Publishers Weekly
03/22/2021
Explorations of the imprisoned mind of demon king Vol Karoth make for an abstract fourth entry in Lyons’s A Chorus of Dragons epic fantasy series (following The Memory of Souls). The wizard Senera Var gathers a group of unlikely allies at a lighthouse frozen in time to help hero Kihrin D’Mon defeat the weakened Vol Karoth. Meanwhile, Kihrin enters the desolate realm of Vol Karoth’s mind to confront him in a debate over the worth of humanity. Kihrin and Vol Karoth take turns summoning memories of Kihrin’s friends as evidence for their conflicting stances on human goodness. The assembled allies in the lighthouse also experience these memories, leading them and the reader to learn of the past adventures of side characters Galen D’Mon, Qown, Talea Ferandis, and others. The complex yet repetitive narrative structure will overwhelm most readers, and the philosophical nature of Kihrin’s quest is thought-provoking but too heady to carry the plot. Fans will hope this experimental outing is only a wobble before the series finds its footing ahead of its conclusion. Agent: Sam Morgan, the Lotts Agency. (May).
From the Publisher
Lyons has not only vaulted to the forefront of modern epic fantasy by delivering series entries in a timely fashion, but continues to stick the landing in excitement and with style points galore.”—Booklist, starred review
“Lyons's incredible world continues to grow . . . a fully realized story of magic and mayhem.”—Library Journal, starred review
Praise for The Ruin of Kings:
"It's impossible not to be impressed with the ambition of it all, the sheer, effervescent joy Lyons takes in the scope of her project . . . a larger-than-life adventure story about thieves, wizards, assassins and kings to dwell in for a good long while."—The New York Times
"Ms. Lyons is all set to take her readers on a long journey indeed, unfolding and unfolding like brilliant origami. So far, though, not a hairy chest in sight, nor a languishing maiden. Fantasy has moved on, and is all the better for it."—The Wall Street Journal
"An impressive and highly accomplished debut . . . The Ruin of Kings makes both an ideal introduction to epic fantasy and a rewarding read for fans of the genre."—The Los Angeles Times
"[A] jaw-dropping, action-packed story of betrayal, greed, and grand-scale conspiracy . . . Lyons ties it all together seamlessly to create literary magic. Epic fantasy fans looking for a virtually un-put-down-able read should look no further."—Kirkus, starred review
"With the scope and sense of fatality of Patrick Rothfuss, and well-choreographed action sense of Brandon Sanderson, Lyons leaps into the big leagues of epic fantasy and sticks the landing."—Booklist, starred review
"Tightly plotted . . . its lore and memorable characters will leave epic fantasy fans eager for the second volume."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"This stunning debut takes epic fantasy to a high level, portraying a world filled with magic, demons, gods, and dragons, in which politics and power plays are the laws of the land."—Library Journal, starred review
"Everything epic fantasy should be: rich, cruel, gorgeous, brilliant, enthralling and deeply, deeply satisfying. I loved it."—Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians
Library Journal
★ 03/01/2021
The Ritual of Night has failed, and the eight Immortals are now dead or beaten. Vol Karoth, the King of Demons, is almost assured to rise and escape from his eternal prison. Kihrin D'Mon has an idea to stop him, but the cost is one that should not be paid. Now several friends and a couple of enemies have been brought to the sacred space, the Lighthouse at Shadrag Gor, in one last attempt to stop Vol Karoth from freeing himself. Yet as the group battles within the mind, they discover secrets abound inside all of them. Outside, more destruction is readying at the hands of The Lash, a kraken, and Drehemia the dragon, along with a few undead pirates and magically enraged fighters. Can the group stand against the evil before them, or will they have to choose losing either the world or Kihrin? Lyons's (The Memory of Souls) incredible world continues to grow, as multiple points of view and flashbacks create a fully realized story of magic and mayhem. VERDICT Lyons creates an immersive and complex history filled with delightful characters, bold action, and surprising twists.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton
