The Half King

The Half King, Book 1

De: Melissa Landers

Narrado por: Piper Goodeve

A KING BY DAY.
SHADOW BY NIGHT …

The Great Betrayal changed everything for the Allied Realm. Long ago, the kingdom’s noble houses rose up against the goddess … and for their treachery, the firstborn of each noble family was cursed.

One with perilous beauty.
One with destructive knowledge.
One with insatiable bloodlust.

But the royal house Mortara received the worst affliction of all. For while the king exists during the day, he fades into nothingness at night … until his twenty-first birthday, when he will be lost to the shadows forever.

Now an acolyte has arrived at court. Like all the second-born children of the Allied Realm, she’s destined to serve the goddess and become a Seer … only Cerise Solon has no gift of foretelling. In fact, she has no magical gift at all.

Instead, she’s surrounded by courtiers and priests—smiling sycophants whose hearts are filled with secrets and lies. And at the center of it all sits His Majesty Kian Hannibal Mortara, with his haunting eyes, sharp tongue, and an unerring ability to send her pulse skittering at the worst possible moments.

Falling for him is unthinkable. Because the king is the last of his line, and as the specter of his twenty-first birthday—and the full force of his curse—approaches, the kingdom holds its breath.

But there’s only one way to save a dying king … and it lies with the one person who’s hiding the biggest secret of all. Cerise.

©2024 Melissa Landers (P)2024 Recorded Books

Definitely listen to this story

I was truly impressed with this book! One way I knew what would happen but the twist was excellent! The story was good liking the characters and the plot. If there’s another, will get it.

Loved it

A seer in training has become the king’s new emissary. The king is one of several cursed lines. He’s called the half king because he’s only present during the days, fading to darkness every sunset. It progressively gets worse until he disappears forever. The new emissary makes it her job to try and break the goddess’s curse. There is a journey, comic relief, a plot twist, several surprises, and a slow burn introduction to spice for the maiden. I laughed and cried. The epilogue will leave you ready for book two!

I almost DNF’ed this BUT it was just a bad one me. I was listening to the audio and doing several things at the same time. I kept losing track of the storyline with all the distractions. And it’s book 1 so there is the world building, stage setting. I finally sat down with the book the last quarter and -man! So good. There is comic relief. Slow burn first love, first spicy experience. Several things were thrown at me towards the end that I did not see coming. I laughed. I cried. I could be a stand alone with a few loose ends until you read the book epilogue. That really has me waiting on book two. I really like this.

TROPES
First love
Slow burn
Family found
Forbidden love
A quest
Found family
A sidekick for comic relief
Hero’s journey
Magic

So awesome!

Talk about a fantasy that's easy to get swept up in! The world building was very well done! I almost didn't even realize it was happening cause it flowed so well with the plot! The characters are introduced so well and are easy to love! Blue might be my favorite, though 😉 I thought for sure this was going to be a standalone right up until those last few sentences. Can't wait to see what happens next!

kept me guessing

I enjoyed the narrator! She did an excellent job. The story was interesting and kept me guessing throughout. The romance was a bit too insta love for my taste. overall enjoyable, would recommend.

Good Book

The Half King was an easy read, seemed like it should have been longer, but I enjoyed it and will read the second one if and when it comes out :)

Compelling & Beautiful

*****Spoiler Free Review*****

So many of my favorite tropes and elements within the story…such as:
Court Intrigue
Found Family
Slow Burn Romance
Mystery
Adventure
Magic
Animal Companion

Really enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of this!

The beautiful cover !

I liked the cover design and concept but it felt a little young for me. I think this is more for someone in high school.

This is the beginning of a great series

I enjoyed the caring personality of the main character although the male character is not as powerful as most of the books I read.

Most unique fantasy I’ve read in a while

This book was SO GOOD. I never lost interest and the book captured my attention immediately. Listened to it in three days. The fantasy world was COMPLETELY unique- no fae or other supernatural beings. It was a breath of fresh air. Can’t wait for book 2

Great voice actress and amazing world building!

I really fell in love with this book. It had everything. A strong female character, love, magic, great world building. I wasn't in love with the male main character at first, but he was perfect in the end. I have dreams about this world. Beautifully written 👏! The voice actress was so good and perfectly fit the story.