The Ruin of Kings

by Jenn Lyons
The Ruin of Kings cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Fantasy
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Paperback • £11.99
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  • ID: 2254
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781509879519
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2019-02-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Ruin of Kings is the first book in Jenn Lyons's extraordinary series, A Chorus of Dragons. It weaves together imperial politics, gods, and demons in a thunderous epic fantasy. Kihrin, a bard's apprentice, steals to escape the slums of Quur, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he raids the wrong house and is marked by a demon. This event catches the attention of royalty, who claim him as the lost son of their immoral prince. However, Kihrin's newfound status brings him into the ruthless ambitions of his family, and escaping only worsens his predicament. Kihrin discovers he is at the center of an ancient prophecy, with gods, demons, dragons, and mages all vying to use him as their pawn. The stories he grew up with were filled with lies, especially the myth that the hero always wins. Kihrin's destiny is not to save the empire but to destroy it, making his journey a complex and thrilling exploration of power, fate, and identity.

Reviews
Reddit - Fantasy · 2023-01-01
mixed 3.00

They found the writing style to be the weakest part of the book, despite engaging prose and witty dialogue. The presentation of the story was a letdown.

This reviewer appreciated the engaging prose and witty dialogue in the book, which made it enjoyable in many parts. However, they found the writing style to be the weakest aspect overall. The way the story was presented did not live up to their expectations, making it a less satisfying read. Despite these issues, the reviewer acknowledged some strong points in the narrative that kept them interested.

Quick quotes

    For me, the writing style was the weakest part of this book.

    Although the prose is engaging and the dialogue is witty, the way it is presented is a letdown.

    Despite these issues, there are some strong points in the narrative that keep you interested.

Tarvolon · 2021-07-18
disappointing 2.50

They felt the book started strong but lost momentum, leading to a disappointing end. The reviewer found the pacing to be an issue.

The reviewer was initially impressed with the book's strong start, which drew them in with its engaging premise and intriguing characters. However, they felt that the momentum couldn't be maintained, leading to a disappointing conclusion. The pacing was a significant issue, with the story feeling rushed in parts and dragging in others. Despite some enjoyable moments, the overall experience was marred by these pacing problems.

Quick quotes

    Jenn Lyons' epic fantasy debut, The Ruin of Kings, starts strong but ultimately can't hold its momentum, leading to a disappointing conclusion.

    The pacing is a significant issue, with the story feeling rushed in parts and dragging in others.

    Despite some enjoyable moments, the overall experience is marred by these pacing problems.

Blogging with Dragons · 2021-04-05
excellent 4.50

They loved the book for its conversational dialogue and banter, as well as its dark world filled with mythological creatures. The world-building and character development were particularly praised.

This reviewer was thoroughly engaged by the conversational dialogue and banter that bring the characters to life. The dark world, populated with dragons, krakens, and other mythological creatures, was a standout feature. They appreciated the intricate world-building and the way the characters were developed throughout the story. The reviewer found the book to be a compelling read that kept them hooked from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    I really loved the book, with its conversational dialogue, banter, dark world filled with dragons, krakens and other mythological creatures.

    The world-building is fantastic, and the characters are well-developed.

    The book is a compelling read that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

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