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The King's Champion
The first book in a fantasy series of swords, sorcery, and adventure.
A generation ago, a great war convulsed Cantwin. Amidst blood-soaked battles the Stormlifter kings rose up to save the kingdom by imprisoning the dark god Moleck in hell for all eternity.
Or so they thought.
Seventeen-year-old Lance thinks his life is just about perfect now that the prettiest girl in the village wants him. Sure, he dreams of fighting far off battles, but that’s nothing more than a fantasy. Until the elders order him away to find a name for himself.
In the dazzling capital, Lance navigates court intrigues with Prince Kieran’s unlikely friendship. Yet the glitter and gold obscures a dark conspiracy. Soon the two friends find themselves propelled to the edges of the world on a desperate quest. The stakes: Lance’s life, Kieran’s throne, and the survival of the Land itself.
Hunted by assassins, and haunted by the awakening of a strange and frightful power within them, they must find proof of Kieran’s claim to the throne before a dark god’s vengeance destroys them all. For the Power is summoning a champion, and it will not be denied.
A generation ago, a great war convulsed Cantwin. Amidst blood-soaked battles the Stormlifter kings rose up to save the kingdom by imprisoning the dark god Moleck in hell for all eternity.
Or so they thought.
Seventeen-year-old Lance thinks his life is just about perfect now that the prettiest girl in the village wants him. Sure, he dreams of fighting far off battles, but that’s nothing more than a fantasy. Until the elders order him away to find a name for himself.
In the dazzling capital, Lance navigates court intrigues with Prince Kieran’s unlikely friendship. Yet the glitter and gold obscures a dark conspiracy. Soon the two friends find themselves propelled to the edges of the world on a desperate quest. The stakes: Lance’s life, Kieran’s throne, and the survival of the Land itself.
Hunted by assassins, and haunted by the awakening of a strange and frightful power within them, they must find proof of Kieran’s claim to the throne before a dark god’s vengeance destroys them all. For the Power is summoning a champion, and it will not be denied.
- GenresFantasy
218 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2017
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Xina Marie Uhl
66 books46 followersAuthor Xina Marie Uhl lives in sunny Southern California with her husband and assorted furry and scaly pets. She holds both a BA and an MA in history, and has written more than thirty nonfiction books for young people.
Her fiction includes fantasy and humorous historical romance.
Check out her fiction and nonfiction at her website.
Her fiction includes fantasy and humorous historical romance.
Check out her fiction and nonfiction at her website.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this. The fantasy style made a nice change from the many miserable dystopian Young Adult books about. And the biggie: no romance! Having the story focused on two 17 year olds and a ten year old boy on adventures meant no moping teenage girls making goo goo eyes across the wastelands with the tortured hero. And I say that as a one time teenage girl (no matter how long ago). It was a great change of pace to have a bit of boys own adventure.
As the central three characters are all learning to know each other on their journey, so we as readers find more about them as the story unfolds. Some strange things are happening to our narrator Lance as he appears to be harnessing the power of the land whenever danger is near. A bit of a surprise to all and something hopefully that will be explored more as the books are released.
There's a lot of action: sword fights, horse chases, everything you would expect in a fantasy series as the two older boys search for proof of their heritage and the cause of their strange links to each other.
I was a bit disappointed it ended so quickly (yes me who hates long books wanted this to be longer!) as I was quite happy to go on reading. Overall I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next in the series
Free arc from netgalley
As the central three characters are all learning to know each other on their journey, so we as readers find more about them as the story unfolds. Some strange things are happening to our narrator Lance as he appears to be harnessing the power of the land whenever danger is near. A bit of a surprise to all and something hopefully that will be explored more as the books are released.
There's a lot of action: sword fights, horse chases, everything you would expect in a fantasy series as the two older boys search for proof of their heritage and the cause of their strange links to each other.
I was a bit disappointed it ended so quickly (yes me who hates long books wanted this to be longer!) as I was quite happy to go on reading. Overall I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next in the series
Free arc from netgalley
July 16, 2017
A big 'thank you' to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!
The King's Champion is the first book of a new YA fantasy series by Xina Marie Uhl, which centers on Lance, named so after a weapon found next to him when he was but an orphaned baby. He was raised by his adoptive parents, but in order to become a rightful citizen and acquire a last name, the village elders send him on a quest to prove his worth.
This quest isn't defined, it's up to him to decide what to do to earn his rights, so it's a lucky coincidence when he gets in cahoots with the prince himself. Together, they try to find a way out of the royal intrigues, reveal the true faces of court residents, and discover the secrets of the Land.
Although the characters are around seventeen years (summers) old, and the genre is clearly Young Adult, the fast pacing and simplistic descriptions reminded me a lot of middle grade literature. That isn't to say that it's bad - this novel was very refreshing. It just goes to show that a YA fantasy book doesn't have to be obnoxiously long and have ostentatious names for characters and places to be enjoyable (yes, I'm looking at you, Sarah J. Maas).
The book sets the tone for the rest of the series and even though it's relatively short, there is still some considerable character development, mostly in Lance's case. This is also a story about a search for identity, which goes beyond just finding out who your parents were. I really liked Lance's voice - he is a great narrator, honest and amusing. I can't wait to read more about him and his friends in the upcoming sequels!
The King's Champion is the first book of a new YA fantasy series by Xina Marie Uhl, which centers on Lance, named so after a weapon found next to him when he was but an orphaned baby. He was raised by his adoptive parents, but in order to become a rightful citizen and acquire a last name, the village elders send him on a quest to prove his worth.
This quest isn't defined, it's up to him to decide what to do to earn his rights, so it's a lucky coincidence when he gets in cahoots with the prince himself. Together, they try to find a way out of the royal intrigues, reveal the true faces of court residents, and discover the secrets of the Land.
Although the characters are around seventeen years (summers) old, and the genre is clearly Young Adult, the fast pacing and simplistic descriptions reminded me a lot of middle grade literature. That isn't to say that it's bad - this novel was very refreshing. It just goes to show that a YA fantasy book doesn't have to be obnoxiously long and have ostentatious names for characters and places to be enjoyable (yes, I'm looking at you, Sarah J. Maas).
The book sets the tone for the rest of the series and even though it's relatively short, there is still some considerable character development, mostly in Lance's case. This is also a story about a search for identity, which goes beyond just finding out who your parents were. I really liked Lance's voice - he is a great narrator, honest and amusing. I can't wait to read more about him and his friends in the upcoming sequels!
August 28, 2017
A completely acceptable, fun read for a couple of hours, very much a throwback to older fantasy.
The King's Champion takes very basic fantasy elements and uses them to their best, but their best isn't exactly anything mindblowing in 2017, when every author is battling everybody else in creativity and imagination. There is the standard friendship between lowly peasant and noble prince, the one that is the foundation of the whole story, and it does work commendably well, as the young boys seem to get on really well, like actual friends would, and their personalities complement one another in an easy, believable way. There is the everpresent magic, called simply The Power, and the way it's portrayed feels reminiscent of, for example, Mark Lawrence's second trilogy of books. And, most of all, there is a delightfully cliche cackling evil advisor, the king's right-hand man. No doubts are ever cast on his awfulness and the book wastes no time in going "Yeah, he's the token Disney bad guy here".
The plot moves briskly, lingering only in the right spots, and the more I think about the world presented, the more I realize that I actually remember some of the elements, as they are refreshingly down to earth and non-convoluted.
The main problem stems from the fact that this feels like a third of a book, not a whole novel. Without going into too much detail, the book ends at a point, where other novels would just about hit the halfway point of the story at most. And the ending itself has the protagonists make a rather questionable decision in their quest, which may be addressed in the sequel, but for now it seems baffling.
I did find this quite enjoyable, especially owing to the light-hearted scenes of the heroes playing around and being happy to have each other for company. This seems to be a rare feature nowadays, as everything is high-stakes and grim.
All in all, this is fun, if familiar, and easy to read, if not high literature. If you're not averse to fantasy cliches and some weak motivations - give this a shot!
The King's Champion takes very basic fantasy elements and uses them to their best, but their best isn't exactly anything mindblowing in 2017, when every author is battling everybody else in creativity and imagination. There is the standard friendship between lowly peasant and noble prince, the one that is the foundation of the whole story, and it does work commendably well, as the young boys seem to get on really well, like actual friends would, and their personalities complement one another in an easy, believable way. There is the everpresent magic, called simply The Power, and the way it's portrayed feels reminiscent of, for example, Mark Lawrence's second trilogy of books. And, most of all, there is a delightfully cliche cackling evil advisor, the king's right-hand man. No doubts are ever cast on his awfulness and the book wastes no time in going "Yeah, he's the token Disney bad guy here".
The plot moves briskly, lingering only in the right spots, and the more I think about the world presented, the more I realize that I actually remember some of the elements, as they are refreshingly down to earth and non-convoluted.
The main problem stems from the fact that this feels like a third of a book, not a whole novel. Without going into too much detail, the book ends at a point, where other novels would just about hit the halfway point of the story at most. And the ending itself has the protagonists make a rather questionable decision in their quest, which may be addressed in the sequel, but for now it seems baffling.
I did find this quite enjoyable, especially owing to the light-hearted scenes of the heroes playing around and being happy to have each other for company. This seems to be a rare feature nowadays, as everything is high-stakes and grim.
All in all, this is fun, if familiar, and easy to read, if not high literature. If you're not averse to fantasy cliches and some weak motivations - give this a shot!
July 8, 2017
* I received this E book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
3.5/5 stars I actually really enjoyed this book. It was packed with action and sword fighting scenes! There were a few parts that were easily predictable, but otherwise still a great read. I'm a big fan of this type of fantasy book. Sword fighting, magic and a setting in king Arthurian times. I'm actually looking forward to reading the second book. I recommend picking this book up for a short adventure that includes sword fighting, royalty, loyalty and friendship!
3.5/5 stars I actually really enjoyed this book. It was packed with action and sword fighting scenes! There were a few parts that were easily predictable, but otherwise still a great read. I'm a big fan of this type of fantasy book. Sword fighting, magic and a setting in king Arthurian times. I'm actually looking forward to reading the second book. I recommend picking this book up for a short adventure that includes sword fighting, royalty, loyalty and friendship!
November 2, 2017
I received a free copy via netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a well written Fantasy with a well developed world and characters.
The action comes quick with plenty of fun added in making for a really easy read.
My only complaint was I finished it too quickly.
This is a well written Fantasy with a well developed world and characters.
The action comes quick with plenty of fun added in making for a really easy read.
My only complaint was I finished it too quickly.
December 20, 2017
Blends humor and action-adventure in a story that centers on two unlikely friends who undertake a long journey together, each in pursuit of different goals that are intertwined by destiny. They get to know and respect each other as they travel--but not without plenty of bickering and shenanigans.
It has lots of High Fantasy elements--swords, curses, destinies foretold--but doesn't take itself quite as seriously as some stories in that style. It's fun and funny while presenting the two likable main characters with high stakes, danger, and adventure.
It has lots of High Fantasy elements--swords, curses, destinies foretold--but doesn't take itself quite as seriously as some stories in that style. It's fun and funny while presenting the two likable main characters with high stakes, danger, and adventure.
September 3, 2017
Believable characters and a fulfilling plot made this book a pure joy to read. Lance and Kiernan's friendship is strong; their adventures and challenges are exciting. The story could easily have slipped into the typical sword and sorcery rut but it did not. Quite an achievement. The story flowed naturally and I happily followed the path it set before me. Xina Marie Uhl has created a world of depth and filled it with three-dimensional characters. I look forward to reading the next volume.
I was given a copy of this book to review. My lucky day, I can tell you. Well-written, excellent editing, and wonderful story telling. I highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book to review. My lucky day, I can tell you. Well-written, excellent editing, and wonderful story telling. I highly recommend this book.
August 23, 2017
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
King’s Champion is book one in the series and for a starter book it is really good. The character building of Lance and Kieran and their friendship feels quite natural and you feel for them as the story progresses.
You don’t learn alot about the country they are in but you do find out what you need to and it’s something that could be elaborated on in later books. Without giving too much away the Power in the land is what is being fought for and also for Kieran to claim the throne.
I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing and the way they have led you on this journey without giving too much away. The ending also feels really organic as well, like it was meant to end there while making you want to read the next one.
There is a real look at identity here as Lance has no knowledge of his birth parents and Kieran has to find out more about his heritage. Lance’s quest is for him to find his way in the land and eventually return to his home if he succeeds. He hopes to find himself along the way with Kieran’s help.
I have given this book 3.5 stars, for the first book in the series it was really great and I am looking forward to the next books to see exactly where their search takes them.
King’s Champion is book one in the series and for a starter book it is really good. The character building of Lance and Kieran and their friendship feels quite natural and you feel for them as the story progresses.
You don’t learn alot about the country they are in but you do find out what you need to and it’s something that could be elaborated on in later books. Without giving too much away the Power in the land is what is being fought for and also for Kieran to claim the throne.
I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing and the way they have led you on this journey without giving too much away. The ending also feels really organic as well, like it was meant to end there while making you want to read the next one.
There is a real look at identity here as Lance has no knowledge of his birth parents and Kieran has to find out more about his heritage. Lance’s quest is for him to find his way in the land and eventually return to his home if he succeeds. He hopes to find himself along the way with Kieran’s help.
I have given this book 3.5 stars, for the first book in the series it was really great and I am looking forward to the next books to see exactly where their search takes them.
August 22, 2017
I want these two characters to get together!!! It's charming and funny! Lance and Kieran's relationship is- I just love it! Although I do wish there was more setting up of the world so readers could get a better idea of it all, it is action-packed and I enjoyed how fast paced it was.
One thing I want to mention is that there isn't much or enough world building so it was hard to understand at points. I wanted to know more history of the world or more history on the families and kingdoms.
Halfway through the book you are introduced to new characters and the plot of the book is coming together a bit more and it starts to make sense of how things might turn out.
Through their journey to discovering Kieran's Mother's past and blood line, they are also discovering themselves and it was interesting to see how Ulh wrote it. As I mentioned before there were parts in the book I found confusing especially their transformation or transfiguration? I'm not sure what you would call it but I eventually understood it.
Overall, I like the magic aspect of it and I enjoyed the relationship dynamics between Kieran and Lance. I would want more world building is all. I recommend this to 12+
Rating 3/5
One thing I want to mention is that there isn't much or enough world building so it was hard to understand at points. I wanted to know more history of the world or more history on the families and kingdoms.
Halfway through the book you are introduced to new characters and the plot of the book is coming together a bit more and it starts to make sense of how things might turn out.
Through their journey to discovering Kieran's Mother's past and blood line, they are also discovering themselves and it was interesting to see how Ulh wrote it. As I mentioned before there were parts in the book I found confusing especially their transformation or transfiguration? I'm not sure what you would call it but I eventually understood it.
Overall, I like the magic aspect of it and I enjoyed the relationship dynamics between Kieran and Lance. I would want more world building is all. I recommend this to 12+
Rating 3/5
September 15, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and XC Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review.
This was an interesting read – okay but not what I expected. The material here is good but could be even better.
We have two great main characters – Lance and Kieran – whose adoring friendship I haven’t seen much of in YA. The story goes by quick, which, unfortunately, forces the friendship/brotherhood – and other events – to develop quickly. Lance and Kieran are very much alike with their upbringing the only stark differentiation. But I don’t feel what we get is enough to truly distinguish them as individuals.
I like the premise and setting but the pacing doesn’t help me become fully engrossed in the story. Things “skipped around” or were “cut out” a lot as if I was reading a condensed version of the story. This often made me think that there had to be more than what I was reading.
I liked that what “magic” we see seems to come from the Land in a kind of one-with-nature feel. But it’s effect leaves several questions for me and, I would have thought, from the characters.
Post-read I’m not 100% sure I will read the next book because it seems like I’d being going into book 2 still very much in the dark. But a part of me wants to read more of Lance and Kieran’s story because I love their friendship. I think the premise of book 2, Trials by Sword, will largely dictate my decision.
This was an interesting read – okay but not what I expected. The material here is good but could be even better.
We have two great main characters – Lance and Kieran – whose adoring friendship I haven’t seen much of in YA. The story goes by quick, which, unfortunately, forces the friendship/brotherhood – and other events – to develop quickly. Lance and Kieran are very much alike with their upbringing the only stark differentiation. But I don’t feel what we get is enough to truly distinguish them as individuals.
I like the premise and setting but the pacing doesn’t help me become fully engrossed in the story. Things “skipped around” or were “cut out” a lot as if I was reading a condensed version of the story. This often made me think that there had to be more than what I was reading.
I liked that what “magic” we see seems to come from the Land in a kind of one-with-nature feel. But it’s effect leaves several questions for me and, I would have thought, from the characters.
Post-read I’m not 100% sure I will read the next book because it seems like I’d being going into book 2 still very much in the dark. But a part of me wants to read more of Lance and Kieran’s story because I love their friendship. I think the premise of book 2, Trials by Sword, will largely dictate my decision.
December 21, 2020
Classic good vs. evil heroic quest/ coming of age/ fantasy story. The main characters and their chemistry are what make this really enjoyable for me. They're very believable, enough of everything without being too much of anything.
January 7, 2018
Not bad
Nice story about 2 young men trying to find their place in their world. Well written story with minimal errors. Going to give book 2 a try.
Nice story about 2 young men trying to find their place in their world. Well written story with minimal errors. Going to give book 2 a try.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews