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A King's Watch Story #3
Ring of Troth
Namaste.
Yes, it’s me. Mina Desai.
I should be the happiest girl in the world: I have a job, a home and now a fiancé. The only fly in the ointment is a snake called Pramiti.
I owe her a debt. A debt that requires me to find, steal and restore that serpent’s magickal ruby. Unfortunately, it was last seen in 1903…
When your fiancé is the Dragonslayer, you’d think that it would be easy, but I cannot risk his life over a debt that is mine to pay.
That doesn’t mean that I can’t ask his advice. If there’s one thing he’s learnt above all others in the world of magick, it’s this: Get Help.
And on this job, I’ll need some very special help. Some of it from a very surprising quarter. Find out who joins Team Mina and continue the adventures of the King’s Watch in Ring of Troth.
Yes, it’s me. Mina Desai.
I should be the happiest girl in the world: I have a job, a home and now a fiancé. The only fly in the ointment is a snake called Pramiti.
I owe her a debt. A debt that requires me to find, steal and restore that serpent’s magickal ruby. Unfortunately, it was last seen in 1903…
When your fiancé is the Dragonslayer, you’d think that it would be easy, but I cannot risk his life over a debt that is mine to pay.
That doesn’t mean that I can’t ask his advice. If there’s one thing he’s learnt above all others in the world of magick, it’s this: Get Help.
And on this job, I’ll need some very special help. Some of it from a very surprising quarter. Find out who joins Team Mina and continue the adventures of the King’s Watch in Ring of Troth.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2019
123 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Mark Hayden
27 books286 followersAuthor also writes under Ruth Ward
Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.
Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.
He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.
His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.
Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.
Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.
He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.
His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 31, 2020
Not a fan of Mina's character, so didn'texpect to enjoy this novela. Well, this is one more proof that you don't have to like the character to enjoy the story - this was fun.
February 6, 2020
Fantastic
These mini books in the kings watch series are really enjoyable, they get better as the 2 series go on at the same time.
These are really highly recommended by myself.
These mini books in the kings watch series are really enjoyable, they get better as the 2 series go on at the same time.
These are really highly recommended by myself.
November 7, 2021
The inevitable has happened. Conrad Clarke has finally asked Mina Desai to be his wife. As with many couples, they ask the blessings of their friends...their families...and, with Mina, the blessings of her god, Ganesh. Unfortunately, for those blessings to be bestowed upon her future life, Mina has been tasked with seeking out, and restoring, a precious lost possession to Ganesh's handmaiden and erstwhile guest of the Clarke family. But, that quest may not be an easy one. Freely given, it has passed through many hands and it's present resting place is perhaps one of the most secure magickal locations in the British Isles.
And so, the quest begins and it's success...or failure...will craft the future of not only the loving couple but that of the King's Watch as well.
This is the 3rd of the TALES FROM THE WATCH short stories that author Mark Hayden interweave with his ongoing Conrad Clarke series. The RING OF TROTH takes place during the 6th book in the series, EIGHT KINGS. Uniquely, this story is told specifically from the point of view...and with the voice...of Mina.
Hayden continues his wonderful character development and storytelling in these shorts and the events directly affect and carry on into the main story threads.
And now...back to the main story.
And so, the quest begins and it's success...or failure...will craft the future of not only the loving couple but that of the King's Watch as well.
This is the 3rd of the TALES FROM THE WATCH short stories that author Mark Hayden interweave with his ongoing Conrad Clarke series. The RING OF TROTH takes place during the 6th book in the series, EIGHT KINGS. Uniquely, this story is told specifically from the point of view...and with the voice...of Mina.
Hayden continues his wonderful character development and storytelling in these shorts and the events directly affect and carry on into the main story threads.
And now...back to the main story.
March 8, 2020
The third novella to accompany the awesome King's Watch series, in this one Mina is the narrator as she finally gets Pramiti's Mãnik back, a feat which involves Fae lords and Mina's skills as an auditor. We also get to meet Chris Kelly's wife and understand why so many Magickal people dislike her.
I liked this but I felt it was a bit too Ocean's Eleven, the reader doesn't know the plan and it unfolds like clockwork while you read, not really udnerstanding what was going on.
I liked this but I felt it was a bit too Ocean's Eleven, the reader doesn't know the plan and it unfolds like clockwork while you read, not really udnerstanding what was going on.
May 24, 2023
2023 bk 179. So far - my favorite of the King's Watch story set. This book focuses a little more on Mina as she takes on the responsibility of locating the Naga's ruby. Involving Conner as little as possible, she relies on their friends and even Conrad's boss. I loved the turns the book took and the ending was one that I did not expect. Well done.
May 25, 2022
Short Diversion From The Main Series of King's Watch
I don't really care for short stories, novellas, and especially when I feel forced into reading them.
Halfway through the series Hayden started mentioning these, and leaving out parts from King's Watch, saying this or that part could be found in the novellas. Not happy about that. I actually stopped 2 books shy of the completion of the series, in order to go off and read these. I just want to get back to the original series, and finish it up.
If it's worth writing out 50-100 pages on main enents, relevant to the series, I feel they should've remained in the main books.
As this point, I'm just trying to get through them, in order to return to the last 2 books of the series.
He mentions they could be read as stand alones. I disagree. Just as there's a ton of characters in the main series, they're mixed in with these, and you'd lose half the story if you don't know who these players are. In the beginning of this one, he refers you to his website for the extras, that have PDF'S as long as 16 pages mentioning all the characters and their roles in the series.
If I hadn't read this one, I wouldn't have had a clue about the bigger issue behind Chris and Tasmin's relationship.
As much as I love Mina and Vickie, their stories are both integral to the series and especially Conrad, the main character of King's Watch.
While I enjoyed the read, I'm very disillusioned with writers milking one storing for all it's worth., into as many bodies and subsets as is possible. Nothing is a simple 1-3 book read at this point.
I almost finished my rating at only 2 stars because of these reasons listed above, but felt it deserved a little more. I'd give it a final rating of 2.5 stars.
I don't really care for short stories, novellas, and especially when I feel forced into reading them.
Halfway through the series Hayden started mentioning these, and leaving out parts from King's Watch, saying this or that part could be found in the novellas. Not happy about that. I actually stopped 2 books shy of the completion of the series, in order to go off and read these. I just want to get back to the original series, and finish it up.
If it's worth writing out 50-100 pages on main enents, relevant to the series, I feel they should've remained in the main books.
As this point, I'm just trying to get through them, in order to return to the last 2 books of the series.
He mentions they could be read as stand alones. I disagree. Just as there's a ton of characters in the main series, they're mixed in with these, and you'd lose half the story if you don't know who these players are. In the beginning of this one, he refers you to his website for the extras, that have PDF'S as long as 16 pages mentioning all the characters and their roles in the series.
If I hadn't read this one, I wouldn't have had a clue about the bigger issue behind Chris and Tasmin's relationship.
As much as I love Mina and Vickie, their stories are both integral to the series and especially Conrad, the main character of King's Watch.
While I enjoyed the read, I'm very disillusioned with writers milking one storing for all it's worth., into as many bodies and subsets as is possible. Nothing is a simple 1-3 book read at this point.
I almost finished my rating at only 2 stars because of these reasons listed above, but felt it deserved a little more. I'd give it a final rating of 2.5 stars.
August 27, 2021
Not one of my favourites
Mina is most definitely my least favourite in the series. A whole book with her narration was a chore to get through. The only saving graces were that Vicky(one of my favourites) was so prominently featured and the fact that the Tamsin mystery was finally cleared up. Let’s hope for less of Mina and more of Vicky in the books to come.
Mina is most definitely my least favourite in the series. A whole book with her narration was a chore to get through. The only saving graces were that Vicky(one of my favourites) was so prominently featured and the fact that the Tamsin mystery was finally cleared up. Let’s hope for less of Mina and more of Vicky in the books to come.
September 22, 2022
I really like the King's Watch series, but this one was slightly below par (still really good).
I enjoyed Mina's voice quite a lot (more than I thought I would) and it was good to clear up some of the mysteries, but I find connection between the main series and these short stories a little jarring. Yes, as others say, you don't NEED to read this to enjoy the main series, but there are things set up in the main series that are resolved here.
Why have everyone in the main series raise their eyebrows when Tamsin's name comes up, when you're going to explain it here? Sure people don't need to know the full story, but by the time the third person has a strange reaction to the mention of her in the main series, you know that there must be something significant there.
That said, the main book accompanying this short story was the Eight Kings, which already has way too much in it, so I can see the need to have it separate - just don't set it up so hard in the main series then...
The only other thing to mention is that while I've managed to put the idea of plunder aside as an acceptable in world thing in the King's Watch series at large (despite obvious potential for corruption and not being ethical in my eyes), this book is about a heist - and I'm not quite sure it's explained anywhere just why it's fine for an officer of the Cloister Court and members of the Kings Watch to be stealing something, even if it's on their own time and even if the original acquisition of the item may have been unfair. The current owners weren't responsible, but the team steals it from them anyway. Maybe I missed something?
That said, plenty to enjoy here.
I enjoyed Mina's voice quite a lot (more than I thought I would) and it was good to clear up some of the mysteries, but I find connection between the main series and these short stories a little jarring. Yes, as others say, you don't NEED to read this to enjoy the main series, but there are things set up in the main series that are resolved here.
Why have everyone in the main series raise their eyebrows when Tamsin's name comes up, when you're going to explain it here? Sure people don't need to know the full story, but by the time the third person has a strange reaction to the mention of her in the main series, you know that there must be something significant there.
That said, the main book accompanying this short story was the Eight Kings, which already has way too much in it, so I can see the need to have it separate - just don't set it up so hard in the main series then...
The only other thing to mention is that while I've managed to put the idea of plunder aside as an acceptable in world thing in the King's Watch series at large (despite obvious potential for corruption and not being ethical in my eyes), this book is about a heist - and I'm not quite sure it's explained anywhere just why it's fine for an officer of the Cloister Court and members of the Kings Watch to be stealing something, even if it's on their own time and even if the original acquisition of the item may have been unfair. The current owners weren't responsible, but the team steals it from them anyway. Maybe I missed something?
That said, plenty to enjoy here.
April 28, 2020
I really enjoyed the manner in which the novellas fitted in with the main stories and the way that the individual characters were given independent voices. The characters have depth already but now they have individuality. The fact that they are linked to fast moving plots does them no harm either, sort of supernatural Inspector Morse. These are fun, buy them all, read them all, relax and enjoy.
September 26, 2021
In this, the third novella in the King's Watch series, we learn how Mina gets one over on the Nagano and earns the right to marry Conrad. Along the way we learn the background on why no one likes Tamsin Kelly; and they are right not to like her. Knowing the Conrad I've seen in the other novels he wouldn't approve either no matter how good of friends he is with Chris Kelly.
This one is one you should just skip. It isn't important to the overall story arc and isn't that good of a story.
This one is one you should just skip. It isn't important to the overall story arc and isn't that good of a story.
March 14, 2020
James bond meets Harry potter
I picked the thirteenth witch by accident. A most fortuitous one .Have now read all kings watch series and recommend them to everyone. Marks stories are great and everything about them ,characters plots ,dialogue are great .the whole series is unplayable 😀
I picked the thirteenth witch by accident. A most fortuitous one .Have now read all kings watch series and recommend them to everyone. Marks stories are great and everything about them ,characters plots ,dialogue are great .the whole series is unplayable 😀
September 20, 2020
Mina gives us her viewpoint on a magical outing
Mina does what she has to do to discharge a debt and in the process more secrets come to light.
A useful way to cover part of Conrad and Mina's story without resorting to a third person narrative.
For the completist reader of The King's Watch series I'd say.
Mina does what she has to do to discharge a debt and in the process more secrets come to light.
A useful way to cover part of Conrad and Mina's story without resorting to a third person narrative.
For the completist reader of The King's Watch series I'd say.
October 4, 2020
Mina doesn’t fight fair, but she does get her way
I was surprised that Pramiti’s story was going to be in one of these novellas, but I loved that Mina was 100% in charge of her fate. It is entirely in her character to forbid Conrad to have any direct role in her payment of her debt to Ganesh.
I hope that Chris and Tamsin are able to become friends with Conrad and Mina.
I was surprised that Pramiti’s story was going to be in one of these novellas, but I loved that Mina was 100% in charge of her fate. It is entirely in her character to forbid Conrad to have any direct role in her payment of her debt to Ganesh.
I hope that Chris and Tamsin are able to become friends with Conrad and Mina.
December 6, 2020
A cracking good read
I read the early adventures of Conrad Clarke (Operation Jigsaw & the Tom Morton tales) & now happily reading the Kings Watch tales. The characters are immensely pleasing & well drawn, the stories strangely credible and a joy to read. And easy to read too, with a sense of humour & a bright English style.
I read the early adventures of Conrad Clarke (Operation Jigsaw & the Tom Morton tales) & now happily reading the Kings Watch tales. The characters are immensely pleasing & well drawn, the stories strangely credible and a joy to read. And easy to read too, with a sense of humour & a bright English style.
June 6, 2021
I enjoyed Mina’a take
Good book that was easy to read. I enjoyed it, wish it was longer. Mina’s character is not someone that I really meld with but she’s not completely annoying and frivolous. She’s intelligent and spoiled, so it’s a compromise. I hope the Fae become more regular characters because they are fascinating.
Good book that was easy to read. I enjoyed it, wish it was longer. Mina’s character is not someone that I really meld with but she’s not completely annoying and frivolous. She’s intelligent and spoiled, so it’s a compromise. I hope the Fae become more regular characters because they are fascinating.
February 10, 2020
Now this one was fun!
I love Mina and learning more aboutwho she is and how she works has been delightful. She really does have an iron core and a solid set of morals, no matter her past. Really fun read.
