The Blood of Kings

Warden of Fál, Book 2

By: Kyle Alexander Romines

Narrated by: Matt Addis

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Being a warden is tough work at the best of times. Keeping the tenuous peace between the five kingdoms of Fál is a difficult business, especially in a land of monsters and magic.

Esben Berengar, the realm’s most feared warden, relies on his wits and his axe to deal with unscrupulous rulers, bloodthirsty outlaws, and the occasional witch.

When the king of Munster is murdered, Berengar is called upon to investigate. Many had cause to want the king dead, and treachery lurks behind every corner.

As tensions between humans and all others threaten to boil over, the warden finds himself reluctantly partnered with Morwen, Munster’s court magician, to solve the murder before the killer strikes at the royal family again.

©2019 Kyle Alexander Romines (P)2019 Kyle Alexander Romines

Bazinga

Just like book 1 (The Wrath of Lords) I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The narrator did a great job and made it difficult to put down. The Warden (Berengar) was interesting and I enjoyed following along with his quest. I started this book immediately after finishing book 1. I'm looking forward to more of the Warden's adventures and hope they are in the works.

Disclaimer: I've been listening at 2x speed for so long anything else sounds like slow motion. My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to multiple times. I'll update my review if/when I listen again.

I requested this book from the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I can honestly say I would gladly have paid for this book and I recommend it.

Definitely worth the wait!

I've always been an avid reader, but my fervor for Romines' books has only increased with each new release--including all 10 paperbacks and 3 Audible versions available at this time. He has stretched my genre interests to include varieties of works I've never experienced before, but now am a huge fan of all his work! No matter what the story line, I know I'm in for a totally original and fast-paced treat! The only thing that is predictable is KNOWING I'll thoroughly love, enjoy, and consider the current Romines book, to be my very favorite thus far. "The Blood of Kings," is no different! Romines has done a masterful job creating something very special in this series, and it has all the meat and bones to keep you captivated throughout the unyielding adventure! In fact, the Warden series is a delicious banquet that only escalates your enthusiasm with each page completed. Romines' writing style immerses the reader into captivating worlds filled with sorcery, suspense, and unpredictable twists and turns. He really knows how to lay out a story, describe the world as if you're in it; create complex world, characters, and relationships, while keeping things incredibly fascinating! I feel like I've experienced the most wonderful mysterious fantasy along with the royal families, guards, goblins, witches, giant winged serpents, and more-within the colorful countryside of Fal. The hardships vs. the ease, the darkness vs. the light, the wins vs. the losses, the evil vs. the love, the unfaithfulness vs. the love, the humor vs. the pain, the surprises vs. the routine, the blood vs. the beauty, the creatures vs. the humans-all of these facets are represented; and all are delightfully woven together in such a way, you're left grateful for the experience! Finally, I must close with kudos to Matt Addis for a delightful job narrating both Warden books. He's incredibly talented, and will always be the BLOODY RED BEAR to me! None better! Such a phenomenal collaboration of writer and narrator! This series needs to be made into movies!

Book 1 was awesome, Book 2 is even better!

What an awesome addition to the Warden of Fal series. Berenger is still Berenger, gruff, tough, brutal when he must and in this book, surprisingly tender at times. Romines has crafted a completely fresh story with a satisfying pace, heart-throbbing action, light-romance, loyalty, betrayals, and an introduction to new foes and alliances.

The supporting characters are well fleshed out in a teasingly slow way that I found most enjoyable. I like it when a book stirs in me a great impatience to know more about the characters and their back-stories. There was so much going on, not just one story-arc but several. Yes, there was the issue of solving a crime but there was so much more that had me captivated and thrilled. The story was enhanced by a truly incredible narrator.

I was given this audiobook upon my request in exchange for a review. I give it five stars and would give it more if it were an option. Oh, the ending is such a surprise, truly one of the best endings of any book I've read in a while. This is an author to watch, such a talented storyteller.

Romines + Addis = Excellent Team

I love Matt Addis's voice and narration of this epic story. Warden Berenger is one of Romines's most captivating characters. Hearing Bear Warden's adventures in such a dramatic, pleasant retelling makes me feel like I'm sitting in an old Irish pub, drinking a pint of beer by the fireplace, and listening to the local bard recite tales of historic legends and heroes.

I highly recommend this book!

The Blood of Kings is a beautifully written follow-up to The Wrath of Lords, with some of the best voice-acting I’ve come across on Audible. The narration is so convincing and engaging, I was truly impressed how the characters sprang to life and were so easily imagined.

In this sequel, Warden Barengar is first called upon to assist in return of a missing court magician. A treacherous plot is soon revealed, and the Warden’s investigation takes the reader deeper into the immersive land of Fàl.

