The Worth of a King (The Fall of a Star)

Title: Worth of a King

Series: The Fall of a Star (Book #1)

Year: 2018

Author: Kendra E. Ardnek

Summary: Princess Obsidia’s father was killed the night she was born. Since there was no male heir, the crown went to the man who killed him, by Dialcian law. This never bothered her, growing up, and when it comes time for Obsidia to choose her husband, she chooses Prince Delaney, the son of that man, with little hesitation. Only then does her life start crumbling around her. 

Adrian expected to live a normal life, taking his father’s place at the print shop when his father retired. But, on his eighteenth birthday, when the princess’ engagement is announced, his world is ripped out from under him when he learns that his life was a ruse, and he is the twin brother to the princess – and expected to take back his father’s throne. 

Delaney knows that his country is hovering on the brink of war – and that his father may harbor murderous intentions towards his intended bride due to her Zovordian blood. He wants nothing more than to protect Obsidia and his people, but as merely prince, he has little power against his father. 

The ancient war between the Dragons and the Immortal King and Queen is nearing its climax, and the three are already caught in it. 

Review: Once upon a time, someone said, "Let's make some horrible traditions, and see if a group of kingdoms can survive them." And that's where this book started. Hang onto your hats, folks, because the ride just got wild.

Obsidia's father was murdered the night she was born, and by Dialcian law, the murderer became the next king since there was no male heir. Eighteen years later, politics are forcing her to chose a husband, and she can think of no better man than the son of her father's murderer. Thankfully, Delaney's nothing like his father, Ossian.

While she's busily preparing for marriage, her twin brother has found out that he's just that. Adrian only wanted to be a printer, but now he's the unknown heir to the throne, the threat that may crumble Ossian's reign, and the ticket that may introduce the people he loves to war. He's never enjoyed politics, and trying to plan a political take-over really just isn't his thing.

I felt a little lost beginning this book and trying to make sense of the scrambled politics. Thankfully, Adrian was working at learning them, too, so I sorted things out while he was piecing things together. Dialcia is a land of political complexities and hard-nosed traditions, and those things combined have landed the kingdom in a mess that's threatening to uproot everything familiar. Kendra did a great job at mixing the two elements. There's just something heart-wrenchingly satisfying when a character you love is absolutely hemmed in by tradition and politics; when they've come to a place where, no matter what they do, it seems hopeless that they'll ever come out on top.

The different cultures, too, were pretty fantastic. We've got little glimpses into elven lives and merfolk societies, and then full-blown Zovordian black battle realm. WITH MASKS. I don't care how many books I've read with masks, they're still super cool and awesome. So there. I've known Kendra can worldbuild for a while now (I mean, seriously, you can't read her books and NOT realize that), but this one seemed to blow everything out of the water. I think this just became my all-time favorite of her books.

And not just because of the world. The characters felt so real. Adrian was genuinely scared of entering politics and doing his duty. Obsidia was stubborn but timid. Delaney was an absolute sweetheart. Nadilynn was... Nadilynn; there aren't many words in English that can adequately describe her. You just have to read the book.

I will admit, I caught most of the plot twists as they came, so nothing was a big surprise to me. HOWEVER, the TITLE. It's a cool title, UNTIL YOU READ THE BOOK. And then you're just blown away. Seriously. I won't spoil it, but wow. A satisfying ending, but leaving you wanting for more.

I think my only complaint would be that the climatic battle felt a little too much deus ex machina, but I don't think you could expect much else once you've got Amber and Laura meddling with everything. But yes, you do need to have this book on your shelf.

Advisory: Fantasy creatures and action. The whole book is leaning towards a growing war, so there is quite a bit of fighting and some blood, but nothing terribly graphic.

Light romance. A few kisses, and then as an engaged couple prepares for marriage, there are a couple comments hinting at their marriage bed.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

P.S. Kendra, I'm sorry this review didn't get posted sooner. Life got in the way of epic adventures. Just gotta love how that always works out.