I love Mina and learning more aboutwho she is and how she works has been delightful. She really does have an iron core and a solid set of morals, no matter her past. Really fun read.
February 19, 2020
Nice resolution to a loose end
I was so pleased that this part of the storyline was tied up. I'm not the biggest fan of Mina but I thought the intricacies of the plot were enjoyable to read.
I was so pleased that this part of the storyline was tied up. I'm not the biggest fan of Mina but I thought the intricacies of the plot were enjoyable to read.
April 12, 2020
Fun and magic
I think I prefer Mina telling her tale. She has a good rapore and is more fun than Conrad. It may be that I am a woman and like the female perspective. Or it may be I just a short easy read .😀
I think I prefer Mina telling her tale. She has a good rapore and is more fun than Conrad. It may be that I am a woman and like the female perspective. Or it may be I just a short easy read .😀
May 12, 2020
A must for KW fans
This is a lovely aside to the King's Watch series and a must if you've read the rest of the series. It may be small but its packed with story details that make the world and the back story must more vivid.
This is a lovely aside to the King's Watch series and a must if you've read the rest of the series. It may be small but its packed with story details that make the world and the back story must more vivid.
June 3, 2020
Interesting story
I’m enjoying this series, and liked the extra bit of world building in this one. A dangerous, untrustworthy magical creature has been robbed, and a dead magician has reanimated a dying girl. Our magical detectives have some twisty moral territory to explore.
I’m enjoying this series, and liked the extra bit of world building in this one. A dangerous, untrustworthy magical creature has been robbed, and a dead magician has reanimated a dying girl. Our magical detectives have some twisty moral territory to explore.
June 8, 2020
Waiting on more kings watch seriesl
Loved all the books and noellas.
Conrad and gang are so human so real.
I'd recommend this series to anyone that wants fantasy with a side of realism
Delightful
Loved all the books and noellas.
Conrad and gang are so human so real.
I'd recommend this series to anyone that wants fantasy with a side of realism
Delightful
July 23, 2020
The snake
It was good to finally find out how Mina fulfilled her debt to the snake so that she could marry Conrad. As an added bonus it was equally interesting to find out the controversy surrounding the geomancer Chris and his wife, all in all It tied up loose ends!
It was good to finally find out how Mina fulfilled her debt to the snake so that she could marry Conrad. As an added bonus it was equally interesting to find out the controversy surrounding the geomancer Chris and his wife, all in all It tied up loose ends!
January 2, 2021
Read for PopSugar Reading Challenge 2021 - Prompt 7 / MC has your current or dream job. Mina is an auditor, which is my past and sort of my current job.
In which we find out what the real story is about Chris Kelly's wife, and what happens with Pramiti.
In which we find out what the real story is about Chris Kelly's wife, and what happens with Pramiti.
January 25, 2021
Nice Little Detour between King's Watch Books
Mina has grown on me with each book. It is only right she gets a tale of her own to tell. Not as much action but nice intrigue! Kind of wish it were longer.
Mina has grown on me with each book. It is only right she gets a tale of her own to tell. Not as much action but nice intrigue! Kind of wish it were longer.
September 6, 2021
Read in one sitting!
Great to read more of Mina’s story. The novella’s are great as short stories to read in a day. Exactly what you need if you’re impatient to get to the end of a story!!
Great to read more of Mina’s story. The novella’s are great as short stories to read in a day. Exactly what you need if you’re impatient to get to the end of a story!!
October 3, 2021
Brilliant as usual
The side story tells of Mina and the payment of a debt in order for her and Conrad to marry. How she manages it and the story of Tamsin and Chris is well worth the read.
The side story tells of Mina and the payment of a debt in order for her and Conrad to marry. How she manages it and the story of Tamsin and Chris is well worth the read.
August 11, 2022
Best Mina story yet
While this is presented as a side story to the main series and its certainly not the first time one meets Mina, it is an excellent stand alone and it gives Mina character development without her playing second fiddle to Conrad. Loved it.
While this is presented as a side story to the main series and its certainly not the first time one meets Mina, it is an excellent stand alone and it gives Mina character development without her playing second fiddle to Conrad. Loved it.
January 29, 2023
what do you do about a snake lie. Pramiti? The
Mina has a story. And she tells it here. Great cast, enjoyable story telling kind of a caper with a little love story. I really enjoyed it.
Mina has a story. And she tells it here. Great cast, enjoyable story telling kind of a caper with a little love story. I really enjoyed it.
December 24, 2019
Fabulous
Go and read all of the stories in this series. In order. Go on, you wont regret it! I promise..
Go and read all of the stories in this series. In order. Go on, you wont regret it! I promise..
January 18, 2020
Love this series. This one written from point of view of main femle
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews