Review of The Shattered King by Charlie N. Holmberg
As a long-time fan of Charlie N. Holmberg, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia when I picked up The Shattered King. I fondly remember enjoying the first book of her Paper Magician series, though subsequent installments left me a bit underwhelmed. Fast forward to now, and after a few years of sporadically accumulating her books without cracking any open, this latest novel has rekindled my passion for her storytelling. In fact, I’m grateful to Holmberg’s talent for reminding me of the magic that lies within her pages!
The Shattered King follows Nym Tallowax, a skilled healer struggling to keep her family afloat in a world torn apart by war and loss. The premise is deceptively straightforward: summoned to the castle to heal the crown prince—whose mysterious ailment holds the kingdom captive—Nym finds herself torn between duty and family. But as she’s thrust into royal life, the narrative weaves together family, sacrifice, and the complexities of love.
From the moment I met Nym, I was invested in her journey. Holmberg expertly crafts a protagonist that embodies resilience and vulnerability, making it easy to root for her. I felt all of Nym’s heartaches—especially as her own brother is drafted into the army, meaning she must shoulder even more responsibility. It astounded me how the author used Nym’s struggles to set the stage for deeper themes of sacrifice and familial love.
One of the standout features of this book is its magic system. The concept of “craftlock” and its illegal status in Nym’s homeland added layers of intrigue to the plot. I was particularly drawn to how Holmberg invited readers to explore this unique magic without overwhelming us. The diverse abilities—from mindreading to soulbinding—fueled my curiosity and kept me turning pages.
What about the romance, you ask? The slow-burn chemistry between Nym and Prince Renn is a highlight for sure. Their dynamic evolves beautifully as Nym challenges Renn to grow beyond the spoiled royal archetype, reminiscent of Colin in A Secret Garden. Their relationship felt genuine and developed organically, leaving me tantalized for what’s to come in future books.
While the pacing had its moments of vagueness, particularly regarding the passage of time within the castle, I found that it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. Instead, it allowed me to immerse myself in the emotional beats of the story, even if some transitions felt a touch abrupt.
The Shattered King is not just a tale of magic and romance; it’s a poignant exploration of duty, individuality, and the complex web of human relationships. As the story culminates in a gripping cliffhanger, I find myself eagerly awaiting the sequel—and perhaps diving into Holmberg’s earlier works that have been patiently waiting on my shelf.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy infused with warm character dynamics, especially fans of V.E. Schwab and Diana Wynne Jones. Holmberg has managed to reignite my love for her work, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into her compelling universe. Here’s to hoping book two arrives swiftly, as I’ve already set it on my preorder list and am looking forward to experiencing Nym and Renn’s journey again and again!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10 Stars)