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The King's Idiot
In a world of peace and prosperity, a golden king sits on the throne of a land once ravaged by war. His illegitimate daughter, Niamh, a solitary and quiet girl, often jeeringly called “the king’s idiot” by her peers, begins to find where the cracks form in the gilt of the golden keep. A pressure is building below a façade of gentle rule, and the king’s new ideas on religion are driving the Woldermen – the wild savages of the marshes – back into the kingdom. Led by desperation as their temples are torn down, their sacred forests are felled and their priestesses murdered, the Woldermen are gathering their forces. When Niamh is taken hostage by a group of Wolder, led by a familiar face from her past, she is faced with a choice. If she takes one path, it could lead to the destruction of her kingdom, but if she takes the other, a whole new world awaits her. Torn between two worlds, the princess must make her choice quickly. On one side is her father, a man beloved by his people and who raised a bastard child as though she were his true daughter, but on the other is the man she loves, a man with a cause, with a motive to bring it all down around them. Whichever path Niamh chooses, conflict is imminent and the golden reign is at risk.
263 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 20, 2026
I only bought this book from the author at a convention because my friend is on the cover haha.
And I was pleasantly surprised!
This book is a short fantasy novel, which follows Niamh, the illegitimate daughter of a tyrannical king, as she falls in love with an unexpected ally, when she decides to overthrow her father.
I liked Niamh, she starts off shy but really discovers herself on this journey.
The romance wasn’t bad either, there was an unexpected spicy scene but it didn’t feel forced, the romance grew and it was nice to read it.
However, the reveal as to Helligan’s true form was actually really surprising because I did not see that coming!
But it was great!
A great fantasy novel! Do I want to read the rest of the series? Yes!
4/5 stars.
And I was pleasantly surprised!
This book is a short fantasy novel, which follows Niamh, the illegitimate daughter of a tyrannical king, as she falls in love with an unexpected ally, when she decides to overthrow her father.
I liked Niamh, she starts off shy but really discovers herself on this journey.
The romance wasn’t bad either, there was an unexpected spicy scene but it didn’t feel forced, the romance grew and it was nice to read it.
However, the reveal as to Helligan’s true form was actually really surprising because I did not see that coming!
But it was great!
A great fantasy novel! Do I want to read the rest of the series? Yes!
4/5 stars.
October 4, 2020
If you like a good fantasy story full of strong character's, mystery, battles and romance then this is the book for you. I loved it and was hooked after the first few pages. It's superbly written with a lot of thought so the reader can really connect with characters and their struggles. Cant wait to read the sequel.
October 10, 2020
Excellent story, with treachery, magic, cruel leaders in dispute, and a battle between the old and the new religions. The war swings first one way, then the other, several times over. The main character, a girl of royal birth, grows in confidence and wisdom, learning the truth about her father, and, finally, her mother, whilst restoring a just and unified rule to the kingdom.
July 22, 2020
I wasn't sure I'd like this as so different from authors normal work but i actually really enjoyed it. nice change of pace
October 7, 2020
#Readathon2020 - eBooks
My Readathon 2020 so far
My Readathon 2020 so far
March 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, whilst giving classic fantasy the author added their own twists and flourishes. There was some great world building and I look forward to reading the rest in the series.
November 16, 2025
Reviews from Amazon
Mar
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing fantasy world
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2020
Verified Purchase
The Kings's Idiot was such an amazing book. It was a fun-filled adventure, with loveable characters who had so much depth to them. Was amazing how so many different elements of medieval times and fantasy came together to create a book that I couldn't put down. It took me on a great adventure with the characters discovering what the world around them is truly like. I am intrigued to see how this series will continue.
Morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 December 2019
Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this every step of the way and was absolutely hooked. Looking forward to the second book!
M. Marchant
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 December 2019
Having read Emma Barrett Brown's previous book and enjoyed it I was intrigued to read a fantasy type novel..... It didn't disappoint!
I really enjoyed this book, great descriptions so I could easily place myself within the story.
I became really invested in Niamh and Helligan and will admit to having a bit of a crush on Helligan!
You won't be disappointed with this read 😊
Kezzabelle
5.0 out of 5 stars A great fantasy adventure from a unique point of view
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 January 2020
A great fantasy story, told from the point of view you don't usually get for these kind of tales, with a refreshingly different kind of heroine, and a deep lore that keeps you guessing and can definitely go further and deeper in the next volumes. An epic tale spanning many years and shifts in the world's landscape, but at the same time light and accessible, without any of the pretence that can bog down a lot of fantasy tales. Definitely worth checking out if you love fantasy!
C4roC
5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn’t put it down - highly recommended!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 December 2019
I absolutely loved this book! I was fortunate enough to be able to get a pre-release copy, and I couldn’t put it down! I could see the setting so clearly in my mind, to the point that I shivered when the main character was cold; I loved the fantasy theme and the little twists (and bigger twists!) along the way. I’d like to watch the film or tv series of this too.
Abigail Cunningham
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing book hangover cure!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 July 2020
So I read this book earlier this year and absolutely loved it! Set in a medieval fantasy setting the writing is amazing and the story is even better! I was lucky enough to get to read a proof copy of the second book in this trilogy and omg it just got better. The twists the turns and the heartbreak I am now waiting for the third book and so hope I’m on the list to get a proof copy! I cannot recommend this enough! Xxxx
Keeleigh
5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 August 2020
I love this book. It's not often a book will grab my attention from the start. The first line of this book had me hooked. I love the story, the characters, the detail. I have to know what happens next. I can't wait for a sequel xx
Ash
5.0 out of 5 stars Sincere, detailed and heartfelt.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 December 2019
Very much enjoyed the book; heartfelt, sincere and with some excellent lines and twists! Particularly enjoyed the way magic is structured and manipulated. Had a bit of a panic towards the end (no spoilers!) but very satisfied with the ending. Would recommend to fans of fantasy looking for a new world to explore.
Sammy lyddiatt
5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS BOOK
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 May 2020
Loved every moment of it!!! Fabulous author fabulous story
Mar
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing fantasy world
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2020
Verified Purchase
The Kings's Idiot was such an amazing book. It was a fun-filled adventure, with loveable characters who had so much depth to them. Was amazing how so many different elements of medieval times and fantasy came together to create a book that I couldn't put down. It took me on a great adventure with the characters discovering what the world around them is truly like. I am intrigued to see how this series will continue.
Morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 December 2019
Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this every step of the way and was absolutely hooked. Looking forward to the second book!
M. Marchant
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 December 2019
Having read Emma Barrett Brown's previous book and enjoyed it I was intrigued to read a fantasy type novel..... It didn't disappoint!
I really enjoyed this book, great descriptions so I could easily place myself within the story.
I became really invested in Niamh and Helligan and will admit to having a bit of a crush on Helligan!
You won't be disappointed with this read 😊
Kezzabelle
5.0 out of 5 stars A great fantasy adventure from a unique point of view
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 January 2020
A great fantasy story, told from the point of view you don't usually get for these kind of tales, with a refreshingly different kind of heroine, and a deep lore that keeps you guessing and can definitely go further and deeper in the next volumes. An epic tale spanning many years and shifts in the world's landscape, but at the same time light and accessible, without any of the pretence that can bog down a lot of fantasy tales. Definitely worth checking out if you love fantasy!
C4roC
5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn’t put it down - highly recommended!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 December 2019
I absolutely loved this book! I was fortunate enough to be able to get a pre-release copy, and I couldn’t put it down! I could see the setting so clearly in my mind, to the point that I shivered when the main character was cold; I loved the fantasy theme and the little twists (and bigger twists!) along the way. I’d like to watch the film or tv series of this too.
Abigail Cunningham
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing book hangover cure!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 July 2020
So I read this book earlier this year and absolutely loved it! Set in a medieval fantasy setting the writing is amazing and the story is even better! I was lucky enough to get to read a proof copy of the second book in this trilogy and omg it just got better. The twists the turns and the heartbreak I am now waiting for the third book and so hope I’m on the list to get a proof copy! I cannot recommend this enough! Xxxx
Keeleigh
5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 August 2020
I love this book. It's not often a book will grab my attention from the start. The first line of this book had me hooked. I love the story, the characters, the detail. I have to know what happens next. I can't wait for a sequel xx
Ash
5.0 out of 5 stars Sincere, detailed and heartfelt.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 December 2019
Very much enjoyed the book; heartfelt, sincere and with some excellent lines and twists! Particularly enjoyed the way magic is structured and manipulated. Had a bit of a panic towards the end (no spoilers!) but very satisfied with the ending. Would recommend to fans of fantasy looking for a new world to explore.
Sammy lyddiatt
5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS BOOK
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 May 2020
Loved every moment of it!!! Fabulous author fabulous story
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews