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The Witch King's Crown #1
Blackbird Rising
A modern fantasy novel inspired by the King Arthur legend...
For hundreds of years, the Witch King's sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it.
Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. But when she returns to King Island to perform the blessing, a mysterious pulse of blue light tells her that someone has attempted to draw the sword. Before she can investigate any further, demons attack. She only survives with the help of a mysterious stranger who disappears as quickly as he appears.
Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside--the traditional home of both demons and dark elves--are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King's heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo--with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead--scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
If they fail and the wrong hand draws the sword of power, he can unlock the main gateway into Darkside and unleash utter hell onto an unsuspecting and unprepared England....
For hundreds of years, the Witch King's sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it.
Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. But when she returns to King Island to perform the blessing, a mysterious pulse of blue light tells her that someone has attempted to draw the sword. Before she can investigate any further, demons attack. She only survives with the help of a mysterious stranger who disappears as quickly as he appears.
Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside--the traditional home of both demons and dark elves--are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King's heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo--with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead--scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
If they fail and the wrong hand draws the sword of power, he can unlock the main gateway into Darkside and unleash utter hell onto an unsuspecting and unprepared England....
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2020
224 people are currently reading
1576 people want to read
About the author
Keri Arthur
100 books6,002 followersKeri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
August 25, 2020
Keri Arthur was my initiation into this wonderful genre! It was her amazing books that kept me on this path and from Riley Jenson to Ripple Creek and all the others, Keri Arthur remains a firm favourite all these years later!
Blackbird Rising did not disappoint, it has the flavour of Keri's magical words, the excitement of magic, mystery and a whole lot more. I can't wait for the next installment!!
Blackbird Rising did not disappoint, it has the flavour of Keri's magical words, the excitement of magic, mystery and a whole lot more. I can't wait for the next installment!!
February 11, 2020
3.5
There's no doubt that I like Keri Arthur's book and this one was no different. I did read it in one sitting...
It didn't get a full four stars as I'm not happy about the romantic thread. Don't misunderstand me: it's actually very interesting (a retake on Lancelot and Genevieve), but I felt it was a bit heavy handed and too early in the series. At least book one should have been free from it with just a very fine thread. I know, I'm really splitting hairs here, because it's not much more than that. Still... 😉
There's no doubt that I like Keri Arthur's book and this one was no different. I did read it in one sitting...
It didn't get a full four stars as I'm not happy about the romantic thread. Don't misunderstand me: it's actually very interesting (a retake on Lancelot and Genevieve), but I felt it was a bit heavy handed and too early in the series. At least book one should have been free from it with just a very fine thread. I know, I'm really splitting hairs here, because it's not much more than that. Still... 😉
April 2, 2020
Almost 4 Stars
A solid , satisfying read. Another great book by Keri Arthur!
What ruffled my feathers?
Don't get me wrong I like stubborn men, but our hero takes the prize and I don't like people in denial. Also the book ends in a rather evil way, when all hell has broken loose and there isn't any sequel yet, so I am seriously frustrated... Ending and main hero aside, great read! Can't wait for the next!
A solid , satisfying read. Another great book by Keri Arthur!
What ruffled my feathers?
Don't get me wrong I like stubborn men, but our hero takes the prize and I don't like people in denial. Also the book ends in a rather evil way, when all hell has broken loose and there isn't any sequel yet, so I am seriously frustrated... Ending and main hero aside, great read! Can't wait for the next!
July 22, 2021
This was fun!
The action starts at the beginning and keep revving up as the story goes on!
So, why not 5 stars?
Well, first I didn't like that Mo kept things from Gwen. Yes, I know that she didn't want to influence her decisions, but some more info about what was going on would have been welcome!
Also, Gwen's (and Mo's too) blindness was irking. Why didn't they suspect who was behind all the mayhem?
Still a solid 4 stars for me!
The action starts at the beginning and keep revving up as the story goes on!
So, why not 5 stars?
Well, first I didn't like that Mo kept things from Gwen. Yes, I know that she didn't want to influence her decisions, but some more info about what was going on would have been welcome!
Also, Gwen's (and Mo's too) blindness was irking. Why didn't they suspect who was behind all the mayhem?
Still a solid 4 stars for me!
April 14, 2021
3.75 stars rounded up
There is one Keri Arthur's series that I follow religiously - Lizzie Grace series. But the new book is not until later this year, and I feel the need to read a new urban fantasy series. I thought, heck, why not try this one. I'm familiar with Arthur's writing by now, plus this one only has two books so far, with the third book planned to be release in June.
Basically, the gist of the story is how these families of witches try to protect the Witch King's sword and crown from bad guys (i.e. dark elf and demons). The central character is Gwen De Montfort, who can change shape into bird although claimed to have no witch power of her own. Dark forces are coming to the surfaces killing heirs to the original Witch King. It's up to Gwen, her grandmother, a Blackbird Knight, and several other friends/families to stop it.
