The Justice of Kings- Richard Swan

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Brief Synopsis of The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan

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The Justice of Kings, the first in a new epic fantasy trilogy, follows the tale of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice – a detective, judge and executioner all in one. As he unravels a web of secrets and lies, Vonvalt discovers a plot that might destroy his order once and for all – and bring down the entire Empire.

As an Emperor's Justice, Sir Konrad Vonvalt always has the last word. His duty is to uphold the law of the empire using whatever tools he has at his disposal: whether it's his blade, the arcane secrets passed down from Justice to Justice, or his wealth of knowledge of the laws of the empire. But usually his reputation as one of the most revered—and hated—Justices is enough to get most any job done.

When Vonvalt investigates the murder of a noblewoman, he finds his authority being challenged like never before. As the simple case becomes more complex and convoluted, he begins to pull at the threads that unravel a conspiracy that could see an end to all Justices, and a beginning to lawless chaos across the empire

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I would like to thank Richard Swan and Orbit Books for the chance to read an E-Arc through NetGalley.

The Justice of Kings, the first book in his Empire of the Wolf Trilogy, and I must say it's gonna be hard to go up from here. So this is Richard Swan's debut novel and it doesn't read like one. This is the kind of book that separates the sea of mediocre and downright bad books from books that are so well written and executed that it is extremely refreshing. In retrospect, it reads to me primarily as a plot-driven book with strong characterization. I can think of multiple characters who I am interested in seeing where they go from here. It wasn't just one or two with a host of supporting characters, most made a lasting impression.

I tend to go back and forth with Kindle books and start quite a few concurrently. This was one of the few books that really held on to my interest and I was able to finish it within a few days.

I was reminded of Anthony Ryan while I read this. I felt a similar tone and prose and that's a good thing as Anthony Ryan is at the top of the genre.

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This book is quick to immerse you in its world and the world-building is subtle and makes you yearn for more. It had very strong characterization, strong prose, and a great plot, all components which put this book higher than much of what I've read recently.

I rarely give 5 stars to books as 5/5 means the book was perfect. Nearly all books aren't perfect but The Justice of Kings was amazing and I give it a 4.5/5.

If a book can keep me from continually switching what I'm reading and keep my interest it gets an automatic 4.

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Go pick up Justice of Kings by Richard Swan now, and give him a follow on Twitter.

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The Justice of Kings

4.5/5