The Ruin of Kings

By: Jenn Lyons

Narrated by: Feodor Chin, Vikas Adam, Soneela Nankani

"Everything epic fantasy should be: rich, cruel, gorgeous, brilliant, enthralling and deeply, deeply satisfying. I loved it." (Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians)

Jenn Lyons begins the Chorus of Dragons series with The Ruin of Kings, an epic fantasy audiobook about a man who discovers his fate is tied to the future of an empire.

When destiny calls, there's no fighting back.

Kihrin grew up in the slums of Quur, a thief and a minstrel's son raised on tales of long-lost princes and magnificent quests. When he is claimed against his will as the missing son of a treasonous prince, Kihrin finds himself at the mercy of his new family's ruthless power plays and political ambitions.

Practically a prisoner, Kihrin discovers that being a long-lost prince is nothing like what the storybooks promised. The storybooks have lied about a lot of other things, too: dragons, demons, gods, prophecies, and how the hero always wins.

Then again, maybe he isn't the hero after all. For Kihrin is not destined to save the world.

He's destined to destroy it.

Library Journal Best Books of the Year - 2019
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year - 2019

©2019 Jennifer Williamson (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"A trio of talented narrators tackles the first book in a new fantasy series centered on a man who is destined to destroy an empire...the trio complement each other and elevate an unconventional story filled with intense world-building and vivid characters." (AudioFile Magazine)

Interesting story but incredibly confusing

The narrator's were fantastic. I absolutely enjoyed having all 3. It really set off the footnotes and made them enjoyable.

The overall story was interesting, but it was unnecessarily confusing. I'm 100% glad I listened to this via audiobook rather than suffered through all the pages.

Great book but a little of a struggle sometimes

I really do love this book the story is fantastic and keeps me guessing the only thing I don't like is how it is necessary to get some of the information through to the main character and then how he refuses to believe it, kind of like throwing a brick at a wall and then having a tantrum that it didn't stick, I do understand the main character is young and that could be there reason for it.

Good first book, phenomenal series

I almost didn't listen to this book because of the reviews describing how confusing the book was. Don't listen to them. It does sometimes take a little critical thinking to figure things out, but definitely worth it. The whole series is phenomenal, and though the world building is this first book can be confusing, it all comes together in the rest of the series. If the changing times lines is a source of confusion then my recommendation is to also have the written book to refer back to. Plus it contains descriptions of characters that can be helpful.

excellent story and narration

narrators do an excellent job creating distinct voices and characters. intriguing story with a well fleshed out world. story starts at two different timelines that merge together at the end. there are some loose ends that sets up for the sequel

amazing

best epic fantasy book ive read in a good while. its absolutely fantastic although sixty bucks is pretty pricey. the performance is top notch you definitely get what you pay for.