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The King's Blood

(The Dagger and the Coin #2)

Daniel Abraham

4.01 · Rating details · 12,341 ratings · 602 reviews

The sequel to the acclaimed series launch, The Dragon’s Path, is the perfect summer read for fans of George R. R. Martin.

War casts its shadow over the lands that the dragons once ruled. Only the courage of a young woman with the mind of a gambler and loyalty to no one stands between hope and universal darkness.

The high and powerful will fall, the despised and broken shall ...more

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Paperback, 501 pages

Published May 3rd 2012 by Orbit

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Jul 23, 2021 Petrik rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.5/5 stars

The King’s Blood was a magnificent sequel that expanded upon everything the previous book built.

“Wars are easier to start than end, and where they take you is rarely where you intended to go… It will be better for all of us to avoid it.”

The King’s Blood is the second novel in The Dagger and the Coin series by Daniel Abraham. The story continues from where the previous book left off, and after using the first volume in the series to introduce the premise, characters, and w ...more

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Mar 23, 2018 Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin rated it really liked it

Shelves: own, fantasy-all

Awesome!!

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Jun 18, 2022 James Tivendale rated it really liked it

The King's Blood is another strong entry in Abraham's politically charged, character-driven fantasy series, The Dagger and the Coin.

The Dragon's Path helped get me out of a reading slump and The King's Blood features more of the same fine elements that kept me engaged during the first entry. Complex and often misunderstood lead characters, excellent drama, high stakes, and detailed point of view perspectives that sometimes intertwine. Every action and decision that a character makes seems to ha The King's Blood is another strong entry in Abraham's politically charged, character-driven fantasy series, The Dagger and the Coin.

The Dragon's Path helped get me out of a reading slump and The King's Blood features more of the same fine elements that kept me engaged during the first entry. Complex and often misunderstood lead characters, excellent drama, high stakes, and detailed point of view perspectives that sometimes intertwine. Every action and decision that a character makes seems to have consequences, some causing shocking and unexpected outcomes in The King's Blood, and some, do doubt, planting the seeds for what is to occur in The Dagger and the Coin's remaining three novels. Words and truths are powerful here and have lasting effects.

"I think he has a long memory, though. Anyone who crosses him while he's weak will answer for it when he's strong."

The way that Abraham writes and the pacing really connects with the rhythm of my thoughts, creating vibrant and clear images, feeling almost meditative to me, and had me truly engrossed. Hypnotic almost, yet, not in a sleepy manner, in a way that kept me fully focused and attentive. The series is adult in nature and it has a similar tone to A Song of Ice and Fire with political maneuvering, backstabbing, plotting, and ambitious characters aplenty. The King's Blood doesn't feature many detailed lengthy battles or as much bloodshed on-screen as some fantasy mainstays, although there is a war ongoing throughout the duration of the novel and also a potential revolution. When these moments do occur, though, they have a massive impact. There is one moment in particular with Geder; the climax of which stands out in my top ten most haunting and sure to be most unforgettable moments I've ever read.

In a similar fashion to the first novel, Geder is an absolute gem of a creation, and I don't want to say too much about him because the way he changes, the consequences of his actions on himself and others, and the mythology that seems to surround him makes him an enticing lead player. The fact he's a point of view perspective - where we follow his actions and thoughts as if sitting on his shoulder - makes it really interesting and occasionally harrowing to see how he is witnessed, differently, by other point of view characters. Whether they are misunderstanding his ideals and intentions or not.

"(She) listened, her hand around her mug. She forgot to drink from it. Instead, she listened to story pile upon story pile upon story as Geder Palliako grew toward legend."

Dawson is similarly stubborn in nature and loyal to the crown as he was in The Dragon's Path yet I enjoyed following him more this time. His partner Clara is another point-of-view perspective, and it starts to develop here how important, I believe, the whole Kalliam family will be to the overarching story. It's nowhere near a neat analogy yet I think this family will be the closest this series has to the Stark family as The Dagger and the Coin progresses further.

Like Geder, I don't want to say too much about, arguably, the series' other main character, Cithrin. That being said, I can confirm she has many excellent moments, shares the screentime with some important players, and her tale goes down unexpected avenues. I'm often completely drawn into the way her mind works and how her analytical nature makes her a success with finances, and in other areas here as well. Captain Marcus Wester has a few important and exciting moments in The King's Blood but he seems to drift away to being a secondary character, however; his importance to the overall series is blatant and I can't wait to follow his arc further in The Tyrant's Law as the novel sets where his journey will go next nicely.

The Dagger and the Coin is building up exquisitely with its detail, drama, layers, intrigue, and very real consequences. The novels in this series don't work as standalone so might not be suited for fantasy fans who want a quick-fix, adrenaline rush. This is a series for those who will embrace its intricacies, its depth, its wonderful characters, the build-up, the stand-out moments. The more time I spend in Abraham's world, the more intense and invested I will get. Although parts of this series have been a slow burn, I'm absolutely invested now. Let's see how The Tyrant's Law ups the ante.

“And I suppose it would be entirely too much to ask what this mysterious errand is that’s calling you away?” she asked. And then, contradicting herself, “You owe us that much.” The apostate licked his lips, searching for words he hadn’t used, even to himself. When he found them, he chuckled. “This may sound a bit grandiose,” he said, scratching at his beard with one long finger. “Try me.” “I’m off to kill a goddess.” ...more

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Oct 06, 2016 Emma rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, favorites

Just as brilliant as the first. I love this series. It has everything I'm looking for; not just great characters, but in depth character development. The world building and culture imagined by the author is exceptionally well done. The plot is also complex and we'll crafted. Next! ...more

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Sep 18, 2016 Angela rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

The last third of the book really saved this one for me and made me want to continue on with the series. All the action took place in Camnipol and Geder continues his transition to a tyrant bit by bit. Increasingly paranoid and thirsty for power/revenge and control. Looks like his priest friends are going to help him on this path. Even if you get the sense that the priests are using Geder for their own ends.

Marcus Wester snoozefest. Didn't really do anything. At least that's how it felt to me. W ...more

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Nov 24, 2018 Mayim de Vries rated it liked it

“Wars are easier to start than to end, and where they take you is rarely where you intended to go.”

In the second entry to The Danger and the Coin series Mr Abraham is down to business and he knows perfectly well where he wants his story to go. Sadly, he stumbles at times as if unsure how to get there; this concerns both the plotting and the pacing.

I really, really wanted to give this book 4 stars, the mean reader that I am, in spite of spiders, and dragons, and the most idiotic YA female lead yo “Wars are easier to start than to end, and where they take you is rarely where you intended to go.”

In the second entry to The Danger and the Coin series Mr Abraham is down to business and he knows perfectly well where he wants his story to go. Sadly, he stumbles at times as if unsure how to get there; this concerns both the plotting and the pacing.

I really, really wanted to give this book 4 stars, the mean reader that I am, in spite of spiders, and dragons, and the most idiotic YA female lead you can imagine. But I cannot. No matter how much I want to. King’s Blood is a great read if you do not pay attention to details like “how come?” and “why” that anchor the plot and the decisions made by the protagonists in something solid. As it is, two of the most pivotal developments in this book happen not only out of the blue but also in clear contradiction to previous character development. This hurts the book more than my personal petty grievances against it.

There are five main protagonists whose eyes allow us to trace the main story: Dawson Killiam and his wife Clara nobles of the Imperial Antea, Geder Palliako who finds himself much closer to the Severed Throne than he ever dreamed, Cithrin bel Sarcour, banker by upbringing, alcoholic by vocation and Marcus Wester, a warrior without a cause. All these are in some ways interconnected, and even though not all paths cross and converge, the actions and decisions ripple and have reverberations beyond obvious.

“This may sound a bit grandiose.”
“Try me.”
“I am off to kill a goddess.”

While Dawson attempts to save his country, Marcus is burdened with the doomed and inevitable task of saving the world. In fact, both Marcus and Dawson are in a sense mirror reflections of each other with one placing the state on an individual, the other on an idea behind it. The way Marcus allows himself to be tied to Cithrin is the precisely same thing that allows Dawson to liberate himself from poisoned loyalty to the person wearing the royal paraphernalia and yet remain faithful to the ideas that make the difference between betrayal and patriotism. It is interesting to watch their parallel struggles, especially that in some sense, both lead towards a tragedy.

“The day I throw you in a ditch and take a company, sir? It’s today.”

The problem with Marcus’ POV, in particular, is the pacing; getting Marcus to do what obviously needs to be done and what is apparent from his very first chapter through the long and painfully protracted path of his personal but implausible obsessions with Cithrin didn’t feel honest (yes, that’s the word) enough to justify the obvious attempt to prolong the story. (view spoiler) The lameness of this design is not even worth an eye-roll. Nor a facepalm.

“You are not a banker. You are an extortionist who got lucky.”

Me and Cithrin, we could never be friends. The vibes are not there. I had hopes that perhaps she would grow into a character I could admire and respect, but her keen intellect is her only saving grace. Otherwise, all her traits that could potentially develop into virtues: ambition, audacity (oh, her meeting with Komme Medean!), and an ability to risk everything on a whim turn into her vices. In a sense, I understand the design Mr Abraham seems to have in mind where Cithrin is concerned. It was visible in the way he stripped her of human entanglements, forced her to develop a driving habit within a fortnight and detached from any morality which rendered her capable to buy and sell everything including her own body and soul as long as it brings the profit to her bank. On some plane I found it bizzare that she is the one diagnosing Geder as dangerous because he’s been growing up without a mother. Says a girl who suffered exactly the same fate! But far more important than my personal dislike of her is the fact that, her decisions made at the most pivotal moment of the novel when she is at the heart of an empire that killed and burned down everything that mattered in her life and then changed her just don’t add up. (view spoiler) To be honest, I stopped reading the book at that point and wondered if there is any sense in continuing with the series at all.

“The best thing you can say about Geder is he’s the sort of man who makes good enemies.”

I admire how Mr Abraham breathes life into his antagonists. Geder gives me shudders and creeps. The way he is guided and yet misguided by nothing more sinister than a desire to be respected and liked. What I liked the most in this arc is how Geder also shows an addiction, yet addiction of a different sort that this eating Cithrin away. The special power within his grasp changes from something of a luxury and an extraordinary measure into a daily tool of governance into something he cannot do without. To watch how something that he used as a tool becomes his master is fascinating. He is in someone else’s war without even realising it or beginning to understand how devastating are the things he set in motion. At the same time, he is far from being a gullible fool to be pitied: There is certain psychopathic quality about him (suffice to mention the scene that so reminded me of Denethor’s conversation with Pippin in the Return of the King in its obnoxious and heartless repugnancy), but at the same time his insecurities are understandable, justifiable even. Who likes when people laugh at them, after all? We all have this jagged crack in the darkest depths of our souls, and what Mr Abrahm shows is what happens when it runs deeper than usual.

Luckily, to balance things out, there are also those whose personal integrity, courage, generous heart and discipline shine the brightest when all things fall apart. And the winner in this category is: Clara of course. (view spoiler) I was really curious what would become of the gentle, noblewoman who marshalled her household the way generals marshal armies.

“The wise general leads his army into battle to reshape the world, and so he creates a place which does not need him.”

It is obvious that the design is there, but whereas in some places the details are sorted down to the tiniest detail (like cutting through the thumb to seal the contract), in other areas things are blurry enough to allow for naive plot conveniences straight from a story meant for middle-graders. Still, despite these flaws I am happy to say that at this point I am entirely hooked and I intend to continue with the series as soon as… now. And the most important message is this:

“It isn’t truth. It’s never truth. It’s certainty.”

Also in the series:

1. The Dragon's Path ★★★★☆
3. The Tyrant's Law ★★★★★
4. The Widow's House ★★★★☆
5. The Spider War ...more

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Oct 05, 2016 Scott Hitchcock rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: epic-fantasy

A great second book to the series. There were parts in this book which had that electric feeling the first book as good as it was didn't. Abraham has such a smooth writing style. He's up there with Lynch in being entertaining while character and world building. Clara's character in particular really stepped forward in this book and the end of her final chapter was brilliant.

Looking forward to the rest of the series. ...more

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Nov 29, 2018 Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller rated it really liked it

Shelves: my-library-catalogue

Much stronger than the first book! I now find myself eager to see where it goes next. RTC! :)

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Jun 10, 2014 Conor rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, the-dagger-and-coin

'The Kings blood' is the follow-up to 'The Dragons Path', one of the best openings to a series that I've read recently. This book does an admirable job of continuing the story started in that book as it further expands the world and continues the development of the characters introduced already.

In this book we see more of the world established in book 1. This world isn't particularly deep or inventive but it is solid and serves as a good backdrop to events. The most unique feature of this world 'The Kings blood' is the follow-up to 'The Dragons Path', one of the best openings to a series that I've read recently. This book does an admirable job of continuing the story started in that book as it further expands the world and continues the development of the characters introduced already.

