“A gripping fantasy set in a beautiful world of castles, tournaments and magic. The Sins of Kings will pull you in from the very first page!” ––Kate Sorenson, author of No Coding with Kate
“Suspenseful read that will keep you turning the pages” ––Silvia Villalobos, author of Stranger of Friend
Gardens of the Moon meets The Blade Itself in this new epic fantasy by debut novelist, Daniel Thomas Valente!
In a kingdom fraught with power struggles, an outside force threatens to undermine the centuries-long reign of the Graymere family. At the center of the emerging conflict are young Darrin and Princess Edlen. Darrin desires to overcome the stain of his family history and rise in the ranks of the Eyes of the Forest, a group of men sworn to protect the vast forests of Onyris. Meanwhile Princess Edlen, though deeply loyal to her friends, attempts to thwart the control her royal family holds over her life by sneaking about disguised as a peasant. When a neighboring kingdom conspires against the realm, Darrin and Edlen must fight to not only survive, but pave a way forward - despite the wishes of the mercurial tempered gods and a mysterious organization known as the Voress Ní. Can they survive the ensuing chaos, or will they too be felled by forces greater than themselves?
Written on a panoramic scale, The Sins of Kings is epic fantasy at its best—a beguiling epic by a promising new voice that isn’t afraid to explore themes of prejudice, power, and magic all in one sweeping adventure.
Valente paints colorful characters who will resonate with readers, though the grandiose cast may overwhelm at times. Sixteen-year-old Princess Edlen Graymere feels trapped by her duties and family responsibilities, while her protector, a giant named Rhen, yearns to be seen as an equal, rather than an outsider due to his large size. Darrin Cantlay Is a loyal Eye of the Forest, a member of the ancient guards sworn to protect the realm from raiders; his bravery is put to the test when eerie, otherworldly happenings threaten the kingdom, a portent that change is coming. Meanwhile, there’s rumors of half-mortal descendants of the Valdryz, the mystical gods who created the Wide-World, walking the land.
While the story’s characters face desperate circumstances, Valente sprinkles subtle lessons into their paths, touching on the value of perseverance and foresight, among others. Edlen, especially, is a pleasantly unconventional lead, eager to take up arms in defense of her realm but cautioned by her mentors to appreciate wisdom as much as she embraces “the strength of swords and the victories of heroes that protect our land.” The few magical elements woven into the unfolding drama will lure readers into a fantastical world of giants, knights, and mysterious shadow governments, and those who enjoy large ensemble fantasies will find this a captivating series introduction.
Takeaway: Captivating fantasy novel brimming with magic, mystery, and intrigue.
Comparable Titles: James Islington’s Licanius Trilogy, Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire Trilogy.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
