Customer Reviews

The King's Own: A Borderlands Novel

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked up the first book in the series, Covenants, about a month ago. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not since I tend not to be as interested in strong male characters and normally prefer female heroines. It turned out that Covenants was not one of the average fantasy books. I was entranced by it and read it as fast as possible. Then, hoping that Freeman had written other books, I started looking around and found out that she hadn't. Then I saw that a sequel would be coming out very soon. I picked up The King's Own from the bookstore as soon as it came out and stayed up reading it the entire night. It took about six hours.
The King's Own picks up literally the day after Covenants ended. Whereas Covenants covered a couple of months or so, The King's Own happens in just a few days. This book is focused more specifically on the relationship between Rabbit and King Jusson and what that relationship means to each of them as well as the entire country. It spends a great deal of time (as does Covenants) examining human tolerance for events and things beyond their control. It also works to reconcile the humans to the magical world that they live in. As for those that wish Captain Suiden had been more involved in the story, I missed his character too, but I don't think that he really fit into this book. As Lord Commander Thadro said, "Your ties with the garrison have been severed." I am hoping (& expecting) to see more of Suiden in the next one (since we seem to be heading to some sort of confrontation in or with Tural). I also felt that the author did a superb job of accurately describing the world and lives of the characters as well as depicting their personalities through interaction with their friends and enemies. I particularly enjoyed the frequent humor interspersed with the action and the sheer stubborness of Rabbit. I would highly recommend this book to any fantasy reader.

The King's Own does not disappoint. It is a worthy second book in what seems to be developing into a long series (I hope so),which I support wholeheartedly. I love all the characters this talented writer has developed, from the trooper all the way to the dark elf king. And of course Rabbit, who is simply endearing. I don't know how Freeman does it but she manages to weave all her characters, and there are a lot of them, effortlessly into a plot that leaves you begging for more. The King's Own may be darker but written in her enlightening way and sprinkled with humour, like in Covenants, Freeman manages to keep the tone lively and light. My only complaint is more attention should have been paid to the editing. This is a great story, and to be spoiled by simple "English language" mistakes here and there is annoying. For those who complained about the lack of female role in Covenants, Freeman seems to have answer them in "The King's Own". I who love books concentrating on the brotherhood of men, am still satisfy. And I am glad Freeman still keeps her story free from any romance which to me is often a waste of plot in great fantasies. I hope the 3rd book is not too far away. Meanwhile I have started to read "Covenants" again...

The King's Own follows up, and exceeds Covenants in skill and story. Although I missed the characters so prominantly displayed in Covenants, specifically Captain Dragon Prince Suiden, Ryson, and Captain Javes, I thought Freeman made an excellent turn in the story by moving Rabbit out of the comfortable and into the more rarified setting of being in the King's Court. She's also managed to do what the Eddings also did with (Bel)Garion--make a powerful person with more problems and less ego about that power than most authors manage.

The depths of the characters, and the conflicts, though, are realistic, complex, and quirky. The antagonism between Jeff and Arlis over brown nosing is a priceless little layer of tension between secondary characters that just adds to the entire story. Freeman doesn't miss a beat on any level, so The King's Own bristles with both resolved and unresolved tension. I'm very much looking forward to the next novel. I can't wait!

"The King's Own" follows the continuing adventures of R--, a young man whom we met in "Covenants". R-- has returned to the city of F--, which he thinks of as home. While wandering the streets, R-- suffers an attack that no one else perceives, and uses flamboyant magic in defense. This open use of magic in a relm where most deny the existance thereof sparks rioting and hostility. The king, J--, reasigns R-- to him personally, one of the "King's Own" courtiers / guards, and claims R-- to be his heir. While reeling from these changes and learning his new role, R-- investigates the growing unrest and corruption in F--. Though a powerful mage, R-- yet has little control over his magic; and he feels the first pangs of discontent over issues he feels powerless to influence.

Unlike most sequels, this book stands on its own and does not feel like a repeat of the previous book. Refreshingly, R-- has grown and learned and changed. Most secondary characters from the first book drop out of the story entirely, to be replace by interesting, new people. The mood is mostly light and upbeat and the action fast paced, which makes for an enjoyable read. The ending is well designed, which is a real pleasure. The personalities are diverse and well developped, full of strengths and weaknesses.

If you're tired of your favorite author's Nth identical book, I highly recommend you give Freeman a try.

This book is quite different from the first. A lot darker, but absolutely worth reading. The story takes place over a few days and it all takes place in o-so quiet Freston, the garrison town where the first book finished. It is a pity that Suiden didn't play a bigger part in this book, but Rabbit has enough trouble on his own. Rabbit is detached from his unit to the king's own and seconded to the Lord Commander. Once again he has problems with magic and it seems that the people of Iversterre have problems with it (and him) as well. The story was worth waiting for. I bought the book yesterday and didn't go to bed until it was finished. Unfortunely it is not longer, I can't wait until the next one.

I can remember picking up Covenants when it first came out and being utterly surprised on how much I enjoyed it. This one was not a disappointment. It's been some time since I read the first book and I had to really think hard about the previous situations and people from the first, but it did not ruin the storyline of this one. Yes, previous characters are mentioned and are active in this one, but I found it easy getting back in the grove of this strange and interesting land.

Rabbit, our hero, has two teachers now--Laurel(the cat man) and Wyln (the elf--also great, great uncle to the king). Speaking of the king, King Jusson is a primary character in this novel and I found him quite endearing. Someone is trying to bind Rabbit to them and the group doesn't know who, but the attack continues on Rabbit as his previous home town is attacking the king and Rabbit, also. It doesn't take long before the king and Rabbit realize the two are connected.

This book is very well written. The characters are well-rounded and full of life. The world in intriguing. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!

Lord Rabbit, heir to the throne of his cousin King Jusson IV of Iversterre, is in the town of Freston with the royal retinue. The townsfolk and much of the kingdom do not want to see Rabbit on the throne because he was raised in the Border where the fae reside and he has the magical powers of the four elements that will make him a powerful mage once he learns to control his skills. His teacher, Lurel a sentient mountain cat who walks on two legs, and the elf Wyln are with Rabbit adding to the local fears as most remember losing the war of acquisition to these species.

Rabbit is also claimed by his His Grace Loran of the Border making him a bridge between the two cultures and a weapon to be used if the Taurlian Empire tries to annex Iversterre. When invisible hands touch him in the town square, Rabbit uses his powers to repel the attack frightening the townsfolk even more. Afterward he is sent to jail, but freed by his monarch to work under Thadra, Commander of the Army. Laurel fears that someone is trying to bind him so that they can use his magic as theirs. When dark magic kills Rabbit's jailer, the townsfolk assume he committed that atrocity and others. He wonders if agitators are in league with a sorcerer who wants the king dead and to accomplish those ends conjured a soul eating demon that only Rabbit might be able to stop.

Fans of Shannara and the Lord of the Rings will relish this richly descriptive and enthralling high fantasy saga. Fully developed characters and an action oriented story line keeps readers' interest at extraordinary high levels. Rabbit is a wonderful principled protagonist, who is an innocent but is learning quickly to be politically savvy soul. His efforts will endear him to the audience who will demand more thrillers starring this likable hero.

Harriet Klausner

While COVENENTS was effectively a coming-of-age novel, KING'S OWN is more of a mystery story. Rabbit is back at the border town of Freston with King Jesson and finds himself transferred to the King's Own troop. When Rabbit is molested by something invisible the only thing that concerns anyone is that Rabbit has displayed magic and upset the locals. What they don't realise is that it's the opening gambit to a plot much darker and more dangerous than has been seen in centuries.

This story takes place over a few days. I didn't think it was quite as good as the first book, but I still very much enjoyed reading about Rabbit and his world again and grabbed this book as soon as it was available. There are enough loose ends at the completion of this novel that I'm looking forward to a 3rd instalment in the Borderlands series. This author is one whose books are enjoyable, light fantasy series with likeable characters, that makes me what to know more about Rabbits destiny which has only been hinted at in these books so far.

Lorna Freeman has a third book in the works in this series; however, stupid Penguin has decided they won't publish her books and have dropped her. If only Lorna had an e-mail or website for people to contact her and give her their support. Penguin should have advertised this novel and this author a lot more than they did. This series is truly unique and fantastic! Write up a petition! Suggest e-book publishers hunt Lorna Freeman down and request they publish her works if Penguin wont! This series is truly breathtaking and an amazing achievement of imagination, depth, and magic extraordinaire!

In the first book the author made some serious mistakes with the main character in trying to describe him as one thing and have him behave in a manner that didn't make sense.

Second book, much better consistency between a character acting like what he is supposed to be. I especially loved the way the author played off of his youth and apparent inexperience when it came to dealing with the opposite sex.

The story line was interesting again and the originality of how magic and different races exist is worth thinking about. I really enjoy the interactions between the various races and the fact that they are not automatically all best friends. To often authors neglect the conflict that is innate when bringing new people into a group to work together.

I wish that there was a little more detail on what is happening that is helping him gain better control of his powers because it felt like it just "magically" happened. I also like the fact that despite his great powers he is very limited in how much he can do with it all. It's like saying he has great talent, but no technique in how he uses it. Very good and understandable explanation.

On the whole I can't wait for the next book because the author is getting better at writing the characters without getting bored. To be honest, I can't wait to see what she is going to write next!