The final book in Ben Kane’s excellent trilogy about Richard the Lionheart. You know it will be good because Ben Kane doesn’t have a weak book in him, this is the usual blend of properly researched history with strong characterisations and plenty of political intrigue and battlefield action.
The trilogy is told from the perspective of one of Richard’s knights, Irishman Ferdia. This allows for the book and story to flow, especially in this one where Richard spends a fair bit of time imprisoned.
Seen as an iconic English king, Richard wasn’t that interested in England, he was a warrior always looking for a fight and also looking to protect his lands in Europe.
Obviously the author gets the balance just right, with a pacey story that lets you embrace the history and the times. Ferdia is a great character and his activities take the pressure off the times when Richard is sitting in a cell.
Historical fiction at its best.

In the final book of the Richard the Lionheart trilogy, Ben Kane takes us through the King’s life after the peace treaty with Saladin. After he is shipwrecked and captured by Duke Leopold of Austria, he is then handed over to the Holy Roman Emperor and held for over year until his freedom is negotiated .
Once free he must fight for all the land he has lost and use his dominance to overcome his turncoat brother, John, and the treacherous King of France.
Seen through the eyes of his most loyal knight Rufus, we are taken on a momentous journey in the life of one of the greatest Kings of all time.
This book was a true joy to read. It’s action packed and has the authors superb grasp for historical fact and his subtle use of fiction throughout.
Ben Kane really has become a highly accomplished author. He writes wonderfully and spins a tale with expert aplomb.
Just brilliant in every way.

This was an excellent and highly entertaining historical fiction and I liked this final instalment.
It's well plotted, well told, and the historical background is vivid.
An excellent end.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Fabulous conclusion to what has been an excellent trilogy.

Ben Kane brings to life the adventures and perils of life with a Crusader king, Richard I. Even knowing how the story had to end did not detract from the fabulous experience of reading this book.

Contrasting the story of Richard I with that of one of his knights, Ferdia, allowed the author to show events on the national and international stage, whilst keeping the story intimate and relevant to the reader. This is not a history lesson, though the history is woven into the story, its a story of friendship, loyalty and trust. And, of course, of war, conflict and a few battles!

Ben Kane's King has all the ingredients for a riveting read, baked to perfection.

The continuing story of Rufus, great cliffhanger ending as to whether or not there will be a follow on in Ireland, rollercoaster ride of battles, courtly intrigue and love. Just what I expected from Ben Kane.

I was giddy with excitement when I saw ‘King’ by Ben Kane and even giddier when I was approved for this arc!! ‘King’ is the third instalment in the fantastic historical trilogy, following on from ‘Lionheart’ and ‘Crusader’.

This series is epic - the best thing about historical fiction that is well researched and well written is that it takes the reader to places and provides experiences that we would otherwise never have (unless one is a historian!). So full of action and treachery, an absolute pleasure to read. And the covers of the books themselves are truly gorgeous.

Wherever Ben Kane takes us next, I’ll be sure to follow. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or just likes their books plain old packed full of action.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

King is the final book in Ben Kane’s hugely entertaining trilogy on Richard the Lionheart. The book grabs hold from the very first page, and doesn’t let go until the end.

Ferdia is such a likeable main character, and as with the previous 2 books, his interactions with Richard make for great reading. I feel like we get a much more mature Ferdia in this book, and I was genuinely happy to see his feud with FitzAldem play out in the manner it did!

I don’t want to have any complaints with the book because I enjoyed it so much. My only real qualm is that it felt rushed. I haven’t long finished Sharon Penman’s brilliant Lionheart, which goes into much greater depth, so in a way I almost felt cheated that I didn’t get more of Ferdia and Richards story! ‘King’ sees quite a large chunk of Richards final years crammed into its pages.

Nonetheless a great book as every from Ben Kane, who really has cemented himself as one of the finest historical fiction writers around.