Publisher’s Description
Before the thorns taught me their sharp lessons and bled weakness from me I had but one brother, and I loved him well. But those days are gone and what is left of them lies in my mother’s tomb. Now I have many brothers, quick with knife and sword, and as evil as you please. We ride this broken empire and loot its corpse. They say these are violent times, the end of days when the dead roam and monsters haunt the night. All that’s true enough, but there’s something worse out there, in the dark. Much worse.
From being a privileged royal child, raised by a loving mother, Jorg Ancrath has become the Prince of Thorns, a charming, immoral boy leading a grim band of outlaws in a series of raids and atrocities. The world is in chaos: violence is rife, nightmares everywhere. Jorg has the ability to master the living and the dead, but there is still one thing that puts a chill in him. Returning to his father’s castle Jorg must confront horrors from his childhood and carve himself a future with all hands turned against him.
Summary
I recently read Prince of Thorns (The Broken Empire, #1) by US-UK author Mark Lawrence.
The protagonist Jorg, is the heir and prince to throne before witnessing the assassination of his mother and younger brother. While still a young adolescent, Jorg seeks revenge at any cost. Leading a band of highway men and mercenaries, Jorg’s reception with his father, the King is steely. Expected the fail, Jorg is set an impossible task.
Review
The Prince of Thorns has its own dark fascination made by Lawrence’s storytelling and prose. It is testament to Lawrence’s skill how the main characters are manoeuvred with the ease of a practiced chess player.
Lawrence conjures a dark fantasy world that is magical and brutal. Lawrence creates an enthralling plot and a host of highly unique characters make this grimdark novel stand the test of time. Lawrence gives the reader his unflinching gaze on morality and the spectrum of good and evil.
Conclusion
A highly recommended grimdark fantasy perfect for fans of Peter McLean, dark fantasy, epic fantasy, magical aspects and unique, strong characters with well-crafted storytelling.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 