I had a lot of fun reading Blood of the Old Kings. The first chapter with Loran latched onto me like a facehugger. I enjoy fantasy stories, but I've always found myself put off when fantasy books go so hard with the world-building while the story moves at a painfully slow pace. I know that's a specific reason why people like the fantasy genre, but I didn't have that problem with this book since it gives me the basic rundown for its world and trusts me to use my imagination while it adds in the other details as the story goes along. I appreciate Sung-il Kim's efficient storytelling. Having three main characters (Loran, Arienne, and Cain) provided a good base for the story. Most of the chapters are viewed through just one main character's perspective, but as they all connect it works out like a stacked three-piece ensemble. During the times when I had to put down the book (work, life, and all that) I found myself wondering if certain elements in the story were symbolism for modern day capitalism, work ethic, and/or imperialism. While the book does leave room for more, I enjoyed how Sung-il Kim was able to make me care about a fictional world in just one book (at least it's one book in the English release). I'd recommend this for people who want to get back into reading more, but are the type of person who feels put off when their friends are trying to get them into a book series that just has seven volumes (so far) or a show that already has several seasons available that they are pressured to binge.

Through characters on their own paths of survival and resistance to the Empire's control of the entire known world, Kim creates a world of intrigue and heart-pounding dramatic events. Kim emphasizes plot over character, though still conveying emotional depth, and his focus on ordinary people becoming reluctant heroes is a fresh contribution to the fantasy trope of rebellion against an imperial power, with exciting plot twists and nail-biting narrow escapes building to the kind of crescendo that ignites passion for revolution. Intrigue and suspense are layered into this exciting story about an Empire's control of necromancy and the brewing rebellion forcing ordinary people into heroic roles.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars--

I absolutely love seeing books in translation in the fantasy/sci-fi genre. Blood of the Old Kings is a great start to this fantasy trilogy all about resistance to empire.

The story is told through three main characters, all of whom are from Arland, a territory conquered by the Empire. Many were forced to flee to the Empire's capital to escape punishment after a dragon-riding king led a rebellion decades before. Cain is one of these refugees. He was helped by a an Arlander woman, whose sudden murder he now seeks to solve.

Arienne is a young Arlander who was forcibly removed to the capital by the empire because she displayed talent for magic. The empire has stamped out all local, indigenous magic practices, and instead harnesses the power of would-be sorcerers after their death by turning them into "power generators." Arienne is desperate to avoid this fate

Finally, Loran is a brave Arlander woman whose husband and daughter were killed by the empire. This fuels her rage and ambition to strike at the Empire. She seeks help from a dragon imprisoned by the Empire.

All of these POV were enjoyable, but Arienne's was definitely my favorite, perhaps because she is the vehicle through which the reader discovers more about this world's magic system, which is one of the more original parts of the book. Otherwise, the plot felt a bit too fantasy world Star Wars for me--with the evil empire, rebel fighters, and threat of a civilization destroying "Death Star" style weapon (literally called the Star of Mersia). I did love how the three POV all contribute to resistance in different ways.

Overall, I thought the translation was pretty great. Early on the prose felt a bit stilted, but it got better as the book went on. Or I got used to it. Either way, I felt able to fully immerse myself in the story without distraction or confusion in the English translation.

Blood of the Old Kings left off on a big cliffhanger and I will definitely be looking out for the second installment.

Many thanks to Tor Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

While I liked some elements of this and the cover is so nice, I just didn't love this. We follow 3 different characters in this story and they all have their own plots and distinctive voices, but they lack personality or depth. They're one-dimensional and exist for the plot, so that wasn't super engaging to me. Additionally, this felt a bit convoluted to me, I had trouble just being engaged with everyone's plots and my mind kept wandering, I wasn't hooked by any of it even though there was a lot going on. So, yeah, this was mid for me, but I see a lot of people loving it and I think anyone intrigued by the description should give it a try.

"Blood of the Old Kings" is an enthralling fantasy novel that captivates from start to finish. The intricate world-building and richly developed characters create a compelling backdrop for a story brimming with adventure and intrigue. The plot weaves together themes of power, loyalty, and redemption, keeping readers hooked with its unexpected twists and high stakes. With its vivid prose and immersive storytelling, this book is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.

