Book description
The Ruin of Kings delivers fresh fantasy with unreliable narration
Jenn Lyons' debut fantasy novel subverts traditional hero tropes through Kihrin's compelling first-person account. The bastard orphan's forced claim as a treasonous prince's son reveals the gap between storybook fantasy and political reality.
Lyons, a video game producer with diverse creative interests, crafts an intricate narrative that challenges expectations. Kihrin's imprisonment within his own family's power struggles exposes lies about dragons, demons, and heroic destiny. The audiobook format particularly benefits from the protagonist's sardonic voice, which carries listeners through complex plot twists.
The story's strength lies in its unreliable narrator structure. Kihrin presents himself as both protagonist and potential destroyer, creating tension between his perspective and likely events. This narrative technique keeps listeners questioning what's real while maintaining emotional investment in his plight.
Technical execution impresses through multiple viewpoint characters and non-linear storytelling. The audiobook's pacing allows character voices to develop naturally, supporting Lyons' ambitious world-building. Mythological elements blend seamlessly with political intrigue, avoiding common fantasy clichés.
While some listeners might find the narrator's voice initially off-putting, it serves the story's deeper themes about perception versus reality. Kihrin's journey from wide-eyed orphan to reluctant destroyer unfolds with genuine surprises, particularly regarding prophecy and fate.
The novel succeeds as both standalone adventure and series opener. Lyons demonstrates clear understanding of fantasy conventions while deliberately breaking them. Her background in visual arts and gaming shows in detailed world construction and character design.
Recommended for listeners seeking intelligent fantasy that trusts audiences to question narrators and embrace moral complexity. The audiobook format enhances the unreliable narration concept, making this production particularly worthwhile for genre fans.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience