The King Slayer
(The Witch Hunter #2)
by Virginia Boecker
June 14, 2016
by Virginia Boecker
June 14, 2016
368 pages
Goodreads Summary:
An action-packed and suspenseful sequel to The Witch Hunter, perfect for fans of Graceling and the Grisha Trilogy.
"I think, in time, you'll either be my greatest mistake or my greatest victory."
Former witch hunter Elizabeth Grey is hiding within the magically protected village of Harrow, evading the price put on her head by Lord Blackwell, the usurper king of Anglia. Their last encounter left Blackwell ruined, but his thirst for power grows stronger every day. He's readying for a war against those who would resist his rule--namely Elizabeth and the witches and wizards she now calls her allies.
Having lost her stigma, a magical source of protection and healing, Elizabeth's strength is tested both physically and emotionally. War always means sacrifice, and as the lines between good and evil blur once more, Elizabeth must decide just how far she'll go to save those she loves.
"I think, in time, you'll either be my greatest mistake or my greatest victory."
Former witch hunter Elizabeth Grey is hiding within the magically protected village of Harrow, evading the price put on her head by Lord Blackwell, the usurper king of Anglia. Their last encounter left Blackwell ruined, but his thirst for power grows stronger every day. He's readying for a war against those who would resist his rule--namely Elizabeth and the witches and wizards she now calls her allies.
Having lost her stigma, a magical source of protection and healing, Elizabeth's strength is tested both physically and emotionally. War always means sacrifice, and as the lines between good and evil blur once more, Elizabeth must decide just how far she'll go to save those she loves.
Review
I read The Witch Hunter last year and it surprised me so much. I loved it. It was one of my favourite books of 2015. I think it helped that I didn't have any expectations when I read it. So I dove into The King Slayer with an open mind and it was everything I didn't know I wanted and more.
I had no clue what's coming in this second book so I was both scared and excited to find out. I had vague ideas (which eventually came true) but I didn't know exactly what to expect. The ominous vibe and foreboding atmosphere of The King Slayer kept me on my toes. Ms. Boecker assaults us with action after emotional action. Even during the downtimes I couldn't let myself feel any relief because something was always happening (in the background). I was gripping the book and silently begging for things to be okay. With all that being said, I did not want this book to end. Like ever. I could read about these characters night and day. Day after day.
One of my absolute most favourite thing about this duology is seeing Elizabeth and John together. In The Witch Hunter, they had to hurdle many physical obstacles and much emotional turmoil to finally be together. In The King Slayer, they are once again tested. It was hard to watch them struggle but whether it was on their own or as a pair, they stayed strong. The love and care they have for each other is so genuine and palpable it fills my heart. Elizabeth and John will forever be one of my favourite OTP.
Don't be surprised to see the reappearance of a few familiar faces and the introduction of some new ones. Of them I expected one (Caleb) while another (Malcolm) surprised me. I was uneasy to see them both but I ended up enjoying getting to know them (better) in this book. The original supporting cast upheld their usual snarky and sarcastic selves. Seeing Fifer and Schuyler by Elizabeth's side made me very happy. All the characters were integral to moving the plot. I love how they served their purpose to the overall story. Though in war of course there would be casualties. It was hard to watch the sacrifices made but they were so honourable.
I had no clue what's coming in this second book so I was both scared and excited to find out. I had vague ideas (which eventually came true) but I didn't know exactly what to expect. The ominous vibe and foreboding atmosphere of The King Slayer kept me on my toes. Ms. Boecker assaults us with action after emotional action. Even during the downtimes I couldn't let myself feel any relief because something was always happening (in the background). I was gripping the book and silently begging for things to be okay. With all that being said, I did not want this book to end. Like ever. I could read about these characters night and day. Day after day.
One of my absolute most favourite thing about this duology is seeing Elizabeth and John together. In The Witch Hunter, they had to hurdle many physical obstacles and much emotional turmoil to finally be together. In The King Slayer, they are once again tested. It was hard to watch them struggle but whether it was on their own or as a pair, they stayed strong. The love and care they have for each other is so genuine and palpable it fills my heart. Elizabeth and John will forever be one of my favourite OTP.
Don't be surprised to see the reappearance of a few familiar faces and the introduction of some new ones. Of them I expected one (Caleb) while another (Malcolm) surprised me. I was uneasy to see them both but I ended up enjoying getting to know them (better) in this book. The original supporting cast upheld their usual snarky and sarcastic selves. Seeing Fifer and Schuyler by Elizabeth's side made me very happy. All the characters were integral to moving the plot. I love how they served their purpose to the overall story. Though in war of course there would be casualties. It was hard to watch the sacrifices made but they were so honourable.
The King Slayer is a brilliant and fitting conclusion to The Witch Hunter duology. A series that I wish would go on and on but alas all good things must come to an end. My advice is to read this duology because you will regret it if you don't!
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way. All quotes were taken from the Advance Review Copy I received.
I enjoyed the first book as well. I've requested this one, but I didn't get approved. No matter. I'm still going to read this as soon as it comes out!
ReplyDeleteAww I hope you'll love it Joy <3
DeleteI am so happy to see you loved this one too. I cannot wait to get my hands on this book, I loved The Witch Hunter so much and I went in with no expectations either, so that was what I think made it so amazing to me. I can't be let down if I didn't have any real idea what I was to expect. Off to add to my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteYessss! I love this duology so much! Hope you will enjoy TKS too.
DeleteI seriously need to finally read The Witch Hunter! I started it a while back and it didn't really grab me so I put it aside for the time being, but I hope next time I grab it I'll like it as much as you do!
ReplyDeleteAw I remember with TWH it was the more I read, the more I was hooked so please give it another try!
DeleteI need to read the first book and get on this one! Seeing this gives me a little kick in the pants to get started on The Witch Hunter!
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think!!
DeleteOoh, I didn't realize this was just a duology! I'm so used to everything being at least a trilogy and even more, and it usually dampens my interest until more books come out. I will definitely look into this, thanks Eileen!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I was pretty thrilled when I found out it's a duology. I'm not a fan of waiting ;)
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