“Seven Realms, Book 1; The Demon King”

Author: Cinda Williams Chima  

~Opening Thoughts~

Fast paced, with adventure around every corner, I was not misled into the realm of boredom. I found this book particularly lighthearted and easy to read. Although, I was pleasantly surprised to find a very rich history and political structure within the hierarchy of Kingdoms, Queendomes, Clans, Wizards, and other stations of influence within the people themselves. I was incredibly lucky to have found this entire series seated side by side, (in hardcover), on the shelf at the thrift store. Why anybody would give away such a beautiful set of books is beyond me. The covers alone were captivating enough to make me want them… good story or not.

I’ve never heard of the author before, and by the looks of the publisher on the first book: Disney-Hyperion, the Seven Realms is actually geared towards a much younger audience than I expected. However, the following three books are published buy the Hyperion branch geared towards young adult readers. (Are the following books considered too dark or violent to be appropriate for a younger audience?) I’ve yet to find out. Despite it all, I found the first book to be quiet adventurous, and full of interesting characters. Definitely an entertaining read even if you’re over the age of 18... of which I am.  

Summary:

Times are hard in the mountain city of Fellsmarch. Reformed thief Han Alister will do almost anything to eke out a living for his family. The only thing of value he has is something he can’t sell- the thick silver cuffs he’s worn since birth. They’re clearly magicked- as he grows, they grow, and he’s never been able to take them off.

One day, Han and his clan friend, Dancer, confront three young wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. Han takes an amulet from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to keep him from using it against them. Soon, Han learns that the amulet has an evil history- it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece that powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.

Meanwhile, Raisa ana’Marianna, princess heir of the Fells, has her own battles to fight. She’s just returned to court after three years of freedom in the mountains- riding, hunting, and working the famous clan markets. Raisa wants to be more than an ornament in a glittering cage. She aspires to be like Hanalea- The legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But her mother has other plans for her- including marriage to a suitor who goes against everything the queendom stands for.

The seven Realms tremble when the lives of Han and Raisa collide, fanning the flames of the smoldering war between clans and wizards.

~In Closing~

With a variety of characters living in a decently in-depth world, your mind is never left idle. However, I did find the idea of a Queen ruling, instead of a King, unnerving. The only reason I tolerated it, was because there is only one Queendom amidst the other surrounding Kingdoms ruled by men. Also, the author never pushed the men living in the Queendom to be constantly kneeling down and worshiping the “high and mighty Queen of power”.  Having a Queen as ruler was subtle and didn’t threaten my negative opinions over women characters abusing their power to take control over men. Unlike the “Wheel of Time” series started by Robert Jordan, I was immediately turned off by the women being incredibly powerful and ruling the men as if they little more than disgusting pets. (Never shall I tolerate such repulsive material)

The “Demon King”, (Despite what the title’s impression might give), hasn’t turned me off with its Queendom line of heirs… Yet.  

So! With that out of the way, I enjoyed the overall story immensely, and will make an incredible amount of effort to complete this series before starting a new one.


*Click to Read:
“Seven Realms, Book 1; The Demon King”
“Seven Realms, Book 2; The Exiled Queen”
“Seven Realms, Book 3; The Grey Wolf Throne”
“Seven Realms, Book 4; Crimson Crown”