The idea that a randomly chosen 13-year-old boy is a perfect candidate to become a king sounded a bit crazy, I thought at first. But then the reasons behind it are very logically explained right at the beginning of the story, so much so that I readily accepted the whole concept – and I think it should definitely appeal to all young people who are the real target of the book:)
The storyline develops at a steady pace and keeps the reader’s/listener’s attention, partly thanks to the chapters being rather short. Gordon’s journey begins at the steps of the Choosing Tower but soon turns into a set of adventures, some of which may have serious consequences… To add flavour to the already intriguing story, he has to struggle not only with his enemies but also with his illness…
There are many things that I like a lot about the book; here are the three most important ones:
1. Gordon has sweetblood illness – as diabetes is one of the illnesses more and more kids have to struggle with nowadays it’s a good idea to have a protagonist who has to deal with the same problems those teenagers have; it shows them that an illness, whatever it is, should not and does not stop you from being great and achieving your goals;
2. the book proves that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to people – appearances can be misleading and you should appreciate people for who they really are; the characters of Asa and Aline are the best examples, one being small for his age so seemingly week and easily influenced, the other being “just a girl”- and girls are so often underestimated, even in our times…
3. the story is a good introduction for young people to the world of politics – there are a lot of machinations, negotiations, plottings going on… Gordon and Asa have to learn to meander through them, and probably younger readers would learn along with them how to survive in that cruel world of alliances and treaties…
There is really only one thing I didn’t like about the book – the cliffhanger ending. It really does stop at such a point that you feel like shouting “Why now?!” – so I’m happy I have number two already and can listen on:)
As for the narration by Mr Mayer, it’s really good. I like the pace of his reading and the voicing of individual characters. I think his best is the voice of Trunculin – he really does sound mischievous and vicious:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.