Twelve Kings in Sharakhai

A revenge tale wrapped up in a fascinating desert fantasy package. In Sharikai, Mr Beaulieu has created a fascinating city and culture. The world building here is truly epic. The titular twelve kings form a mysterious and sinister backdrop to it all and are the focus of our heroine's revenge.

The book starts full throttle - within a few pages we have had gladitorial fight and some gratuitous sex. Certainly an exciting way to introduce our character and world! The story does slow down a bit, allowing the back story to fill in nicely and allowing a glimpse into the history of the city.

This was a fun introduction to a series that I am going to have to dive further into!

Originally posted on bluchickenninja.com.

Twelve Kings was just okay. I think this is the problem with reading lots of fantasy books (or any genre). You find one amazing book and nothing else that you read can compare to it. Because it really wasn't too bad. I liked the main character, I liked the mythology. I liked that it had this whole thing where people have ships which allow them to sail on the desert sand very much like what you would do in water.

But I found myself getting bored, it dragged on in a few places. I couldn't quite figure out what the point of the story was and therefore couldn't tell if scenes were important or unnecessary. I mean it was an okay fantasy. But there are much better fantasies out there.

Absolutely amazing! I can't believe I've never heard of this series or author before. So glad I randomly put it on my to read list and so glad I randomly picked it to actually read. It's fun adventure-fantasy with some magical elements and mystery included. I'd highly recommend to any fan of Robin Hobb, Robert Jackson Bennett, or Brandon Sanderson.