The Innkeeper's Son

The Jester King #1

by K.C. Herbel

Billy cheerfully runs The Valley’s Finest Inn with his father and daydreams of a fantasy life in the distant courts of the kingdom. One night, a murderous stranger from his secret past emerges to take from him his life and the magic ring that belonged to his mother.

Billy must flee home to stay alive and is thrust into an adventure that leads him to the highest courts in the land. But there are perils to such a journey. Monsters, giants, spirits, and brigands prowl the wilds of Lyonesse, not to mention a dragon that wants to eat him! As he struggles to survive and unravel the mysteries encircling his life, Billy becomes aware of a menacing figure lurking in the shadows; a ruthless nemesis that has hunted him his entire life.

The Innkeeper’s Son is the first of four novels in The Jester King Fantasy Series.

Genres: Fantasy

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2017

About the author

I have been in love with storytelling since I was a child, listening to Grandpa tell fantastic, true-life yarns of his boyhood in Germany, and his life as an immigrant to the United States. His tales were filled with steam-locomotive mishaps and biplane crashes, cowboys and outlaws, and always lots of wonder and gratitude. It didn't hurt that my Irish mother was also a theatrical storyteller and writer. Mom and Grandpa had a strong influence on my life, and gave me an appreciation for the spoken and written word.

This was all well and good, but could only go so far in a kid who wanted very little to do with the three R's (Reading, writing and 'rithmatic). Not if they interfered with playing soldier or football. Sure, there were times I enjoyed a good read (despite slight dyslexia) or, at the encouragement of Mom, wrote a short story, but I wanted to be in motion. Heck, I wanted to strap a rocket to my back and go into space, not write about it! The only time I wanted to tell a story was when my scientist father caught me doing something "unauthorized." And so, storytelling laid dormant for many years; just bubbling beneath the surface - peaking out for the occasional English assignment or bout of Fantasy RPGs.

My feelings about storytelling changed significantly in the summer I turned 14. I remember, because I hadn't learned to drive yet and had wrecked my cousin's truck driving around the family ranch the previous summer. As they tell it, (I) "was doing fine comin' up from the highway to the house, when suddenly the lights were up in the trees!"

At any rate, that summer I got a hold of my sister's copy of the Hobbit. Without warning, that, which had been denied the light of day, erupted from its prison and began to harass me. For a long time, I kept it at bay by feeding it fantasy and science fiction novels and RPGs, which cost me a high grade in college more than once.

Then it happened. I wrote a stage play. And it got produced. And it was well received. That, and a nudge from one of my professors, was enough for me to pack up my Firebird, skip my graduation ceremony and head out to California to attend UCLA.

Despite my best intentions, as it often does, life happened. I landed a very interesting robotics job, while waiting to get my CA residency. (I couldn't afford to attend UCLA on out-of-state tuition.) One thing lead to another, and before I knew it, years had passed. I had a wife, kids, mortgage payment, special effects career in Hollywood (IMDB), and I had never been to the UCLA enrollment office. However, that did not mean that I didn't write. I wrote stage plays, screenplays, short stories, all in the evenings and on weekends and eventually finished a book: With a Jester of Kindness. Perhaps you've read it.

So now I write fantasy and sci-fi and love every minute of it. I hope you will give my stories a try. If you'd like to know more about me and my work, check out my website: www.TheOtherWorlds.net or click on one of the buttons above.

Best wishes and better adventures,
KC Herbel

  available!   coming soon!

Reviews

[Mike Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story telling was excellent. The writing never left me thinking about who was writing, but kept me attentive to the characters and the environment they were in. I deducted a star only because there was this promise early on that there was something special about this boy, and the ring, that seemed to never be shown. I was a little disappointed in that, but as Plots, Characters, and the World created, the story telling was spot on. The magic seemed to be too shy to show it's face. That said, I could not put it down.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a good first book in a new fantasy series. Billy runs The Valley's Finest Inn with his father, but dreams of knights and adventure in the royal courts. When strangers attack the Inn, Billy must flee to save his life. He is placed under the protection of a lady and the King's champion. As they venture across the land, Billy encounters monsters, brigands and spirits. As Billy adjusts to his new environment, he discovers talents he never knew existed and is eager learn more. Just as Billy starts to fit in, a menacing figure from his past threatens to disrupt his life.

This is a fun first book. There is some amount of world building, but not everything is explained. The main characters are well written and likeable. The potentially big bad evil is barely discussed at the end of the book, and his motives and purpose are unclear. Presumably this will be explored more in the next book. This first book is basically a road-trip novel that sets the characters up for the next installments. Overall, it is an entertaining read and I will read the next book in the series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
This book had everything needed for a good sword and sorcery fantasy. There was the prince in hiding, fairies, a magic ring, evil sorcerers, and even the knight and lady in love, but must suffer apart. The story is well written and the characters are all well developed. It is fast paced with a lot happening on each page. This is the first in a series, but it does not end in a cliffhanger. It does keep you wanting to read the next book to find out what happens. I did like the ending and do want to read the next book.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have not enjoyed reading a book as much as i enjoyed reading this tale in quite a while, its sense of fun outweighs the usual traitors, monsters, sorcerers and other back stabbing folks who attend the kings court! The hero Billy is a lovable funny runt who looks much younger than his age, he is protected by Sir Hugh and Lady Myrredith both of whom are so caring one has to love them in turn too. The sense of mystery is there right from the start of the captivating tale which demands to be read, due mainly to a magical ring, a ring of protection handed down by a mother to a son, a ring of destiny. Billy who somehow manages to encounter dragons and get attacked by trogouls and get into all kinds of troubles yet escapes unscathed every time and is beloved by all who get to meet him except for the mysterious Magister, Ergyfel, the king's right hand man who definitely does not wish him well!! Am dying to read the next book and recommend this series to all who love magic, the fay and noble sagas with a sense of mystery!! Pity the dragons are bad in this series as i love dragons and all kinds of monsters and would rather these befriended and protected Billy than attacked him.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a free copy from author for an honest review.

This was a very good start to what looks like it could be a good series.It starts with William as he is thrown together with the Innkeeper after a fire.

It then follows him as he grows up into a young man in foreign lands.

A good coming of age story that promises much more.

[Sue Gangloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully flowing story. Action, adventure, fairy and dragon. Relive your childhood dreams. I did and can't wait for the next book

[Jeffrey A. Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, storyline starting with Billy's birth including Espionage and magic. He "juggles" through his teenage years dealing with secrecy, magic and darkness while experiencing life within the royal household.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have not enjoyed reading a book as much as i enjoyed reading this tale in quite a while, its sense of fun outweighs the usual traitors, monsters, sorcerers and other back stabbing folks who attend the kings court! The hero Billy is a lovable funny runt who looks much younger than his age, he is protected by Sir Hugh and Lady Myrredith both of whom are so caring one has to love them in turn too. The sense of mystery is there right from the start of the captivating tale which demands to be read, due mainly to a magical ring, a ring of protection handed down by a mother to a son, a ring of destiny. Billy who somehow manages to encounter dragons and get attacked by trogouls and get into all kinds of troubles yet escapes unscathed every time and is beloved by all who get to meet him except for the mysterious Magister, Ergyfel, the king's right hand man who definitely does not wish him well!! Am dying to read the next book and recommend this series to all who love magic, the fay and noble sagas with a sense of mystery!! Pity the dragons are bad in this series as i love dragons and all kinds of monsters and would rather these befriended and protected Billy than attacked him.

[Robert Spellmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd rather be happy throughout

Book 1 - The Innkeeper's Son

It is hard to write a relevant review of a book series until all the books are read. So, I did that.

A fundamental requirement for my own approval of entertaining literature is exclusion of profanity, explicit sexual scenes, or excessive cruelty. The last of these was not well satisfied in The Jester King Fantasy series.

With all the references to Catholic Christianity, I found it peculiar there is so much demonic, sorcerous evil or even the fairy heritage of Billy in this tale. I enjoy almost every fairy tale I've ever read but not so for demons and the grief they add to fantasy stories. In the Jester King Fantasy series the evil predominated too much to make the story enjoyable. But you don't see that until book 3!

I judge the series to be a young adult fiction as I read the first book. My impression had changed when I finished the series. The story is simply too dark.

