The Grace of Kings

Synopsis

A TIME MAGAZINE BEST FANTASY BOOK OF ALL TIME Emperor Mapidéré was the first to unite the island kingdoms of Dara under a single banner. But now the emperor is on his deathbed, his people are exhausted by his vast, conscriptive engineering projects and his counsellors conspire only for their own gain. Even the gods themselves are restless. A wily, charismatic bandit and the vengeance-sworn son of a deposed duke cross paths as they each lead their own rebellion against the emperor's brutal regime. Together, they will journey to the heart of the empire; witnessing the clash of armies, fleets of silk-draped airships, magical books and shapeshifting gods. Their unlikely friendship will drastically change the balance of power in Dara... but at what price? The Grace of Kings is the first novel by Hugo-, Nebula- and World Fantasy Award-winner Ken Liu and the first in a monumental epic fantasy series.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Sword of Kaul

* Introduces Kestrel, a skilled swordsman who has been banished from his kingdom.
* He encounters a young, injured tiger cub and nurses it back to health, naming it Kaul.
* Kestrel's past is revealed through flashbacks, showing his betrayal and exile.

Chapter 2: The Princess of Kiata

* Introduces Nara, the Princess of Kiata, who is skilled in magic and politics.
* She embarks on a journey to negotiate an alliance with a neighboring kingdom.
* Nara's character is explored through her interactions with her companions and her personal struggles.

Chapter 3: The King of Dalu

* Introduces Mawat, the King of Dalu, a ruthless and ambitious ruler.
* He plans to conquer the neighboring kingdoms and consolidate his power.
* Mawat's motivations and tactics are revealed through his discussions with his advisors.

Chapter 4: The Battle of the Weeping Fields

* Kestrel and Nara's paths cross as they both become involved in the Battle of the Weeping Fields.
* The battle is a bloody and brutal conflict, showcasing the horrors of war.
* Kestrel and Nara's skills and bravery are put to the test.

Chapter 5: The Throne of Herran

* The aftermath of the battle leaves Kestrel and Nara in different positions.
* Kestrel joins forces with Mawat, while Nara becomes a prisoner.
* The political machinations behind the throne of Herran are explored.

Example:

Chapter 1: The Sword of Kaul

"Kestrel cursed as he stumbled through the forest, his once-fine clothes torn and bloodied. He had been betrayed by his king, stripped of his honor, and banished from his kingdom. Alone and wounded, he stumbled upon a young tiger cub, near death from an arrow wound. Pitk, a compassionate man, took pity on the cub and nursed it back to health."