I admit the whole family line was a bit confusing for me at first... but I managed to power through because the story was quite engaging, especially once I passed the half-mark. There were threats, and deaths, and some twists and turns of course. There was a slight promise of a lover for Gwen, in form of Luc Durant, the Blackbird Knight (basically they're like Knights of the Round Table, sworn to protect the heir/crown/sword etc.), but action definitely took the front seat in this one.
It ended in sort of a cliffie (). Luckily, book #2 is already available!
There is one Keri Arthur's series that I follow religiously - Lizzie Grace series. But the new book is not until later this year, and I feel the need to read a new urban fantasy series. I thought, heck, why not try this one. I'm familiar with Arthur's writing by now, plus this one only has two books so far, with the third book planned to be release in June.
Basically, the gist of the story is how these families of witches try to protect the Witch King's sword and crown from bad guys (i.e. dark elf and demons). The central character is Gwen De Montfort, who can change shape into bird although claimed to have no witch power of her own. Dark forces are coming to the surfaces killing heirs to the original Witch King. It's up to Gwen, her grandmother, a Blackbird Knight, and several other friends/families to stop it.
I admit the whole family line was a bit confusing for me at first... but I managed to power through because the story was quite engaging, especially once I passed the half-mark. There were threats, and deaths, and some twists and turns of course. There was a slight promise of a lover for Gwen, in form of Luc Durant, the Blackbird Knight (basically they're like Knights of the Round Table, sworn to protect the heir/crown/sword etc.), but action definitely took the front seat in this one.
It ended in sort of a cliffie (). Luckily, book #2 is already available!
February 15, 2023
Not nearly as good as Ms. Arthur’s Lizzie Grace series but I guess this one has some potential. The mystery, suspense and action were great. The biggest problem for me was in the realtionship areas. I was really annoyed that Mo (Gwen’s grandmother) never answered questions even when they were desperately needed. It didn’t make any sense why Gwen can’t know what is going on and how she plays into it.
Also, I learned something about myself when reading this book and I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not. In this story, it is the girl (Gwen) who keeps propositioning the guy (Luc) but he keeps refusing her. Now, this happens all the time in stories but it is always the guy doing the propositioning. When that happens we roll our eyes and move on, happy the girl isn’t falling for the lines. In this instance, however, it really annoyed me that Gwen didn’t take a hint and stop! I felt like “have some respect girl, stop throwing yourself at him!” So I guess I have a double standard. *shrugs*. Even so, it was off-putting. That, plus the whole reincarnation aspect made it hard for me to really invest in these two as a couple. Thus the main reason for the three stars.
Also, I learned something about myself when reading this book and I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not. In this story, it is the girl (Gwen) who keeps propositioning the guy (Luc) but he keeps refusing her. Now, this happens all the time in stories but it is always the guy doing the propositioning. When that happens we roll our eyes and move on, happy the girl isn’t falling for the lines. In this instance, however, it really annoyed me that Gwen didn’t take a hint and stop! I felt like “have some respect girl, stop throwing yourself at him!” So I guess I have a double standard. *shrugs*. Even so, it was off-putting. That, plus the whole reincarnation aspect made it hard for me to really invest in these two as a couple. Thus the main reason for the three stars.
added-it
September 17, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/17/2022)! 🎁
February 24, 2020
Completely immersed in the story
Fabulous writing I was sucked in from the beginning. Keri Arthur never disappoints. Love the modern but medieval storyline. I have so many questions about the characters they are all so good I can't wait to see how this.world unfolds. Murder, magic, mystery this book has it all!
Fabulous writing I was sucked in from the beginning. Keri Arthur never disappoints. Love the modern but medieval storyline. I have so many questions about the characters they are all so good I can't wait to see how this.world unfolds. Murder, magic, mystery this book has it all!
May 24, 2021
A fairly solid and fun read that had some issues that repeatedly bounced me out of the story.
Firstly, I don't think most international readers would even notice, but as a british reader I found it jarring for characters to keep saying they had to travel "up" to London, but then take explicitly stated roads that would place Ainslyn firmly in or around Liverpool. A city 200+ km north west of London. It just messed with my geographical sense and became a little thorn that wouldn't go away.
Second was how the author seemed to be using blackbird as a stand in for crows as "mysterious omen bird", since the later are so overdone in the genre nowadays and the former have some interesting symbolism and folklore surrounding secrets, luck, and reincarnation/ speaking to the dead. Unfortunately I don't think there were any adjustments made for how blackbirds are only a quarter of the weight and size of crows, which are a different family entirely.
It led to a bunch of weirdness where Gwen carries stuff she couldn't possibly grasp in her teeny tiny bird feet no matter how abnormally strong she was , or is caught flying twice as fast for twice as long as a blackbird is typically capable of . I don't really know how to describe quite how bizarre and distracting these mental images were for me, and I was reminded every time Gwen shapeshifted.
Finally I'm not sure why the author is being so coy in revealing who the antagonist is when all signs are pointing to a single target. Unless it's an exceptionally masterful fake-out. Which I doubt, because it almost never is in Urban Fantasy stories written in the last 20 years.
I get it can be fun trying to figure out who is behind everything, but I'd rather just cut to the differently awesome grand confrontation and magnificent chase. You know, the bit where the antagonist has their "shoot, you caught me!" monologue before escaping to cause even more chaos now they're not hiding it. Meanwhile the protagonists are still reeling from the shock/ possible betrayal ("how could Mayor Goodman possibly be in the League of Evil!?") and playing catch up, trying to figure out how this could have happened, what caused this person to go to the bad side, and what do they want now.
Other than these things, which are actually pretty mild on the whole, I enjoyed the reading experience.
The characters are, on the whole, likeable except when they're not meant to be. I did begin to find Mo's reticence in explaining things that could help a little grating, but as she's filling the "wise old mentor" role in this story that should probably be expected. Otherwise it would be about her and not Gwen.
I, surprisingly, didn't balk at the insta-love soulmate nonsense in this. Probably because knowing this is an Arthurian retelling (which I'm a sucker for) it fits so well with the in-world justification.
It is also well written and edited with no glaring typos or weirdly garbled text, which was a relief. I've read a lot of poorly/ not edited indy published stuff recently and while I don't want it to be a thing that skews my opinion of a story, it does. It's simply nicer not to feel like I care more about an author's story than they do once I've given them my money.
Could have done without the cliffhanger though, seemed a little unnecessary.
Overall this is one of the better UF I've read lately. Since I don't have anything else clamouring to get my attention from my to be read pile, I think I'll pick up the second volume and keep going.
Firstly, I don't think most international readers would even notice, but as a british reader I found it jarring for characters to keep saying they had to travel "up" to London, but then take explicitly stated roads that would place Ainslyn firmly in or around Liverpool. A city 200+ km north west of London. It just messed with my geographical sense and became a little thorn that wouldn't go away.
Second was how the author seemed to be using blackbird as a stand in for crows as "mysterious omen bird", since the later are so overdone in the genre nowadays and the former have some interesting symbolism and folklore surrounding secrets, luck, and reincarnation/ speaking to the dead. Unfortunately I don't think there were any adjustments made for how blackbirds are only a quarter of the weight and size of crows, which are a different family entirely.
It led to a bunch of weirdness where Gwen carries stuff she couldn't possibly grasp in her teeny tiny bird feet no matter how abnormally strong she was , or is caught flying twice as fast for twice as long as a blackbird is typically capable of . I don't really know how to describe quite how bizarre and distracting these mental images were for me, and I was reminded every time Gwen shapeshifted.
Finally I'm not sure why the author is being so coy in revealing who the antagonist is when all signs are pointing to a single target. Unless it's an exceptionally masterful fake-out. Which I doubt, because it almost never is in Urban Fantasy stories written in the last 20 years.
I get it can be fun trying to figure out who is behind everything, but I'd rather just cut to the differently awesome grand confrontation and magnificent chase. You know, the bit where the antagonist has their "shoot, you caught me!" monologue before escaping to cause even more chaos now they're not hiding it. Meanwhile the protagonists are still reeling from the shock/ possible betrayal ("how could Mayor Goodman possibly be in the League of Evil!?") and playing catch up, trying to figure out how this could have happened, what caused this person to go to the bad side, and what do they want now.
Other than these things, which are actually pretty mild on the whole, I enjoyed the reading experience.
The characters are, on the whole, likeable except when they're not meant to be. I did begin to find Mo's reticence in explaining things that could help a little grating, but as she's filling the "wise old mentor" role in this story that should probably be expected. Otherwise it would be about her and not Gwen.
I, surprisingly, didn't balk at the insta-love soulmate nonsense in this. Probably because knowing this is an Arthurian retelling (which I'm a sucker for) it fits so well with the in-world justification.
It is also well written and edited with no glaring typos or weirdly garbled text, which was a relief. I've read a lot of poorly/ not edited indy published stuff recently and while I don't want it to be a thing that skews my opinion of a story, it does. It's simply nicer not to feel like I care more about an author's story than they do once I've given them my money.
Could have done without the cliffhanger though, seemed a little unnecessary.
Overall this is one of the better UF I've read lately. Since I don't have anything else clamouring to get my attention from my to be read pile, I think I'll pick up the second volume and keep going.
June 30, 2020
It took me around 50 pages to get sucked into this story, but once I did I really enjoyed it. It ends on a bit of a "I wish I had the next book to read now" but, that just means I am looking forward to book 2.
Good characters, interesting world-building and story. There is a baddie out there and I can't wait to find out who it is! I like our lead character, she is consistent and hard core.
Good characters, interesting world-building and story. There is a baddie out there and I can't wait to find out who it is! I like our lead character, she is consistent and hard core.
Read
April 12, 2024Im A huge fan of this Author I read her Riley Jenson Books and Loved it... this was Perfect too cant wait to dive in and learn more
December 18, 2022
[25/77]
⤷ this is book 25 of 77 books i have downloaded for free on amazon kindle, so it may be time to finally go through them all. oh god, wish me luck.
i really liked this!!! i didn't even have any updates there, because i started it and next thing i knew i finished it. interesting premise with the soul thingy, and likeable characters - MC as well as Luc, and Mo-- she is delightful.
⤷ this is book 25 of 77 books i have downloaded for free on amazon kindle, so it may be time to finally go through them all. oh god, wish me luck.
i really liked this!!! i didn't even have any updates there, because i started it and next thing i knew i finished it. interesting premise with the soul thingy, and likeable characters - MC as well as Luc, and Mo-- she is delightful.
February 12, 2020
I’ve been waiting for Blackbird Rising and it definitely did not disappoint. It’s a take on the King Arthur legend - the sword in the stone, the lady of the lake, etc. but so much better with witches (some who shift into blackbirds), demons, dark elves, halflings, and an ancient order of knights. The light is fighting to protect the sword and crown and the dark is fighting to possess them. Every time there was a lull in the action, it started up again, it was very hard to ever find a time to put the book down because there was just so much going on and I needed to find out what happened next. It ended with a huge question, and I can’t wait for the next book to see the answer. I’m looking forward to seeing if Luc ever gives in to the inevitable as far as Gwen goes as well - I really enjoyed these two strong, determined characters and their budding relationship, and “grandmother” Moscelyne was awesome too.
January 10, 2021
What I liked:
Good story with lots of action and some gruesome touches.
Heroine is a bird shifter.
What I didn’t like:
Insta-love.
Serious cliffhanger ending.
Good story with lots of action and some gruesome touches.
Heroine is a bird shifter.
What I didn’t like:
Insta-love.
Serious cliffhanger ending.
dnf
July 8, 2021Dnf’d Chapter 3 for
InstaLove
Crappy villain
Being ghost-written by a fourth-grader
InstaLove
Crappy villain
Being ghost-written by a fourth-grader
February 28, 2020
"All good things come to those who wait."
"A saying developed by gods who delight in seeing humanity suffer, I’m sure."
For hundreds of years, the Witch King’s sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it. Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside—the traditional home of both demons and dark elves—are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King’s heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo—with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead—scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
"Never let it be said that the De Montfort women have no gumption."
I've had quite a dry spell with Arthur ever since her Riley Jenson Guardian's series. This is the first series of hers that has kept my interest since.
That being said, while I largely enjoyed this novel, my one major complaint is that I just couldn't feel anything for our mysterious Blackbird. Considering he's a major fixture of this novel, and will definitely be a major fixture going forward, it's the only factor that makes me hesitate following this series through.
I think I would have enjoyed it more had it not been given the weight of "destiny" and continued to just be Gwen teasing the snot out of our honorable Luc to get a rise out of him (inevitably leading to a bursting damn and some super hot sizzles...doesn't that sound nice?).
I suppose I shall have to wait to see how I feel when #2 comes out.
Recommended for urban fantasy fans.
February 20, 2020
I hate when real life gets in the way of reading, took me a week to finish it, very unusual for me and not because I didn't like the book. I got a sort of King Arthur feel to this one, magical people, a secret crown, a missing heir and the family that guards a sword and a group of men that swear fealty to the King. And all of that set in modern times in England. I found myself intrigued from the start, loved Gwen and how matter of fact she was, loved her relationship with her grandmother Mo, who was a hoot. Mo certainly carries her own secrets, some of which were spilled, stunning Gwen.
Gwen has some great friends, ones who are there for her and an ex who's a bit shady and the more the book goes on we see just how shady. Gwen really dodged a bullet there. I feel like there is going to be something big with Gwen's brother. He sort of gives me a slimy feel, so I really hope he's not in bed with the bad guys as that would really hurt Gwen and Mo. I'm very intrguied by Luc and hope the story that Mo told is true, hope too that Luc makes the right choice this time around.
I look foward to reading more in this series, to see where things go next and to find out what is the aftermath of the last discovery.
Gwen has some great friends, ones who are there for her and an ex who's a bit shady and the more the book goes on we see just how shady. Gwen really dodged a bullet there. I feel like there is going to be something big with Gwen's brother. He sort of gives me a slimy feel, so I really hope he's not in bed with the bad guys as that would really hurt Gwen and Mo. I'm very intrguied by Luc and hope the story that Mo told is true, hope too that Luc makes the right choice this time around.
I look foward to reading more in this series, to see where things go next and to find out what is the aftermath of the last discovery.
July 18, 2021
3.5 stars
It’s a loose retelling of King Arthur set in modern day England. The world building is good although the story moves at a slower pace at times. It’s the job of Gwen’s family to protect the sword. While renewing the magic that protects it, things go wrong. Demons attack and a mysterious man shows up to help her fight them.
Gwen has a powerful grandmother who dispenses information as she sees fit which is frustrating at times. There is a lot going on and it would help Gwen to be informed. The grandmother, Mo, is an entertaining character.
I love it that the romance between Gwen and Luc is a slow burn. They’re taking their time to get to know each other although a strong attraction is there. Gwen would like it to be more but Luc is resisting her advances. The aspect of their relationship that is irritating is that it feels like they are destined to be. I liked them together so it was easier to ignore that a magical bond plays a role in their feelings toward each other.
Gwen’s family of witches has the unique ability to turn into blackbirds. It’s weird to try to visualize it at times because it is mentioned that Gwen will carry items like swords as a bird. I don’t see how this is possible. Wouldn’t it make a bird much more visible while flying if carrying swords?
It does end on a cliffhanger although not a crazy one. I have strong suspicion as to whom their enemy is despite Mo and Gwen’s protestations.
It’s a loose retelling of King Arthur set in modern day England. The world building is good although the story moves at a slower pace at times. It’s the job of Gwen’s family to protect the sword. While renewing the magic that protects it, things go wrong. Demons attack and a mysterious man shows up to help her fight them.
Gwen has a powerful grandmother who dispenses information as she sees fit which is frustrating at times. There is a lot going on and it would help Gwen to be informed. The grandmother, Mo, is an entertaining character.
I love it that the romance between Gwen and Luc is a slow burn. They’re taking their time to get to know each other although a strong attraction is there. Gwen would like it to be more but Luc is resisting her advances. The aspect of their relationship that is irritating is that it feels like they are destined to be. I liked them together so it was easier to ignore that a magical bond plays a role in their feelings toward each other.
Gwen’s family of witches has the unique ability to turn into blackbirds. It’s weird to try to visualize it at times because it is mentioned that Gwen will carry items like swords as a bird. I don’t see how this is possible. Wouldn’t it make a bird much more visible while flying if carrying swords?
It does end on a cliffhanger although not a crazy one. I have strong suspicion as to whom their enemy is despite Mo and Gwen’s protestations.
March 5, 2020
Ten stars!
Definitely a great start to I'm expecting another amazing series! Riveting story you can't put down. Interesting characters with lots to build on in future books. Wil over the next one ASAP!!
Definitely a great start to I'm expecting another amazing series! Riveting story you can't put down. Interesting characters with lots to build on in future books. Wil over the next one ASAP!!
November 13, 2024
Enjoyable but confusing! Not sure I enjoyed it enough to continue on with the series.
August 15, 2021
Was lovely
May 9, 2022
I was hoping I found a new series to read but while I enjoyed it, I ended up skimming. Cliffhanger ending!
February 11, 2020
Blackbird Rising is the first novel in Keri Arthur’s newest series, The Witch King’s Crown. As you can probably guess from the name, this is a new take on the Arthurian legend. I know there have been a lot of these coming out lately – but trust me, this one is unlike all of the others. The twists are much harder to predict, and the focus is a brilliant new perspective.
Inspired by the legend of King Arthur, this is a modern fantasy, one full of magic, lore, and responsibilities. The sword of the Witch King has sat in the stone for hundreds of years. And its Gwen’s job to make sure it remains safely there.
It’s been the job of every woman in the De Montfort line. So it’s something she’s well prepared for. Or so she thought. But there’s strange magic on the air, and it brings with it new allies, sudden danger, and a series of murders.
“Someone was out there, watching from afar. While there was no immediate sense of danger, unease still crawled across my skin.”
Blackbird Rising was an intense and richly detailed novel. One that I still haven’t been able to get out of my head, and it’s been almost a week. I loved this novel and Arthur’s take on Arthurian legend, and the long term impact that lore would have.
Gwen is a spunky and sassy character, one who has been well trained for her job. It was easy to appreciate her humor and determination. What’s more, Arthur presented us with a character that knew her limits – such as when to let somebody else step up for the fight. I respect that. And no, it wasn’t an instance of letting the men fight for her, I promise!
In fact, that’s related to some commentary that ran throughout the book. Social imbalance and sexism came up several times over the course of Blackbird Rising. Sometimes they were key parts to the story, other times they were cleverly woven in. I personally appreciated seeing Arthur’s take on the matter, especially since it felt relevant to Gwen’s predicament on more than one occasion.
Keri Arthur’s worldbuilding was once again shown off to great effect in this novel. This is a modern world, yes. But it is also full of magic, lord, and bloodlines that carry the responsibility and weight of both.
I couldn’t get enough details about the different bloodlines, their specialties, and their lore. I’m very much looking forward to seeing their appearances (or even mentions) in future novels for that very reason.
Alongside the main plot (which was delightfully dark and gritty) there are a lot of subplots and hints strewn about. I think I can guess where one or two of those elements are going to lead. But for everything else? I’m looking forward to being surprised.
As a huge fan of Keri Arthur, I’m not in the least bit surprised that I ended up loving Blackbird Rising. I am still wholly impressed by what she delivered, and can’t wait to see what the next installment of this series will bring.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Inspired by the legend of King Arthur, this is a modern fantasy, one full of magic, lore, and responsibilities. The sword of the Witch King has sat in the stone for hundreds of years. And its Gwen’s job to make sure it remains safely there.
It’s been the job of every woman in the De Montfort line. So it’s something she’s well prepared for. Or so she thought. But there’s strange magic on the air, and it brings with it new allies, sudden danger, and a series of murders.
“Someone was out there, watching from afar. While there was no immediate sense of danger, unease still crawled across my skin.”
Blackbird Rising was an intense and richly detailed novel. One that I still haven’t been able to get out of my head, and it’s been almost a week. I loved this novel and Arthur’s take on Arthurian legend, and the long term impact that lore would have.
Gwen is a spunky and sassy character, one who has been well trained for her job. It was easy to appreciate her humor and determination. What’s more, Arthur presented us with a character that knew her limits – such as when to let somebody else step up for the fight. I respect that. And no, it wasn’t an instance of letting the men fight for her, I promise!
In fact, that’s related to some commentary that ran throughout the book. Social imbalance and sexism came up several times over the course of Blackbird Rising. Sometimes they were key parts to the story, other times they were cleverly woven in. I personally appreciated seeing Arthur’s take on the matter, especially since it felt relevant to Gwen’s predicament on more than one occasion.
Keri Arthur’s worldbuilding was once again shown off to great effect in this novel. This is a modern world, yes. But it is also full of magic, lord, and bloodlines that carry the responsibility and weight of both.
I couldn’t get enough details about the different bloodlines, their specialties, and their lore. I’m very much looking forward to seeing their appearances (or even mentions) in future novels for that very reason.
Alongside the main plot (which was delightfully dark and gritty) there are a lot of subplots and hints strewn about. I think I can guess where one or two of those elements are going to lead. But for everything else? I’m looking forward to being surprised.
As a huge fan of Keri Arthur, I’m not in the least bit surprised that I ended up loving Blackbird Rising. I am still wholly impressed by what she delivered, and can’t wait to see what the next installment of this series will bring.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
January 7, 2022
Terrible book. Filled with explanations.
A young woman, a witch, lived her whole live together with her grandmother fighting demons. But for the last 30 years she never asked one question about her grannies past, her powers, her family or the powers of her family. One question hunts the next and the reader learns a lot about her heritage or the family tree of other families.
It is just that. Question, explanation, question, explanation, a fight, looking at hot Luc, Luc has something else to do, question, explanation, questions, explanations....
And that is not the stuff a good book is made of.
A young woman, a witch, lived her whole live together with her grandmother fighting demons. But for the last 30 years she never asked one question about her grannies past, her powers, her family or the powers of her family. One question hunts the next and the reader learns a lot about her heritage or the family tree of other families.
It is just that. Question, explanation, question, explanation, a fight, looking at hot Luc, Luc has something else to do, question, explanation, questions, explanations....
And that is not the stuff a good book is made of.
June 11, 2020
This was FANTASTIC
Keri Arthur is such a good author, her stories never disappoint. This exceeded all expectations. This loosely grabs from King Arthur mythology, with Lady of the Lake making a appearance, demons, witches, dark elves, mages, and a dark world portal, did I mention the sword in the stone. The characters are so so so good and likeable. Mo, or aka Grandma (maybe), is such a wonderful character who keeps so many secrets just until she feels they need to be told. All this makes for a hell of a story. READ IT, READ IT READ IT!!!
Keri Arthur is such a good author, her stories never disappoint. This exceeded all expectations. This loosely grabs from King Arthur mythology, with Lady of the Lake making a appearance, demons, witches, dark elves, mages, and a dark world portal, did I mention the sword in the stone. The characters are so so so good and likeable. Mo, or aka Grandma (maybe), is such a wonderful character who keeps so many secrets just until she feels they need to be told. All this makes for a hell of a story. READ IT, READ IT READ IT!!!
July 12, 2020
I wanted to enjoy, but I was just bored...
Want to read
February 17, 2020I thought I would hate to read a modern King Arthur retelling. After all, the idea of Kingmaking may sound amazing, but I read too many books that give me deja-vu. Well, blow my mind and take my weekend, please, because in a moment of weakness (it's Keri Arthur with a new series...gotta try it!), I scarfed it up.
Gwen is so competent on her own right that I didn't immediately connect the person to the myth; I was able to just enjoy the plot. By birth and training, she is assigned to guard the sword in the stone. Her grandmother usually guides her with the ritual, but her grandmother broke her foot. She might be alone, but when blue lightning and demons pop up around the monument/ tourist trap, she takes action. Fight 8 demons alone? Okay, then, give yourself some support talk and just do it.
And her grandmother: i want to be her when I grow up. This grandma is the superwoman in the novel, and I am glad. I don't want the main character to be so powerful that a story is pointless. Grandma saves the day over and over again. She doesn't allow health to get in the way. Amazing.
The romance with the knight: hot. The romance with a former boyfriend: hot. There is just enough heat to make me flush and lusty, but it really sets the scenes for later betrayal and plot advancements. It was perfect.
If you think any sex is TMI, then expect TMI. However I have read too many novels recently that invoke too little action and no heat at all. Even a kiss, guys, is sometimes MIA.
Plot: perfect pacing. Intricate (you can read other reviews for that.) The witch king's sword apparently has had more than one prophecy around it, and King Arthur is not the only one. Someone is killing off the heirs, destroying records and required items, and killing off the protectors. The dark elves are involved. And Gwen is suddenly caught in a modern king-making without a need for a regular king in Britain...so what is the king for? We shall see.
My one gripe: if you have a cell phone, just take a screenshot of the documents you found. It saves you from an imperfect memory when you need to recall the list that was stolen. Seriously.
Gwen is so competent on her own right that I didn't immediately connect the person to the myth; I was able to just enjoy the plot. By birth and training, she is assigned to guard the sword in the stone. Her grandmother usually guides her with the ritual, but her grandmother broke her foot. She might be alone, but when blue lightning and demons pop up around the monument/ tourist trap, she takes action. Fight 8 demons alone? Okay, then, give yourself some support talk and just do it.
And her grandmother: i want to be her when I grow up. This grandma is the superwoman in the novel, and I am glad. I don't want the main character to be so powerful that a story is pointless. Grandma saves the day over and over again. She doesn't allow health to get in the way. Amazing.
The romance with the knight: hot. The romance with a former boyfriend: hot. There is just enough heat to make me flush and lusty, but it really sets the scenes for later betrayal and plot advancements. It was perfect.
If you think any sex is TMI, then expect TMI. However I have read too many novels recently that invoke too little action and no heat at all. Even a kiss, guys, is sometimes MIA.
Plot: perfect pacing. Intricate (you can read other reviews for that.) The witch king's sword apparently has had more than one prophecy around it, and King Arthur is not the only one. Someone is killing off the heirs, destroying records and required items, and killing off the protectors. The dark elves are involved. And Gwen is suddenly caught in a modern king-making without a need for a regular king in Britain...so what is the king for? We shall see.
My one gripe: if you have a cell phone, just take a screenshot of the documents you found. It saves you from an imperfect memory when you need to recall the list that was stolen. Seriously.
October 15, 2021
I found Keri Arthur through her Lizzie Grace series and really enjoyed the sassy characters and fun little mysteries. What i didn't realize when i went to read her other series is that she only knows how to write one type of female lead character, one type of male interest, and one type of quicky old friend/grandmother. While i enjoyed these characters in a small town with low-stakes murder mysteries they do not work for a high-stakes series. These characters have extremely personally traumatic and world-ending events happen to them and they just shrug them off??? These characters do not behave like real people. (Also they are painfully Australian, which again I liked when the book was set in Australia but they are so not British it isn't funny). The facts of the world-building are interesting but their incorporation is so bad it makes the main character look like an idiot for not knowing the world that she grew up in better. The author tries to use the device that the knowledge was all secret and is only just revealed as the need arises, but when the piece of information is revealed to the main character all other characters act as if they've known that information all along. for example, when the info is brought up even if the character was not there for the initial conversation they instantly know what is going on. When i started this series i was so surprised by the lack of quality i went to check the publication dates of this series compared to the Lizzie grace series and was floored to discover this had been written after the first Lizzie grace series had started. I think this just goes to show that Keri Arthur needs to put a lot more work into writing books with high stakes to make them believable. I'm giving it two stars because i am planning on finishing the series, but these books really need a continuity and a developmental editor.
January 2, 2022
Listened to audio narrated by Katherine Littrell. In general, I liked the narrator but was puzzled by the Australian sound, when it's set in England.
Gwen De Montfort and her family have protected the Witch King's Sword for generations. Gwen is immune to most magic and is not able to cast any of her own, but she has special daggers and fighting skills.
Moscelyne is Gwen's grandmother, a powerful healer with secrets she only reveals when necessary.
Blackbird is part of an ancient order of knights tasked to protect the King and crown. His past scarred him and he is determined to stick to his duty and not let the beautiful, engaging Gwen distract him.
Demons and dark elves are breaking through Darkside Gateways. They're stealing and destroying artifacts, opening up more gateways and killing heirs to the throne. Gwen, her grandmother and Blackbird work together to find out who's behind it, and trying to stop it.
I really wanted to get into this book and its Arthurian twists but too often it felt like I was being told events, rather than shown and I was unable to immerse myself in the story. I'm hoping book two is better as I usually enjoy Keri Arthur's stories.
Nigglies
..... how could she do the Blessing if she can't do magic? There are other events where I ask the same question and the author claims these are unexplained quirks, and we just accept the incongruity of it. Maybe I could accept one instance of this happening but there were too many.
-Gwen and Moscelyne's can shift into blackbirds but Blackbird is not of their line and doesn't shift- it creates a bit of confusion and I wish the author had made a different naming choice."
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads
Gwen De Montfort and her family have protected the Witch King's Sword for generations. Gwen is immune to most magic and is not able to cast any of her own, but she has special daggers and fighting skills.
Moscelyne is Gwen's grandmother, a powerful healer with secrets she only reveals when necessary.
Blackbird is part of an ancient order of knights tasked to protect the King and crown. His past scarred him and he is determined to stick to his duty and not let the beautiful, engaging Gwen distract him.
Demons and dark elves are breaking through Darkside Gateways. They're stealing and destroying artifacts, opening up more gateways and killing heirs to the throne. Gwen, her grandmother and Blackbird work together to find out who's behind it, and trying to stop it.
I really wanted to get into this book and its Arthurian twists but too often it felt like I was being told events, rather than shown and I was unable to immerse myself in the story. I'm hoping book two is better as I usually enjoy Keri Arthur's stories.
Nigglies
..... how could she do the Blessing if she can't do magic? There are other events where I ask the same question and the author claims these are unexplained quirks, and we just accept the incongruity of it. Maybe I could accept one instance of this happening but there were too many.
-Gwen and Moscelyne's can shift into blackbirds but Blackbird is not of their line and doesn't shift- it creates a bit of confusion and I wish the author had made a different naming choice."
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads
February 29, 2024
Oh this is a great start to an Arthurian remix with an Urban Fantasy feel with witches in a current time. Nicely done. I like how the old staples of the tale are present in this story...the sword, crown, Lady of the Lake, and magic. There is mention of others that relate in their positions here in the book.
There is someone trying to claim the sword of power... an heir that's further down the line. But to do so, they need to remove those that could be before them in the line. Gwen and Mo, her grandmother, is trying to figure out who and stop the demons that are after Gwen along with save those on the list that could be next. Family to Gwen. And keep her twin brother safe and away.
The Blackbirds are involved in protecting the direct line of heirs. One, Lucas, crosses paths with Gwen, wanting to talk to her brother. And while waiting for him to return from Holiday, he helps Gwen fight the demons. Gwen sees there's more to them being together than lust. There could be history, and a destiny....
I felt there was a good amount of details shared of the lineage and different families tied to the throne. I want to know it all and track it for myself! lol. There's much unknown there too as family bibles have been missing for generations.
There's fighting and feeling like behind the eight ball as Gwen, Mo, and Luc try to figure out what is happening and why. And putting the slivers of information they have together to get ahead for once. It's hard.
I really like learning the history created in this story, the magic used, and the budding relationship.
Katherine Littrell is the narrator for this series as well. Nice! She does a very nice job with the works.
I'll be moving on to the audiobook of the next book in this trilogy.
There is someone trying to claim the sword of power... an heir that's further down the line. But to do so, they need to remove those that could be before them in the line. Gwen and Mo, her grandmother, is trying to figure out who and stop the demons that are after Gwen along with save those on the list that could be next. Family to Gwen. And keep her twin brother safe and away.
The Blackbirds are involved in protecting the direct line of heirs. One, Lucas, crosses paths with Gwen, wanting to talk to her brother. And while waiting for him to return from Holiday, he helps Gwen fight the demons. Gwen sees there's more to them being together than lust. There could be history, and a destiny....
I felt there was a good amount of details shared of the lineage and different families tied to the throne. I want to know it all and track it for myself! lol. There's much unknown there too as family bibles have been missing for generations.
There's fighting and feeling like behind the eight ball as Gwen, Mo, and Luc try to figure out what is happening and why. And putting the slivers of information they have together to get ahead for once. It's hard.
I really like learning the history created in this story, the magic used, and the budding relationship.
Katherine Littrell is the narrator for this series as well. Nice! She does a very nice job with the works.
I'll be moving on to the audiobook of the next book in this trilogy.
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