The Blood of Kings

Warden of Fál, Book 2

By: Kyle Alexander Romines

Narrated by: Matt Addis

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.

Another one well done!

So I may catch a little flak for this comparison, but the antihero main character is like a midevil Sherlock Holmes splashed with a bit of Conan the barbarian. The story has more twists and turns than Lombard Street in San Fran. Just when you think you have it figured out things change. Again I was engaged from the start and loved all the characters and roles they played.

The narrator again was top notch, couldn’t image this being read by anyone else.

Thanks again for the opportunity to review such a wonderful book.

I received this audiobook free at my request for a completely unbiased review.

I adore Warden Berengar!

I had forgotten how much I adore Warden Berengar... He's a man with no roots, and his only allegiance is to the High Queen, a Paladin for her,  holding no law higher than the Queen's... meting out her justice, ending disputes when necessary, never staying anywhere for very long. Berengar is accompanied by two trusted companions... his Battle Axe, and a wolfhound named Faolán. See, what's not to love?!!?? The Blood of Kings has Berengar hard pressed to solve a kings murder, and Berengar has to use his wits to not be ensnared by all the political machinations in play while investigating the crime... and yes, there's plenty of axe welding action too. (Seriously, it just wouldn't be right if there wasn't a witch or two in need of being shortened.) LOL ...
Berengar was completely caught off guard to discover that two women, one the court's magician, and the other the dead kings daughter, were able to break through his personal armored exterior, and indelibly mark the man inside. I really can't say more, you're just gonna hafta get the book to find out what happens!
Matt Addis does a fantastic job narrating, and he really does a perfect grumpy, crusty, Berengar!

Now I have to go back for the first

I didn't realize this was the second in a series until I was a little ways in already, now I need to get the first!

An Excellent Fantasy Adventure

This story opens with great professionalism in the laying of groundwork for the plot. It’s full of political intrigue and plotting. Much rough and tumble fighting. The Narrator has preformed a Very good story with excellent vocal pressure.
I recommend this audiobook for ages 15 and older due to some violence and blood.
I was given this audiobook for free and I freely give it my rating and opinion