Kings of Muraine is quite a unique and charming fantasy, taking place in an expansive, parallel world full of colorful and interesting characters, sparking a worthy introduction into this universe. The story follows a seemingly normal boy around the age of fourteen, as he struggles with the loss of his father, and even more, with the deepening mystery of who his father really was. A double life was lived, beyond the realm of Earth, and now, questions arise from his death, a year later. Though clues are left, the answers evade young Tyler, until he is thrust into the faraway planet of Muraine, where the very air is rich with magic. Following the trail left behind by his father, Tyler encounters a host of allies and adversaries, bringing along with them the strength, wisdom, levity, passion, loyalty, or sensibility to aid in his search for verity. Who was Tyler’s father? Who was he to this world of Muraine? What did he do to inspire such awe as well as contempt? As he races to uncover the truth, war looms over like a dark cloud. King Zymarc and his sadistic army march. And as Tyler focuses on his father, he soon realizes just about everything happening is connected to him.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the majestic creatures of dragons and dragon horses to the enticing world rich with lore and history, all the way to the fascinating and unique magic system itself, as well as the author’s poetic and graceful writing style. She truly has a way with words and descriptions. I do think that the strongest element of this story are the characters. From the sweet and endearing Gemma Galloway all the way to the stoic and reserved Ryco of Paragon, each character is unique, insightful, and just generally likeable. And the chemistry and dynamics between them are great. That being said, there are a lot to keep track of. I think some minor negatives are worth noting, however, including the novel’s insistence on exposition. There is so much to introduce and explore in this world in terms of places, concepts, beliefs, factions, that it must’ve been hard to balance how much to say verse leave up for the imagination. Characters seem too eager to explain things such as what they’re thinking as well as what had happened before or what’s going on in the given situation. That being said, there was a lot of great build up to an overarching plot and mystery. Because of this, the great characters, as well as the sudden cliff hanger, I’m excited to continue this series.