AI must confess I am not a big epic fantasy reader. I can count one hand how many times I have read this genre. However, the trailer for The Fury of Kings compelled me to request a copy. The Fury of Kings is the first book in the Erland Saga, and the debut release for author R. S. Moule. He delivered a scintillating tale. One filled with interesting characters, nail biting action and sufficient drama to keep readers turning the pages.
In the shadow of Eryispek—a mountain said to have no summit—a dark power is stirring. Storms rage in the frozen heights. Unexplained disappearances shake the kingdom below. And old enemies are sharpening their swords.... I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: The Fury of Kings
Author(s): R.S. Moule
Series: The Erland Saga #1
Also in this series: The Hunger of Empires
Narrator(s): Colin Mace
Published by Hachette UK - Second Sky on May 17, 2023
Pages: 548
Length: 17 hours
Genre(s): Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Format: ALC, eArc 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Series Rating: 
Andrick the Barrelbreaker first led an army at 16.
His victories secured the throne of Erland for his brother and shattered the rebellious noble houses in the West. Decades later, a fragile peace still holds.
But when the king’s only son is murdered, Erland is plunged into crisis. The new heir will stop at nothing to secure his claim. The king, maddened by grief, stalks the halls and hidden passages of his keep, growing more unpredictable by the day.
As war and magical disaster loom, Andrick must decide between protecting his family and marching out to serve a brother he barely recognizes.
His children must also choose their destinies.
Training in the practice yard every day, Orsian dreams of fighting beside his father. Now, for the first time, he faces the brutal reality of battle.
And Pherri is haunted by very different dreams—of figures struggling up the mountain, of a voice more chilling than the wind, of blood on the snow. Only she can resist the darkness that waits on the slopes above....
The Fury of Kings started the Erland Saga on an exciting note. From the first page, I knew this would be an interesting read, and it did not disappoint. Moule transported readers to a fascinating, medieval, patriarchal, breathtaking world. A world where secrets, deceit, betrayal. revenge and greed prevail. As this is the first book in the series, the world developed at a steady pace. As a result, it gave the reader time to appreciate the culture, the scenery, the setting and the history.
The story features a wide range of characters of varying ages. Characters whose ages range from middle grade to adult. We see the younger characters slowly finding their footing when faced with the realization that the world isn’t all fun and games. It was interesting seeing their willingness to embrace the change. Whether it involved facing danger or discovering hidden magical talents.
In the first couple of pages, tragedy struck, placing the king of Erland’s throne in jeopardy and paving the way for war. Attempts were made to secure the king’s throne and avoid the fallout of war. Despite these attempts, war was inevitable. Now all the capable warriors, whether experienced or inexperienced, pick up arms to defend the king’s throne. The battle scenes were intense, with moments where I feared for characters who wormed their way into my heart. Moule’s description plunged me right into the middle of the battle.
The story came with its share of sorrow with the loss of beloved characters. Losses which opened the door to vengeance and even more brutality. At over 500 pages/ 17 hours of listening, one would not have expected a cliff-hangar, however, the unexpected occurred. Now I am eagerly awaiting the next book so I can continue the journey in this magnificent and epic world.
Colin Mace did an excellent job in bringing the story to life. Despite the challenge of narrating a story featuring a wide cast of characters of all genders, ages, classes, and personality, Mace knocked it out of the park. This was my first time experiencing his work, and he left a lasting impression. I’ll definitely listen in to more of his work.
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About R.S. Moule
R.S. Moule (‘Roger’) lives in South London with his wife Eloise and their cat Tinks. He has a passion for writing epic fantasy grounded by human flaws and desires, set in worlds inspired by a childhood divided between his home in the soft, rolling hills of the Cotswolds and summers spent exploring the rugged coastline and deep glens of the Isle of Man. When not reading or writing, he can often be found playing guitar, watching football, or looking for his keys.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
That’s fabulous that this fantasy saga really grabbed you and left you wanting more.
Nadene the first thing I thought when I saw this reviewed by you was huh it’s not her usual type of read. Glad it widened your horizons, it looks good
I used to read a lot of fantasy, but I don’t seem to read it as much these days. Still, it’s a genre I do really enjoy. And this new series sounds amazing…though I might wait for the next book to come out before I start it because I’m not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings.
You have me curious and YAY for you stretching and trying new genres and authors. I think I’d like this. Thanks for sharing!
This book looks and sounds quite compelling! I’m glad you gave it a try, it’s nice when a genre we don’t read much still lets us dream and have a great time 😀