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A review by foxholebookcourt
The King's Men by Nora Sakavic
5.0
The King's Men by Nora Sakavic
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
"I'm going to be the deadliest piece on the board."
I’m not entirely sure how to start or go about with this review because, honestly, I’m so biased when it comes to these books. I love the series so much, the plot, the characters, everything. I’m well aware there are some problematic aspects but, to me, they are overshadowed by how much it has improved since the first book.
All three books have one common plot and I’ve already talked about how good that is. It did not get boring and tiring once and it always kept me intrigued and wanting more. It’s always so surprising how it turned out to be much more than a handful of jocks playing a sport. The way the story ended was really a bit surprising as well. We got what we wanted but there was also a small twist in it but also so much potential for what could happen in the future.
Of course, my favourite thing about this book and every book in the series, is the characters. While in the previous book, everyone had their moment to shine, for me, this one shone a bright light on two characters. Neil and Kevin. Obviously, it’s so satisfying to see how much Neil has evolved as a character, how he has learned to trust people (namely the Foxes). It’s so wholesome and cathartic to see him leave his past behind and finally becoming who he wants to be. On the other hand, Kevin is someone who I could write a ten page essay about, just analysing his character. What he has been through, is still going through, how he is reacting and how he finally starts to overcome it is so well written and delivered. I’m a sucker for characters who seem so intimidating but have their own battles underneath it all. Kevin is struggling with his identity in a different way than Neil is and I think that’s not recognised enough. The author's ability to write and explore these characters blows my mind. The interactions between them were also so powerful and carried various elements in them. They were certainly complicated but made you feel for the characters.
Exy was more intense than it had been in previous books. Sakavic’s made up sport yet again had me hooked and I got literal shivers at every match that was described in detail, mostly on the last one. It was also the perfect way to show parallels when it came to development. As the characters developed personality wise, so did their game. Whatever was holding them back is now out of the way as they came together as a team and, honestly, that was beautiful.
Deciding between The Raven King and The King’s Men as to which one is my favourite is honestly one of the hardest decisions I could make but it’s needless to say that The King’s Men was the perfect conclusion to the story.
"Fight because you don't know how to die quietly. Win because you don't know how to lose. This king's ruled long enough—it's time to tear his castle down."
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
"I'm going to be the deadliest piece on the board."
I’m not entirely sure how to start or go about with this review because, honestly, I’m so biased when it comes to these books. I love the series so much, the plot, the characters, everything. I’m well aware there are some problematic aspects but, to me, they are overshadowed by how much it has improved since the first book.
All three books have one common plot and I’ve already talked about how good that is. It did not get boring and tiring once and it always kept me intrigued and wanting more. It’s always so surprising how it turned out to be much more than a handful of jocks playing a sport. The way the story ended was really a bit surprising as well. We got what we wanted but there was also a small twist in it but also so much potential for what could happen in the future.
Of course, my favourite thing about this book and every book in the series, is the characters. While in the previous book, everyone had their moment to shine, for me, this one shone a bright light on two characters. Neil and Kevin. Obviously, it’s so satisfying to see how much Neil has evolved as a character, how he has learned to trust people (namely the Foxes). It’s so wholesome and cathartic to see him leave his past behind and finally becoming who he wants to be. On the other hand, Kevin is someone who I could write a ten page essay about, just analysing his character. What he has been through, is still going through, how he is reacting and how he finally starts to overcome it is so well written and delivered. I’m a sucker for characters who seem so intimidating but have their own battles underneath it all. Kevin is struggling with his identity in a different way than Neil is and I think that’s not recognised enough. The author's ability to write and explore these characters blows my mind. The interactions between them were also so powerful and carried various elements in them. They were certainly complicated but made you feel for the characters.
Exy was more intense than it had been in previous books. Sakavic’s made up sport yet again had me hooked and I got literal shivers at every match that was described in detail, mostly on the last one. It was also the perfect way to show parallels when it came to development. As the characters developed personality wise, so did their game. Whatever was holding them back is now out of the way as they came together as a team and, honestly, that was beautiful.
Deciding between The Raven King and The King’s Men as to which one is my favourite is honestly one of the hardest decisions I could make but it’s needless to say that The King’s Men was the perfect conclusion to the story.
"Fight because you don't know how to die quietly. Win because you don't know how to lose. This king's ruled long enough—it's time to tear his castle down."