Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
IN THE REALM OF THE DARKLINGS, NO MAN WANTS TO BE KING. For a thousand years the Sacrificial Kings have sat upon the Blackstone Chair; an ancient, eldritch throne that feeds on life to raise the dead. Unfortunately for Ciaran Ryker, he’s next in line to be king. His scheming relatives want him to take the fall, but while he’s no gallant knight of old, his mind is sharper than any blade. He plans to seat another noble arse on the Chair before his family do the same to him. But there are troubles in the realm beyond court intrigue. The undead are both soldiers and labourers, fighting the kingdom’s wars and raising its crops, monopolising the work once done by commoners. Left to seethe with discontent; the poor are easy prey for the vengeful machinations of a banished prince from the frozen south. Amid the turmoil, Ciaran plays a deadly game of cloak-and-dagger, but in this game no one is what they seem, and playing could unleash a war that will tear the realm apart. Reader Reviews: ★★★★★ - "I loved this. Full of fascinating characters, a twisty story, and unique world building." ★★★★ - “Well written, inventive, and quietly unsettling. I really enjoyed this one.” ★★★★ - “Brings inventiveness with the magic. This romp has sparky wit and fun galore.” ★★★★ - “A unique dark fantasy novel that drew me in.”
Is The Blackstone Chair appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
Dark fantasy with undead labor themes, court intrigue, scheming nobles, and political machinations. Contains necromancy, class conflict, and morally gray characters navigating deadly political games.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death, political violence, and class struggle (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who love complex political plots with dark magic and clever antiheroes will enjoy this unique take on necromancy and power.