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William of Alamore #2
The Cutthroat Prince
Whispers of war, cryptic warnings, and new dangers await...
Plunging into the second year of training as a squire, everything is looking up for Will. He gets to train with his best friends, work a new mentor, and learn to become a knight of Alamore. Though the war of the winter is a raw memory, Will is doing his best to push the secrets he's uncovered about who he truly is to the back of his mind. As long as he never speaks of his relation to King Tollien, he hopes he will never have to consider its consequences.
But secrets aren't meant to be hidden forever and there are others who are not as willing to forget.
With the arrival of a mysterious knight in Alamore demanding council with King Revlan, the short peace is fracturing. Now keeping his royal lineage a secret is a battle in itself. The Ranger has ordered him to trust no one, to hide the truth of who he is, and pretend that he is just another squire. And Will is trying his best.
The problem is that people seem to know. Rumors are running through the castle about the arrival of this new knight, unrest in the south, and the grey cloaked riders attacking the unweary in the woods. Will and his friends and thrown into the thick of new dangers when it becomes clear the these rogues are after him and Will must face the Cutthroat Prince or risk losing more than just his life.
The Cutthroat Prince is the riveting second part of the William of Alamore series. Perfect for readers who loved Ranger of Kings, as well as works by authors such as Pedro Urvi, J. K. Rowling, and Brandon Sanderson. Read it today!
Plunging into the second year of training as a squire, everything is looking up for Will. He gets to train with his best friends, work a new mentor, and learn to become a knight of Alamore. Though the war of the winter is a raw memory, Will is doing his best to push the secrets he's uncovered about who he truly is to the back of his mind. As long as he never speaks of his relation to King Tollien, he hopes he will never have to consider its consequences.
But secrets aren't meant to be hidden forever and there are others who are not as willing to forget.
With the arrival of a mysterious knight in Alamore demanding council with King Revlan, the short peace is fracturing. Now keeping his royal lineage a secret is a battle in itself. The Ranger has ordered him to trust no one, to hide the truth of who he is, and pretend that he is just another squire. And Will is trying his best.
The problem is that people seem to know. Rumors are running through the castle about the arrival of this new knight, unrest in the south, and the grey cloaked riders attacking the unweary in the woods. Will and his friends and thrown into the thick of new dangers when it becomes clear the these rogues are after him and Will must face the Cutthroat Prince or risk losing more than just his life.
The Cutthroat Prince is the riveting second part of the William of Alamore series. Perfect for readers who loved Ranger of Kings, as well as works by authors such as Pedro Urvi, J. K. Rowling, and Brandon Sanderson. Read it today!
419 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2021
About the author
C.J.R. Isely
14 books40 followersC. J. R. Isely is an American author primarily known for her medieval fantasy novels. She has a lifelong passion for fantasy, medieval history, horses, and adventure.
She began writing at a very young age, with her first full-length novel, "Ranger of Kings," being written when she was just 12 years old. This book became the first in her "William of Alamore" series, which ultimately comprised six books that she penned during her middle and high school years.
Although she initially set her novels aside to pursue a business degree, she later decided to revise and release them. "Ranger of Kings" was published in 2020, and she has since released the full "William of Alamore" series, with the final book, "Blood of the Crown," released in 2024. She has also written standalone spin-off novels set in the World of Alamore, such as "The Falcon and The Stag" and "Shadow of the Sword."
When not writing, C. J. R. Isely lives on a ranch in Kansas where she enjoys riding and training horses, playing guitar, and taking on DIY construction projects
She began writing at a very young age, with her first full-length novel, "Ranger of Kings," being written when she was just 12 years old. This book became the first in her "William of Alamore" series, which ultimately comprised six books that she penned during her middle and high school years.
Although she initially set her novels aside to pursue a business degree, she later decided to revise and release them. "Ranger of Kings" was published in 2020, and she has since released the full "William of Alamore" series, with the final book, "Blood of the Crown," released in 2024. She has also written standalone spin-off novels set in the World of Alamore, such as "The Falcon and The Stag" and "Shadow of the Sword."
When not writing, C. J. R. Isely lives on a ranch in Kansas where she enjoys riding and training horses, playing guitar, and taking on DIY construction projects
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 22, 2025
It was a nice pace. The rating is more likely at 3.75 because Will is too young to have real impact since he doesn’t have a sword or any real training.
September 8, 2021
Enjoyable reads.
I found this a very engrossing read. Front being to end you don't want to out the book down. Really enjoyable caricatures. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
I found this a very engrossing read. Front being to end you don't want to out the book down. Really enjoyable caricatures. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
February 8, 2023
Addictive Medieval Adventure Series
Parents- PG13 - middle grade and up read
Language: PG - Not a lot but there is some - no f-bombs
Violence: PG13 - normal to genre - no overly graphic murder scenes
Sexual Content- none
These books should be read in order, as this one picks up where the first book left off. This is one of those coming of age series with a knights of the realm feeling to it that is simply a lot of fun. I read this with my 17 year old son and we both really enjoyed it! These books are from the squires perspectives, has plenty of action, intrigue and no romance - this is very geared for the young male audience but renaissance/medieval adventure and D&D fans will all appreciate these books.
The narrator does a fantastic (4.5 stars) job with the voice differentiations and acting!
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents- PG13 - middle grade and up read
Language: PG - Not a lot but there is some - no f-bombs
Violence: PG13 - normal to genre - no overly graphic murder scenes
Sexual Content- none
These books should be read in order, as this one picks up where the first book left off. This is one of those coming of age series with a knights of the realm feeling to it that is simply a lot of fun. I read this with my 17 year old son and we both really enjoyed it! These books are from the squires perspectives, has plenty of action, intrigue and no romance - this is very geared for the young male audience but renaissance/medieval adventure and D&D fans will all appreciate these books.
The narrator does a fantastic (4.5 stars) job with the voice differentiations and acting!
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 17, 2022
Wry Adventureous
I really enjoy this book in the series a lot of twist and turns, will keep you wanting to continue reading till the end. With humor included which was great. With Will, Colin, and Rowen you never know what those 3 are getting themselves into. As soon as they get out of one predicament they end up in another. If you like a page turner book this is a great series to read.
I really enjoy this book in the series a lot of twist and turns, will keep you wanting to continue reading till the end. With humor included which was great. With Will, Colin, and Rowen you never know what those 3 are getting themselves into. As soon as they get out of one predicament they end up in another. If you like a page turner book this is a great series to read.
August 10, 2026
Finished The Cutthroat Prince by CJR Isely yesterday and realized that the key to enjoying the series it to take it for what it is: a Young Adult Low Fantasy targeting adolescent males. Because in order for the three now thirteen-year-old protagonists to have their daily doses of derring-do and/or deadly danger, some suspension of disbelief is required (sorta like Hogwart's being a place that no sane parent would send their child for schooling).
Once the mental settings were adjusted, I quite enjoyed the ride. Squire Will (the titular character of the series) is a likeable kid whose only remarkable skill is getting into scrapes with his two best friends: boisterous Rowan and responsible Colin.
The royalty of the kingdom of Alamore and its many neighbors are as inbred as the European monarchies, and a large part of the plot revolves around Will's unwilling status as potential heir to not one but two (or maybe more?) of those kingdoms.
The author does introduce three substantial female characters from the southern kingdom of Kelkor: a knight, a squire, and a princess, to which the heretofore monogendered knights of Alamore react with a refreshing lack of misogyny.
A few things do continue to bug me: apart from Kelkor, no queens are mentioned. Evidently, most of the Kings in this world reproduce by parthenogenesis, and not very well, as heirs seem to be singletons. And supporting characters go largely unnamed; as much time as those three boys spend in the healing chambers, you'd think they'd know the healer's name, at least (Will spends a ridiculous amount of time unconscious from one cause or another).
But those are the nitpicks of an adult reader, and fairly easy to set aside to enjoy the nearly nonstop action and intrigue, and the enjoyable friendship between Will, Rowan, and Colin.
Once the mental settings were adjusted, I quite enjoyed the ride. Squire Will (the titular character of the series) is a likeable kid whose only remarkable skill is getting into scrapes with his two best friends: boisterous Rowan and responsible Colin.
The royalty of the kingdom of Alamore and its many neighbors are as inbred as the European monarchies, and a large part of the plot revolves around Will's unwilling status as potential heir to not one but two (or maybe more?) of those kingdoms.
The author does introduce three substantial female characters from the southern kingdom of Kelkor: a knight, a squire, and a princess, to which the heretofore monogendered knights of Alamore react with a refreshing lack of misogyny.
A few things do continue to bug me: apart from Kelkor, no queens are mentioned. Evidently, most of the Kings in this world reproduce by parthenogenesis, and not very well, as heirs seem to be singletons. And supporting characters go largely unnamed; as much time as those three boys spend in the healing chambers, you'd think they'd know the healer's name, at least (Will spends a ridiculous amount of time unconscious from one cause or another).
But those are the nitpicks of an adult reader, and fairly easy to set aside to enjoy the nearly nonstop action and intrigue, and the enjoyable friendship between Will, Rowan, and Colin.
August 14, 2024
The Cutthroat Prince is the second book in the "William of Alamore" series.
C. J. R. Isely is such a talented and brilliant writer. She has woven a tale filled with mystery, friendship, action, danger, and adventure. She has the ability to transports us readers into medieval times.
After finishing the first book I bought the 2nd book and was drawn into the story from the very first page.
In The Cutthroat Prince we see how Will, Rowan, and Collin have grown up. Although they have grown up they are each the same as we last left them. Rowan is still the group jokester and Collin still puts up with his antics with Will even though he knows he does not have to. These 3 boys are the 3 musketeers and those 3 you never know what they are getting themselves into. As soon as they get out of one predicament they end up in another but through it all their friendship and loyalty to each other is inspiring and beautiful to read about.
I really enjoy this book there were a lot of twist and turns that will keep you wanting to continue reading till the end! Absolutely loved this book.
On to book three
C. J. R. Isely is such a talented and brilliant writer. She has woven a tale filled with mystery, friendship, action, danger, and adventure. She has the ability to transports us readers into medieval times.
After finishing the first book I bought the 2nd book and was drawn into the story from the very first page.
In The Cutthroat Prince we see how Will, Rowan, and Collin have grown up. Although they have grown up they are each the same as we last left them. Rowan is still the group jokester and Collin still puts up with his antics with Will even though he knows he does not have to. These 3 boys are the 3 musketeers and those 3 you never know what they are getting themselves into. As soon as they get out of one predicament they end up in another but through it all their friendship and loyalty to each other is inspiring and beautiful to read about.
I really enjoy this book there were a lot of twist and turns that will keep you wanting to continue reading till the end! Absolutely loved this book.
On to book three
November 24, 2021
Better than Book #1, "Ranger of Kings."
1) Better editing, for sure - I did notice some problems, but miles better than "William of Alamore"
2) Women and girls have been added, some in primary roles. (yay for that!)
3) Storyline flows reasonably well, although I did get a bit lost with all of the various bad guys.
Why only three stars?
I had a hard time with the title "The Cutthroat Prince." That phrase is mentioned many, many times, and felt derivative to me (Half-Blood Prince).
Still seeing this series as medieval adventure rather than fantasy.
And, like "Ranger of Kings," "The Cutthroat Prince" is best-suited to boys who have dreams of becoming knights! (Although "The Cutthroat Prince" does open the door for girls to become squires and then knights... ah, if only that had been an option for Brienne of Tarth! In any case... book #2 would appeal to girls as well as boys, I think.)
1) Better editing, for sure - I did notice some problems, but miles better than "William of Alamore"
2) Women and girls have been added, some in primary roles. (yay for that!)
3) Storyline flows reasonably well, although I did get a bit lost with all of the various bad guys.
Why only three stars?
I had a hard time with the title "The Cutthroat Prince." That phrase is mentioned many, many times, and felt derivative to me (Half-Blood Prince).
Still seeing this series as medieval adventure rather than fantasy.
And, like "Ranger of Kings," "The Cutthroat Prince" is best-suited to boys who have dreams of becoming knights! (Although "The Cutthroat Prince" does open the door for girls to become squires and then knights... ah, if only that had been an option for Brienne of Tarth! In any case... book #2 would appeal to girls as well as boys, I think.)
September 17, 2022
Isely picks up The Cutthroat Prince right where Ranger of Kings left off. Will and his friends are training to become knights.
Just like in the first book, the characters are well-developed and most importantly realistic. They stay true to themselves throughout the novel while still managing to grow.
The world-building is remarkable. She introduces the reader to the country of Kelkore while still keeping the focus on Alamore.
Once again, the horses were amazing. I loved how the author gave each of them their own personalities (or are they horsealities?). Even though I typically prefer paints or blue roans, I think Visra is my favorite.
The story was filled with mischief, subterfuge, and unwavering loyalty.
I already began book 3.
Just like in the first book, the characters are well-developed and most importantly realistic. They stay true to themselves throughout the novel while still managing to grow.
The world-building is remarkable. She introduces the reader to the country of Kelkore while still keeping the focus on Alamore.
Once again, the horses were amazing. I loved how the author gave each of them their own personalities (or are they horsealities?). Even though I typically prefer paints or blue roans, I think Visra is my favorite.
The story was filled with mischief, subterfuge, and unwavering loyalty.
I already began book 3.
September 10, 2021
Once I received this Book I was able to read it from the very beginning to the very end and thought it was a good book and I thought the character built up was very vital to this story and made it better in my opinion. I though the story line was so well done and it made so much sense to me in my opinon. I receieved this book for free thru, An Advanced Review Copy, ARC, with an honest review freely given.
September 13, 2021
Whispers of war, cryptic warnings, and new dangers await...The Cutthroat Prince is the riveting second part of the William of Alamore series. Perfect for readers who loved Ranger of Kings, as well as works by authors such as Pedro Urvi, J. K. Rowling, and Brandon Sanderson. Read it today! This is a great read. I recommend that you these novels in order. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation
April 28, 2022
The Cutthroat Prince (William of Alamore, #2), my second read from author Arya C.J.R. Isely. A good page-turning read. 415 pages of a young squire's journey that picks up seamlessly from the first book. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I look forward to reading more from this author! Next up is The Fallen Heir (William of Alamore Series Book 3). The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
December 15, 2022
Book 2 never seems to be as good
I am enjoying the characters very much in this series but I am hoping that the repeating story lines have more variety in the book 3. Squires leave the castle, get in trouble, get saved, happened too many times to be exciting. And the word growled was extremely overused!
I am enjoying the characters very much in this series but I am hoping that the repeating story lines have more variety in the book 3. Squires leave the castle, get in trouble, get saved, happened too many times to be exciting. And the word growled was extremely overused!
June 22, 2025
Started this series expecting it to be a story with magic and a quest. No magic, but I am not disappointed. The author continues to weave great storylines around 3 young squires who are trouble magnets. Have been enjoying the growing pains and challenges of these 3, along with an additional interesting cast of characters…
August 3, 2025
Secrets and Lies Rule the Castles as Kings and Princes Struggle with Squires
Colin, Rowan, Niet, and Will are playfully enjoying life and squire training while trying to defend their King, the Ranger, the castle, their friends, their family, and their animals as challenges make life difficult while greed and war destroy the best of the world that they know.
Colin, Rowan, Niet, and Will are playfully enjoying life and squire training while trying to defend their King, the Ranger, the castle, their friends, their family, and their animals as challenges make life difficult while greed and war destroy the best of the world that they know.
February 25, 2024
Wow I thought the first book Ranger to the Kings was good but this was a step up. It continues the story of political intrigue and plotting among kingdoms. The friendship of the three squires has them getting into more trouble and luckily they have Knights and a Ranger that helps them out of the trouble. The Ranger is a mysterious character with more information about the past of the kingdoms than he is letting on. Again another book I hate putting down.
February 18, 2026
With a little effort this could have been great
I enjoyed the story and the characters were realistic and easy to like. I could only give 3 stars due to the poor editing and typos. Readers deserve more effort
I enjoyed the story and the characters were realistic and easy to like. I could only give 3 stars due to the poor editing and typos. Readers deserve more effort
October 14, 2021
Pretty Good
Classic training school fantasy. Very clear good/evil dynamic. Id say this is young adult,
and enjoyable as a light read.
Classic training school fantasy. Very clear good/evil dynamic. Id say this is young adult,
and enjoyable as a light read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews