The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima

The Demon King (Seven Realms Universe, #1) (The Seven Realms, #1)

by Cinda Williams Chima

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 get 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...

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

Reviewed by Mackenzie on

5 of 5 stars

Share
Mrs. Chima, your my new best friend...I freakin loved this book! I honestly can't believe I waited this long to read it! While the book starts off kind of slow, its important for the set-up and background of the book. A book of heart-pounding action, wizards, magic, danger, and amazing character, this book is a must read!

I fell in love with the characters! Princess Raisa is a strong, independent, headstrong girl learning to be the best she can be. She a stubborn girl that isn't afraid to get her hands dirty! Amon....well he's a soldier and I must admit I am a sucker for a man in uniform ;) He's an extremely sweet, honorable, and respectful man who really cares for Raisa. Then there is Han...I'm not sure who I like better! Han has a reformed thief but not exactly a bad boy. He only did what he had to in order to take care of his family. he's a honorable thief...if that makes any sense. This book really delves into his past and I look forward to learning even more about him in the books to come. I must say, the big reveal at the end was surprising (well, who he came from that is).

I am a huge fan of alternating POV's so I absolutely loved this book for it. It really allows the reader to learn all about the characters. And even though it was 3rd person, it was so well written that you really could feel along with all the characters.

The world-building was excellent! I could picture everything about the world (the map helped) and I could really get into it!

The plot was extremely interesting! Between all the action and adventures, this book constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps your heart pumping!

Overall, this is a truly excellent book. It is ripe with action, love, political intrigue, twists, turns and betrayals. I definitely recommend this and can't wait to read the next two books!

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 23 July, 2017: Finished reading
  • 23 July, 2017: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • Finished reading
  • 23 July, 2017: Reviewed