I can recommend the series for many qualities including the intricacy of the plot, the imaginative situations, and for very good character development. But I would not call it light or relaxing fantasy.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so awesome that I wish I could give it 10 stars. It is the perfect sword and sorcery tale I could ever hope for. The plot, world and characters all blend together to keep the excitement and entertainment high. The mystery is still not completely solved and I am very grateful that book 2 is complete and will soon come to live with me. But, even more important, to me, is the emphasis on things that matter: friendship, kindness, loyalty, bravery and others characteristics we should strive for. I've read thousands of books over the years and this one is definitely in my top 20, maybe even top 10! I sincerely hope you enjoy it half as much as I did, at that you will still be pleased.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and without any prompting from anyone in any way, I knew I had to share my enjoyment of it with others. Sometimes, I am absolutely amazed at the talent that is waiting to be discovered simply by opening a new book by a new a, to me, author. This is one of those times. Quick, now, go get it for yourself or someone you love that loves fantasy.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this story. This is the type of book I'd read to my daughter at night. Not too much violence and plenty of fantasy.
Young William (Billy) has lived a very sheltered life in a small town. When 'Royals' visit his father's inn, he is fascinated with Lady Myrredith She offers to take him with her to see the world with her. On their travels they encounter all kinds of beasts and dragons. While looking for food one day, he is attacked by a dragon and meets Sir Hugh, the King's champion. The three friends travel together, playing music and laughing.
I had to knock this down a star for 2 reasons. Even though I liked the story and Billy was so isolated, he was 15 years old. He acted like a 5 year old most of the time. Having a 15 year old myself, I couldn't see him standing around crying when things don't go his way.
The other reason was the worst thing you can do to me, a cliffhanger! I luckily had the next book, but I would of had puppies if I didn't have the next book. LOL

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The baby comes to the innkeeper via an escape attempt by 2 knights. John, the innkeeper, loses his inn, his wife and his own new son, William, when the villains set fire. With the baby in his care, he names the baby after his own son and presents him as his own.

Billy, now 15, is invited to travel with the lady Myrredith to her home. Billy will leave his father with the only possession he has of his mother - an enchanted ring. He is now on an adventure where he runs into a forest dragon, hired bandits, the King's Champion, and an evil and cursed creature controlled by the cousin of the King.

There are those out there that still wish him harm but it is never clear in this first book if those people know who Billy is (we do not yet know) or if they are just guessing - or if the true targets are the lady and her husband.

The beginnings of what seems to be a true good vs evil story and with many good reviews.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not kindle Unlimited, must be from one of my freebie sites.

Billy cheerfully runs The Valley’s Finest Inn with his father and daydreams of a fantasy life in the distant courts of the kingdom. One night, a murderous stranger from his secret past emerges to take from him his life and the magic ring that belonged to his mother.
Billy must flee home to stay alive and is thrust into an adventure that leads him to the highest courts in the land. But there are perils to such a journey. Monsters, giants, spirits and brigands prowl the wilds of Lyonesse, not to mention a dragon that wants to eat him! As he struggles to survive and unravel the mysteries encircling his life, Billy becomes aware of a menacing figure lurking in the shadows; a ruthless nemesis that has hunted him his entire life.

The Innkeeper’s Son is the first of four novels in The Jester King Fantasy Series.

The Jester King Fantasy Series
The Innkeeper’s Son
The Jester
The Prince
The ? {don't know title of mentioned #4}

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

3 stars.

This book was an equal amount of like vs dislike. While I enjoyed this epic fantasy, it wasnt amazing. It defiantly grabs your attention right from the beginning. An issue I found though was the name change. William to Billy. Did I miss something? Why was the name changed? I kept thinking I must have missed something so I went back through it but couldn't not figure this out. This was when my liking for this book dropped a bit. It just bothered me. The cover is also a classic example of 'Dont judge a book by its cover' because, I'll admit, I wasn't a fan of it but having read the story, I'm glad that I hadn't let the cover stop my interest. The story was quite good otherwise. Defiantly recommend if you are looking for an epic fantasy. This is only book 1 so its just the beginning of the tale being told but it's a good beginning.

[Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice book, its not dark and characters are likable. More like the books read as a kid. Kind boy spend alot of time hanging out with other kind hearted nobles. And of course he was bullies when was kid a sob story crutch that authors need to stop using. Oh and he was orphaned.
The book has a slice of life feel, with much time spent on MC and friends having fun and that was nice.
Honestly cant say much about the rest of book, was not interested in it. Its the usual evil adviser plotting against king, and orphan boy being secret prince who goes into hiding. There is also a love triangle in thrown in.

[Georganne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of adventures. Wonders as seen through the eyes of a young boy from a small rural village, the innkeeper's son. This is the dream come true for a boy who sees the big city, the nobles of the country and the Castle Orgulous for the first time. All his dreams are coming true. Why does he sometimes get that funny feeling in his gut. Where does it come from and why. He finds new friends and new experiences. Read about young Billy and his exciting new life. A page-turner that's hard to put down.

[Rebecka · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a bit too slow most of the time, while at other times I wish a scene would have lasted longer and been explored further. I also wish the worldbuilding could have taken some more time and some loose plot thread tied up. I found myself confused a lot. The main character was very talented, good hearted and "perfect", but I most often like them like that and Billie was the biggest reason I kept reading. All in all I liked most of the book. Or rather enough to leave me feeling like a liked it.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing, the cover held me back a little bit it was eye catching just didn’t drive me to read it right away. I know “ Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Well that statement could never be more correct than with this story, right from the beginning you are hooked wanting to know more about what is really going on. Then you are lead through the adventure with only the hope it would never end, but it does. Now on to the second book in series, top of my list now for reading!!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story was good. I found Billy a strange character. He seemed really immature for a character who was supposed to be 15. I found myself distracted throughout the story and questioning his age. He didn’t seem “innocent” like the “I have never been away from home before”, but more like a little kid. Maybe it was the way the other characters treated him, but it took away from the enjoyment of the story. I ended up disliking the lead character. Don’t think I will be finishing the series.

[D.A. Schaeffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very pleasant read. Herbel's book is a quasi-mid-evil epic fantasy. His main character, Billy, has a difficult beginning in life, but is destined for great things. The cover is a bit misleading, as the dragon storyline is incredibly brief (but it also worked, as it made me buy the book). The book is certainly an epic fantasy, but far more relationship driven than story driven, which is why I gave it only 3 stars. I liked the book, but it dragged at bit at times. However, the characters were likable and interesting. I like a good story that keeps driving you on, while this one sometimes dawdles along (albeit pleasantly). But that's just my preference, not a verdict on the quality of the book. Overall would recommend. A good read, clean, and clear cut good and bad guys. Good for children and adults alike.

[Mike Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun loving Then Dark

This was a very interesting entertaining story. The ole story of an adopted innkeepers kid who finds out he is royal. This story starts lite and bright, then goes dark. You do not know what curve balls are coming. Most die, or dabble with evil. Not predictable.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-Done and Interesting

Although an apparent template fantasy coming of age story, there is definitely more going on here than is immediately seen. The characters are interesting and deepen in each book, and the story gets more interesting the longer you read it as well. Recommended.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willuuam the Innkeepers son

This was a wonderful story that has everything you need. Jugglers,Jesters,Knights,good and evil. Billy is a sweet young man with many talents. He doesn't know the truth of his birth and that could be his downfall.

[Barbara Vasconcellos · Rating 5 out of 5]

MORE, MORE, MORE

This book reminded me of the books that have me a love of reading. Great story that played your as a movie in my head with every page I read. Looking forward to the next book and the next☺

[John Pickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well crafted, a true joy to read.

The title here says it all. The story Is well crafted. It flows very well and never loses the story line. The characters are beautifully detailed, ass are the story's landscapee.

[Michael White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good start.

I like the story because of the sense of profound innocence and joy of the main character. You can feel this simple joy of being alive. I can’t wait to read the second book.

[casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good pick to read

It a a good read went fairly quick. it lightly touches on more adult themes without getting wrapped up in them. I would say this is good for a younger group as well adults.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I really enjoyed the writing style, the uplift and the downbeat, the flow of the book and the excitement! I would even read it again. Now, on to the next book in the series

[Kavya G · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half is fantastic, the characters are really good and well written. Billy's funny antics and setting him up as a jester is also a fun read.
The second half takes a complete turn. A flat villain and some unexpectedly dark moments.

[david orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good beginning.

The book is well written, fast paced, with likeable characters, and internally consistent. I look forward to reading the next in the series.