Romines continues to develop the protagonist in such an intriguing way, the internal conflict between his duty and his self-worth really push the series to new heights. I would highly recommend this series to any fan of audiobooks, regardless if they are fans of fantasy. I’m very excited to start the third book in the series!

Another awesome adventure!

It was pleasure to return to the incredibly complex world crafted by Kyle Alexander Romines and accompany Warden Berengar on another brutal adventure. I absolutely love the world and characters in this series, they are so rich, so well fleshed out that it is easy to lose yourself, to believe it's all real. Mr. Romines delivers another awesome action-packed adventure and Matt Addis nails the narration. His voice is perfectly suited for the genre. This may sound strange, but I swear Romines's words and Addis's delivery almost feels lyrical. They make a spectacular team. Can't wait for the next book to be recorded! I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

A Really Fantastic Fantasy Action Mystery

I have to say I really enjoyed this book a lot more than I did the first. The first book was a lot of fun, but this one felt like Conan had a deerstalker hat on and his side kick wasn’t Watson, but a young female Merlin. This felt like a movie sequel that was better than the original. This story had it all and a lot of it. The action was intense and came off more swords and sandals then fantasy. I kept thinking he acted liked a viking until he bested a group of them, then I realized he is just a one man war-machine. While this is a series, this serves quite well stand alone and if you want to jump in at book two, go right ahead. You might miss a few things but nothing to upset the story.

Berengar really steps up his game in this story and I absolutely loved it. I really like how his role was weaved into the plot and was able to appreciate his character a lot more. Not only does he seem stronger and more capable, his Wolfhound picks up any slack he may have. Really enjoyed their relationship and partnership, as a dog owner, I envy that relationship and know the connection. I definitely was more emotionally connected to the characters this time. I also enjoyed the softer side that slipped out from time to time. His relationship with Morwin is one that was dynamic and touching and I hope to see more of her as the story continues.

The plot was great and the game is afoot. I thought that there was still a bit of a presence of wandering that I felt in the first book, but with a purpose that drove Berengar from place to place. Each new place he arrived at reminded me of the boss you need to beat in order to get to the next level, with each level and boss being harder than the previous. The way the story was told really worked well and I couldn’t stop listening because I had to know what was coming next. Each chapter was a new level that forces you to keep going.

Matt Addis continues to tell the story of Berengar the way it should be told. I love his accent and his character voices. His voice really helps set the setting and bring life to all of the characters. I really hope to hear him continue on with the series.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Book 2

Another great follow up audiobook in the Warden of Fal series. It has more twist and turns and that makes it to listen more up to the end.

An Outstanding Sequel

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The Wrath of Lords: Warden of Fál, Book 1, written by Kyle Alexander Romines, is fantastic. The story is engaging, suspenseful, unique and fast-paced, and Matt Addis does a superb job with the narration. The Blood of Kings: Warden of Fál, Book 2 shares those same great qualities: it's expertly paced, action-packed, captivating and distinct. Warden Berengar is as mysterious and captivating as he is in the first, and each new character is deep and intriguing. It seemed like a difficult task to create a sequel that is as enthralling as The Wrath of Lords, but Addis masterfully succeeds with The Blood of Kings.

Romines finely crafts more of the world he introduced in Book 1. He shares lore, tales and descriptions that create a vivid image of a fantasy world that's begging to be explored. Berenger's quest takes him to many places in this world, where he meets monsters, hags, witches and rival armies. The new characters presented throughout the nearly 12 hour book are possibly the strongest aspect of this work. Princess Ravena and court magician Morwen are the two strongest additions, and they adeptly compliment Berenger's stern personality. The story moves quickly, but Romines knows when to linger on descriptions and character development. Although parts of the story were predictable, there were some great twists and surprises throughout. Romines does an excellent job inviting the reader into another chapter of the Warden's life, and he masterfully prepares the reader for Book 3.

Matt Addis is a great narrator, and he truly shines as Warden Berenger. His pronunciation is clear and confident. His accents are subtle but precise, as no two characters sound alike. He seamlessly switches between each character, and he does a great job conveying emotion. This joke is a bit stale, but there's no better way to convey my appreciation for Addis' narration: I'd enjoy reading a phone book if he was narrating it.

Romines is a incredible story teller, and he's bound to go down in history as one of the greatest fantasy writers of the 21st century. Addis is an expert narrator. If you have any appreciation for fantasy and if you loved the Wrath of Lords, you should be reading The Blood of Kings.

It's like Sherlock Holmes with an axe

The tales of the Bear warden do not disappoint, from the recap of his last exploits to the current crisis. magic, suspense, a few feelings and lots of Justice! Oh and Vikings too. I did request a copy from the publisher and left this review voluntarily.