I was immediately drawn to this book because of its incredibly beautiful cover. But apart from that, I have to admit that I really liked how Kim started the story! I was immediately engrossed in the plot and became incredibly eager to read it.

The universe itself is extremely fascinating, containing parts of the traditional high fantasy setting. I really enjoyed how quickly the chapters moved along, switching between points of view often, and I never got tired of any one of them.

The tale was captivating, and there was a fair variety of interesting people. This novel is told from the perspectives of three main characters, each of whom has an unique background and set of goals. I adored Loran and Arienne so much. Fantasy books rarely feature deep female characters, and Kim does a fantastic job developing compelling, likable heroines in this book.

This is a beautiful world full of unanswered questions and a wealth of untapped potential. I'm excited to read more works from Sung-il Kim and will get them as soon as I can. Blood of the Old Kings is the perfect fantasy novel if you're searching for a compelling story with intriguing characters and a sinister magic system.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Tor Publishing Group for an advance copy of the first book in a fantasy series, that wastes no time in setting up the story, and takes place in a world that is full of real wonder, real mysteries and the most creative use of magic and magicians I have read in quite a while.

Back in the day I loved fantasy novels and read them as quick as I could find them, or read reviews of in Dragon magazine. As I got older though I became a little tired with a lot of the tropes, the many books that seemed to be killing trees more than entertaining me. Huge stories, that took so long to build, one could wait a year or two just to find the characters starting their plot. Science fiction was entering that stage too, and I turned away a lot from genre books. That ended when I noticed that new risks were starting to be taken. New ideas, new writers and a feeling that stories mattered, not just the cool world one can make a companion map book about and sell at the holiday. The last couple of years I've probably read more books of fantasy than in the previous fifteen years if not more. Few though have gripped me so quickly, made me know the day was going to be spent reading, and not on those chores I promised myself to do. And made me excited to see what was coming. Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-il Kim, translated from Korean by Anton Hur, is a story about dragons, yes, but about guilt, remorse, honor, the weight of responsibility, adventure, with one of the most uses for magic I have read in a book.

The book goes right from the first page, so I will just describe the characters, as I don't want to ruin anything. Loran, is a sword teacher whose husband and child have been murdered by representatives of the grand Empire that rules them. The Empire is all powerful, with powered armor, great machines that can destroy cities, and pull dragons from the sky. Loran has entered into a deal, one that might change her vision of revenge, but might allow her to defeat the enemies stacked against her. Arienne was gifted with the power of magic from an early age, and was taken from her parents and brought to the capital of the Empire to be educated in her gift. A gift that seems more of a burden, and one that seems not to end on her death. Arienne has a plan to escape, and aided by a voice only she can hear, proceeds to do so, though her mind is weighed down by a great burden. Cain is a child of the streets, taken from his home and brought to the capital where he was abandoned. Cain makes his way by helping others with things only a person who lives on the border of law and criminality can do. Cain is content with his lot, until his mentor, the one who saved him is found murdered. Investigating Cain finds himself in a conspiracy against the Empire, and not sure on what side he wants to be on.

Few books start so fast and keep the interest of readers up, but this one did. Which is remarkable as the author had to do it with three different characters, in three different places. Kim is a very good writer, the characters are distinctive, with different ethics, and ways of dealing with problems. And all contain an inner strength that gradually comes to the surface. The world is really interesting, and told in a way that is shown, never told. Plus the magic is handled really well, and uniquely. There are sword fights, sieges, poisonings, acts of daring, dragons, semi-mech battles even a bit of body horror. Also a lot of questions about power, responsibility, and what is right. And how evil people can be.

This is the first in a trilogy, but there is a ending to this, one that promises more, but does not leave a reader going ahh. I really look forward to more. This is a rich world, with a lot of potential, a lot of questions waiting to be answered, and some great writing to enjoy. A great gift for a person who loves fantasy, or like myself, once did but fell away. They will want a lot more after this.

This was a fun fantasy set in a rich world that I feel could have been explored in a little more depth. I liked all of the characters, and I was really intrigued by the worldbuilding, but the book started right at the beginning of all of the action. There was very little exposition, and with such an interesting world, I wish the author had taken some more time to set the scene.

It was incoherent. I couldn't keep up with the plot and couldn't see how everything connected. I feel like something was lost in translation.

4.5 stars

Easily one of the best new fantasies I've read in the last couple of years, and a very solid start to what I hope will be a series (based on the author's note at the end it seems like it will be a trilogy?). For readers who don't enjoy cliffhangers though, you don't have to worry here as it does end on a fairly satisfying note.

Blood of the Old Kings is a modern high fantasy novel following three main characters - Loran, Arienne, and Cain. Loran, driven by her desire for revenge against the Empire that murdered her husband and child, strikes a deal with a dragon to take back her home kingdom of Arland in exchange for magical powers. Arienne is a sorcerer-in-training in the capital city of the Empire, where all sorcerers are harvested after they die to become power generators for the Empire. Out of desperation to avoid this fate, she follows the instructions of a strange voice in her head and steals one of the bodies of a power generator in the basement of the Academy and goes on the run. Cain also lives in the city, and is a very well-connected Arlander. A close friend of his is found dead, and he wants to find out what happened to her.

From start to finish, this book was such an entertaining ride. The pacing was quick, flipping between POVs frequently, with short chapters, which reallly worked for me as I never got bored with any one POV. If I had one critique, it's that I do wish some scenes were a bit more fleshed out, especially towards the end, but that's really me nitpicking.

The worldbuilding is probably my favourite thing about this book. It's done in a very piecemeal fashion, and Kim only ever provides you with just enough information to keep you interested. I personally love this type of worldbuilding, as it makes me want to actively read more to learn about the world, and I never felt like I was getting a huge info dump at any given time. The world itself is also super interesting, with elements of gaslamp fantasy weaved in with the classic high fantasy setting. The magic system is definitely on the looser/softer side, so if you're someone who doesn't like magic systems with no rules at all, this might not be for you. I think it works here, and adds a sense of whimsy that I personally really enjoyed. I'm interested to see how the sequels will expand on the world.

As for the characters, I found the three main POV characters to be pretty well fleshed out considering how few pages are really in this book. In particular, I really loved Arienne and Loran, and I think that Kim does a great job at not falling into the trap of any character archetypes in general. Cain reminds me a lot of Grey from The Rook & Rose series by M.A. Carrick, so if you've read that series and you like Grey, I think you'd really like Cain as well. We also meet a few additional side characters that piqued my interest, but I don't think we got enough time with them, so hopefully we'll get to see more later on in the series.

In a genre that can often feel quite formulaic, Blood of the Old Kings felt new and refreshing, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this. The translation read very smooth to me, so I want to give props to Anton Hur for his translation as well. I highly recommend Blood of the Old Kings for anyone who is interested in dragons, gaslamp fantasy, colonial themes, strong female characters, and just a fun adventure.

The storytelling didn't resonate with me, and I struggled with the characters. It wasn't a great match for me, but I believe others might enjoy it more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for providing me with this ARC.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard that there are only so many unique ideas in the world and it’s impossible to come up with a completely original idea. Blood of the Old Kings, with its standout world-building, interesting characters, and unparalleled magic system, is proof that there are still new stories to tell.

I was immediately grabbed by the opening of Blood of the Old Kings, which features a woman, named Loran, looking for revenge against the Empire, who murdered her family and subjugated her homeland, by climbing into a volcano and forging a world-altering pact with a dragon. Loran is a character who has already lost everything and therefore has nothing to fear, which makes her fascinating to watch. And who doesn't love an underdog story with a good fight against an evil empire? On the opposite end of the spectrum from Loran's nigh on suicidal fight, is Arienne, a sorcerer, who, like all sorcerers, is doomed to become a power generator for the Empire for all eternity, and desperately wants to live. Somewhere in the middle of these two extremes falls the third narrator, Cain, who merely seeks to find out the truth of what happened to his murdered friend and to make her memory proud.

"Do not forget that it is to the Empire that you have lost your birthright."

A lot of time in fantasy novels, the hopping between narrators can be pretty jarring and even cause pacing issues—that is not the case in Blood of the Old Kings. There is always something interesting going on with every single character. Plus, as one character took action, the ripple effects were felt by the other characters, who consequently made decisions based off of them. This made everything feel very connected and that every characters’ actions were significant, adding to the excitement and tension of the novel. It didn’t hurt that I was invested in all of the narrators. Though there isn’t a whole lot of time dedicated to exploring the intricacies of the characters’ pasts, author Sung Il-Kim does a fantastic job of doling out just enough information on all of the characters to keep them mysterious and potentially even more dangerous, while also keeping them relatable.

"The power generators were inscrutable things, and not wanting to become one even more desperately than not wanting to die, Arienne found herself here—in the small hours of the morning and following a strange, unknown voice, breaking the unbreakable rules."*

I especially loved reading from the perspectives of both Loran and Arienne. Blood of the Old Kings makes both characters forces to be reckoned with, but in different ways. Neither woman is simply the stone cold badass bitch type that we see so often in media and popular culture—they are nuanced characters with different motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. It’s rare to have a complex female character in a fantasy novel that isn’t reduced to some trope, let alone two. And it's even more wonderful to see these women fighting their own battles and in the case of Loran, spearheading her own revolution.

Though what initially attracted me to the book was the idea of sorcerers being turned into power generators, when I started reading Blood of the Old Kings, I really enjoyed the setting of the novel as well. In this world, there are dragons and sorcerers, sure, but there’s also carriages, machines powered by dead sorcerers, people enhanced by metal, and so on. I am not 100% sure if this magitek-esque filled world qualifies as a gaslamp fantasy, per se, but that’s the closest term I’ve found to encompass this world that blends magic, technology, and a more Victorian-esque feel. Throughout the entire novel, the ubiquity of the Empire is ever-present, feeling like a character in its own right. Characters must not only evade their armies, but the Academy of Sorcerers who will stop at nothing to keep their sorcerers confined within their walls, and the Ministry of Truth, who will surreptitiously take entire families, friends, and acquaintances on suspicion alone and make them disappear.

The one thing that I found a bit lacking in Blood of the Old Kings was the page allotment to certain events in the novel. There were several times in the novel when I found the narrative choice to spend so much time on certain events odd. I think these moments would have been better spent on other parts of the novel, such as character development and more nitty-gritty details about the fantastic world-building and magic system. I would have loved to have more detail on just about everything in Blood of the Old Kings because I loved the world and the characters so much. However, I do think that by sticking with giving more of an overview of the world, it not only allowed for the fast-pacing of the novel, but also maintained the air of mystery, which in turn, made me even more excited to read the next book and get some answers.

"Destiny may offer men and women who would be kings, but only the people may exalt them."

I think it is worth noting that some readers may find the prose of the novel a little off-putting. That is not to say that the translation (the novel was originally written in Korean) isn't well done—it is—but the prose itself is very direct and to the point (what the author refers to as "crisp prose" in his note at the end of the novel), and I think some readers may find the minimalist technique not to their taste. Personally, I enjoyed this style, as it kept the flow even and the action moving. Many times when reading a translated novel, it feels like something is missing or that the connection to the work isn’t quite what it should be, something I felt with The Witcher series, but that is not the case with Blood of the Old Kings. Many kudos to the translator, Anton Hur, who created such a smooth experience—I wouldn’t have even known it was a translated novel just by reading the work.

Blood of the Old Kings has so much to offer and is an incredibly promising start to a new trilogy. I am highly anticipating future installments in the series and will pick them up as soon as possible. If you’re looking for a gripping fantasy with captivating characters and a dark and unique magic system, look no further than Blood of the Old Kings.

*All quotes taken from an ARC and subject to change at time of publication.

Exciting Asian-fantasy. Riveting and moving. We will definitely be ordering for our library. Our fantasy book club will love it too.

Blood of the Old Kings seems to ask the question, "what if the Evil Empire was Evil, but the alternative is possibly worse?" The Empire in Blood of the Old Kings is incredibly vast and has managed to conquer the entire world. (It's organization is very Roman Empire themed, and the overal feel is very Western fantasy setting.) It is an empire run on the power generated by dead sorcerers. There are various insurrections happening in this vast empire at all times, but the sorcerer-powered technology of the Empire is not something the priests, wizards, witches and old gods can stand against for very long.

Our Protagonists are:

Loran: A woman with just enough royal blood to sneak into the place where the Dragon of Arland, guardian of the royal line has been imprisoned. She is granted a sword and power by the dragon in exchange for one of her eyes. Her mission: to become King of Arland. She falls in with an insurgent group who really are not all that trustworthy. They tend to treat her with contempt, because she is not "a real princess."

Arienne: Is a student sorcerer who knows no magic because the only thing the Imperial Sorcerer's Academy teaches you is how to be a battery. She is convinced by a mysterious voice to run away from the school and is lured by promises of learning real magic. However, it slowly becomes apparent that the voice really can't be trusted, and isn't going to teach her anything.

Cain: Is a man who survives mostly by his wits and a complex web of favors and alliances. He fled from Arland as a young boy after an attempted rebellion there killed his parents. He discovers he was somewhat adjacent to an Arland mutual aid society that may or may not be a front for an insurgent group, after the murder of a friend. While attempting to investigate his friend's death, he's been pressed into service by Imperial agents as a informant. This is not great and becomes less great when he runs across Arienne, our runaway sorcerer, who he decides to help escape.

This is a complicated book with a lot of twists and turns. Of the three protagonists I think I like Cain the best, as Arienne and Loran are extremely naive and get into huge trouble because of it. Inexperience is only interesting to me if they learn quickly. (Arienne and Loran are not learning quickly. This is a good characterization choice given the characters backgrounds, but it still creates a sense of "neither of these women are going to be the Last Girl.") Cain is also in huge trouble, but seems more likely to survive it, as he seems more worldly and skilled. (I like it when protagonists don't die!) The setting and worldbuilding is fascinating, as are the uses of magic-tech. The main themes involve conflict between "industrialization" and "traditional ways," with both systems being put in a negative light.

This book review was based on a galley copy received from NetGalley.

30 yr old Loran promises herself and literally sacrifices an eye to the dragon in return for a magical sword and the might to fight an evil colonial empire for the ability at vengeance, the empire having killed her husband and daughter. Her frustration, her occasional impotence in the face of power and her impatience with the ugly side of politics profiting from the sacrifices of average citizens spoke to me deeply. I enjoyed the found family feel in an older sibling sans romance way. Loran’s story is interwoven with empire politics, intrigue and the mysterious death of a dye merchant irrelevant to everyone but her close friends, one who decides to figure out what happened to her. But the deeper he looks, the more connections he finds and the more dangerous the situation reveals itself for everyone. These stories braid together with a magic system that is easily accessible.

At first I wanted a hard line between adult and ya fantasy. But the variety of ages in main characters, readability and fast moving story quickly made that irrelevant and will make this appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. A book I both wanted to be a stand alone and couldn’t imagine being complete in a single volume. The characters are vulnerable in impossible situations and likable enough that I wanted them all to succeed and go on sharing more of their adventures with me. Luckily, Tor has rights to the entire trilogy.

A deeply adventurous, fast moving story threaded through with themes of corrupt power, wealth and advantages taken upon the poorer and less powerful. Always a hopeful, defiant spirit. Always a feeling of respect and loyalty and above all a profound valuing of humans, all of them. I especially enjoyed the balancing of women in positions of power and authority in the face of cultural misogyny.

Looking for smutty smut with a side of dragons? This isn’t it. Looking for accessible translated fiction that picks up speed like a roller coaster and offers a thoroughly enjoyable escapist read, pick this up for sure. Look for it in October 2024 in the US. Thanks to Netgalley and Tordotcom for the Earc.

Title: Blood of the Old Kings

Author: Sung-il Kim
Genre: Fantasy

Rating: ★★★★☆
Release Date:8th October 2024


"Blood of the Old Kings" by Sung-il Kim, translated by Anton Hur, kicks off an epic adventure filled with magic, revenge, and rebellion. This enthralling tale weaves the stories of three strangers whose paths intertwine as they challenge a formidable Empire powered by the corpses of sorcerers. Here’s why this book deserves a solid four stars.

The Empire, claiming peace and stability, uses the power of dead wizards to conquer and control. However, not everyone is convinced by this facade of peace. Among the dissenters are Loran, Cain, and Arienne—three individuals with personal vendettas against the Empire.
* Loran, a fierce swordswoman, seeks revenge after the Empire kills her family. Her journey leads her to a dormant dragon’s lair, where she acquires a sword made from the dragon’s fang and a renewed sense of purpose.
* Cain, an orphan in the Imperial Capital, finds solace and survival thanks to a kind mentor. When his friend is brutally murdered, Cain’s quest for justice threatens to spark a war.
* Arienne, destined to become a Power Generator for the Empire upon her death, starts hearing the whispers of a powerful necromancer. Realising the horror of her fate, she begins to question her predetermined path and yearns for true freedom.

What I Loved:

1. Complex Characters: Each protagonist is richly developed with compelling backstories and motivations. Loran’s fierce determination, Cain’s relentless pursuit of justice, and Arienne’s internal conflict make them relatable and engaging.
2. Rich World-Building: The Empire’s use of dead wizards as a power source is a unique and chilling concept. The detailed description of the Empire’s workings, its oppressive rule, and the diverse landscapes the characters traverse create a vivid and immersive setting.
3. Interwoven Narratives: The way Loran, Cain, and Arienne’s stories gradually converge is masterfully done. Each character’s journey adds layers to the overarching plot, making the stakes feel personal and high.
4. Themes of Rebellion and Freedom: The novel explores profound themes like the fight for justice, the quest for freedom, and the power of truth against tyranny. These themes resonate throughout the story, adding depth to the characters' struggles.

The idea of an Empire powered by dead wizards is both fascinating and eerie. This dark twist on the typical fantasy power dynamic adds a unique flavour to the story, making the Empire a truly formidable and sinister antagonist.

"Blood of the Old Kings" is a gripping and imaginative fantasy novel that combines action, emotion, and a fight against oppression. Sung-il Kim’s storytelling, paired with Anton Hur’s seamless translation, brings this epic tale to life. The characters are relatable and well-crafted, the world-building is top-notch, and the plot keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

For fans of epic fantasy with a dark twist, "Blood of the Old Kings" is a must-read. The blend of personal vendettas and larger political intrigue creates a rich tapestry of adventure and rebellion. Dive into this enthralling journey and discover the power of truth in a world built on lies.

Thank you to The Publisher Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books ,The Author Sung-il Kim & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

1000/10 this book is amazing. The world building was amazing. The action and storytelling in the book top notch. I enjoyed the main character and they didn’t make me throw the book at a wall

Blood of the Old Kings is an action packed adventure about three strangers brought together on a journey though an Empire that has used necromancy to conquer the world. Loran, who is on a quest of revenge against the Empire who killed her family, jumps into a volcano to try to retrieve a sword made from a Dragon's Fang. Cain an orphan who after his only friend is murdered in the city, goes on a mission to find his friends' murderer even if it means starting a war by being in the target of different groups bent on killing each other.. Arianne, who is a sorcerer who knows that when she does she will become a power generator for the undead army.

Over all I liked this book. Some people might get annoyed with the three shifting POV but I have read other books like that, so it did not really matter to me. I really liked the lore building in this series and it's original magic system. The idea that dead sorcerers are turned into mummies and then used as basically batteries for the undead army is both a little gross and cool at the same time.

I would also like to add that this is a really good translation by Anton Hur. I have read some books that don't feel like they flow properly being translated into English but this one did very well. Which is a really big plus for me. It shows Anton Hur knew what he was doing when translating this.

If you are looking for an interesting story that pulls you in and gives you good world building and magic, then I would recommend this one.

DNF @ 67%

The blurb got me, but ultimately the characters and plot didn't grab me enough to keep me wanting to continue.

I must start by thanking both NetGalley as well as the publisher Tor Books for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Great world building, wonderful characters, a true fantasy adventure. If this debut only hints at future novels I look forward to immersing myself into each!