In this book we see more of the world established in book 1. This world isn't particularly deep or inventive but it is solid and serves as a good backdrop to events. The most unique feature of this world is the wide variety of distinct races, however this feature wasn't explored very thoroughly. The majority of characters and all of the POV's, except for 1 who was partially descended from a different race (albeit the race most similar to humans), are human. When this feature was explored I found it difficult to keep track of all the different races.

The characters introduced in book 1 continue to be vital to the story with no really notable additions. This relatively small group of characters is something of an oddity in epic fantasy but allows greater focus on these characters.

Geder continued to be the most interesting character for me. His rise to power and simultaneous fall to the dark side/spider goddess was a compelling arc. I also thought his interactions with Cithrin were really well-written, even as he progressed from adorably awkward to creepy. However despite still being an intriguing character I was somewhat disappointed with him in this book. Geder's lack of initiative and his dependence on advisors was frustrating, especially compared to the first book where he made some awesome (if kind of evil) independent decisions. The burning of Vanai remains one of the most incredible moves I've ever seen a fantasy protagonist make.

I was also disappointed by Dawson in this book. In book 1 I found him a well-written, morally ambiguous character who reminded me of both Ned Stark and one of the scheming, classist nobles from The Wheel of Time. In this book that complexity is absent as he becomes a righteous crusader against a corrupt tyrant and his mysterious, evil advisors. I would have enjoyed his arc more if his enemies hadn't been so obviously evil or if he was motivated by some of his less-heroic beliefs. Instead Dawson is portrayed throughout this book as a noble patriot and the classism and xenophobia he showed in the previous book pretty much disappears.

Cithrin really stepped up in this book. The annoying 'orphan on a quest' vibe I got from her in the first half of book 1 was absent and instead we saw more of the shrewd trading and politicking of her later chapters. While her interactions with Geder were well done her scheming never reached the awesome heights we saw while she was setting up and running her bank previously. However her overall arc was much stronger in this book especially compared to other characters.

Marcus continued to be my least favourite character in this one. I had hoped that he would put his abilities as a general to use sometime soon to involve the reader in wars more than the series has done so far. Incidentally there were a few chapters which featured a character fighting in a war that were well-written but disappointingly brief. Instead he went on a quest to find a magical sword and destroy the source of evil before it conquers the world (try counting the clichés in that sentence, I dare you). The closest the famous general comes to fighting a battle was a raid on a pirate compound. This was a pretty bland 'fight' that resulted in the deaths of 1 evil pirate and none of Marcus' men.

Overall this was an enjoyable continuation of a really good series and I'm excited to see where Abraham takes these plots and characters next. ...more

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Oct 14, 2016 Jenna Kathleen rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: buddy-reads, fantasy

Awesome development from the first book.

I didn't really like Dawson in The Dragon's Path, but he really developed as a character throughout this book. (view spoiler)

Geder is fascinating and so frustrating at the same time, but you can really see the consequences his power has brought to the world. His meeting with (view spoiler)

I'm happ ...more

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Nov 14, 2021 Marc *Dark Reader of the Woods* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: high-fantasy, fantasy

Traditional fantasy done magnificently. This book, and series, doesn't subvert any tropes. It doesn't break new ground. What it does is give us an intriguing plot, enjoyable characters, and excellent writing. This is a 120,000 word book, but the pages simply flew by. If only all fantasy authors could write this clearly and efficiently (this coming from someone currently bogged down in the middle-mire books of the Wheel of Time.) Abraham doesn't sacrifice setting, character, plot, anything to ach Traditional fantasy done magnificently. This book, and series, doesn't subvert any tropes. It doesn't break new ground. What it does is give us an intriguing plot, enjoyable characters, and excellent writing. This is a 120,000 word book, but the pages simply flew by. If only all fantasy authors could write this clearly and efficiently (this coming from someone currently bogged down in the middle-mire books of the Wheel of Time.) Abraham doesn't sacrifice setting, character, plot, anything to achieve this, he simply sets a wonderful example for effective and concise fantasy writing. George R.R. Martin has long promoted Abraham's work, although I don't know if that is a great association these days.

Underage Cithrin continues to manage her bank in Port Olive, but with her authority severely curtailed by the presence of an ogrous overseer. She retains the allegiance of the legendary military captain Marcus Wester, who maintains emotional loyalty to her due to his tragic past. To achieve her ambitions, she must step out of the shadow of both figures. Meanwhile, in Camnipol, now-baron Geder finds himself graced with increasing power which he wields with impressive ignorance, and the sly priests of the spider goddess ride his victories to their own ends.

Although the overall effect is comfortingly familiar, the individual elements are original, with the physically diverse thirteen races, subtle and rare magic, focus on renaissance banking, and themes of the nature of truth, found families, and loyalty. The plot progression is largely predictable but still delicious as it happens. I enjoyed all of the characters in the ways that the writing intends for the reader; waify Cithrin is simply endearing, Geder's idiocy is hilarious and terrifying, and so forth. Myself and buddy readers found Dawson's arc in the first book our least favorite; who feels attached to the rich, powerful, white man's struggles? Well, anyone who felt this way will absolutely enjoy Dawson's arc in this book much more.

I enjoy Geder as the 'A Idiot' character possibly as much as I did Jezal in Abercrombie's First Law trilogy, and that is saying a lot. ...more

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Nov 25, 2018 Laura rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2018

4.5 stars

I believe I found another series to add to my favourite shelf! This one is superb!

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Oct 27, 2014 Ashley rated it liked it

Shelves: manly-men-and-their-manparts, audiobooks, political-plots-and-maneuverings, fantasy, treasure-and-adventure, violent-and-epic, war, here-be-dragons

I liked this better than the first one, especially at the end. This was bound to happen since I’m spending so much time with these characters, and Abraham is a consistent, talented writer. The first half continued a lot of the issues I had with the first book, though, so I can’t really give this four stars. Maybe the third book will earn it?

It’s been a little over a year since the start of the series. Geder Palliako has gone from social pariah to Lord Regent of Antea. Cithrin is still at her Ban ...more

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May 10, 2012 Neil McGarry rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. **Here be spoilers. Read accordingly.**

Let me say at the start that I really wanted to like The King's Blood, and the series of which it is the second part, The Dagger and the Coin. I like Abraham's focus on characters, something you don't see very much in fantasy, and his willingness to alter the story in interesting ways. In The Dragon's Path, for example, I loved when Cithrin stops trying to be an adventurer and starts acting like a banker. That's the work of an author who's thinking about hi ...more

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Jul 07, 2021 Justin rated it really liked it

This was a hard book to rate for me, and it may change depending on the rest of the series. I liked it more than the first book in the series, The Dragon's Path, but it took me a little while to really get into it. I feel like things are being purposefully set up in a way that will pay off later, much like Abraham did in his Long Price Quartet series, but at the moment it's not always apparent where things are going.

The character work is still fantastic, and Abraham's writing continues to be so ...more

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Jan 26, 2022 Juliano Dutra rated it liked it

3.5 stars.

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Jul 02, 2013 Ranting Dragon rated it really liked it

Shelves: marty

http://www.rantingdragon.com/review-o...

At the opening of The King’s Blood, we find ourselves back in the remains of the Dragon Empire and the world of the Thirteen Races of Humanity. Geder Palliako is suddenly an important figure in the Antean Court, with the mysterious Spider Priests at his side. Kalliam Dawson, a noble of the old order, works to maintain the tradition of the court while Cithrin bel Sacour struggles to hold on to her branch of the Medean Bank, and Captain Marcus Wester, haunte http://www.rantingdragon.com/review-o...

At the opening of The King’s Blood, we find ourselves back in the remains of the Dragon Empire and the world of the Thirteen Races of Humanity. Geder Palliako is suddenly an important figure in the Antean Court, with the mysterious Spider Priests at his side. Kalliam Dawson, a noble of the old order, works to maintain the tradition of the court while Cithrin bel Sacour struggles to hold on to her branch of the Medean Bank, and Captain Marcus Wester, haunted by his past, works to redeem himself through his protection of the young banker. Intrigue, magic, and blood follow in the second installment of The Dagger and The Coin series.

Like a flower, blooming
The Dragon’s Path was such a success because Abraham, in his skill and knowledge of the genre, took his time in revealing his world to us. He began in medias res, and as the novel grew, so did our understanding of the world. Much like that deliberate pace and reveal, The King’s Blood continues this slow gift of information as, chapter by chapter, our understanding of this world grows. Don’t expect an answer to every mystery, but know that some light will be shed on The Dragon Empire, The Spider Goddess, and more.

Pulling no punches
Personally, one of the biggest strengths I find in The Dagger and the Coin series is how Abraham is not afraid of posing big questions or challenges to his characters and therefore to his readers. He never presents an easy road for either party, and half the enjoyment of the book is in watching the characters navigate the tangle of larger-than-life questions. Is truth subjective? When is it right to go to war, if it ever is? When do you give up and when do you fight? Abraham throws these questions and more at his characters. Watching how they react will not only fascinate you, it will make you think as well.

Character is king
What makes this one of the strongest secondary world fantasies being published today, though, is not the immensity of its worldbuilding or its fascination with big questions, but rather the complexity of its characters. Abraham has created wonderful, strong, incredibly flawed characters, and watching them evolve through this second book is certainly one of the highlights. He allows them to be, well, human. Even the most noble of characters, Kalliam Dawson, is not immune to spite or fear. Watching and hoping a character will make the right choice is all the more devastating when they do not. Feelings such as pain, spite, greed, and fear color the characters beyond simple shades of gray and create characters who, despite scales or wings or pelts, make for some of the most human characters out there.

Why you should read this
The King’s Blood is a triumph of secondary world fantasy, continuing to reveal a complex world with amazing, three-dimensional characters. Daniel Abraham is not afraid to push his characters or his readers to the edge, and even when he rewards you, it may still be bittersweet. If you enjoyed the first book, or if you’re looking for a new fantasy series to get into, The King’s Blood and The Dagger and the Coin are well worth your time. ...more

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Apr 03, 2019 Shobhit Sharad rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

The comparison of Daniel Abraham with George RR Martin naturally leads to a comparison between their characters. The honourable lord who gets himself killed for the sake of honour, sound familiar? Eddard Stark? Yes. Dawson Kalliam? Also, yes. Both childhood friends of the recently demised kings. But that's where the similarities end. Where Ned Stark's honour was about learning the truth about the lineage of his king and friend, and dissecting out the conspiracy against the regime, Dawson's honou ...more

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Dec 05, 2014 Mark rated it really liked it

This series keeps getting better and better! I gave the first book four stars as well but only because it was very well written. I didn't feel like it would be one of my all time fav rereads however with book two this series is starting to really grow on me.

I'm still a little confused about a few things. For instance, I wish the thirteen races would be explained a little more. Right when I think I really know a character I realize that they have tusks or dragon scales! Superficial, I know but w ...more

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May 02, 2012 Liviu rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2012_release_read, read_2012, genre-fantasy, top_25_2012_novels

As I may not be able to do a full FBC rv close to the US publication date, I will try to have a longer "raw thoughts" review here.

The book is secondary world fantasy at its best and in addition it has a writing style quite above the usual "utility English" of the genre; maybe not quite at (the top of) literary fiction levels (see Hari Kunzru's Gods without Men for recent such), but close, while pretty much all the things that I would mark as negatives come from the nature of the genre rather tha As I may not be able to do a full FBC rv close to the US publication date, I will try to have a longer "raw thoughts" review here.

The book is secondary world fantasy at its best and in addition it has a writing style quite above the usual "utility English" of the genre; maybe not quite at (the top of) literary fiction levels (see Hari Kunzru's Gods without Men for recent such), but close, while pretty much all the things that I would mark as negatives come from the nature of the genre rather than from the author.

I would try to avoid spoilers so I will talk only a little about the storyline, just to mention that it is a direct continuation of The Dragon's Path and a lot of things happen by the end of the novel (at a good stopping point with no cliffhangers but not much global resolution beyond tbc either - in this sense the first two volumes of the intended 5 book series are truly volume 1/2 of a huge novel)

The structure is similar with Dragon's Path and features POV chapters from Cithrin, Dawson, Clara, Geder and Marcus with interludes from Master Kit. As mentioned lots of things happen including intrigues, conspiracies, wars, pirates, deaths of named characters, while the world is expanded to some extent and the roles of the 13 races are made a little bit clearer here, though again mostly regular humans aka "firstbloods" are of importance (and Cithrin of course who is half-blood Cinnae but much closer to her firstblood half by upbringing)

There is an appendix written from the pov of a scholar of one the "superior bloods' (of course he would claim that...) and discussing the 13 races, while many secondary characters - some new, some old and some who may become important later appear and some have really great moments

The pages turn by themselves and I literally could not put the book down and read it in one very long sitting, but i expect to revisit the world and probably reread Dragon Path too soon.

I put 2 paragraphs below in spoiler tags as they discuss my expectations about some characters in future volumes - this implies said characters will be part of future volumes (though I would say that is not a surprise from the way the series is structured); other than that (showing that these characters survive), no real spoilers, but still read this at your choice

(view spoiler)

As for negatives - as mentioned mostly due to genre - the book like most sff is about politics and the organization of society and like most fantasy it is a retrograde such where "what is your blood" counts more than anything else outside of specific commercial cities - true that say Geder who is minor nobility raises himself with luck and a strong dose of magic, but he is still noble - nobility and blood with the role of women very traditional in the "high society" - again the lower and commercial classes are different but over 60% of the book is about the nobility, a bit smaller world building than expected and occasionally feeling like a sandbox - but ultimately the novel captivated me again and showed that great writing and characters and a reasonably well thought secondary world (with the caveats above) still can keep me interested in traditional fantasy despite my feeling of "exhausting the genre" in the last 4 years.

A few more thoughts - the book also has an elegant rather than visceral feel and consequently the more emotional moments are still cerebral to a large extent rather than pure emotion and the action flows naturally rather than twisting and turning - here I tend to prefer the more visceral feel and the twists and turns with "what..?" moments, but as that is a pure personal preference, I would not count it against the book especially that it executes so well in these two categories (elegant style, natural story lines)

All in all King's Blood was the first 2012 fantasy that satisfied my expectations and of course it will have a place on my top 25 list of the year and i hope the series will continue to keep this extremely high standards all the way - i also believe that there is scope and depth for 5 books though I expect considerably more universe expansion ...more

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Jan 23, 2022 Lauren rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-romance, good, 4-star, adventure, fantasy

Still great. I love Marcus

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Jul 18, 2012 Molybdenum rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

In many good series, often we see the first book is needed to set up the characters and the world, and the second book this foundation can be used to really have them develop and interact. What happens is the events of the novels start to take their toll on the characters, and all the fluff they build around themselves is pulled away.

This is what happens in The King's Blood. The Dragon's Path introduced us to young protege banker, awkward minor nobleman scholar who happens to fall into power, st In many good series, often we see the first book is needed to set up the characters and the world, and the second book this foundation can be used to really have them develop and interact. What happens is the events of the novels start to take their toll on the characters, and all the fluff they build around themselves is pulled away.

This is what happens in The King's Blood. The Dragon's Path introduced us to young protege banker, awkward minor nobleman scholar who happens to fall into power, stuffy nobleman and wife, and former army captain with tortured path. The characters were carved out for us in great detail and the story was introduced. But in this second book, the events cause the labels to be thrown away, and we see who each of them really are.

And at it's heart, the Dagger and the Coin series is primarily a character study. So as a result what keeps the reader turning the page is not "What is going to happen next?," but rather "How is this event going to affect the character(s)?" The characters leave the comfy confines of race and standing and are instead caused to face a decision that gets to the heart of who they are: Fight or flight? And I think they'd be surprised themselves at which each of them choose.

One interesting thing about the book is the magic system is only used by the villians (with one exception), and is inherently one that is underestimated. So the reader can see trouble coming before the characters, which builds the anticipation for how the characters are going to react when that storm comes. Related to this, often events are shown from one characters POV that will have a major impact on other characters, so there is anticipation on how the characters are going to react in that sense as well, and this is what provides most of the book's suspense.

The King's Blood is character building at its finest. The characters are all flawed yet sympathetic in various degrees, so they are all real yet still cause the reader to attach emotionally. For anyone who loves characters, and interactions, and how major events can refine and develop a personality, you are going to absolutely love this book. ...more

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Dec 13, 2017 Emelia rated it it was amazing

Pardon me, but bloody hell this is a great series !
I can't put the books down !
RTC when I am done with them all.
On to book 3 ...more

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Jul 17, 2015 Jody rated it really liked it

This was a good follow up to The Dragon's Path. I enjoyed the pace of this book more than the first. The story is developing well, and the characters are starting to take on a life of their own.

Cithrin is striving to prove her worth to the Medean Bank and find her place in the world.

Geder is given a position of power that he doesn’t deserve and not equipped to handle.

Dawson the loyal nobleman trying to keep his country from being torn apart from within.

Marcus begins a journey that borders on ...more

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Jun 03, 2015 Lee rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

Now that I have finished this story, I have to say that I am a little bit disappointed. We had some character growth in characters like Geder and Cithrin, but that is it. I was expecting a big part of the this novel to focus on the Spider Goddess and her plans to take over the world and the was nothing. Not even a hint of anything new. The story itself carried on where we left off, but in all honesty, it kind of just mosied on down the river, picking up some small insignificant character story a ...more

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Aug 13, 2016 idiomatic rated it it was amazing

Shelves: best-fantasy

the politics in this book are a shakespeare-history joy, i love cithrin, i love clara, the kalliam marriage makes me want to eat a shoe, i love clara, i adore and highly value the deep contempt dan abraham holds for nerd boys who project onto tyrion, spiders, no-shit pacing, awful people confusing the shit out of each other, honest to god the kalliam marriage, i docked a star because i skimmed the marcus chapters, i added it back because AN ENTIRE SHOE I SWEAR TO GOD

i am so upset. i am so ready ...more

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Jan 24, 2017 Silvana rated it really liked it

Shelves: fyeahfantasy

Another solid entry from Daniel Abraham. It is well paced, the characters have their own distinct voices and are so diverse in their thoughts, but still manage to be unpredictable in their actions when you read about them from another POV.

I see why some people see Geder Palliako as an unbelievable character. I however see him as an intriguing one. He is inherently kind-hearted but also prone to weird cruel gestures. He is very smart but being inexperienced he is also susceptible to manipulate. ...more

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May 31, 2019 Joseph rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Not sure if I have a ton to say about this one ... It's the second in a five-volume epic fantasy, so the characters from the first volume (The Dragon's Path) are back, joined by a few new ones, some of them are meeting for the first time and the plot is, as they say, thickening.

As in the first volume, there's a particular attention paid to economics and banking (Cithrin, one of our POV characters, is a banker by trade although she spends a large part of the book being ridden herd on because she ...more

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Apr 12, 2021 Lindsay rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021

While I was hesitant with my praise for The Dragon’s Path and waiting to see the real shape of the story before committing to it entirely, Abraham has officially won me over with The King’s Blood. An almost near perfect sequel and a significant enhancement of everything I enjoyed about its predecessor. In particular, some of the things that felt more polished in this installment were the characters. While I quite enjoyed reading about Geder and Marcus- as they felt the most developed and true to ...more

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Jun 26, 2013 Myke Cole rated it it was amazing

Abraham improves on what was already an excellent start to this series. The Dagger and the Coin is satisfying for all those A Song of Ice and Fire fans who are looking for in depth, extremely fleshed out worlds populated with a range of well realized characters, but Abraham shows his strength in his tight focus on a smaller cast of characters and really gives the reader the chance to fall in love with them, and root for them throughout the arc of their lives.

This is a fantastic book, and I can ...more

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Play Book Tag: The King's Blood 4 stars	1	6	Nov 24, 2021 10:16AM
Fantasy Buddy Reads: King's Blood [Nov 15, 2018]	72	31	Dec 03, 2018 08:40AM
Fantasy Buddy Reads: The King's Blood	44	28	Oct 20, 2016 03:25PM
Fantasy Book Club...: Dagger & Coin-The King's blood (#2)--Roll call! Planning to read? (no spoilers)	19	32	Apr 15, 2016 11:37AM
Goodreads Librari...: Covers Missing	1	15	Dec 26, 2015 08:03PM
The Not a Book Cl...: TKB: Section 4: 7th Marcus - Entr’acte (Full Spoilers)	18	19	Sep 15, 2015 05:41PM
The Not a Book Cl...: TKB: Section 2: 3rd Cithrin - 4th Geder	7	16	Jul 20, 2015 06:36PM

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About Daniel Abraham

Daniel Abraham

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Daniel James Abraham, pen names M.L.N. Hanover and James S.A. Corey, is an American novelist, comic book writer, screenwriter, and television producer. He is best known as the author of The Long Price Quartet and The Dagger and the Coin fantasy series, and with Ty Franck, as the co-author of The Expanse series of science fiction novels, written under the joint pseudonym James S.A. Co ...more

Other books in the series

The Dagger and the Coin (5 books)

Books by Daniel Abraham

A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel, Volume One

The Dragon's Path (The Dagger and the Coin, #1)

A Shadow in Summer (Long Price Quartet, #1)

The Tyrant's Law (The Dagger and the Coin, #3)

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Quotes from The King's Blood

“Words are empty until you fill them, and how you fill them shapes the world.” — 5 likes

“She stepped toward him, her hand on his shoulder. He took her fingers in his, kissing her gently without even being aware that he was doing so. Affection was a habit between them, more genuine for being unconsidered.” — 2 likes

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