Official Review: The Lords of Blood and Honey

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any fantasy or science fiction books or series.
User avatar
Azeline Arcenal
Posts: 635
Joined: 07 Jan 2017, 14:25
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 119
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-zenalei7.html
Latest Review: Christmas in the Kingdom of Kool by Joan J. Harris

Official Review: The Lords of Blood and Honey

Post by Azeline Arcenal »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Lords of Blood and Honey" by David Edward Martin.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


The Lords of Blood and Honey, by David Edward Martin, is a dark fantasy novel filled with intrigue, suspense, and adventure. The first book of the The Kingdom of Honey series is set in a kingdom where the city and its people are modeled like a beehive.

In the Kingdom of Honey, news of the King’s death and the casting of the Queen creates havoc as powerful figures rise to compete for the vacant crown. Lord Hardknot, the 967th Keeper of the Royal Honeybees, wants to restore the outlawed Honeyist faith and he will stop at nothing to complete his goals. This angers Cardinal Oblong, Primate of the Holy Church of Afterwords, who has his agenda in mind and wants to build an even bigger church. Another contender by the name of Lord Chillhide, a young noble, is plotting with a few other nobles to lead the Kingdom back to Purethic values. Meanwhile, Punsworth Pooter, a proprietor, is tasked with an important task set by a mysterious Lord Rootsby, but to complete it he must find his inner strength and resolve. As Lord Hardknot plans to mold a young femone, Lasivia, into being the next Queen, a new scent catches the attention of the bees, creating trouble for Lord Hardknot. As the struggle for power rises, the entire Kingdom is left wondering: who will take the crown?

What I liked most about this book was the elaborate plot. It was suspenseful, engaging, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I never knew where the story was going to lead me. There were some foreshadowing and plot twists as well. The author was very descriptive with the settings, the fight scenes, and interactions between the characters. This made it easy to visualize each scene as they played out. The fighting scenes were intense, and it added tension and suspense. Moreover, there were a few unanswered questions at the end of the book, but I think it was purposeful so that it could set up the next plot for the second book.

A lot of characters were introduced, but it wasn’t difficult to keep track of them. I liked how the author described each of the characters because it made them seem lifelike and relatable. While there was a good mix of good and bad characters, there were a few characters in the grey area whose actions seem justifiable, but still evil. Also, each chapter was from the perspective of different characters. For example, one chapter would be from Lord Hardknot’s point of view then it would switch to Lord Chillhide’s perspective and then switch to another character. I do like how the author includes a list of characters at the beginning of the book. This helped to explain the various roles of most of the characters.

There is violence, nudity, and graphic scenes, so I would not recommend this book to younger readers. I would say that since this book falls under dark fantasy, there were a few scenes that were a little horrifying to read. Other than that, there were a few grammatical errors, but they did not detract from the book.

Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I rated it 4 stars because of the detailed descriptions of the settings and interactions between the characters. I could easily visualize each scene in my head. I found this book to be well written, and it has a great storyline. I would recommend this book to readers who like to read dark fantasy novels.

******
The Lords of Blood and Honey
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
“The only important thing in a book is the meaning that it has for you.” - W. Somerset Maugham
User avatar
NetMassimo
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 7194
Joined: 24 Jul 2019, 06:37
Currently Reading: The Cleaner
Bookshelf Size: 480
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-netmassimo.html
Latest Review: Demystifying AI for Business Executives by Henry Collins Xavier Taylor II
2024 Reading Goal: 60
2024 Goal Completion: 116%

Post by NetMassimo »

This seems an exciting dark fantasy novel. I expect this kind of novel to be quite brutal, so the fact that it can be graphic is not a problem. I'll keep an eye on this series. Thank you for your great review!
Ciao :)
Massimo
Rodel Barnachea
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 1676
Joined: 24 Jun 2020, 22:16
Favorite Author: Lemony Snicket
Currently Reading: The Unfakeable Code®
Bookshelf Size: 87
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rodel-barnachea.html
Latest Review: An Accessible Iliad by Emer Jackson
fav_author_id: 5004

Post by Rodel Barnachea »

Dark fantasy novels aren't my thing, so I'd probably pass on this one. However, after reading your review, I might have changed my mind. Thank you for writing this review!
User avatar
Koltrast
Posts: 130
Joined: 17 Feb 2020, 15:51
Currently Reading: The Eye of Illumination
Bookshelf Size: 241
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-koltrast.html
Latest Review: The Reel Sisters by Michelle Cummings

Post by Koltrast »

