Martha Wells just writes the most interesting main characters. I fell in love with this author's other series (Murderbot) so I was stoked to read a fantasy novel by her. Kai is a wonderful, slightly horrifying, extremely charismatic demon, and it was so much fun reading about him.

This isn't necessarily the easiest book to read because so much happens, but it is so worth the effort! I would highly recommend to fans of epic fantasy or Martha Wells' previous works!

I enjoyed Witch King. This was the first book of Martha’s that I read and I am looking forward to reading more.

I rarely give three star ratings, but this book was not what I was expecting. Having read All Systems Red by Martha Wells, I was excited to read a fantasy book by her. Fantasy is one of my top favorite genres and I know that high fantasy can be more involved and detailed. Which is definitely the case with this book. My problem is that I felt like I started the series with book two instead of book one.

The story starts out with the main character Kai, waking up and having to stop an enemy trying to enslave his consciousness. Kai is a demon prince and can possess bodies of the recently deceased. After freeing himself and his friend Ziede and rescuing a young girl named Sanja, they embark on a quest to see who had imprisoned them.

The book alternates between the past and the present. I feel like the past could have been the focus of the first book and then the present could have been book two. I found myself enjoying the past storyline much better.

For all the negative I’ve said about this book, I did enjoy the main characters. Kai was an entertaining character that feels deeply for his friends and family. I might try book two in this series, but it won’t be a book that I’ll be dying to read.

Okay this was good?? But it wasn't too mind-blowing, but also I wanted more??

I loved the world-building, and I loved the action. But because this is such a plot-driven novel, I feel like the characterization lacked for me? And that's a bit of waste because the characters are awesome and I loved reading about them. Sanja?? Dahin?? Tahren and Zeide?? And the tension or whatever between Bashasa and Kai?? Would have loved to read more about those 😆

Still, this is a solid book, a complex and rich SFF novel. For sure I need to read more from Martha Wells.

Is anyone surprised that Martha Wells has published another winner? Fans of the Murderbot Diaries might at first be confused by this complex fantasy story following a demon, a witch, and their friends as they try to find out who tried to sideline them before an important political gathering, but I hope they stick with it, because she delivers! I first fell in love with Wells' found family theme in the Murderbot books, then the Raksura series, and am happy to say she continues to build strong friend groups in this novel. At this point I will read literally anything she ever publishes.

Included as a top pick in weekly May New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)

My only experience of this author was the first Murderbot book so I was interested to see their take on fantasy. Well I can say that this book is fabulous, hooking you in from the start with a mystery, escape, action and an intertwining of the past and present.
Demon prince Kai-Enna finds himself in a watery grave the only way to trap a demon. However the grave has been disturbed and this wakes Kai, confused but able to function and he searches for his friend the witch Ziede Daiayahah who he finds have been put in an enchanted sleep with him in the same tower. Obviously betrayed, Kai wakes Ziede, fights the mages attempting to steal his power and saves a slave girl called Sanja.
Kai had led a revolution with Bashasa who had rescued him from entrapment by a conquering race called the Hierarchs. The Hierachs had overrun the worlds main races, Immortal Blessed, Witches, Saredi but Kai and Bashasa were able to turn the tide and bring the coalition of the Rising Worlds to prominence.
The story is told from two timelines, this can be tedious but certainly not in this case. Both storylines are compelling and they add richness to each other so both journeys mirror each other. We learn that Kai's magic is based in pain, however pain created in his body and that he can siphon the life force from other races.
Kai and Ziede not only want to find out who has betrayed them but also find Ziede's lost spouse Tahren and their sibling Dahin which leads them on a quest to the Summer palace, where their story started, and beyond.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to a sequel! My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.

I am always blown away by Martha Wells and her story telling. This was everything I wanted it to be and more. I loved the world building and how Wells really doesn’t hold back at all. I even really enjoyed the time jumping. Wells has a way of creating morally grey characters that we just can’t help but adore. I can’t wait to read what she does next.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc

I was super excited for this book but sadly I was disappointed.

I hate giving reviews to books I don’t end up liking. Because writers give a lot of their time and love into writing their book. Sitting here and saying how much you hate it feels wrong. So I will give some positive points before the bad.

•The resume is captivating to me. It made me really want to read this book.

•The cover is beautiful!

•The plot of this book was an interesting concept.

•The characters names were original and beautiful. Tho I had no clue who was who and I could not keep up.

•I had heard about a whale being in this book and it really interested me. I was curious to see what part it played in this novel. It was very original.

Sadly the concept of this story was not enough to make me enjoy this book. I had absolutely no freaking idea what was happening half the time.
Here are some reasons why.

•Again, the names of characters were extremely confusing to keep up with.

•The characters just felt like they were popping up. I had no clue where they came from, who they were and what they were doing.

•The places, the groups/factions (i guess you could call them that?) we’re not easy to remember. Neither were they explained very well. I couldn’t keep track of anything.

•The time skips to the past??? It took me a few chapters to realize that every other chapter was about the past. I was so utterly confused. Like it isn’t really clear. There is no time stamp or date at the beginning on the chapter. It just jumps right in. it disorientates you.

•The body switching concept with Kai confused the hell out of me.

It really truly felt like I was reading a book in a different language.

I did DNF this book around the last 100 pages. I just couldn’t anymore. I am still counting it as read cuz I think the headache a suffered reading this gives me the right to consider it so.

I will maybe give this book I try again one day. But for many reasons this boom will be given a 3 stars.

Tho there were a lot of negative for me I will congratulate the other for putting lots of time and dedication into this book. I think no matter what others say, she should be proud. I am just one of many who will read this book. I know other people will enjoy this novel. Putting time and effort into something, whether you fail or succeed is something to be extremely proud of. Because at least you tried.

Oh my soul is broken. Okay it wasn’t that bad, it’s like a 2.5 out of 5 stars for me. Like there's a morsel of enjoyment there, kinda. I just found this book to be as dry as the Sahara desert. The story itself was the best part. So Two different timelines, one at the height of the main character's power and then another, set after his betrayal by an unknown ally. but the way it was written, I don’t know, I couldn’t enjoy it at it’s max. This book reminds me why I really hated The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons because there's also a double timeline here moving back and forth between past and present, which only adds another level of confusion and no, it’s not like I can’t read double timelines, but it has to be coherent and it didn’t feel like that here. I had problems remembering and deciphering between characters, locations, lore. The names never stuck and I read the opening introduction multiple times.  For all the time that I'd spent reading this whole book with these characters, I had no idea what they were going to do what to think of there choices because I didn't feel I had a good grasp on the world at all, or whether they were still in danger, or...anything. I was left pretty confused by this book, wondering what I was supposed to get out of it. Yeah, maybe martha wells is too smart for the world because it felt like I read a book that was written by an ancient alien language and then transcoded into English..

Kai wakes in a tomb, where a foolish expositor thinks he can make the demon known as the Witch King into a familiar. Killing the man and freeing himself, a child named Sanja, and Kai's friend, Zeide, the three leave to figure out who imprisoned them for the better part of a year and Zeidie's missing wife, Tahren, before it's too late.

The narrative shifts back and forth between Kai's present and past, when he was a young demon with the Saredi clan who was attacked by the Hierarchs, a warlike people who descended from the south and took over much of the world. The stories fit together beautifully, but the ride is a complicated one, as the past and present both have a lot of political maneuvering and characters to keep track of (the Dramatis Personae at the beginning is only minor help, as it doesn't touch on every named character). I loved the depth of world-building and found the ending completely satisfying. This is one that would reward rereading.

Very mixed feelings on this book. I was really excited as I read and enjoyed Murderbot 1 and heard many amazing things about that series. The world is very interesting and complex but feels rather under-explained. Similarly, the politics are convoluted and I’m not sure I understand what exactly happened in the book. I found the past storyline more interesting than the present, but I do think the mix was executed well. The diversity in terms of gender expressions, roles etc. was great and fascinating part of the book.

Overall, I’d be interested in continuing but getting through this was a bit tedious since it’s dense.

Thanks so much to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with this e-Arc! I have a planned review of this on my Instagram and will also review on Goodreads once I get to this read. This is one of my most anticipated reads of this year! Until then, I am giving a star rating as a placeholder on Netgalley. Stay tuned for my in depth review on all my social media platforms!

As a huge fan of the Murderbot series, I was very excited to receive The Witch King from Netgalley. Sadly, I did not find that the characters resonated with me. Kai is a demon who we first meet captured by unknown enemies and the story is he needs to find out who they are. In a second storyline we go back in time to find out the backstory. I found the jumps between the timelines to be annoying and never really connected with the people in the backstory. Kai had moments of sardonic humor which were enjoyable but overall felt most of the characters were flat. Just a meh for me.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC - my opinions are my own.

One of my most anticipated titles and it didn't disappoint! I love Martha Wells work and was delighted to see her return to fantasy. Her world-building is immense; you can feel the age, the hidden histories, the scope of cultures and places beyond what is hinted at in the book and I adored it. I would happily read a dozen books set in this world. Add in a great cast and it was a true treat

I enjoyed this book immensely. It took me quite by surprise, and intrigue that I literally set aside every other book I was reading, and was just reading this, at every waking hour, and free minute.
The story molds around a world that is still emerging from the rebellions and the broken shackles of a powerful force, the Hierarchs. The threat of them returning with more force lingers, as a tenuous coalition works in force. The mortals teamed up with the witches and the demons to come to this coalition, and as the dust settles, there is always someone vying for more power. The book puts the reader smack in the middle of such a timeline, which can be confusing, and much of the narration info- dump-y. Split into narrations that depict the present and the past which comprises of the uprising and subsequent freedom, it can be frustrating as the entire picture is still not in view. I believe that was on purpose in order to avoid too much information based narration, rather than the plot.
The plot is essentially a very political one and the story is more character driven than plot.
Kai is a demon.. a demon given the moniker of Witch King. Unlike the grey moral characters, demons in this world though still shunned by many, are embraced by others into a symbiotic relation, and Kai showcases more humanity than some power wielding humans,
The delicate balance of power, both magical and political and the intricate woven magic system, complete with sign language used as witch speak was a very fresh take on world building for me. Kai is powerful, sassy at best, with Ziede adding more spice to the sass.
I can understand of people do not like it as well, as the chapters are long and very information heavy than narration heavy, and that can frustrate some readers. I was surprised that I wasn’t because, I am not someone who enjoys character driven storyline’s, with baseline plot being revealed at a snail’s pace. But dual timelines, and very charming (devilishly so, if I may add) characters had me hooked.
Thank you netgalley for the e-ARC.
#WiTcHkInG #NetGalley

Rating of 4.5.

Acclaimed science fiction author Martha Wells returns to fantasy fiction in a big way with a cool new epic novel, Witch King.

Kai is having a very bad day. Awakening after an unknown period of imprisonment in a specially designed underwater cell, Kai is annoyed to find an arrogant magic user attempting to bind him to their will. However, Kai is no mere demon, he is Kaiisteron, the Witch King, a legendary figure who, with the help of his heroic friends, saved the world from the nefarious Hierarchs and the led the current nations to freedom.

Now freed from his tomb and inhabiting the body of the mortal who foolishly tried to control him, Kai needs to find out who trapped him and why. Accompanied by his long-time friend, the witch Ziede, and Sanja, the young woman intended to be sacrificed to him, Kai emerges once again into the world, trying to figure out what is changed and who benefited from his absence. However, nothing is as it seems, and Kai and Ziede soon discover that their other friends and comrades have also gone missing.

Determined to get to the truth, Kai, Ziede and Sanja begin their search for answers, but soon find themselves under attack from all corners. Dangerous magic users, powerful angelic creatures and lethal killers are all hunting for them, and everyone seems to have their own agenda. To survive, Kai and Ziede will need to dive into their dark history, and the legendary war they fought years ago. But the secrets they uncover will reveal dark truths about people they thought were their friends, and soon they will be forced to face the terrible consequences of their past mistakes. Can these legendary figures survive in a world that turned against them to find their loved ones, or has their adventure finally come to an end?

This was a pretty awesome read from Wells. Witch King has a gripping and intense story that really gets your attention early on and wows you with its elaborate world and interesting characters. I had a great time reading this book, and while I struggled to get through it quickly, I ended up really enjoying it and I am very interested in seeing how Wells follows it up.

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https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/06/24/...

