This deserves seven stars and I review several /mo. I loved this book. It has magic, adventure, intrigue, royal plots and ascension, war depicted clearly but not glorified or too vividly. But overall what makes me want to give this seven stars out of five is the overlying religious themes that give insights into how to approach God in the way that only the best authors can achieve (in the grain of CS Lewis etc). I love seeing both sets of main characters learn and grow and turn to God and others for support without being portrayed as weak or self righteous. I love this book and highly recommend the King’s Trial for fans of all fiction genres.
- Shay of Lightsbridge (Audible)
This could be one of my all time favorite series, right up there with Harry Potter and the Hunger Games!
- Mari (Audible review)
The writing style is smart and engaging. Brave young men, vivacious heroine. Vibrant world, exciting stakes… I’d recommend to fans of Blades of Acktar, The Queen’s Thief, and The Minstrel’s Song!
- H.S.J. Williams, author of Fairest Son
Enchanting, fast-moving fantasy. Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings will find much to enjoy here. If you know what to listen for, you may also hear whispers of The Once and Future King. Rife with unexpected twists, the plot is complex and intricate… Indeed, there’s a lot going on in this sturdy, gently faith-flavored story. A robust plot is buttressed by prodigious world-building skills, full-bodied characters, and rich word pictures. A fresh and original tale saturated in courage, sacrifice, love, loyalty, and loss, this expertly crafted story reels you in from chapter one and doesn’t let go until the very end.
I’ve got to say that this is one of the best books I’ve read with wonderful characters who grow on their journeys, stellar writing, fantastic world-building, and a twisty, nail-biting plot.
- Katy Huth Jones, author of the YA-fantasy series He Who Finds Mercy
Loved this story. So much more than I expected. I love JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Lloyd Alexander, and now ML Farb. I can’t wait for ‘The King’s shadow’.
- John
Farb has created story line, character development, humor, plot twists, incredible prose, and deep truths that are all phenomenal, making this book stand out on my shelf.
- Petey
I loved the thought-provoking concepts woven throughout the tale and the layers of complexity that became clear as the story progressed. Yosyph’s courage inspired me as he learned to trust God through his difficult trials and wield his powerful gift.
- Official Review from onlinebookclub.org
Easy to read, and much harder to put down, I read this story quickly, and loved every page! This book has a good balance of action and emotions and lacked predictability, which I loved! Surprising twists and turns keep the story lively while each of the characters found themselves facing different kinds of challenges, some mental and emotional, others physical. This story isn’t afraid of hard choices and tough questions, and I loved seeing how these characters would decide as the story progresses!
- Stephanie, adventuresthruwonderlandreviews.wordpress.com/
I was struck by the beautiful prose from the first page!
- Kristin
I loved the intricate plot that made me ache for the secrecy and the treasons. Thanks to the dual voices of narration, I felt the urgency and the despair of the people who wanted peace and freedom. I empathized with the fears, love, anger and quiet happiness they felt. This story was one of my favorite because it mixed well plots, characters and a universal message of peace and acceptance without being too stiff… It was a quest for honor and justice across some of the most striking literary landscape for two young men that might have more in common that what their prejudices and pride would let them think.
- A Motus (Amazon France)
I loved the characters, the humor, the setting. I’m ready to grab book 2 to see what happens to these 2 kings. I might see what else this author has to offer as well. Her voice and storytelling were addicting.
- L.P. Masters
The character development is phenomenal, and the story itself just sucks you in.
- bookmom
It’s an epic story that screams for an adaptation.
- Tegan Brinkman
An action adventure that is clean but lacks nothing in excitement or thrill! Fast paced and difficult to put down. The excitement began immediately and didn’t stop. Excellent writing style made it a smooth read with wonderful character development… It’s a book that has lingered after reading.
- K Jordan
I was a little iffy going into this one since I’ve had such meh luck with YA fantasies lately. I was worried for sure. But this gave me hope for the genre! … I was hooked from page one. I finished this in two sittings! I simply could not put this down. Sooooo good.
Clean and positive, a great read for all. (8+) I LOVED it. Didn’t want to put it down at all. So much development, just the right amount of twists. Surprisingly relevant to troubles of today. Fantasy. High Adventure. True Love. Honor. Sacrifice. Faith. Family.
- Kindle Customer
This high fantasy abounds in metaphors about following God’s guidance instead of one’s own understanding. The metaphors are natural and not strained in this exciting story.
- Lelia Foreman
The main protagonist and his hidden depths are fascinating, as his journey.
- Rukshy Ng
Very enjoyable story, hard to put down. I stayed up way too late a couple of nights reading the story. It reminded me a bit of Lloyd Alexander’s stories. I shared the story with my 12 year old son as we weeded our garden. The deal I have with my kids, I’ll keep telling the story if they keep pulling weeds. It must be a good story, because it kept his interest until all the garden was weeded. It has been years since a story has done that. He told me to give it 5 stars and I agree.
- Vikki
M. L. Farb - Author 