The King

A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood

By: J. R. Ward

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Length: 22 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

J.R. Ward's number-one New York Times best-selling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.

Long live the king.…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father's mantle - with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything - and everyone - at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she's unprepared for Wrath's response - or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?

©2014 J. R. Ward (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"J. R. Ward’s unique band of brothers is to die for. I love this series!” (New York Times best-selling author Suzanne Brockmann)

“Utterly absorbing and deliciously erotic....The Brotherhood is the hottest collection of studs in romance. I can’t wait for the next one!” (New York Times best-selling author Angela Knight)

“Best new series I’ve read in years! Tautly written, wickedly sexy, and just plain fun.” (New York Times best-selling author Lisa Gardner)

Not Quite What I Expected, Still a Great Listen!

What did you love best about The King?

The best thing about this entry in the Brotherhood Saga is the depth of the characters. Each story uncovers more about the background influences that gives insightful glimpses into each relationship. The King showed more of Wrath's thoughtful side. He became more than just the blind guy on the throne.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite characters in this episode were the 2 shadows. They became more real and gained more depth with this book. They grew to be more than just body guards. Their relationship with each other made me care about them more. There is a real sense of caring and frustration that is always present with family.

Have you listened to any of Jim Frangione’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

For me Jim Frangione is the voice of this series.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was a little disappointed in the story. Just a little. I expected more of a confrontation between the band of bastards and the brotherhood. However, the story did make sense. While the battle was more of a fizzle, the other story lines kept me engaged.

Any additional comments?

I hope this is not the end. There were so many open questions left at the end. I am so looking forward to the next. . . . Shadow King?!

Fantastic!

Loved it from beginning to end. Never a dull moment. Love these characters and love seeing the next chapter in their lives unfold. The Warden did it again! As always Jim F. narrations are fantastic!

Good story unnecessarily wordy

I have enjoyed this series of stories. I would recommend reading this conclusion. I had to skip portions of repetitive unnecessary wording though.
There is room for additional novels about other characters and I do look forward to those.

loved. amazing.

just when you don't think you could fall anymore I love with this series.......... this book makes you fall deeper in love with it.

I needed this book!!!

I needed this book! I forgot how much I missed Beth and Wrath. I loved how all of my favorite characters had parts in this that I did not even realize I had needed! JR gave me what I needed even if I did not think I wanted it. That is all.

I'm addicted!! I love this series!!

I have never had a series bring me to tears of joy and pain for the characters until now! I adore the characters and the creative unpredictable writing.

love the BDB

best book series ever! another great instalment in the series. this is my 3rd time through.

Bow Down to the King.

If you could sum up The King in three words, what would they be?

Wonderful, Funny, Amazing

What did you like best about this story?

J.R. Ward has an amazing ability to juggle several story lines at once but Wrath and Beth's story as always draws me in. Their love story in the middle of the craziness is heartwarming.

What about Jim Frangione’s performance did you like?

His voice always makes me want more of him. It made me smile every time he spoke the wonderful slang Ward does oh so well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No one moment, I found it impossible to stop listening. I just wanted to know what would happen next. Now that I'm done I can go to bed at a decent hour.

Any additional comments?

To know this author is to love her. If you are new to Ward try starting at the first book because this book dips into all the previous characters and if you are like me you will want to know why you should care about the other storylines flowing around the main. The 1st book: Dark Lover will be a good way for newbies to test the water to see if this series is your cup of tea. Vampires aren't for everyone. :-P

The King

I Loved it. One of my favorite books, next to Dark Lover. Great narration.

Terrific! As usual.

What did you love best about The King?

LW. And Assail and Sola. Looking forward to their story.

What did you like best about this story?

Impossible to say. I devoured it as fast as I could so I'm sure I missed vital details. Will listen again soon.

What does Jim Frangione bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It took me awhile to get used to Jim Frangiones voice as the BDB narrator. Now I wouldn't want anyone else. I do wish the female voices were different but still wouldn't ask for another narrator.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

WTF?!

Any additional comments?

Well worth the credit as usual. Thanks Warden!