The structure means that the battle feels like a sequence of amazing coincidences and turns of fate which have only just been set up a few pages earlier (so whilst not technically a series of deus ex machina, they do feel a bit like them). Each interlude also relies on events from the flashback to make sense, meaning that we are in the dark about Jorg's plans until he reveals a new weapon, tactic or group of allies that was explored in the preceding flashback sequence.

This structure is the book's biggest weakness: the battle takes place over a short period of time but the flashbacks are much longer and dozens of pages pass between each present-day interlude. The book is structured as two narratives unfolding simultaneously: a flashback set four years in the past (picking up just after the end of Prince of Thorns) and a present-day storyline focused on a massive battle as Jorg's kingdom comes under attack. Whilst there's still plenty of mayhem in the book, Jorg is less likely to cause it (at least not without more convincing need than before). The result is a less amoral and ruthless Jorg than before and one who is more introspective. The events of Prince of Thorns have, if not mellowed Jorg, than certainly caused him to re-appraise his life. Like its predecessor, it is an at-times uneasy and bleak read but also one that is interesting, broodingly atmospheric and fairly well-written.Īs with before, the focus is on Jorg and his band of not-so-merry cutthroats and pillagers. King of Thorns is the middle volume of The Broken Empire trilogy and the sequel to 2011's Prince of Thorns.

King of thorns by mark lawrence