Review of A King Amongst Us
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Andrea Edwige
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- Latest Review: A King Amongst Us by A.D. Lewis
Review of A King Amongst Us
[Following is a volunteer review of "A King Amongst Us" by A.D. Lewis.]
A King Amongst Us by A.D. Lewis is a gripping and intense novella, packed with action, intrigue, and psychological depth. The story follows Titus, a man who was enslaved as a boy by the ruthless King Augustus. Titus’s entire life has been shaped by violence, trauma, and loss, driving him toward a singular goal: revenge. When the king loses interest in him, Titus is sent to the deadly gladiatorial contest known as "The Gauntlet", where survival is a spectacle for the masses in the city of Sit-Nalta. What unfolds from there is a dark fantasy tale that evolves into a nightmarish surreal horror by its conclusion.
One of the novella’s most remarkable qualities is how it balances its pacing. Despite its brevity, A King Amongst Us never feels rushed. Lewis masterfully crafts a dense, well-paced story, moving swiftly from gladiatorial combat to supernatural horror without losing focus on Titus's deeply personal quest for vengeance. The plot is full of twists and dark turns, pulling the reader through tense battles, psychological struggles, and moments of reflection. Lewis also uses flashbacks effectively to fill in Titus’s tragic back-story, enhancing the emotional stakes.
The book’s themes of revenge, trauma, and violence are powerful, and the character development, particularly that of Titus, is striking. His anger and desire for justice are palpable, and the narrative deftly explores his inner turmoil without becoming overwrought. King Augustus remains a shadowy yet monstrous presence throughout the story, which adds an undercurrent of tension as Titus inches closer to confronting him.
While the novella is primarily a dark fantasy, there are also subtle elements of psychological horror and even black humour toward its conclusion. Lewis handles these shifts in tone with skill, making the story feel both fresh and unpredictable. There is also an implied, though never explicit, reference to sexual abuse, which some readers may find unsettling, but these moments are handled delicately.
A.D. Lewis’s prose is straightforward yet elegant, making for an easy and immersive read. The concise, focused storytelling ensures that every word serves a purpose, drawing readers deeper into the violent and sinister world of Sit-Nalta. Overall, A King Amongst Us is a fast-paced and engaging read that I would highly recommend, especially to fans of dark fantasy and historical horror. Thanks to its wonderful story and flawless editing, I give the book five out of five stars.
******
A King Amongst Us
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A King Amongst Us by A.D. Lewis is a gripping and intense novella, packed with action, intrigue, and psychological depth. The story follows Titus, a man who was enslaved as a boy by the ruthless King Augustus. Titus’s entire life has been shaped by violence, trauma, and loss, driving him toward a singular goal: revenge. When the king loses interest in him, Titus is sent to the deadly gladiatorial contest known as "The Gauntlet", where survival is a spectacle for the masses in the city of Sit-Nalta. What unfolds from there is a dark fantasy tale that evolves into a nightmarish surreal horror by its conclusion.
One of the novella’s most remarkable qualities is how it balances its pacing. Despite its brevity, A King Amongst Us never feels rushed. Lewis masterfully crafts a dense, well-paced story, moving swiftly from gladiatorial combat to supernatural horror without losing focus on Titus's deeply personal quest for vengeance. The plot is full of twists and dark turns, pulling the reader through tense battles, psychological struggles, and moments of reflection. Lewis also uses flashbacks effectively to fill in Titus’s tragic back-story, enhancing the emotional stakes.
The book’s themes of revenge, trauma, and violence are powerful, and the character development, particularly that of Titus, is striking. His anger and desire for justice are palpable, and the narrative deftly explores his inner turmoil without becoming overwrought. King Augustus remains a shadowy yet monstrous presence throughout the story, which adds an undercurrent of tension as Titus inches closer to confronting him.
While the novella is primarily a dark fantasy, there are also subtle elements of psychological horror and even black humour toward its conclusion. Lewis handles these shifts in tone with skill, making the story feel both fresh and unpredictable. There is also an implied, though never explicit, reference to sexual abuse, which some readers may find unsettling, but these moments are handled delicately.
A.D. Lewis’s prose is straightforward yet elegant, making for an easy and immersive read. The concise, focused storytelling ensures that every word serves a purpose, drawing readers deeper into the violent and sinister world of Sit-Nalta. Overall, A King Amongst Us is a fast-paced and engaging read that I would highly recommend, especially to fans of dark fantasy and historical horror. Thanks to its wonderful story and flawless editing, I give the book five out of five stars.
******
A King Amongst Us
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: A King Amongst Us by A.D. Lewis
