Kings of Paradise

Ash and Sand, Book 1

A deformed genius plots vengeance while struggling to survive. A wastrel prince comes of age, finding a power he never imagined. Two worlds are destined to collide. Only one can be king.

Ruka, called a demon at birth, is a genius. Born malformed and ugly into the snow-covered wasteland of the Ascom, he was spared from death by his mother's love. Now he is an outcast, consumed with hate for those who've wronged him. But to take his vengeance, he must first survive.

Across a vast sea in the white-sand island paradise of Sri Kon, Kale is fourth and youngest son of the Sorcerer King. And at 16, Kale is a disappointment. As the first prince ever forced to serve with low-born marines, Kale must prove himself and become a man, or else lose all chance of a worthy future, and any hope to win the love of his life.

Though they do not know it, both boys are on the cusp of discovery. Their worlds and lives are destined for greatness, or ruin. But in a changing world where ash meets paradise, only one man can be king....

©2017 Richard Nell (P)2018 Richard Nell

wow!

Best book of the year! Can't wait for the sequel! This series is going to be epic!

Simply, Astonishing.

This is one of if not the most gripping stories ive read. Story, world, CHARACTERS, magic, brutality, emotion... Standing ovation Richard Nell.
Please, please and please! Release second and third part on audiobook. Take my money now.

Unique and Character Rich

This was a very unique and character-driven story from multiple different viewpoints. Very rich in world-building. Very rich in a complexity of human nature, humankind. What you do to survive, greed, envy, hope, and hopelessness.

Good writing, bad performance

I genuinely don't understand how people can listen to this narrator without cringing. Im sure he's a nice guy and he works hard, but his volume is erratic, his enunciation weird, and his diction/pace is just wrong. Example: a huge pause between words where it's clear there is no period or comma (it was all.....over the place).

The writing itself is good, if you can get past the first tired tropes. it starts with the same dumb coming of age stories you've already read a hundred times. After that, though, the characters grow and the prose matures with them into some pretty interesting moments. I do wish it weren't so predictable (you know protagonist hero isn't actually going to die), but the inner dialogue and tone keep you invested.

Criminally underrated

Best series I’ve listened to since First Law. This author needs more recognition. Use a credit and you will not be disappointed.