Queenslayer: 5 (Spellslinger)

The fifth Spellslinger book featuring Kellen and his business partner, squirrel-cat Reichis, who are in Darome, and still separated from Kellen's Argosi mentor. Kellen has inadvertently committed treason by smearing (his) blood on the Daroman flag and he's about to be executed when the eleven year old Queen Genevra demands he become her tutor of cards. This is his get-out-of-jail-free card, but Kellen is immediately embroiled in court machinations The political twists are… twisty. His sister Shalla turns up as an ambassador from Jan'Tep and as usual it's difficult to fathom out whether she's on Kellen's side or not. In this instance she's bringing cryptic instructions from their father who is now mage-leader of the Jan'Tep and is the one who has put a price on Kellen's head. Kellen's magic is weaker than any other mage likely to be trying to kill him, so he has to be sneaky, but sneaky may not be enough to get him out of this one. He's trying to come to terms with his shadowblack infection, despite the fact that he believes it could lead to him being taken over by a demon.This is the penultimate book in the series, so Kellen has one more book to figure out who he is and what he's doing with his life. Looking forward to the last book, Crownbreaker, sue October 2019. I loved Sebastien de Castell's Greatcoats series. (Highly recommended!) This isn't in quite the same league, but it's close and well worth reading from the beginning.

I adored the Spellslinger series. Throughout the series each character showed incredible, realistic and commendable character growth, which made this series so much more personal and enjoyable to read. The tone of the novels was very different to what I am used to, a lot of satire and humour which is why I did have to put the first book away for a few weeks, however I am so glad I picked the book up again and powered through it. I came to love the tone of the novels, and I felt very comfortable reading them. The underlying light- heartedness was a constant theme rolling through each book in the series, and that familiarity was very much needed and it kept me engaged.The beautiful friendships that were established were heart- warming. It was also heart- wrenching at times and De Castell did an incredible job of exploring Kellen's emotions. Although the events were repetitive, I really enjoyed that dynamic. The dramatic, action- packed sequences were well- written and the frustration at certain characters was understandable as well. I think the series was very realistic with regards to Kellen's family dynamic and I really felt angry at times when certain decisions were made, because I knew anyone who loved their family would make the same decision- it was difficult to read and my emotions were conflicted on occasion.I gave the series 4/5 stars because it was unexpectedly very vulgar, and I would only recommend this series for 16+ if not 18+. Also, due to the repetition and tone of writing I did find myself reading other novels alongside.

Bought the first volume for my teenage son from a charity shop as it looked like the sort of book he prefers reading - well written fantasy like J K Rowling’s work. He devoured the first vol and it was a case of having to get him the next vol as soon as he had finished the last one. He was sad to have completed the series but he is now reading the Greatcoat series by de Castell which he is also enjoying very much. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a film adaptation of Spellslinger in the future.

Interesting story. Looking forward to final book. Great narrator. Written in a smooth manner. Not boring or repetitive. As it is so long will reread it again. Six books are a lot to digest.

Another brilliant book to add to the series.Kellen and Reich's are great a s usual and I cannot wait to read the last in the series Crownbreaker.

It's not often I review books, and this is the second review I've written for this series alone. I'm constantly surprised by Sebastien's ability to fit so many emotions and such satisfying reprise in each installation of this brilliant series. I will be saddened when the tale concludes in the final book, but very happy to have been along for the ride.

The backstabbing court politics are well written and suit Kellen's character well, one thing I was disappointed about is that in my eyes, the main villain was pretty obvious early on for a book trying to keep the reader guessing, I will say no more as not to spoil.

Dynamic keeps you guessing with some strong character moments. Good character development though the castradazi coins feel forgotten even if they are mentioned. Something that variable with that many potential utilities would have been fun to explore with some cloak and dagger work.