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123rd out of 402 books
—
1,492 voters
The Kinshield Legacy (Kinshield Saga #1)
by
K.C. May (Goodreads Author)
When the mage-king of Thendylath and his queen are slain by a demon, and the only written account of their demise is burned in a fire, the kingdom falls into chaos. For two hundred years, the truth of King Arek's death is locked within the impenetrable palace. All that remains of the king's powerful magic is a tablet embedded with gems and protected by mysterious runes. Bu...more
Hardcover, 396 pages
Published
December 28th 2005
by Archebooks Publishing
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I really enjoyed this book! The pacing was excellent, and she introduced concepts without having them seem tired or outlandish. That's a hard thing to do in fantasy! This is the author's debut novel, and I would certainly read any new works she published.
The Kinshield Legacy follow the story of Gavin a warrant knight (kind of like a bounty hunter) who is destined to be king. I found Gavin to be a very well developed character with a strong supporting cast. There are characters that are extremely likable (the blacksmith) and I personally despised the villain and spent the whole book waiting for terrible things to happen to him. The book moves along at a great speed and will keep you trying to finish just one more chapter.
The story is completed a...more
The story is completed a...more
The characters in this book were vibrant, and nearly came to life around me. While I've always enjoyed KC May's writing, this book really struck a chord with me. I try not to just gush on and on about books I enjoy, so that I don't lead anyone into a book that they might not find as enjoyable. I try to point out at least one or two quibbles I have so that I can present a balanced picture of what worked and didn't work for me.
In this story, I was so engrossed by the characters and the well-develo...more
In this story, I was so engrossed by the characters and the well-develo...more
The Kinshield Legacy is an epic fantasy with all the classic themes you would expect from this genre. The storyline follows the adventures of Gavin Kinshield who through the story gathers around him a small band of followers as he confronts a classic fantasy villain. The plot holds no surprises and K. C. May allows us to see Gavin's destiny very quickly into the book. Instead of using destiny as a diving force for the plot the author instead uses a number of sub-plots that weave themselves into...more
(from Murphy's Library - http://www.murphyslibrary.com/ - rated 2 and a half there)
Gavin Kinshield is trying to solve the Rune Stones, something will make him become the new King. On his journey, he's constantly reminded the fact that Ronor Kinshield, his ancestral, was a hero. Although he's not quite sure what happened, because as far as he remembers, Ronor's story doesn't end up well. And when he sees an opportunity to put his hands on the letter Ronor wrote to the Lordover Tern following King...more
Gavin Kinshield is trying to solve the Rune Stones, something will make him become the new King. On his journey, he's constantly reminded the fact that Ronor Kinshield, his ancestral, was a hero. Although he's not quite sure what happened, because as far as he remembers, Ronor's story doesn't end up well. And when he sees an opportunity to put his hands on the letter Ronor wrote to the Lordover Tern following King...more
Premise: Gavin Kinshield is haunted by his family's history; his ancestor had been the bodyguard and champion of the last King, who died tragically and alone. Now he is further haunted by a possible destiny, for it is beginning to seem like he is the only one who can decipher the King's Runestones and claim the throne to unite the land.
This is a solid light epic fantasy, if that's not too much of a contradiction in terms. It's nothing ground-shaking or mind-blowing, but I enjoyed reading it, and...more
This is a solid light epic fantasy, if that's not too much of a contradiction in terms. It's nothing ground-shaking or mind-blowing, but I enjoyed reading it, and...more
Storyline: K.C. May I have another?! The Kinshield Legacy is a remarkable fantasy about a simple man who wants to do the right thing and help put the rightful heir on the Thendylath’s throne by solving the mystery of the runes.
Gavin Kinshield is the descendent of the last great king’s champion and would like to live simply while patrolling the countryside, lending out his protection and skills as a warrant knight. However, as Gavin nears the completion of the Rune Stones’ mystery and the fulfil...more
Gavin Kinshield is the descendent of the last great king’s champion and would like to live simply while patrolling the countryside, lending out his protection and skills as a warrant knight. However, as Gavin nears the completion of the Rune Stones’ mystery and the fulfil...more
If this book were a movie, my husband would be all over it! In fact, I can picture it as a series he would follow as eagerly as he follows "Legends of the Seeker," and for much the same reasons. This genre isn't typically my preferred type of reading material, but the description was intriguing so I wanted to give it a go.
Wow. I was hooked in the first chapter and had trouble putting the book down to sleep last night. Each of the first few chapters introduces new people, people whose lives and s...more
Wow. I was hooked in the first chapter and had trouble putting the book down to sleep last night. Each of the first few chapters introduces new people, people whose lives and s...more
Alright, alright. I admit, this follows typical fantasy formula – it has battlers, it has organizations of fighters, an evil mage, and epic destinies to be fulfilled. But honestly? Whilst this formula for fantasy stories is well-used, it just made this story feel familiar enough, whilst somehow keeping things fresh. It’s one of the best stories in the genre I’ve read recently, and one of the ones I’ve paid least for!
Firstly, I’d like to comment on the characters – there was good character devel...more
Firstly, I’d like to comment on the characters – there was good character devel...more
The first novel I read on my Kindle. I made a conscious decision to try out some fantasy stories by lesser-known authors with a low price. Although I was a bit afraid of what to expect, The Kinshield Legacy did not disappoint. In fact, I loved the story and wait anxiously for the sequel.
I have to admit, the beginning seemed a bit rushed, and it took me a few moments to settle into the story. But once that happened, it was very difficult to put the book (or the Kindle, actually) down. The most im...more
I have to admit, the beginning seemed a bit rushed, and it took me a few moments to settle into the story. But once that happened, it was very difficult to put the book (or the Kindle, actually) down. The most im...more
Alright - It's been a few days, already started on the next book to read, what do I think?
I liked it. It was memorable. Left a nice taste in my mouth. Would recommend to others. Actually, I already have.
What do I normally read?
I read fantasy, so this book was right up my alley. I would classify this somewhere between a epic fantasy and a heroic fantasy. Gavin isn't really saving the world, he is becoming king.
How does it stack up against other fantasy books?
I think it does well. I think it was...more
I liked it. It was memorable. Left a nice taste in my mouth. Would recommend to others. Actually, I already have.
What do I normally read?
I read fantasy, so this book was right up my alley. I would classify this somewhere between a epic fantasy and a heroic fantasy. Gavin isn't really saving the world, he is becoming king.
How does it stack up against other fantasy books?
I think it does well. I think it was...more
I invested 4 days and 99 cents on this, and I don't know how I feel about it. On one level, it's was a fairly good attempt at a stand alone epic fantasy. It had the standard elements -- reluctant but capable hero with a tragic past and link to greatness, a manipulative and plotting villain who caused the tragic past of the of the hero, dwarf/hobbit-like supporter and hot-chick-in-chain-mail, a prophecy and an a magic sword. The only thing that was missing was a good wizard and now that I write t...more
I'm not normally a fan of fantasy. In fact, there have been times when I've started fantasy books and couldn't get past the first chapter. Not so with The Kinshield Legacy. The author drew me in from the first page where hero Gavin Kinshield enters a mysterious cave to solve a rune. Rather than beginning with pages of long description, Ms. May skillfully builds her world by feeding in details as the characters act. She starts with a well-written scene and continues in the same vein throughout th...more
I would describe The Kinshield Legacy as a really good character driven fantasy story.
What I liked
- The main character is extremely likable, yet not a boringly perfect human being.
- It has a good cast of characters felt like they had actual depth to them. Rarely do characters come across as worthless extras.
- The plot made very good use of it's strong cast in the way the story was told.
What I didn't like
- It relied a bit more on destiny as a plot device than I would liked, but that's more perso...more
What I liked
- The main character is extremely likable, yet not a boringly perfect human being.
- It has a good cast of characters felt like they had actual depth to them. Rarely do characters come across as worthless extras.
- The plot made very good use of it's strong cast in the way the story was told.
What I didn't like
- It relied a bit more on destiny as a plot device than I would liked, but that's more perso...more
I don't usually like reviewing books as it's pretty hard to describe exactly what I like or don't like about something, but I feel I have to give this at least a little bit of a shout-out. This book was $.99, which worried me, but I was bored and thought 'what the heck?' and went for it. I was so very pleasantly surprised! It certainly wasn't the end-all-be-all of fantasy, but it was a very easy, fun read. I spent a whole $2.50 on the next and was just as pleased. I love the author's view on DRM...more
While there is nothing wrong with this book, it is just OK. The characters are nearly three dimensional, but not enough to actually make you care about them. The main villian is a moustache twirler with silent film style dialog. The world may be well thought out, but this book really doesn't do anything to elicite a sense of wonder or a give you a feeling for another place. On the plus side the character actions all make sense, the plot moves along nicely and the grand epic plot is set up well i...more
Even the best books have some negative reviews, I find it interesting that people found this books SO good that there aren't any negative reviews of it on this site or on Amazon. This book is utter and boring crap. Extremely predictable and tedious in the first few chapters that I gave up. The only reason that this author self published is because a publisher would not have been able to finish the book in order to accept it. Again, I find it hard to believe that so many people liked it enough to...more
This is the second series that I've read in the past couple of weeks that was self published. This book was better written right off the bat and I didn't have a problem diving into the book. The storyline was great and I was immediately transported to the land the author was portraying. It was a simple, clean and enjoyable read. I didn't have to think too hard and I was entertain. The magic system was there but not the forefront of the book which if there was one issue I had that was it. I'm not...more
A perfect blend of fantasy and western elements, this hybrid tale featured numerous characters that come together perfectly with your typical (but incredibly likable) tortured protagonist. It's these characters that really drive the novel. I could read pages and pages of these people just doing generic, every-day things. Great story, violence, quest companions, a dick villain, sexual humour; what's not to like? The ending feels a little rushed, with new elements flooding in rapidly to build towa...more
A remarkably well-written book that kept me up late for a few nights, because I didn't want to put it down. I love a good epic fantasy, and The Kindshield Legacy did not disappoint. The story felt both familiar and yet the world was uniquely its own, populated with distinct characters, religions, politics and lore. The main character was not the typical "farm-boy of destiny," but a complicated man with a lifetime of circumstances that led him to the critical point.
The story was well-textured and...more
The story was well-textured and...more
I can't give this book 4 stars in good conscience, as I usually reserve that for books I like a lot and will likely reread several times.
But I feel like giving it 3 stars it shortselling it. I usually give three stars to books I don't regret reading but likely won't read again. I liked this book, and if I could give half stars this would be a 3.5.
I enjoyed the story and the mechanics, though they could've been fleshed out more, there was very little fighting or even magic explained, but what t...more
But I feel like giving it 3 stars it shortselling it. I usually give three stars to books I don't regret reading but likely won't read again. I liked this book, and if I could give half stars this would be a 3.5.
I enjoyed the story and the mechanics, though they could've been fleshed out more, there was very little fighting or even magic explained, but what t...more
I don't know how I found this author but I'm glad I did. Awesome book.
A solid saga with a cast which had a more 'traditional' fantasy feel than most modern authors write these days. Our hero wasn't the typical flawed character, although interestingly he did see himself as one, and our villains were the typical moustache twirling barons of despicableness which would seem more at home in a 1980s fantasy story than one released today.
Still, a solid world with good pacing. I read the kindle version, and found no errors in formatting or the like which plague so many bo...more
Still, a solid world with good pacing. I read the kindle version, and found no errors in formatting or the like which plague so many bo...more
This book is well written. It's quick and agile fantasy with little filler. That said, the faults I find are in the story. At times it is predictable and it just doesn't click as powerful story. The plots and themes seem more akin to a roleplaying game (common error of the fantasy genre).
I feel the competition in the fantasy field is fierce. There are lots of very good fantasy out there and this does not seem to be of it.
Everything these days is a trilogy (or worse). I'd like to see some writer...more
I feel the competition in the fantasy field is fierce. There are lots of very good fantasy out there and this does not seem to be of it.
Everything these days is a trilogy (or worse). I'd like to see some writer...more
So many characters to remember! Lots of names and action, bit of romance, magic, myth/legend, revenge, righting-the-wrong, etc.
There's pretty much something going on on every page, so be ready to buckle down for an epic story! Characters are likable and realistic in their flaws - definitely not your cardboard cutout characters! Even minor characters get a bit of light and back-story which is nice.
Lots of scheming and, just as IRL, it's a small world and people are more connected than you'd think...more
There's pretty much something going on on every page, so be ready to buckle down for an epic story! Characters are likable and realistic in their flaws - definitely not your cardboard cutout characters! Even minor characters get a bit of light and back-story which is nice.
Lots of scheming and, just as IRL, it's a small world and people are more connected than you'd think...more
I definitely enjoyed this book! If you like tales about reluctant heroes, magic swords, evil mages, and women warriors, then you will like this too. It's a well-told story, to be sure. It kept me interested and the pace was quick.
There were only a couple of things that kept this from being a 5 star book for me. One, there was a little *too* much crafty interweaving of stories and characters and plots, to the point where it started to feel contrived and slightly hard to follow. Like the author w...more
There were only a couple of things that kept this from being a 5 star book for me. One, there was a little *too* much crafty interweaving of stories and characters and plots, to the point where it started to feel contrived and slightly hard to follow. Like the author w...more
The Kinshield Legacy primarily follows the exploits of Gavin Kinshield, a warrant knight and the descendant of the last king's bodyguard, who failed to protect the king. There hasn't been a king in the realm since, as the system to select a new king is to solve a series of rune-related puzzles. At the beginning of the book, Gavin has solved three of the runes, and rumors of the rune-solver and future king are spreading throughout the kingdom. Everyone's reaction to this news shapes the plot of t...more
The Kinshield Legacyis K.C. May’s first novel, but you wouldn’t know that from reading the book. She handles the twining of a multitude of characters and background with polish and style, making it an easy and enjoyable read. Unlike a lot of first novels this one manages complex characters that seem very real. The hero of the story is everything a hero should be, but he’s also uncouth and uncultured. The side characters have rich and varied personalities and the villains are characters who peopl...more
If you're looking for good entertainment that doesn't expect you to invest heavily in setting up the fantasy world and conflict, something you can just pick up anytime and enjoy, then this is ideal.
It's fast-paced heroic fantasy for the commuter hour, easy to digest with little to chew over, but that makes it delightfully unpretentious. Like the hero, Kinshield, it comes at you strong and fast, bashes your head and clangs your sword, engages you in a fight, then extends a generous hand to pick y...more
It's fast-paced heroic fantasy for the commuter hour, easy to digest with little to chew over, but that makes it delightfully unpretentious. Like the hero, Kinshield, it comes at you strong and fast, bashes your head and clangs your sword, engages you in a fight, then extends a generous hand to pick y...more
Bottom Line
Value for Price: Superb
It's $2.99 for a quick and easy fantasy read. No need for hours of glossary or wikipedia diving to figure out what the heck is going on. Straightforward, entertaining, and well-written. Fans of complex high-fantasy might not be as interested, but pretty much anyone else will likely find this novel enjoyable. Might be a good gateway novel for individuals interested in the genre but intimidated by more daunting fantasy offerings.
Full Review
I started reading the Ki...more
Value for Price: Superb
It's $2.99 for a quick and easy fantasy read. No need for hours of glossary or wikipedia diving to figure out what the heck is going on. Straightforward, entertaining, and well-written. Fans of complex high-fantasy might not be as interested, but pretty much anyone else will likely find this novel enjoyable. Might be a good gateway novel for individuals interested in the genre but intimidated by more daunting fantasy offerings.
Full Review
I started reading the Ki...more
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I grew up in the mid-western USA and in Hawaii, and earned a B.A. in Russian from Florida State University. After a year in Taiwan teaching English and studying Mandarin Chinese, I lived in the Arizona desert where I founded a Rottweiler rescue organization, studied karate, went backpacking, tried sky-diving, did some downhill skiing, got a couple motorcycles, wrote software, and spent time on the...more
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Oct 05, 2010 04:55pm
Oct 05, 2010 05:09pm