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Levanthria #3
A Kingdom of Courage and Cruelty
Orjan Varega suffocates under a crisis of faith. Trapped in the form of a fearsome lizard man by an ancient Elven spell, the once-renowned knight sleeps rough, drinks hard, and struggles to survive as a bounty hunter. But after a boy who offers him food falls prey to ruthless thugs, the protective fighter comes to the child’s aid and gains a formidable enemy. As a brutal faction calling themselves the Wyverns terrorizes the land, Orjan agrees to bring them down in exchange for a sorceress’s help ending his enchantment. But when he’s blackmailed into entering vicious gladiatorial pits, he fears each vile clash takes him one step closer to truly becoming a monster. With his brutality unleashed for the bloodlust of crowds, can he cling to his inner hero and claw Eltera back from the brink? A Kingdom Of Courage And Cruelty is the fast-paced third book in the Levanthria fantasy-retelling series. If you like complex characters, gritty action, and dark tales, then you’ll love A.P Beswick’s battle to the death.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 18, 2023
I am thoroughly impressed with every new book in this series with how well Beswick has improved in his storytelling from one to the next. This first tie-in story that connects the previous was really well thought out and executed. This story is a reimagining of St. George the Dragon Slayer.
Going into this book, I had little sympathy for either of these MCs and by the end they became my favorites so far. I found myself rooting for Morgana, who is on a villain redemption arc of Morgana Le Faye from Merlin.
My only qualm, which is super personal to my reading tastes, was the amount of battle type scenes was too many for me. By the time we got to the main battle, I was burnt out and skim reading.
I am looking forward to the rest of this series because the interconnectedness he's accomplished with these different folk stories is top tier!
Going into this book, I had little sympathy for either of these MCs and by the end they became my favorites so far. I found myself rooting for Morgana, who is on a villain redemption arc of Morgana Le Faye from Merlin.
My only qualm, which is super personal to my reading tastes, was the amount of battle type scenes was too many for me. By the time we got to the main battle, I was burnt out and skim reading.
I am looking forward to the rest of this series because the interconnectedness he's accomplished with these different folk stories is top tier!
February 7, 2024
3.5 Stars - Book 3 showcases the best of this series!
For the full review, check out: medium.com/@kemerysjourneythroughstor...
What's the story about: A direct sequel to the last two books, Kingdom finds Orjan from the previous books cursed in body (and mind) from an affliction that causes him to appear as a monster. As Morgana the sorceress looks to prophecy in order to increase her power, she sees Orjan as her main obstacle. This is a first-person 2 POV story.
A Kingdom of Courage and Cruelty is definitely the best and most satisfying book in the series thus far. It takes the overarching story from the two previous books and expands, progresses, and improves upon it. The main thing that works for me with this series is the light and easy accessibility Beswick implements to each story. Rather than be weighed down by tons of history, exposition, or worldbuilding that isn’t warranted for simple stories such as these, he focuses on the characters and easy to understand plots. These books are short and, thus, focus on what they need to and not much else — which is a very welcome thing in my opinion! More than anything, these stories always twist the myth they’re based on in fascinating and interesting ways that I thoroughly enjoy. They may be a bit dark and gritty but they’re also a lot of fun to read or listen to.
For the full review, check out: medium.com/@kemerysjourneythroughstor...
What's the story about: A direct sequel to the last two books, Kingdom finds Orjan from the previous books cursed in body (and mind) from an affliction that causes him to appear as a monster. As Morgana the sorceress looks to prophecy in order to increase her power, she sees Orjan as her main obstacle. This is a first-person 2 POV story.
A Kingdom of Courage and Cruelty is definitely the best and most satisfying book in the series thus far. It takes the overarching story from the two previous books and expands, progresses, and improves upon it. The main thing that works for me with this series is the light and easy accessibility Beswick implements to each story. Rather than be weighed down by tons of history, exposition, or worldbuilding that isn’t warranted for simple stories such as these, he focuses on the characters and easy to understand plots. These books are short and, thus, focus on what they need to and not much else — which is a very welcome thing in my opinion! More than anything, these stories always twist the myth they’re based on in fascinating and interesting ways that I thoroughly enjoy. They may be a bit dark and gritty but they’re also a lot of fun to read or listen to.
March 22, 2024
I wasn’t too attached to this storyline like I was the other books in this series. The author is still building up backstories and it was fun to see how these characters interacted with eachother. Plenty of action at the end.
July 2, 2024
I liked it, but liked the second book better.
September 11, 2024
This story is getting more and more interesting. I’m curious to see where it’s going next and how all these stories will tie in to each other, but I’m thinking good thoughts for Orjan.