What a curious concept. Almost whimsical, if a dark fantasy can be considered such. This is a definite would-read for me. Great job with the review!
"Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?"
- The Sound of Music
User avatar
FEislandqueen13
Posts: 158
Joined: 22 Oct 2019, 17:43
Currently Reading: The 19th Bladesman
Bookshelf Size: 59
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-feislandqueen13.html
Latest Review: Doomsday by R. L. Gemmill

Post by FEislandqueen13 »

This book sounds like a joy to read. The political struggle is my favorite part about fantasy novels. Great review!
Think before you speak. Read before you think.” – Fran Lebowitz
:eusa-think: :eusa-think: :eusa-think:
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
User avatar
Priyanka2304
Posts: 761
Joined: 18 Mar 2019, 05:38
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 31
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-priyanka2304.html
Latest Review: Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat by R.F. Kristi

Post by Priyanka2304 »

This book has a lot of interesting elements that I eagerly expect from a good story. Thanks for the review.
User avatar
Elvis Best
Posts: 1272
Joined: 12 Oct 2017, 02:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 86
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-elvis-best.html
Latest Review: Teething Problems by Mark Fletcher

Post by Elvis Best »

I must admit that the title and cover for this book attracted me here to read the review. And it seems this dark fantasy novel is well worth the hype. Thanks for your honest review. Good job!
"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
User avatar
Valkyrie9
Posts: 702
Joined: 26 Nov 2018, 08:15
Currently Reading: the love letter
Bookshelf Size: 54
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-valkyrie9.html
Latest Review: From a burned charcoal, a diamond is born by Carlos Bonilla

Post by Valkyrie9 »

What a fascinating concept - to model a kingdom on a beehive! It sounds as though the author did a good job of carrying this metaphor through the story, especially with the characters' names and titles. Thanks for a great review.
"Doors are for people with no imagination." Skulduggery Pleasant, Derek Landy :idea:
User avatar
NDeMeer
Posts: 422
Joined: 27 Sep 2019, 06:09
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 26
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ndemeer.html
Latest Review: Sormara The Evil Tome by Sandra L. Reel

Post by NDeMeer »

Sounds like an engaging read! Thanks for this great review. :)
Lizziemarcel
Posts: 176
Joined: 29 Jun 2020, 09:38
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 22
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lizziemarcel.html
Latest Review: Dynomike: Pay It Forward by Frankie B. Rabbit

Post by Lizziemarcel »

The book title and review go hand in gloves.
I like fast pacing novel that keeps me in suspense through out, I guess I've found another. Great review.
User avatar
rwalkup
Posts: 40
Joined: 06 Jul 2020, 23:42
Currently Reading: The Copper Gauntlet
Bookshelf Size: 14
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rwalkup.html
Latest Review: E&N Escape by P.N.Holland

Post by rwalkup »

Wow sounds very intense! I normally thing these sort of stories to be dry at times so I would be interested to read it. Great review!
User avatar
Josephe-Anne
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 1292
Joined: 15 Jul 2019, 13:55
Favorite Author: George Orwell
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 513
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-josephe-anne.html
Latest Review: Heart and Harmony: Poetic Reflections on Legendary Singers by Archie Luper
fav_author_id: 1746

Post by Josephe-Anne »

Valkyrie9 wrote: 16 Jul 2020, 01:51 What a fascinating concept - to model a kingdom on a beehive! It sounds as though the author did a good job of carrying this metaphor through the story, especially with the characters' names and titles. Thanks for a great review.
I was thinking the same thing about the character names. This story seems to be a clever allegory of medieval European society because it includes the elements of royalty and religion being closely connected.
:royalty-queen:
"A house without books is like a room without windows." :techie-studyinggray:
― Horace Mann
User avatar
Echez_
Posts: 135
Joined: 12 Jul 2020, 15:02
Currently Reading: Totto-chan, the Little Girl at the Window
Bookshelf Size: 20
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-echez.html
Latest Review: The Blue Sea Monster by Norma Fleagane, James Fleagane, Blake James Ward

Post by Echez_ »

Well not much of dark fantasy fan. But maybe I'd give this book a try. I really like your review.
User avatar
Niicolar
Posts: 3
Joined: 28 Jul 2020, 12:10
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Niicolar »

I love books about a fight for the throne, always keeps me glued
User avatar
Ashley-Osuna
Posts: 290
Joined: 17 Jun 2020, 18:51
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 20
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ashley-osuna.html
Latest Review: The Pilgrim Bride by Pilar Cerón Durán

Post by Ashley-Osuna »

I love it when fantasy/sci-fi books are based around the events of a kingdom, and it seems like th author did an amazing job with this novel. I laso like it when we get to read from different character's perspectives as it makes the story seem more real and profound. Thanks for the recommendation.
Post Reply

Return to “Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books”