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I approached "Witch King" with high expectations, drawn by the intriguing premise and the fact that Martha Wells, whose previous works I've enjoyed, was returning to the fantasy genre. However, after reading the book, I'm left feeling rather disappointed and underwhelmed.

While the concept of a demon prince with the ability to inhabit deceased bodies held promise, the execution fell flat. The alternating timelines, meant to add depth and mystery, only served to confuse and frustrate me as a reader. The convoluted plot, which I can appreciate if backed by engaging characters, failed to connect with me emotionally. Kai, the protagonist, lacked the depth and charisma necessary to truly invest in his journey. I struggled to feel any attachment or care for him as a character.

One aspect that particularly let me down was the writing style. Martha Wells' prose, which had previously captivated me in her other works, felt surprisingly dry and devoid of charm. The storytelling lacked the vivacity and spark that I had come to expect. Coupled with poor pacing, the reading experience became tedious, and I frequently found myself losing interest and struggling to maintain focus.

The world-building, while holding potential, felt muted and unrealized. I longed for a deeper exploration of the secondary world, its intricacies, and its impact on the characters and their motivations. Instead, I was left with more questions than answers, which left me unsatisfied.

Even the supporting cast of characters failed to make a lasting impression. The large ensemble felt overwhelming and lacked the development needed to evoke genuine interest. I struggled to form connections with them, and their individual quests and motivations often felt overshadowed and disconnected from the main narrative.

In conclusion, "Witch King" didn't live up to my expectations. Despite an interesting premise, the book lacked the charm, emotional depth, and engaging storytelling I had hoped for. The dry writing style, confusing plot structure, and underdeveloped characters made it a challenging read that left me feeling indifferent. As a fan of Martha Wells, it pains me to say that I cannot recommend this particular work. I suggest exploring her other, more captivating novels instead.

One of my most anticipated reads of the year, one that exceeded even my wildest expectations. Wells writes amazingly complex worlds with deep characters and intricate plots, to the point where I felt comfortable recommending Witch King even before I read it. Now, after reading it more than three times, all I want to do is write this review quickly so I can read it again. Kaiisteron is a prince of demons, living in a human body and instrumental in the overthrowing of the genocidal Hierarchs decades ago. With an important treaty coming up for renewal, Kai and his closest allies have been kidnapped and imprisoned, and Kai will do anything to see them freed. Kai is a complex demon - kind and loving, able to wither life and claim bodies, a hero and a legend and a nightmare all in one. His past is beautiful and traumatic, his motives simple - protect the people he loves, because he has lost too much to lose more. Rarely have I wanted a sequel to a self-contained story as much as I want one for Witch King - I badly want to spend more time in Kai's world. Read it, and share my new obsession.

Great news! I love Martha Wells in all her forms!
In some ways this is a HUGE deviation from the style of Murderbot, which is: extremely fast-paced (and short), very light on the lore and background, internal and existential, and also, oh yeah, sci-fi. What it does share: a protagonist who couldn’t give less of a flip, strong platonic relationships, and DELIGHTFUL wit and character!!

I also love the full commitment to blowing past “morally grey man begrudgingly adopts A Child” to just straight up “morally grey man meets abandoned child, immediately adopts and protects” yes ma’am!!! Maybe the secret is you don’t always have to learn to love, maybe you just love from the beginning and also murder people!!!

I’ll be honest: the lore and names in this are wild. I followed about 13% of it, rounded up. But I also didn’t care that I didn’t follow it at all, because the characters are fun and the journey is fun and it didn’t impact my story experience that I can’t explain The Heirchary or tell you definitively in Nient-arik is a person or location.

Overall: this book is a treat. If you enjoy the classic kind of fantasy with complex class systems and historical background, you’ll really like this. It’s witch and demon-based, not elf and wizard, but it feels like it’s in the same ballpark. If you’re looking for a Martha Wells entry point I still think All Systems Red is the way to go (how can it not be, with the greatest opening paragraph of all time), but also I’m not the typical reader of lore-heavy fantasy. If that’s your cup of tea, this is a delicious one.

Thank you NetGalley, thank you human embodiment of joy at TOR, thank you Martha Wells!! Please know I am not above begging for System Collapse, please and thank you