A compelling start of a fantasy series set in a world reminiscent of 16th Century Europe that has some (not so subtle) parallels to real world events occurring right now (i.e the mid 21st Century).

The narrative is well crafted in its worldbuilding, sprinkling enough exposition to want to know more about this world, mixing in a dose of the usual fantasy elements with a darker Dickensian gloominess. The characters are developed well, and refreshingly not the usual innocent, sheltered protagonists most fantasy stories have - these characters are gritty, wary and realistic (albeit more potty-mouthed than I prefer).

I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

Thank you to Netgalley, Oliver Herbert Books and C.R.R Hillin for providing me with a free copy of this book for review. The below is my opinion, freely given.

This was a very very long book about not much at all.

Don't get me wrong, I am an EPIC Fantasy fan. The longer the series the better but absolutely NOTHING happened in this book for most of it.

The premise is brilliant, and I can feel where the author wanted to go but it so needs an absolutely RUTHLESS edit.

First - The world building. Confusing! What is the Upper city? And the lower city? These are referenced but we never gain a clear understanding of that setup and I am pretty sure at one point its implied that Rose was "stuck" in the lower city but then it appears its the upper city she was stuck in? And there's a point where the beggar king is running across rooftops in the lower city? But it feels like the lower city is underground??? So confused. There's also references to Rose wanting to leave the city but for some reason she cant find the exit? But there's a wharf that ships come in on so...it appears there is at least one way to leave?

Secondly- Multi POVs - This is the bread and butter of any epic fantasy, but if a reader is experiencing the same event from 2 povs, they should either be consecutive (Pov A experiences event, Pov B experiences same event) or you tell Pov A upto the point povs meet and then pov B until that same point - You cant do it both ways. (I am not sure if I am explaining this clearly but without spoilers its the best I can do)

Thirdly - Character motivations are muddy and confusing and honestly, I felt like I was starting this series at Book 4.

I am ranting because I am so mad that this book isn't better because it so deserves to be! The writer has all the best building blocks and a great turn of phrase. The story (if it ever goes anywhere) will be AMAZING if the writer gets out of their own way.

I am tempted to give it 4 stars because I adored the feel and the potential but I just cant give it 4 stars right now. I would be interested in the next book but I would also DNF it in a heartbeat if the issues mentioned arent addressed in the rest of the series.

Well DAMN. I honestly didn't expect this random fantasy with an eye-catching cover to grip me like this but here we are!

It's been a while since I've read a more classic fantasy and I think I've been missing out. It's written in a third-person narrative with multiple POVs (but only two were regular), which usually isn't my preferred but it definitely worked for this setting.

The very first chapter was intense and brilliantly set the tone, immediately capturing my attention. It's a Robin Hood type of story with a dark twist, where it begins with the torture and subsequent execution of the heroic character Liam, leaving everything in shambles. It is an underdog group vs the oppressor, it's found family at its finest, and it's political intrigue with some amazing female characters. It gives a beautiful but rough historical setting based on European countries.

And it gives complex, morally grey, flawed characters that aren't always likable, aren't all relatable, but they are human and you can't help but root for them and get invested. Rose stood out the most as one of the main protagonists. I have to admit, she annoyed me a bit at first because she's a completely feral cat. Always yelling and kicking and screaming, not knowing how else to vent her emotions. But I never disliked her because her behavior made sense for her kind of upbringing. Most of her flaws come from surviving on the streets for far too long, trusting no one, and depending only on herself. She's very fierce and stubborn, and she won't make connecting to her easy - for the other characters AND the readers. Her character arc has the potential to be truly remarkable and I can't wait for it!

Then we have some other characters that form a group of orphans left a little bit aimless by Liam's death, which Rose becomes a part of. All of them are interesting in their own right (Kayo in particular), but I don't feel like we got to know them very well, as we spent the most time with Rose. There's a fundamentally strong found family aspect to the story but so far, Rose is trying to fight it tooth and nail.

A delightful surprise was the antagonist, Romero, the sadistic king who gained his power under fishy circumstances. As we got his POV, I could appreciate his character not being a one-dimensional cartoonish villain. I was intrigued by him, interested in his motivations and his past.
(And it's truly hilarious to watch Romero, this misogynistic, cruel, charming-when-he-wants-to-be bastard, being slowly surrounded by women who are bound to be his downfall. In the words of King George from Hamilton: "They will tear each other into pieces - Jesus Christ this will be fun!")

The pacing was on the slower side but never dragging. Mostly, it felt like watching setting the scene for a grand play...and I like what I see!

Regarding romance - I'm pretty sure it's going to be there and I can't wait, but I'm also glad we see no sign of it so far. Rose and Kayo would be a great slowburn enemies to reluctant friends to possibly lovers! So slowburn in fact, we genuinely see no hint of anything romantic - and thank god because all the characters are messes that need to first deal with their own issues before trying to show some tender feelings.

The author hinted at some seriously diverse rep throughout the series - all kinds of queer (including trans and ace apparently??) rep, autistic, disabled, mental health issues... And currently without labeling anything outright because it honestly would make NO sense in this setting.

Now I can only wait for more books to come out. And I WILL be waiting. Because all the characters took root in my brain and the story now lives inside me and I need it to continue!

I want to thank NetGalley for giving me this opportunity to review this book!

The story is a true story of unlikely people trying to make their situation and fight for what they believe is right. Kayothe brother of liam who was known for standing for justice and the beggar king. Kayo is his own person and orphan just like many in his village who in the beginning does not want the be like is brother or does he? Rose fights to bring the true beggar king’s legacy to others. The king is causing trouble for the towns people. They all must come together and fight for justice

This version of the book is truly captivating and just feels richer in a way. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, the characters are layered and compelling and the quest keeps you engaged

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 The Orphan's King
💫💫💫💫

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I started this book and finished it in a day, it was that good.

The first chapter absolutely sold me and I never looked back. But if I ever see you Romero... yeah we will be having a chat...

I just wish to start with saying that this book has a dark undertone for characters that are quite young. These people get injured a lot, I mean it feels like at least one person per chapter and the medically accurate descriptions can be a bit gross to some people. Me, I was fascinated because I enjoy anatomy and have studied it extensively.

Back to the book, Kayo and Rose have a very interesting dynamic. Kayo is soft (and nothing wrong with that) and sweet (anyone like a cinnamon roll?) and he is young and believes the best in everyone (oh to be young). Rose on the other hand can easily switch between brutal and caring, its like she has emotional whiplash but she has a lot of baggage with her. This dynamic is interesting; Kayo doesn't wish to take risks and Rose is determined to push him to his limits. The relationship? Enemies to lovers eventually I think but we aren't there yet (maybe book 2?).

This is a great story about a group of kids just finding their way together and finishing their place

Full of intrigues and complex characters, this book keeps you captivated and you will always wonder what is going to happen next (characters’ decisions are quite unpredictable).
I feel like this first book was focused on characters’ development and that the main big actions - the ones making the story move forward) will come through the next books (there is still a lot of actions in this book though).

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see where the story goes next.


Beware, a very few scenes are quite graphic (especially the beginning).

Definitely a solid start to the series! The book opened with quite the start...introducing one character whose impact is everlasting on our main cast and the other, character who I've grown to despise immensely...which is quite impressive writing to evoke such a strong reaction! The premise is quite interesting... it took a while to understand the different groups of people/factions and how they tie into the larger story but the plot is quite unique. Our two leading characters Rose and Kayo are quite different in terms of their background and personalities so it was enjoyable to watch how their interactions slowly progressed from potential friends to enemies to maybe friends again. I did enjoy Rose as a character though some of her behaviors seemed a bit over the top/very reactive to how I thought her character was developing. She seemed to go from quite content at her new group of "friends" to raging at them and then back to more or less neutral but I definitely understand that we was wronged by them initially. I loved how she was a badass and did the job that needed to be done when they were in trouble and I'm so excited to see her growth and the role she will play in their initiative to bring back the Beggar's King.

Review: I am a bit confused by Rose and the story line she rides. In the span of a few pages she is smiling uncontrollably as per her perceived acceptance of Kayo and friends. Then, turn the page and she is attacking and promising betrayal, death and retribution. This repeats itself throughout most of the novel. This constant personality regression fails to create tension and is anathema to the growth of any character.

Rose is written as a survivor but constantly fails to grasp simple logic that would lead to awareness. Mostly she is a hyper-reactive red headed idiot (Meow?) with a mysterious past along with just about everybody else. Rose and Kayo are compelling characters, yet their respective builds overlap without logical progression. I found myself re-reading the publisher's description to remind myself where this is going.

The writing is technically good. Scene development is spot on, and the action is well crafted, when it happens. This novel was mired within an orphange and a Kings castle. So not much goes on in the old world building department. I still liked the novel in spite of itself.

The main character was really well-written flawed but relatable, and I appreciated that the side characters actually had depth instead of just being there to move the plot along. The pacing was a bit slow in the middle, but it wasn’t enough to ruin the experience. Also, the writing style was really strong without being overcomplicated, which made it easy to get lost in the story.

Overall, it’s a great read with an engaging plot, strong characters, and a world that feels alive.

I appreciate the opportunity but unfortunately I will not be finishing this.

The pacing moved the story along well but by the time I reached about 60% I didn't feel like much had happened? They were just fighting each other.

☆ Fun Factor 4/5
☆ Writing Style 4/5
☆ Characters 4/5 (A small cast that we spend a lot of time with)
☆ Plot 4/5
☆ Setting 4/5
☆ Feels 4/5
☆ Spiciness 2/5
☆ Gore 4/5 (The book opens with a rather graphic torture scene)

If this were a movie it'd be rated: PG-13 for torture scenes, frightening images, violence, blood, sexual innuendos, and crude language

☆FOR FANS OF: Adventure novels and the found family trope

Ultimate verdict: ☆☆☆☆/5

☆☆☆Best Character Award goes to:☆☆☆ I would do anything for Rose

Review:

This book has so much heart; Hillin's spent nearly two decades working on this book and even illustrated every single chapter header; each one is unique and relevant to something happening in that chapter. It's clearly a passion project and not a product. So many books I read were written to make money and chase the trends; this one radiates with love, care, and the desire to tell a story. Hillin so clearly loves this book.

Despite the protagonists being relatively young, this book goes to some pretty dark places at times and doesn't pull punches with gore and (best as I can tell) medically accurate depictions of injuries and treating said injuries, and they get injured a lot. Kayo and Rose have an interesting dynamic that I don't want to spoil too much. It hits a lot of the good adventure novel highlights from it's very wicked antagonist to the core story of trying to rally against oppression and brutality. The book ends just when the action is really starting to pick up, so I hope that we get a book 2 very soon.

Thank you very much to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this early copy in exchange for my honest review!

thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

unfortunately, this was a dnf for me at about 40%. while the synopsis was very compelling and the setting was well developed and interesting, this title reads like it was intended for a much younger audience. the writing came across somewhat choppy and awkward, and while this maintained a fast pace throughout the book, i personally found it difficult to read. it was also a dialogue-heavy book, and there was simply too much of it to allow the plot to progress in a meaningful way. much of this dialogue and the arguments between the characters--it seemed they were always arguing--were repetitive and i found myself reading very similar passages and scenes over and over.

readers who are looking for a book that reads fast, despite its length, and focuses on dialogue, with an interesting concept and setting might enjoy the orphan's king, especially if they are new to the genre. unfortunately, it was not for me.