestral home, now lost beneath the waves. With his Single God binding his knights to chivalric oaths, intent on wiping out idolatry and pagan worship, they will have to carve out a new kingdom on this mysterious continent―a continent that has for centuries been ravaged by warlords competing for supremacy and mages channeling the mystic powers of the elements―and unite the continent under godly rule.
With a troubled past, a cursed sword, and a mysterious spirit guiding him, Othrun means to be that ruler, and conquer all. But with kingdoms fated on the edge of spears, alliances and pagan magic, betrayal, doubt, and dangers await him at every turn. Othrun will be forced to confront the truths of all he believes in on his journey to become a king, and a legend.
When one kingdom drowns, a new one must rise in its place. So begins the saga of that kingdom, and the man who would rule it all.
Review
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. A Drowned Kingdom is the start of a seven book epic fantasy series, but that is just scraping the surface for what P.L. Stuart has in store for the world he has created. Written in an old school style where the histories and legacies of the kingdoms and past events will flow through from the very start. Very reminiscent of a J.R.R Tolkien or a Robert Jordan but the story will never feel dry or unending in the execution and direction for the characters. If this is your type of story, then buckle up and lets get into this.
The story is told in first person POV and follows the second prince Othrun. With his homeland now sitting beneath the waves of the angry sea, Othrun must lead his people to a foreign land in order to survive. Allies and enemies will be made and Othrun must turn to his most trusted advisors, loving wife, and the teachings of the Single God in order to survive. Othrun holds with him a cursed blade, an angel giving him directions, and the legacy of his people as a gift and a curse lest he forget the weight of the world on his shoulders
Please stick with me as I need to get into the structure and detail of the story because I feel some readers will be confused when opening up the first page. The novel is broken up into three parts and each one feels like it could be an entirely different author writing the words. Part one will discuss Othrun’s past and events that took place leading up to his people looking for a new home. This is where the major worldbuilding and history of this world will be revealed and some readers will enjoy this part more than others. Several chapters will not have any dialogue but the engrossing details will shape the action packed pages to come. Parts two and three will pick up the intensity tenfold but the overall tones and flow of the story will not deter readers whom will enjoy the slower moments.
Religion is a main driver for the motivations and desires for all the characters we meet. Othrun’s people believe in the Single God but the new lands they are traveling to believe in the Six Elemental Gods and the magic that certain people are able to release. The writing style can feel detail heavy at times but are very smooth and no one will feel out of place. Depending on the type of reader you are, certain sections of this book will appeal to you more than others but what readers of this story can universally agree on is the great ending and the desire to read the sequel right now.
With the second book in the series being released in February or March 2022, now is the time to jump on board. Although this is the debut novel for P.L. Stuart, he writes this stories like a author with twenty years experience. Count me in for this series and all future books to come from this author!
Cheers!
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