April 13, 2023
DNF
I liked the first book.
Second book was okay.
Only got 19% in on the third before I gave up.
I liked the first book.
Second book was okay.
Only got 19% in on the third before I gave up.
September 3, 2023
This was my favourite story of the series so far. I very much enjoyed following along with Orjan's story and how he struggles against all odds to rise above the deck continually being stacked against him.
Additionally, it was fascinating to get a glimpse into Morgana's backstory and learn why she is the way she is.
The book itself is action packed, and the most brutal of the series yet, and I was never bored for a moment. I did guess the plot twist a few chapters before the reveal, but it was still well done and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to what book four will bring.
Additionally, it was fascinating to get a glimpse into Morgana's backstory and learn why she is the way she is.
The book itself is action packed, and the most brutal of the series yet, and I was never bored for a moment. I did guess the plot twist a few chapters before the reveal, but it was still well done and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to what book four will bring.
December 17, 2023
Again the quality keeps increasing with every installment. Putting this next to the first book in the series almost makes it seem like two completely different people wrote it, or a very competent editor got assigned the newer books.
Characters are more fleshed out. Paragraphs of more than one sentence. Actual dialogue. This is beginning to look like a proper fantasy novel. Still far from Sanderson and the likes but for a selfpublished author not too shabby.
Characters are more fleshed out. Paragraphs of more than one sentence. Actual dialogue. This is beginning to look like a proper fantasy novel. Still far from Sanderson and the likes but for a selfpublished author not too shabby.
September 5, 2023
In the previous novel Orjan was affected by an Elvish curse; here he takes centre stage and becomes the fallen hero living in the shadows. It's a zero to hero story as Orjan must pull himself together to save a young boy who helps him.
December 3, 2023
This book was action packed and its title speaks volumes , worth the read and was hard to put down
August 20, 2024
Best of thebseries so far. Still some minor typos in the Kindle Version, but otherwise I enjoyed seeing the development of the characters. A few plot twists were foreseeable, but welcomed.
June 17, 2024
The third book of the Levanthria series, and it is a good one.
We're reintroduced to Sorceress Morgana as a PoV, where she's on a mission to help the people of Eltera on behalf of the king to aid the war effort.
But at the same time, there's a shamed former knight up to his same old tricks of drinking until darkness comes to him.
Orjan, now a lizardman who's wallowing in sadness while being haunted by past mistakes and new heroic mistakes is shown compassion by a young boy who reminds him of Laith, the former knight sees glimpses of hope for the future, which can be dangerous.
This one is by far the most depressing and grim story in this series. When I thought hope was around the corner, sadness and unfairness were splashed in my face. Violence is lurking at every turn.
I couldn't stop reading it, I was hooked.
I truly felt for the characters in this book, and Orjan is gaining the top spot for my favourite character in the series (other being Vireo).
The main downside I see for this story is that there are too many "connections" between some characters, particularly towards the end. The author went kind of overboard with that, and some don't really fit into the natural flow of the story.
(Reason I give it 3.5 stars instead of 5)
I will be continuing the story. I have to see how it ends!
We're reintroduced to Sorceress Morgana as a PoV, where she's on a mission to help the people of Eltera on behalf of the king to aid the war effort.
But at the same time, there's a shamed former knight up to his same old tricks of drinking until darkness comes to him.
Orjan, now a lizardman who's wallowing in sadness while being haunted by past mistakes and new heroic mistakes is shown compassion by a young boy who reminds him of Laith, the former knight sees glimpses of hope for the future, which can be dangerous.
This one is by far the most depressing and grim story in this series. When I thought hope was around the corner, sadness and unfairness were splashed in my face. Violence is lurking at every turn.
I couldn't stop reading it, I was hooked.
I truly felt for the characters in this book, and Orjan is gaining the top spot for my favourite character in the series (other being Vireo).
The main downside I see for this story is that there are too many "connections" between some characters, particularly towards the end. The author went kind of overboard with that, and some don't really fit into the natural flow of the story.
(Reason I give it 3.5 stars instead of 5)
I will be continuing the story. I have to see how it ends!
April 7, 2023
A great book further weaving the world that is the Levanthria Series
Having first come across AP Beswick on Instagram, I was intrigued by his concept of a retelling of Robin Hood and British Folklore and when I picked up the first book I was not disappointed. The characters of Vireo, Leith, Zerina, Gregor, Orjen and Morgana were all well written and I was looking forward to more.
With this book AP has kept up with the high standards of the previous 2 books and has kept this reader hooked and anxiously awaiting more.
The Book builds primarily upon the story of Orjen and Morgana revealing more of their back stories and what has driven them to where they are now, whilst also furthering the plot and introducing new characters that look likely to reappear going forward.
For those that have read the previous books, you will not be disappointed and for those who have not read the previous books, this book can be read fully as a standalone novel and can be enjoyed without reading the others, although I would recommend starting with A Forest of Vanity and Valour to get the full enjoyment
All in all this is a great book to read and I would highly recommend it.
Having first come across AP Beswick on Instagram, I was intrigued by his concept of a retelling of Robin Hood and British Folklore and when I picked up the first book I was not disappointed. The characters of Vireo, Leith, Zerina, Gregor, Orjen and Morgana were all well written and I was looking forward to more.
With this book AP has kept up with the high standards of the previous 2 books and has kept this reader hooked and anxiously awaiting more.
The Book builds primarily upon the story of Orjen and Morgana revealing more of their back stories and what has driven them to where they are now, whilst also furthering the plot and introducing new characters that look likely to reappear going forward.
For those that have read the previous books, you will not be disappointed and for those who have not read the previous books, this book can be read fully as a standalone novel and can be enjoyed without reading the others, although I would recommend starting with A Forest of Vanity and Valour to get the full enjoyment
All in all this is a great book to read and I would highly recommend it.
October 9, 2023
This is the third book in the Leventhria Series by @apbeswick
This book (like the all the books in this series) follows multiple POV's.
This books is a retelling of George and the Dragon (where George IS the Dragon!!)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
This book is self published, so it does have a few spelling mistakes, but it is easy to ignore those.
So far, this is my favourite book in this series!!
❗❗SPOILERS PREVIOUS BOOK AND CURRENT BOOK AHEAD! ❗❗
This book followed Orjan and Morgana, the only two persons to appear in all the books in the series so far.
Orjan, who was cursed in the previous book, has accepted his faith and has turned to drinking, lost all hope of being cured.
Morgana, who is one of the most powerfull sorcerers, is determined to help her king win the war and become his wife.
⚡100% would recommend if you love magic, war, cursed, intertwining backstories, charecter growth⚡
This book (like the all the books in this series) follows multiple POV's.
This books is a retelling of George and the Dragon (where George IS the Dragon!!)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
This book is self published, so it does have a few spelling mistakes, but it is easy to ignore those.
So far, this is my favourite book in this series!!
❗❗SPOILERS PREVIOUS BOOK AND CURRENT BOOK AHEAD! ❗❗
This book followed Orjan and Morgana, the only two persons to appear in all the books in the series so far.
Orjan, who was cursed in the previous book, has accepted his faith and has turned to drinking, lost all hope of being cured.
Morgana, who is one of the most powerfull sorcerers, is determined to help her king win the war and become his wife.
⚡100% would recommend if you love magic, war, cursed, intertwining backstories, charecter growth⚡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
Loving the fact Orjan keeps coming back in each book this series, only to play bigger role each time. And the twist with Wyvern ruling an important city for the war, with fears, fighting pits and torture, gives me more of the dark fantasy I’m searching for.
But the pattern is repeating itself for each book of the series. A pattern where one can find it in most fantasy books, but also in this series. A hero who wasn’t a hero, trying to protect the lives of the loved ones as friends and family, facing close death but surviving and get the good ending.
Also the part of the battle seems too hasty, and the twist of Morgana’s sister was bit disappointing.
This one was very typical war-fantasy book, so it bored me a bit - quite similar to A Forest of Vanity and Valour. Hoping the next will be bit more unique.
But the pattern is repeating itself for each book of the series. A pattern where one can find it in most fantasy books, but also in this series. A hero who wasn’t a hero, trying to protect the lives of the loved ones as friends and family, facing close death but surviving and get the good ending.
Also the part of the battle seems too hasty, and the twist of Morgana’s sister was bit disappointing.
This one was very typical war-fantasy book, so it bored me a bit - quite similar to A Forest of Vanity and Valour. Hoping the next will be bit more unique.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
I think this is A.P. Beswick's strongest entry in the series yet, but it still just feels extremely shallow. I legitimately want these books to be longer and just take a bit more time to explore the ideas instead of feeling like we need to advance at every stage. The first person-POV style was jarring to pick up again, but like the first two once you get used to it it becomes passable. Though I will say if you're going to go this route, each character needs to feel and think and talk extremely uniquely and I don't know if I felt that. Morgana - our ultimate evil sorceress - and Orjan - our cursed, disgraced former knight - didn't come across as two different minds in the lens of the POV storytelling. But they are both good characters. I'm glad we really got to see into both of their eyes and learn more about them considering they've both been in the first two books as supporting cast. It does feel a bit weird trying to humanize Morgana who is being set up as our end-game villain, but I'll allow it for now based on the family dynamics introduced with her kidnapped sister returning as a fantasy viking. I liked Orjan's arc in this of coming to terms with his curse. The torture scene of his shell being ripped off was brutal and his decision to then use it as a shield was cool. And the very end of the book pulled another twist by killing off the king who we never got to meet or even see. That should throw a wrench in how I thought things were going to play out.
One thing lingering in the back of my mind is what classic tale is this supposed to be riffing on. Book 1 was clearly Robin Hood, Book 2 was more generic pirates and the cover/title of Book 4 reminds me of King Arthur/Merlin. So what was this one? Batman? If anybody actually reads this, please let me know if that was something you thought of too.
One thing lingering in the back of my mind is what classic tale is this supposed to be riffing on. Book 1 was clearly Robin Hood, Book 2 was more generic pirates and the cover/title of Book 4 reminds me of King Arthur/Merlin. So what was this one? Batman? If anybody actually reads this, please let me know if that was something you thought of too.
November 16, 2023
Orjan Varega sacrificed his happiness, saved the life of his crew, and is forever cursed to roam the earth part man, mostly lizard, and scorned by all. But when he comes across a young boy being beaten in the streets, one who showed him a kindness in spite of his fearsome facade, the knight in him cannot allow the injustice to continue. However, saving the life of this one boy embroils him in the fate of a kingdom, indebts him to the sorceress Morgana, and finds him unleashing a bloodlust he's struggled for too long to contain. Can Orjan hold on to the last shreds of humanity the Elven curse left him, or will he find himself consumed by his brutality, becoming the monster the world sees when they look at him?
June 4, 2023
This is the best book in the series! We have everything, backstory for the main characters, motivation behind their actions, compelling secondary characters that help the story and move it forward. And a great cliffhanger, not too dramatic, but interesting enough to make readers want to know more and continue the series.
May 10, 2024
The thing I love about this series is how real the characters can be. Regardless of “fantasy powers” the human struggle of right V. wrong and self interest V. The greater good make these books fantastic. This one is definitely the cruelest so far. I listened to this one and was yelling at the radio for one of the main characters to get up, I was so invested.
July 15, 2024
Each of Beswick's books is more enjoyable than the last. You really get a sense that his writing improved over time, and that makes the reading experience more enjoyable.
The story itself was visceral and all-go. There are still elements from his plots that I'm not the biggest fan of, but the characters are, on the whole, well-developed and have depth.
Read on 2x speed on Spotify Audio books.
The story itself was visceral and all-go. There are still elements from his plots that I'm not the biggest fan of, but the characters are, on the whole, well-developed and have depth.
Read on 2x speed on Spotify Audio books.
April 10, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed the book, the more the world is being built along with the characters current/backstories. I'm enjoying the book more, I am interested to see how the next one goes. And how its played how with Morganas vision.
April 13, 2023
Orjan was cursed, Morgana is trying to figure out who this leader of the Wyven is and what a surprise. Orjan is trying to right some of his wrongs by protecting the boy Rior. Lots of twist and turns and very intense at time. A very surprised ending. Another great book in the series.
April 26, 2023
Absolutely loved the first of this series but it gradually became a rushed set of ideas, hints to the other characters made throughout but no furthering of the plot I feel. Sentence structure could be odd at times and that pulled me out of it completely... I finished it but it wasn't easy...
January 22, 2024
Unfortunately wasn’t my favorite story this far. Really enjoyed the end of the book.
I do enjoy that Morgana has grown in this book from the previous stories.
Excited to see where the next book brings us!
I do enjoy that Morgana has grown in this book from the previous stories.
Excited to see where the next book brings us!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2024
This author tends towards retelling of certain stories but I couldn’t tell which one he was going for here. Not that it matters. It’s still a great read and focuses on crisis of belief and self identity. As well as reminding us that some monsters come in pretty shells.
July 25, 2024
Someone forward my apology to the author, the second he said Orjan had a shell was the second I could only imagine Orjan as Bowser from Super Mario. My apology would be more sincere, if the idea was less funny.
August 5, 2024
A Kingdom Of courage and cruelty by a.p. beswick. I love how this author takes traditional myths and legends and incorporates them into his stories. Like they are retelling of true events with how he writes. And the character and world development is very realistic
June 16, 2023
I do love AP's writing! This was a great addition to the series and really built more into the main characters. Can't wait to see what else is made of Morgana! Bring on book 4.
June 27, 2023
Page Turner…
The twists and turns of Orjan and Morgana are riveting. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next. What adventures await and how this all ties together!
The twists and turns of Orjan and Morgana are riveting. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next. What adventures await and how this all ties together!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews