On the Horizon – the justice of kings (Richard Swan)

Ahoy there me mateys!  I received an eArc of this fantasy novel through NetGalley in exchange for me honest musings . . .

Title: the justice of kings
Author: Richard Swan
Publisher: Orbit Books
Publication Date: Available Now!!! (hardcover/e-book)
ISBN: 978-0316361385
Source:  NetGalley

I didn’t think I needed to start any more series.  Well, I was wrong.  This was excellent.  This follows an Emperor’s Justice, Vonvalt. As a Justice, Vonvalt is judge, jury, and executioner when necessary – with the help of a little bit of magic.  He travels a circuit to dispense justice.  Traveling with him is his clerk, Helena, and a guard, Bressinger.  Surprisingly the story is told from the perspective of Helena who is reminiscing at the end of her life.

The conflict of the story begins when Vonvalt makes a judgement in a small backwater town where an outlawed religion is in use.  His ruling is compassionate while being within the law and the cleric with them in incensed.  Later Vonvalt investigates a noblewoman’s murder.  These stories intertwine and Helena relates how the world changed.

Helena is training with Vonalt with the idea that she will join the Justices.  However, she isn’t so sure that she wants the job.  I loved Helena and Vonalt’s relationship.  I also loved older Helena’s commentary on her younger self.

It is hard to really explain the intricate plot and world building but I found it extraordinarily well done.  And I grew to love Helena and care about how Vonalt’s choices are going to play out.  The ending was excellent.  I am very much looking forward to the next book.  Arrrr!

Side note:  Check out Matey Mogsy’s excellent review of this novel!

Goodreads has this to say about the novel:

As an Emperor’s Justice, Sir Konrad Vonvalt always has the last word. His duty is to uphold the law of the empire using whatever tools he has at his disposal: whether it’s his blade, the arcane secrets passed down from Justice to Justice, or his wealth of knowledge of the laws of the empire. But usually his reputation as one of the most revered—and hated—Justices is enough to get most any job done.

When Vonvalt investigates the murder of a noblewoman, he finds his authority being challenged like never before. As the simple case becomes more complex and convoluted, he begins to pull at the threads that unravel a conspiracy that could see an end to all Justices, and a beginning to lawless chaos across the empire.

To visit the author’s website go to:
Richard Swan – Author

To buy the novel visit:
the justice of kings – Book 1

To add to Goodreads go to:
Yer Ports for Plunder List